Dear Parents,

    As a whole class, students go to the media center every two weeks to check out books and take AR tests.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that students bring ID/Lunch cards to the media center in order to check out books.  Students are not allowed to check out books without their cards  and overdue books, and one conduct point will be taken each time a student does not have materials for Media Center day. In addition to whole class trips, students may go on a pass during independent work time.  Students also have access to the extensive classroom library, and can check out these books at anytime. 

    In the past, I have offered the choice of a BOOK PROJECT or AR test as an assessment to help meet the Independent Reading  standard; however this policy is changing.  I will no longer accept book projects as a substitute for AR tests.

    The requirement for the Independent Reading Test Grade was outlined in the Language Arts Letter that you reviewed during the first week of school.  However, I am making some changes. Linked below is a download of a memo I am sending home the first week of the second 9 weeks.  Please review the change in policy, and also please encourage your child to read throughout the 9 weeks.  The best way for reading to improve is through consistent practice! At BRMS, the focus of the independent reading requirement will be on helping students find and read books that interest them.  Our reading goals are (1) to help all readers, especially those who are struggling, improve their reading skills, (2) to motivate reluctant readers to gain an interest in reading, (3) to recharge bored readers with a new enthusiasm for reading, and (4) to assist self-motivated readers in discovering new choices of reading material.

    Please help me help your child to discover, rediscover, or foster his/her love of reading this year at Blackmon Road!

                                                Sincerely,

                                                       Judy Bausch