van den Akker, Tara

September 29, 2025

My focus is in 8th Grade English Language Arts. I will update this page regularly with important information regarding what we are working on, expectations, and more. I tend to reach out to homes mostly through Email, so translation is easier if needed. I usually respond within 1 school day, unless I need to seek out an answer for a given concern.

A few reminders to keep in mind, now that the students have settled in and we are ready to begin serious content.

1) Hoodies are not allowed to be worn in the building. They need to be in bookbags.

2) Personal headphones and earpods should not be worn in the hallways or during academic time and day, including transitions. We have the equipment in the room if they need to use.it.

3) Cell Phones are not allowed during class time. They should be in the pouch we provide or put away. If they come out, it is subject to disciplinary action. They cannot call or text with you during class time. If you need to reach them, you must call the office to get the message through.

In the Reading Workshop this week, we will be: Working on Running Records, Independent Reading, Stop and Jots, and Exploring the importance of Point of View for storytelling.

In Writing Workshop this week, we are exploring moments in our lives that shaped us, and what ones would work for writing a memoir moment.

I am here to make all of our students successful scholars, but it is not a job I can do alone. Please ask them about their days, have them share what they do, and reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. My Email is taravandenakker@paps.net. 

Our BTS Night Team slide deck is here!