Hey September - Blue Day - 1 September

Happy Labor Day Weekend!! Remember there's no school on Friday and Monday. See you Tuesday and Wednesday!

AP English Language

Today was our day to discuss grading. I hope that you understand that this year you'll be graded in a different way than you have before. Grades reflect learning, and learning changes, so grades will change. Be sure to review the syllabus and the recording below as you work with your parents to complete the syllabus signature form (linked in the PDF). 

Our work in class looked at the FRQ rubrics and sample responses. I hope you found it helpful to understand the final goal of the course in terms of writing. Over the weekend, complete your vocabulary cards. Remember that you can use the texts posted in the Unit 2 folder to find vocabulary words if you haven't found any from the sample exam.

AP Research

Lots of great thinking and working today in AP Research as we understood the importance of the recursive process and revision. Keep using the qualities of a "good" research question as you continue to think and revise. Remember the process with the Disney research question. Keep asking yourself questions like, "Who cares?"; "What do you want to know?"; "How will you measure this?"; "Can you math?"

Over the weekend spend your time with the databases. Keep searching and hunting your rabbits. Remember to track your progress on the Reading Log. Keep revising your research question as you find papers that align with your interests. Keep reading and logging this weekend - next week I'll ask to see a reading log with fifteen sources logged. You also need to complete your second reflection question. See the document in Materials for this and the others as they populate.

31 August - End of the Month!

English 10

Wonderful work today everyone as we engaged as a group of listeners and watchers. We watched a few TikTok videos from a wonderfully hilarious Nigerian woman and then listened to another Nigerian woman tell us about "The Danger of a Single Story". I look forward to reviewing your answers and thoughts on her speech. 

Next class we'll spend more time in Africa, but in another country - South Africa. We'll focus on South Africa for a few classes, I hope you'll enjoy our focused study of that country.

30 August - Tuesday and Back to School Night

AP Language

Good day today in AP Language land. We went over the process and resources we have for completing vocabulary this year before having time to finish up what we needed - either the diagnostic exam or the vocabulary set. You'll have your exams back to you next week and we'll review the feedback. 

For tonight, the best thing to do is to complete your vocabulary cards. Next unit we'll have some articles to read and those will be posted for you to read and annotate. If you'd like to get ahead, feel free to pick one of those to read and consider.

AP Research

What a day! We are really getting in deep with our problem statements which are the foundation of our eventual research. I loved your conversations today related to the Nobel Prize winners and the realizations that you were able to make around their work and the work that we'll be doing in this classroom.

I want to remind you of one of the most important words of the class - recursive. The work we're doing right now is building on itself. As you spend time with the databases, keep going back to your problem statements - the data you find in the sources should help you to further refine your problem statement and eventual research question. I would recommend rewriting the problem statement as you find new information.

For tonight, continue to work with the databases. Log your articles and sources. Revise your problem statements. Consider your questions. I'll see you Thursday.

29 August - Monday Monday...

English 10

Great day today everyone. Lots of talking, thinking, and reading. We started our day with a quick grammar overview and lesson on apostrophes. I hope you find it helpful. From there we did a four corners conversation before moving into our study of "About School". The recording is posted for you. If you need to finish your questions for homework, please do so, and turn them in next class.

The syllabus has been posted. Please review it with your parents and sign the form at the end. Next class we'll start with our study of South Africa. I'm excited to take you there.

26 August - End of Week One

AP English Language

Our first long winding slog is complete! Huzzah! Now mine begins as I read and evaluate your first timed writings with the AP rubric. We'll review feedback and the skills of the class later next week. Remember, all of these grades will go in the gradebook - but with a rolling gradebook they'll be quickly replaced. You're not expected to know everything at the beginning of the class. Of course not! But, it's good to see where we need to be at the end, and where we are now, so we can figure out how we'll get there.

