Summer Reading and Work
Assumption Regional Catholic School has compiled Summer Reading Lists that includes grade/age appropriate, well written, interesting books selected to engage and entertain our young readers.
Research tells us that children who read often are more likely to become good readers. Good readers are often more successful in school and beyond. It is our hope that the books on our recommended list encourage the life-long love of reading. Your child will read at least two books from the summer reading list.
A summer assignment is included at each grade level. The lists are for the grade your child completed during the 2017-2018 school year. The assignment will be discussed on the first day of school, graded at the teachers’ discretion, and will count as one homework grade.
Tips for Families
Combine Activities with Books
Summer leaves lots of time for kids to enjoy fun activities such as going to the park, seeing a movie, or going to the beach. Why not also encourage them to read a book about the activity? If you’re going to a baseball game, suggest your child read a book about his or her favorite player beforehand. In the car or over a hot dog, you’ll have lots of time to talk about the book and the game.
Visit the Library
If your child doesn’t have a library card, summer is a great time to sign up. In addition to a wide selection of books to borrow, many libraries have fun, child-friendly summer reading programs.
Lead by Example
Read the newspaper at breakfast, pick up a magazine at the doctor’s office, and stuff a paperback in your beach bag. If kids see the adults around them reading often, they will understand that literature can be a fun and important part of their summer days.
Have Plenty of Material
Storybooks aren’t the only thing that kids can read for fun. Be sure to have newspapers, magazines, and informational material on hand that might spark the interest of a young reader.
Take your children to see a local storyteller or be one yourself. The summer months leave extra time for enthusiastic read-alouds with children no matter what their age.
It is hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close. Your child will be entering First Grade in September and I am looking forward to an exciting school year.
I hope your child enjoys writing and drawing in the Summer Journal that I have provided and I look forward to hearing all about your summer. Please return the journal on the first day of school in September.
Below is a list of the supplies that I would like you to purchase over the summer. Please send them in on the first day of school. As you shop for a book bag this summer, please understand that no children are permitted to have a rolling book bag for safety reasons. Thank you for your cooperation.
1 – box of crayons (24 count)
1 – box of colored pencils (12 count)
24 – #2 Ticonderoga brand pencils
1 – 1.25 oz. liquid glue
2 – rolls of paper towels
2 – boxes of tissues
2 – containers of hand wipes
1 – container of Clorox disinfecting wipes
1 – JUMBO size Book Sox
Have a wonderful, relaxing summer. See you in September!
Your First Grade Teacher
THIRD GRADE / SUMMER WORK & SUPPLIES
Attached is the summer reading book report form. The children are required to read Freckle Juice by Judy Blume. This book can be found at Books a Million or your local library. It can also be purchased online from Scholastic or Amazon (with a Kindle version available). To ensure item availability, we recommend that the books be purchased at the beginning of vacation. Please follow the guidelines listed below to complete the book report.
- Please use pencil only. Please color in illustration of favorite part of book.
- The book report must be completed in sentences, with correct spelling and punctuation. Typed reports will not be accepted.
- If more space is needed, please use theme tablet paper and staple it to the form.
- The reports are due on the first day of school.
Please find listed below the school supplies that you may purchase for your child as an incoming third grader. There are also items that are not listed that must be purchased through the school. Those items will be given to your child and are paid for by the supply fee collected in September.
NO ROLLING BACKPACKS PERMITTED. NO KEYCHAINS OR HAND SANITIZER ON BACKPACKS.
*1 box of Crayola crayons (no larger than 24 count)
*1 box of colored pencils (no larger than 12 count)
*1 box of thin Crayola markers (no larger than 12 count)
*24 Ticonderoga pencils
*3 large Papermate Pink Pearl or Prismacolor Magic Rub erasers
*1 pack of YELLOW highlighters
*1 2-pocket folder
*4 glue sticks
*3 JUMBO book socks (brought the first day of school)
*5 packs of 3×3 square Post-It brand sticky notes
*2 packs of 3×5 index cards
*1 expandable pocket portfolio
Additionally, each month during the school year, two families will be asked to send in 3 boxes of tissues, 2 rolls of paper towels, and 1 container of hand wipes for classroom use.
Please practice your cursive handwriting and math facts. Students will be taking timed math drills three days a week. We recommend multiplication and division flash cards which can be made at home or purchased at most dollar stores. A good website to practice math facts is www.multiplication.com, www.math-drills.com and www.funbrain.com. Have a wonderful and safe summer. We are looking forward to seeing you in third grade.
Mrs. Brunelli and Mrs. Podolski
4 TH GRADE / SUPPLY LIST
June 13, 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please find listed below the school supplies that need to be purchased at home for your fourth grade student. These items are not included in the supply fee that you will receive in September.
Please only send the size/number listed below. These amounts will fit into the school pencil case.
- Expanding Portfolio from Staples (with at least 5 sections) Please NO zipper binders.
