Weekend News

Hi, everyone. Hope the weekend is going well so far? Here comes the Winter weather!

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for our full week of classes next week.

Here goes with a few weekend reminders...

**All classes, be prepared for a KEY TERMS TEST first thing in class on Monday. Any of the 53 terms and real world examples are fair game!

**English 9a--read up TO Ch. 8 of TKMB and complete your corresponding written notes by Monday.

**English 9b--continue with your Russian Revolution research (officially DUE NEXT WED.) and read/complete Ch. 3/4/5 written notes for our novel by Monday.

**English 10a--read/complete the written notes (don't forget about THEMES!) for Hamlet up TO Act 3: Scene 1...Act 2 only has two scenes...sorry for the confusion!

That's it for now, all. Take care, and always, i'm at your service!

First Weekend Update

Hey, all! Hope the first weekend of the second trimester is treating you well?!

When you can, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming week-- our first full week of the second trimester.

In each class, we'll be (on Monday) officially starting our new respective texts which we briefly introduced in each class today (Friday). Again, feel free to preview the text at home this weekend at your leisure...that's why you have them over this weekend!

Also, remember that all of your Key Literary Term work is officially DUE ON MONDAY. It's our first "due date". Be prepared...and re-check the "class rules" to the right in order to prepare for RESPONSIBILITY rules!

Take care, guys...and please let me know if you need anything at all this weekend.

Welcome, everyone!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below. Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

LAST WEEKEND OF THE FIRST TRIMESTER!!

Hey, all. Big weekend coming up here...for a variety of reasons.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for our final week (and your first shot at final exams as a high-schooler) of the first trimester.

Important items for the weekend:

**You and your research partner(s) should be finalizing Research Project responsibilities. Remember, you'll be turning in all of your research note cards, your outlines, and your final draft (with cover page and works cited page attached). Be prepared, work TOGETHER, and ask questions if needed! Remember, we will NOT be doing research "presentations" as previously discussed.

**Those of you who did not perform your RJ scene in class today (Friday), be prepared to be on stage this Monday...with props, written scripts/summaries, etc. Lookin' forward!

**In order to best prepare for our upcoming final exam, look thoroughly back over any TKMB-related items that you have in your possession...as well RJ-associated material.

I think that's it for now, guys! As always, i'm here if you need me....

Weekend Update

Hi, guys. First, enjoy the weekend! BUT...also know that we've got an important last full week of the first trimester coming up here.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this last full week. You'll notice, among other things, an official DUE DATE for the Romeo and Juliet performances on there.

Reminders for the weekend:

**You should have your note card research COMPLETED by the time you come to class on Monday. This means that you'll have at least 5 "small" cards covering the required sources and 20 "big" cards in your possession all covering the key "topics" regarding your respective roles as either historians or biographers. No excuses...ask for help if you need it...from your partner(s) or from me!

**You should have the reading and the notes completed for Romeo and Juliet up TO Act 5: Scene 1 by Monday. We are just about finished with the play and will so officially on Wednesday/Thursday of this coming week! I know you're sad...:)

Take care, all...and once again: Let me know if you need anything at all!

PS. If you checked out a book or a film from me today (Friday) be sure to turn that back into the cart first thing on Monday morning BEFORE school starts.

Happy Weekend!

Hey, guys. Hope you're enjoying the weekend thus far.

When you get a chance, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week in class. It's crazy to think, but we've only got 2.5 weeks left in the trimester. Our last main tasks will be to finish Romeo and Juliet and work on our first and only research project of the trimester starting this Monday.

Reminders/Updates:

**Please bring at least 15 bigger, blank note cards and 3 smaller, blank note cards to class on Monday in order to begin our note-taking process for the research project we'll be starting.

**Read/note-take up TO Act 3: Scene 4 by Monday.

Take care, everyone, and let me know if you need anything at all!

Long Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. Enjoying the long weekend?! I bet....

A few things:

**Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right when you can. You'll see that our next "long term", major date to keep in mind is the end of the 1st trimester in less than a month! Man, time flies...

**Over the weekend, you should do your BEST reading/deciphering/taking written notes on Romeo and Juliet...up to Act 2: Scene 3 by Monday. And remember, it's not ALL going to make sense...but you CAN make sense of a lot of it! Shakespeare is work...give it an honest shot...and keep giving it an honest shot. I'm here to help!

Enjoy, everyone...let me know if you need anything at all.

Go Tigs!

Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. Hope your weekend is treatin' ya right thus far.

When you can, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important links" dates to the right. You'll notice/be reminded of a short week next week. Congrats! :) We will solely focus on Romeo and Juliet next week, so be prepared with book in hand and minds open....right? right?!

Have a great weekend, all...Go Tigers...Go State!

WHAT?!!

A weekend with no homework?! No way! Yes way....enjoy, all :)

At the very least though, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week. You'll see that we have another round of SPELLING (from the handout that you already have) and the final stages of TKMB. As you should know, we have our second TKMB Test on Monday...similar to the one we had before.

Note: the $1 that's due by Friday is for your purchase of our next text: Romeo and Juliet. Purchased copies are lightweight, easy to use...and you can write in them! In other words, it is YOUR property once you provide the dollar. Feel free to pay up at any point by Friday.

Take care, everyone, and have a safe weekend!

Weekend News

Greetings, all. Hope your weekend gets off to a great start here on this Friday afternoon. A few things to start your weekend off:

**Check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right in order to prepare for next week for our class. We'll be officially finishing TKMB by the end of the week! Excited?! On the horizon: Shakespeare/Romeo and Juliet. Yes! :)

**Read up to Ch. 29 of TKMB at the very last by Monday. As for the writing, at the very least complete the Ch.25/26 lumped-together section in the chapter packet. You can finish the next section up to Ch. 29 Monday night if you want...for Tuesday.

**Please remember to bring another handful of blank note cards on Monday for our third (of four) week of Latin/Greek roots starting on Monday.

**All personal narrative essay items (brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, final draft) are officially due on Monday. Plan ahead of time for this important due date! No excuses. I'm, of course, here to help if you have any question or concerns...or if you simply need me to print something off before Monday. At your service!

Final Draft requirements are as follows: 2.5 pages, double-spaced, typed, 12 point font, cover page (not included in the 2.5 page total)...start your text at the top of the first non-cover page.

Lookin' forward to reading those essays, guys! Take care...have a great weekend.

Sunny Weekend Update...

...as opposed to LAST weekend...a rainy one! First, everyone, enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts....and hope Homecoming was a good one for ya!

As always, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week. You'll see that we've got another round of commonly misspelled and commonly confused words coming up again...quiz Friday. We've also got our first essay assignment starting on Monday as well....excited?! :)

Reminder for the weekend:

**You should read (and take notes) at least up until Ch. 22 of TKMB for Monday. We're in the midst of some pretty enthralling stuff in these chapters! Enjoy...and be ready to discuss.

On a random note, many of you struggled a bit on the Roots quiz today (Friday). That quiz score has already been entered into Powerschool in place of the old score. That said, don't worry too much at this point (unless it becomes a trend!) because today's score may or may not "stick" depending on how you do with that standard with two more tries remaining in the trimester. But we DO have to get better for the most part!

Enjoy life this weekend, guys....let me know if you need anything at all.

Rainy Weekend Update

Hey, guys...sorry about the weather for your weekend thus far! Rain rain, go away...

Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming week...already our last week of September!

Reminders for the weekend:

**You are to read/take chapter notes up to Chapter 15 of TKMB by Monday.

**We have a TEST over our key literary terms (and four separate English standards) first thing on Monday. Prepare, prepare!!

**Please remember to bring a handful of blank note cards on Monday in order to begin in class the flash card process for our second Roots lesson of the school year.

That's all for now, everyone. Happy Fall! Let me know if you need anything at all.

Weekend Update #2

Greetings, everyone. I hope your weekend gets off to the right start with some beautiful weather on our way it seems.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this next week of school.

