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*Grade level newsletters, core syllabus, content updates, assignments, homework, and Team 6 news & reminders will be posted here for Montford's 6th Graders and their
families. Teacher Emails: ELA samantha.covalt@acsgmail.net Math kathryn.hardy@acsgmail.net Science gretchen.ross@acsgmail.net Social Studies james.tracy@acsgmail.net ELA/Math leah.kiell@acsgmail.net Grade 6 Amazon Wishlists
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BlogStream:
6th Grade Teacher Team Bios: 2023-2024
Welcome to Sixth Grade!! Exciting journeys are in the works for middle school! This school year the courses will be taught by the following teachers:
Ms. Covalt- ELA
Welcome to 6th grade English and Language Arts! My name is Samantha Covalt, and I am so thankful to be a part of the 6th grade team! I absolutely love seeing the world (whether through an excellent book or travel), drinking coffee, and spending time with my wonderful family and friends. I graduated from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina but then moved to Arkansas for college and to begin my teaching career. I graduated from Harding University (in Arkansas) with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Mid-Level Education (Language Arts and Social Studies). I also have a Master’s degree in Reading from Harding University. I have since moved back to North Carolina and LOVE teaching at Montford North Star!
My hope is that this class will develop your child into a serious and independent learner. I have a passion for fostering inquiry and life-long learning through literacy, and I am excited to see where this year takes us! I believe that each and every one of my students can learn and grow, and I believe that each student should be treated with the utmost respect. I take my job seriously in order to ensure that your child receives the best possible education while in my class.
I know that this is an exciting and transition-filled time for you and your child. Please see me as a partner in your child’s education. Communication between parents and teachers is an extremely important part of the educational process. It is my goal to keep you informed throughout the school year. I will send home updates either with your child, via email, or through Remind. You may also email me at samantha.covalt@acsgmail.net with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Mrs. Hardy- MATH
My name is Katy Hardy, and I'm very excited for the new year to begin. I can't wait to get to know all of the new students. I began my teaching career when I was in first grade, teaching my stuffed animals how to write their name.🙂
I started teaching fifth grade in 2009, and was lucky to teach that grade level for many years. The opportunity of a lifetime came in 2017 when I was hired to teach math at Montford North Star Academy. MNSA is like my second home, and I hope to make it a warm and welcoming place for you and your child.
The idea of math class panics many students and parents. One of my goals as a math teacher is to build students’ confidence in their mathematic abilities and challenge them to think about how to use what they know to solve everyday problems.
In an effort to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics, I will be focusing on teaching using a progression of understanding. Students will start learning skills in a very concrete and tangible way (manipulatives). They will then move to a representational way of learning (drawing a model) and finally to the abstract (standard algorithms, etc.). It has been proven to help all students learn math skills in these ways.
If you need to reach me, please email me at kathryn.hardy@acsgmail.net. I look forward to working with all students in the upcoming year!!!
Ms. Ross- SCIENCE
And hello from me, too! I am Gretchen Ross, your 6th grade science teacher. I moved to Asheville from Raleigh 7 summers ago where I taught for 17 years. I taught kindergarten for 11 years, 2nd and 3rd for one year each, and 4 years in 5th grade departmentalized teaching science and social studies. I joined the Ira B. Jones community for two years teaching 5th grade science and social studies and started Science Olympiad teams there. Five years ago, I took the leap up to middle school joining the MNSA team. I am looking forward to the 25th year in this amazing career I still adore! My son, Peyton, graduated from Appalachian State where he studied Sustainable Technology May of 2019(Overly proud momma here). He just completed grad school at UNC-Charlotte to get his master's in architecture this past May and is an architect for a firm in Charlotte, NC.
I’m a HUGE live music fan and spend as much time as possible outdoors hiking, kayaking, identifying trees, catching salamanders, and camping with friends. I have a super sweet pup named Inola that I adopted in January of 2021 and am completely obsessed!
Science has always been a love of mine from a very young age. Discovering how our earth works and inspiring children to love and wonder about our world is truly a joy for me. Understanding of content and vocabulary are vital this year, as well as, developing perspectives about how systems affect our world. In 6th grade, our quarterly plan is composed of 8 units that will cover the 6th grade science essential standards revolving around our overarching focus…What makes the Earth unique? .
Science will be infused with a strong focus on literacy and a global focus. We will be working closely together to support and meet the needs of every child in the grade level. We will be here to help your child work on their abilities in all areas. Focus will also be placed on enrichment, whether your child’s interests lie in the area of technology, creativity, culture, collaboration, or communication. Other important components of our curriculum will emphasize study skills, social skills and organizational skills. All of which are important for the transition into middle school and beyond. Learners will have an opportunity to experience all of these in an equitable, comfortable, safe, and often times humorous atmosphere. We will have high expectations for your child throughout the year and expect each child to be respectful to everyone, follow directions the first time, and be responsible for their actions. In addition, we will be meeting with every learner’s parent(s) or guardian(s) together as a team in a conference this fall. With all of us working together, this will be a very special year. We are looking forward to meeting each of you and are delighted to have you as part of our Montford family for this new adventure and a memorable school year! Feel free to email me anytime gretchen.ross@acsgmail.net.
