Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Semester 2 Papers

****The week long English Writing Exam will be held the week of March 31st-April 4th. This is worth 10% of the Second Semester Grade.

1. A resume will be started in Homeroom and be due in class. Details will be posted here after I find out information from the counselors as to the day of the homeroom "training".

Resume training begins March 27th. All resumes are due by April 14th. BONUS of 10% if you turn in your resume the school week after your homeroom training!

2. A research based expository paper - will be worked on in March. Details will be posted here at the end of February. Each Tuesday in March we will have library time to research, work on drafts, get peer editing tips from peers, and get feedback from me. The more time is used wisely, the less that will have to be done at home. The Expository Paper will be due, uploaded to turnitin.com by Sunday March 30, 2104 (11:59 PM).

The Writing Exam will start Friday April 11th and continue through Holy Week. It is an in-class assessment of writing. The passage will be read at home. This is 10% of the course grade for this semester.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Semester 2 Begins Today

Today papers were returned and we organized binders.

ALL of 2013 Upfront Magazines and Vocabulary Quizzes were recycled.

ALL Literature, Grammar, and Writing was kept.

Papers were transitioned to PORTFOLIOS (put after 10th grade papers).

A new Upfront Magazine was passed out and Macbeth was discussed.

Macbeth Discussion:
ERA in which play was written
Role of Actors
Expectations of audience
Quote students brought in to discuss

Vocabulary Due Dates were put in the planner and on class calendar:
The three paper dates as posted on the previous blog post
Lessons 7-8-9 Due Monday 2-10-14
Lessons 10-11-12 Due Monday 3-3-14
Lessons 13-14-15 Due Monday 4-7-14

Vocabulary Quizzes:

7-8 Friday 2-14-14
8-9 Friday 2-21-14
TEST 7-8-9 Friday 2-28-14
10-11 Friday 3-7-14

Monday, February 3, 2014

Semester Two Vocabulary Stories, Quizzes, and Tests

ALL STORIES:
1000-2000 words (word count in parenthesis after last word)
double spaced in Times New Roman 12 point font
Include a title
Have a beginning, middle, and an ending. (Minimum of three paragraphs..but remember 1 idea per paragraph
Vocabulary words BOLD and unit # in parenthesis after word EXAMPLE Super (7)
Ten (10) words from EACH unit used...that is 30 total
Use one of the topics below for each story. Do NOT use the same topic twice.


Lessons 7-8-9 Due Monday 2-10-14
Lessons 10-11-12 Due Monday 3-3-14
Lessons 13-14-15 Due Monday 4-7-14


Topics from which to choose to START your story (all stories will have the same start...how you finish them will be based on your imagination):
1. The moment I found that teeny, tiny little...
2. We sat in silence for...
3. Start with the idiom: He always has a bone to pick...
4. The factory bell...
5. The place was a real dump...
6. The clock was ticking, time was running out...
7. When the pencil got stuck in my ear...
8. Utilize all four in your story: The fire smells..., The earth sounds..., The rain tastes..., The wind looks...

Vocabulary Quiz/Test Dates:
Friday 2-14-14 Quiz Lessons 7-8
Friday 2-21-14 Quiz Lessons 8-9
Friday 2-28-14 TEST 7-9
Friday 3-8-14 Quiz Lessons 10-11
Friday 3-15-14 Quiz Lessons 11-12
Friday 3-21-14 TEST 10-12
Friday 4-11-14 Quiz Lessons 13-14
Friday 5-2-14 Quiz Lessons 14-15
Friday 5-9-14 TEST 13-15

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Second Semester Begins February 4, 2014

Bring to class your final Intersession Assignment, vocabulary book, binder, and Macbeth book.

I'm looking forward to a GREAT SECOND SEMESTER!

Tuesday is a BLOCK DAY...Homeroom...then BLOCKS 2-4-6

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Writing Contest BONUS ... Due January 31st

If you submit an essay to the contest, it ALSO must be submitted to me...either CC me on the e-mial or do a screen shot of the email/upload form and bring a copy of your submission to Room 322.

DUE NO LATER THAN 1-31-14.

Details: Stage Of Life Writing Contest

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Bonus Opportunities Over Intersession

I'll post ALL BONUS Opportunities I know about below. If you know of something and wish to make it public for it to count an an opportunity for all, please let me know!

15Th Annual Chapman University Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

Details:
Theme: Memories Spoken and Heard: Intersecting Perspectives of the Holocaust

This year's Holocaust Art and Writing Contest begins when you listen thoughtfully to a survivor's full-length testimony and "hear" a testimony that "speaks" to you. Your entry will show the intersection between memory spoken and heard from your perspective as a writer, artist or film maker.

What to do...click on the hyperlink above to go to the contest page.
Click on the link to READ CONTEST INFORMATION
ON PAGE 3 of the PDF you can find the prompt and links to video testimony.
The criteria for the WRITTEN work is on page 4 of the PDF
For our class purposes we will follow the following guidelines:

Must be word-processed and must not include reference to
student or school name.
Prose essay may not exceed one page: Times New Roman 12, 1” margins,
single spaced.


DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION:
Bring to Room 322 by Wednesday January 22, 2014

Warwick's Author Events:
Call ahead to check to make sure that everything that is published online is still planned before you drive there!
The events that appear to have subjects appropriate for a high school audience are as follows. Please have your parents sign a printed copy of this post and approve that THEY too believe the topic is appropriate.

Christopher Reich 1-15-14

Denise Lee Yohn 1-28-14

April Smith 1-29-13

If you attend an author event, take a picture with the author and take notes about the program. Staple to your printed copy of this email that your parent signed. Bring to school the first day of Semester 2...by 7:00 AM.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Cross Country Connections

New Post...you may wish to respond the BOTH DECEMBER POSTS to start Semester 2 with BONUS points!

Respond to the prompt and/or students from the other school!

Deadline for December posts to be BONUS for Semester 2...December 31st

Cross Country Connections

Sunday, December 15, 2013

January 2014 Intersession Assignments

START WITH: ACTIVE READING MACBETH

If you cannot locate your copy, a link to an online version of Macbeth is located under the HELPFUL LINKS on this blog.


By January 15th (11:59 PM) upload to turnitin.com a response to the following prompt. I am giving you your START. Fill in the blanks in the thesis statement and develop into a traditional 5 paragraph essay. This MUST be in MLA format with in text citations … your examples need to come from THREE DIFFERENT acts.

Remember…your body paragraphs develop the ideas presented in the thesis…in the order presented in the thesis. For all intents and purposes, I gave you paragraph 1 … you need to fill in the blanks. You will need to finish the three body paragraphs and create a conclusion.

Macbeth is a dynamic round character. He changes from the start of the play to the end of the play. Macbeth started as a __________ and became a ________. This change was due to the following factors: __________, ________, and ________.

Rubric:

+ _____/10 COW in MLA format to complete first example
+______/10 COW in MLA format to complete second example
+ _____/10 COW in MLA format to complete third example
+______/10 Grammar, conclusion ties together thoughts in previous 4 paragraphs


By January 27th (11:59 PM) upload to turnitin.com a response to the following…using the same format/instructions from above. The only change in directions...the evidence is not about change over time so omit the idea that the evidence needs to come from three different acts.

Dictionary.com defines a tragic hero as a great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall, suffering, or defeat. After reading the tragedy of Macbeth, I believe ______ is the tragic hero in the story. ______(name the character you used in previous sentence) is a tragic hero because he/she ______________, _____________ and ____________.

