Ms. Reinecke

January 2012 - Both Reading Levels

Hi, Reading Friends!  This year (3rd Quarter) is already off to a great start!  We have been reading in class and at home so that you can take your AR Tests before the dates they are due - and also, because we love reading!  Please be sure your book is an AR Book!

AR Book Tests' Due Dates for On-Level Reading (Periods 1,3, and 4):  #1) Due Friday February 10 and #2) Due Wednesday, March 7.

AR Book Tests' Due Dates for AC Reading (Periods 2 and 5):  #1) Friday, January 27,  #2) Friday, February 17, and #3) Due Wednesday, March 7.  As you know, one of these three must be a classic!

In class we have also started working on Unit 6 in our Reader's Journey textbook, reading research critically.  We will even try our hands at writing and presenting research to our class.    Don't worry though.  The research project is not due until the end of February, and we will do most of it in class starting the second week of February.

This quarter we will also start working on vocabulary to sharpen up our comprehension and expression.

Have a great evening.  See you tomorrow!  BUT don't forget!  Every Friday you must submit the yellow reading log to document your reading at home.  ALSO - don't forget to have your parent or guardian sign it1

 

 

 

 

Week of December 19

Hi, Reading Friends!  This week we will READ in READING!  We will also catch up on any missing work or Tests - including the AR Book Tests.  You MUST take your last AR Book Test before leaving for the holidays or you will keep your "0" that is already averaged into your grade.  Second semester is over on Thursday, 12-22 when you leave, so you understand my concern if you still have missing work or tests to complete. 

Also, don't forget the rule about where you may take an AR Book Test!  You MUST ONLY USE THE COMPUTER IN MY ROOM.  You may not take an AR Book Test in the media center or in another teacher's classroom.  If you should forget and take the test outside my room, you will receive a zero on that book and will have to read another AR Book to replace that grade. 

See you back on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 for the beginning of THIRD QUARTER! 

Have a GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!  Keep Reading!

Mrs. Reinecke

 

Unit 3 Nonfiction Test FRIDAY, 12-16.

Hi, Reading Friends!  This week we have been reviewing for our nonfiction test this Friday.  You should study the vocabulary we did in class and the flashcards you made.  Also, you have a packet as well as your own Reader's Journey to study.  You will NOT be tested on the 8 questions good readers ask themselves or the genre of literature.  Start with PIER!  I have attached some of the slides below.  Hope it works this time.  Also, don't forget some of you still owe me an AR Book Test before next Wednesday, 12-21 when the missing grade really stays a "0".

Have a great evening and STUDY!

Unit 3 slides: Download Reading Blog 12-14-11 Unit 3 Test Guide

     another version of the Unit 3 slides:  Download Reading Blog 12-14-11 Unit 3 Test Guide

Our Reading Contract while I'm out.

Hi, Reading Friends!  As you may have heard, my father is hospitalized in North Carolina, and I must be with him this entire week.  You will continue your Reading studies by completing our Independent Study Contract for Unit 3 in our Reader's Journey that you received in class today, Monday, 11-28.  This work will be accomplished in class, is due in a week, Monday, 12-5, and will be checked for accuracy.  When you have finished all of it, you are free to read.  I have attached another copy of our contract below.  Work steadily and I'm sure you will finish and finish well!

Grade Sheets go out Wednesday, so if you haven't taken the first AR Book Test, please do so no later than Tuesday.  Mrs. Roche will update my grades if possible.  I certainly will update the "Z" when I return though, so simply explain to your folks if your grade doesn't get changed.   : )

Thanks in advance for your cooperation with our fabulous substitute teachers.

Our Unit 3 Contract: Download Reader's Journey Unit 3 Homework Packet

 

weeks of November 7 and November 14

Hi, Reading Friends!

We have been really busy in our Reading classes during the past two weeks.  If you were absent last week, you have the Test from 11/4 to make up.  It was on the Elements of Literature.  I will give it in class, so let's plan which day you will take it this week.  See me tomorrow to schedule it.

We also took a PreTest on Nonfiction that you will make up in class.

On-Level:  This week we have been working on a handout detailing nonfiction, its 4 styles, etc.  You may download the packet below as well as the powerpoint.  I tried to save the powerpoint two different ways so that hopefully one will open correctly for you.

AC:  You have worked through the packet as well and are starting your original Newspaper Project to blend the types of nonfiction.  5th Period has already started and should print out an expository or persuasive newspaper article tonight to evaluate in class and get the contract signed.  The newspaper is due Friday, Dec. 2.   6th Period will start tomorrow.

