September 10, 2021
Dear families,
Welcome to English Language Arts on the Terra Cluster! My name is Mrs. Callum, and I am excited to be your teacher. I hope you and your family had a restful and restorative summer break. September always means school and the anticipation of new faces, experiences, and possibilities. This year I am excited to be back in the building, teaching our students in-person. My goal is to prioritize equitable student-learning, class community building, and partnership with you.
A bit about my background:
Let me share a few things about myself that will help you to get to know me better. I grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, and then attended Boston University as a scholarship student-athlete in cross-country and track and field. I loved the experience B.U. provided and it holds a special place in my heart. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, I went on to earn my Master of Arts in Teaching at Simmons College. Shortly after that, I started teaching in Lexington, MA and helped with the track and field teams there. Eventually I made my way to Boston Latin School, where I have been teaching for the past fourteen years. I love teaching seventh grade and helping with Public Declamation, as the co-coordinator. In years past, I have also helped with the BLS track and field programs, so I often root for the team and enjoy supporting young student-athletes.
How to prepare for the year:
Last year was a challenge for us all. It provided me an opportunity to learn new teaching strategies that help increase student engagement. Best practices from last year will be incorporated into instruction this year. I will be reading various texts with your child and helping them with their writing and oral-speaking skills.
To that end, here you can find the supply list to best support your child in my class:
BPS Chromebook
single subject spiral notebook
½ or 1-inch binder
pencils/pens/highlighters
colored pencils or markers
Hoopla account (See class site or BLS library page for video tutorial)
Summer reading requirement: Flying Lessons & Other Stories edited by Ellen Ho (See BLS library page)
optional: print copies of the texts.
We have a Google Classroom (a Bitmoji classroom and class Google Site)! The Google Classroom is a portal where students and families can find daily assignments, digital handouts, student work, grades, and resources. We also supplement the Google Classroom with a Bitmoji classroom and site. I will gradually introduce the students to these materials and help teach them how to navigate them.
Feel free to check out the class website and the ELA7 Course Overview will be coming soon.
Homework:
Today students received their “All About Me ‘Art-Phone’ Template” assignment. It is a piece of cardstock that has three panels that resemble a smart phone. Students should brainstorm on draft paper what they may write and include on their “Art-Phone.” Once they finalize their ideas, they may work on decorating the cardstock. The “All About Me ‘Art-Phone’” template should be completely decorated and returned to class on Tuesday, September 14th. We will do the finishing touches in class on Monday, i.e. cutting-out the Art-Phone, gluing the base. Students should bring the Art-Phone to class on Monday as well. See image:
This weekend students should check their BPS emails to find my Google Classroom invitation to join.
Over the summer all students were required to read Flying Lessons & Other Stories. During a few days in class over the next weeks we will read and review a few of the short stories from the text. Please check and ensure your child has read the text or is working on reading it via the instructions on the BLS.org library webpage. It would be beneficial to locate the text at home if you have a print copy. Your child can bring it to class.
All supplies for school should be completed and brought to class on Wednesday, September 15th.
Fostering a love of reading is very important. Please make certain that your child always has an independent reading book that they also bring to school. The school librarians are always adding current titles to their collection if your child may need recommendations.
I can’t wait to start the year, and look forward to building a solid partnership with you. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me and your students. Please do not hesitate to to contact me with any questions or concerns. My goal is to address issues and concerns proactively, and to work with you to support your child. I am looking forward to a wonderful seventh grade year working with your child. Enjoy the weekend.
Sincerely,
~Mrs. Callum
coccean@bostonpublicschools.org