Over the weekend, take it easy and recover from your three-day baptism by fire. Our next class will be focused on vocabulary, provide some extra time on the exam if needed, and give you your first working day.

AP Research

We pushed through today in order to discuss the disciplines of study as well as the foundational work for this class. Understanding Research versus research and the importance of the problem statement as it relates to your research question. The slides for today's class are very crucial and helpful - I'd suggest downloading the specific slides you need. We also completed our first reflection - keep those together in your Weekly Work folder as we keep moving through the year.

Over the weekend you have a few things to work through. First, complete the Nobel Prize Research assignment and submit that to Schoology by Tuesday. Follow the instructions in the document posted. You should also find additional sources for your research interest. Now that you know about problem statements, you may want to restart your quest, but you can also feel free to use the two you already have. The databases are your friends! Get friendly.

See y'all Tuesday!

25 August - Thursday

English 10

Another good class in the books. You all are proving yourselves to be quite the wonderful group of scholars. Today we spent some time getting to know each other more with a survey (be sure to submit it if you didn't during class) - it is for a grade. From there we spoke a bit about our concept for the year before we learned a bit about our culture in the classroom through our rules and procedures. 

We ended our day with some work on our goals for the year. I'm excited to see what you all are attempting to achieve for yourselves this year. Your goals are a part of your culture, so knowing them help me to know you.

Enjoy the weekend! I will see you on Monday.

24 August - Wednesday

AP Language

Today we finished our MCQ diagnostic and moved into the FRQ. In the FRQ there are three essays to write - the synthesis (with sources), the rhetorical analysis (you read and explain a text), and the argument (you argue your point on a topic). Most of you worked through Question 3 today, which is what I recommended given the timing constraints.

Next class we will finish our diagnostic exam. You will have completed your first timed essays of all types and seen questions. Be sure that you've collected about FIVE vocabulary words from the exam, you'll need them next week for vocabulary cards. As always, reach out with any concerns or questions.

AP Research

Great day today, y'all. We did some great thinking and working around key concepts in our classroom. It's important that we shift our ideas and perspectives on some words and concepts so that we can work through our class with our heads on straight. We also spent some time with our Academic Paper Rubric - understanding this and the importance of the research question to your success on the rubric will help you to frame the early work that we are doing.

The second part of class was for us to set-up, share, and populate our PREP Folders. Be sure to follow the instructions in the folder under Current Lessons. Most of your work will be logged in the PREP and we will fill all our folders through the year. Most of your work right now will be in Weekly Work. 

Your first homework assignment is posted. It's due next week. Follow the instructions and complete your research on a Nobel winner of your choice. It's a great way to show your understanding of the essential vocabulary from today.

See you Friday!

First Grey Day - 23 August 2022

English 10

Wonderful day today, everyone! I very much enjoyed working with you and getting to know you all. We took time for names, arts and crafts, and a bit of an overview of our year - world literature. I loved seeing the way that you worked together, showed up for class, and respected our environment.

For tonight, think about our concept of the year - culture. What would you say is part of your culture? What's important to you? This is a great place for us to start our conversation this year. 

AP Language

I'll make the posts on the Blue Day for this class since that's its first meeting. Be sure to check the post above for your reminders/information.

Kicking Off 2022-23. Monday, August 22

AP Language

Welcome everyone to the new school year! I'm very excited to be your English teacher and work with you all as you improve your skills as a writer, reader, thinker, and communicator. Today we did a quick overview of the class, but we spent the majority of the time working through our AP Examination Diagnostic. Next class you'll have time to finish another section of the MCQ and begin on your FRQ questions. We should have the diagnostic finished in three classes.

Continue to collect vocabulary from the exam - you'll need it for your next assessment, vocabulary cards. For tonight, there's not a lot to do. You can join AP Classroom by entering the code you can find on Schoology for this class. You can also check out our Course Resources and Materials. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

AP Research

Welcome researchers to the 2022-23 year. I'm very excited to work with all of you as you explore your interests and develop your skills as critical thinkers, readers, and writers. We'll be doing a lot of big work in this room this year, and I can't wait to see what you produce as we work. Today's class was a general overview, timeline, and some basic information. I'll have a formal syllabus for you once it's approved.