Mr. Tracy- SOCIAL STUDIES
Hello, I’m Jim Tracy and excited about my 4th year here at Montford North Star Academy. My previous 14 years in education had been with Buncombe County Schools, where I was primarily a Math and Science teacher in both 5th and 6th grade until the last two years dedicating myself to just Social Studies and Science. Prior to being with Buncombe, I worked in Middle School with 6th, 7th and 8th for 7 years in Avery County.
I have been living in West Asheville since 2006, with my wife and twin daughters, who attend Montford North Star Academy.
I have truly found my happy place in teaching Social Studies after being “the Math guy” for so many years. I graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Geography and Political Science. My parents both serviced 30 years in government. My Father, a Marine, and my Mother in the State Department, made traveling the world and attending many schools the norm for my twin brother and myself. In all, I attended 9 different schools before graduating High School. Hence, my love for varied cultures, history, and all things social studies is baked in.
My goal with students is to help create a life long inquisitive learner who will seek out diverse people; to share themselves and learn from them. An open mind continues to be filled.
I appreciate any input by parents and guardians in helping this discovery of our world. We certainly live in a cultural mecca in Asheville. I’m also thrilled that in 6th grade, we build a foundation that if strong, can support other learning and understanding. My hope is that your dinner table talks are full of the topics we cover.
My email is james.tracy@acsgmail.net , and I look forward to making so many great connections.
Ms. Kiell- ELA/MATH
Hello wonderful MNSA family! I'm Ms. Kiell and you will frequently see me teaching math and ELA. However, if you keep a watchful eye, you also might see me working with a small group on organization and study skills, social/emotional growth, or even how to navigate middle school! (I like to keep busy). My goal this year is to help my students become independent learners who are not afraid to take risks when it comes to their learning. Our best growth occurs when we are outside of our comfort zone!
When I'm not zooming around campus, I spend most of my free time baking yummy treats, chasing squirrels with my adorable pittie, Jolene and hanging out in the sunshine with friends.
I can be reached at leah.kiell@acsgmail.net.
Joyfully,
Your 6th Grade Teachers
Welcome to Sixth Grade!! Exciting journeys are in the works for middle school! This school year the courses will be taught by the following teachers:
- ELA-Reading and Writing—Ms. Samantha Covalt
- Math—Mrs. Katy Hardy
- Science- Ms. Gretchen Ross
- Social Studies – Mr. Jim Tracy
- ELA/Math- Ms. Leah Kiell
Ms. Covalt- ELA
Welcome to 6th grade English and Language Arts! My name is Samantha Covalt, and I am so thankful to be a part of the 6th grade team! I absolutely love seeing the world (whether through an excellent book or travel), drinking coffee, and spending time with my wonderful family and friends. I graduated from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina but then moved to Arkansas for college and to begin my teaching career. I graduated from Harding University (in Arkansas) with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Mid-Level Education (Language Arts and Social Studies). I also have a Master’s degree in Reading from Harding University. I have since moved back to North Carolina and LOVE teaching at Montford North Star!
My hope is that this class will develop your child into a serious and independent learner. I have a passion for fostering inquiry and life-long learning through literacy, and I am excited to see where this year takes us! I believe that each and every one of my students can learn and grow, and I believe that each student should be treated with the utmost respect. I take my job seriously in order to ensure that your child receives the best possible education while in my class.
I know that this is an exciting and transition-filled time for you and your child. Please see me as a partner in your child’s education. Communication between parents and teachers is an extremely important part of the educational process. It is my goal to keep you informed throughout the school year. I will send home updates either with your child, via email, or through Remind. You may also email me at samantha.covalt@acsgmail.net with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Mrs. Hardy- MATH
My name is Katy Hardy, and I'm very excited for the new year to begin. I can't wait to get to know all of the new students. I began my teaching career when I was in first grade, teaching my stuffed animals how to write their name.🙂
I started teaching fifth grade in 2009, and was lucky to teach that grade level for many years. The opportunity of a lifetime came in 2017 when I was hired to teach math at Montford North Star Academy. MNSA is like my second home, and I hope to make it a warm and welcoming place for you and your child.
The idea of math class panics many students and parents. One of my goals as a math teacher is to build students’ confidence in their mathematic abilities and challenge them to think about how to use what they know to solve everyday problems.
