Attached you will find letters from the math and English departments about summer work and math placements for 7th grade. These letters represent new initiatives to communicate earlier with 6th grade families and to have students continue their studies over the summer. Students regress over the summer if they do not continue to practice what they learn. This is why at the beginning of a school year teachers often take time to review and get students used to being back in school. In an effort to begin to address this, we are now asking students to read a book (or four) that will prepare them for their first English unit in 7th grade. Additionally, the math department is putting together work for 6th graders to do over the summer which will be available at the beginning of July.
You will find that the math letter also speaks in depth to the math placement options for 7th grade. Math is the first subject in the district where families and students need to start making decisions that will affect their future. In particular, if a student is not do extensions in 7th grade, it means they will most likely not be able to take Calculus in high school.
I hope you will find these letters to be useful in supporting your child over the summer and into the beginning of the school year. The curriculum leaders for English and math have included their email addresses and will be checking them occasionally over the summer. I will be working all summer and am also available to answer any questions you have (hayesm@arps.org or 362-1800).
I hope you and your family enjoys the last few days of 6th grade and has a wonderful summer. We will send more information home in August about the start of school (September 2nd). Sincerely, Michael Hayes
(Click on the images below to read the letters or just go to www.arps.org/ms.)
