Recommended Readings for Free Reading

Here is a list of Newbery Medal winner books to read for free reading time:

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994)
   
2. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (1998)
   
3. Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman (1988)
   
4. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (1990) 
   
5. Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman (1989) (the book is at its best when read out loud by two people.)
   
6. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (1963)
   
7. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (1978)
   
8. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (1977)
   
9. The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg (1997)
   
10. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2010)
    
11. The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman (1996)
    
12. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (1986)
    
13. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz (2008)
    
14. A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (2002)
    
15. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (2004)
    
16. Sounder by William Armstrong (1970)
    
17. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (1979)
    
18. Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (2005)
    
19. Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt (1983)
    
20. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (1972)
    
21. Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska (1965)
    
22. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (1968)
    
23. M.C. Higgins, The Great by Virginia Hamilton (1975)
    
24. A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (2001)
    
25. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (1962)
    
26. Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi (2003)
    
27. The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (1987)
    
28. Missing May by Cynthia Rylant (1993)
    
29. Holes by Louis Sachar (1999)
    
30. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois (1948)
    
31. Onion John by Joseph Krumgold (1960)
    
32. Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Gray (1943)
    
33. King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry (1949)
    
34. A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal 1830-32 by Joan Blos
    
35. The White Stag by Kate Seredy (1938)
    
36. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis (2000)
    
37. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (1991)
38. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (1984)
    
39. Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (1944)
    
40. The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox (1974)
    
41. Gay-Neck, the Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Mukerji (1928)
    
42. Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry (1941)
    
43. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson (1981)
    
44. The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting (1923)
    
45. The Story of Mankind by Hendrik van Loon (1922)
    
46. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (1959)
    
47. Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark (1953)
    
48. The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley (1985)
    
49. Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman (1926)
    
50. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (2009)
    
51. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (1992)
    
52. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (1973)
    
53. Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (2011)
    
54. I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Treviño (1966)
    
55. Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith (1958)
56. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (1995)
    
57. Smoky, the Cowhorse by Will James (1927)
    
58. Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins (2006)
    
59. The High King by Lloyd Alexander (1969)
    
60. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (1961)
    
61. The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong (1955)
    
62. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Brink (1936)
    
63. Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis (1933)
    
64. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham (1956)
    
65. The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli (1950)
66. The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron (2007)
67. The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Philbrook Kelly (1929)
    
68. Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer (1932)
    
69. Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey (1947)
    
70. The Grey King by Susan Cooper (1976)
    
71. Tales from Silver Lands by Charles Joseph Finger (1925)
    
72. A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers by Nancy Willard (1982)
    
73. Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field (1930)
    
74. It's Like This, Cat by Emily Cheney Neville (1964)
    
75. Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Eggertsen Sorensen (1957)
    
76. Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt (1967) 
    
77. ...And Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold (1954)
    
78. Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson (1945)
    
79. Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer (1937)
    
80. The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars (1971)
    
81. Invincible Louisa: The Story of the Author of Little Women by Cornelia Meigs (1934)
    
82. The Matchlock Gun by Walter Dumaux Edmonds (1942)
    
83. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes (1952)
    
84. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (1931)
    
85. Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski (1946)
    
86. Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (1939)
    
87. The Dark Frigate by Charles Hawes (1924)
    
88. Dobry by Monica Shannon (1935)
    
89. Daniel Boone by James Daugherty (1940)
    
90. Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates (1951)

End of Semester Make-ups

Dear parents and students,

This a reminder that this semester ends this Friday, March 7th, 2014.  

Students must make-up any missing assignments, tests and quizzes by this Wednesday, March 5th, 2014.  Students and parents can stay up-to-date on academic progress by regularly checking www.Gradelink.com.

Thank you and have a great day,

Mrs. Moussa
 

8th Grade Persuasive Essay on Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hello students and parents,

8th Grade has been working on writing a persuasive essay related to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.

-The essay is due on Thursday: 2/20/2014

-The essay is a persuasive essay, and the essay prompt states:

In "The Strength to Love," Martin Luther King, Jr. claimed that fear was the ultimate cause of hatred, prejudice, and violence. Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Write a persuasive essay defending your answer. 

