Dear Parents, Guardians, and Families:
Starting next month, we will begin reading Night, an autobiographical memoir by Elie Wiesel, about the Holocaust, in my 8th grade English class. Along with other readings and activities,visual excerpts will be presented that provide the students with a glimpse of what life was like during this time. In order for students to understand the context for the literature they will be reading, they will research and present background information on Hitler and World War II, the groups targeted by the Nazis, people who aided the Nazis, and those who tried to help the victims. Discussions will take place concerning how these events from the past are reflected in ourworld today. All materials have been carefully selected,and I feel they will help students better understand Elie Wiesel’s experiences. However, there will be some potentially upsetting material that will be covered and discussed in class.
I hope that you will take the opportunity to have discussions with your student about this time in human history, as they experience Elie Wiesel’s powerful story. If you would like more information about the Holocaust, visit the website for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The Museum of Tolerance’s website is also an excellent resource for information. These webpages have many resources for parents and students to explore. I also encourage you to read a copy of Night as we read it in class.
Through this study, I hope students gain an understanding of the inhumanity and destruction of genocide. My goal is that from reading and discussing this novel, students will examine what it means to be a responsible citizen inour society today. During this unit, it is expected at all times that student behavior, verbal and nonverbal, will beappropriate. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this novel, please feel free to contact me by email at .
Please sign the slip below. This is due for h.w. points on Monday, February 6, 2017.
Sincerely,
Aja Higgins, Room 52
English 8 & Honors
Student name ______
Date ______
_____ I understand the above information and allow my child to
participate in studying this novel.
_____ My student will not be allowed to participate in reading this novel. Please
provide alternate work.
Guardian Signature ______