Due the first day of class SECOND SEMESTER:
Bring to class (written on a 3x5 index card) a quote you found interesting or confusing.

On the front of the card write the quote and include Act #, Scene #, and Line # (as well as your name and block #)
On the back, explain your thought process. Write DETAILS ABOUT why you found the quote interesting or confusing.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Make-Up Pronoun Quiz 7 AM Monday Morning 12-16-13

Friday the 13th...

Today I returned all papers that I had in the "pass back" bin.

I still need to grade BNW Project (Test Grade) and the Pronoun quizzes from today.

Monday we will complete our BNW discussion. IF there is time, we will have a Vocabulary BINGO BONUS opportunity.

Intersession work will be posted by 12-15-13.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Block Day

We turned in our FINAL PAPER...one more assignment (Friday's Pronoun Quiz) then the final!

Intersession Assignments will be posted over the weekend. There will be a few deadlines over the Month of January...spreading the work out not piling it up for the last minute.

In class we corrected Writers Choice page 666 exercises 8 and 9

We discussed (took notes) on the topic of FOIL in Literature, as it applies to Brave New World. Our discussion lead us to the theme of the Power of Words as well as how the "planned utopia" created a sense of Community/Identity/Stability...the MOTTO of the World State.

REMEMBER: Spirit Dress tomorrow (announced after Mass)

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Final Exam

Schedule posted on the SAHS.org homepage

If you liked Hunger Games and are looking for a similar book....

James Dashner's Maze Runner trilogy is similar...perhaps you would like to read it for an OR Bonus for next semester?


Brave New World Games

Today I passed back some papers and we played the BNW games!

Remember...PAPER 4/Reflection due BLOCK DAY!

Monday, December 9, 2013

FIVE days of CLASS + 3 Days of Finals...then BREAK

today we corrected what we did not finish on Friday of last week...work completed during SOPH. RETREAT.

Vocabulary Book pages 82 and 83

Grammar Book page 451 exercise 20, page 666 exercise 8

REMINDERS:
BNW Project (TEST GRADE) due tomorrow. ALL group members need to turn in a rubric
PAPER #4 due BLOCK DAY. Turn in Rubric as cover sheet (details 11-2-13 blog post)
Pronoun Quiz Friday

Final Exam Tuesday 12-17-13


Intersession work will be posted THIS weekend...that allows you time to ask questions before we go to break.


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Brave New World Make-Up Quiz

If you missed the make-up quiz today at lunch due to absence...Friday 7:15 AM will be the final opportunity to make-up the BNW Quiz.

Block Days/Sophomore Retreat

Students IN CLASS will have time to work on the following, students NOT in class must complete the following. We will correct on Friday 12-6-13

Writer’s Choice:
Read 396-400
Read page 666 and Complete EX. 8,9 EVENS and EX 10 ALL (underline phrases when used...print neatly in pen...skip lines).
Have students go back to pages 448-450 and complete EXERCISES 20, 21
THIS is HOMEWORK if not done...it will be corrected Friday!

Vocabulary Book: complete pages 81-83
THIS is HOMEWORK if not done...it will be corrected Friday!

Complete written assignment (Worksheet)that corresponds to LAST week’s UPFRONT MAGAZINE THIS is HOMEWORK if not done...it will be corrected Friday!

Tuesday 12-3-13

AFTER almost a week...we are back together...

Today we corrected Writers Choice HW from last Tuesday
(read pages 446-447 complete exercise 16, read pages 448-450 and complete exercises 18 and 19)

I announced a SWITCH in the Pronoun Quiz from Friday this week to Friday 12-13-13.

REMINDER: Bring PAPER #3 Rubric to the retreat as well as the multi-media component that cannot be turned in to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM tonight.

Class time was given to work on the BNW Project (TEST GRADE)

Friday, November 29, 2013

Semester 1 Final Exam Study Guide

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS COVER THE FOLLOWING:
Vocabulary and Grammar topics covered this semester
Vocabulary lessons 1-6
Grammar Units 19-20-21 and Pronouns
Literature: Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, MAUS, Diaries, and Brave New World

SHORT ANSWER/ ESSAY TOPICS WILL ASSESS:

Understanding of ESSAY format
Thesis Statement
Understanding of Literature

Essay Topics May Include:

Conflict
Setting
Character Analysis
Irony/Satire
Themes that occur in multiple stories
Genre study
FOIL

Q: How do I study?
A: If you are not organized...start there! Then look back over your literature notes and EACH BOOK"S page on the class website. GO back over your vocabulary and grammar quizzes and review what you got incorrect.

Q: Is there an in-class review?
A: No. You may come in and ask any questions you may have in the remaining Tuesdays With Rene' this semester. You can use Tuesdays to get organized as well!

Q: How much COW do I need to give in my essays?
A: PLENTY to prove you read the story and can recall specific scenes/conversations to support your response.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Last Few Days Before THANKSGIVING....

On Block Day last Wednesday I returned some papers and reviewed Vocabulary Books Pages 75-76-77 with Blocks 2-4-6. Bingo Bonus was in Block 5 on Tuesday and Blocks 2-4-6 on block day.

We discussed Brave New World

I had a sub Block 5 on Thursday...Block 5 reviewed the same pages in the Vocabulary Book. They then read an article discussion social media and college admissions. They completed a written reflection to the article. We will discuss together.

Block 5 was given a NEW Upfront Magazine.

Friday the VOCABULARY TEST WAS TAKEN. All students in Blocks 2-4-6 were given the article and Upfront Magazine that Block 5 was given on Thursday.

Upfront Magazine: Read articles 'Mexico's New Realities' and 'A 51st State' for class discussion ... due TUESDAY 11-26-13



Monday 11-25-13
We are in the library working on revising rough drafts for paper #3
Final Drafts are due Tuesday 12-3-13 at 11:59 PM

Tuesday 11-26-13
Brave New World Quiz
Writer's Choice Assignment (Read pages 446-447 and complete Exercise 16 THEN Read pages 448-450 and complete Exercises 18 and 19)
Discuss Upfront Articles and New York Times Article

IF you miss school 11-26-13 The Make-UP BNW Quiz is Tuesday 12-3-13 at LUNCH!


UPCOMING DUE DATES:
Tuesday 12-3-13 Final Draft of Paper #3 Uploaded to turnitin.com
Bring RUBRIC to sophomore retreat if you have not given it to me!

12-4 and 12-5 Sophomore Retreat

Friday 12-6
Grammar Quiz ... Pronouns

Tuesday 12-10-13
Brave New World Test Grade /Project Due

Block Day 12-11/12-12 Paper #4 Due (details on blog post titled Paper #4 dated Saturday November 2, 2013))

Final Exam... Tuesday 12-16-13
Final Exam Study Guide will be Posted by 12-4-13





The LAST THREE TUESDAYS....

I will be available to answer questions about Paper #3 and Paper #4

I will be available to answer any questions/review concepts that someone needs to go over individually

Reminder...Tuesdays with Rene' Movie Bonus resumes the FIRST WEEK of Semester 2!

Make-Up Vocabulary TEST...TUESDAY 11-26 7 AM

See you there!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tuesday 11-19

There is a NEW Cross Country Connections Post...remember you can only comment on current posts for the comments to count! You can respond to the post or another student..

