To all my students: Please check out the new lesson for the week of April 20-24th. This is a 5 day lesson about America's involvement in World War 1. You can access these new lessons through the school's website and through my GoogleClass assignments. These instructional activities are designed to take about 30 minutes of your time each day as you work through them. Please remember to turn in any work you complete through GoogleClass so that I can offer you feedback on your work.

Until the time when we are allowed to resume regular classes at school, if you need to contact me through email during this difficult time, with your questions or concerns, I will be available to respond during the regular work week, M-F, from 10-11 AM. These will be my new 'digital office hours' for the remainder of the time that we are out of school due to the coronavirus. 

Don't be afraid to reach out if you are able to. I will get back to you.

In the meantime, I hope you and yours are all safe and healthy during this difficult situation. I miss seeing each and every one of you! Rest assured, we will make it through this trying time, and we will make it through together. We must all strive to stay positive and flexible and be willing to adapt to all of the changes happening at this time. When all else fails, stop, take a few deep breaths, and be grateful for all that you have. One thing I am always grateful for is the opportunity I have to help all of you to learn and grow and to reach your full potential.

Please stay connected and keep an eye out for any new assignments as I will be sharing new learning materials and opportunities every week after Spring Break. Stay safe, stay healthy, and be on your best behavior for your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

This will be my ninth year teaching at Smithfield Middle. Before that, I briefly taught in Wake County schools. I have a BA in History from NC State University. In addition to teaching, I have been an editorial cartoonist for the past 38 years, visually commenting on national, state and local politics, as well as current events. For most of my time at Smithfield Middle, I have taught American history, which fits well with my other vocation. Two years ago, I taught World history for 7th graders here at our school. This year I will be teaching 8th grade American history.