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Dear Parents,

 

            Welcome to the new school year.  I am very pleased to be teaching the Great Books accelerated reading program this year to the 5th Graders.   I have been trained in this program by the Great Books Foundation and am excited about teaching this dynamic way of reading.   The first part of the school reading program will be taught with the Scott Foresman Reading series.   Classes will include stories from their textbook.  Each story includes a skill lesson with vocabulary.  At the end of each week, the children will be expected to have completed assignments and study for a weekly comprehension and vocabulary test.  Oral tests will be given periodically.   All grades are based on a point system and entered in PowerSchool.

Additional Requirements:

  1. A reading log is attached to their Reading Response Journal.  It is to be completed nightly and signed by parents.  Click on  the Daily Book Log  link above to see a sample.   If lost, this log can be copied and glued to their Reading Response Journal (steno pad which will be bought by each student at the beginning of the year). 

  2. Index cards and box for vocabulary development and study

  3. Book reports are assigned monthly and due the last school day of the month.  Requirements will be given to the children monthly with a grading rubric.  Each report is worth a grade of 50 points.   Each month the report will focus on a different literary genre.

  4. Novels will be assigned periodically throughout the year.  They will be read in class with homework assignments.

  5. Great Books:  This program will start after Christmas break.   A book and journal will need to be purchased prior to the class starting.  The books will need to be ordered at a cost to the parents.

  6. Class participation:  This is a very integral part of the Great Books program where children share their ideas, thoughts and comprehension.  Please encourage your children to participate in class as this is a part of their grade.

            I am looking forward to teaching your child this year and hope this letter answers any questions you may have. If you need further clarification, please call me at 410-427-4861.   Also, please read this letter with your child and sign this below.  Return it to me as soon as possible.  Thank you. 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                    Sister Bernadette Gregorek, RSM

 

 

Please sign below to indicate that you have read the above letter with your child.

 

 

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Student’s name                         Date                                     Parent’s Signature