31 May - End of the Month / Bye Seniors!

AP Language

Today was our day to complete our final in-class writing assignment. In this assignment you have a prompt, because you always have a prompt - there's always exigence, but you're encouraged to answer the prompt in a more creative and risky way. It's our hope that part of this assignment finds its way to your future personal writing tasks. Note that you now have two tasks due, the writing and the reading.

Quarter 4 officially closes on Friday (Monday for Grey Day). If you have any final choice board items to review or anything else to submit, it needs to be in and done. After this week our work will focus only on the final final exam task, the story telling assignment. This has been posted for your review. You're only getting an oral communication grade for this assignment. 

If you have any questions about closing out the year, please be in touch. Remember that I start reading for College Board on June 1, so I will be less available than I have been.

AP Research

We're all set! Final exams are done and grades are in. Fun times to end the year and lots of lovely energy. I'm sad I won't be at graduation next week, but I'm happy we had our time to say good bye today. If you find yourself on campus, come and say hello. Drop me a line from time to time and let me know how your life is going. Wishing you nothing but the best to take you forward.

30 May - Closing out the Year!

English 10

Great day today in English 10 as we ended our unit on memoirs, the Middle East, and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. We took our test today, and I will have your results back to you as soon as I can. Check by the end of tomorrow to see your grades and feedback.

At the beginning of today's class, we went over the next few days - aka the end of the year. You have three things left to complete (and some of you have already completed one). First, finish your comic book. Make sure that you're telling your own story and conveying a lesson. Follow the steps in the rubric. If you didn't finish it today, be sure that it's in at the end of Thursday. Then, there are our portfolios. These are due by June 9. Follow the instructions and reach out if you have questions.

Your final exam is on June 15. This is also the day you'll return your laptops. Let's finish strong to end our year together!

26 May - Into the Weekend

AP Language

Really fantastic day today in AP Language. College essays are one of my favorite things to teach, read, and advise on, so today's lesson hit me in all of my happy places. I hope that you enjoyed. Please submit your Active Reading Task before we see each other next class. Next class we'll be writing about ourselves and taking a foray into personal statements and college essays. This is the second part of your final exam tasks. We'll also look at the instructions for the last part.

AP Research

Hooray for the last day of class. Make sure that any items that you need to submit for Wednesday's presentation are in on Schoology. Your presentation on Wednesday is a pitch of one of your item. Your goal in your presentation is to sell your item to me to be used in next year's class. Remember that you'll have a maximum of five minutes. Bring snacks! I'm excited to see what you do!

25 May - Ending the Year in English 10

English 10

Pretty great day in English 10 today, a few bumps in the road, but we got to where we needed to go. Today we finished reading Persepolis and understood some of the main lessons that this book is conveying to us. Lessons about life, growing up, trust, and change are all contained in this book. I loved seeing how engaged so many of you were. I think the test next class should be a breeze for a lot of you.

Over the weekend, prepare for that test. Review your notes and your study guide. Check today's recording. If you have any missing assignments, you should submit them this weekend. I will update grades as soon as you submit your work. Prioritize the writing assignments, as they are worth a lot of grades.

Next class we'll take our test, and then have time to finish up with vocabulary and comic book projects. Remember that all work for Quarter 4 and this unit is due on June 1.

24 May - AP Final Examination Tasks

AP Language

Another wonderful day working on our ART (Active Reading Task). We started our class by defining our needs, and then we moved forward to meet those needs. We collaborated with peers to discuss texts and uncover more meaning. I liked that I saw a lot of active engagement and collaboration. This is the key to being successful in these tasks. 

By this point, you should have most of your two texts read/processed. Please use your work from your group discussions to help you do this. Next class we'll be focused on personal writing and personal brainstorming - thus the right side of the document. It's due at the end of next class.

If you need anything else at this time, please make an appointment at Lion Time or After School. The door is closing on the AP Language skills part of the gradebook as we are now working on our final examination tasks.