For tonight, you should join our AP Classroom space with the code found on Schoology. After you've done that, feel free to poke around a bit on Schoology. Eventually I'll want you to find the FHS Library Page and navigate to the databases. Select a database and start to do some looking related to the topics and interests we explored today in class. I want you to have TWO potential sources. You will want to download the PDF to your Google Drive. Remember where you found it - a citation helps!

See you all on Wednesday!

Final Class (Kinda) Complete

It's the last meeting of our classes this week. As a reminder, all work for this quarter is due on June 3 at midnight. Your access to Schoology will close on Saturday morning. Once we begin exams the only thing that I will accept to score is the final exam. Use these final days to submit what you can and raise your quarter grade as high as you can.

Tomorrow AP Language will have a bonus class for first and fifth period. I'll be on campus, but will be in training for AP Exam scoring. I'll check in as I can. English 10 will have their examination for seventh period. Remember to review your grammar notes and literary terms. A read through your journals and notebooks is a great way to study and review.

If you have assignments to submit, now is the time.

End of the Year - Last Classes

AP Language

Here we are in our Groundhog Day rotation until the 3rd of June. Remember that since exams begin on the third, that is the last day to submit any of your work for this quarter to be scored. The most important assignments are your creative project, research poster and presentation, and your reflections. Prioritize these tasks.

As always, as you need me, ask! I'm here to support you as you push to the finish. 

English 10

It's quite the same for all of you my lovelies. We're completing our portfolios to show our skills, our knowledge, and our artifacts of our learning for the year. Once you're complete with this work, you are done for the quarter and for the year. Seventh period's exam will be on June 3. Make sure that your work is turned in my this day so that I can finalize your grade in the timeframe.

23 and 24 May

AP Language

Great day in AP Language land with our end of year character extravaganza. After this, all of our classes are working days. If you haven't submitted your first project, reflections, or vocabulary - be sure to get them in. You've got until the 3rd of June to submit any last work. Find your rubrics, overviews, and recordings to help you with the final tasks here and let me know how I can help!

English 10

It's a pretty easy time for us in English 10 as we are completing our end of year portfolios. Remember that you have two portfolios to build which will show your skills and knowledge as an English 10 student this year. Follow the instructions in the previous post in order to set up your two portfolios. Be sure that you have artifacts that complete each requirement. If you're unsure, ask for help. Remember that everything is due by June 3, so if you have any thing else that is missing, you have the chance to get it in now!

19 and 20 May

AP Language

It was a great day to get caught up for any lost time today in AP Language land. Next class we'll have our character party - don't forget to complete your form - and the final classes of the year are time for you to complete your final projects for the last unit of the year.

English 10

Today was our day to review our end of year portfolio tasks. You're building two portfolios to show your skills this year as a student - one is focused on the things that we have read and studied and one is focused on your skills as a student. 

Your Content Knowledge Portfolio should cover the units that you have been in class for. If you started from the beginning, start at Unit 1. If you came into this class late, then start when you began. Use the Previous Lessons folder on Schoology to review our previous lessons. 

The Skills Portfolio is a choice board where you are collecting artifacts to show your work as an English student. You should have an artifact for each skill. You'll need to do ONE new task. Follow the instructions in the document posted and check the recording if you need!

Remember that the final date that anything will be accepted to be scored is June 3. 

17 and 18 May

AP Language

Today was another of our independent working days to complete our novel tasks. Remember that this week you should submit your FIVE reading reflections and your first major project. If you submit the project on paper, great! Just mark the electronic space complete. 

