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Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy! I’m Ms. Phillips, your child’s 6th–8th Grade Social Studies teacher. My passion lies in empowering students through meaningful learning experiences, and I’m dedicated to helping each Wildflower grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

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My Vision for Our Class

My vision is to create a supportive and positive environment where learning, curiosity, and motivation are championed. I have high expectations of each student, and I believe that through mutual respect, teamwork, and collaboration, everyone has the potential to achieve greatness.

So, let's embark on a journey of learning and success together! Stay tuned for more information about classroom routines and expectations in the coming weeks.

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Social Studies Topics by Grade

6th Grade – Regions and People of the Eastern Hemisphere

• Geography, history, and cultures of Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe
• River civilizations and their governments, cultures, and economies
• Contemporary regional characteristics and cultural diversity
• Consumer roles and market interactions

7th Grade – World Studies: Ancient Greece to the First Global Age

• Ancient civilizations through global exploration
• Historical events shaped by geography, culture, and politics
• Connections between past ideas and today’s world

8th Grade – U.S. Studies: 1492 to 1877

• Exploration, colonization, and the early U.S.
• U.S. development through geography, government, and economics
• Historical influences on modern society
• Tru2U: High school preparation and goal setting

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Classroom Tools & Resources

• Daily warm-ups and discussions on Schoology
• Digital assignments and assessments
• TCI curriculum resources
• Online Social Studies platforms
• Quizzes and tests to assess understanding

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Arrival & Attendance

• Doors open at 7:50 AM for breakfast. All students must eat breakfast and report to the gym for pick-up.
• Instruction begins at 8:05 AM. Students arriving after this time are considered late and must sign in at the office to receive a late pass.

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Dismissal Procedures

• Dismissal begins at 2:25 PM and ends at 2:35 PM
• Early Pick-Up: Must be completed by 1:30 PM
• Dismissal Changes: Must be communicated by a parent or guardian, either in writing or directly to a staff member

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Dress Code

Students are expected to be in uniform every day:

• Tops: Solid-colored purple or red polo shirts
• Sweaters/Sweatshirts: Solid purple, red, black, navy, or white (no hoods)
• Bottoms: Khaki, tan, black, or navy pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts
• Shoes: Closed-toe only (no flip-flops, Crocs, slides, or sandals)
  If you need assistance with uniforms, please contact us.

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Communication

We use ClassDojo Messenger as the primary communication tool for all 6th–8th grade teachers.
Check Class Story for updates on middle school events, classroom activities, and important dates.

📧 Email: velma.phillips-obiako@clevelandmetroschools.org

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I look forward to partnering with you to help our Wildflowers grow and prepare for their next journey in high school and beyond. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warmly,
Ms. Phillips
6th–8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Room A203 – Mary Baldwin College
Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy