Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Tuesday 10-20-09

Don't forget the group presentations are due tomorrow...you are responsible for the group EVEN if a member is absent!

We discussed the paper topic today. Another place to find founding documents (those written from 1760-1800) is the National Archives: http://www.ourdocuments.gov/content.php?page=milestone

Today in class we started a SIA discussion and started vocabulary lesson 13.

Tomorrow we'll get Vocabulary lesson 10-11 quiz back and start 14.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Monday 10-19-09

Today I passed back papers and we worked on the photo comparison assignment. If not done in class it is homework.

Tuesday - complete SIA/Worksheet due
Wednesday - Propaganda presentations
Friday - Vocab test

I also discussed upcoming paper draft that is due Tuesday 10-27-09. Please read tonight and I'll answer questions tomorrow.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Paper Deadlines...coming sooner than you think


The Outside Reading report is posted on the website under first semester papers. On the syllabus it says it is due Nov 4th. Some of you will have retreat that day.

THEREFORE...it will be due NOVEMBER 6TH FOR ALL students. Mark the change in your planners...and on the syllabus.

Paper #2 was posted on the website also...rough draft due date is set for October 27th. I have not shared the info with you as of this post as I got an opportunity for a writing contest for you guys. I am working on the instructions/rubric for the assignment and will post/explain early next week...the essay will require some, no alot, of research and has a word count that can not be exceeded...why not try to win 5,000.00 in an essay content and l;earn MLA format at the same time!

As of Saturday 10-17-09 at 7 pm the Essay Contest Rubric was posted to the Papers Page on the website...draft due 10-27-09 (750 words...or just a bit less). winner earns $5,000.00 - essay contest topic sent to me from the Bill of Rights Institute

The final draft will be due before Thanksgiving (Tuesday 11-24 or whenever you leave for your Thanksgiving Break)...and I must email the contest entries no later than the last day of November.

Next week...

Today I passed back papers before the vocabulary Quiz.

Vocabulary Corrections lesson 10-11 due Monday if not turned in as of now.

Photo comparison assignment listed on website will be an IN class project on Monday 10-19-09.

NEXT WEEK:
SIA book completion due Tuesday
Propaganda presentation due Wednesday
Vocabulary TEST lessons 8-14 on Friday

First quarter grades are what you see on SOTW as of now.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Students who missed the Lit Test

Make up test will be Tuesday 10-20-09 AFTER school...make arrangements...there are several of you and I can not make 15 separate make up tests...and make each reasonable and fair.

PSAT day today

enjoy the afternoon off

don't forget Survival in Auschwitz questions due tomorrow as well as library photo research (started in class yesterday).

Thursday we'll meet in the library to begin our Propaganda group project...that will be due Wednesday 10-21-09

Friday the vocabulary quiz will be multiple choice...lesson 12.

Friday, October 9, 2009

October 9th

I passed back all outstanding papers today before the quiz was taken. What do I have of yours? Your Literature test from Wednesday, the paper you turned in today and your vocabulary quiz from today). Check SOTW to make sure everything is accurate. Come see me during tutoring time if a correction needs to be made...grades for the 1st quarter are due next week (Thursday as I leave school).

What will we be doing next week?

Vocabulary
Lesson 12 ... quiz Friday 10-16 (multiple choice format)
Correct vocabulary quiz lessons 10-11 by Tuesday 10-13

Survival in Auschwitz (SIA)
Read/Worksheet through chapter 9 by Monday 10-12-09
Read/Worksheet through chapter 15 by Thursday 10-15-09

Tuesday and Thursday we'll be in the library working on web searches. We'll meet there.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Survival in Auschwitz

Today we took our Literature Test

After the test students were allowed to read from their outside reading books or Survival in Auschwitz.

Reading Worksheets are due with each assignment...posted on the website.

Read Chapters 1-9 by Monday 10-12-09 (do worksheet)
Read Chapters 10-15 by Thursday 10-15-09 (do worksheet)
Read Chapters 16 and 17 by Tuesday 10-20-09 (do worksheet)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Monday October 5th

Today I'll return last week's vocabulary quiz - corrections due tomorrow - and introduce this weeks words. This week's quiz will be multiple choice.

We'll discuss Management of Grief with the test on all three LIT STORIES being Wednesday.

Thursday bring in a photograph of yourself (a group or portrait...just mUST be appropriate for school).

Friday the final paper draft is due. The paper must be sent to turnitin.com prior to class time and a hard copy stapled behind ALL drafts in order for the paper to be "on time". If you have not signed up for turnitin.com DO SO NOW!

We'll begin out Holocaust literature studies this week.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Literature Test on Wednesday 10-7-09

How is it best to study?

Know about basic elements of literature...
1. Plot
2. Setting
3. Characters (details...Dynamic flat, Dynamic round, Statis flat, Static round ... and why you characterize them that way)
4. Themes
5. Point of View

Notice common threads between the stories

Look for signs of author's voice/writing style/intended audience

Format: Essay...concrete textual evidence...thesis statement is used to guide your writing

Friday, October 2, 2009

What's coming next week

Today we took our vocabulary quiz on lessons 8 and 9 (sentence form). Next week we'll have a quiz on lessons 9 and 10 (Friday). Tuesday the vocabulary quiz corrections for lessons 8 and 9 are due.

Wednesday we'll have a TEST on the 3 literature stories we read in our text.

Bring the two Holocaust books to class starting on Monday. A study guide will be posted on the blog...a note will be placed here to inform you when it is!

Remember to read your OR book...the report will be due at the beginning of November.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October 1st



Today we discussed how to register for Turnitin.com (tonight's homework). I collected the paper draft redo's and passed back all papers I had. We got in a circle and active read/discussed Management of Grief.

Tomorrow is a vocabulary quiz on lessons 8-9 (sentence structure). Wednesday a TEST on the 3 Lit Stories and a vocabulary quiz lessons 9 and 10 next Friday (9th).

For Monday 10-5-09 Bring two holocaust novels. For Thursday 10-8-09 bring a photo of yourself (alone or in a group)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Turnitin.com REGISTER NOW

go to www.turnitin.com

find new user at the top right hand corner of the page - click on new user

follow the prompts and register for YOUR SPECIFIC BLOCK ... do this before MIDNIGHT Thursday 10-1-09. Register for BOTH English and APAH at the same time, if applicable.

ID #'s:
Block 3: 2906266
Block 4: 2906268
Block 5: 2906269

APAH: 2906265

+++++ Turnitin.com emailed me 10-2-09 at 1 pm and requested I not release password publically for YOUR privacy. I gave the info to you in class...you should be able to complete this...if you forgot the passowrd, email my yahoo account as for the info.

September draws to a close

Some of you have paper drafts to turn in...a second copy stapled to the first...they are due tomorrow and I'll return to you on Friday. FINAL drafts are due on Friday 10-9-09. One copy MUST be electronically submitted to turnitin.com and a hard copy stapled to the BACK of the rough drafts and brought to class.

Turnitin.com registration information will be posted on a separate blog.