Peer Reviews are due by 11:59 tonight

Today in class we corrected pages 72-73 and 79-80 in the vocabulary book. HOMEWORK due BLOCK DAY: pages 75-77.

Blocks 2-4-6: Brave New World Discussion re: Science Fiction and what it means to be human ... Block 5 Bingo Bonus

The Make-up Grammar Quiz was held during LUNCH



Tuesdays With Rene'...

will resume Semester 2 ....

Next week is the Turkey Trot ... there are NOT enough Tuesdays to compete another movie.

We will begin Week 1 of Second Semester!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Monday 11-18-13

REMINDER...MAKE-UP Grammar Quiz from Friday will be TUESDAY 11-19-13 at LUNCH!

Today in class we completed three peer reviews on turnitin.com. what is NOT DONE will be due by 11:59 Tuesday night.

BLOCK 2 had technical difficulties and will be able to finish the other 2 peer reviews NEXT week...

BlOCKS 4-5-6 had an opportunity to complete all 3

Vocabulary Book Homework:
Block 2: pages 75-77, pages 79 and 80
Blocks 4-5-6 pages 79 and 80

REMINDER...Vocabulary TEST Friday this week...lessons 4-5-6


Friday, November 15, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Friday 11-15-13

We will correct Writer's Choice pages 704-705 ODDS from Exercises 4-5-6 before we take the Unit 19 grammar quiz

After the quiz, a vocabulary Lesson 4-5-6 Review Assignment will be able to be worked on in class (pages 72-73 and page 78) - what is not completed will be due on Monday.

REMEMBER PAPER #3 Rough Draft is due Sunday 11-17-13 uploaded to turnitin.com. All details about PAPER #3 can be found on the blog post from 11-2-13 titled Paper #3 Assignment Information

Announcement Given at Mass this week...
Wednesday before Thanksgiving is NOT a school day.

Upcoming Schedule Interruptions: Sophomore Retreat Wednesday and Thursday 12/4 and 12/5

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Block Day

We Corrected the Writer's Choice Assignment that was to be done after the MAUS test yesterday.

BNW assignment #3 was collected.

We reviewed Vocabulary Lesson 6 be goi8ng over page 71 in the vocabulary book

I answered questions about BNW in class

Homework...we will correct BEFORE the Grammar Quiz Friday
Writers Choice pages 705-706 ...odds...exercises 4-5-6

If you liked the SUMMER READING

Mitch Albom has a new book out as of 11-12-13

Misunderstood words

Monday, November 11, 2013

Tuesday 11-12-13

After the long weekend, we'll start a push toward the Thanksgiving Holiday!

Pre-Write #2 will be collected and Maus/Diaries test will be taken.

IF there is time, papers will be passed back.

After the test....

Complete the following in Writers Choice (HOMEWORK if not done in class):
page 696 EVENS
page 699 ODDS

REMEMBER:
BNW part 3 due BLOCK DAY
Grammar Quiz (unit 19) Friday
Paper 3 Rough Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by Sunday 11-17-13 at 11:59 PM





Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday 11-8-13 .. Remaining Assignments for Semester 1

Today we were going to correct vocabulary Book Lesson 6 completing the sentences before the quiz, but students did not complete the assignment.

Pre-Write #1 was collected as well as Vocabulary lesson 4/5 corrections, if not turned in block day.

WE have 22 Days of class left (21 class days since 1 day is Sophomore Retreat) before Semester 1 exams...each deadline is crucial ... turn in your work on time...there is no time to gain back lost points for late work...let's end the semester STRONG!

Due Dates for the rest of the semester, as we discussed this week...additional assignments will be made to prepare for next day's class discussion.

Tuesday 11-12
Maus / Diaries rescheduled Test
Pre-Write #2

Block Day 11/13 and 11/14
BNW Assignment #3

Friday 11-15
Grammar Quiz Unit 19

Sunday 11-17
Upload Narrative Draft to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM

Tuesday 11-19
THREE Peer Reviews completed by 11:59 PM

Friday 11-22
Vocabulary Test 4-5-6

Tuesday 11-26
BNW Quiz

Tuesday 12-3
Upload Narrative Final by 11:59 PM

Block Days = Sophomore Retreat Days
I will be at RETREAT...bring your RUBRIC to RETREAT

Friday 12-6
Grammar (Pronouns) Quiz

Monday 12-9-13 BNW Test/Project

Block Day 12/10 - 12/11
Final Paper (PAPER 4) + Reflection due

Tuesday 12-17-13 Semester Exam...covers:
all literature, even Summer Reading. BOTH semester exams will cover ALL literature
Vocabulary Lessons 1-6
Grammar Units 19-20-21 + Pronouns
Format: Scantron + Essay





Vocabualry Quiz 6 Make Up

If you missed the Vocabulary Quiz today...we will have the MAKE UP Quiz during tutoring time...Wednesday 11-13-13

7:00 AM

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Last Flight of Petr Ginz

If you missed the movie due to absence...I will show it at lunch tomorrow...Thursday 11-7-13

Email me if you will be there!

MAUS TEST...RESCHEDULED

The Maus/Diaries test is rescheduled for TUESDAY 11-12-13

Mass ran long and block 2 had too much time cut off the class period to complete the test today....THEREFORE...EVERYONE BENEFITS.

IN CLASS we completed the Synonyms and Antonyms to review for Friday's Lesson 6 Vocabulary Quiz
We watched the Last Flight of Petr Ginz (from where we left off yesterday) and continued to take notes.

BNW assignment #2 was collected

After the film we had some time to correct Vocabulary Lesson 4 and 5 quizzes (write the word, part of speech, adn definition). What was not done in class is homework due Friday 11-8-13.

After the corrections were completed, students started Completing teh Sentences from Vocabulary Lesson 6, this is homework and will be corrected before Friday's Quiz.

REMINDER: PreWrite #1 that was started in the library is due Friday in class.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Tuesday 11-5-13

Today I returned Vocabulary Stories that I was able to correct from yesterday as well as BNW Assignment #1 and the Paper #2 Rubrics that I have completed.

We completed and corrected Vocabulary Book page 70 in class.

We listed all due dates from the back board calendar in our planner as we have 25 days left to work hard until final exams.

We started The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. We will finish it before the test tomorrow. Material from the film WILL BE On the test.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Monday 11-4-13 LIbrary Time to work on PPR 3 Pre-write

today we will be working on PAPER 3 Pre-Write in the library. This is DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 11-8-13.

The prewrite must be typed and brought to class no later than Friday.

Pre-Write Part 2 ... the interview of a parent and grandparent must be brought to class...typed, thoroughly completed/translated by TUESDAY 11-13-13.

Go to the papers page of the class website for the document...read Friday's post for ALL PAPER 3 details!


Use your time wisely in class...there will be less homework that way!

Upcoming Due Dates:
Maus Test MOVED to Block Day...format Short Answer/Essay
BNW assignment #2 due Block Day
Vocabulary Quiz Friday 11-5-13



Saturday, November 2, 2013

Paper #4 Assignment Instructions

The FINAL paper of the year will be a cumulative vocabulary review in preparation for the semester exam.

When this paper is turned in all 6 of the previous vocabulary stories will be included.

This paper includes a reflection on the writing done in class for the first semester.

The paper is linked on the PAPERS PAGE of the class website. It is called 1314Semester1VocabularyStoryReview

Due Date: Block Day December 10/11

Paper #3 Assignment Information

Paper #3 will be writing a PERSONAL NARRATIVE. We read Tuesdays With Morrie and Maus which were both based on people interviewing another person and telling that story. Both Mitch and Artie learned about themselves as they told someone's story.

