Gretchen Buis - Language Arts

Just a note as we move into the  second grading period.  I think we are all ready to take a break from grammar for awhile and move into short  stories.  Both the sevens and eights have been given several of the short stories we will read over the next few weeks.  The sixes will also be working with short stories beginning next week.  We will continue working with vocabulary and reading comprehension passages.  Writing will be incorporated via written responses to literature.  The approach to literary discussions will be premised on character, plot, setting, and theme. Finally, for the eights, October is a the month during which we focus on high school applications. Though in terms of our classroom work and assignments, we have to move onto The Odyssey and short stories, please continue as a family working on the  various applications.  The school's goal is to have all applications that need to be turned into the school office, turned in the Monday of Thanksgiving week so that  the school's paper work can be completed and all applications submitted by Christmas.  Remember Governor's School and Richmond IB applications must be in the school office ten days before  Thanksgiving break in order that they can be returned to the students who then transport them to their zoned public middle school by December 1. Please remember attending Open Houses hosted by the various high schools is the best way to get to know the inside of schools in which you might be interested. Our ultimate goal is to have students submit all applications before Christmas. That way, the holidays are much more enjoyable. Parents, thank you for all of your help.  I know the process is time consuming.