Today we discussed vocabulary lesson 9 and completed the paragraphs on page 105. I met with the last few students about their papers and passed out the last of the BOOK ORDER books. We started to discuss the Management of Grief.

Thursday we'll discuss the Management of Grief, Turnitin.com registration and how to type a header and footer in a word document. If there is extra time we'll review vocabulary words for Friday's quiz...sentence format...each block will be given a list of words to use in a sentence and a topic for the sentences to follow.

I am updating grades and the blog...check for everything EXCEPT vocabulary test corrections to be updated online by 4 pm. If you see a discrepancy, please let me know!

Check your OUTSIDE READING BOOK CHOSEN GRADE...those with a ZERO MUST get a title approved by me ASAP...I do NOT accept the OR reports without having approved the book first.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

September 29

Today I introduced lesson 8 vocabulary words and we went over the paragraphs on pages 94 and 95. Tomorrow we'll do the same for lesson 9.

After doing so I passed back the vocabulary test and gave students time to correct in class (homework if not done) then let students read from their OR book as I met with students about their paper drafts. (Tomorrow I have 2 people to meet with in block 5).

Block 4 students were given their copies of Survival in Auschwitz and In My Hands Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer today. Tomorrow blocks 3 and 5 will get their books.

Remember ... vocabulary quiz Friday is on lessons 8 and 9 ... words will have to be used in sentences based on the topic the class is given. Each class will have a different topic.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Monday 9-28-09

Today several of you were absent...here's what we did:

Students turned in homework and worked on Vocabulary lessons 8 and 9 words and definitions (that quiz will be Friday...sentence format. After students did this they read their Outside Reading book. I met with students and discussed paper drafts. Some students need to resubmit a draft by 10-1-09 ... check SOTW by 4 pm today to confirm if that is you.

Final draft of the paper is due Friday 10-9-09.

Tomorrow I'll pass back the vocabulary test and corrections will be due on Wednesday. I'll conference with people I have not meet with re: papers. Then we'll discuss The Management of Grief

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Update as of Thursday 9-24-09


Tomorrow is the vocabulary test on lessons 1-7...with an emphasis on 6 and 7. It will be Multiple Choice.

After the test, you will read from your literature book and answer questions. What is not done in class is homework:

ACTIVE READ Bharati Mukherjee's (image above) The Management of Grief in your literature book (starts on page 224). Complete the questions (typed in paragraph form)that follow the story. Answers that do NOT include textual evidence will not be graded. Always support your response!

Next week...we'll discuss the story, introduce vocabulary lessons 8 and 9, get our paper drafts back and work on grammar.

Don't forget...holocaust books in class Monday 10-5-09.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Homework over the weekend...what's coming up

Today we took the vocabulary quiz on lessons 4 and 5. Next week we'll have a test on all words thus far...1-7 (Friday 9-25-09).

After the quiz ... the assignment was to skim Literature book pages 1144-1186 (what I recapitulated in class) BUT NOTE...correct...updated MLA format is on OWL site. Skimming these pages may help with writing the rough draft.

The rough draft of the first paper - EXPOSITORY - is due on Wednesday 9-23-09.
Outside Reading book title needs to be chosen by Wednesday 9-23-09.

Have BOTH Holocaust book titles in class Monday October 5th. Those that ordered through class will have there by then.

Grammar concepts this week and next:
Active and Passive Voice of verbs
Parallel Construction
Shifts in tense, form and voice of verbs
Mood of a verb

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Homework due Thursday

Turn your paper topic idea into a more developed draft...

Write a Thesis Statement
Write the intro sentences to the body paragraphs (at least three body paragraphs).

This will be collected tomorrow and returned before your vocabulary quiz on Friday.

Make sure to check to see if you can access the library's online collection!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Wednesday 9-16-09


Wednesday at 6:30 PM is Sophomore Parent Night.

Homework due Wednesday:
1. Look over Expository Paper Guidelines on class website
2. Come up with a topic, write it down. It could be as developed as a thesis and outline. It could be as general as I want to write a paper about...
3. Look at the Saints WEBSITE and go to the Library page. Check to make sure your password works to use ebrary and the other PRIMARY AND SECONDARY sources that the school provides for you.

Start working now...the paper draft is due Wednesday the 23rd...your BEST work is not done the night before!! Don't let the comic strip become your reality.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Week of September 14

Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 3 was given back on Monday 9-14-09.If corrections were not finished in class they will be homework - Due Tomorrow.

The vocabulary quiz for lessons 4 and 5 will be Friday. It will be both multiple choice ad sentence creation format. Be ready for both.

This week we'll discuss stories from our literature book, discuss the paper draft that is due NEXT WED 9/23/09 and vocabulary.

Grammar this week will include verbs: Active vs Passive voice.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Friday 9-11-09


Friday will be the Vocabulary Quiz (Multiple Choice) for lesson 3.

After the quiz you are to ACTIVE read from your literature book the story by Amy Tan called A Pair of Tickets. The story commences on page 166. By Monday have read the story and completed questions 1-3 on page 181 (typed, in paragraph form and using textual evidence to support your response).

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

September 8 and beyond

Today I passed back vocabulary quizzes. Corrections are due tomorrow. Friday we'll have a multiple choice quiz on lesson 3.

Wednesday in class we'll discuss MLK article that you did summaries for, discuss active reading. We'll read from our Literature Books. Homework will be Hemingway's Hills Like White Elephants (starts on page 114). Active read and answer questions 1 and 2 (page 117-118) in paragraph form.

Continue to bring Summer Reading Books with you to class.

Don't forget Mass Thursday and Pep Rally on Friday.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Week of September 7th

Have a great day off on Monday!!! Enjoy the long weekend.

Tuesday the 8th you'll need to bring in your lit book along with your other books. If you have not turned in your book order form it needs to be in today as well.

Did you create your GMAIL account? If not, do so before you come to school on Tuesday.

VOCABULARY this week...lesson 3. The Quiz on Friday will be multiple choice. Part of it will be "book" style questions and part of it I will write.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Week of August 31st

Monday we'll start our vocabulary book with lessons 1 and 2. Friday we'll have our first quiz. The quizzes will vary in format from week to week. The first quiz will be multiple choice/fill-in-the-blank format.

Due Tuesday: Paragraph #1 in lessons 1 and 2
Due Wednesday: Sentence Completion Lessons 1 and 2 EVEN #'s. TYPED. Underline the portion YOU ADD. ALSO look at the class website. On home page find document attached ... Letters from Birmingham Jail by Marti Luther King Jr. Print out, read, summarize (type) and bring to class tomorrow.

During the course of the week we'll also discuss concepts from summer reading and grammar. Bring all books to class.

Monday Sept. 7th there is no school...Labor Day. Tuesday the 8th you need to have your Literature Books in class and book orders turned in with $ or a note saying no thanks.

Books


Remember...

Vocabulary Book needs to be purchased from the Turtle Shop and be brought to class beginning Monday 8/31/09

Literature Book needs to be ordered to have in class for 9/8/09.
Book Order forms due 9/8/09

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Next Steps...

