Greetings from Patrick Donovan:

            As we begin the new school year, I want to let you know how I will work with your 8^th grader to continue developing strong reading skills and habits. My  goal is to help each student read regularly, read with understanding and read accurately. We will accomplish this by reading a wide range of fiction and nonfiction texts while applying a variety of strategies to sharpen each student’s command of comprehension, interpretation, evaluation and appreciation of written language.

            My general plans and expectations for the year can be summed up in the following:

• The planned 8^th grade reading list will be posted on our school web page: stfrancisschool.org. These titles will be read as a whole class and will give us a common source for conversations.
• Each student will complete an Independent Reading Project during the course of the year which will culminate in a summative Reading Portfolio. This Project will challenge students to: 1. read fifteen books, of their choice, during the course of the year; 2. read independently for twenty minutes a day at least three times a week outside of scheduled language arts classes; and, 3. maintain a personal reading log and record of reading responses, reflections and evaluations. Additionally, we should note that independent reading is premised on the idea that a reader must have dedicated quiet time in order to “get into” a piece of text. As such, we count on your support in encouraging your child to find time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday to simply sit down and read for a few minutes.
• Our reading will also serve as the springboard into a consistent consideration of vocabulary and the value of proper word choice.

If you have any questions feel free to contact at school or via e-mail. We are looking forward to a fun and challenging year!

Sincerely, PJD

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