If you were not in class, be sure to complete the Character Bone Structure Activity. I've attached it here. There are hard copies in the classroom. Once you've selected your character for the party, fill this form out as them. Complete all the questions - it's your entry ticket to the party on the 23rd.

Submit your final tasks! Finish the year in style! See you around the way!

English 10

Today was our day for our Demonstration of Learning in our Japanese art and culture unit. I was glad to see you all delving deep into the content we studied in this unit. I'm looking forward to watching your recordings, interacting with your work, and reviewing your written work. I'm always excited about days like today because it allows you to do exactly what you want to do to show your skills.

Don't forget your vocabulary or any other tasks that are hanging over you. The last four classes of our year will be focused on our End of Year Portfolio. We'll walk through the requirements to finish the year on Thursday/Friday. Be ready for a quick finish to the end! It'll be here sooner than you think!

11 and 12 May (Also the End of the Week)

I'll be out this week on Thursday and Friday for some medical appointments and personal recuperation. I'll be back on campus on Monday if you need anything.

AP Language

And here we are on the other side of the examination. We are officially OVER the hump. I hope that your letter gave you the opportunity to get your feelings about the examination out of you so that you can move on. You'll have your scores in July and then you can make next steps as you need to.

Time in class is now focused on finishing up our novel tasks. You have six classes remaining and most of them are working days for your novel tasks. Use the templates and the resources provided to help you complete your work. I'm looking forward to a strong finish with all of you!

English 10

Today was our day to finish Spirited Away and our viewing guides on the film. As I watch the movie, I'm struck by how many similarities there are between this and so many other stories throughout time and cultures. You may want to explore some of these similarities as you complete your Demonstration of Learning, but more on that next week.

Next class I will be away recovering from my medical appointments tomorrow. The class will be a catch-up day for you. Remember that you do have vocabulary due for this unit, so next class is a perfect day to pull that together and turn it in. If you have missing work from earlier in the quarter, this is your last catch-up day to get it in. I'll update the gradebook next week and let you know where you stand as we approach the final classes of the year and our last unit - our year end portfolio.

9 and 10 May 2022

AP Language

Tomorrow, May 10, 2022 is your AP Examination for English Language and Composition. Your homework for tonight is to take care of yourself and revel in your preparation up to this point. This is not an exam you can cram for - so there's no point in trying! 

If you're going to do anything, review your notebooks, your tone words, and rhetorical devices. Listen to the news to have current events to use in your essays. Review your favorite readings of the years and hopefully find a way to use them tomorrow. Think of some favorite words you've learned this year and use them in your essays tomorrow. Find me or Mr. Friedman tomorrow morning at the front doors to get your gift bags!

We'll have time next class to reflect on the exam and begin to move toward the end of our year together.

English 10

Today was the beginning of our major text study. We're watching the film Spirited Away for a few reasons right now. One, it's a great film! Two, it is highly connected to some of our Japanese cultural ideas like Zen, imagery, heroism, and cultural traditions. Third, it's a great opportunity for us to cap off our unit by not studying a major written text. Being able to interpret and analyze a film is an important skill set!

Next class we'll finish the film and the day after that will be our unit catch-up day. Some of you may need to use the catch-up day for this unit to complete work from last unit, and that's okay. Be sure that any things that need to be scored get turned in as soon as possible.

Your Japanese Culture Unit assessment will be on May 17/18. You have the chance to display your learning in a variety of ways, you can also take the test if you'd like. As always, reach out with any questions!

5 and 6 May - Off to the Weekend!

AP Language

We're solidly in examination time, so class is a space to work and have time as you need to accomplish your goals. The recording goes over the final projects in a bit more detail and some resources you'll need related to that. Check the unit folder for access to the templates and rubrics for the final projects.

Note that the final day to submit work for Quarter 4 is June 3. After this, only the final exam will be accepted to be scored. As always, please let me know if you have questions or concerns.