Today we will take the Summer Reading test. The rest of the week bring your grammar book and summer reading books. Next week bring those along with your vocabulary book.

After you take your Summer Reading Test do the following...due TOMORROW:
Page 5, 32, 33 Follow directions as they are written in the GRAMMAR book.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Welcome to English 2 with Ms. MacVay

your FIRST homework assignment is to:
1. Bookmark this blog
2. Bookmark the class website (found under the links section of the blog)
3. Become a follower of the blog.
4. Read the syllabus and sign it/share with your parents and have them sign it and return it for Tuesday August 25, 2009

This blog is where all homework assignments will be posted, updates given, etc. Make it a habit to check it on a daily basis - it's our connection - especially if you miss class due to illness, sporting event, etc.

I'm looking forward to working with each of you this year!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Summer reading for incoming 10th Grade Students

Summer Reading is posted on my website http://sites.google.com/site/english2macvay/ (the link is on the right hand side of this website under my profile). Go to the link on the left side of the website that is titled Summer Reading.

Email me at renemacvay@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS FOR ALL INCOMING 10TH GRADE STUDENTS...ALL CLASSES...ALL TEACHERS.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

June 4th

Final Grades Are Posted. thanks to all who donated books to the classroom library/10th grade students next year!

Have a great summer!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

June 3rd


As you clean out your locker...

Grammar Book...return to the Turtle Shop
Literature Book...KEEP...use next year
Vocabulary book...keep or Recycle...can't find a recycle bin...use the two in my room.
Novels...class ones or OR...take home or donate to the classroom library

Many Many finals are graded...check online after school or stop by...more are graded than what is online as of now...I'll work on that today!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June 2nd

Your final is from 8:30-10:00 Good Luck!

MOST of Block 5 grades are posted...a few block 4 as well.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Final Exam

Today you took the grammar and poetry portion of the final...tomorrow Literature.

Bring pencils and pens - don't forget CONCRETE TEXTUAL evidence for your essay.

Block 3...go to room 320
Block 4............. 322
Block 5............. 321

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Last week of class approaching

My migrane has almost run it's course...finishing up the final exam/study guide right now.(1 pm)

What's in store for next week:

1. Return Papers
2. Complete Portfolio reflection (if not done in class Friday). Put papers in PSP's if not already in them (portfolio)
3. Discuss Dover Beach and Tom Sawyer

The Grammar and Poetry Final will be in class on June 1st
The Literature and essay final will be during Finals time on June 2nd...check blog post below for complete details. when room assignments are finalized I'll post that as well.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Homework due Friday 5-22-09

Grammar Quiz Tomorrow
Unit 8 and Quick Fix

TPCAST poem from Literature Book Dover Beach (pages 454-455)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Final Exam information ...June 1 and June 2

The final exam will be divided into two sections:

OK...done with this...1 pm...sorry for the delay...my migraine got the best of me...since Wednesday night.


Monday June 1st in class we'll take Part 1. Part 1 will consist of:
Grammar and Poetry.
The grammar will be paragraphs with potential mistakes underlined. You must decide if it is correct as written or if a change is necessary and what the correct change may be. Multiple Choice format.
Poetry will be multiple choice format. Poetry terms will be used in questions. You will need to be able to look at the structure or a poem and word choice to help discern meaning/mood/tone.

June 2nd, the regularly scheduled 90 minute exam period, we'll take part 2. Part 2 will consist of literature and essays based on literature. The Multiple Choice questions will be heaving weighted on Tom Sawyer (approx. 2/3) with Macbeth and Frankenstein covered (approx. 1/3).

The two days will allow students to have time to thoroughly respond to the essay prompts.

June 1st...Grammar and Poetry
Grammar...review Lessons 8, 10, 11, quick fix (including avoiding the use of double negatives)

Poetry
terms to know include:
SLANT RHYME
END RHYME
INTERNAL RHYME
MOOD/TONE
CONNOTATION/DENOTATION
METAPHOR
SIMILE
ASSONANCE
ALLITERATION

June 2nd: Final Exam 8:30-10:00
Bring Pencils and Pens

Turn in novels to me IF you do not wish to keep...donate so students next year can use...

Block 3 Meet in Room______
Block 4 Meet in Room _____
Block 5 Meet in Room _____

Topics Covered from Tom Sawyer, Macbeth, Frankenstein:
Themes
Main Characters
Plot
Setting
Conflicts

Essays: The following are the essays that are possible for the final exam. The exam will have three of them listed. You will be required to write about 1 with CONCRETE TEXTUAL EVIDENCE.

Directions: In a well-developed essay answer _____ of the following essays. (You had the topics ten days in advance.) Complete answers include concrete textual evidence to prove you read the novels. Concrete evidence includes quotes, facts, and specific details from the story.

Your paper should be organized with an introductory paragraph that includes your THESIS statement. Underline the thesis statement.

The body paragraphs should be logically organized to support/defend/explain your thesis. This is where the CONCRETE textual evidence is key.

The conclusion should wrap up the essay.

TOPIC #1 Both Frankenstein and Brave New World deal with technological and scientific advances in society. Discuss how each deals with the concept of creation of life. Does either author or neither author take a stance as to the ethical questions involved in people creating life in a laboratory setting?

TOPIC #2 The search for identity was a common theme this year. Pick one novel from each of the two categories below and explain how the protagonist sought to discover his/her self throughout the story.
Semester 1 Semester 2
Tuesdays With Morrie Macbeth
The Five People You Met in Heaven Frankenstein
For One More Day Tom Sawyer
Survival in Auschwitz
Brave New World

TOPIC #3 Critics disagree as to the role of literature: is it to instruct or entertain. Pick 2 stories we read this semester and argue for one side: entertainment or instruction. Use concrete details to support your argument.

TOPIC #4 Both the Monster in Frankenstein and Tom in Tom Sawyer grow up without parents. The Monster has no one while Tom has Aunt Polly. Mary Shelley gave her monster feelings and intelligence. Fatherless and motherless, the monster struggles to find his place in human society. Tom is a mischievous child who gets into trouble and must be reprimanded by adults in his life. Explain how the Monster and Tom came “of age (matured)” in the novels. Chronicle at least three experiences each character had that made him come of age. As the character aged, what did he learn about himself? Discuss whether having an adult role model was or was not important in each of the youth’s maturation.

TOPIC #5: Superstitions are a common motif in both Tom Sawyer and Macbeth. Discuss how the superstitions affect character’s actions. A complete answer explores three superstitions from each piece of literature.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Homework due Thursday 5/14/09

Grammar Book pages 631-632
Exercises 4-5-6

TPCAST Poems from Literature book
page 466 "AT THE SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT"
Page 497-499 "DIVING INTO THE WATER"

Thursday's class: Be ready to discuss Tom and the two poems. Grammar Quiz Friday

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Assignments for the rest of the semester


1. Tom Sawyer reading/worksheets (details in a post below...May 3rd)
2. Tom Sawyer Quizzes (day of or day after homework turned in) 4 total
3. Grammar quiz (2) on Friday 5/8 & 5/15
4. Final Exam on June 2 at 8:30

There will be a few nightly assignments to cover material to prep for class or that we did not complete in class.

