We just started our new class novel, Esperanza Rising! We will be dedicating our class time this week to reading and discussing the first few chapters. For this book, the students will have to take on more responsibility for reading and responding to the novel both in class AND out of class. We discussed, at length, the importance of them taking care of the book and any other materials pertaining to the book that they may  have to bring home for homework (for example, over this upcoming break). Thank you for your support in this as the sixth grade teaching team continues to encourage responsibility and accountability! If you get a chance, check this book out of your local library and read it for yourself — it could result in some great dinner-table conversations with your student!