Summer Letter and Resources

Ferrell Middle Magnet School
Girls Preparatory Academy
Summer Reading 2015-16
Dear Parents:
Girls Prep Academy (GPA) believes in encouraging literacy over the summer as research reveals that children
who do not read during the summer may lose a month or more of reading progress. In an effort to improve
student reading achievement, Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy offers a Summer Reading Project for all its
students.
GPA’s Summer Reading Project promotes critical and active reading skills designed to improve reading
comprehension. We expect students to read two novels this summer. We have selected a novel so that we
can incorporate school-wide incentives designed to promote literacy. Students can choose a second novel
from approved book lists such as the Sunshine State Young Reader’s Master List of Titles, Just Read Family
Reading List 2015 or the Library Services list.
6th grade: Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper and a novel of your choice from the approved lists.
7th & 8th grades: The Raft, by S.A Boden and a novel of your choice from the approved lists.
You can get a copy of these novels for free through http://lms.mysdhc.org under Axis 360 or your local public
library. You can also purchase your own copy at your local book store or online book service.
The first assignment highlights the values in GPA’s School Creed and Scholar Prep Profile as students search for
those traits in the main character. The second assignment reinforces basic reading comprehension skills to
complete a book summary form. We have attached the detailed instructions for each of the GPA Summer
Reading Projects.
As parents and educators, we have the power to inspire and ignite a love of reading in our children. Join us to
broaden students’ knowledge, sharpen their skills, and spark a joy for reading through our Summer Reading
Project. Hillsborough County is also offering a variety of reading activities and incentives which can be found
on our website. We are excited about our Summer Reading Project and thank you in advance for your
support. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mrs. Reed-Oliver or Ms. Truskowski at (813)
276-5608.
Sincerely,
Ferrell Girls Preparatory Literacy Team
Every Girl, Every Day, College Bound!
Girls Preparatory Academy
Ferrell Middle Magnet School
Summer Reading 2015-16
All assignments should be neatly written or typed 12 font, Times New Roman.
Both Assignments are Due: Friday, August 21, 2015
Summer Reading Assignment # 1
6th grade: Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper
7th & 8th grade: The Raft, by by S. A. Boden
Directions: Complete the attached GPA Book #1 Assignment Worksheet by:
1.
Read your assigned novel according to your grade level.
2. Choose a Scholar Profile trait and a Creed attribute that the main character of your
novel exhibits.
3. Determine how the main character demonstrates this Scholar Profile and Creed attribute
using examples from the text.
Summer Reading Assignment # 2
Directions: Choose a novel from one of the following approved reading lists: Grade 6-8 Sunshine State
Young Author’s titles, the Battle of the Books list, or Library Media Services Suggested Summer Reading List.
Once you have chosen and read your book:
1. Complete the attached Summer Reading Assignment #2 Book Summary form.
This summer packet and the reading assignments can also be found on our school webpage
at www.ferrell.mysdhc.org
*We want to encourage our students to read beyond the two required novels. Students who participate in the
district reading program have a chance to win cool prizes. Go to our school webpage for the district reading
lists and for more information.
Student Name: ______________________
Book #1: GPA Novel Assignment
Determine which Scholar Profile trait and GPA Creed
attribute, the main character exhibits most and
explain your choice with support from the novel.
Main Character_______________________
Scholar Profiler Trait _________________
Use support from the novel to explain why you feel the main character
exhibits this Scholar learner trait.
Creed Trait ____________________
Use support from the novel to explain why you feel the main character
exhibits this Creed trait.
FERRELL GIRLS PREPARARTORY CREED
We are strong, confident young women.
We believe that we can achieve anything because we are dedicated,
committed, and focused.
We are exceptional-not because we say it, but because we live it.
We each have a voice that empowers. We will use it to uplift ourselves and
others.
We believe in nurturing our minds, bodies, and school spirits.
We will not fail in the face of adversity.
We are resilient.
We are one.
We are the Girls Preparatory Academy.
Novel #2: Book Summary Student Choice from Sunshine State Novels or Library Media Services Suggested List
Directions: Complete the book summary below and turn in to your language arts teacher
by Friday, August 21, 2015.
Language Arts teachers may have each student give an oral presentation in which
she shares information about the book's plot and characters and offer an opinion or
recommendation about the book.
Your Name:
Title:
Use 5 adjectives to describe the main
character’s appearance, personality
and physical attributes
Author:
Main Character:
Write a brief (4-6 sentences) plot summary. In
chronological order of events explain what
happened (PLOT) in the story. Your plot summary
should include the main actions of the story and
information about the setting, theme and
characters.
Fill out the form below comparing
yourself to this character.
Alike
Not Alike
DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK? IN THIS BOX,
EXPLAIN WHY OR WHY NOT?