The essay outline that was discussed in class is in the following format: 
(also available on pg. 144 of the Grammar textbook)

Nestorian Order with an Answer to the Opposition:

I. Introductory Paragraph:

1. Thesis Statement: states the topic and the writer's position on the topic
2. Introduce second best argument
3. Intro. opposing argument
4. Intro. your best reason
5. Conclude 

II. Second Best Reason:
    1. State your reason,
    2. Describe your reason,
    3. Support your reason using evidence)

*Evidence = quotes from expert opinions on the topic, statistics on the topic, personal accounts related to the topic)


III. Opposing Argument:
    1.  Present the strong arguments against your position


IV. The Opposition Refuted:
     1.  Refute (or argue and disprove) these arguments.  Show that they are illogical or misstate facts, or that your ideas outweigh them (or are stronger)
     2. Remember to use evidence to support your argument!

V. Best Reason:
    1. State your reason,
    2. Describe your reason,
    3. Support your reason using evidence)

VI. Conclusion:
    1. Summarize your arguments
    2. Restate your thesis
    3. Tie all of your points together, and conclude with a strong statement

 

7th Grade Martin Luther King, Jr. Persuasive Essay

Hello students and parents,

7th Grade has been working on writing a persuasive essay related to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.

-The essay is due on Thursday: 2/20/2014

-The essay is a persuasive essay, and the essay prompt states:

"imagine that you are living during the time of Dr. King, and that you must write an argument for desegregation of public places, including restaurants, buses, and schools."

The essay outline that was discussed in class is in the following format: 
(also available on pg. 132 of the Grammar textbook)

I. Introductory Paragraph:

1. Thesis Statement: states the topic and the writer's position on the topic
2. 1 sentence to introduce your first set of arguments
3. Introduce the opposition (opposite view point)
4. Introduce your strongest argument
5. Conclude

II. First Set of Arguments:
    1. State your reason,
    2. Describe your reason,
    3. Support your reason using evidence)

*Evidence = quotes from expert opinions on the topic, statistics on the topic, personal accounts related to the topic)


III. Acknowledging the Opposition:
    1.  Present the strong arguments against your position
    2.  Refute (or argue and disprove) these arguments.  Show that they are illogical or misstate facts, or that your ideas outweigh them (or are stronger)


IV. Strongest Argument (Your Grand Finale):
    1. State your reason,
    2. Describe your reason,
    3. Support your reason using evidence)


V. Conclusion:
    1. Summarize your arguments
    2. Restate your thesis
    3. Tie all of your points together, and conclude

6th Grade Martin Luther King, Jr. Persuasive Essay

Hello students and parents,

All three middle school grades have been working diligently on completing a persuasive essay related to the topic of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.

6th Grade:  Essay is due Tuesday 2/18/2014
-The essay is a persuasive essay, and the essay prompt states:

"imagine that you are living during the time of Dr. King, and that you must write an argument for desegregation of public places, including restaurants, buses, and schools."

The essay outline that was discussed in class is in the following format:

I. Introductory Paragraph:
   1. Thesis statement: states the topic and the writer's position on the topic
   2. Reason #1 - support for your position
   3. Reason#2 - support for your position
   4. Reason #3 - support for your position
   5. Conclude paragraph

II. Reason #1 
  1. State your reason,
  2. Describe your reason,
  3. Support your reason using evidence)

*Evidence = quotes from expert opinions on the topic, statistics on the topic, personal accounts related to the topic)

III. Reason #2
  1. State your reason,
  2. Describe your reason,
  3. Support your reason using evidence)

*Evidence = quotes from expert opinions on the topic, statistics on the topic, personal accounts    related to the topic)

IV. Reason #3
  1. State your reason,
  2. Describe your reason,
  3. Support your reason using evidence)

*Evidence = quotes from expert opinions on the topic, statistics on the topic, personal accounts    related to the topic)

V. Concluding Paragraph:
   1. Restate your introductory paragraph and wrap-up your argument
   2. Make sure all your points are logically related and flow
 

Tests/Quizzes/Assignments for the Week of 2/3/14

Hi,

Here is a list of upcoming tests and quizzes for language arts:

6th Grade:

-Friday 2/7/14: Vocabulary quiz for units 10-12

• Make sure you are studying the synonyms of each word, and you are able to use the word in a sentence.
• Daily practice of vocabulary words should be done by using flash cards, review pages in book, and reviewing past quizzes

 -Reading log for January was due 2/3/14, you have until 2/4/14 to turn it in (30 pts.)

