We hope that you’re having a great summer so far and that this letter finds you happy, healthy, and active.

Summer Reading Project:

Each school year, students learn and strengthen their reading skills. Research shows that summer reading helps you retain and build on the skills that you acquired during the previous school year. At EAC we encourage students to read over the summer and it’s a great time to pursue books of your own choosing!

At the beginning of each year in Middle School we offer an opportunity for students to share their favorite summer reading.  We’ve found that a creative way to do that is by having students engage in a project called a “Jackdaw”.  Please read the Jackdaw project directions carefully and complete all components by the second day of school, Thursday, September 10th.

In order to avoid reading a book that we often read as part of the Middle School literature curriculum, please do not choose from the following list:

Please note, although the book you choose to share with classmates need not be considered a “classic”, we ask that it is one of recognized quality and significance.  The public library, bookstores and your fellow classmates are good resources for great summer picks. If you’re looking for a great book, the American Library Association (ALA) has wonderful lists of books for young adults that you might find helpful.  Visit www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.

We’re sure that you’ll find the Jackdaw Project to be fun and interesting.

Ascend and Symphony Math:

Students’ Ascend and Symphony accounts have been renewed for the coming year and will be active over the summer. In order to maintain skills and start the year rolling in September, we encourage you to make use of these resources. Spending 45-minutes per week on this review material would be especially useful to students.

If you have any questions about these assignments, please do not hesitate to contact Jim at jhodges@eacmsi.org.

Enjoy your summer reading and math work!