Final exam study guide to be posted Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Frankenstein Scantron


I found the errors on the answer key. when we have the scantrons out Friday for the gramar quiz we'll make changes and I'll update grades with grammar quiz grades next weekend.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Homework for the weekend of 5/8/9/10

Translate "The Fish" by Elizabeth Bishop...
Look for figurative language:
connotations
denotations
metaphors
similies

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Frankenstein Test Days...

Wednesday after the test...

Grammar book pages 227, 243
Vocabulary book pages 65-67

Homework if not done in class

Thursday after the test - start reading Tom Sawyer - Chapters 1-10 due Tuesday 5/12/09

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Tom Sawyer

Tom Sawyer reading Guide Posted to website as well as links to two different online versions. YOU MUST have a book in class (or print pages from the online text). Deadlines:

Read ALL OF Chapters 1-10 by Tuesday 5/12/09 ...complete study guide on website
Read ALL OF chapters 11-24 by Wednesday 5/20/09...complete study guide on website
Read ALL OF chapters 25-30 by Tuesday 5/26/09...complete study guide on website
Read the rest of the book by Thursday 5/28/09...complete study guide on website

we'll have a quiz with each reading section

your test will be part of the final exam

Frankenstein Test this week

I'll give you the scantron portion on Wednesday and the essay on Thursday. Neither will take the entire class period. We'll work in Vocab book and grammar book the other portion of class.

Below are the essay options. You will have to answer 1 during class...all will not be listed as options. I'll put three on the test and you will be required to answer 1 in essay format. (Thesis statement - beginning, middle and an end). Concrete evidence from the novel is required.


OPTIONS:
1. Why might it be construed as "poetic justice" that Victor Frankenstein's worst catastrophe comes just as he is to be married?
2. Describe the cycle of vengeance that consumes both the Being and Victor at the end of the novel. Does either one truly renounce this sentiment?
3. Does Mary Shelley's novel conform to what you take to be the typically romantic view of scientific endeavor? Why or why not?
4. Why can't ordinary humans accept the Being's appearance? What does this inability imply about the basis of human community? In other words, why so much emphasis on physical similarity or dissimilarity?
5. After having read Frankenstein, who has your sympathies -- Victor or the Being he has created? Or neither? Explain.
6. What goes wrong once Victor dares to apply his understanding of "animation" to material substance -- i.e. to a human body? How, that is, do his methods and material underscore and embody the grotesqueness of his quest? When he speaks of the Being he has created, what kind of language does he employ?

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Grades Being Updates/What's Due next week

If you notice your OR grade not posted online, it is due to either:
not having your name on it
having a stage setting in the classroom that I have not gotten to

Don't forget...
Paper #2 due on Monday or Tuesday
Block 5 Frankenstein paper due MONDAY
Frankenstein TEST on Wednesday
Tom Sawyer needs to be brought to class Thursday

Bring Grammar and Vocab books to class next week as well.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Henry Ford and upcoming assignments

Block 5 Henry Ford Paper is Due on Monday due to sub situations on Wednesday. Blocks 3 and 4 have papers due tomorrow, May 1st as they had class time the last two days to complete the assignment.

Next week:
Papers due Monday or Tuesday next week (May 4 or 5)
Frankenstein Test May 6th
Bring Tom sawyer to class May 7th

Bring Lit Books and Grammar books from now on as well.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tom Sawyer

Bring to class starting May 7th.

Online Version:

http://www.online-literature.com/twain/tomsawyer/
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/Twa2Tom.html

Frankenstein Homework due Monday 4-27-09

You will need to research Gothic Novels and Romantic novels (elements of each) to fully answer the questions. All work must be cited in MLA format and in text citations used to detail the book (COW not BULL).

In well developed essays, answer each of the following:

1. In classical and neoclassical doctrine, the "greatest of all contests" was the struggle of reason to control passion. In the nineteenth century, passion began to rise in esteem against reason. Feelings were more important. Yet the contest seems to continue. What elements of that struggle do you find in the novel? The characters of Victor and the monster are especially relevant to look at.

2. Is Frankenstein a Gothic novel? Why or why not? What elements of the Gothic does it contain? Metonymy of gloom? Tyrannical male? Others?

Your answers MUST be typed, double spaced, using 12 point Times New Roman font

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Last week before break...AND Break

The writing exam was completed last week. If you missed a day you can make up that day. Tuesday after school has been set aside for make up time.

This week we'll discuss Frankenstein and Shakespeare sonnets.

Tuesday we'll be in the library working on our paper drafts - come to class with an electronic draft STARTED that we can edit. Wednesday DRAFT are due - completed. If you are leaving for Easter Break before that - drafts are due before you go.

Frankenstein reading over break ... as well as Outside Reading to do.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Weeks of March 30th and April 6th

This week is our English Writing Exam/ESLR's.

Tuesday 3-31 Outside reading books are chosen with the paper due on the 28th of April
Wednesday 4-1 Frankenstein needs to be brought to class.

HOMEWORK FOR WEDNESDAY 4-1-09
Make sure you come to class on Wednesday having read the instructions for the paper draft that is due next week.

DUE 4-2 and 4-3:
PLAN your OR reading...start. How many pages a day do you need to read to finish?
Look on Website and write down ALL dates Frankenstein reading/worksheets are due
Start a draft of your resume/cover letter. Bring a draft to class in electronic form so we may work on and revise in class Tuesday. ROUGH DRAFT due complete with rubric on Wednesday 4-8-09

Due Monday April 6th:
Frankenstein - read letters and answer worksheet questions. Complete vocabulary book pages 196-197 and 233-235

Due Tuesday 4-7 or Wednesday 4-8Next Week:
I was able to get the use of the computers on 4-7-09 (Tuesday) ...I'll allow students to work on their paper drafts - resume and cover letter in class on Tuesday with the COMPLETE rough draft due no later than Wed 4/8/09

Frankenstein study guide/assignments POSTED on class website:
READ/Do Worksheet:
Letters due Monday 4-6-09
Chapters 1-5 Due Thursday 4-9-09
Chapters 6-21 Over Easter Break...Due Tuesday 4-21-09
Finish the book by Friday 4-24-09

Quizzes will be given as "pop" reading quizzes as well as announced.

Bake Sale for the orphanage next week as well.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

While I was away at the museum

Complete Vocabulary Book page 229 and 237-239

Tomorrow Macbeth Multiple Choice Test
Thursday Essay test
Friday Vocabulary Test

Bring Lit Book...we'll discuss sonnets...starting with one on page 412

If you did not finish paraphrasing ones on page 552-553 and 613 you can after the quiz on Wednesday.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Week of March 23rd

The 3rd Quarter ends this week...time flies!

