Summer Assignments

The summer reading assignment is designed to promote continuous engagement with literature and support the development of critical thinking skills. By exploring selected texts, students can deepen their understanding of diverse themes and perspectives, laying a strong foundation for the upcoming academic year. This initiative encourages independent reading and thoughtful reflection, fostering a lifelong appreciation for learning.

6th Grade

We are excited to welcome you to middle school and look forward to an exciting year ahead. Transitioning to sixth grade is an important step, and we’re here to help you start strong.

As part of your preparation, we ask that all incoming sixth graders read one book of your choice over the summer. The only requirement is that the book has not been adapted into a movie. You’re welcome to read more than one!

In September, you’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts about the book with your classmates.

Take some time this summer to relax with a great book—we can’t wait to hear what you chose.

See you in September!

—Mrs. Decker, Ms. Fridholm, and Mrs. Wlazlo

Book Choices

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7th Grade

This summer, all incoming 7th grade students are expected to read the graphic novel version of The Lightning Thief.

Please be prepared to discuss the book when you return in the fall. It’s important to understand the story, as we will begin the school year with the second book in the series, The Sea of Monsters.

If you prefer to read the original novel, you’re welcome to do so. A limited number of original and graphic novel paperback copies are available to borrow over the summer. If you would like to check one out, please ask your teacher to contact me.

Enjoy your summer, and happy reading!
—Mrs. Mamone

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8th Grade

Welcome to eighth grade! In order to get an understanding of your reading comprehension and writing skills, I am asking you to pick a book to read over the summer. You will have an in-class writing assignment based on your book our first full week of class.

For this assignment, you can choose anything that you find engaging. You can select any genre of book for this assignment. Your book can be a novel, graphic novel, manga, memoir, fiction, non-fiction, history, sci-fi, etc. Your book should be something that is interesting for you but is at your reading level. If you are unsure what you would like to read, I have attached a list of books that would work for this assignment and are great reads.

While you are reading, you should take at least 10 active reading notes. These active reading notes can be written on a separate sheet of paper or on sticky notes. You should bring these active reading notes as well as your book to class that week. Your active reading notes can be direct quotes or just events that happen in the story. Each of your active reading notes should include a page number in order to help you with your written response. These notes will help you to remember events from your book. When taking notes, focus on:

• What are the most important plot events
• Who are the main characters and how do they develop throughout the story (protagonist and antagonist)
• What theme or themes are developed over the course of the story

You must have at least 15 active reading notes and your book the first full week of school.

Have a great summer,
Mr. Bushnell

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9th Grade

More information coming soon.

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9th Grade Advanced

Please choose one fiction or nonfiction book to read over the summer and complete the Dialectical Journal Assignment. The book must be at least 200 pages, and it cannot be a graphic novel, poetry anthology or short story collection. You may choose any genre, so please take this opportunity to find something of interest. Also, make sure that the level is appropriate for you (YA or Adult). This assignment will be due on Monday, September 16th.

*In addition to the book you choose for your summer reading assignment, we strongly encourage you to read at least one other full-length text this summer. This will help to build the stamina that you will need for the advanced English courses.

We look forward to meeting you and working with all of you in September.
Have a wonderful summer!
~Mrs. Luskin & Mr. Reid

Dialectical Journal Assignment

dialectical (die-uh-LEKT-i-cuhl), n.: relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.

What is a dialectical journal?

A dialectical journal is another name for a double-entry journal or a reader-response journal. It’s a journal that records a dialogue, or conversation, between the ideas in the text (the words being read) and the ideas of the reader (the person who is doing the reading). This journal will help you think critically about the text you are reading and offer your own interpretations.

How do I keep a dialectical journal?

Please complete this assignment in a marble notebook. You may use the same notebook for your in-class journal in 9th grade. As you read through your book, you will copy down quotes or passages (at least 10) that you find significant and respond to them in your journal. Make sure that you choose quotes from different sections of the text. You may want to divide the number of pages by 10 and then complete a journal for each section. For example, if your book is 250 pages, you can complete a journal every 25 pages.

