BELL Academy MS294Q | 212-03 23rd Avenue Bayside, NY 11360 | Main Office Phone: (718) 428-0587

Welcome to the

2024-2025 School Year!

Hello, everyone! I'm so excited to welcome you to Seventh Grade English Language Arts. I'm your teacher, Ms. McCusker, and I can't wait to get to know you and help you grow as readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.

In this class, we will explore a variety of texts, genres, and themes, from classic novels to contemporary poetry, from personal narratives to persuasive essays, from speeches to podcasts. We will also practice different skills and strategies to improve your overall comprehension, analysis, expression, and creativity. You will have a multitude of opportunities to share out opinions, perspectives, and stories with each other and with a wider audience. We will also learn from each other in an environment of respect for our diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests.

My goal is to make this class engaging, challenging, and fun for you. I want you to discover new things, express yourself, and enjoy learning. I also want you to feel comfortable, supported, and valued in this class. I will do my best to provide you with the resources, feedback, and encouragement you need to succeed. I will also expect you to do your best to participate, collaborate, and grow.

I hope you are as excited as I am for this new school year. I look forward to meeting you soon and starting our journey together. Please feel free to contact me via JupiterEd if you have any questions or concerns. I will be happy to hear from you and will get back to you as soon as i I can during school during school hours.

I look forward to spending an awesome school year with you!

Ms. McCusker

HMH Resources

Students have lessons, tutorial videos, practice worksheets, and online tutorials available to them at home. All of these can be accessed by logging into TeachHub, then clicking on HMHIntoLiterature. Students will then be able to click left and right through the virtual book.

Here are four of the built-in resources available to you 24/7.

HMH Lessons

Each text has two to three skills-based lessons associated with it. These are clearly and succinctly stated before the text is read.

These lesson are in both the HMH printed edition and the one online.

HMH Videos and Practice Worksheets

These supports provide students with additional help and practice to ensure they are mastering the skills being taught.

Peer Coach Videos are an extra way to learn the skill. Recorded by students, these videos teach students the lesson they also had in class.

Skills Coach Worksheets provide students with additional practice opportunities.

Tutorials

The Grammar Practice links offer tutorials and opportunities to receive immediate feedback on their answers.

Tutorials - Provides students with interactive ways to practice skills-- especially in vocabulary and grammar areas.

Guided Annotations

The annotations fall into two main categories-- the first being annotations that are based on the target skills (such as identifying theme) and Signposts which are common literature and informational text close reading questions (such as a Memory Moment).

A Message From Ms. McCusker

Dear Families of Incoming 7th Graders,

As the summer break approaches, I wanted to take a moment to encourage your child to dive into the exciting world of books and embark on a fun educational journey of reading. Reading during the summer not only provides countless hours of entertainment but also nurtures creativity, expands knowledge, and strengthens critical thinking skills.

Here are a few suggestions on how to make reading a delightful and enriching experience for your child this summer:

Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Designate a special corner or cozy space in your home where your child can escape into the captivating worlds of books. Fill it with comfortable pillows, a soft blanket, and shelves stocked with a variety of reading materials.
Explore Different Genres: Encourage your child to step outside their comfort zone and explore various genres. From thrilling adventures to mysteries, fantasy, historical fiction, and more, there's a vast array of options waiting to captivate their imagination.
Set Reading Goals: Help your child set realistic reading goals for the summer. Whether it's finishing a specific number of books or exploring a new series, goals provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Visit the Local Library: Take advantage of your local library's summer reading programs. They often offer exciting incentives, reading challenges, and events that can make reading a community-wide adventure.
Plan Family Reading Time: Set aside dedicated family reading time where everyone gathers to enjoy a book of their choice. This shared experience not only fosters a love for reading but also creates cherished memories.
Encourage Book Discussions: Engage your child in conversations about the books they're reading. Ask open-ended questions, discuss favorite characters, and encourage them to share their thoughts and interpretations.
Blend Reading with Outdoor Adventures: Combine reading with outdoor activities by visiting parks, gardens, or even planning a camping trip. Encourage your child to bring a book along, providing them with a chance to enjoy literature amidst the beauty of nature.

I hope these suggestions inspire your family to have an incredibly enjoyable and educational summer filled with the magic of reading. Encourage your child to explore new worlds, discover hidden treasures within the pages, and let their imagination soar.

Wishing you a summer filled with exciting adventures and captivating stories!

-Ms. McCusker

Announcements

The 2023 - 2024 School Year Calendar has been published and can be found here
Parents and Guardians can view their student's Report Card grades by accessing their NYC Student Account. Click here to sign in.

7th Grade ELA Website

Get ready to embark on a reading and writing journey that will prepare you for your college and career goals. 7th Grade ELA standards are broken down into four areas: Reading (informational and fiction), Writing (narrative, expository, argumentative), Speaking & Listening (Comprehension & Collaboration and Presentation of Knowledge & Ideas), and Language Knowledge of Language and Vocabulary Acquisition & Use.