You will tell YOUR story and include elements of one of your parent's and grandparent's story. After all, as the Blue Man said, we are all connected!

Paper #3 details can be found on the papers page
of the class website.

We will spend each Monday in November working in the library.
Monday 11-4-13 will be spend starting Pre-Write #1.
Monday 11-18 Peer-Review
Monday 11-25 Revision

Pre-Write #2 is based off interviewing parents/grandparents.


Due Dates:

Pre-Write PART 1 BROUGHT to class Friday 11-8-13
Pre-Write PART 2 BROUGHT to class Tuesday 11-12-13

Pre-Write Document called: 13134PersonalNarrativePreWrite

Rough Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by: November 17th
Rubric (1314PersonalNarrative) brought to class November 18th
Peer-Editing done in class...three peer edits due by 11:59 PM 11-19-13

Final Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by: December 2nd
Same Rubric brought BACK to class: December 3rd/4th (Block Day).

Friday, November 1, 2013

Friday 11-1-13

Today we reviewed for the quiz by completing Vocabulary book page 64
We took Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 5

When finished, there was a bit of time to read BNW

Upcoming Assignments:

Monday 11-4-13 Vocab (6)/Grammar Story
Block Day ... MAUS test MOVED to block day, BNW Assignment 2 Due
Friday Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 6, PPR #3 Pre-Write #1 Due

No School Monday 11-11-13

Make-Up Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 5

Tuesday 11-5-13 at LUNCH

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Block Days...

We discussed the idea of a story within a story in Maus. We found examples of Artie's story woven into Vladek's.

We discussed TEXT to REXT connections between Maus and Tuesdays With Morrie.

We completed Vocabulary Book Lesson 5 Completing the Sentences
We completed Writer's Choice page 691 and 693

FRIDAY 11-1-13 is TIE DAY


ANNOUNCEMENT...I am collecting money for the No Shave November Fundraiser...remember it is $20.00 and allows you to come to school WITHOUT SHAVING STARTING NOVEMBER 4th. YOU MUST SHAVE for Mass on Tuesday 11-26-13.

Announcement #2: Meet in the library ALL MONDAYS in November

Monday, October 28, 2013

Week of 10-28-13

Today we completed page 63 in our Vocabulary Books and turned in Vocabulary / Grammar story Lesson 5

We discussed Irony as it relates to MAUS:
Each group shared examples of VERBAL, DRAMATIC, and SITUATIONAL IRONY (what was not finished today will be shared in class tomorrow)

Papers were passed back in each class

Tuesday: Paper #2 due, uploaded to turnitin.com, by 11:59 PM

Block Day: Bring Paper 2 rubric to class, BNW Assignment #2 due

Friday: Vocabulary Quiz (6) MASS...TIE DAY



Friday, October 25, 2013

Vocabulary Lesson 4 Make Up Quiz

Tuesday 10-29

7:15 AM

Friday 10-25-13

Today we reviewed for the Vocabulary Quiz by completing page 57 in our book.

After the lesson 4 vocabulary quiz we discussed the writing contest bonus (previous blog post).

Students had time to read Brave New World (BNW) or Upfront Magazines.


Due Next TWO weeks:
Monday 10-28 Vocabulary / Grammar Story (see previous blog post from 10-17 for lessons 4-6 topics)
Tuesday 10-29 Paper #2 Final Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM

BLOCK DAY:
Bring RUBRIC back to class (same one as rough draft)
Brave New World (BNW) assignment #1 is due

Friday 11-1-13 (TIE DAY/MASS) Vocabulary Quiz 5

Monday 11-4-13 Vocabulary / Grammar Story (see previous blog post from 10-17 for lessons 4-6 topics)
Tuesday 11-5-13 Maus and Diaries TEST
Block Day: BNW assignment #2
Friday 11-8-13: Vocabulary Quiz 6

MONDAY 11-11-13 NO SCHOOL

Block Day 11-13/14 BNW LAST reading assignment (#3 of 3)

Friday 11-15-13 Grammar Quiz, unit 19

BONUS WRITING CONTEST - DEADLINE...12-9-13

If you wish to participate in a WRITING CONTEST as a BONUS...please submit your typed entry and entry form to me NO LATER THAN Monday December 9, 2013.

TOPIC: If all of the books in the world were about to disappear, but you could save one, what would it be? Why?

Length 800-1000 words
Times New Roman 12 pt. Font
Double Spaced
Put your name in the upper right corner of each page

A PDF file titled 13LibraryContestBonus is on the papers page of the class website
. Details are on this document as well as the entry form.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

10-23 and 10-24 BLOCK DAYS

We completes Grammar Book page 698 (1-10) and discussed terms/rules

We completes Choosing the Right Word in our Vocabulary Book

We watched an interview with Art Spiegelman and discussed AUTHENTICITY of MEMORY in MAUS.

Block 4 started to discuss the difference in accuracy between the diaries and memoir

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tuesday 10-22-13

Today we went through Completing the Sentences Vocabulary Lesson 4

We discussed Categorization of Maus...with COW

Also connotation of title...A Survivor's TALE

Next Maus topics:
Irony
Authenticity of Memory in Memoir vs Diary
Story within a Story
Pre-WWII life/Post WWII life

PAPER 2 REVISION

check comments ASAP on turnitin.com...some of you have revised drafts due ASAP...or overdue.

A few GENERAL Comments for revision:

All papers have a title...type in same font/size as body of the paper. The TITLE needs to be 3-5 words in length and MARCH CONTENT...not be name of theme/title of assignment. That means PAYING IT FORWARD is an unacceptable title.

All papers need to start with an attention getter/hook to draw in the reader. Do not start with a definition of paying it forward. Make your start customized to your paper's body.

A papers MUST HAVE a thesis in paragraph one...I think I read less than TEN papers with a thesis thus far. If you need help after my comments and your peers, come see me.

Papers due (uploaded to turnitin.com) next Tuesday .... 10-29-13 ... bring rubric to class with word count listed...on block day.


Monday, October 21, 2013

Monday 10-21-13

Today we completed Synonyms and Antonyms for Vocabulary Lesson 4

Vocabulary/Grammar stories were turned in also.

Papers were passed back.

Maus discussion at tables...to be shared first thing tomorrow...CATEGORIZATION...have 5 concrete examples.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

New Cross Country Connections Post

Remember...you can only comment on "Active Posts". The OLD post expires tonight. This post will be good for the week.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Brave New World

The 1314BNWReadingGuide is posted on the Brave New World Page of the class website.

I divided the book into THREE sections based on SETTING changes. Active read each chapter and complete the corresponding questions in the Reading Guide.

