Welsh Valley Dragonbites

Dear Incoming 9th Grader,

First, congratulations on completing middle school, and welcome to 9th grade. Our goal is to promote independent thinking and critical reasoning skills this year. Therefore, you will have a summer reading assignment based on your current placement level to develop these areas.

You will be required to read:

College Prep: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie, one of the most celebrated authors of our time. During his period of exile, he wrote this fantastical, yet symbolically driven tale as a message to never allow your voice to be silenced.

Honors: Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai - a tale that explores heritage, family dynamic, religion, and the Indian Diaspora AND Haroun and the Sea of Stories - by Salman Rushdie, one of the most celebrated authors of our time. During his period of exile, he wrote this fantastical, yet symbolically driven tale as a message to never allow your voice to be silenced.

Even though summer reading is meant for you to develop independent thinking, we recognize that you may want additional guidance to successfully complete the assignment. Therefore, members of both the Harriton and Lower Merion High School staff will be available for directing reading and fleshing out key concepts.

Six sessions will be provided throughout the summer, broken into three different categories:

The first two meetings will focus primarily on helping you if you need context and reading strategies.

1st date: Tuesday, July 20, 5:30 to 6:30, Bryn Mawr Community Center (room 1)
2nd date: Thursday, July 8, 4:00 to 5:30, Bethel Academy

The second two meetings will focus on concrete understanding the novel. Please come with the study guide from the e-Board completed as far as you have read.

1st date: July 22, 4:00 to 5:30, Bethel Academy
2nd date: Monday, August 16, 5:30 to 6:30, Bryn Mawr Community Center (room 1)

The last two dates will address the whole novel. Please come in with thoughtful discussion questions regarding theme, characterization, and writing style.

1st Date: Tuesday, August 17, 4:00 to 5:30, Bethel Academy
2nd date: Tuesday, August 24, 5:30 to 6:30, Bryn Mawr Community Center (room 1)

In addition, please take advantage of the resources on the 9th Grade Summer Reading e-Board. It is listed under the District e-Boards on the Lower Merion School District web site and has information on the text. We have established a blog site, as well, that is located on the e-Board. Students are encouraged to ask and answer questions, post thoughts, and respond to their peers throughout the summer. The blog is an excellent opportunity for students to talk about what they are reading with each other and their 9th grade teachers.

We hope that you take advantage of the wealth of resources at your disposal, and we are confident that these resources will aid in your transition to high school.

Sincerely,

The 9th Grade English Team

Summer Reading Eboard Information- Harriton

Summer Reading Eboard Information - Lower Merion