Classroom News

Welcome back to school! The 2007/2008 school year will be an exhilarating one. It is an exciting time for the fifth grade as they get used to changing classes and experience different teaching styles throughout each day. It is very important that they stay organized and use their assignment pads everyday. It may be a good idea for parents to check their child's assignment pad daily to assure it is being used. St. Thomas teachers are trying to build responsibility in each student. It is important that parents work with teachers in this respect. Each semester students will be assigned book reports and projects. It is crucial that they budget their time and begin these projects at home early. If they take their time and complete these projects little by little, they won't feel overwhelmed and will be successful.

The sixth and seventh graders will be challenged with new computer projects and will be afforded many extra online services to help them prepare research and aid them in studying for tests and quizzes. In many cases, it is up to the individual student to seek theses resources if they think they need extra practice.

All students will be studying English grammar and will be exploring different writing techniques. In addition to this, throughout the year they will be assigned book reports, oral reports, and various projects. It is very important for students to be prepared on the day a project is due. Any late projects will result in lost points.

Grade seven students will be reading two novels (Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain and The Pigman by Paul Zindel) this year in addition to selections from their literature books. Students will need to purchase two paperback books. I will order them together as I would prefer all students have the same copy of the book. Information will be sent home regarding the purchase of these novels.

Homework is a very important component of learning. It allows students to practice new concepts taught in school. Though most homework assignments are not graded and are for practice purposes only, they do count towards a student's grade. Students receive a check or a zero for each homework assignment given. At the end of each semester assignments are tallied and used as a major test grade. If all homework assignments have been complete a 100 as a test grade can really help a student's average, but on the other hand a poor homework score may bring a student's average down a grade. This year we will also be instituting a new Homework Policy. Students who consistently ignore homework responsibilities will be subject to after school detentions.

I am looking forward to spending a wonderful school year filled with much learning, lots of hard work, and some fun too!