PowerPoint: Download ReadersJourney Unit 3 Nonfiction

PowerPoint:  Download ReadersJourney Unit 3 Nonfiction- 1997-2003 format

Nonfiction Packet:  Download Reader's Journey Unit 3 Nonfiction Packet

Reading week of 10-24

Hi, Reading Friends!  Please read the following letter about the Duke University TIPS program.  MIght be fun to do next summer!  Keep reading.  On-Level's first AR Book Test goes in Pinnacle on Wednesday, 11-9 and the second on Friday, December 16.  AC Reading's first AR Book Test goes in Pinnacle on Friday, 11-4, the second on Wednesday, 11-30. and the third on Friday, December 16.  Remember one of these AC tests must be on a classic.

Now the Duke University TIPS letter:

Fall, 2011

Applications and information regarding Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) have arrived. Participation in this program is completely voluntary and independent from Dickerson Middle School’s instructional programs. This includes but is not exclusive to the following information. This program does not offer credits toward graduation and has no bearing on class placements or gifted identification.

The SAT and ACT test administrations for the 7^th grade Talent Search participants are exactly the same as that of high school juniors and seniors preparing for college admission. In fact, 7^th graders will take these tests at exactly the same testing centers as the high school students! The primary benefit of the Duke TIP is the opportunity for 7^th graders to experience the same type of test they will be taking in a few years for their own college admissions. Test registration deadlines are in October for test dates beginning in December. For more information on the program, visit www.tip.duke.edu   or pick up a brochure and application from the front office.

 Sincerely,

Dr. Sunny Williams

Gifted Coordinator - Dickerson Middle School

 

 

 Eligible students include any seventh grader who has scored at the 95^th percentile or higher on a subtest of a grade-level achievement test (ITBS or Stanford) or accepted IQ tests of 125. To find out more information about other tests accepted, visit ww.tip.duke.edu. The Georgia CRCT is not an accepted test. Eligible candidates are invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination which provides a unique tool for measuring aptitude and abilities that far exceed grade level expectations.  

 Dear 7^th Grade Students and Parents:

Monday, October 24 - All Classes!

Hi, Reading Friends!  Today in class we started the rough draft for your Thank You Letter to one of our servicemen and woman who will be missing Thanksgiving at home this year.  Finish your letter tonight so that tomorrow you will have time to recopy it and to submit it.  I have attached the powerpoint of explanation below. 

Remember:  three paragraphs, positive and newsy, express gratitude for their service and commitment to duty, etc. 

Have a great evening!

Today's PowerPoint: Download Servicemen Letters 2011

10-17-11

Hi, Reading Friends!  Open the powerpoint below to finish your notes from today's class or simply to review!  See you tomorrow!  Are you reading?

Today's PowerPoint: Download Blog 10-17-11

Week of 10-10

Hi, Reading Friends!  This week during testing we will finish the quarter with The Outsiders movie and silent reading.  Some of you still owe me an AR Test or two.  Please check your Pinnacle account to see if you have completed your AR requirement.  This is the LAST week of the quarter, so any incomplete tests MUST be made up by Thursday or the "Z" stands - and it averages in as a zero.  The average you see in Pinnacle already includes that "Z" so your final quarterly average would not fall further - - - but you certainly could improve your average by taking your AR Test(s).

CONFERENCE FORMS WENT HOME TODAY!  Conference Week is the week of October 24.  Students will be dismissed at 2:15 so that paretns and teachers can sit down together and assess each student's progress.  Please give your conference appointment sheet to your parent/guardian tonight so that they can put it on the calendar.  Bring the bottom part back to me tomorrow.  If the original appointment is not convenient, please suggest another time and I'll do my best to rearrange.

Have a great evening.  Testing continues all this week!

Finishing up with The Outsiders - Test coming next week!

Hi, Reading Friends!  We are just about finished with The Outsiders!  We have really been working hard to read in class and answer questions that correlate with every chapter.

AC:  You have finished the book and will test this coming Monday - Monday, Oct. 3.  We will review in class Friday.  If you are out for any reason, you will have a few minutes Monday to review with a friend before we begin the test.

On-Level:  You will finish your Chapters 9-12 questions by Monday.  We will check them in class Monday, review, and TEST the next day, Tuesday, Oct. 4.

As you know standardized testing starts Wednesday, 10-5, so it's important for us to finish before testing starts.  The CogAT will be given Wednesday 10-5, Thursday, 10-6, and Friday, 10-7.  The IOWAs will be given every day the following week, Monday - Friday, October 10-14.

Oh - - - the last AR Test for both levels goes in 10/3.

Have a great evening and weekend.  Keep Reading!