English Language Arts (ELA)

Mrs. Maglaris and Mr. Vells

Reading is one of the most important skills your child will develop during their school years. It is also the cornerstone of our classroom. Throughout this year, your child will read, and read, and read some more, as practice is the only way to ensure our kids will grow as readers. Some reading will be required, but your child will also have opportunities to choose their own book for independent reading. I work to help all students find a book that they will enjoy and will help them continue to grow as a reader.

In order to better match students and books, I maintain a large classroom library. I work hard to keep my library updated and full of books that are interesting, challenging, inclusive of religion, culture, and lifestyle, and accommodating for all the learners in my classroom. Because of this, I ask you to be aware of what your child is reading, so you may approve of the content. The books range from elementary to middle level, so your participation is essential in guiding your child to appropriate and challenging material for them. I am sensitive to ensuring that I have appropriate material in my library, but you and I may define the word “appropriate” in different ways.

Learning is an active endeavor involving persistent, intentional work.