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Please, no peanuts and tree nuts in the classroom.

Dear Parent/ Guardian/ Student;                                               Sept. 3, 2013

            Another summer has come and gone rather quickly this year. This is my third year at Glanford and seventh in the school district. I am excited to work with new staff and parents throughout the year.

            This website is created to help students and parents keep track of homework and events. Students are encouraged to maintain an individual agenda to help organize assignments and support important life skills, such as time management.

            This year each student will be expected to read a book of their choice for 30 minutes everyday as homework. The completion of this task will be checked at random points during the term and will be included in their grade to address the PLO (“student can read a book of choice for a sustained period of time”) as designated by the Ministry of Education.

            There is a PE class scheduled for every day during the week . Gym strip consists of a change of clothes (no tank tops as addressed in school dress code) and a change of shoes (no flip flops because of safety), runners are preferred. Each student is expected to participate in each class to the best of their ability. If they are ill or injured, a note from the parent/guardian is needed to excuse them from class.

            In the first term we will be covering the following topics in each subject: Math- Integers, Algebra and Graphing; French- School vocabulary and adjectives; Science- Ecology and habitats  (Biology); PE will be taught by Mrs. Rushton; LA- Nancie Atwell’s reading workshop and 6+ writing traits focusing on nonfiction and Socials – introduction to Civilizations and Ancient Mesopotamia.

            I look forward to a successful and exciting first term in Grade 7. If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at clancaster@sd61.bc.ca or phone 479-7179.

Letter that describes the reading program for the year

This year B3 will be following the structure of “Reading Workshop” as developed by Nancie Atwell to implement our Language Arts reading program. The main idea of this program is that students must read everyday for homework for a sustained period of time (30 minutes).

            Research has shown that readers improve reading skills and comprehension skills only by reading. Research has also shown that the biggest factor that dictates academic success and high achievement in Math and Science is reading for pleasure regularly. Consistent reading practice means students increase their vocabulary, become critical, and more knowledgeable about the world.

            There are three categories of books that students will be encouraged to read throughout the year- Holidays, Just Rights and Challenges. Holidays are an easy first read or a reread of an old favourite. These are used to take a break from Just Rights. Just Rights are new books that allow students to gain practice and knowledge. There are a few new vocabulary words on each page. Challenges are difficult to read alone because of too many unknown words or text that’s too dense. These books can be read independently with support if the child wants to read the book. Most of the time should be spent in Just Rights with small breaks on Holidays. These categories are effective because they do not imply any specific reading level and improve all readers.

            Lastly, students are able to borrow a variety of books from our classroom library. These books have been selected with several criteria in mind, classic literature to predictable language and story structures to cross-cultural themes and contemporary social issues. If a book bothers you that your student borrows, ask them not to bring it home, explain why and/or talk to myself. If you have any concerns about the program or books please do not hesitate to contact me at clancaster@sd61.bc.ca.