What an exciting time as I love the anticipation of a new school year. This is my 22nd year of teaching in Madison. Formerly a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Schenk Elementary, I made the switch to middle school five years ago. I have a degree in special education and a 316 reading license. Teaching writing is a strength of mine. We all bring something special to our classroom community and along with the community of students, it is my job to foster what we all bring to our shared space. All students should thrive at school. Throughout the year, we will use circles to reconnect with a joyous appreciation of ourselves and others; allowing us to all be our best self. Circles help build and maintain healthy community in which all members feel connected and respected. This blog is usually updated four-five times per week and is a place where students and parents can find information such as: a summary of lessons, homework, thought prompts, upcoming events, etc...The intention of the blog is for parents to catch a glimpse of the middle school day and for students to check it daily. Our classroom community is open so feel free to discuss times to visit.
Shelly Duffield

I'm excited to be back at school and can't wait to get started on this new school year.  Each year at Hamilton, I feel that I learn as much from the students as the students learn from me and each other and I'm sure this year will be no different.  We're very privileged at Hamilton and on the Duffield/Kruger team to have a truly diverse set of students from different parts of the country and some from different parts of the world.  It's not uncommon for our classrooms to speak multiple languages and to have lived all over the world - these students add to the rich culture of our classroom and provide a unique learning experience.

     A little about me.  My family has grown lately to include me, my wife Amy, my 2 daughters Rose & Lola (Rose is 4 and Lola is 3), 2 cats and our Welsh Springer Spaniel Polo.  I grew up in The Milwaukee area and started my teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools.  I've been at Hamilton Middle School for 7 years now and I'm always impressed by our awesome staff and students.  

     This year I will again be acting as a district representative on the science leadership team, where we are working to get our science curriculum more aligned with the new NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) that were put out in the last couple years (http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards). 

Justin Kruger