How are things going?

These first two full weeks of school have been packed! We have started our first book, "Beowulf," and have been learning a great deal about what history is and how people and ideas relate across time and space.

We will be starting our study of English grammar, beginning with sentence types and structure. By studying how sentences are made, and what elements are necessary to create interesting and effective sentences, we are able to become better writers and communicators.

In late October, we will also be taking a field trip to the Chamber Theater. Students will see performances of five short stories, each of which will be read and discussed in class. The short stories are:
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce
"Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
"The Mouse" by H.H. Munro (Saki)
"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry
"The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe

BTSN!

Come to meet your student's teachers at Back to School Night on the evening of Thursday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. You will learn about classroom expectations, upcoming activities, and opportunities to help in the classroom. Student work will be on display, and copies of all texts will be available for perusal. You will simulate your student's regular day by visiting each teacher for periods of approximately ten minutes. We look forward to visiting with you.

Minimum Days

On Wednesday, September 22, and Thursday, September 23, dismissal will be 12:45 p.m. During this time, departments and teams will meet to review and plan curriculum, as well as discuss and detail SUSD's focus for 2004-2005--improving student writing.