Now for some reminders for the weekend:

**Read and complete the chapter summaries up TO (not THROUGH) Ch. 8 of TKMB at the very least for Monday. We'll perhaps be having a "pop quiz" of sorts regarding key points of the first 7 chapters of the story...hint hint.

**Continue familiarizing yourselves with the 53 Key Terms we've been keeping track of and reviewing a bit here and there. We'll now OFFICIALLY have a test of those on Monday, Sept. 24.

**Be prepared for our first "spelling/grammar" lesson of the trimester starting on Monday. And we're back to some more "reading comprehension" that we started the first week of school as well. Excited?!! :)

That's it for now, guys! Take care, and have a fun, safe, productive weekend. Let me know if you need anything at all.

Weekend Update

Hi, all. I hope your weekend gets off to a great start. Be ready for our first FULL week of school next week. Excited?! :)

Check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week when you can.

Reminders for the weekend:

**All 53 Key Literary Terms note cards must be completed by this coming Monday. Even if you are confused about examples and/or pictures, at least give it a shot! We'll be talking about each card (and correcting when needed) all week next week in order to clarify information. Be aware that we tentatively have scheduled our first test (over these terms) on Monday, Sept. 17.

**Feel free to begin your reading of To Kill a Mockingbird now that you have the text in your possession. It is not required, since we'll officially start on Monday. Just a suggestion!

**Bring at least 8-10 extra blank note cards to class on Monday for our first Latin/Greek roots lesson of the trimester. We'll be making another handful of simple flash cards in class that day!

That's it for now, guys. PLEASE let me know if you have any questions, concerns, and or/comments. I'm all ears. Take care!

Welcome, Everyone!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below. Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

Last Update of the School Year!

The time is ever so near, everyone. We've still got some business to take care of though, right?!

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for our last week of school.

Reminders:

**Teens...Steps 7-9 are DUE MONDAY.

**Our final exam will take place on Wednesday morning/afternoon for 2nd and 4th hour...and Thursday afternoon for 5th hour. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

**All exam review "facts" are DUE the day of your exam as well.

Please let me know how/if I can help at all from here on out, guys!

Take care.

Early Weekend Update

Hey, all.

First, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for our last "normal" week next week.

Reminder for next week:

**Teens....steps 1-4 are DUE TUESDAY from the big packet. We'll finish the rest of the "steps" next week.

That's it at this point...other than start preparing/continue to PREPARE for the final exam coming up in the near future!

Let me know how/if I can help, guys.

Last Full Week Coming Up!

Excited, guys?! :) We've got to take care of some business first though these next few weeks...

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week's classes. As you'll see, we've got one more set of grammar notes to take next week, and we'll be looking at parts of a new, longer text regarding planning for your future.

Reminder: ALL TKMB ESSAY ITEMS ARE DUE MONDAY.

Final draft requirements = 2 pgs. of text, double-spaced, typed, 12 pts. font, separate cover page.

Let me know if you need anything at all this weekend, everyone! Take care.

Weekend Update

Hi, all.

Everyone, please check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week's classes.

By Monday, you should have the READING completely finished for TKMB...all of the written notes are not officially due until Wednesday of this coming week. Remember also that we have our last full week of Latin/Greek vocab officially starting on Monday as well!

Hope you guys have a good weekend...let me know if you need anything at all.

PS. Cross your fingers for me, please, as I run the 25k at the Riverbank Run in G.R. tomorrow! :)

Weekend Update

Hey, all.

Check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right in order to prepare for another full week of school next week.

Reminders:

**You should be up THROUGH Chapter 27 of TKMB by Monday...be prepared for our last quiz that day as well.

**Next week will solely be devoted to finalizing TKMB and officially starting some essay work.

That's it for now. Have fun this weekend and get some work done!

Early Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. First, I hope you enjoy the long weekend!

As always, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week, a full week.

Reminders for the weekend:

**Be prepared for TKMB Quiz #2 covering chapters 8-17 first thing on Monday.

**Keep up to date with the written notes for the book as well...plot summaries, vocab, allusions, etc.

**Please remember to bring another blank set of note cards for Latin/Greek vocab usage on Monday as well.

That's it for now....have a good one, all! I hope you're all enjoying the book!

It's the Weekend Again!

Hi, everyone.

Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. As you'll see, it's a lot of time solely devoted to TKMB coming up next week, a shortened week.

Reminder:

**You should be up to pg. 63 in TKMB and have your plot summaries/vocab/allusions updated through Chapter 7 for Monday. We'll have a quiz over the first seven chapter first thing Monday.

Have a great weekend, all.

Weekend Update

Greetings, all. I hope you enjoy the weekend!

When you get a chance, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right regarding next week.

Reminders for the weekend:

**Have your R/J essay rough draft COMPLETED and ready to be edited on Monday. Final drafts are now DUE WEDNESDAY.

**We'll have our first Vocab quiz on Monday. Be ready to turn in all of your flash cards then as well.

**Speaking of flash cards, bring a new set of 10 for our next round of Vocab starting Monday, please!

**We'll be officially starting a new text (a novel) on Monday. Excited? :) I think you'll all like it...see the schedule.

Take care, everyone!

Happy Spring Break!!

Hi, everyone.

I hope you're already enjoying a little R(est) and R(elaxation) with family and friends thus far. The "break" is much needed, i'm sure.

When you can, check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right in order to fully prepare for the "back-to-school" week starting on Monday, April 9. As you will see, we've got some busy times coming up with the wrapping up of Romeo and Juliet (with test and essay looming) and the start of our first Vocabulary unit.

**Reminders:

-There is no written HW for break, but we'll have our R/J "performances" in class on the Tuesday we return. Practice, practice!

-You'll need a set of 10 blank note cards (any size) for our first day of new "vocab" on the Monday we return.

Please let me know if you need anything at all, guys. Take care, have fun, and be safe.

Weekend Update

Hi, all. I hope you're enjoying your weekend thus far?!

When you can, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this next week.

Reminder: You should get through Act III: Scenes II/III with the reading and the notes by Monday. Be prepared to discuss!

Reminder: We have a Punctuation Quiz on Monday over ALL punctuation marks we've covered in class thus far this trimester. Prepare yourselves!

Next week, we'll mostly be focusing on making a lot of progress with Romeo and Juliet. Notice that all of Act II and Act III notes will be officially DUE ON THURSDAY before you leave for Spring Break.

Let me know if you need anything, guys, and have a great weekend!

Happy FOG Day!

Well, everyone, I have to say that this is a first in my teaching career: a fog day?!! Either way, i'm sure you're enjoying your time off! :)

Ok, here's what this means for us as we move forward:

**Check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right.

**Romeo and Juliet Act I notes are STILL DUE MONDAY.

**Our Comma/Shakespeare Quiz will now be pushed to Tuesday of this coming week.

**We'll be starting another set of punctuation notes come Tuesday with a quiz over them on Monday of the following week.

Have a good weekend St. Patty weekend, guys...don't forget to cheer on those Spartans! :) It's going to be a GREEN weekend all around...haha.

Weekend Update

Hi, all. It's the end a crazy first week. I hope you enjoyed it?!

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for our first full week of the tri coming up. We'll be diving head first into Romeo and Juliet starting on Monday...along with a grammar/comma learning unit.

Reminder: Bring $1 for purchase of your own Romeo and Juliet text copy on Monday.

Have a great weekend, all, and good luck to you all you spring sport athletes on Monday!

Welcome to English 9B!!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

The two most important links on this site are arguably the "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links listed to the right. Check these out frequently in order to stay ORGANIZED and INFORMED of class matters.

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

Happy SNOW DAY!

I'm sure you're all enjoying the extra time off :)

Anyway, here's what that means for English 9a and English 11b: first, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links; second, see below...

**English 9a: your Vocab Quiz #4 is now pushed back to Monday. Be ready! Also, continue working on those exam review "facts" which are DUE WEDNESDAY.

