Congratulations
on finishing the 2011-2012 school year! I’m excited about the
opportunity to get to know you. I hope you have an enjoyable summer and
come back in late August re-energized, alert and prepared for the
challenges of Jr High. Part of the preparation for Jr High students is
summer reading. Each summer students are encourage to read what they
enjoy, whether that be the Classics, mysteries, nonfiction or comedy.
The goal is that students are reading. I ask that all students return
in August with a list of at least two books they have read: including
title, author, pages, date started and date finished. I ask that
parents sign off each book as the student finishes (Reading log is provided). There is also a suggested reading list posted on the school website using the Junior High link (www.stjeromewestchester.org). You may download a reading log template from EdZone.
In addition to the books each student chooses to read on his/her own, I am requiring
that every 6th grader read the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulson. The book
will be used to develop student’s reading, writing, thinking,
listening, and speaking skills through a variety of assessments that
will include exercises, activities, quizzes/tests. Furthermore,
students will be introduced to the writing process and will be writing
assignments, each with the purpose of informing, persuading, or
expressing personal opinions. The Borders at the Howard Hughes Center and the Barnes and Noble in the Marina have books in stock. Both stores’ websites have easy ordering capabilities as well. You may also be able to purchase a used copy of the book through “amazon.com.”
To be completely prepared for the start of the school year, the students need to arrive at school with informal notes about the main character (Brian Robertson) and complete the plot outline. The students have been briefed on these requirements and understand how to complete the plot questions. The students will use their notes on the character to aid them in their writing assignment once they return to school.
Thank you for your time and support. The students will enjoy the novel and the analysis we do in class. The theme of the story is relevant and the novel is a great opportunity to prepare the students for the upcoming year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ortega