Due Monday:
Read TPCAST...(do the P...paraphrase) the sonnet by Shakespeare in your Lit book on page 412...write in your book
complete Macbeth video response if you did not finish in class

Tuesday I'll be out a bit of the day with the APAH class (Musuem tours at Balboa Park). Complete vocabulary activities if not done in class.

Wednesday and Thursday Macbeth test...review ideas:
1. reading study guides
2. audio version of the book...listen and follow along to parts you found challenging
3. be able to identify key quotes that have meaning to plot/character development
4. ESSAY OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE the following along with additional questions tied to themes/character analysis ...ALL ANSWERS MUST HAVE CONCRETE TEXTUAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT

One of the themes in Macbeth is that wrongdoings have serious consequences. Discuss this statement with careful reference to the play and to the decline of BOTH Lady Macbeth and Macbeth.

Shakespeare's women are not slaves or subordinates to men in the plays. They are complete characters in their own right; they influence the plot; they have dreams, ambitions, feelings, and desires; they are capable of sin and guilt, as well as joy and love; they, like men, can become tragic figures. With specific reference to scenes and events in the play, discuss how much of this is true for Lady Macbeth.

The search for power was Macbeth/Lady Macbeth's fatal flaw.

Who is the tragic character in the story?

Wednesday we'll do the multiple choice questions, Thursday the essay/short answer.

Friday Vocabulary Test lessons 15-21

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I'm off to DC

to a workshop at the Holocaust Memorial Museum. I'll return Sunday night.

Upcoming work:
1. Autobiography papers are due on 3-17-09
2. Vocabulary Quiz is NEXT Friday 3-20 on Lessons 19 and 20
3. We'll have a Macbeth test ... the 23rd, 24th or 25th
4. Vocabulary test the 27th...lessons 15-21

Bring your vocabulary books,literature books and Macbeth books to class the rest of the quarter


Bring Frankenstein starting April 1st...this is NOT an April Fool's Day Joke! There may be one of those but this is not one!

See everyone on Monday!

Friday, March 6, 2009

The rest of 3rd quarter...it ends 3-27-09

There are 3 weeks left in the quarter...here's a guideline of what's in store:

Macbeth quiz Act 4
Monday 3-9 for Blocks 4,5
Tuesday 3-10 for Block 3

Homework (if not done in class) due Monday 3-9-09
Read lit book pages 540-545...info may be included on Macbeth quiz act 4

Vocabulary:
Friday Feb 20th...Quiz lessons 19-20
Friday Feb 27th...Test Lessons 15-21 (this semester's words)

Autobiography Paper Final Draft Due 3/17/09

What will be doing the next three weeks? We'll be finishing reading Macbeth in class, watching the Macbeth video, reading Shakespeare's Sonnets and taking a Shakespeare test (date To Be Announced)



Looking to he 4th Quarter...
March 31st the next Outside Reading BOOK TITLE must be chosen and "signed up"
We'll do a poetry unit
We'll read Frankenstein ... bring to class April 1st
We'll read Tom Sawyer...bring to class May 1st
We'll do one more paper (resume/cover letter/etc.)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The end of February

Friday the 20th we'll have a vocabulary quiz on lesson 16. Blocks 3 and 5 will have act 2 quiz ...block 4 will have a quiz on Monday 2/23

Tuesday 2/24 Act 5 of Macbeth is due
Friday 2/27 Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 17

Tuesday March 3rd - OR Due.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Week of February 16th

No school on Monday the 16th - enjoy the three day weekend!

Tuesday 2-17 the ROUGH draft of the Autobiography paper is due - rubric on class website (link under helpful links)

Thursday 2-19 Act 4 worksheet due

Friday 2-20 Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 16

We'll read Macbeth in class...our Act 2 quiz will be the day AFTER we finish the act...this is the policy for the entire play. A project/test will be at the conclusion of the play. We front loaded reading Macbeth in the beginning of the month so that you would have time to also "dig in" and read your OR book on nights when you have less work. REMEMBER you always have OR to read if you have not turned in your project...perhaps budget a few pages a night.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Due Friday 2-13-09

Truth is Stranger than Fiction creative story...turn in rough and final draft. If you miss class due to Grandparent's Day your work STILL MUST Be turned in ... drop it by before school so you do not forget!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Macbeth Act 1 Update

Blocks 4 and 5 completed reading ACT 1 today...the quiz will be tomorrow, Wed 2-10-09. Block 3 has a page or two left...quiz will be Thursday 2-11-09.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Semester 2 Papers

Paper #1 Autobiography
Rough Draft due Tuesday 2-17-09
Final Draft Due Tuesday March 17th (St. Patrick's Day!)

Paper #2 Resume/Cover Letter
Rough Draft Due Tuesday 4-7-09
Final Draft due Tuesday 5-5-09

Visit the NEW Class website (linked on blog also) for the documents - attached. I'll use the website for documents and this for explanations.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Online Version of Macbeth

http://library.thinkquest.org/2888/

There are free downloads of audio versions of the book - you may wish to listen at home as you read. WE WILL read ALOUD in class.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

First day in the books!

One day down, the rest of the semester to go! Thanks for helping get the semester started on a good note!

Homework tonight:
1. write down all assignments (so far posted) in your planner
2. NOTE 1st vocabulary lesson will be lesson 15 - next week - quiz will be THURSDAY 2-12-09 as Friday the 13th is Grandparent's Day at school
3. Outside Reading Book #1 needs to be approved by tomorrow.

Only block 3 got to the writing prompt...no need to do that for homework...we'll start with the tomorrow.

I'll have the semester gradebook set up by the end of the week...you can start to check your grades online this weekend...

A few reminders for a successful semester:
1. always do your homework - come to tutoring in the morning to see if you did it correctly if you are needing extra help
2. always write down assignments WHEN THEY ARE POSTED...the goal is to give you notice...add the future dates into your planner! BUY a planner if you do not have one!
3. stay organized...your binder needs to have the syllabus in front and a section for vocab, grammar and literature. writing prompts that are grammar related will go in grammar, others will go behind your syllabus
4. daily trivia has always been an option...it is an opportunity for an extra point EVEY day...take advantage - I DO NOT round grades at the end of the semester because of this continuous "perk".

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Macbeth Assignments

Happy New Year to everyone! Enjoy Intersession this month.

We'll start Macbeth the week we return to school. Tuesday February 3rd bring Macbeth to class as well as your vocabulary and grammar books.

Below is the guideline for the Macbeth unit. Please write the assignments down in your planner as a backup in the event you are unable to access a computer to get the details...when you want/need them.

Procedure:
  • We will read Macbeth at home (one ACT at a time) and complete a study guide
  • We'll read the act in class (students will be given parts)
  • We'll have a quiz on the act (the day after it is finished in class...this is your announcement of each quiz)
  • A test will follow the completion of the book (The Monday after we finish the book in class)
Complete Macbeth Study Guide located here
Act 1: read/complete reading guide by Thursday 2-5-09
Act 2: read/complete reading guide by Tuesday 2-10-09
Act 3: read/complete reading guide by Thursday 2-12-09
Act 4: read/complete reading guide by Thursday 2-19-09
Act 5: read/complete reading guide by Tuesday 2-24-09

Remember all work you turn in must be your own. If you are confused with the Shakespeare, visit me during my tutoring hours (starting at 7 each day or by appointment).