**English 11b: your research presentations are now pushed back to Monday. Be ready! The Monday due date for ALL NIGHT ITEMS still stands.

Lookin' forward to seeing you all again Monday! Let's end this trimester on a high note, guys. Let me know if you need anything at all.

Early Weekend...

...Check-in.

I thought i'd throw out an early note regarding our last full week of the trimester coming up: an important one regarding finalizing course materials and preparing for the final exam.

Soooooo go ahead and please check out the newly update "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right at your leisure.

Then pay attention to these reminders:

**English 9 students...we have a vocab quiz on Monday, and we'll start the next (and last) week of vocab that day as well. Please remember to bring blank note cards once again! Also, be prepared to hand in ALL Odyssey-related items on Monday as well. WE HAVE A TEST OVER THE ODYSSEY AND GREEK RESEARCH ON TUESDAY!!

**English 11 students...we have a terms quiz on Monday, and you should be up to at least pg. 60 in our Night reading. Chapters 1 and 2 of your study guide should be complete as well, since we'll review those on Monday. And, of course, continue that RESEARCH (all of which is due on Friday)!

Let me know how/if I can help at all this weekend, guys. Take care.

Enjoy...

...the long weekend, everyone!

First, though, please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for our shortened week coming up. Remember, there are only 1.5 weeks left in the tri before final exam week! Crazy.

Reminders for the weekend:

**English 9...be sure to have all Part I Odyssey questions prepared for Wednesday as well as all of your latest vocab note cards (don't forget bonus words!). Finally, you've got your last bit of Greek research to complete as well.

**English 11...be reminded that ALL of your remaining Lord items are DUE WEDNESDAY (symbols, characters, map). We will have our Lord TEST ON THURSDAY. Also, again feel free to begin your coverage of Night (our new text) and dabble a bit with that Holocaust Museum site. Let me know if you want to "sign up" for a topic!

Take care, guys...enjoy the bit of time off. Let me know if you need anything at all.

Weekend News

Hey, all. Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important links" to the right in order to prepare accordingly for this next week.

**English 9a...enjoy the weekend with little (required anyway) to do! It MIGHT be wise though to begin your Greek mythology research (Olympus-Discord) in order to save time on Monday night?! Just a suggestion. Please continue to remember to lug your textbooks to class each and every day from here on out. I know...they're annoying. :)

**English 11b...you should be up to pg. 120 of Lord of the Flies at the very least on Monday...along with Chapters 5 and 6 completed in your packet. This will be our last full week with this current text...hope you're enjoying the "evil" of it all! Don't let it get ya down. :) All Lord of the Flies items are officially due on Thursday, Feb. 16 after the long weekend...we will have a test over the novel that day as well.

That's all, guys. Enjoy your Super Bowl weekend!

Last Weekend In January!

Hi, everyone. First, please check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right.

Reminders for the weekend:

**English 9a...all research teams should have their rough drafts COMPLETED by Monday. We'll be editing those rough drafts then so it's important that each is complete! Our final due date for the entire project is now next Tuesday...please take note. Be ready to present your findings on Tuesday as well. Contact each other this weekend so you're on the same page as your partner(s)!

**English 11b...you should be on pg. 50 of Lord of the Flies at the very least by the beginning of class on Monday. Chapters 1-2 in the question packet should be complete by then as well. Also, be prepared for a terms QUIZ first thing in class on Monday.

That's it for now, guys! Let me know if you need anything at all. Take care!

Weekend News

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prep for next week and beyond.

Reminders for the weekend:

English 9a: You've got 15 "big" info cards and 3 "small" source cards for your research project (EACH student) DUE TUESDAY. If you do not have internet access at home, perhaps find a library, friend's house, etc. for access? Please note that you still need to complete the total of 20 "big's" and 5 "small's" soon thereafter what with the overall project DUE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, JAN. 30. Feel free to go over that limit in order to cover all of the info/topics you need. Contact me and/or your partner with questions!

English 11b: You've got all Hobbit items (Chapters 9-19, children story, essay) DUE TUESDAY. Be ready! And let me know if you have any questions at all, guys. On Wednesday, we start a brand new text....excited?!

Enjoy the weekend, all!

SNOW DAY! And Weekend News...

I hope you all are enjoying your day off and a good start to a long weekend?! Just call me a prophet, huh? :)

Ok, now...a few things:

**All students...check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for Monday and the rest of the week. Remember, no due dates have changed in light of the snow day!

**English 9 students...your Vocab Quiz #2 will now be taken first thing Monday. Be ready to turn in your flash cards from last week at that point too. We'll be practicing in class for our Novel Presentations on Monday as well. And remember, your book and all of your Novel Notes are DUE TUESDAY as well! Simply put, this next Tuesday is a big day. Prepare yourselves!

**English 11 students...be ready to turn in your Hobbit chapters 1-8 packets on Monday as well as share at least 6 total pages of your children stories. We'll be doing a bit of review that day as well in order to get all of us caught up and on board with the Hobbit happenings toward the middle of the text. I'll have the next study guide packet ready for you in class that day in order to hit the next number of chapters! Excited?! I bet....:)

Take care, all! Be safe out there! Let me know if you need anything at all.

For the weekend...

Hi, everyone. Just checking in a bit early regarding the upcoming weekend and into next week...

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links on the right.

English 9-ers, make some solid progress on your novels this weekend and be reminded that i'll be checking your halfway point plot summaries in class on Tuesday of next week. Also, remember to bring another set of 10 blank note cards to class on Monday for our second installment of Latin/Greek vocab! Be reminded that we have our first VOCAB QUIZ that day as well!

English 11 folks, you should be to pg. 75 of The Hobbit at the very least, have your Literary/Hobbit terms and Chapters 1-4 guide completed, and fully create at least 2 children's story pages by Monday!

Have a fun weekend, everyone!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, ALL!

First and foremost, everyone, is that you enjoy your two week break with family and friends. Have fun...and be safe!

I've already updated the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right regarding the week we return from break. Please check them out in order to prep for our returning work.

A few specific reminders...

**English 9a...ALL of your Personal Narrative items are officially due the TUESDAY we return (Jan. 3). This due date includes your brainstorm sheet (pg. 6 of your packet), completed outline (on a separate piece of paper), edited rough draft, and final draft (with cover page). Please feel free to send me via email the final version as a Microsoft Word document or just simply "share" it with me via GoogleDocs if you so choose. Also, the Tuesday we return, we'll also be starting a Choice Novel project. You'll be able to choose YOUR OWN novel to read, analyze, and reflect on provided it's at least 225 pages, fiction, appropriate, and something you have not read before. So, if you have any ideas over break, feel free to bring the book with you to class on that Monday...or else you'll have a chance to check something out in the school library that day. Finally, remember to bring at least 10 blank note cards to class on that Tuesday as well since we'll be starting our first week of vocab/flash cards in class!

**English 11b...ALL of your Oliver Twist items are officially due the TUESDAY we return (Jan. 3). This due date includes your completed "putting it all together" packet,2 vocabulary terms every 20 pages, completed plot summaries, character list, and themes evidence. Also, be prepared for the ESSAY TEST on that Wednesday (keeping in mind major novel ideas like physiognomy, nature vs. nature, identity, Victorian/Realism era and values, etc. with examples from the novel, your own experiences, and "real world" application as evidence of your thoughts).

For everyone, please let me know if/how I can help at all these next two weeks! Don't hesitate....

Take care, all! Enjoy the time.

Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right and then read below regarding your class information:

**English 9a

-Finish "Thank You..." over the weekend and answer the attached questions in writing...and on a separate piece of paper.

-Prepare for the grammar quiz on Monday regarding complete sentences, fragments, and run-ons.

-Prepare yourself for the big Literary Term/Short Story TEST on TUESDAY. All of our short stories and literary terms are fair game for the test!

**English 11b

-Continue with the Oliver Twist work...read up to pg. 72 at least...update your plot summaries (every 20 pages) and vocab words (every 20). Remember, we have a quiz on Monday for anything/everything up to pg. 72!

