Hello! 

I’m Rebekah Shumack, a 7th grade English teacher here at PJHS. In my class, students will explore other times and places through reading literature and develop their own writing skills through Wacky Writing Wednesdays and larger essays and projects. This quarter, we are exploring early Colonial America through lens of archaeology in Written in Bone (about Jamestown) and historical fiction with The Witch of Blackbird Pond. This book is set during the Salem witch-trials and focuses less about witch-craft and more about human nature - specifically how fear and suspicion can influence people. 

Some recurring assignments you and your child may need to be aware of is the daily bell-work. Every Monday, I hand out the daily grammar/reading practice and the wacky Wednesday prompts on one page, so it’s easier to keep track of throughout the week. They turn it in at the end of class on Fridays. Also, there will usually be one or two vocabulary homework. This quarter, they are linked to our readings. Starting this week, there will be weekly vocabulary quizzes as well. 

I am so excited to be here and help our students grow as readers, thinkers, and writers. While every year has its own challenges, every year also has its own joys. For me, one of those joys is getting to know my students and seeing where they take an assignment. So often it’s not where I would have taken it and I end up learning alongside them. 

If you have any questions, please email me! My planning period is between 9:00-10:00. 

Follow this link to watch the welcome video: https://youtu.be/Eabmwfe4EM8

GO CATS!