The book looks longer than it really is...one page is the text and the page next to it is notes/translations. For example...what you have to read in ACT 1 is actually 19 pages...the notes are for assistance as needed. TAKE NOTES ON QUESTIONS you have while ACTIVE READING. We'll discuss in class!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Final Exam grades

Grades posted Friday. Outside Reading information in previous post. Will put up a Macbeth study guide the first week of January.

Merry Christmas...Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Semester 2 Outside Reading


Attached is the information for Semester 2 Outside Reading. Free Choice Rubric attached here. Typo on Free Choice Rubric...Bio Poem is required even though it mentions Biography. BOTH choices have same assignment.

Bring to class the first day of Semester 2 your grammar and vocabulary books along with Macbeth (and your binder of course).

Friday, December 12, 2008

Homework over the weekend and Final Exam essay q's

Final Exam Q's

Grammar Review Homework...
Worksheets: Do ONLY Part A's...each page
BOOK: Page ____ Assignment ___
79 do 8-10
85 do 1-3
86 (A) do 1-6
87 do all
37 do all
33 do all

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Change...

grammar quiz moved to Monday...tomorrow BNW paper is due along with the Vocabulary Test

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Filed Trip Today...I was out...


The Norton Simon Museum was amazing! Sorry that I could not watch BNW with you today. You have a few minutes left according to the notes from the sub. Your response will be due FRIDAY...it will be a paper grade...needs to be well written with concrete examples from the book and the movie, generalities will result in a zero.

Friday we'll have our Vocab Test...8-14 with emphasis on 13 and 14
Friday a grammar quiz also...and a binder check for those whose binder has not been seen.

If you owe me $ or Plastic Sheep Protectors (PSP's) please reimburse me this week

After your final if you wish to donate any of the novels from this semester, please bring them to my room.

Don't forget...final essays will be posted here on Friday.

TRIVIA for today...due Thursday in class...what sport has an annual world champioship that features events like boom running, double bucking and pole climbing?

Friday, December 5, 2008

Last week of classes



Trivia: What artist created this image? Hint: Abstract Expressionism. Answer due Monday 12/8

Due Monday 12/8
Vocabulary Lesson 13/14 Words and Definitions and paragraph 1 pages 146 and 157

In class Monday we'll correct vocabulary quiz lessons 11/12 and discuss SIA and placement of modifiers

Tuesday-Thursday we'll discuss vocabulary/placement of modifiers and watch the Brave New World video. After video concludes Thursday, a response paper is to be written. Students will have paper for taking notes while watching video.

Friday 12/12/08 Vocabulary TEST lessons 8-14 and grammar quiz - placement of modifiers

Final Exam - Tuesday 12/16/08 at 8:30 am
Block 3 in room 225
Block 4 with me in normal classroom
Block 5 in room 229
Bring to your exam pencils, erasers and pens.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The rest of the semester...it's drawing to a close. Upcoming Deadlines...



Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Break! See you on Tuesday 12-2-08!

Papers will be passed back next week - all binders need to be organized. The better organized you are the easier it is to find materials you need to study for your final. Binder checks will occur on 12/5/08 (for a homework grade). Reminder - binder needs to have syllabus as page 1 and sections for vocabulary, grammar and literature. ALL papers are to be kept until Semester 2. Day one of semester 2 we'll have a "recycle day" where we clean our binders of papers I know we will not need for semester 2.

Due Wednesday 12-3 - complete SIA. Worksheet is attached. Discussion guide is on same WS. Prepare for discussion.



Due Thursday 12-4 Vocabulary sentences and illustrations for lessons 11-12. Use all 30 words in sentences (underlined) proving understanding of the word's meaning. Illustrate 5 of the sentences.

Final Exam Study Guide - final exam is Tuesday 12-16-08. Review Worksheet.

Friday 12/5 we'll have a vocabulary quiz (lessons 11 and 12) and Friday 12/12 we'll have a vocabulary test covering lessons 8-14 (no vocab on the final)

The week of 12/8 we'll have a grammar quiz on placement of modifiers (verb phrases continued)

The week of finals I'll post OR for Semester 2...you can get a head start of you wish. Deadlines will be roughly the first week of March and the first week of May. Books will need to be approved by me via email (renemacvay@yahoo.com or rmacvay@sahs.org) in order for the OR to be graded.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Deadlines for Thanksgiving Week...and beyond

Remember your paper final draft is due Monday 11-24. Turn a copy in to turnitin.com and bring hard copy attached to ALL rough drafts to class on Monday.

Monday 10-12 SIA is due...worksheet on post from earlier this week.

Rest of SIA due 12-3-08 ... the Wednesday after break. WS to be attached.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Homework for Quiz Review...

To review for the quizzes...

Grammar exercises due Thursday October 19th:
Block 3 page 76 #'s 6-10
Block 4 page 609 #'s 5-10
Block 5 page 76 #'s 1,3 exercise B and 1-3 page 609

Vocabulary Due Friday:
For all 15 vocabulary words, use each in an original sentence. Underline the word as it is used in the sentence. Then illustrate/draw a picture (cut out an image) to help you remember the word (do 5 images). DO NOT try to turn in sloppy work...if your drawing requires a straight line, use a ruler.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

November 18th

Complete SIA chapter 8 for Wed and 9 for Thursday

Block 3: page 608 Gerunds - evens
Block 4: page 608 Gerunds - odds
Block 5 page 74 A 6-10 and B 2,3

Friday, November 14, 2008

Week of November 17th

Survival in Auschwitz - active read and answer questions through Chapter 7 by MONDAY 11-17-08

Grammar Homework - due 11-18
Block 1 complete grammar book :
Block 3: even #'s page 608 participles
Block 4: odd #'s page 608 participles
Block 5: page 72 B 1,3 and page 608 participles 1-5

Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 10 on Friday as well as grammar quiz on verb phrases and punctuation

Survival in Auschwitz Read/Answer Questions. WS for 8-12
Chapters 8-9 by Wednesday 11-19
Chapters 10-12 by Monday 11-24
**Book completion over Thanksgiving break. WS to be attached next weekend.

Paper final draft due 11-24 OR your last day before Thanksgiving vacation. Paper MUST be uploaded to turnitin.com and turned in to me with ALL drafts. Failure to turn in drafts and upload to turnitin.com will result in my inability to grade your paper as a final draft.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Week of November 10th

Enjoy Monday off!

Tuesday OR #2 is due. Tuesday You'll get back your vocabulary quizzes - corrections due Wednesday.

We'll start a grammar unit on verb phrases and punctuation (underline, quotes, etc) with a quiz this Friday and next.

We'll have a vocabulary quiz on lesson 10 NEXT Friday...11-21-08.

