Dear Parents:

This week we have started reading science fiction and fantasy graphic novels in literature circles in class.  The students are very excited about this two week unit and began reading their assigned books today.  If you have questions about graphic novels concerning what they are exactly and why we are reading them in class please check out the Resource & Links page for the powerpoint I uploaded for you there.  Your student will be working in their group to create a unique group book report.  Ask your student what activity they are responsible for completing for this project and which book they are reading.  I am sure they will be excited to share!

Happy Holidays,

Mrs. Arceneaux

Dear Parents:

I just wanted you to know that we are shifting gears this week and beginning unit two on Wednesday (9/23). 

Our first unit was very successful!  We covered short stories to novels, fantasy to realistic fiction, and everything in between.  We ended our unit with a celebration in our literature circles.  Those reading Touching Spirit Bear had a circle justice meeting outside to share artifacts.  Students reading The View From Saturday discovered what it is like to be a part of a quiz bowl, and last, but not least, those reading Julie of the Wolves explored a documentary about wolf packs in the Arctic. 

Our next unit focuses on nonfiction and study and research skills.  We will be practicing identifying text structure and elements of nonfiction text and practicing strategies for reading and understanding these texts.  Some skills we will focus on include notetaking, identifying the main idea, evaluating the validity of sources, and outlining, among many others. 

I am looking forward to a textbook scavenger hunt and text mapping with the students during the next week.  This is sure to be an interesting unit! 

Next up. . .Sci-Fi and Fantasy!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Arceneaux

Dear Parents,

AR is changing this year from being points focused.  This year each student will have three individualized goals that will determine their AR grade.  The three goals include their quiz percentage scores, their average book level, and lastly their points.  I sent home a packet of papers in a page protector sleeve for you to look over, discuss with your child, and sign.  Those papers include their STAR reading test results, their reading grade level, and their individualized goals for this six weeks.  Also, starting this week, our weekly homework includes 30 minutes a week of at-home reading.  As always feel free to contact me with any questions.   

Thank you, 

Mrs. Kiesha Arceneaux
7th Grade Advanced ELA Teacher
http://sherwood.ebrschools.org/kieshaarceneaux/
http://toughcritics.blogspot.com/
Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet
1020 Marlbrook Drive
Baton Rouge, La. 70815
225-272-3090

Dear Parents,

Hello, my name is Mrs. Arceneaux and I am your child's 7th grade Advanced ELA teacher.  They see me both A and B day.  I have an exciting and challenging year planned for your students that I can't wait to get underway.  At this point, I have already met your child and I must say that they are a great bunch! 

This year I will be implementing student-centered, project-based, 21st century learning that is research based and driven by the EBR curriculum!  This means that you shouldn't be suprised when you student claims that Mrs. Arceneaux isn't just giving them the answers and that they have been challenged to find them on their own. You will also be excited to learn that we will be using new technologies and literacies in our class.  This includes our class blog, among many other applications and tools, for which your student has already been assigned homework. 

If you want to learn more about what all this means and about our exciting plans for the school year please come to our open house night on August 27th at 6PM.  I really look forward to meeting you and partnering with you to ensure your child's success this school year.  They need you to be involved and I'm happy to include you.  I sent home a parent volunteer form on the first day of school and I know that many of you have careers of your own but, if you are able, please fill it out and send it back with your student.  If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me through email or to call the front office for a conference.   

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kiesha Arceneaux
7th Grade Advanced ELA Teacher
http://sherwood.ebrschools.org/kieshaarceneaux/
http://toughcritics.blogspot.com/
Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet
1020 Marlbrook Drive
Baton Rouge, La. 70815
225-272-3090

Dear Parents,

Some of you have been asking about the zeros in my grade book.  Please understand that late and make-up work all goes into one stack.  I grade that stack last.  It is possible that your child has already made up the missing assignment and I simply have not recorded it yet.  Those late and missing assignments will be going into the grade book soon.

Thanks,

Mrs. Arceneaux

Parents,

We recently completed our Poetry unit and are now beginning our Propaganda and Persuasion unit.  My student usually enjoy this unit in particular.  It ranks up there with the Sci-Fi and fantasy unit.  To help their learning at home and to spark discussion ask them to help you analyze some of the commercials you see on TV in the evening or on billboards on the way to and from school.  They have learned some propaganda techniques and may be able to tell you a thing or two about strategies advertisers use to sell their products and ideas.  As usual don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Thanks,

Ms. Arceneaux