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!