AP Research

Remember to submit your Final Examination artifacts as well as any last items from Quarter 4 by Friday. I will be finalizing Q4 grades on Friday at the end of the day. Next week I'll see you on the 31st for your Final Exam day. Bring snacks! Each of you will have about five minutes to present your item. Do your presentation as a pitch. Pitch your item for me to use next year. 

Please submit all items on Schoology. I need to be sure to have a record of all final examination artifacts.

23 May

English 10

We had a conversation at the beginning of class that I hope you all will take with you moving forward to the last few classes of the year. Your quarter four gradebook is going to close on June 1. Everything will need to be submitted by that point. All major assignments will be due by that day. If you have missing assignments, they need to be submitted.

Today's class focused on reading the next to last group of chapters in Persepolis. We'll finish the book in class on Thursday and review for the test on the book. You'll have the test after the long weekend, so you should have plenty of time to study and prepare. We'll finish up the comic books next week as well. I'm excited to see your stories and your final work for English 10.

I'll start posting all of the instructions for the final portfolios soon. The classes on June 5, 7, and 9 are devoted to constructing these two assignments. 

Kicking off the Week - 22 May

AP Language

Great day starting our Final Examination working sessions today. Today was a reading day. I loved reading days at UNC Chapel Hill - they were days for studying and resting during final exams. For me, they were studying and preparing days - the joys of being an English and Russian double major. 

The reading assignment we began today will be completed through the week. Be active in your notes and reading. Answer the questions with evidence from the readings and your ideas on that evidence. Complete sentences aren't needed, but complete thoughts are. This will be scored for thoroughness and completion. It's due on Friday (Blue Day) / Tuesday (Grey Day). 

Next class we'll be working to collaborate and discuss these texts and groups. We'll share takeaways and ideas together to complete our own work. We'll really focus in on the reflection questions next class, but you can feel free to start those now. 

If you have any choice board item still to complete (letters or choice tasks) be sure to submit and meet with me as needed. I am still processing letters and other items. Reach out with any questions - the Quarter Gradebook will close on June 1 as that is the day I start grading for College Board.

AP Research

We are now firmly in our final push before Final Examinations for Seniors. Your examination for me is on May 31. We'll meet, have some snacks, and enjoy our final presentations for the year. You've come a long way, let's finish with style and grace.

19 May - Out Playing Nurse

I hope that all of you had a good and productive day in class with the substitute. Be sure that if you missed class that you review the resources on Schoology and get caught up for the time. Remember that we don't have many days left for the quarter. Soon we'll just be focused on Final Exams. 

Submit items on Schoology as needed and please reach out with any questions. Have a great weekend!

18 May - Final Exams Approaching!

AP Language

Today was the day for us to begin our Final Examination Unit in earnest. We took the majority of today's class to read, study, analyze, and understand the first chapter of WEB DuBois's The Souls of Black Folk. It's a great approach to ideas such as race and identity, the power of perception, and psychology. We'll use a lot of these understandings to guide us forward - especially ideas about the veil, double consciousness, and the power of society's expectations on us (even when we don't know about it). 

If you were absent, please access the recording and the collaborative slide decks. Today was an important class. We'll take these ideas to our next class when we read and study our choice texts. Remember that you're looking at the voices of others in order to better understand yourself. We'll have some great understandings ahead of us.

AP Research

Next week we have the final three classes to prepare for your Final Exam before the Final Exam. On May 31, you will present ONE of your Choice Board items. Note that you will only have about 3-5 minutes to present your item, so you won't be able to show the whole video or item, for example. Prepare yourself well. Be sure that all of your reflections are submitted, grades for seniors are now due. Any missing assignments will be marked as such next week.

17 May

English 10

Solid day in English 10 as we read two more chapters of Persepolis and continued to track Marji's development to adulthood. We ended our day by focusing on our memoir assignments and brainstorming key moments in our life that we can turn into a graphic novel. Remember that with this assignment the goal is to focus on ONE important moment. Think about the book we're reading, right? She's really telling us about major moments, not about everything. Try to do the same.