Part 1 is due Block Day .... October 30/31
Part 2 is due Block Day .... November 6/7

Part 2 is due Block Day .... November 13/14


BNW Quiz November 26, 2013 (Tuesday)

BNW TEST Monday December 9, 2013



Vocabulary Lessons 4-5-6

Vocabulary Stories Lesson 4-5-6

All Vocabulary Stories will be:
Typed - double spaced using Times New Roman 12 Point Font
Each vocabulary word will be indicated in BOLD
The word count (400-600 words) will be listed after the FINAL WORD
Have a title
Be at least three paragraphs (remember 1 idea per paragraph) ... which means it is a story as it has a beginning, middle, and an end (is fully developed)

GRAMMAR component will be made BOLD also


Vocabulary Lesson 4 Due Monday 10-21-13 ... Quiz Friday 10-25-13
Begin your story with one of the following:

He had a scar….
The one thing I know for sure about travel is…

Grammar: Correctly use 10 words from Chapter 19 USAGE pages 687-689

Vocabulary Lesson 5 Due Monday 10-28-13 .... Quiz Friday 11-1-13

Begin your story with one of the following:


He wished he….
The moment I found that teeny, tiny little…


Grammar: Correctly use 10 words from Chapter 19 USAGE pages 690, 692-693


Vocabulary Lesson 6 Due 11-4-13 .... Quiz Friday 11-8-13

Begin your story with one of the following:


The bus pulled into the terminal in…
Clowns make me…
What a coincidence…

Grammar: Correctly use 10 words from Chapter 19 USAGE pages 694-695, 697

Vocabulary TEST 4-5-6 FRIDAY 11-22-13

Upcoming Assignments ... up to 11-11-13

Paper #2 FINAL draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM on TUESDAY 10-29-13Bring Rubric to class the NEXT school day

Maus UNIT Test Tuesday 11-5-13

ALL Mondays in November we will meet in the library...

Thursday 10-17-13

Today we discussed upcoming deadlines then discussed Maus...We looked at PHOTOS from Poland in 1939-1940. We saw the world in which Vladek lived.

I asked the question...How would you categorize Maus as HISTORICAL FICTION, GRAPHIC NOVEL, OR DIARY/MEMOIR? We started to work with our table groups to PICK 1 category and support that categorization with COW. We will complete this on Monday.

Tonight 10-17-13 I will post:
Vocabulary Story details and Brave New World Details.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Tuesdays With Rene'

the NEW Bonus Movie starts today

Remember...to be eligible for a bonus....all work must be turned in and on time. Bonus is work over and above what is required.

Tuesday 10-15-13 Perr Editing Paper #2

Today we will peer edit paper #2

For Thursday...have read the diary that I gave you after your quiz yesterday.

Thursday we will return papers and discuss Maus and the diaries. THURSDAY is MASS (Tie Day) - therefore a bit shorter classes.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Monday 10-14-13

Today we will start in the library. Most of you did not get credit for doing your homework last week, looking at comments made on turnitin.com. This needs to be done before paper 2 is submitted. Part of the learning process is me assigning something, you completing the assignment, and then you looking at feedback to see where you met expectations, exceeded expectations, and need to improve.

REMINDER: If your paper 1 final score was 95 or lower, you are REQUIRED to meet with me to go over your paper. This MUST be done by October 26th.


After you read comments on turnitin.com you need to go to the PAPERS page of the class website to complete PAPER 1 REFLECTION...download the document titled 1314LOCReflection. Type your responses below the questions. Print the document and give to me AND save a copy for yourself.

We will be in the library 10-15 minutes

After the library we will return to the classroom and take a MAUS quiz. A diary will be given out to read by Thursday. Active read the diary with a focus on how Petr Ginz kept positive despite the harsh circumstances under which he was forced to exist/live.

REMINDER:
Rough Draft #2 needs to be uploaded by 11:59 PM MONDAY
Bring Rough Draft and RUBRIC to class on Tuesday for peer editing
OPTIONAL: Paper #1 Contest submission Deadline is TUESDAY. Bring in necessary documents. (Details in a blog post from last week).





Friday, October 11, 2013

Friday 10-11-13

I passed back papers and Vocabulary Test 1-3 was taken.

Next Week:
Maus II quiz

Monday:
Paper #2 rough draft uploaded to turnitin.com by Monday night at 11:59 PM

Tuesday:
Paper #1 contest information due if you wish to submit and try to win $1,000.00
Bring Paper 2 rought draft and rubric to class for a peer editing session

REMEMBER...AS STARTED ON THE PAPERS PAGE OF THE CLASS WEBSITE,IF YOU EARNED LESS THAN AN 80% ON PAPER #1 (UNDER 95/120) THEN YOU must MEET WITH ME OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME SO THAT WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR ROUGH DRAFT TO FINAL DRAFT PROGRESS. wHEN COULD YOU MEET WITH ME?
1. WEDNESDAY 9-16 and WEDNESDAY 9-23 ARE MY TUTORING TIMES before THE PAPER IS DUE
2. During Tuesdays with Rene' 10-22
3. Make an appointment with me for a day before school

Bonus Opportunity I just Learned of and am passing it along to you...October 23rd

Film Screening: 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Lawrence Family JCC [Garfield Theatre]


Follow the link for details. If you go to the film and wish a bonus....
Bring in your ticket stub signed by an employee BEFORE school Thursday 10-24-13
Take a picture of yourself with the employee...bring in the picture, or email the picture to me.
I will give you your bonus assignment.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WRITING LAB HOURS

Monday and Wednesday

7:00 AM to 7:30 AM

Mr. Johnston's room

His instructions for any student seeking assistance in ANY subject:
Bring your paper and the instructions given by the teacher

If the times change at any point in the school year I will modify this post!

Block Day

Maus II was collected...quiz will be NEXT week

BLOCKS 2-4-6 HOMEWORK due before you end your day:
READ my comments on paper #1 final draft (turnitin.com). See me if you have questions.

Block 5 will need to do this THURSDAY before they end their day

FRIDAY...Vocabulary Test Lessons 1-3
50 questions
Multiple Choice/Scantron

Paper # 2 Class Discussions

Today in Blocks 2-4-6 we discussed the paper topic for Paper #2.

We discussed the idea of PAYING IT FORWARD. I shared personal examples form my life.

We watched a few videos that provided examples. They may be helpful to give you ideas:

Change for A Dollar

Anonymous Extraordinaries

Pay It Forward Foundation

ONE WE DID NOT WATCH TODAY that would work as an example:
The Boatlift

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Tuesday 10-8-13

Today we completed Vocabulary Review in our books on pages 49 and 50

We then discussed crafting a strong Thesis Statement. We will finish with our class share of group thesis statements/practice statements on Block Day.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tuesdays with Rene'
We completed The Five People You Meet in Heaven Today. NEXT WEEK (10-15-13) a new movie will begin.
If you are eligible for a BONUS from Movie #1...I will have your assignment on Block Day
.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Cross Country Connections BLOG...

A NEW blog post will be put up on Tuesday after school. If you wish to participate ion the current post...do so ASAP!

Remember...you must respond to TWO Posts for each book...multiple responses to one post only count as responding to ONE post.

Monday 10-7-13 ... The Quarter is ALMOST over

Today papers were passed back and we organized our binders

We completed Vocabulary Book pages 46-48 (skipped word families)

We did not get to our discussion of the Klaus Langer Diary...tomorrow...

The FINAL Assignments for the quarter:

Due BLOCK DAY:
Maus II - Active read and complete WS
REMEMBER there will be a MAUS II quiz...

FRIDAY: Vocabulary TEST 1-3 (Multiple choice format)

Monday 10-14-13 Rough Draft of Paper #1 is due uploaded to turnitin.com
Tuesday 10-15-13Bring Rubric and a copy of rough draft to class for PEER EDITING IN CLASS WORKSHOP

IF YOU WISH TO SUBMIT YOUR PAPER #1 TO THE CONTEST, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE BLOG POST FROM LAST WEEK AND BRING IN ALL NECESSARY ITEMS BY 10-15-13

REMEMBER:
PSAT WEDNESDAY 10-16-13
NO SCHOOL FRIDAY 10-18-13

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Friday 10-4

You had a sub on Friday and took your GRAMMAR quiz

After the quiz you were asked to ACTIVE read the Diary of Petr and Eva...see you on Monday!