In an effort to help students build a strong foundation in mathematics, I will be focusing on teaching using a progression of understanding. Students will start learning skills in a very concrete and tangible way (manipulatives). They will then move to a representational way of learning (drawing a model) and finally to the abstract (standard algorithms, etc.). It has been proven to help all students learn math skills in these ways.
If you need to reach me, please email me at kathryn.hardy@acsgmail.net. I look forward to working with all students in the upcoming year!!!
Ms. Ross- SCIENCE
And hello from me, too! I am Gretchen Ross, your 6th grade science teacher. I moved to Asheville from Raleigh 7 summers ago where I taught for 17 years. I taught kindergarten for 11 years, 2nd and 3rd for one year each, and 4 years in 5th grade departmentalized teaching science and social studies. I joined the Ira B. Jones community for two years teaching 5th grade science and social studies and started Science Olympiad teams there. Five years ago, I took the leap up to middle school joining the MNSA team. I am looking forward to the 25th year in this amazing career I still adore! My son, Peyton, graduated from Appalachian State where he studied Sustainable Technology May of 2019(Overly proud momma here). He just completed grad school at UNC-Charlotte to get his master's in architecture this past May and is an architect for a firm in Charlotte, NC.
I’m a HUGE live music fan and spend as much time as possible outdoors hiking, kayaking, identifying trees, catching salamanders, and camping with friends. I have a super sweet pup named Inola that I adopted in January of 2021 and am completely obsessed!
Science has always been a love of mine from a very young age. Discovering how our earth works and inspiring children to love and wonder about our world is truly a joy for me. Understanding of content and vocabulary are vital this year, as well as, developing perspectives about how systems affect our world. In 6th grade, our quarterly plan is composed of 8 units that will cover the 6th grade science essential standards revolving around our overarching focus…What makes the Earth unique? .
Science will be infused with a strong focus on literacy and a global focus. We will be working closely together to support and meet the needs of every child in the grade level. We will be here to help your child work on their abilities in all areas. Focus will also be placed on enrichment, whether your child’s interests lie in the area of technology, creativity, culture, collaboration, or communication. Other important components of our curriculum will emphasize study skills, social skills and organizational skills. All of which are important for the transition into middle school and beyond. Learners will have an opportunity to experience all of these in an equitable, comfortable, safe, and often times humorous atmosphere. We will have high expectations for your child throughout the year and expect each child to be respectful to everyone, follow directions the first time, and be responsible for their actions. In addition, we will be meeting with every learner’s parent(s) or guardian(s) together as a team in a conference this fall. With all of us working together, this will be a very special year. We are looking forward to meeting each of you and are delighted to have you as part of our Montford family for this new adventure and a memorable school year! Feel free to email me anytime gretchen.ross@acsgmail.net.
Mr. Tracy- SOCIAL STUDIES
Hello, I’m Jim Tracy and excited about my 4th year here at Montford North Star Academy. My previous 14 years in education had been with Buncombe County Schools, where I was primarily a Math and Science teacher in both 5th and 6th grade until the last two years dedicating myself to just Social Studies and Science. Prior to being with Buncombe, I worked in Middle School with 6th, 7th and 8th for 7 years in Avery County.
I have been living in West Asheville since 2006, with my wife and twin daughters, who attend Montford North Star Academy.
I have truly found my happy place in teaching Social Studies after being “the Math guy” for so many years. I graduated from UNC Charlotte with degrees in Geography and Political Science. My parents both serviced 30 years in government. My Father, a Marine, and my Mother in the State Department, made traveling the world and attending many schools the norm for my twin brother and myself. In all, I attended 9 different schools before graduating High School. Hence, my love for varied cultures, history, and all things social studies is baked in.
My goal with students is to help create a life long inquisitive learner who will seek out diverse people; to share themselves and learn from them. An open mind continues to be filled.
I appreciate any input by parents and guardians in helping this discovery of our world. We certainly live in a cultural mecca in Asheville. I’m also thrilled that in 6th grade, we build a foundation that if strong, can support other learning and understanding. My hope is that your dinner table talks are full of the topics we cover.
My email is james.tracy@acsgmail.net , and I look forward to making so many great connections.
Ms. Kiell- ELA/MATH
Hello wonderful MNSA family! I'm Ms. Kiell and you will frequently see me teaching math and ELA. However, if you keep a watchful eye, you also might see me working with a small group on organization and study skills, social/emotional growth, or even how to navigate middle school! (I like to keep busy). My goal this year is to help my students become independent learners who are not afraid to take risks when it comes to their learning. Our best growth occurs when we are outside of our comfort zone!
When I'm not zooming around campus, I spend most of my free time baking yummy treats, chasing squirrels with my adorable pittie, Jolene and hanging out in the sunshine with friends.
I can be reached at leah.kiell@acsgmail.net.
Joyfully,
Your 6th Grade Teachers
