Dear Intermediate Parent or Guardian,

·    Teachers have begun to meet to make changes in the Language Arts Literacy program, providing some guided reading practices, and literature circles. The district had initiated a new language arts literacy program grades 6-12 which is standards based and is very well articulated across grade levels.  The literature circles will provide added novels in the classroom library.

·    We have begun to re-write curriculum in physical education, science, language arts literacy and math using the Understanding by Design model. 

·    We have purchased new Social Studies textbooks that are aligned to the 2009 NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.  We will be realigning the delivery of the social studies course content in grades 7 & 8 based on the new standards

·         In Mathematics, we are continuing the math protocol in terms of student notebooks.  We feel it is imperative for students to keep their work in an organized notebook.  By reviewing students’ notebooks teachers can get a clearer picture of their mathematical development.  Because the Connected Mathematics units are three-hole punched, students can keep their books, along with their work in a three-ring binder.  We are now using this notebook protocol in all subjects.

·         Read 180 as well as Honors Language Arts Literacy Grade 7 & 8 have been incorporated during this academic school year.  This will allow students in the Read 180 classes to receive differentiated instruction in order to remediate any reading deficiencies.  The Honors program will allow students to be more self-directed in their learning. 

·         Teachers in the Language Arts Program are also incorporating Writers Workshop and a Balanced Literacy approach wherein they do 20 minutes of whole group instruction 20 minutes of small group instruction utilizing literacy inquiry groups and 30 minutes of writing workshop.

·         Students are getting a wonderful overview of the Romance Languages.  They have completed a unit in French and are beginning their unit on Spanish.  They will end the marking period with an introduction to Italian.  Students will then be able to make a more informed decision as to which language to study in high school.

·         The computer class has made an impact on the students as they are learning how to type using Micro-Type.

·         Parent Conferences will be held the evening of October 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. We are hoping this gives working parents an opportunity to speak to teachers without impacting their work schedule.  The spring conferences will be in the morning.

Dates to remember:

Please know that my door is always open, and you are always welcome to visit.  I appreciate hearing from parents, and I hope I can count on you to share your concerns, ideas, and feedback.  I invite you to stop in when you get the opportunity.  I would love to meet you. 

Sincerely,

Santina S. Haldeman, Acting Principal