TO:                  All parents of House B Language Arts Students, GMS

FROM:            Mrs. Hanlon, Teacher

                        Mrs. Gann, Student Teacher

RE:                   Independent Reading Time

DATE:             January 18, 2005

Parents/guardians:

 Your child is a welcome member in one of our classes in House B Language Arts.  One of the literacy (reading + writing + oral communication) projects we will be working on this quarter is an independent reading unit.  Your child has approximately eight (8) weeks in which to read and review two (2) books of his or her choice.  This is a standards-based unit according to the Ohio Department of Education guidelines.  Success in this unit this quarter can put your child on a positive track towards literacy success in other classes and in future grades as well as on rigorous examinations such as the Ohio Graduation Test.

Your cooperation and support is essential if your child is going to succeed in this project.  We have recommended that each child spend at least forty (40) minutes in silent independent reading each evening.  Your child has been given several tips for how to manage independent reading time at home.  Please feel free to go over your child’s reading selections and help him/her choose materials that are age- and reading level-appropriate.  As always, we are here to answer questions or address concerns.

The “big event” at the end of this independent reading unit is a literacy event called the Breakfast Book Bistro.  We have scheduled this event for March 24, 2005.  More information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars now.  Parents and guardians will be invited to attend.

Please sign the bottom of this document and send it back to school with your child not later than Monday, January 24, 2005.

Very truly yours,

My name:_______________________________________________________________

My child’s name:_________________________________________________________

____I have read the informational letter dated 1/18/05 regarding the independent reading unit.  I understand that my cooperation and support will help my child succeed in this literacy project.