Rosemont Ridge Middle School

The 2019-20 School Year

Dear sixth grade student (and parent),

Welcome to your 6th grade school year. It’s kind of a big deal, right? Elementary school is in the rearview mirror, and now you get to figure out if there is any truth to your 5th grade teacher’s warnings about what middle school is and is not like. I’m Mr. Sandell. I’ll be your social studies teacher this year.

I’ve been teaching in West Linn schools for one-thousand years, and nine-hundred of those years I’ve spent teaching 8th grade language arts. Perhaps I’ve taught an older sibling or neighbor? This is my second year teaching 6th grade.

I have two wonderful daughters who are the best kids ever. Roseline is going into fourth grade, and Rolivine is going into second grade. I’m fortunate enough to be married to another educator. My wife, Bethany, is a teacher, but not here at Rosemont — that would be weird. She's an amazing teacher and loved by all. 

When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family. My daughters are big soccer players, so soccer will be a central element in my life all year. When I can fit it in, I love mountain biking. It’s my favorite. I used to play a lot of basketball in my free time, but when I reached the age of 1,000 years old, my body asked me to stop doing that; too many injuries. Now I crash into trees and rocks at high speeds. 

I could tell you a bunch of stuff about what I hope for you this school year, but it’s all stuff you already know, right? That I hope you grow and learn and become a better person every day. It’s probably the same stuff last year’s teacher hoped, and I’m sure you delivered. As your teacher this year, you should know that I really value hard work and being a positive community member. To become a solid, life-long learner, be willing to take challenges head on, and be sure to have your heart in the right place. That’s the important stuff to put first, then everything else can fall in place.

Sincerely,

Graeme Sandell