The New Reading Recovery Act

We all have times when added support is needed. Throughout this second term, I have noticed that students are struggling over the idea of preparing for a test. Isn't five minutes enough? I though I studied? Did I head to after school help? The New Reading Recovery Act can save students from dropping deep into lower grades. The key is that the students needs to be proactive. Forms will be available to students and each student will be required to follow the directions explicitly. I will have the deadline date written on the board. Every student has always had the ability to raise a low grade. Many have chosen not to. Others may be forgetful. Maybe this new act will help!

Calling All Families!

School is in full swing and the classes are into the rhythm of learning. The students are more comfortable with expectations, class rules and homework. The setting of our first read-aloud, "The Graveyard Book," is the cemetery. Perfect for fall leaves twirling, shifting clouds and moonlit nights. The students have embraced the author, Neil Gaiman, as he captures attention with his British accent (pip! pip!) and longgg pauses.

Reading for pleasure at home is also vital to a student's success. Pleasure reading builds fluency, increases vocabulary, and helps a child build background knowledge. My class is loaded to the brim with books. The students also have full access to the middle school library and the Watertown Public Library. If you would like novel suggestions, just send me an email. I would be happy to help with book selection. Cuddle up, crack open a book, and get hooked on a great adventure. Make it a "family thing!"

msullivan@watertown.k12.ma.us

Hitting the Peak!

The eighth grade class will venture out to Jaffrey, New Hampshire to experience nature in its truest form. Mount Monadnock will be one of the most memorable experiences as the class celebrates its last year in the middle school. Climbing a mountain takes focus and persistence. If and when you reach the top, it is a truly amazing moment. Three-hundred and sixty degrees of pure wonder. Try not to rush it away. Look closely at the trees, animals, and every small stone that intends to keep you back. Be determined and smart about your decisions. Stay with a friend and take plenty of pictures to share with family and friends. Above all, appreciate what is around you and be respectful of its power and beauty. Best of luck from all of us:)

You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters. ~St. Bernard

New Day-New Start

The Watertown Middle School has been preparing for all of you since the last day of school in JUNE! That's just how important you are. Classrooms have been spit-shined thanks to the outstanding custodial staff, and teachers have continued to examine new ideas to present in class. You have prepared for your return too! Reading "Peak" and completing the assigned packet took time and patience. We do hope you enjoyed traveling to Kathmandu and climbing Mt. Everest:)

September is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the feel of cool fall days and the need to "get organized and scheduled" again. Do you feel the same way? New notebooks, agendas and schedules. Writing homework down and doing your best each and every day. This year, let's work together. Remember to check in with your teachers, head for extra help and work on your assignments in a timely manner. If you're confused in class-ASK! We can always get what we need if we just ask. Take positive steps toward your education. You'll be happy and relieved that you did!

Closing in on summer......

Heat makes its way up to the "penthouse" floor of the middle school. Reading classes head outdoors to take some final breaths before the chapters end and projects are sent home to be discarded or hidden under the bed. The candy basket's bottom can finally be seen- not since September has that happened! We've made so many memories this year. Reading and writing, painting and designing and laughing...........and more laughing.........and some more.......

Thanks for being such great learners, never being afraid to try something new, to challenge yourself and to ask all of the questions. Be safe this summer. Spend time with your family and friends and.....Read. YUP! I said it! READ TRUCKLOADS! We'll share all of our adventures in the fall.

Eighth graders- do your very best in high school. Everyday! Why? Because you're worth it! You've been a blast. XO Mrs. Sullivan

We have all experienced our last school vacation before summer arrives. This year has gone by lightning quick! I can remember learning all of your names, making seating charts and choosing the best books possible to ignite a love of reading. We are now such a reading community. We know each other well and we continue to laugh and have fun (at least I feel that way:)) As the warmer days approach, we will head outside to read and write so get ready! These next few months will be over before you know it. Give your best each day and continue to learn in every class. We should all learn one thing everyday- today I learned to make banana muffins! Share with us some of the things you learn during the week. Share it-here-right now!!

Spring is a sign of new beginnings and that means new novels in the reading classes! The sixth grade is currently reading the historical fiction Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Patterson. Set in Lawrence Massachusetts, students are revealing many authentic facts and characters based on the mill strikes of 1912.

Seventh grade reading classes are reading "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Michaelson. Circle Justice makes the decision to banish a young juvenile offender to a lone island in Alaska. Can he survive a one year sentence willing to change himself or will his anger get the best of him?

Jacqueline Woodson's novel "After Tupac and D Foster wrestles with inner city life as three girls bond together over the love of Tupac Shamur, independence and the fear of their future lives together. The eighth graders will continue to study Tupac's gift of poetry and videos along with the study of figurative language.