Next class we'll finish up with our movie tasks. Be ready to do a bit of writing. Remember that if you have any missing assignments (vocabulary, paragraphs, videos) that those assignments are due by May 30. No work will be accepted after May 30 except for the final examination and portfolio.

16 May - Happy Tuesday!

AP Language

Today was a great day! We started by looking at our Final Exam Unit and understanding the three tasks that we have ahead of us for our final exam. We're starting on this next class. For tonight, please read and annotate DuBois's article. Focus on ideas like race, identity, and perception of self. What affects how we view ourselves? DuBois was the first Black PhD from Harvard University; his words are going to give us a lot to consider in this final unit.

There is no more class time for Choice Board items. Please submit your letters to end the Choice Board. If you need to meet or complete other tasks, please make an appointment to do that outside of class. I'm looking forward to a great discussion next class on DuBois.

AP Research

We're continuing through our process of completing our final examination items. I've liked what I've seen turned in so far. Please submit a PDF if you can. Videos should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with my djmiller1 @ fcpsschools . net account. I'm looking forward to final presentations on 31 May. Our last day of class!

15 May - Kicking off the Week

English 10

We had a strange day today with the Biology SOL and the long second period, so we watched a movie. I hope that you enjoyed watching Persepolis. I really love watching this film and seeing the way in which the comic book is turned into an animated film. You'll be writing a review of the film soon, so I hope that you were able to develop a strong opinion and find evidence to support that opinion.

Next class we'll return to the book. We've got a few chapters left to read and study, and then we'll finish up with our major project - our own comic book. Looking forward to next time!

AP Language

Today was the day for the Style Writing reassessment of skill. To complete this, we wrote two letters - one to me and one to Trevor Packer (mister bigshot at College Board). You reflected on your experience with the exam, with class, and gave me some words of wisdom. This is always one of my most favorite assignments to read. You should see the scores change in SIS throughout the week as I review your letters.

Remember that this week is the end of the Choice Board and Quarter 4. We'll be starting our Bridge Assignment on Friday, and that's technically a final examination task. Be sure that you have completed all items and have had your conferences. If you need additional time, please reach out. I'll be sending progress reports next week as a summation of the course.

12 May - The Weekend is Here

AP Language

Good Morning Everyone - Today is your day to take care of your Style Writing reassessment. Open up the assignment posted for you as well as the instructions in the Unit 6 Folder - Reflection Letters. Follow the instructions and the outline for the letter. Remember that when you write a letter you are directly addressing your audience and speaking in a way appropriate for that audience.

Write your letter to Mr. Packer and to me in the same document. When you're done, if you want to complete the Style Writing reassessment, then answer your compare/contrast questions. Use evidence from your letters. Be specific in your answers. This is a forced Choice Board item for everyone since most people do need to improve their SW skill.

I'll review your work and responses next week and update your gradebook accordingly. Remember that the final date for conferences is Tuesday and Wednesday of this week coming up! Your grades should be done for Q4 by May 17.

AP Research

Keep on keepin on, y'all. Make sure that all of your reflections are in and that you've finalized your Quarter 4 grades. I like that I've seen some very creative top ten lists and survival guides. Hooray for completing parts of your final exam! Remember that if you want to work with a small group on the video, that's acceptable to me. See you next week!

10 May - Getting Ahead Since I'm Out

I'll be out the rest of this week for medical appointments and some self-care, so I'm getting ahead on posts for the week.

AP Language

Today's class was about reflecting, settling up some business, and then moving forward to close out the quarter. If you were absent today, be sure that you complete the Reading Inventory before 15 May.

We opened class with the form that's linked on Schoology to note our very raw takes on the AP Examination yesterday. Your honesty and candor in your responses are so helpful for us as we improve this class for next year's students. We'll be asking for a lot of feedback over the next few weeks. 

After that we got into business. The Reading Inventory is the last one of these this year. I asked you to do it at the beginning of the year, and now we're doing it again to track our growth and progress. After that, it's time for conferences and choice board items. Be sure that you are ready to close out your choice board and thus your Q4 grade next week. All items should be in and conferences should be had.