Look for content/quotes that seem significant, powerful, thought-provoking or puzzling. For example:

• Effective and/or creative use of figurative language or literary devices (tone, similes, metaphors, etc.)
• Passages that remind you of something you’ve read or learned before
• Shifts or turns in the plot
• A passage that makes you realize something you hadn’t seen before
• Examples of patterns: recurring images, ideas, colors, symbols
• Passages with confusing language or unfamiliar vocabulary
• Events you find surprising or confusing
• Passages that illustrate a particular character or setting

How do I respond to each text entry? Please respond to the text in a variety of ways. The most important thing to remember is that your observations should be specific and detailed. There is no limit to how much you can write, but each response should be at least 1 paragraph (5 sentence minimum).

RESPONSE TYPES

(Q) Question – Ask about something in the passage that is not clear to you (something that you are confused about) or something that you are wondering. You may even question some rhetorical choices. For example, why does the author use particular words, phrases or structures?
(C) Connect – Make a connection to the world or to another text. You may connect some aspect of the book to music, films, a specific person, setting, or situation in our society. There are many ways to make connections.
(P) Predict – Make a prediction about what you think will occur based on your own inferences. Explain in detail why you made this prediction.
(CL) Clarify – Answer earlier questions or confirm/disaffirm a prediction.
(A) Analyze – Deeply examine a specific element of the text: the role of a character, the meaning of a symbol, the influence of the setting, the importance of a theme, etc.
(R) Reflect – Think deeply about what the passage is trying to convey about the world, about human nature, or about the way things work around us.
(E) Evaluate – Make a judgment about what the author is trying to say; then agree or disagree with their message and explain WHY.

How will my dialectical journal be graded?

The minimum for full credit is to write 10 journal entries. Each journal response must be at least five sentences long, not including the quoted text on the left side of the page. All of the following will be taken into consideration:

• Number of entries- meets or exceeds requirement
• Chosen text- appropriately challenging level for his/her demonstrated abilities
• Passage selection- meaningful quotes/passages
• Format- title, author, page numbers are included/ presented neatly in a notebook
• Length of responses- at least five sentences long
• Quality of responses- thoughtful, insightful interpretation of, and/or commentary on, the text.
• Response variety- includes a variety of response types

EXPECTATIONS AND TEMPLATE FOR DIALECTICAL JOURNAL ENTRIES

Save this handout for reference and create your own table in your notebook.

Summer Reading Assignment 2

Assignment

In addition to your choice reading assignment, you are required to read Richard Connell’s short story, “The Most Dangerous Game.” We will provide you with a copy of the text. After finishing the short story, you will complete three of the following short answer questions pertaining to the text. Your responses should be written in complete sentences, display proper writing conventions, and demonstrate a complex understanding of the text. Each response should also be at least 200 words and should be handwritten. These questions will be due on Thursday, September 12th. They can be completed in the marble notebook along with your dialectical journal.

Questions

1. Consider Rainsford’s original thoughts on hunting. How does his perspective change throughout the story?
2. Reflect on the setting of the story. How does Connell’s choice of setting impact the story? What elements of the setting help to add suspense to the story?
3. In literature, a tragic flaw is a specific trait in a character that contributes to his or her downfall. Consider the character of General Zaroff. Does he display any examples of a tragic flaw throughout the story? How does this contribute to his fate at the end of the story?
4. Do you think that the story is a statement on the ethics of hunting? Why or why not? What do you believe to be the overall theme of the text?
5. Do you agree with Zaroff’s belief that “instinct is no match for reason”? Why or why not? How does Rainsford demonstrate both instinct and reason during the hunt?
6. Charles Darwin is credited with coining the term “Survival of the fittest.” How does this term apply to the events of the story? Do you believe that this mindset is appropriately reflected in the story?

Link to the full text of “The Most Dangerous Game”.

