Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

WELCOME to the 2011-2012 school year! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Mrs. Jeannie Kilgore. I am excited to be at Cottage Grove Middle School working with students from all four of the 7th & 8th Grade Houses teaching the Reading portions of the new Scholastic Expert 21 Curriculum!

This is a coherent,content-rich curriculum. Each of the Workshops has an Expert Question that requires students to discuss,analyze and even argue (something that many teens enjoy doing) all in an attempt to improve comprehension.

" Reading is Thinking" is the mantra in my classroom. Each Workshop has six high interest Readings that will give us plenty of opportunity to THINK. Expert 21 makes time for whole group instruction (guided practice), small group and independent learning (student self-practice) and wrap-up sessions (review).

I am very much looking forward to having the opportunity to become better acquainted with BOTH parents and students as we learn about reading strategies and skills which will help ignite a passion for life-long learning!

I welcome any comments, questions, concerns or thoughts that you may have ANY TIME throughout the school year. The very best way to contact me is through email: jkilgore@sowashco.k12.mn.us or you can leave a voice mail on my phone #651-768-6747.

Looking forward to a great 2011-2012 school year!

****NEWS FLASH**** HOMEWORK RECORDS ARE NO LONGER AN ASSIGNMENT FOR MRS.KILGORE'S EXPERT 21 CLASSES.  Although, they are no longer due on Mondays or any day of the week, students are still encouraged to go onto to Study Island and practice their reading skills.  Parents you have this resource for your students please feel free to utilize it.  There were a total of 12 Homework Records that were due for Homework credit.  If students are missing any of  these they SHOULD still complete the work and turn it in for credit. THANK YOU!

Cottage Grove Middle School
Jean Kilgore