September 10, 2023

Dear families,

Welcome to English Language Arts on the Terra Cluster! My name is Mrs. Caroline Occean Callum, and I am excited to be your child’s teacher. Although the weather these first two days of school was quite oppressive, the children remained upbeat. It was a testament to their good spirits and excitement to start the year at BLS. I am looking forward to getting to know them. 

A bit about my background:

In class, I presented information in Google Slides about myself to help the students get to know me. Let me share a few things with you to help you get to know me better too. I have been teaching seventh grade English at Boston Latin School for over fifteen years. In years past I have helped with Public Declamation and the BLS track and field programs. I live in Milton, MA with my husband, two daughters, a puppy, and hamster. 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 University. Later this term, students will have the opportunity to design and present a similar slidedeck where they will introduce themselves to the class in order to build community in the classroom. It will be fun learning about everyone.

How to prepare for the year:

Your child should always bring to my classroom an open, respectful mind ready for learning. I will be reading various texts with the students, helping them with writing and oral-speaking skills. You can learn more about the course by clicking here and reading the course overview. A print or electronic signature is required by Thursday, September 15th. Please click here to sign.

Here you can find the supply list to best support your child in my class:

• ½ or 1-inch binder

• BPS Chromebook

• marble composition notebook 

• Pack of white-lined filler paper 

• Two tab dividers

• pencils/blue and black ink pens/highlighters

• Hoopla account (See class site or BLS library page for video tutorial)

• Dictionary ( an app on a Smart device is acceptable)

• Summer reading requirement: Crossover by Kwame Alexander  (See BLS library page for details)

• optional: print copies of the texts.

Upcoming Dates: 

Mon. 9/11:        Sixies have grade-level welcome assembly with administration

Tues. 9/12: Study guide for summer reading should be completed and brought to class

Wed.. 9/13:       Supply check– bring an independent reading book and all must-have supplies to class

Thurs. 9/14 & Fri. 9/15: MAP District testing

Mon. 9/18:        Quiz on Crossover - the summer reading book

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. Please do not hesitate to to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

P.S. – Upcoming Event: In-person Back-to-School Night @BLS  on Thursday, September 21st. 

Sincerely,

~Mrs. Caroline Occean Callum 

coccean@bostonpublicschools.org

https://callumcorner.blogspot.com/