- 2 red pencils and 5- #2 pencils
- 2 large glue sticks ( Must be labeled with name. They will be going in a bin for storage and used as needed.)
- 1- 24 box of crayons (no larger)
- 1 pkg of 12 colored pencils
- 1- 12 inch ruler (labeled with name)
- 1 pkg of 8 thin markers
- 1 yellow highlighter
- 2 JUMBO book socks
- 1 pkg Avery: Reinforcement for Hole Punched pages (200 pack) can be found at Staples for approximately $3.00
- 1 recipe card index box (approx 3×5)
- 2 pkgs of 100 WHITE LINED index cards (3×5 size)
- 2 thick black Expo markers (Must be labeled with name. They will be going in a bin for storage and used as needed.)
Please send in all supplies on the first day of school. As a reminder, all soft back books will be sent home the first week of school to be covered in clear contact paper. Also, no pencil sharpeners, scissors, or calculators should be sent to school. The only supplies needed are listed above. Therefore, any items that are brought in that are not on the list will be returned home.
Please do not send in tissues, paper towels, or wipes. Your child will be assigned a month to bring in those supplies. There is not enough storage in the classroom to receive them all at once.
NO ROLLING BACKPACKS WILL BE PERMITTED! Please no hand sanitizer or key chains on backpacks.
Have a safe and relaxing summer. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting year with your child in fourth grade.
God bless you.
Mrs. Kathy Blee and Mrs. Maria Beck
5TH GRADE SUMMER READING 2017-2018
In an effort to promote summer reading students are encouraged to read as many books as they would like, but they are required to read ONE book from the list included in this letter. They will also be required to complete the attached assignment and have it ready for the first day of school. This assignment will be graded.
We thank you for supporting our summer reading program. We anticipate that reading throughout the summer will broaden students’ knowledge, sharpen their skills and allow them the pleasure of getting lost in a good book!
Summer Reading List
Some Kind of Pride, Maria Testa
Catch That Pass, Matt Christopher
A Handful of Stars, Cynthia Lord
Phantom Tollbooth, Norton Juster
Summer Book Report 5th Grade
Directions– Please answer in complete sentences. You may use theme paper or your responses can be typed.
Characters: In three to four sentences describe the main characters. (Think about how the character looks, what the character says or thinks, and what the character does or how the character feels.)
Setting: In three to four sentences describe where and when the story mostly takes place.
Plot summary: In four to five sentences summarize what happens in the story.
Opinion: In a few sentences tell about your favorite or least favorite part of the story. Explain why.
5TH GRADE SUPPLY LIST 2017 – 2018
- 1 – 1 in. binder
- 1 – 1 ½ in. binder
- PLASTIC, 2 pocket folders
- 1 packet of binder dividers
- 3 packs of 100 pieces of loose leaf paper
- 48 #2 pencils, sharpened (Ticonderoga)
- blue or black pens- at least 6 (no colored pens!)
- 2 red pens
- Cap erasers
- 4 glue sticks
- 6 marble copy books
- 3 boxes of tissues
- 1 roll of paper towels
- 4 dry erase markers (Expo only) with eraser
- 4 book socks
- 12 Colored pencils
- Dress Code Change– 5th -8th grade girls will now be required to wear navy tights the entire school year.
- Please do not send in locker decorations; shelf only, if desired.
Thank you for your cooperation and have an enjoyable summer!
6TH GRADE SUMMER WORK
ASSUMPTION REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Grade 6 Summer Project
Mrs. Pritchett and Ms. Janansky
An angry dragon is on the loose and is frightening everyone in the Kingdom of Galloway, including all of the sixth grade Knights of Assumption. The king has offered a large sum of money and one other wish to whomever can slay the dragon.
What happens next?
Write a story where you tell the end of the situation above. You can write as though you are a knight going after the dragon. You can write as though you are the dragon. You can, in fact, be anyone in the story that you want to be.
7TH GRADE SUMMER WORK
Assumption Regional Catholic School
7th grade Summer Work
Mrs. Pritchett and Mrs. Janansky
There are three ways for you to find the book:
- Library or Purchase
- Or pdf download – http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/OMFIRST/JurassicPark-MichaelCrichton.pdf
BE WARNED: Although they may seem very similar on the surface, the film and novel version are significantly different in plot, characters, and themes.
- Carter helps an injured man. What did Ed Regis first tell him caused the injury? What really caused the injury?
- What are your first thoughts on reading this novel? What expectations do you have? What (if anything) scares you about this assignment?
- Although many different experts investigate the “animal,” none can be quite certain about its origin. What do you think attacked the little girl?
- Why would the author begin the story this way?
Second Iteration (Character List*)
- What was the first animal John Hammond ever successfully “bioengineered”?
- You meet many important characters in this Iteration. Which one do you relate to the most thus far?