-Prepare yourself for the Key Literary Term QUIZ on MONDAY. You'll officially turn in that term sheet that day as well.

To all of you, enjoy the weekend and be safe on the roads! Let me know if you need anything at all.

Happy First Weekend of the Tri!

Hello, everyone. I hope you all have a great weekend. We're all back into the swing of things now, huh? Please let me know if you need anything at all at this point...questions about the course/material thus far, concerns, comments, etc. That's what i'm here for!

For ALL English students: check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming full week.

English 9 reminders:

**Finish your 41 literary term flash cards this weekend and be ready to turn all of them in on Monday first thing. Don't forget to ## the cards!

**Finish "Most Dangerous...", answer your "connections" sheet, and fill out your "hill" plot diagram for the story.

English 11 reminders:

**Be prepared for our poetry QUIZ on MONDAY. Remember that you might be asked to compose your OWN poem as part of the quiz...hint hint.

**Finish ALL POEMS and RESPONSES from the packet this weekend...Byron and Shelley included.

Have a good one, all!

Welcome!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

The two most important links on this site are arguably the "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links listed to the right. Check these out frequently in order to stay ORGANIZED and INFORMED of class matters.

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

Final Exam Week!

Hi, everyone.

First of all, GOOD LUCK WITH EXAMS THIS COMING WEEK. But really, you shouldn't need ANY luck if you PREPARE ACCORDINGLY.

The "weekly schedule" and "important" dates have been updated. Check them out.

Reminders for the weekend:

**Study...study....study...study!
**Exam review "facts" are due the day of your exam
**Be ready to turn in your green textbook the day of your exam

Let me know if you need anything at all, guys! Have a good weekend....almost done.

Almost Done!

Greetings, everyone. First, I hope you have a great weekend! Be sure to cheer on MSU bball and football! :) Right...

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" link to the right in order to prepare for our last full week of the first trimester. It's crunch time, guys!

Weekend Reminders:

**Bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday to start our last round of vocab for the trimester.

**Finish all Greek-related assignments...Greek research...The Odyssey (pg. 704, 1-7).

**Be prepared to turn in your flash cards from last week on Monday and to take the QUIZ!

**We'll be starting the Final Exam review process on Monday and continuing all week in class...fyi.

Take care, guys! Have fun and safe...and let me know if you need anything at all.

First Weekend of November!

Man, time flies, huh? We've got only 2.5 weeks left in this first trimester. Yikes! There were two interjections just there. Can you find them? :)

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming week.

Here are some reminders for the weekend:

**Pg. 674, 1-6 is DUE MONDAY regarding The Odyssey.

**We have a GRAMMAR QUIZ first thing on Monday over ALL parts of speech. Be prepared!

**I told you all today (Friday) to come prepared with 10 blank note cards for class on Monday. Well, you can officially hold off until Tuesday if you'd like since we're going to delay our vocab lesson until then. No worries.

**You may be receiving an email to your school account this weekend regarding your Research Project grade. Check it out!

That's all for now, folks. Have a great weekend...let me know if you need anything...and as always, Go State!

Loooooong Weekend Update...

First, I hope everyone enjoys a little r and r on the long weekend! Come back to school refreshed and re-energized!

It's a big weekend also for completing ALL RESEARCH items. On MONDAY, all of the following are officially due:

**All research note cards
**Separate copies of outline
**One copy of a final draft (cover page, 2.5 pages of text, works cited page)

Be ready, guys, and collaborate with partners over this weekend if needed!

As for next week, we'll be starting with some new information in class...check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare. You'll be bringing your green textbooks to class again starting next week...fyi.

Take care, everyone! Let me know if you need anything at all!

Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. I thought i'd check in a bit earlier again in order to update/clarify some things as we head into a shortened (yet very important) week.

First, check out the weekly schedule and important date links in order to be clear on English 9-related information. You'll notice that we do NOT have school next Thursday and Friday due to parent/teacher conference week (Conferences on Monday/Tuesday from 530-830 PM).

Second, regarding our Research Projects, remember that your complete set of research note cards (20/5...at least) is DUE FIRST THING MONDAY. On Monday, we'll officially start the rough draft process, but feel free to start work on it with your partner(s) this weekend to get a head start!

Finally, ALL RESEARCH-RELATED ITEMS (NOTE CARDS, OUTLINES, FINAL DRAFTS) ARE DUE ON WEDNESDAY, AND THE IN-CLASS PRESENTATIONS ARE THAT DAY AS WELL.

Let me know if you need anything, guys! Take care...Go State!

RESEARCH WEEKEND

English 9-ers, please don't hesitate to contact me this weekend if you have any research-related question whatsoever. I promise i'll get back to you as soon as I can to help out. But really, you've got ALL the info you need from the handouts.

Always refer to the bottom link on the right of this post for specific research directions as well as the link just above it to view available databases. Here is the URL again just in case: https://www.msu.edu/~robin333/webquest/

Enjoy your weekend, all!

And Go, State! :)

Reminder: 15 "bigs" and 3 "smalls" are due on Wednesday of this coming week!

Upcoming Weekend Notes...

Hi, all. I hope you will have a good weekend and enjoy the little sun that we have!

A few items for you:

**Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" in order to prepare for next week.

**Please, at your leisure, check out and preview the following website in order to prepare for a research project this coming week...starting on Thursday.

http://www.msu.edu/~robin333/webquest/index.html

**Please don't hesitate to contact me this weekend if you have questions regarding the novel notes that are due on Wednesday and/or the presentations. I'm here to help!

Prepare yourselves for Wednesday!

Another Early (Thursday) Weekend Update

Ladies and gentlemen,

Once again, please check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right to prepare for the near future in this class.

Also, remember the following for next week:

**You should be AT LEAST halfway finished with your novel by Wednesday, Oct. 5 with UPDATED PLOT SUMMARIES...hint hint.

**Bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday for week 2 of vocabulary work.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Thursday (early) Weekend Update

Greetings, all.

First, enjoy the weekend...BUT remember that we've got a big DUE DATE FOR MONDAY regarding our Personal Narrative essay assignments.

Reminders:

**You will be turning in ALL narrative items on Monday...brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, and final draft.

**Final drafts should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font (Times New Roman, Helvetica, Courier, or Arial...no bold), 1 inch margins, 2.5 pages, and with a cover page that contains your name and a creative title.

**If you are/were absent for Friday's class, you are still responsible for having at least ONE pair of eyes read/edit your paper, give comments/feedback and sign your rough draft as proof.

**Please feel free to email a Microsoft Word attachment to me for printing purposes and/or ask any questions you might have. Do so EARLY enough this weekend though so I have time to respond! Or you can always "share" a google doc with me too!

**Check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week. And if you have a fitting novel in mind, please bring it on Monday to class!

**Bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday.

We'll see everyone on Monday! Be prepared!

Weekend Update

Hi, all. I hope the weekend is a good, restful one for you. Monday is a big day for us in English class, so be prepared!

Reminders for the weekend:

1.) Finish "Thank You, Ma'm" and the attached questions for Monday.

2.) Prepare for the Literary term/Short story TEST which will be given on Monday...41 terms and all seven short stories are fair game!

And, as always, please browse the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for the upcoming weeks ahead.

Take care, everyone!

The First Week...

...is done!!

Hi, everyone. I hope you're enjoying your first weekend of the school year. Rest up for your first FULL week coming up!

A few things...

1.) Remember that you've got 41 Literary Term flashcards and your "Most Dangerous..." assignment (hill/plot diagram and 3 paragraphs of "connections" from the handout) DUE ON MONDAY.

2.) Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" link to the right in order to plan ahead. We've got our first quiz and test coming up in the near future!

3.) Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, comments, etc. thus far. I'm here for you guys!

See you all on Monday.

Welcome, Everyone!!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

Have a...

...great, safe summer, everyone!