Survival in Auschwitz...active read...a quiz can happen any day.
Read up to and including chapter 3 by Wednesday 11-12-08
Read up to and including chapter 7 by Monday 11-17-08
Reading WS covers all 7 chapters (definitions to be done for Wed 11-12-08)

REMEMBER...if you need to go to tutoring for your paper draft # 2 you need to do so this week and bring your paper to me by Friday 11-14-08. Final copy is due 11-24-08 OR earlier if your family is taking off for the Thanksgiving holiday sooner.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Week of November 3rd

This week we'll do small group activities the days of retreat. We'll make changes to the vocabulary tests (answer key was incorrect) and also start a new vocabulary lesson.

Bring to class all week BNW, vocabulary book and Survival in Auschwitz.
(Wednesday we are scheduled for a library orientation - meet in class then head to the library.)

Friday we'll have a quiz on vocabulary lesson 9 and have a grammar quiz on verb phrases.

Paper drafts will be returned. Some drafts have a date for a second submission - those must be turned in to me along with the first draft on given due date. Some drafts have tutoring written on them. Students who did not have a clear thesis are required to attend the English Department tutoring one day this week to get peer assistance (Room 323). Tutoring times are T-W-Th 7-7:30 and Th 2-3 pm. Students MUST bring back drafts to me after they meet with peer tutors so that I can review them prior to the final draft being turned in. Deadline for meeting with peer tutors and bringing draft to me: November 14th.

OUTSIDE READING #2 IS DUE TUESDAY 11-11-08

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Last week of October

Thursday BNW test - STUDY GUIDE and Turnitin discussion posts are good places for review
Friday Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 8

My comments have been added to all new posts re: themes. Note my responses and those of your peers for study purposes. Be prepared for discussion on BNW Wed!

This week homework will include correcting vocabulary TEST lessons 1-7 (Friday after Vocabulary test or weekend homework)

November 3/4 10th Grade retreat days...library orientation in class each day for those at school
November 5th - have Survival in Auschwitz in class

Thursday, October 23, 2008

BNW discussion topics posted on Turnitin.com

BNW themes listed in discussion forum...respond to me as well as to one peer.

Your response to me is to answer my prompt.
Your response to your peer is to provide constructive criticism...encourage them to think critically...push them to get better!
Finally...on Monday you need to look back at the responses from your peers/me.

All discussions will be graded once a month...look for the October Turnitin.com points to be posted at the beginning of November as a homework grade.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Paper # 2 and Survival in Auschwitz

BNW test is 10-30 ... therefore we'll start Survival in Auschwitz. All students need that book in class by 11-5/08.

Paper # 2 DRAFT is due 10-27 - more opportunity to work on MLA format, in text citations, research... RUBRIC IS POSTED IN AUGUST BLOG...one of first posts.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

FIRST WEEK of the SECOND QUARTER

We'll go over active vs passive voice of verbs this week with a grammar quiz on Friday.
Friday we'll also have a vocabulary TEST on lessons 1-7...BINGO review this week!

Vocabulary quiz corrections (lesson 6) due Tuesday 10/21

OUTSIDE READING book was to be chosen last week. I gave you a chance to start the book on Friday after the quiz, if you need to change your book for any reason...it MUST BE DONE THIS WEEK. I will not accept reports on books that are not what is written in the log as of this coming week.

BNW will be discussed and quizzes given (at any time) based on the BNW schedule posted earlier on the blog.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

BNW Assignments

The reading assignments for BNW include the following (reading questions ) and quizzes given at any time:

Due Monday 10/20 read up to and including chapter 7
21st - Chapter 8
22nd - Chapter 9
23rd - through chapter 11
27th - through chapter 15
28th - complete the book
30th - Test

Monday, October 13, 2008

Homework

Complete Vocabulary 6 words and definitions
On a separate page, write original sentences for the vocabulary words and illustrate the sentences.

If you have not chosen OR#2...or I asked you to pick a more challenging book, bring me the title before school, at lunch or after school Tues/Wed/Thurs this week. Last day to switch book titles is Monday October 20th.

ALSO...discussions(2 or 3 questions) posted on turnitin.com - do by Wednesday before school (7:30 AM) ...concepts will be covered on the quiz Thursday. Respond to me and at least one classmate for each question posed. You will be required to read each peer's post/reply the Wednesday night in preparation for Thursday's quiz.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Last week of the quarter coming up...

Paper # 1 due tomorrow - turn in at Turnitin.com as well as bring in a hard copy.
OR #2 chosen by Monday the 13th
BNW quiz Thursday 10/16 (Chapters 1-5 and background info)
Vocabulary Quiz Friday 10/17 - lesson 6
Grammar Quiz - Friday 10/17 Pronouns and Active vs Passive voice of verbs

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Interested in PHOTOGRAPHY?

National Geographic contest...

Deadline October 31, 2008

Information: ngphotocontest.com

Brave New World

For Tuesday ... Read Chapters 1-5 and complete the attached worksheet.

Look on Turnitin.com for a discussion ... will be posted Friday. One response from EVERYONE is due by Tuesday.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Model T homework

check out this site...the archive of the story...I'll accept the work emailed to my yahoo account (in the body of the email...NO ATTACHMENTS) by Friday...anytime Friday date stamped in my email.

Please answer in complete sentences.

http://www.detnews.com/apps
/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080927/AUTO01/809270428/-1/ARCHIVE

Upcoming Deadlines for Paper #1

By Thursday 10/2...register at Turnitin.com under YOUR block (easy homework assignment...quick way to earn points)

Use the following information:
Students MUST enroll in their block
block ID's are:
Block 3= 2442940
Block 4= 2442942
Block 5= 2442944
Password = Room322

We will use Turnitin.com for class discussions about BNW as homework assignments to accompany our reading of the text.

Tuesday 10/7 bring in revised draft...stapled to 1st draft...have body paragraphs reworked to include in-text citations in MLA format for class workshop

Friday 10/10
Paper must be turned in IN CLASS stapled to the back of the rubric and two drafts. Papers without rough drafts will not be accepted, they will be treated like a rough draft and seen as a work in progress.
Paper must also be turned in AT TURNITIN.COM NO LATER THAN 1 PM FRIDAY...if this paper is not in by 1 pm Friday it will not be accepted.

The turnitin.com copy will be graded and turnitin.com will check for plagiarism.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Week of September 29th

Monday and Tuesday we'll workshop our paper drafts and discuss revision.

Tuesday we'll get back our Vocabulary Test from last week - corrections due Wed. We'll also start this week's lesson...lesson 5
Homework...visit the site: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=AUTO01

1. Look at the audio slideshow - writers crank up the Model T
2. Watch video - guided Tour of Model T
3. Look at the photos...100 years of Model T's
4. Read the article...

Respond to the following in complete sentences:
1. What did you learn about the Model T? (Name at least 5 new facts you learned)
2. What is different from the Original Model T to the 1916 version in the auto slide show?
3. Why was a door not typically on the drivers side of the early Model T (in 1920's it became standard)?
4. What did you learn about America when the Model T was created?
5. How many Model T's are on the road today?


