Homework and Reminders - 8/31 and 9/1

I'm really enjoying the fact that we're getting into the swing of things. Thank you for a productive and interesting conversation today in all of my classes - below are the assignments for you to complete in preparation for the next class.

AP English III:

Today's discussion did not cover nearly the amount of detail that I wanted to about chapters two and three - we'll pick up with that on Friday/Tuesday. So, definitely revisit your annotations and your reading. For the next class I would like for you to read and annotate Stephanie Ericsson's "The Ways We Lie" - this can be found in 50 Essays or at the following link. Print a copy and bring it with you to class. We will have an activity tying The Great Gatsby and this piece together.

Also, don't forget that your "Introduction" pieces are due on Friday/Tuesday. Please have both your final draft and your rough draft.

English I:

For tonight you have one assignment that needs to be turned into the box and one assignment that should be brought to class. Your "The Me You Don't See" paragraphs should be turned into the box on either Friday (A-day) or Tuesday (B-day). Remember that the final draft will count as a quiz grade for everyone. The rough draft will count as a homework assignment. You also need to read the excerpts by Malcolm X and complete the worksheet as notes - we will review the worksheet in class on Friday/Tuesday. Be sure that you complete all parts of the worksheet and bring any questions you have to class.

Also, Freshmen, if you didn't get your "About School" worksheet to the box, make sure that you go to study hall. Get your points back!

And now it's time to really get going

It's time for us to have a full week of school.  I know that I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better as readers and writers this year.  Below are the different assignments for each group.

AP English III:

Today's seminar began to scratch the surface on these two pieces which we will continue to study throughout this unit on The Great Gatsby.  For our next class, we will really begin getting into Gatsby - starting with chapters two and three.  Make sure that you have reread and annotated chapters two and three.  Remember as you annotate to look for EVERYTHING - we'll talk more about how to annotate in class on Wednesday/Thursday.

In addition to this reading you also should be revising and polishing your introduction assignments.  I'll be collecting these on Friday/Monday.  Be sure that you see me for my opinions/critiques if you need it.  After-school on Tuesday or Wednesday would be a great time to see me.

English I:

It's time for us to start using the homework box.  Your worksheets on the poem "About School" are due to the box on Wednesday (A-day) and Thursday (B-day).  Any homework not submitted on time will need to be completed during study hall.  I was impressed with the fact that a lot of you had your assignments today.  Keep that going!  The paragraphs that you edited today will be collected on Friday/Monday.  These paragraphs will count as a quiz grade.  Make sure that you see me if you need extra help.  Also, don't forget when you turn in your final draft that you also turn in your rough draft.  I'll remind you of this next class.

See you all on the flip side...

The First A-Day of School!

Just think, tomorrow you get to do the first day of school all over again. It was really great getting to meet all of you this morning; I'm really looking forward to working with you all this year. Below are the assignments for the weekend. I will post every A-day; if there are changes for B-day students, that will be noted after the B-day.

AP English III:

There are a few things to get done this weekend for me. First, you should all begin by reading and annotating Barbara Lazear Ascher's "On Compassion" - this can be found in 50 Essays and online at the following website. Copies will also be available for pickup from my room Friday. Second, you should all reread and revisit your annotations for "On Dumpster Diving" by Lars Eighner. On Monday/Tuesdsay we will have a seminar on these two pieces. Be ready to discuss them and rip them apart as only AP students can. Finally for reading, I would like for you to begin rereading and annotating chapters two and three of The Great Gatsby - we will begin studying this text on Wednesday/Thursday.

For writing over the weekend I would like for you all to complete the "Introduction" assignment as explained on your handout. Remember to follow the guidelines and have fun with this assignment. We will edit these in class on Monday/Tuesday.

For AP students, the online parent form can be accessed by following this link.

English I:

This weekend you have some business to take care of for next week. First, if you didn't complete the "Tell Me About You" questionairre, plese finish that over the weekend and have it ready on Monday/Tuesday. You also need to complete the paragraph assignment called "The Me You Don't See." Remember that this also needs to be brought to class for peer editing on Monday/Tuesday. Use the guidelines that we discussed today in class to finish this assignment and do it well.

Finally, make sure that you get your school supplies and that your parents fill out the parent contact sheet. The online form for English I can be found by following this link.

All Students: If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me or leave a comment on the blog. Have a great weekend!