Meet Your Math Teacher
Welcome to sixth grade math at BVMS! My name is Marcelle Dessommes Patterson, and I love my job. Bayou View Middle School is a fantastic school. I'm very happy to be your child's math teacher. I've been teaching math here at BVMS since 1997.
My goal is to do for your child what I would want done for my own children, and I look forward to working with you and your child. If you ever have a problem or concern, please feel free to contact me personally. I know that together we are working in the best interest of your child. To contact me, please use my e-mail address marcelle.patterson@gulfportschools.org , NOT the SchoolRack "Messages" feature.
I'm the mother of three daughters and a son, and I grew up in two foreign countries (France and the Philippine Islands) and six different states (Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and South Carolina). As I was growing up, my own five siblings were considerably younger than I -- so when people ask how long I've been teaching, my response is "All my life!" I am a Christian, a flag-waving American, and a proud Mississippian. I love being part of educating the children of Mississippi.
Mathematics is the science and language of patterns. I have taught over 30 years and am passionate about exciting middle school children about mathematics. Several years ago I had a student who exclaimed in the middle of class, "Ms. Patterson -- I get it! The light bulb just came on -- I heard it click!" I love being part of their lives and experiencing their light bulbs going on as we go deeper and deeper into our exploration of mathematics.
Because I am aware of the importance of the peers in our children's lives, one of the things your children will likely hear me say is "Choose your friends wisely. You become the people you're with." My favorite parenting author is Dr. John Rosemond, highly acclaimed for the book Teenproofing. I recommend this book to all parents of pre-teens and teens. Parents will also enjoy reading his parenting column each Sunday in the Sun Herald.
The intensity of our new "Common Core State Standards" sixth grade mathematics curriculum may cause some "growing pains," so I encourage you to take a look at the pacing guide (what is taught and tested each quarter of sixth grade) at:
I am happy to talk with you regarding any concerns you may have as well as your child's day-to-day challenges or celebrations.
Yes! Together, we can make a difference.
Below is some additional information regarding my professional life as a teacher:
- Presidential Award for Teachers of Mathematics ~ Mississippi Finalist
- National Board Certified Teacher ~ Early Adolescence / Mathematics
- Recipient of Leo W. Seal Educator Award
- Recipient of Gulfport School District Hannah Hatfield Award
- Published author in National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Journal: Mathematics Teaching in Middle School (MTMS)
- Teacher of the Month ~ Bayou View Middle School
- AAA Certified in Elementary Education (1-9); also certified in Secondary Mathematics (7-12), and Educational Administration; Mississippi Department of Education designation of "Highly Qualified" mathematics teacher for grades 5-8
- Colleges and Universities: Millsaps College, University of Southern Miss., University of Arkansas
- Professional Development Presenter ~ National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Regional Conference, Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), and Gulfport School District "Essesntial Pieces"
- Public school teaching experience: Long Beach, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport
- Private school experience: Westminster Academy, Coast Episcopal Elementary School
