Dear Incoming 8th Grade Honor Students,
Welcome to honors English and congratulations! The honors class is designed for students just like you who have demonstrated superior skills and keen interest in English. This year you will be challenged to improve your writing and reading skills and you will be introduced to a rigorous curriculum that will prepare you for eighth grade and beyond. Of course this will require a great deal of hard work and dedication on your part. This hard work begins now!
This summer, as you enjoy many fun filled days with family and friends you will also be fulfilling your summer reading requirements. You should be reading everyday or most days. Read thoughtfully, discuss what you read with family and friends, and keep track of what you read so you can share your thoughts with our class in the tab labeled Blog. I have set up this blog for that purpose. Now, you can hold discussions on books; ask questions of your classmates and make suggestions or recommendations even if you are miles away.
For September 5th, 2014, you will be required to read two books. The fiction novel, Rumble Fish by S. E. Hinton, is your required reading in which you will have to complete a book cover project. The directions for this project are found in the tab labeled Book Jacket. However, since you are honor students you will be asked to do more. The second reading will be a non-fiction book of your choice, in which you will turn in a typed, 3-paragraph summary of your book. Additionally, you will be asked to read informational articles and answer questions. These articles will be found in the tab labeled In the News Honors.
I am enclosing a suggested list of books. These are just suggestions. If you find additional books that are on your level and you want to read them, you can. You will only have to do a book jacket for your required book. If you choose to read more books this summer, and I hope that you do, you do not have to do additional projects. However, you encouraged to keep track of your additional reading in a log found in the tab labeled Book Log.
I look forward to meeting all of you in September and to hear about your summer reading adventures. I hope you all have a safe and happy summer!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Fuccilli