Happy September, Middle School Families!

The school year is finally in full swing! Over the next week, students should be receiving laptops and Class Dojo information that parents will also have access to.

In 7th and 8th grade language arts this week, students began their first Character Based Literacy novel of the year: The Outsiders. So far, students are enjoying it. This is also our narrative writing unit, and in addition to reading, writing, and vocabulary, we will also hit the ground running with our grammar standards for the year.

5th and 6th grade will begin their first novel study of the year on Monday. Their book is Iqbal, a historical fiction piece based on the real life Iqbal Masih. Just like 7th & 8th grade, this is also a narrative writing unit for 5th and 6th graders. Each CBL unit includes reading, writing, and vocabulary. 6th grade is finishing up a review of 5th grade grammar, and 5th grade is moving through conjunctions.  This week, 5th grade focused on close reading and annotating text, while 6th grade focused on point of view. In writing lab, we have established writing workshop norms, practiced freewriting, and created an inspirational board for writer’s block. I’m excited about writing workshop this year!

STAR Testing will take place next week for reading and math the following week.

Room Parents: I am looking for room parents for the 2018-2019 school year! Please let me know if you are interested.

Keep in Mind:
September is 8th grade’s month for Wednesday mass and Sunday mass. The 8th grade Sunday mass is on Sunday, September 16th at 9am. All 8th graders must be at the mass, even if they are not participating, and wearing their mass uniform. Choir will also be singing.

Morning Assembly is on Monday mornings at 8am.

Looking Ahead:
Week of 9/10: STAR reading

Wednesday, 9/12: Early Dismissal

Sunday, 9/16: 8th grade mass

Week of 9/17: STAR math

Tuesday, 9/18: Picture day

Tuesday, 9/18: CCHS visit

Wednesday, 9/18: Saints and OLP visit

Friday, 9/28: Early Dismissal