September Letter

September 28, 2009

 

 

Dear Parents and Family of 7/8^th Grade Students,

 

Though the month of September was short, we’ve hit the ground running in English and History. By now, students have written a personal essay, composed an original poem that uses specific literary devices, and are currently re-writing the ending of a short story that we read in class. We are also reading a variety of short literary pieces, including short stories, poems, folk-tales and non-fiction. In history, we’ve been reviewing ancient civilizations and learning how the inventions, discoveries, art, architecture and beliefs of these civilizations have shaped our world today.

 

Starting in October, we will begin reading our first class novel, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. This book will invite students to discuss and debate age-old questions relating to human nature and the development of civilization. Not only with this book build critical thinking skills, it will serve as a thematic connection to what we are learning in history as well. 

 

I am requesting that every student owns a personal copy of the book. This allows students to take notes in the book during class, and to use the book at home for projects and writing assignments. Students will need to have the book in class by October 5.

 

Please let me know if you would be willing to purchase a book for your son or daughter. If not, the school will be able to supplement those students who do not purchase their own books. Please understand that the more money we save on classroom supplies, the more money we have for fieldtrips and other school functions.

 

I appreciate your continued generosity and support and look forward to a new month of learning.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Daryl Bilandzija   

 

 

 

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I can purchase _______ copy/copies of the book.