Teacher's March Update

Teacher Newsletter

Dear 7th Grade Parents,

As this school year comes to a close, I want to thank all of you for your continous support. Mrs. Safreno did a marvelous job organizing the parent volunteer list for the numerous 7th grade activities. I appreciate all you who directed the cookie dough, house crafts and candy sales, baked treats for the class, drove on our field trip, and planned the picnic and brunch food and activities. A special thanks to Mrs. Safreno and the Colbert family for coming up with the terrific auction basket and delightful class CD.

I'm sure you have all noticed how this class has grown physically, emotionally and academically over this past school year. This could not have happened without us working as a team. I asked the class to share their personal highlights of this past school year with me. They all agreed that it was hard work, lots of fun and very busy! They especially enjoyed the AuthorWorks computer based Literature program. During this fourth quarter, they delivered amazing oral book/author reports and fantastic oral powerpoint presentations about the life/times of their authors. The class had wonderful recollections about reading the two memorable novels, Hatchet and The Red Pony. They enjoyed the books that I read to them during our Author's Chair periods, and appreciated the small math class size. Many students noted how helpful it was to hear the Literature stories read to them on tape. The class seasonal art projects and creative Author posters were also highlights of this year. The students learned about theater when we saw Up the Down Staircase and were fascinated by the Body World 2 science field trip. Their volleyball, basketball, baseball and track seasons were very fulfilling this year. Many students remarked what wonderful, skilled coaches they had this year. I am so pleased the class had so many great memories from this school year.

I encourage personal interest reading over the summer vacation. I have given the class a list of novels that were written in 2006 and hope they will select one of these excellent contemporary novels to read. The authors that were part of the AuthorWorks literature program would be good choices for summer reading as well.

As you can see, this class has come a long way academically during this school year. I have seen the vocabulary words that they learned for their weekly spelling tests be transferred to their daily writing, speaking and essays. The class worked very hard on their Writing Workshop assignments. Their Writing to Inform, Memoirs, Research Reports and Responses to Literature assignments greatly improved all of their writing skills. The Hatchet and The Red Pony assignments and exams were outstanding examples of their growth in literature comprehension. I look forward to continue working with this very motivated class next year.

May your summer be filled with many wonderful family adventures. Our precious grandchildren, Julia and Alec, are coming by themselves for a two week visit this summer. Bob and I are excited about exploring the Gold Country areas of California with them.

Thanks for a Great School Year!

Sincerely,

Diane Brouwers