It's HERE!!

...the end of the school year. I'm sure you're all ready for it, huh?

Well, we've still got some business to take care of:

**Teens...Steps 7-9 are DUE MONDAY.

**Exam review "facts" are DUE THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM.

Good luck with your other final exams next week, all!

Almost There!

Hi, all. Time's a tickin'....we're almost done! But not quite yet. We've still got some business to take care of.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. As you'll see, we'll be officially starting our final exam review next week while also finalizing our Teens... items.

Reminder:

**Teens...Chapters 2-5 (Steps 1-4) packets are DUE TUESDAY.

Enjoy the long weekend, guys!

Weekend Update

Hey, guys. We're nearing the end here..about 2.5 weeks left! Please try to keep the positive momentum going...in ALL of your classes.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming week...our last FULL week of school.

Reminders for the weekend:

**All of your TKMB essay items (brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, final draft) are DUE ON MONDAY. Remember, the final drafts should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt., 2.5 pages in length, and with an attached cover page. Feel free to email me an attachment for me to print!

**Please remember to bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday for our last week of vocabulary work.

**We'll be working with bits and pieces of a book (Teens...) for the remaining two weeks...more details to come.

Enjoy the weekend, all!

Random

Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested in a soccer goalkeeping camp that I plan to run this summer!

http://elitegoalkeepingcamp.blogspot.com/

Weekend Update

Hello, all.

Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right.

We're nearing the end of our TKMB reading, analysis, and reflection! A few things to consider over the weekend:

**We've got a Vocab QUIZ and cards DUE on Monday.

**You should be ready to turn in all TKMB written notes (plot summaries, characters, metaphors, and themes) on Monday.

**Please consider which topic(s) might sound appealing for your regarding our upcoming TKMB essay work this coming week.

Take care, and have a great weekend, guys!

Weekend Thoughts

Hi, everyone. I hope you're enjoying the nice weather (and perhaps Tulip Time?) out there! Enjoy...whatever you do this weekend.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week's classes and beyond when you can.

Reminders:

**You have TWO QUIZZES coming at you on Monday...TKMB (chapters 18-27) and Subject/Verb Agreement. Prepare yourselves!

**Please remember to bring a set of blank note cards to class on Monday in order to prepare for our new set of Latin/Greek roots, key words, and bonus words we'll be studying all week.

Let me know if/how I can help, guys. Have a good rest of the weekend!

Long Weekend Update

First, I hope everyone enjoys his/her long weekend coming up here! It's crazy to think that when we come back from the weekend, it's already May! Time flies...

Second, sorry for the lack of notice of my absence from school today (Thursday). It wasn't really a "planned" event, so I would have told you all earlier if I would have known.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right when you get a chance.

Reminders for the weekend:

**We've got a TKMB Quiz MONDAY over chapters 8-17. The quiz will basically be the exact format as the previous quiz!

**We've also got our second Vocab Quiz on Monday as well. Be prepared to turn in your flash cards!

Overall, I hope you're getting more into the TKMB book and enjoying it a little more. Give it a chance!

Take care, all. Have a great, safe weekend.

Weekend Update

Hi, all. Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. As you can see, we've got a shortened week coming up...enjoy!

Reminders for Monday:

**We've got a TKMB QUIZ over chapters 1-7. Be prepared to prove that your "plot summaries/vocab/allusions" are up to date as well!

**Please remember to bring 10 more blank note cards to class on Monday since we'll be starting our second week of Latin/Greek vocab work.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Let me know if you need anything at all.

Weekend Update

Hey, all. As always, check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right.

Reminders:

--Romeo and Juliet essay items (brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, and final draft) are DUE MONDAY. Feel free to email me any attachments...but do so early! Remember, final drafts should meet all of the following requirements: 2 pages of typed text (at least), double-space, 12 pt. font (Times New Roman, Helvetica, Courier, Arial...no bold), 1 inch margins, cover page (name/title...pic=optional).

--Grammar/Punctuation Quiz is on MONDAY...commas included. Be ready!

--Bring 10 blank note cards to class on MONDAY for our first week of vocab.

Other than that, we start a new novel (To Kill a Mockingbird) on Monday...excited?!

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Spring Break Update

Hi, everyone! First, I hope you guys are already enjoying your break. Have fun, be safe...and don't forget to rest up as well!

I've just updated the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right, so please check those out when you get a chance.

Reminder: You should have all of your completed Romeo and Juliet Act III/IV notes with you for class on Monday, April 11, the day we return to school.

We'll be finishing that story (Act V is the last one) the first couple of days that we return from break. You'll notice that we have a TEST in class on Friday, April 15 over the entirety of the story and that we'll be working on an ESSAY (you have the topics already) assignment the first week back with a final due date of Monday, April 18. Other than that, we've got some grammar/punctuation sprinkled into that first week. Excited?! :)

Take care, all. See you in a week.

Frosty Weekend Update

Man, it's cooold out there! Spring Break, anyone?! :)

Ok, all. Here goes with some reminders for this last weekend before our upcoming break.

**Acts I and II written notes (plot summaries, characters, styles, settings for each scene) are due first thing on Monday. Please keep in mind the late assignment policy on the rules and expectations link to the right. Of course, I expect everyone to have this assignment completely done and on time! Let me know if you need any assistance.

**Acts III and IV written notes will be officially due the Monday we return from break. This next week, we'll be doing our best in class to cover as much of that material as possible. We'll see.

I'll be updating the weekly schedule and important dates links sometime tomorrow since I don't have access to those files currently. Come back on here and check them out!

Have a good weekend, all. We'll see you soon.

Weekend Update

Hi, everyone. I hope the first week of the trimester treated you all well. We're back to our first full 5-day school week in a while next week...excited?! :)

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for the recent future.

Reminder for the weekend: you should read and jot down notes on the paper provided for Romeo and Juliet, Act I/Scene I...DUE MONDAY. Feel free to work/read ahead!

Take care, everyone...let me know if you need anything at all.

WELCOME TO ENGLISH 9B!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

The two most important links on this site are arguably the "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links listed to the right. Check these out frequently in order to stay ORGANIZED and INFORMED of class matters.

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

LAST Weekend Update!

Hi, everyone. First, best of luck to you all during final exam week coming up. I know for you especially, juniors, that you probably feel all "tested" out already! Either way, go get 'em next week...again.

Final reminders for everyone...

English 9a: study, study, study! Remember, the best way to approach any large task like this is to break it down into manageable parts. In other words, hit a review topic or two per day/night in the days leading up to the exam. And then ideally, you leave the last night (Tuesday) for a brief review of ALL topics...a refresher if you will. Let me know if you have any questions, concerns, comments during this preparation process! Be reminded that you do have "facts" due the day of the exam as well! Finally, you'll have your REVIEW GAMES to play staring on Monday!

English 11b: you've got all of your Hiroshima essay items due on Monday (brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, and final draft)...as well as your 15 pg. plot summaries for the text. Remember, the final draft should have a cover page, be typed/double-spaced/12 pts. font, and 2.5 pgs. of text. Other than that, remember that you've got "facts" due the day of your final exam as well!

That's it, guys. It was a PLEASURE working with you all this trimester. Thanks for the hard work. Let me know if you need anything at all this NEXT trimester too! You know where I am....

Early Weekend Update

Hi, all. We've got one more full (yet crazy) week of the 2nd trimester coming next week. First, good luck all of you juniors this coming week...it's a big one! Second, check out the "weekly schedule" link (as well as the "important dates" link) in order to sort out the unique test-week schedule we've got coming.

A few reminders for the weekend:

**English 9a...it's a big day on Monday with a Greek-related TEST (Greek stories, Greek research, Odyssey), a Vocab QUIZ, and Part II of your Odyssey questions DUE. Prepare, prepare, prepare!

**English 11b...start/continue your reading and analysis of Hiroshima. Remember, you are to compose 3-4 sentence plot summaries for every 15 pages of the text. In addition, you should be at the very least thinking about possible, fitting essay topics as you read and reflect on the text.