English 10

Today's class was our opportunity to complete our study of Japanese art and the poetry styles of haiku and tanka. I love a haiku. I think that the simplicity of their style belies the complexity of their meaning. The smallest things can be the most complex, and it's that paradox which really exists at the center of a lot of Japanese culture. 

If you are missing assignments take this weekend to complete and submit them. I've been contacting parents of people who are in danger for the quarter. With only eight classes left in the year, it's important that you get caught up if you've fallen behind. No work for the quarter will be accepted after 3 June. Exams begin on 3 June and only the final will be scored at that point.

Next week we'll begin with our major text in this unit - Spirited Away. I'm looking forward to sharing this wonderful film with all of you!

3 and 4 May

AP Language

Today was one of our final examination review days. We took a look at several years worth of AP Examination FRQ prompt packs and high scoring samples. We focused our work around finding the speedbump prompt, noticing sophistication in the student responses, and any final strategies for the FRQ. You are READY! Be confident in your skills. Take care of yourself over the next few weeks as you are working through your exams.

Be sure that you're focused on finishing any of your novel tasks. Check out the review of the final projects and keep in mind that your first project is due soon! I would suggest completing the creative project first and the research second.

English 10

Today was a day to get a bit ZEN as we focused on learning about Zen philosophy and its practice. Zen focuses on losing ourselves in the moment, mindfulness, and an attention to detail to focus on living in the moment. We watched a brief video, engaged in some discussion, and read some Zen parables for our activity around theme.

We ended the day with test corrections. If you have not finished your test for any reason, be sure to do so ASAP. There are also several missing projects from Unit 5. If you have missing work it is important to complete that task quickly. There are only NINE (810 minutes) classes left in this semester before we reach final exams. Do not miss the chance to raise your grade before the closing of the quarter on June 3.

End of April and Beginning of May - Hooray!

AP Language

Great day today as we reviewed our most recent and last MCQ of the year and took a look at the synthesis prompt. We'll have a few other reviews related to the AP Examination, but at this point, we've seen it all. Keep in mind your wellness strategies as you work through the next few weeks - it's a slog and a half, but it will end!

The next few weeks are time to work through our projects related to our novel and other finishing tasks. You'll have ample time in class to work through projects. The MCQ Bonus will lock soon. If you want to complete that, be sure to do so quickly. You must complete the full thing for the bonus. See you in May!

English 10

Great day today in English 10 as we began our unit on Japan. We took time to understand the unit as a whole, our goals for the unit, and our essential questions. From there, we went into our beginning investigation of Japanese culture. I was happy to see your collaboration and sharing today as you learned from each other. Keep these notes! They may be helpful to you as you move through the unit and get to your final project.

Next class we're going to be looking at sacred texts key to Japanese religion. Your projects are due on Sunday. Be sure to get your work in and avoid the late penalty! Enjoy the weekend!

27 and 28 April

AP Language

Today was our recovery day from the Reading SOL. We had time to read, write, discuss, or work as needed. I hope you enjoyed the time.

Keep in mind that there are several end of novel assignments/tasks that are now open to you. Complete and submit reflections. Once you've completed all five, you'll see your score in SIS. If you've had four conversations and logged your notes, submit your record of that work for your participation. Lastly, there's vocabulary cards. I'll take your set of ten if they're complete! Use this time to complete this tasks so that you can focus on your final projects as we move into May!

English 10

Today was our end of unit catch-up day. The main focus is our end of unit projects which are due on Friday in order to be considered on time. Other tasks to be completed today included any missing work like SOL Essays, Vocabulary Lists, or Writing Assignments. There were also a few of you who needed to finish tests, so you had that chance today as well. 

Next class we'll be starting our last unit of the year - Japan! We'll look at poetry, some sacred texts, and a film! I'm excited to share some great culture with you to close out the year!

25 and 26 April

AP Language

A very low-key class in AP Language to start the week. We started our day with reading, had time to discuss our reading so far and our ideas about the novels, and then time to finish our day as we needed. I hope that you're enjoying your time as you work through the novels - keep meeting your goals as you're reading and thinking.

