July 31st, 2024

Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your child's 8th grade year at Our Lady of Grace School!  This is a time in which both you and your child are split in two directions – both by looking back at the wonderful memories you have collected by being here at this marvelous school, as well as looking forward to the challenges that oncoming years have in store.  It is an exciting time for all!

For those of you unfamiliar with my background, please allow me to provide it for you.  Even though this is just my sixth year at Our Lady of Grace, I have had quite a bit of experience teaching in a Catholic school community.  I was the 8th grade homeroom teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Fremont for 14 years, and was the Junior High Math and Science teacher there. Prior to my arrival at Our Lady of Guadalupe School, I was the 6th grade homeroom teacher at St. Bernard School in East Oakland for 3 years.  I was also the Middle School Math teacher at St. Bernard.  I have my Bachelor's Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Santa Clara University.  I also have my multiple-subject teaching credential from the California State University system.  I hope that my varied educational background will serve me well in educating your children.

I believe very strongly in mutual respect – between both teacher and student, as well as between the students themselves.  No student should ever feel in my classroom that they cannot respectfully share their thoughts or speak their mind; I truly believe that every person in my classroom should be cherished and celebrated.  As far as work is concerned, it is very important to me that any work that I may assign be completed at the very best of the child’s ability and turned in exactly when it is due.  The responsibility with turning in work in such a manner is key to ensure such positive habits as a child progresses through the rest of their educational and occupational career.

A child is educated by all adults in their life – not only their teacher.  I look forward to working with you - the parents - to ensure that your children become as successful as possible in their school life.  Please do NOT hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. The best way to contact me is via email.  To email me, you can reach me at my school email  ([email protected]).

Peace and blessings to you this school year!  

Mrs. Kimberly Hughes