As I suggested earlier in the week...read over Paper #2 guidelines...email me if you have any questions!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Grammar Quiz Preparation

Last minute studying could include reviewing the following pages in Writer's Choice:

726-728 and 776-778

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Paper 1 Contest Submission Information

If you wish to submit your PAPER #1 to the Library of Congress contest AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN $1,000.00 follow these steps:

1. Go to the Papers Page of the class website

2. Read LOCEntryGuidelines Document and fill out the Entry Coupon

3. Attach the entry coupon to the LAST page of your paper

4. Make sure your name and complete return address appear in the UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF THE FIRST PAGE of the letter
letters w/o a return address will be disqualified

SUBMIT TO ME BY 10-15-13

Block Day 10-2 and 10-3

Today we reviewed more from Writers Choice Unit 20

The RULES pages 715-717 and then completed evens from exercise 7 pahe 719

The RULES pages 720 and 722 and then completed exercise 11 page 723

We also reviewed Vocabulary Units 1-3 by completing and correcting page 45

We read the Upfront Magazine (pages 12-13) and an additional article about Affirmative Action

We also started the article about" Car Culture" page 10

PAPER #2

The ROUGH DRAFT for PAPER #2 is due (uploaded to turnitin.com) by 11:59 PM in Monday 10-14-13

The rubric and rough draft need to be brought to class on TUESDAY 10-15-13 (for peer reviewing like we did for paper #2)

The FINAL DRAFT will be due (uploaded to turnitin.com) by 10-29-13. Block Day 10/30 and 10/31 the rubric will need to be returned to class.

As stated on the Papers Page of the class website, all papers are peer reviewed. I will go over papers of students who:
Scored below an 80% on paper #1
ask me to give their paper a review...just ask, I will give feedback!

As stated on the website...look for 1314CATEContest in the attached documents.

A PDF file of the CATE Contest information is also attached if you wish to read it to see what prizes you could earn!

HOMEWORK...Due 10-5-13. Read over the paper's directions. Let me know if you have any questions. I SUGGEST YOU START YOUR DRAFT THIS WEEKEND SINCE HOMECOMING IS NEXT WEEKEND!


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Maus Quiz 10-1-13

Make-up Quiz for those who missed the quiz will be Monday 10-7-13 at lunch. Bring a PEN...meet me by the upper field where I have lunch duty!

October 1, 2013

Today we discussed the Cross Country Connections Blog and the requirements for participation .... minimum requirements as well as what needs to be done to earn a BONUS.

We then took MAUS Quiz 1

After MAUS quiz 1 we corrected Vocabulary quiz 3
and Read Writer's Choice pages 713-714
We completed ODDS from Exercise 4

Vocabulary and Writers Choice work is HOMEWORK if not completed in class

Monday, September 30, 2013

September 30th

Today Papers were passed back and upcoming assignments reviewed, like a normal Monday.

We completed Vocabulary Book pages 42-43 to start out Lessons 1-3 review

We complete Writers Choice pages 711-712 exercises 1-2-3 (ODDS)

We Started to read from the Upfront Magazine an article about Congress on pages 12-13.

Due Dates this week:
Tuesday by 11:59 PM Upload Paper 1 Final Draft to turnitin.com

Block Day:
Bring Paper 1 Rubric (same as rough draft) to class
Maus I completion WS

Friday
Grammar Quiz Lessons 20/21 (Multiple Choice PLUS written portion)
A reading selection will be given after the quiz, what is not active read will be homework for Monday

Sunday, September 29, 2013

MAUS UNIT - Cross Country Connections

All of you need to respond to 4 MAUS discussions posted on Cross Country Connections BLOG Your response can be to the original question asked, or you can comment on a post made by another student.

Cross Country Connections is a BLOG community created after a conversation I had with one of my United States Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow peers. WE set up the blog so that our students could virtually discuss a book that we were reading in class.

Make sure your responses are clear and communicated using textual evidence. Remember your audience is not necessarily in our classroom.

A blog response is 200-300 words, including textual evidence.

To get credit for your response, you need to sign your post with your first name and last initial, if not your last name as well!

You MUST complete TWO responses for each book...4 total!

Remember the BLOG IS PUBLIC. Good DIGITAL CITIZENS use appropriate language and cite sources.

Any student that thoroughly responds to EACH BLOG POST with a 200-300 word reply (that is thorough, and adheres to digital citizenship rules) will be eligible a LITERATURE BONUS.

Posts will be counted starting 10-1-13, the day the announcement was made in class. The closing date for the BLOG comments will be announced with a week to go...it should run through most of OCTOBER. Perhaps into November...

See me if you have any questions!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday 9-27-13

We took Vocabulary Quiz (3) today and Grammar Quiz (unit 21). New Upfront editions were passed out as well.

Over the weekend:
Look at comments made on turnitin.com...ask me if you have questions...or ask your peer reviewers

Due Next Week:
Tuesday 10-1-13 11:59 PM final draft uploaded to turnitin.com

NOTE: TUESDAY is MASS DAY ... TIE DAY ATTIRE


Block Day: Maus I completion/WS AND Return PAPART 1 RUBRIC

Friday 10-4-13
Grammar Quiz (20/21)

REMINDER: There WILL be a MAUS quiz each of the next two weeks


LOOKING AHEAD.
..PAPER #2 rough draft is due Monday 10-14-13 ...

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Block Day 9-26/27

today we got new seats AND...

Completed Vocabulary Book page 40 (11-20)
Complete Writer's Choice SEMICOLONS (Rules on 733-734 and exercise on 737)

WE discussed book Censorship .... Banned Books Week in the USA and Book Burning during WWII in Berlin, Germany.

The first Maus Assignment was collected. The MAUS BLOG assignments will be discussed on Friday.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tuesday 9-24-13

Today we reviewed Vocabulary Lesson 3 by completing 1-10 on page 40

We discussed paper revision topics with the entire group and then spent the rest of the time PEER EDITING

Due Block Day:
first MAUS assignment

Block Day we will discuss Cross Country Connections BLOG Requirements (while reading Maus)

Monday, September 23, 2013

The Week of September 23rd

Today papers were passed back and we reviewed THE USE OF COLONS in the Writers Choice book (page 733-734). We completed Exercise 3 on page 734 (some classes did evens and some odds)


WE discussed proper salutations for professional letters:
Use of colon
When to address a female with MISS, MRS. , or MS.

The time remaining was spent reading the latest UPFRONT magazine.

Upcoming assignments:
Monday 9-23-13 paper #1 draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 P.M.
Print draft and bring in ALL THREE PAGES of directions/Rubric to class TUESDAY 9-24-13

Block Day
Maus Read/Study Guide up to and including Chapter 3 is due
Maus quiz anytime after each reading assignment is completed.

Friday 9-27-13
Vocabulary Quiz 3
Grammar Quiz (unit 21)
BOTH Multiple Choice

NEXT WEEK:
Paper #1 Final Draft uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Rubric brought BACK to class Block Day 10-2 or 10-3

Block Day
Maus complete book 1 and study guide/prepare for a quiz

Friday 10-4-13
Grammar Quiz (units 20/21) BOTH Multiple Choice format AND correcting sentences.