- Why is the eggshell that Dr. Grant found so important?
- In this iteration, you discover many characters’ opinions about the park. Which one do you agree with? Why? Be specific.
- What effects did Nery’s computer tampering have on other characters in the park?
- Pick a character from Jurassic Park and write a paragraph about an event in this iteration from his or her perspective.
- Why isn’t the aviary on the tour?
- Which character do you sympathize with the most thus far?
- Why should readers care about the death of the infant raptor? Does this change your mind about the park? Explain why or why not.
- How has your opinion of a character changed throughout the novel?
- What reason does Hammond give for why the park failed?
- Which character made the biggest mistake in the course of the novel? Explain.
On the first day of school you need:
- All 16 questions answered in complete sentences and paragraph form.
- A complete character list with character details.
8TH GRADE SUMMER WORK
Assumption Regional Catholic School
8th grade Summer Work
Mrs. Pritchett and Ms. Janansky
The Challenge Awaits
Journaling is an important piece of student’s growth in writing. It is proven to cultivate stronger, more confident writing, to improve memory and problem solving skills, provide self-awareness, increase motivation, and even decrease stress and improve health.
If you haven’t guessed yet, we will be journaling/blogging together this summer.
Each week (Ms. Janansky and Mrs. Pritchett) will post a summer adventure reading/writing CHALLENGE. This challenge will encourage you to expand your thoughts and explore your ideas.
- Read each challenge post and respond on your own blog with your reactions, experiences, and reflections.
- Keep checking this blog and your own for comments, questions, and updates. Expect new prompts weekly.
- By September 1st, 2017 you will have completed 10 journal entries.
- We advise you to ‘keep up with the journals’, preferably weekly or bi-weekly. Everything will be time stamped.
JUNIOR HIGH SUPPLY LIST
Assumption Regional Catholic School
These supplies may be purchased outside and brought to school the first day
9 composition marble 100 + page copybooks (no spiral)
3 packets of loose leaf –2 to be kept in portfolio and 1 kept by homeroom teacher
1 portfolio to hold papers (similar to last year)
1 pencil case
black/blue & red pens only
scientific calculator with fraction key
2 boxes of tissues
1 roll of paper towels
1 container of anti-bacterial hand wipes
Girls are required to wear navy tights year round
No liquid white out
No colored pens
A small supply fee will be due the first week of school.
All items must be labeled, especially sweaters and sweat shirts.
Book bags are required every day. No book bags with wheels
Supplies may be purchased as needed throughout the year.
Mrs. Cordivari’s Summer Assignment
To: All Assumption Regional Catholic School Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Students for the year 2017-2018
From: Mrs. Cordivari
Re: Science Fair Topics 2017-2018
In preparation for next year’s Science Fair I would like all students to figure out what topic you will be investigating. I would like it presented in the form of a question, a catchy title and a print out of your project’s information from the site where you found it (ex. Science Buddies). This print out must include the materials and procedure and the web address. You must choose a project from one of the following disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science, Medicine, Microbiology, Engineering, Computers, Behavioral and Social Science, Math, Earth and Space Science, Consumer Science. Team projects (up to three students) will be allowed. You do not have to be in the same class for Science. This assignment will be due on the first day of school and will count as your first grade in Science.
Example of a Question and Title:
Question: How Does Salt Concentration Affect the Absorbency of Sodium Acrylate in Diapers?
Catchy Title: Polymer Absorbance: A Swell Project
The question that you select for your science fair project is the cornerstone of your work. In this year’s Science Fair I want to emphasize the relevance of the project. How will your research help in society? Consider these points in deciding on a project:
- The question should be interesting enough to read about, and then work on for the next couple months.
- There should be at least three sources of written information on the subject. You want to be able to build on the experience of others.
- The experiment should be measurable. If you can’t measure the results of your experiment, you’re not doing science!
- You must be able to control other factors that might influence your experiment, so that you can do a fair test. A “fair test” occurs when you change only one factor (variable) and keep all other conditions the same.
- Is your experiment safe to perform?
- Do you have all the materials and equipment you need for your science fair project, or will you be able to obtain them quickly and at a very low cost?
- If you want to get a head start over the summer- All students will need a 36 x 48 inch display board, one jar of rubber cement and construction paper (Optional: Border for around the board).
- Do you have enough time to do your experiment before the science fair? The Science Fair takes place in January and the experiment should be complete upon return from Thanksgiving Break.
- If you don’t have good answers for the above points, then you probably should look for a better science fair project. A great resource is Science Buddies. Once on the site go to the tab that says project guide and use the topic selection wizard or look for science fair project ideas.
Have a Fun and Safe Summer!!! Please email me with any questions at
Intended Partner(s) [up to three in a group]
Project Discipline (Chosen from one listed on the handout) _____________________________________________________________________
Web Address of site where your project idea is from ________________________________
Make sure to attach the print out of the experiment!!!