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10th Grade

More information coming soon.

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11th Grade

Your junior year is an important time. Your effort will matter more than ever—in school, friendships, activities, and personal growth.

To prepare for 11th Grade English, you will read one book of your choice this summer that connects to the following essential question:

To what extent, if any, can humanity surface in the face of darkness?

In late September, you will take part in a Socratic Seminar. You’ll share your ideas based on the book you chose, and complete a written reflection in class. This will count toward your first quarter grade.

What to Do

• Read one book that aligns with the essential question
• Use a notebook, sticky notes, or a Google Doc to track your thoughts and reactions
• Keep your notes to turn in on September 12

What Happens

In class, you will prepare for the Socratic Seminar by:

• Choosing 3 to 4 quotes from the book that support your response to the essential question
• Selecting 1 to 2 meaningful passages from the beginning, middle, and end of the book (3 to 6 total)
• Writing thoughtful responses to each passage in complete sentences

As you read, ask yourself: How do these passages speak to me? Use your reflections to help you respond to the essential question.

Questions?

Contact Mrs. Brown.

We look forward to hearing your insights in September.

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11th Grade AP Literature and Composition

Welcome to AP Literature and Composition. This summer, you will begin the kind of thoughtful reading and writing that we will focus on throughout the school year.

Your assignment is to start a Dialectical Journal for two books:

• Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

What You Need to Do

For each book, complete the following:

1. Select at least 10 quotes (20+ total between both books)
   These should come from different parts of the text and may include:
   • Important, meaningful, or striking passages
   • Confusing or difficult excerpts
   • Examples of theme, tone, mood, character development, or setting
   • Evidence of literary techniques such as figurative language or structure
   • Passages that connect to your own life or broader social issues
   • Patterns, motifs, or recurring ideas
   • Moments of plot complication or structural shifts
   • Connections to other literature
2. Type your journal in a Google Doc so it can be updated in class.

You will begin the analysis portion of the assignment in class on Friday, September 6, 2024. Please bring your completed quotes to school that day.

Academic Integrity

All work must be your own. Do not copy from online sources, AI tools, or other people. Plagiarism will result in a zero and may lead to academic consequences, including removal from honor societies.

A Final Suggestion

Read as much as you can this summer—beyond these two books if possible. The more you read, the better prepared you’ll be.

Questions?

Contact Mrs. Brown.
(Use the subject line: AP Student)

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12th Grade

This summer, you are required to read one book of your choice. The book may be fiction or nonfiction and must be at least 150 pages long.

Assignment

You will complete four reader response journal entries based on your book. These should be typed in a Google Doc and will be submitted through Turnitin in September.
Each response must be at least 200 words.

Instructions

1. Choose four prompts from the list below.
2. Respond to each one in your own words.
3. You may complete the prompts in any order.

Writing Prompts (Choose 4)

1. Language Recognition
   Analyze a writing technique the author uses and explain how it enhances the text. You might focus on sensory detail, figurative language, tone, persuasive elements, or any other literary technique.
2. Favorite Quote or Passage
   Select a quote that stood out to you. Explain why it’s your favorite or why it feels significant.
3. Favorite Scene
   Describe your favorite scene and explain what made it memorable for you.
4. Make a Connection
   Relate a part of the book (character, conflict, setting, etc.) to your own life or connect it to something else—like a song, movie, historical event, or person.
5. Character Analysis
   Choose your favorite or least favorite character and explain your reasoning.
6. Analyze a Relationship
   Examine a key relationship in the book—whether it’s healthy, important, or toxic—and explain its role.
7. Evaluate the Ending
   Did the book end as you expected? Why or why not? Would you change the ending?
8. Theme Song
   Choose a song that fits the book as a whole. Explain why you chose it.
9. Author’s Purpose
   What do you think the author’s goal was in writing this book? Support your answer.
10. Overall Evaluation
    Did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

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12th Grade AP Language

More information coming soon.

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