Upcoming:
Maus II completed by BLOCK DAY 10-9 / 10-10
Vocabulary Test (MC format) lessons 1-3 on Friday 10-11
Paper #2 Rough Draft due 10-14 uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Paper 2 Rubric/draft brought to class for peer review 10-15-13

WED 10-16 PSAT TESTING

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY 10-18-13

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday 9-20-13

Blocks 2 and 4 were given back Vocabulary Quiz Lessons 1 and 2. Corrections (words and definitions) are due on Monday.

Block 2 needs to complete paperwork for the 10th Grade Counselor (due Monday)

Blocks 5 and 6 are turning in their vocabulary corrections today.

ALL blocks will be viewing a PPT that goes into detail about how to read a graphic novel.

Assignments due next week:
Paper 1 needs to be uploaded to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM Monday
The rubric and Rough Draft need to be brought to class on Tuesday.


The FIRST Maus Assignment is due BLOCK DAY

Vocabulary Quiz and Grammar Quiz (UNIT 21) on Friday 9-27-13

NEXT WEEK: Bring Writers Choice, Vocabulary, and Maus (always have your planner and binder)

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Block Day 9-18 and 9-19

I will go to St. Vincent de Paul today.

ALL classes will take a GRAMMAR DIAGNOSTIC TEST then have time to read MAUS.

The Grammar Test will allow me to see what units we need to focus more attention on this year and what units are merely a quick review. The test should be taken seriously but NO GRADE will be entered into the gradebook.

I spent 1 hour with BLOCK 6 ... after everyone finished the diagnostic we corrected Vocabulary Lesson 3 synonyms and Antonyms AS WELL AS page 38 11-20

BLOCK 6 also was given back Vocabulary Quiz 1 and 2. Corrections to Quiz 1 and 2 are due Friday. To fully correct the test, find the correct answer and circle it on the WHITE paper. THEN write the word and definition next to it. This will help reinforce meanings of words that were unclear the first time. Corrections will be made on each and every quiz where full credit is not earned. This IS an assignment.


Since I am not going to be available to review VOCAB IN ALL CLASSES...I am switching the Vocab Quiz to NEXT FRIDAY 9/27/13- coupled with the grammar quiz for unit 21.

REMINDER...Paper @1 is due on Monday night!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

MAUS UNIT

The Maus Study Guide was posted as you took your Summer Reading Test. You can find it on the Maus Page of the class website.

Active Read Maus I up to and including Chapter 3 and complete the WS by BLOCK DAY 9/25 or 9/26 2013
Active Read The rest of Maus I and complete the WS by BLOCK DAY 10/2 or 10/3 2013
Active Read ALL OF Maus II and complete WS by Block Fay 10/9 or 10/10

For Time Management...
Book 1 is 150 pages... Up to and including Chapter 3 is 70 pages (10 pages a night)
Chapter 4 to the end is about 90 pages... about 13 pages a night
Book 2 is 133 pages ... about 20 pages a night


We will discuss both books and the historical era in class. We will focus on HOW to read a graphic novel, the concepts of memory, the idea of biography and autobiography.

Participation in Cross Country Connections Blog will be required.



Tuesday 9-17-13

Today we corrected the Synonyms and Antonyms from Vocabulary Lesson 3

We had the remaining 40 minutes to take the Summer Reading Test

Instructions for AFTER the TEST....
Vocabulary Book page 38 11-20
Read Maus

Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday 9-16-13

Today vocabulary Story Lesson 3 was turned in at the beginning of class. There was time given to complete Vocabulary Lesson 3 Completing the Sentences (1-10 on page 38) as well as synonyms and antonyms. We corrected Completing the Sentences ... synonyms & Antonyms are homework if not done in class. WE WILL correct thgem before tomorrow's test.

Upcoming Work:
Bring Summer Reading Books to the TEST tomorrow
Start bringing MAUS

Summer Reading Test will be SHORT ANSWER AND/OR ESSAY FORMAT. THOROUGH COW IS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS


FRIDAY 9-20-13
Vocabulary Multiple Choice Test Lesson 3

MONDAY 9-23-13
Paper 1 Rough Draft (see BLOG POST 9-3-13) due UPLOADED to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM
Bring to class on Tuesday 9-24-13 your rubric as well as a copy of the rough draft. Library of Congress Letters About Literature Paper Rubric can be found on Papers page of class website as well as into on 9-3-13 blog post.

Block Day 9-25/27-13 Study Guide for MAUS I

Friday 9-27-14
Grammar Quiz

Writing Pet Peeves

A few concepts to think about as you write:

OTHERS FIRST...do not write (me and my ... always address others before you address yourself)
Avoid unclear pronoun reference
Avoid dead and overused words
Avoid commonly confused words
Avoid contractions in formal writing...save that for conversation and social media
Do not end stories with THE END, rather have a natural conclusion to your story
Revise and use adjectives and adverbs rather than strings of prepositional phrases
Use sophisticated vocabulary...when is doubt, use a Thesaurus!

DO proofread
Do use spell check



Our NEXT Book....

will be Maus 1 and Maus II

A reading study guide will be posted TONIGHT. Please START bringing to class tomorrow, Tuesday 9-17-13. When you finish your Summer Reading test you can work on starting MAUS!

Part of our study will involve collaboration via a BLOG with a peer of mine, another United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow. There will be 1 or 2 blog posts each week for students in EACH OF OUR CLASSES to discuss together online. We will moderate the discussions. The blog allows the students to carry the conversation of the text outside the walls of the classroom, plus engage in a form of writing that is geared for the public, not academia. We will moderate to ensure the students are exhibiting proper DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP. Students will be required to respond to 50% of the posts from each book. Students who respond to 75% or more of the posts will be eligible for a MAUS BONUS!

Friday, September 13, 2013

BONUS OPPORTUNITY...

Warwick's is a privately owned book story in La Jolla. They often have events where authors come to speak. I am including a list of dates that have authors that might be of interest to you. Please do CALL them to confirm that there are no schedule changes!

How do you get a bonus?
1. Print out this blog post and have your parent print/sign/date below this statement expressing their approval that you attend the event.

2. Have an employee sign this form

3. Take a picture of yourself with the author.

4. Take notes when the author speaks and staple to this.

5. Bring the notes, this printed blog post, and the picture to school THE NEXT DAY BETWEEN 7 AND 7:15 am. You will be asked to share your experience with the class within the week of the event.

Potential Dates:
October 15th 7 PM Children's and YA Publisher Night
October 16th 7 PM Warwick's Recommends
October 21st 7 PM Publisher's Rep Night
December 9th Amy Tan

As I become aware of more opportunities, I will let you know!

If you hear of something....PLEASE SHARE!

Friday the 13th...

Everything went as planned in block 2 ... let's hope to keep it up the rest of the day!

Vocabulary Quiz 2 was today...time to read Upfront after the quiz.

Next week:
DUE MONDAY Vocab + Grammar story # 3 ... see blog September 3rd for details.
TUESDAY Summer Reading Test (essay/short answer format)
FRIDAY: Vocabulary Quiz #3

Next week details for the next book MAUS I and MAUS II will be posted. BRING TO CLASS ON TUESDAY to start reading AFTER SR TEST.



