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Spring book fair will be at FMS starting April 16th through the 23rd. Be sure to browse for some good summer reading.

 * This is the buy one and get one free!**

__**On-line Book Orders:**__ You continue to have access to online book ordering through scholastic book clubs. Our class receives one $3 Coupon for every parent online order.

[] Enter our class code: HRFBV

Fourth Quarter Reading:
The fourth quarter reading will consist of a variety of readings such as: Fables, Parables, Folklore, and Mythology. I believe students will enjoy the literary components of each story as we compare and contrast the elements of each type of writing.

__**Word of the Day**__: We will have a Word of the Day until the end of the year. Words are available on the Campus portal and on Google Docs. The minimum expectation is students will write the definition and a sentence of their own using the word correctly. Each word is worth 2 points. Words turned in late automatically drop to 1 point. Students can work ahead if they want. The goal of Word of the Day (WoD) is to enhance student vocabulary. In turn, I hope to improve student reading comprehension (with an increased vocabulary) which should improve ITBS scores.

Students should continue to read a self-selected book each night at home. We will have 15 minutes each day of class dedicated to SSR this last quarter. At the end of the 15 minutes, students will journal for 5 minutes. Points are earned two ways. There is one point per day of in class journal entries. Also, students are expected to read a minimum of 50 pages per week. This page requirement is worth 25 points each week. Students reading less than the minimum will earn a percentage score based on the actual number of pages read.

We will continue to have reading probes every two weeks. Students have 10 multiple choice questions to assess their comprehension of the material. This is a timed reading in which students cannot look back at the selection to answer.

We will continue to work on higher order thinking skills with mini lessons until the end of the year.

=__**The end of the 3rd quarter is rapidly approaching.**__=

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The last day I will accept assignments for the 3rd quarter is Friday, March 16th. Please, check the parent portal frequently during the next two weeks to make sure your child isn't missing any work. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.===== = = =__**January 29, 2012 - 3rd quarter information**__=

It's hard to believe we are in the third quarter already. This quarter students will be reading Code Orange, Nory Ryan's Song, Fever 1793. All three of these books deal with epidemics. This is the thematic unit being done across the seventh grade curriculum for the third quarter.

Students have assigned chapters and pages to read each week. They are given ample class time to do their reading. However, they may need to do some reading at home. Each Monday students will meet with their discussion group to discuss a few questions. Questions and responses will be turned in each Monday. Each discussion has a value of 20 points. You may click on the link labeled 3rd quarter reading to access discussion pages for Nory Ryan's Song and Code Orange. Unfortunately, I do not yet have an electronic copy of Fever 1793 questions.

In addition to reading their epidemic book, students are to continue reading a self-selected book. They should read a minimum of one book every two weeks. Every Friday students are to post a journal response on-line. The first Friday is the half way point of the book. The second Friday is the final or done response. There are guiding questions to use for their entries. Each entry is worth 50 points.

Students will also continue mini readings in class that have questions for points. Many of these stories require students to think beyond multiple choice, right-there type of questioning. We call these questions, "Higher Order Thinking Skills" (HOTS). These skills require students to infer, predict, summarize, discriminate between fact or opinion, understand figurative and literal language.

Word of the Day continues to be part of our daily routine. The list of words for the entire year have been shared with the students using the google doc site. The minimum requirement is for students to look up the definition and write their own sentences for the assigned word. Each word is worth two points. Words turned in late or not done correctly will earn a score of one or less.

Book orders are always available on-line. You can access them any time. Every on-line order earns our class a coupon for a free book. Ask your child about the paper flyer available in class.

=__October - 2nd Quarter information__=

Wednesday, October 26th was the last day of the first quarter. Most of the students met the deadline and completed assignments for the second quarter. Some were working quite hard throughout the day to get done before the end of the school day.

Book Fair:Scholastic book fair will be here next week. Our reading classes will visit on Thursday. If you would like to send money for your child to make a purchase that is fine. If not, please do not feel obligated.

Monthly Book Order:I do have a Scholastic book order in the classroom. Those are due before November 18th. Many on the same titles will be available at the book fair. Again, there is no obligation to purchase. I just want to make books available to children who would be interested.

Parent - Teacher conferences Tuesday, November 1 - teachers will be in the commons Thursday, November 3 - teachers will be in their classrooms

Meeting times for the Middle School are 4:00 - 7:30 - please note that these times are earlier than the other school buildings. Times are not reserved as they are in the elementary section. Due to the number of parents needing to visit with teachers, conferences are limited to no more than 10 minutes per session. Should you need to visit longer than that, I am available to visit before or after school most days.

2nd quarter Reading Requirements:We will be starting literature circles for the 2nd quarter. Students will have some classroom time to read their books. There are five discussion times that are each worth 50 points. It is critical that your child be in school every day so s/he doesn't fall behind in the required reading. To see more specific information about due dates, please click on the page to the left labeled 2nd quarter reading.

Students will still be required to read four books outside of class. Instead of projects, students will be required to write and respond to prompts on the wiki discussion wall and complete four journal entries that will be shared through google docs. Students will need internet access to complete these assignments. They will have access to computers during study hall and our library time once per week. If necessary, students can use the library before or after school with permission from Mrs. Lantz.

Word of the Day:Students will continue to be responsible for word of the day. Word are posted each day on the board, available on a google document, and on the campus grade portal. The minimum requirement is a definition of the word and a sentence using the word correctly. Each day is worth two points. Late words earn half credit. Please talk with your child about the words they are learning. Using the words in conversation will help them remember the meaning of the words.

Thank you for taking the time to read this notice. I do believe communication between school and home helps students succeed. I look forward to another great quarter working with your child. Remember, should you ever have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. -- Mrs. Greenig []