Take care this weekend, guys, and let me know if you need anything at all!

Weekend News

Hi, all. Check out next week's schedule and important dates to the right in order to prepare for next week, our first full week in a while!

A few reminders:

**English 9a...we've got a vocab quiz (with cards due) first thing on Monday. Be ready! Also, you are to read "Icarus..." this weekend and reflect on any 2 lessons from that story. Finally, you should finish Part I (pgs. 674-679) and answer the first 7 questions on pg. 679. ALL Part I questions are due on Monday, so be prepared with those. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING 10 MORE BLANK NOTE CARDS TO CLASS ON MONDAY!

**English 11b...be ready to present your professional-looking 8-10 research facts to the class starting on Monday. In addition, continue your reading and analysis of Night. Remember, your Ch. 1-4 study guide is due on Monday as well. Let me know if you have any questions/concerns!

That's it, guys...enjoy the weekend. See you all soon enough.

Long Weekend Update

Hi,everyone. I hope you're enjoying the extra time off (again!). Get rejuvenated and ready for the home stretch here in the trimester. March (and final exams) is right around the corner!

A few updates on this vacation weekend:

**English 9a...be reminded that we've got a grammar quiz on Tuesday when you return, and it covers ALL of our parts of speech (including the terms on our LAST quiz). Also, be reminded that you're to read pages 645-650 of The Odyssey and answer the accompanying questions 1-6 on page. 650 in complete sentences. Finally, you've got your next set of Greek mythology research items (3 facts per) due on Tuesday as well. Next week, we'll be having another round of Latin/Greek vocab terms and flash cards, and we'll also delve much deeper into our epic poem The Odyssey. Keep bringing your textbooks to class, and an extra set of 10 blank note cards for the vocab lesson coming up!

**English 11b...be reminded that you've got ALL of your Lord of the Flies items officially due on Tuesday when you return...vocabulary, characters, symbols, and Chapters 9-12 study guide packet. We'll be wrapping up our discussion of this book on Tuesday and prepare you for an assessment on the text soon thereafter. In addition, we'll be starting a new text (Night) mid week next week...excited?!

Take care, everyone, and enjoy the time off!

What a (snowy) week!

Hey, all. The good news is that it was a manageable week for ya...and the extra good news is that you get two more short weeks these next two weeks with our "mid-winter break" on the horizon! Man...craziness.

Anyway, as for this weekend, here goes with a slew of reminders (AFTER you check the updated weekly schedule and important dates links, that is):

**English 9a...you've got your Research Presentation sheets due first thing on MONDAY. Be prepared to hand those in immediately. Also, be prepared that day for our Grammar QUIZ covering nouns, adjective, verbs, and adverbs. Finally, locate your green textbook and start bringing it to class this next week in preparation for a new project we'll be working on!

**English 11b...you should be up to pg. 127 of Lord of the Flies at the very least on Monday. Notice on the on the above links too that you'll have a Chapters 1-4 vocab QUIZ on Tuesday in class and that your Chapters 5-8 study guide is due that day as well. Be prepared! This is our last week with this current text...hope you're enjoying the "evil" of it all! Don't let it get ya down....all Lord of the Flies items are officially due on Tuesday, Feb. 15 after the long weekend.

That's all, guys. Enjoy your Super Bowl weekend!

Last Weekend in January!

Hi, everyone. First, please check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right. In light of my recent absences due to my dad's health, things have been shifted around a bit in our classes. Please take note.

Reminders for the weekend:

**English 9a...all research teams should have their rough drafts COMPLETED by Monday. We'll be editing each others' rough drafts then so it's important that each is complete! Our final due date for the entire project is now next Wednesday...please take note. Contact each other this weekend so you're on the same page as your partner(s)!

**English 11b...you should be on pg. 57 of Lord of the Flies at the very least by the beginning of class on Monday. Remember to study the attached vocabulary terms and answer the accompanying questions in those study guides I handed on yesterday (Friday). The chapter 1-4 study guide is due on Wednesday of this coming week. Also, be prepared for a terms QUIZ first thing in class on Monday.

That's it for now, guys! Let me know if you need anything at all. Take care!

Sunday Update

Hi again, everyone. I wanted to check in and update you on my personal status and how it will affect our upcoming week. I will NOT be in school again tomorrow (Monday) since my dad is having major surgery in Holland to remove a cancerous mass from his colon. I'd like to be there for him and mom, obviously. So here's what this means for us this week:

English 9a:

*Your research card due date (15 "small" cards/3 "big" cards) is now pushed back a day to Tuesday when I return. Remember, EACH of you should have these ready to show me in class for credit. Of course, feel free to work past those numbers! The "task" page on the research homebase site has each of the main categories regarding what you should be researching, but it's ok to branch out and find other "miscellaneous" information regarding your literary figure or respective time period. I will be showing you exactly how to access the "database" sites in class on Tuesday, so don't worry about using that as a source quite yet.

*A grammar quiz that was supposed to occur this coming Friday will now be pushed back to next Monday. Expect to have a new set of grammar notes start on the Tuesday that I return. Tomorrow (Monday) you'll have plenty more time to simply research in the library. Get work done!

English 11b:

*You will be editing each other's Hobbit rough drafts in the class for part of the hour tomorrow (Monday). In giving written feedback to at least two other students, please comment in terms of the 6+1 writing traits that are written on the board in the classroom as well as the specifics underneath each trait. Your final drafts are still due this Friday. Check out the "presentation" trait (the "+1") written on the board in order to prepare for the final drafts.

*Remember that ALL of your Hobbit items (minus the essay) are still DUE TUESDAY! We'll be starting a new time period and accompanying text that day as well. Before that though, be prepared to debrief on the conclusion to The Hobbit in class that day.

That's it for now, all. I hope you're enjoying the coooooold weekend! See you all on Tuesday....

Early early weekend update...

Hi, everyone. First, sorry about the absence today in class. As I think I told you, I had a very important doctor appointment to attend with my mom and dad. I hope you got a lot of work completed in class!

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prep for next week and beyond.

Reminders for the long weekend:

English 9a: You've got 15 "big" info cards and 3 "small" source cards for your research project (EACH student) due Monday. If you do not have internet access at home, perhaps find a library, friend's house, etc. for access? Please note that the total 20 "bigs" and 5 "smalls" are due this next Wednesday. Contact me and/or your partner with questions!

English 11b: You've got your rough draft of The Hobbit essay due Monday. Be ready to peer edit in class that day and get quality 6 + 1 feedback. And don't forget that ALL of the remaining Hobbit items (plot summaries, 13 vocab words, and children story) are due next Tuesday. We start a new text on Tuesday as well...excited?!

Enjoy the 3-day weekend, all!

Updates for the weekend...

Hi, guys. Here's the scoop for next week (a shortened one!)..."important dates" and "weekly schedule" to the right.

**English 9a

1.) Be prepared to hand in all of your novel notes...plot summaries, characters, settings, styles, and theme. Remember to renew your book at the library as well!

2.) Be prepared to give your book presentation in class on Monday. You will give a 2-3 minutes speech regarding plot highlights, dislikes, likes, and an overall recommendation. You'll need your book as a visual, and you should utilize key public speaking skills (EYE CONTACT, MOVEMENT, AND LOUD/CLEAR VOICES). Remember, the key is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!

3.) We'll be starting a new research-based project on Tuesday...more details to come.

**English 11b

1.) Be prepared to show me updated Hobbit plot summaries (up to pg. 195) and 8 total pages of your children stories in class on Monday.

2.) Remember that you should be keeping track of any 13 vocabulary terms from the book as well.

3.) We'll be finishing the book and accompanying materials largely in this next week!

For the weekend...

Hi, everyone. Just checking in a bit early regarding the upcoming weekend and into next week...

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links on the right.

