Lower & Middle Schools
Lower & Middle School Director
Teaching at Thornton-Donovan since 2002
B.A. Education Concordia College, Bronxville, NY, 1993
M.S. Education Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, 2003
Mrs. Virginia Keating- Miller
Thornton Donovan's Lower School consists of grades K through 5. Classes are intentionally kept small so students' individual needs can be met, and instructional strategies are implemented so that all students can be successful at learning at their own pace.
The curriculum is vigorous and best described as a classical and Western approach. Students in lower school are taught Math, Language Arts (Reading, Writing, and Grammar), Social Studies, Science, and Vocabulary development throughout the week, and Music, Art, Physical Education, and two World Languages on a rotating schedule at least twice a week. In addition to our classical education curriculum, we also foster the importance of Social-Emotional learning to teach students crucial life skills, including the ability to understand themselves, develop a positive self-image, take responsibility for their actions, and understand those actions have consequences, and forge happy and healthy relationships with the people around them.
Lower School at T-D
Explore individual grade curriculum.
Middle School at T-D
Thornton Donovan's Middle School comprises grades 6, 7, and 8. Classes are intentionally kept small so students' individual needs can be met, and instructional strategies are implemented so that all students can be successful at learning at their own pace.
Thornton-Donovan is a college preparatory and offers academically challenging classes. We believe every child can learn and be successful and hold all students to high expectations. At Thornton-Donovan, students are provided with the knowledge and skills to address life's challenges and become successful leaders in tomorrow's world. Students receive instruction in Mathematics, Science, History, Writing, and Literature throughout the week, with classes in two World Languages, Art, Music, and Technology a couple of times a week. Students in grade 8 can also participate in special thematic courses. Successful academic students can take part in high school classes.
Thornton-Donovan Middle School
Summer Reading Assignments
At Thornton-Donovan, we consider reading the foundation for learning. Therefore, we prioritize making all our students good readers and instilling a lifelong love of reading. All students must read at least two books as their summer assignment. The first book is mandatory, and the second is chosen from the given list.
All assignments must be submitted by Monday, September 16, 2024
TIP: An outline will help you construct a well-developed essay.
Your essay must have a title, an introduction (a paragraph), at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion (a paragraph). It must also have two quotes from the novel to support your claims.
Happy
Reading!
Below are specific assignments for each grade:
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Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff
What have you learned about Ireland during the potato famine through the eyes of the main character, Nory Ryan?
How would you compare her life then to your own life now?
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A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
The story revolves around the main character, Addie’s campaign for a memorial for women who had been burned as witches in her small Scottish village simply because they were different.
Discuss the themes of bullying and rejections she endures as someone who is autistic, of the love and support she receives from her family, and of the courage and resilience she shows to win acceptance for herself and those like her.
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Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll
In Edinburgh, Scotland, a world of trolls, vampires, kelpies and other supernatural beings live in the shadows. These Hidden Folk need protection from the most dangerous elements – sirens, who thrive on wreaking chaos and havoc on them and ordinary humans.
Why is the main character Ramya the only one who can save them? How does she go about saving them?
What surprising secrets has she learned about her family as she dabbles in this world of magic and mystery?
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You may choose from the options below.
1. Create a poster detailing the plot of your novel. Include descriptions of the events in the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Write a statement of the main theme with quotes from the novel for support.
2. Create an illustrated book cover for your novel. Include a summary of the story that describes the main character and the central conflict.
3. Create a cartoon/storyboard (minimum of 8 panels) based on your novel. Focus on pivotal events and put them in chronological order
4. Write a poem or song lyrics that connect to your novel. Focus on the plot, characters, and/or personal connections you have with the novel. (*30 lines or longer)
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Students, you are required to write a five-paragraph essay based on your reading of the novel. As you read, think about the main character and her struggles as well as the main themes of the novel. How is the character developing as a person? How is she handling the challenges of life? What characteristics (character traits) does she exhibit to meet those challenges? As you read, write two (2) quotes, including page numbers, that reveal how the main character is evolving or growing as a person. Remember to use text evidence!
Summer Reading Requirements and Choices
6th Grade
Nory Ryan’s Song, By Patricia Reilly Giff (Mandatory)
A Kind of Spark, By Elle McNicoll (Choice)
The Wizard of Oz, By L. Frank Baum (Choice)
My Side of the Mountain, By Jean Craighead Gorge (Choice)
Absolutely Normal Chaos, By Sharon Creech (Choice)
7th Grade
A Kind of Spark, by Elle McNicoll (Mandatory)
Like A Charm, by Elle McNicoll (Choice)
The Giver, by Lois Lowry (Choice)
The Wednesday Wars, by Gary Schmidt (Choice)
The Chosen, by Chaim Potok (Choice)
8th Grade
Like A Charm, by Elle McNicoll (Mandatory)
Peter Pan, by J. M. Barrie (Choice)
I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou (Choice)
Night, by Elie Wiesel (Choice)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor (Choice)