Ms. McCusker
STEM SEM | SHSAT Prep | Junior Ambassadors
BELL Academy MS294Q | 18-25 212th Street, Bayside, NY 11360 | Main Office Phone: (718) 428-0587
Welcome to the
2023-2024 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 seeing you all soon. In the meantime I hope you have a happy and safe end to your summer break!
Ms. McCusker
Summer Resources
QPL | Queens Public Library (queenslibrary.org)
The Queens Public Library offers students millions of books and ebooks. They also have engaging Summer Reading programs for you and your family.
Want to grow your ELA skills over the Summer? iReady's customized lesson pathway offers you ways to grow your reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Complete as many lessons as you want!
Discover NYC with the Queens Public Library's Culture Pass program which offers free entry to local museums and attractions all over the Five Boros!
Summer Reading 2023 - Queens Public Library (queenslibrary.org)
Reading during the summer months is fun and crucial to growing your ELA skills. The Queens Public Library offers Summer Reading Lists for all students.
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
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.
Click here for more information.
BELL Track Team Website
BELL's track team is open to all students regardless of ability, age, or gender. The Track Team meets weekly to practice distance, sprinting, and the mechanics of running. Throughout the year, runners have the opportunity to race in Rising New York Road Runner road and track races across the City. These races take place on the weekends at sights all across New York City (including one race in which runners race through Times Square!)
Click here for more information.
iCivics SEM Website
Students enrolled in the iCIvics SEM explore the many ways in which residents of New York City influence policies, laws, and budgeting. This SEM helps empower students to be knowledgeable, curious, and engaged in civic life. We also engage in the Participatory Budget planning and voting process-- which aims to make BELL and the community a better place.
Click here for more information.
SHSAT Prep Course Website
This course prepares 7th and 8th Grade students for the Specialized High School Admissions Test, which is required to apply to one of the eight Specialized High Schools around New York City. This after-school class meets weekly on Thursdays in May & June for 7th Graders and September & October for 8th Grade students.
Click here for more information.
Communication Corner
Communication between students, parents/ guardians, and teachers is integral in each student's success. BELL Academy has a strong culture of parent involvement and student-driven curriculum. Please click here for more information on the many ways in which you can stay in touch with your student's teachers and monitor progress.
Click here for more information.
Extension Activities
The purpose of extension activities is to give students opportunities to utilize their skills across multiple content areas. Students can access these extension activities inside and outside the classroom.
Click here for more information.
Ms. McCusker
I am pleased to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and welcome you to Seventh Grade. This will be my 10th year teaching ELA at BELL Academy Middle School and I am very excited to meet all of you! A little about myself-- I attended High School at St. Francis Prep, earned a Bachelors of Arts in Comparative Literature at Binghamton University, and my Masters in Education from Brooklyn College. Along with teaching ELA, I am also BELL Academy's Track Coach, the Civics for All SEM Cluster advisor, and the ELA teacher for our SHSAT Prep program. My hobbies include running, reading, genealogical research, sewing, and watching the New York Mets. I am always looking to expand my horizons and can't wait to hear what hobbies and interests you have to share.
Sign-in Links
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NYC Schools Account
Google Classroom
CommonLit
ClassDojo
Quill
TeachHub
