Meet the Teacher

Mrs. Heather McCracken

Mrs. Heather McCracken

Welcome to 8th Grade!  I LOVE teaching Math and I look forward to sharing my passion for Mathematics with your child.  For the 2023-2024 school year, I will be teaching two classes of Math 1 and two classes of Pre-Algebra (8th Grade Math).  I have experience teaching Mathematics at the middle school, high school, and community college levels.  I am a mom to three awesome young men (and numerous students)! I have been married to my husband for over 20 years! When I'm not teaching, lesson planning, or chauffeuring my sons around I enjoy gardening and crafting.  

At Highland Middle School we have high expectations of our 8th graders.  Our 8th grade team puts a lot of effort to ensure that we are setting our students up for success in high school.  We understand that 8th graders are creating the foundation for their future. 8th graders will have the opportunity to learn mathematical skills in a collaborative learning environment.  8th graders will also have the opportunity to participate in our annual 3 days/2 nights DC Field Trip, Winter Formal, and 8th grade end of year festivities.  With hard work and perseverance, 8th graders will definitely create a solid educational foundation and lasting memories at HMS!

Let's go VIKINGS

Email: hmccracken@harnett.k12.nc.us

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S., Secondary Mathematics Education from Appalachian State University

Daily Schedule

Arrival, Breakfast, & Homeroom:  7:20 am - 7:35 am

WIN: 7:35 am-8:05 am

Electives A/B: 8:05 am-9:35 am

Core 1: 9:35 am-10:30 am

Core 2: 10:30 am-11:25 am

Core 3: 11:25 am-1:05 pm

Lunch: 12:24 pm-12:49 pm

Core 4: 1:05 pm-1:55 pm

WIN: 1:55pm-2:40pm

Dismissal: 2:40 pm

Google Classroom

Our class will use Google Classroom as a communication tool as well as supplemental instruction.  Please visit Google Classroom with your child and preview our Google Classroom.  Your student will need to provide his/her log in information.  Due to Harnett County schools internet security policies, parents are not able to obtain direct access to our class's Google Classroom.

However, parents do have the option to receive daily or weekly email notifications regarding Google Classroom assignment posts for all of your child's classes within Google Classroom.  If you are not currently receiving email notifications, please reach out to your child's Homeroom teacher by email to verify your current email address.

NC Curriculum Standards

To learn more information about the standards that will be covered in our course, please visit NC Standard Course of Study.

Within the site locate the link for Eighth Grade Mathematics standards.

Resources for Home

Paper

Paper is an online tutoring program available 24/7. Students can access Paper via their ClassLink account. Paper tutors can also assist with proofreading essays and writing assignments.

IReady

Students can access IReady via their ClassLink account.  A beginning of the year (BOY) and Middle of the year (MOY) Diagnostic test is administered to determine a student's strength and weaknesses in Math and also in ELA.  The IReady system customizes lessons and quizzes to assist students in filling in the learning gaps.

Teachers are also able to add additional "extra" lessons to enhance a student's learning.  

Khan Academy

Refer to your child's class notes.  At the top of the class notes there should be a Unit Title.  Use this title to search for videos within Kahn Academy to assist with your child's lesson.

IXL Math

IXL offers personalized skill recommendations for each student, based on what the student has been practicing.

Students can create an IXL account, select his/her grade level and explore various topics in Mathematics.  At a relatively low cost, students can also enroll in an IXL membership and complete a Diagnostics test.  IXL will then customize lessons based on an individual student's needs.

Online Tutor

Online tutors are available 24/7 in most subjects

Students can even review or replay their sessions in real time to brush up on key skills before an assessment, or take diagnostic quizzes to identify areas where they need more help.

Students must register to create an online account.