6th Period - I'm out on Thursday. The substitute teacher will give you a document for your to do list and instructions on how to access everything. Please also do the Substitute Form linked on Schoology since I'm out.

I'm also out on Friday. So be sure to check for updates and tasks on Schoology. You do have your Style Writing reassessment on Friday; complete that during class on Friday.

AP Research

We keep on continuing along here in AP Research to get through our final classes to our exam. We had a pretty full class today, so we reviewed the expectations and options for the Final Choice Board. Remember to choose two artifacts to complete, submit on Schoology, and prepare to present ONE on May 31 for our final examination day.

Next class I'll be out. Please complete the Substitute Day Form. It's linked down below. Use time on Friday to complete Choice Board Items. Be respectful of the substitute and the space, as always.

English 10

Today's class is a very easy class to round out the week. You've got a substitute today, since I'm out meeting with my cancer doctors and my care team. Everything is looking good, so we just need to confirm that. Today you've got two things to take care of. Follow the instructions on the TO DO list from the substitute. 

Complete your Final Reading Inventory from the link on Schoology. Log-in with your FCPS ID and your password. Do your best. I'll see the results in my system. Once that's done, get Persepolis and complete your reading and study of the next two chapters.

Don't forget to do the Substitute Form on Schoology.

9 May - Victory Day

English 10

Great days continue in English 10. Next class I won't be here with you, so be sure to follow the substitute's instructions. It's an easy day you have to end the week. Today in class we read another two chapters of Persepolis, continued to track Marji's changes and developments, and then ended by looking at our final project for this book.

Be sure that if you have missing assignments that those are turned in here - there's not a lot of time left in this unit or in the fourth quarter, really. We'll be finishing up the book next week, getting into our project, and once we finish, we'll take a look at another corner of the Middle East before closing out the whole unit.

Check in on Thursday to Schoology to review your tasks and access your Reading Test.

AP Language

I certainly hope that all of you felt prepared for today's examination. I'm looking forward to seeing the results when you all do in July. We'll be reflecting on the exam in the next few classes. Focus on completing Choice Board items for our conferences. 

Remember that I'll be out on Thursday and Friday, of this week, so we will have time all next week to complete conferences and raise scores in SiS in light of new artifacts of skill.

Getting Ahead - May 8

AP Language

Hello AP Language. I'm away today for some medical appointments. Be respectful of the space and each other, as you always are, and our guest in the classroom.

For those of you taking AP Calculus today - good luck! It was definitely one of my harder AP Exams in high school, but I was well prepared, had a great teacher (shout out to Mr. Smith), studied, and did my best. Remember - just get as many points as you can. Take the derivative and move on!

Tomorrow we have OUR AP Exam! It's our state championship! Today's class is designed for you. Formalize your game plan and complete whatever you need to in order to be ready for tomorrow. If you're studying tone words, great. Working on AP Classroom, great. Working on Choice Board items, great. Please submit your artifacts so that we can conference together later this week and next to finalize quarter four. Be sure to review the earlier recordings posted on the Updates feed and the YouTube channel from College Board also linked below.

Tomorrow morning, come in through Door 1. Get your gift bag from me or Mr. Friedman. Go to your testing location. Slay the beast. Keep me on your shoulder. Just keep writing!

AP Research

Continue to build your AP Research Final Examination Items. Remember that you're stacking up 100 points for this. You should complete two artifacts to do this. Once you have it complete, go ahead and submit it to the space on Schoology. Be sure that you've ordered your cords and taken care of other End of Year Senior Business. Remember that your final examination is on May 31 and I will finalize grades that day.

5 May - 12 Lessons Left to Finals!

English 10

End of the week in English 10 and we got to a good stopping point in Persepolis with Uncle Anoosh and his impact on Marji. We also hit a major turning point with the nation of Iran as well, the start of the war with Iraq. We had a great review of key moments and focused in strongly on the idea of symbolism. We ended class by building the start of our study guide for our test on this book. 