7th Grade:
-Wednesday 2/5/14: Reading test for unit 4

• Make sure you are reviewing all of the reading selections in unit 4
• Review class outlines/notes of selections
• Study selection tests

-Reading log for January was due 2/3/14, you have until 2/4/14 to turn it in (30 pts.)

8th Grade: 
-Friday 2/7/14: Vocabulary Quiz unit 13

• Make sure you are reviewing the synonyms of each vocabulary word, and are able to use the word in a sentence

-Reading log for January was due 2/3/14, you have until 2/4/14 to turn it in (30 pts.)

Thank you,

Mrs. Moussa

Vocabulary Tests and Quizzes This Week!

Hi,

This week there will be vocabulary quizzes and tests for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  Here is the schedule:

6th Grade:

-Thursday, 1/30/2014 - Vocabulary quiz (Unit 12)

7th Grade:

-Thursday, 1/30/2014 - Vocabulary Test (Units 10-12)

8th Grade:

-Thursday, 1/30/2014 - Vocabulary Test (Units 10-12)

Remember!  Our goal is always to work towards achieving excellence!!

Best of Luck,
Mrs. Moussa

Creating Life-long Learners

Hello parents and students,

As we begin the trimester, I want to encourage all of you to take the opportunity to emphasize the importance of reading and growing as scholars to your children.  Many students do not enjoy reading, and this is effecting their development as readers and learners.  Reading should be encouraged as a hobby for students, and time should be allotted at home to encourage reading. 

Some ways to foster a love of reading include:

1.  Allocating a special hour in the evening for reading

2. Reading with your child: pick a book, read it, discuss it, and go see the movie!

3.  Make a habit of going to your local library: 

• It is a great place for students to study, and they can check out books for free!
• The library will have events/activities to introduce children to classic/new authors
• Some libraries offer free tutoring to local students

3. Create a quite reading corner in your home where your child could curl up with a good book

4.  Limit TV and video game time

5. Share your favorite childhood books with your children

6. Award your child when they finish a book

Thanks,

Mrs. Moussa

Tutoring Available for Santa Monica Residents

Hello parents and students,

I saw this in the Viking View, and I thought I would pass this information along since many parents have inquired about tutoring.

FREE Tutoring Program Available through the Los Angeles and Santa Monica Public Libraries.

Any student in grades 3-12 with a library card for the Santa Monica Public Library or the Los Angeles Public Library can take advantage of free online tutoring services provided through the libraries. Patrons can access free tutoring online either at a library or at home from 1:00 pm until 10:00 pm daily.. This is live help and users do not need a camera. Students type in the problem they are having and the tutor types back to them. There is even a board where students can write out a problem and the tutor will assist them. For more information visit the Los Angeles Public Library's Live Homework Help link, http://kidspath.lapl.org/kidspath/homework/live_homework_help.html , or Santa Monica Public Library Brainfuse link, http://smpl.org/Brainfuse_Kids.aspx.

Thank you,

Mrs. Moussa

 

Middle School Field Trip - Friday December 6th, 2013

Hi,

This is a reminder that 6th and 7th grade students are going on a field trip this Friday, December 6th, 2013.  The field trip is to the Broad Stage to view "National Geographic Live!  The Lens of Adventure."  Students are required to turn in both permission slips signed by a parent/guardian in order to participate in the field trip.  On the day of the field trip, students are asked to wear their school uniforms and to dress warmly, because we are walking to the Broad Stage.

There are several students that have not turned in their permission slips, please make sure your student has turned in theirs by tomorrow.

Thank you,

Mrs. Moussa