English 9-ers, make some solid progress on your novels this weekend and be reminded that i'll be checking your halfway point plot summaries in class on Monday. Also, remember to bring another set of 10 blank note cards to class on Monday for our second installment of Latin/Greek vocab!

English 11 folks, you should be to pg. 90 of The Hobbit at the very least (with updated plot summaries), have your Literary/Hobbit terms completed, and fully create at least 2 children's story pages by Monday!

Have a fun weekend, everyone!

In addition...

...to English 11B students...

Hints regarding our essay test coming at you on Monday...

**Think about how you can apply the following big ideas to the ENTIRE novel:

PHSYIOGNOMY

REALISM

VICTORIAN ERA VALUES

THEME...AND EXAMPLES

NATURE VS. NURTURE

IDENTITY...WHAT'S OLIVER'S TRUE IDENTITY??

PS. See below if you haven't already...

Checking in...

Hi, again, everyone. I hope the break's been great for you all. We go back in less than one week! I know you're excited....

Regarding English-related material, ALL students, please take the time to check over my original holiday post below and scan the "weekly schedule"/"important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for Monday, Jan. 3 and beyond.

Also, all students should be aware of a new "late assignment" policy that i've recently updated under the "RESPONSIBILITY" rule located on the "Rules and Expectations" link. I'll talk more about this new policy on the Monday we return (which is the official date it will come into effect).

Any questions, concerns, and/or comments, please let me know!

PS. English 9-ers, if you're planning on sending your essay to me electronically or "sharing" it via googledocs, please do so early enough before Sunday evening so that I can reply IF there is a problem on my end!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

First and foremost, everyone, is that you enjoy your two week break with family and friends. Have fun...and be safe!

I've already updated the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right regarding the week we return from break. Please check them out in order to prep for our returning work.

A few specific reminders...

**English 9a...ALL of your Personal Narrative items are officially due the MONDAY we return (Jan. 3). This due date includes your brainstorm sheet, completed outline (on a separate piece of paper), edited rough draft, and final draft (with cover page). Please feel free to send me via email the final version as a Microsoft Word document or just simply "share" it with me via GoogleDocs if you so choose. Also, the Monday we return, we'll also be starting a Choice Novel project. You'll be able to choose YOUR OWN novel to read, analyze, and reflect on provided it's at least 225 pages, fiction, appropriate, and something you have not read before. So, if you have any ideas over break, feel free to bring the book with you to class on that Monday...or else you'll have a chance to check something out in the school library that day.

**English 11b...ALL of your Oliver Twist items are officially due the MONDAY we return (Jan. 3). This due date includes your completed study question packet, 20 vocabulary terms, and completed plot summaries. You'll need to turn in your mini-story versions that you took from under the desk on that Monday. Also, be prepared for the TEST that day (keeping in mind major novel ideas like physiognomy, nature vs. nature, identity, Victorian/Realism era and values, etc. with examples from the novel, your own experiences, and "real world" application as evidence of your thoughts).

For everyone, please let me know if/how I can help at all these next two weeks! Don't hesitate....

Take care, all! Enjoy the time.

(Early) Weekend Update...

Hi, everyone. I thought i'd give you an early heads-up heading into our last weekend before the big holiday break. Please check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right and then read below regarding your class information:

**English 9a

-Finish "Thank You..." over the weekend and answer the attached questions in writing.

-Prepare yourself for the big Literary Term/Short Story TEST on MONDAY. All of our short stories and literary terms are fair game for the test!

**English 11b

-Continue with the Oliver Twist work...study questions (at least up to #39) and plot summaries (at least up to pg. 84). Be ready to show your work in class on Monday!

-Prepare yourself for the Key Literary Term QUIZ on MONDAY. You'll officially turn in that term sheet that day as well.

To all of you, enjoy the weekend and be safe on the roads! Let me know if you need anything.

Happy First Weekend of the Tri!

Hello, everyone. I hope you all have a great weekend. We're all back into the swing of things now, huh? Please let me know if you need anything at all at this point...questions about the course/material thus far, concerns, comments, etc. That's what i'm here for!

For ALL English students: check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right in order to prepare for this coming full week.

English 9 reminders:

**Finish your 41 literary term flash cards this weekend and be ready to turn all of them in on Monday first thing.

**Finish "Most Dangerous...", answer #2, 5, and 9 on pg. 31, and fill out your "hill" plot diagram for the story.

English 11 reminders:

**Be prepared for our poetry term QUIZ on MONDAY. Remember that you might be asked to compose your OWN poem as part of the quiz...hint hint.

**Finish ALL POEMS and RESPONSES from the packet this weekend...Byron and Shelley included.

Have a good one, all!

Welcome!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

The two most important links on this site arguably the "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links listed to the right. Check these out frequently in order to stay ORGANIZED and INFORMED of class matters.

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

FINALS WEEK!

Hi, everyone.

First of all, GOOD LUCK WITH EXAMS THIS COMING WEEK. But really, you shouldn't need ANY luck if you PREPARE ACCORDINGLY.

The "weekly schedule" and "important" dates have been updated. Check them out.

Reminders for the weekend:

**Study...study....study...study!
**Exam review "facts" are due the day of your exam
**Be ready to turn in your green textbook the day of your exam

Let me know if you need anything at all, guys! Have a good weekend....almost done.

Almost Done!!

Hi, everyone. I thought i'd check in early again so that you could view and prepare ahead of time for our last full week of the trimester coming up. So go ahead and peruse the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. You'll notice that the TEST IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR THIS TUESDAY INSTEAD OF MONDAY. Be ready!

Other than reading your final Greek story ("The Minotaur) over the weekend and gathering blank note cards for our last round of vocab on Monday, here's how you can prepare for the important upcoming TEST:

Test topics...

**The Odyssey...Part I and II plot, heroic qualities displayed, characters (descriptions/roles), and translations ("making sense of nonsense" parts of the text)

**Greek Mythology research (all)..."Mount Olympus" through "centaurs"...see your handout

**Greek Mythology stories...respective plots and accompanying morals..."Choice of Hercules", "Icarus and Daedulus", "Hercules Cleans the Augean Stables", "Damon and Pythias", and "The Minotaur"

Let me know if you need anything, guys! Take care and have a good weekend.

Another Early Weekend Update...

The time left in this trimester is a tickin', everyone! For some of us, let's get our acts together, and for others, keep up that positive momentum!

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right.

You'll notice that we have a big "Odyssey" TEST coming up next week (Monday, Nov. 15). This means we'll be finishing that story by the end of this week and doing a bit of review in class on Friday for it.

You'll also notice that we have another set of Latin/Greek roots, key words, and bonus words for next week. This means you'll need 10 blank note cards once again for class ON MONDAY to begin the flash card process. Be ready.

Other than that, this weekend you've got the rest of "Odyssey" Part I (pgs. 662-678) to read...along with providing complete answers for pg. 679, 1-7 questions. ALL ODYSSEY PART I QUESTIONS ARE DUE ON MONDAY!!

Finally, don't forget about finishing with the "Greek mythology" research items for Monday!

Have a great weekend, everyone! See you all soon.

Early "SNOW DAY"?!!

Hey, all. I hope you enjoyed your surprise day off...man, I didn't see THAT coming.

Anyway, let's state the obvious first: your RESEARCH PROJECTS are now officially due tomorrow (Wednesday). Be sure to bring to class ALL research note cards, completed outlines, and final drafts. I've already received a handful of "shared" items from some groups, so i'll assume the rest of the groups will be bringing printed versions of their final drafts (one copy per group is all that is necessary).

As for next week, i've already posted the schedule and important due dates, so please check out the links to the right. We've only got about 3.5 weeks left in the trimester guys! Crazy. It's crunch time for all of us.

Please let me know if you need anything at all. See you all soon enough!

(Early) Weekend Update...

Hi, everyone. I thought i'd check in a bit earlier this time in order to update/clarify some things as we head into a shortened (yet very important) week.