Upcoming:
Paper #1 ... Monday 9-23 uploaded to turnitin.com
9-24 bring rubric and a printed copy of paper to class for PEER REVIEW

HIGHLY SUGGESTED:
Come in and meet with me during the month of September. I will make myself available to talk to you about your goals for English class and strategies for success! I will be available before school from 7-7:30 each day...and Wednesday-Friday at lunch.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Block Day (9-11 and 9-12)

Today in class we discussed strategies for studying for the vocabulary quizzes each week

We also discussed the Outside Reading Bonus Opportunities

We completed CHOOSING THE RIGHT WORD from vcab lesson 2
We corrected WC esercis 20 (evens) page 753 and part of ex 22 page 756

We discussed the Ted Koppel interview in a compare/contrast situation with the book Tuesdays With Morrie.

We completed the Tuesdays With Morrie CONFLICT CHART

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

LINK

a few emailed with trouble with the link...here it is again

Tusday 9-10-13

Today we corrected Exercise 18 from page 751 of Writer's Choice.

We also completed pages 31-32 in the Vocabulary book

The vocabulary Stories from Lesson 2 that were graded last night were returned.

We started discussing the conflict chart with the CHARACTER MORRIE. We will continue tomorrow!

Tuesdays With Rene' ... BONUS Opportunity Begins Today

Remember...to qualify for a BONUS, all work for the semester must be turned in...and on time! A BONUS is an opportunity ABOVE AND BEYOND what is expected of you!

You can always come watch the movie for review, even if you are not using it as a bonus opportunity!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday 9-9-13

Today I passed back the Summer Reading Projects and Vocabulary Story Lesson 1

I also passed out a handout from the library that should be placed in the WRITING section of teh class binder...Research Resources for Saintsmen

We started our day by working on Synonyms and Antonyms on page 32 of the Vocabulary Book (Lesson 2)

Vocabulary Lesson 2 was collected and Scholastic $ was collected.

We discussed Upcoming assignments and started working on the conflict chart, due tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will correct WC activities from Friday.

Upcoming Work Due Dates:
Tuesday 9-10-13

Scholastic $
Conflict Chart (a copy of the chart can be found HERE (titled CharacterandConflictChart) if you lost your copy)

Wednesday/Thursday (YOUR BLOCK DAY)
Watch the Ted Koppel Interview with Morrie and complete the WS
The worksheet is ATTACHED (TedKoppelInterview) on the Summer Reading Page of the class website...the video URL is on the WS

Friday
Vocabulary Lesson 2 Quiz...Multiple Choice...same format as Quiz #1

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Friday 9-6-13

Friday is the FIRST Vocabulary Quiz Day!

After Vocabulary Quiz #1 students will complete Writer's Choice activities (using PEN and printing neatly):
page 751 Exercise 18 (events)
page 753 Exercise 20 (evens)
page 755 Exercise 22 (evens)
What is not done in class is homework

Homework due Monday is Vocabulary Story Lesson 2 + Grammar. Details of this assignment on a blog post from 9-3-13.

Summer Reading Projects need to go home...second reminder!

Monday 9/9 we will go over the CONFLICT Chart we did not get to on Block Day
I will also pass back Vocabulary Stories Lesson 1 AND Summer Reading assignments


Next Week's assignments...looking ahead:
1. Conflict Charts not done in class Monday will need to be finished by Tuesday 9-10

2. If you did not have a portfolio you need to bring in a 1/2 inch to 1 inch size binder by Monday. You will START your portfolio this year!

3. Tuesday 9-10 please have in all Upfront Magazine money ($15.00 cash or check made payable to Saint Augustine High School)

4. Block Day have watched Ted Koppel video and complete WS. (Document called TedKoppelInterview is linked on the Summer Reading page of the website)

5. Vocabulary Quiz #2 on Friday 9-13-13

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Block Day and PAPER #1

In class we will start in the LIBRARY.

First we will get our CLASS ID and PASSWORD to register for www.turnitin.com.

Second we will look at the PAPERS page of the class website to find where details of each paper will be located. Read the instructions about PAPER #1 as homework. Ask me outside of class time if you have any questions about how to begin or if you wish me to look at your brainstorming or a rough, rough draft.

Rough drafts of paper # 1 need to be UPLOADED to turnitin.com by MIDNIGHT Monday 9-23-13. Bring to class a printed copy of your rough draft AND your rubric on TUESDAY 9-24-13. You will give me your rubric and work with your peers in a peer review session on Tuesday 9-24-13.

Information for future papers will be located on the papers page of the class website.

After the time in the library we will:
Correct Vocabulary Homework from Tuesday
Review vocabulary prior to Friday's quiz
Share SR Projects AND TAKE THEM HOME
Start to discuss CONFLICTS. Conflict CHART MUST be completed by Monday 9-13-13.

We did not get to the conflict chart in ANY block...we will START that Monday (updated 9-5-13 at 2:22 PM)

Vocabulary Stories Lessons 2 and 3 + Grammar

ALL vocabulary stories will be:
Typed - double spaced using Times New Roman 12 Point Font
Each vocabulary word will be indicated in BOLD
The word count (based on guidelines) will be listed after the FINAL WORD
Have a title
Be at least three paragraphs (remember 1 idea per paragraph) ... which means it is a story as it has a beginning, middle, and an end (is fully developed)


Lesson 2 Story is due Monday 9-9-13
Word Count 200-400 words
GRAMMAR add in...please put in italics and BOLD:
1. TWO DIRECT QUOTATIONS
2. TWO titles of short literary works
3. TWO unfamiliar slang expressions
STORY TOPICS...PICK ONE TO FINISH THE STORY:
1. It was a sunny May morning when I awoke with a special spring in my step. Somehow, overnight, I had merged with a slinky and was able to do all sorts of things other humans could not. For instance, when I...
2. You are a father who just discovered a major dent in your car. You approach your teenage son. Start with: It has come to my attention...

Lesson 3 Story is due Monday 9-16-13
Word Count 200-400 words
GRAMMAR add in (21.12, 21.13, 21.14) ... please put in BOLD:
1. TWO compound adjectives and/or numbers
2. TWO abbreviations
3. TWO numbers
STORY TOPICS...PICK ONE ... START WITH THE WORDS BELOW AND FINISH THE STORY:
1. There is no one more berserk than ___ on Christmas Eve.
2. At an early age, the little boy discovered...

Tuesday 9-3-13

In class we took care of a few more "start of school" items:
Portfolios from 9th grade were passed back to be used this year
Names were put on "cards"

Normal class routines were started:
Vocabulary Lesson 1 + Grammar story was collected
The calendar updates were announced

Classwork:
Vocabulary Lesson 1 SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
We completed Characterization Chart

Upcoming Assignments:
Block Day 9/4 and 9/5: Vocabulary Lesson 1 Completing the Sentences + Choosing the Right Word (1-10 both)
Friday 9-6-13 Vocabulary Quiz

Monday 9-9-13 Vocabulary Story Lesson 2 + Grammar
Tuesday 9-10 Scholastic $ due
Friday 9-13 Vocabulary Quiz Lesson 3

SUMMER Reading Test MOVED to Tuesday 9-17-13 due to our library use Block Days this week!

****** Students that did not create a Portfolio last year need to purchase a 1/2 or 1 inch binder to use as a portfolio. On the outside of the portfolio they need to neatly have their name and title English Portfolio.THis needs to be brought to class by Monday 9-10-13