Wednesday and Thursday we'll also discuss PRONOUNS with a grammar quiz Friday as well.

Don't forget...
1. Brave New World (BNW) needs to be brought to class starting on October 1st - WED.
2. Outside Reading #1 is DUE Thursday October 1st...you need to turn in the books you checked out with me AND you need to bring in your book from home - you'll get your book back with your report next week. If you do not have the book you borrowed from me, you need to replace the book by Thursday, without the book you will get a zero for the assignment, that was our agreement.

Editing Your Papers

some useful websites are located in the links section...Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Homework

This weekend you need to work on OR #1 (assignment listed August 28th I believe) adn I need to work on your paper drafts.

Monday bring to class your grammar and vocabulary books!

Make sure you have Brave New World (BNW) in class by October 1st...Wednesday next week.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Sign in!

Near the bottom of the blog is a space for you to sign in as you view the blog...you should get updates as I updte the blog. please sign in and give me feedback as to how this feature is working!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Week of September 22nd

Paper #1 Rough Draft is due tomorrow - turn in rubric as cover sheet...in old blog post from earlier this semester. I'll return the papers Monday next week...final drafts due Friday October 10th

Brave New World books passed out today...have your copy with you OCTOBER 1ST.

Friday our vocabulary quiz will cover lessons 3 and 4...we'll go back to one lesson a week next week.

We'll start grammar (pronouns/conjunctions and writing tips) next week...this week literature and vocabulary. We'll also workshop papers and work on the revising process next week.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

All Papers emailed ... graded

check your emails...some of you sent documents I could not open. The information needs to be sent as a .doc file or cut and pasted into body of email and resent to my yahoo account (as you did while I was away) by Monday night 9 pm.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

homework...

having trouble opening attachments - not sure why. If you did not get a message back from me with a grade AND you sent homework as an attachment...please resend in the bbody of the email.

thanks for your kind thoughts about my grandma!

Ms. MacVay

ps...NEW TRIVIA WILL BE POSTED IN THE MORNING!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

SCHEDULE CHANGES

My grandmother passed away yesterday. I will be at school on Monday then away (Michigan) the rest of the week.

Monday we'll introduce vocabulary and work on the Twain short story.

Tuesday you'll need your literature book

Tuesdays With Morrie will be shown Wednesday-Friday. You will take notes on paper provided and write a response based on the movie vs book...due MONDAY 9/22/08.

There will be NO vocabulary or grammar quiz next week. The week of the 22nd we'll cover both lessons 3 and 4 and have a grammar quiz.

Your paper draft is still due the 23rd...email me at renemacvay@yahoo.com if you have questions while I am away...i'll check e-mail once a day.

Have a good week!

Ms. MacVay

Thursday, September 11, 2008

"Bone Girl" Homework due 9-15-08

Tomorrow's quiz on Bone Girl will be multiple choice and short answer.

“Bone Girl” by Joseph Bruchac

Classroom Discussion Questions:

1. Would you describe the Bone Girl as helpful or frightful? Find textual evidence to support your answer.
2. What do you believe about spirits, and how does your thinking compare with the narrator’s thinking? (A complete answer includes WHAT the narrator thinks about spirits.)
3. How is the narrator’s idea about “staying put” significant to the story? Use specific details and information from the story to support your answer.
4. How is the title relevant to the story? Use specific details and information from the story to support your answer.

Homework:

Respond to ONE of the following prompts in essay form. Your answer should be about three paragraphs in length (introduction/body/conclusion) but can be longer if you have more to share. Remember ONE idea per paragraph. Please TYPE DOUBLE SPACED and turn in behind this cover sheet. Due Monday 9-15-08

1. The encounter with the Bone Girl helps the narrator to straighten out his life. Many of us have had or know someone who has had the experience of a divine intervention. Write about a divine intervention you know about and explain the effects this has had on the person involved.

2. The narrator tells us, “I have a theory about this. I think it is because Indians stay put and white people keep moving around” (67). Thinking of your own family or community, write an essay that refutes or substantiates the narrator’s thinking.

Monday, September 8, 2008

New Information

Today I passed out the letters from Mr. Ozdowski re: Saints on the Web.

Upcoming Assignments
Correct Vocabulary Quiz #1 Due 9/9
Outside Reading #1 Chosen by 9/11
Vocab quiz 2 and Lit Quiz on 9/12 (short stories)
Vocab Quiz 3 and Grammar Quiz 9/19 (pronouns and conjunctions)
Paper 1 Draft due 9/23 (details on earlier post)
Vocab quiz 4 and grammar quiz 9/26 (pronouns and conjunctions)

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Future Long Term Assignments

For those of you who like to plan ahead...
Outside Reading # 2
Paper Topic #2 (Persuasive Paper in MLA format) and Rubric

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Upcoming Assignments

Next Week bring your summer reading and vocabulary books on Tuesday and Wednesday. We'll introduce lesson #1 and finish our summer reading discussions/activities.

Starting on Thursday your summer reading books may stay at home...keep them as the books will be covered on your semester final. Bring your grammar and literature books to class along with your vocabulary books.

Tuesday 2 short stories will be passed out to the class. Both need to be actively read and the corresponding questions completed by class on Thursday. Be prepared for a quiz on your reading and be prepared for circle discussions!

Friday 9/5 we'll have vocabulary lesson #1 Quiz
Friday 9/12 we'll have lesson 2 quiz

Thursday 9/11 - Outside reading book #1 needs to be chosen.

Paper #1 draft is due 9/23. Details are attached here and will be discussed in class next week.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Welcome to Ms. MacVay's English Class

My tutoring hours are from 7:00-7:30 each day (and by appt). During the course of the year I will transition from this blog as my sole means of communication with you to a WEBSITE and this blog. When that is established I will link the two together.

Your grammar book comes with a student online companion. To access the online companion:
Login to ClassZone at www.mcdougallittell.com
You will need to pick the curriculum: Language Arts
Pick from left column Grammar/Composition
Then Pick our 10th grade book
Then ClassZone:Companion WebSite
Then student tools from right


The student access code is:
MCDJ38NR48WDA

Let me know if you have questions!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Welcome Incoming Sophomores

A few people e-mailed me about an inability to download the worksheets for summer reading. I just returned to town and experienced the same problem when I tried to open them. I am attaching them again to this post.

Summer Reading Chart
Summer Reading Questions

Enjoy the rest of the summer vacation! Have fun watching the Olympics!


Don't forget to bring all 3 books to class the first day.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Summer Reading for Incoming 10th Grade Students

10th Grade Summer Reading

Incoming Sophomores are to ACTIVE read the following books by Mitch Albom:

The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Tuesdays with Morrie
For One More Day

Complete the attached reading worksheets and bring to class on the first day of school (also bring the three books!). Reading Chart to be completed (typed). Reading Questions to be completed - typed and in complete sentences. Include page # from where you derived your answer.

This assignment is for all incoming 10th grade students in Mr. Weber’s, Ms. McLain’s and Ms. MacVay’s English classes.