First, check out the weekly schedule and important date links in order to be clear on English 9-related information. You'll notice that we do NOT have school next Thursday and Friday due to parent/teacher conference week (Monday and Tuesday 6-9 PM).

Second, regarding our Research Projects, remember that the ROUGH DRAFT IS DUE ON MONDAY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE HOUR. Be ready to do some editing/revising that day in order to start finalizing the final draft. Since you should be all hooked up to google and you also have each others' contact information, completing that rough draft shouldn't be a problem this weekend.

Finally, ALL RESEARCH-RELATED ITEMS (NOTE CARDS, OUTLINES, FINAL DRAFTS) ARE DUE ON TUESDAY, AND THE IN-CLASS PRESENTATIONS ARE THAT DAY AS WELL.

Let me know if you need anything, guys! Take care...Go State.

Weekend Update...

Hi, everyone. I hope the weekend is already going well for all of you! Enjoy the weather.

A few updates/reminders:

**Check the recently updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week's responsibilities in our class. You'll notice that we'll be finalizing our Research Projects all week while at the same time focusing on some grammar-related material. You'll also notice that the overall due date for the research project has been pushed back a day due to MEAP testing that will go on Wednesday morning for all freshmen.

**Remember that 15 "big" note cards and 3 "small" note cards are DUE FIRST THING MONDAY! If you go to the "Michigan eLibrary" site in order to access the databases, you might need to prove that you're a Michigan resident. A valid driver's license # should do. Let me know if you questions/concerns about the research in general this weekend!

Take care, everyone. Go State! :)

Weekend Peek

Hi, everyone.

First, I hope you enjoy(ed) your Homecoming Friday! Great time of year...

Check out the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right. We're wrapping up the Novel Project and moving on to the next big endeavor--an online-based research project. Excited?! :)

Reminders for the weekend:

**All plot summaries, character, setting, style, and theme notes for your novel are DUE ON MONDAY. Be prepared to turn everything in!

**Practice and prepare for the Novel Presentations to be given in class on Monday and Tuesday. Remember, in 2-3 mins. you need to discuss the BOOK TITLE, AUTHOR, PLOT SUMMARY, 2 LIKES, 2 DISLIKES, AND OVERALL RECOMMENDATION REGARDING YOUR BOOK ALL THE WHILE INCORPORATING EYE CONTACT, MOVEMENT, AND LOUD/CLEAR VOICES. You'll need your book in your possession plus the OPTIONAL "cheat-sheet" note card in class.

Have a good weekend, all! And remember, GO STATE!

Another early weekend update...

Ladies and gentlemen,

Once again, please check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right to prepare for the near future in this class.

Also, remember the following for Monday:

**You should be AT LEAST halfway finished with your novel by Monday with UPDATED PLOT SUMMARIES...hint hint.

**Bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday for week 2 of vocabulary work.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

(early) Weekend Update

Greetings, all.

First, enjoy the weekend...BUT remember that we've got a big DUE DATE FOR MONDAY regarding our Personal Narrative essay assignments.

Reminders:

**You will be turning in ALL narrative items on Monday...brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, and final draft.

**Final drafts should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font (Times New Roman, Helvetica, Courier, or Arial...no bold), 1 inch margins, 2.5 pages, and with a cover page that contains your name and a creative title.

**If you are/were absent for Friday's class, you are still responsible for having at least ONE pair of eyes read/edit your paper, give comments/feedback and sign your rough draft as proof.

**Please feel free to email a Microsoft Word attachment to me for printing purposes and/or ask any questions you might have. Do so EARLY enough this weekend though so I have time to respond!

**Check the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to prepare for next week. And if you have a fitting novel in mind, please bring it on Monday to class!

**Bring 10 blank note cards to class on Monday.

We'll see everyone on Monday! Be prepared!

Weekend Update...

Hi, all. I hope the weekend is a good, restful one for you. Monday is a big day for us in English class, so be prepared!

Reminders for the weekend:

1.) Finish "Thank You, Ma'm" and the attached questions for Monday.

2.) Prepare for the Literary term/Short story TEST which will be given on Monday.

And, as always, please browse the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to fully prepare for the upcoming weeks ahead.

Take care, everyone!

First Weekend UPDATE

Hi, everyone. I hope you're enjoying your first weekend of the school year. Rest up for your first FULL week coming up!

A few things...

1.) Remember that you've got 41 Literary Term flashcards and your "Most Dangerous..." assignment DUE ON MONDAY.

2.) Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" link to the right in order to plan ahead. We've got our first quiz and test coming up in the near future!

3.) Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, comments, etc. thus far. I'm here for you guys!

See you all on Monday.

Welcome!!

Greetings, everyone. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you and, of course, getting to know you more as students AND as people.

If at ANY TIME, you have questions, concerns, comments, etc., PLEASE feel free to contact me via the email address listed below and on your "parent letter". Of course, you could always simply talk to me face to face in class as well...:)

Let's get off to a GREAT start this week!

Have a....

...GREAT break, everyone! It was a pleasure having you all in class this spring trimester. Let me know if you need anything at all.

Stay safe, and have fun!

LAST Update...

Hi, everyone. I hope the TKMB and final exam prep work is going all right for you this weekend...be ready for next week and perform!

Check out the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right in order to be clear on next week's happenings. We've got a lot of stuff going on regarding TKMB finalization and exam preparation.

Remember, final drafts of TKMB essays should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 2.5 pages...and with a cover page.

Take care, and let me know if you need anything!

Holiday Weekend Notes...

Hi, everyone. First, enjoy the beautiful holiday weekend...and don't forget to thank a veteran on Monday!

Regarding our class, check out the "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. In addition, the "course documents" page has a downloadable link for the upcoming "final exam review" that we'll be working on for much of next week. Feel free to check that out.

Reminders: there will be NO TEST for TKMB...and a few other key due dates have shifted regarding that book. Take note! Also, remember that your "grammar quiz corrections" are due for thing on Tuesday as well.

See you all on Tuesday!

WEEKEND UPDATE:

Hi, everyone. I hope everything went well today with Mr. J in class. I'm sorry I couldn't be there!

Really, your main goal this weekend is to continue to make progress on your TKMB novel. Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns with that stuff.

Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links. Next week, we'll have our last week of "vocab" starting on Tuesday.

REMINDER: WE HAVE A QUIZ OVER SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT MATERIAL AS WELL AS A TKMB (CHAPTERS 8-17) QUIZ ON MONDAY.

Have a good weekend!

It's the WEEKEND!

Hi, everyone.

First, please check the newly updated "important dates" and "weekly schedule" links to the right.

Monday's a big day regarding TWO QUIZZES (VOCAB and TKMB). The TKMB quiz will cover chapters 1-7 as well as vocab and allusions from the book. Also, be ready to turn in flash cards on Monday as well!

Starting Monday, we're shooting for chapters 8-17 in TKMB...consult your reading calendar to double-check.

Have a good one, all...make some progress in TKMB this weekend.

Update and Reminders

Hi, everyone. A few things for ya...

1.) Check out the newly updated "weekly schedule" and "important dates" links to the right. Also, I just updated the "course documents" link as well so that you can perhaps view upcoming TKMB assignments.

2.) Remember that over the weekend, you should finish up all Romeo and Juliet ESSAY items, including finding someone to EDIT (and sign) your rough drafts according to the 6 + 1 writing traits (and on a scale from 1 to 10):

IDEAS...thesis, evidence/citations, personal explanation
CONVENTIONS...grammar, punctuation, spelling, complete sentences
ORGANIZATION...structure (according to your outline), clear/developed paragraphs
WORD CHOICE...variety of colorful language
SENTENCE FLUENCY...variety of lengths, types
VOICE...formal, avoid slang, contractions, etc.

**The final draft should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 2.5 pages, and with a cover page. Be prepared to turn in all additional items as well...brainstorm, outline, edited rough draft, etc.

Feel free to email me with questions, concerns, comments, and/or your final drafts!

See you all soon.