My name is Melanie Chester and I teach 8th grade language arts. I love teaching for the Kutztown Area School District and have been doing so for the past 26 years.  I enjoy dancing, reading, and lounging in my pool during the summer.  I enjoy watching my students and former students play sports, especially football, track and field, basketball, volleyball, and cheer.   I have a loving and supportive family, two cats, one dog, many fish, and about 30 chickens.

This year in language arts, we will be exploring various forms of literature, both fiction and non-fiction, such as drama, poetry, short stories, news articles, and more. Students will be doing some form of reading, analyzing, writing, and communicating every day.

Process writing will be taught in the writing working setting; an emphasis will be placed on vocabulary acquisition, writing for an intended audience, using revision strategies, and correcting common errors in English language usage.

Meeting deadlines, actively participating in class, having a strong work ethic, and a willingness to try is expected and appreciated.

Additional tip for success: Reading at least 15-30 minutes a night is recommended to help your child become a stronger reader, writer, and critical thinker.