The final part of class was our Membean vocabulary test for Quarter 4. Remember that we'll have two of these. You can also submit your vocabulary bookmark to get a bonus grade fo vocabulary. If you have any missing assignments, get those turned in. I'll be sending home progress reports on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

4 May

AP Language

Today was essentially our last day before the examination. I hope you're feeling ready. We took time to understand the timing rules and regulations, the structure of the exam, and then we made our gameplan. I hope that the plan will take you forward to Tuesday and to your success. I am very proud of the growth that all of you have shown. One test is never the measure of your whole year or whole self, remember that.

Next week, I'll be out for most of the week with medical appointments. We will have a chance to conference when I'm in class, there's also after school opportunities. The Choice Board will close by the 16th/17th of May, so you should have your grade finalized by then. After that, we move on to the final examination. Continue to submit your items to Schoology and we can meet and review as we can.

Check your email and be ready for Tuesday! Come through Door 1 and get your gift bags!

AP Research

We keep on keeping on. Continue to move forward, complete your tasks, turn in reflections, get started with your final examination. I'm looking forward to your final presentations. 

3 May - Where's Spring?

English 10

Rainy and chilly Wednesday. Ugh. Where is spring? I want us to have more outside classes and reading time. Oh well. Today we opened our class by looking at two suras from The Qur'an to understand more about Islam and Muslim values and culture. This is a great thing for us to do to understand more about the characters and lives we see in Persepolis. 

From there, we went into our chapter study for today's class. We discussed "The Party" and "The Heroes" and the arrival of a new, important character. Be aware that we're hitting the mid-point of our book! We should be done with it by mid-May. We'll take our test on the book and then look at our final projects. After that, it's the final examination portfolios.

If you are missing your writing assignment or any other assignments, be sure to get those in ASAP. See last class's recording to review the steps to the writing assignment. You've got an outline, sample paragraph, and great earlier activities to help you.

2 May

I hope that those of you taking AP Examinations (APES and Psych) felt ready and prepared. Hopefully as you're taking some of these other exams you can use some of our strategies here in class. Be sure that if you're missing class for any reason that you catch up with the recordings!

AP Language

Today was our day to review FRQs for the last time. I hope that if any of you are doing a revision or a new version of an FRQ that today and last class have been especially helpful for you. If you've missed class, then you need to be sure to review the recordings. Next class we'll make our plan for the exam and then have time for the choice board and conferences.

We will be closing out and moving toward our final examination period starting around May 16. You should have all of your choice board activities completed by that date and your class grades finished. The final doesn't relate to these skills, so that's why we're moving on to the final and finalizing grades.

Please submit your artifacts and plan your conferences. I'm here Wednesday and Thursday after school, and you can come in to Lion Time as well!

AP Research

Easy peasy in AP Research since we're over the hump and past the submission date. I'm very happy that everyone submitted their drafts and met final goals. Now it's time for us to close our year together. Be sure that you complete your grades for Quarter 4. Submit your final reflections and your final tasks here as they are completed. Everything should be done by May 16 so that we can move firmly into our final examination tasks.

Remember that your final examination tasks are due on May 31. That is the date of our final. Be sure that you have reviewed your options and planned your course ahead. All of our days are working days in the month of May with the exception of the final when you'll present one of your artifacts.

1 May

Happy May Day!

English 10

Today in English 10 was our day for writing. We found an important panel from Persepolis and analyzed elements of language and art to show how Marjane Satrapi is creating meaning in the text about the situation in Iran, herself, and the citizens of the country. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing your responses. If you were absent, please see me for a Lion Time pass so that we can complete this together OR complete it at home if you feel able.

Next class we'll take a bit of a side quest with our reading and look at the Qur'an. We'll also take a look at our next few chapters of Persepolis to understand the way in which the revolution is progressing in the country. Don't forget that we will have a vocabulary test on Friday. Get in some Membean training to prepare! After today, we just have 13 more classes until final exams. Stay ready! Stay woke!