On Wednesday you'll have your reading SOL. Because of this, Thursday's class is going to be a bit of a review/reflection/recovery day. Right now you should be focusing on reading your books, reflecting on your reading, and completing your tasks related to the novel. There's a bonus assignment unlocked for you to help with the most recent MCQ - complete it if you'd like! 

English 10

Today was the end of our unit on Latin American literature. I hope that you enjoyed spending time with our neighbors to the south. Remember that all of these authors have written much more than what we read in this unit - keep exploring if you read something that you enjoyed. Marquez's novel called One Hundred Years of Solitude is a personal favorite of mine. 

Today's exam will be scored and back to you by the end of the week. Next class is our catch-up day for you to finish your projects, your SOL essays, or any other tasks that may still be out there for the unit. The last unit of the year is next - JAPAN! We'll have a film as the main text in this unit, so lots for us to look forward to as we close the year.

21 and 22 April

AP Language

Today was a very simple day in AP English Language land. We took our second full length AP MCQ in order to reflect on our strategies and skills in our approach to the exam. I was happy to see a lot of you bouncing around, skipping questions, and using your time much more efficiently. Excellent! Hopefully you'll see that you are maintaining in your accuracy or growing. We'll do one more of these before the exam.

Be sure that you are meeting your reading goals, reflecting on your reading for your five reflections, and collecting vocabulary. Please submit your reflections as you complete them so that you can build your points. All reflections will be entered as one fifty point grade in SIS. Your vocabulary will be due in May.

Lastly, you do have a bonus assignment open. It will close tomorrow. Complete it if you'd like the extra practice, feedback, and a small gift in your quarter scores. Enjoy the weekend and your books! It looks like it should be nice and warm - a good time to be outside with a great book!

English 10

A pretty basic day in English 10 with our last in-class essay of the year. I'll have these scored and reviewed for you next week. I hope that when you look at this last one that you feel happy with it. You've grown a lot as writers this year - remember what you were doing at the beginning of the year and look at what you're doing now! Celebrate your growth and keep finding places to keep climbing.

Next week you will have your unit test to open the week and your projects will be due at the end of the week. You'll have all of class for the test and then the next class is yours to finish the project and turn that in. If you have any other assignments to turn in as part of this unit, they need to come in next week. I'm looking forward to taking you to our final place of the year - Japan! We'll have a quick and fun unit to end our year before we begin on our final portfolio.

19 and 20 April

AP Language

Sad face for our last seminar today. Simply because it was our last one of the year - and that makes me sad. I was glad to see your thoughts related to Emerson, King, and a way to solve some of our social ills - transcendentalism. I hope that you enjoyed your discussions, connections, and time to engage with each other.

Your first round of reflections are due. Remember that the grade will not be entered until the end of the unit. Submit what you have now and be ready for the next check at the end of the month. Meet your goals. Keep your schedule.

Next class will be our second full AP MCQ, review your first one, your strategies, your feedback. I'm willing to meet in advance if you need to. You'll have time with your novels as well!

English 10

So much energy in the room today as we reviewed for our exam next week. I've posted your completed study guide and recording from today's class to help you study and prepare. Your exam is at the beginning of next week - it's open note and open Schoology, so use your resources and be ready!

From there we took time to work on our projects a bit and review for our next in-class essay. The essay is going to be next class. You'll have the whole period to write your essay. You can use any of our notes from today. This is your last required in-class essay of the year, so I'm hoping to see the most improvement so far. See our recording if you were absent! I'll see you next time.

15 and 18 April

AP Language

Today's class was a relatively low-key day given the observance of Good Friday. Be sure that if you were absent that you check out the recording for our AP essay review. The bonus assignment is unlocked and will be open all week for you. Remember to submit a thesis and body paragraph (at least) to be scored.

The other major portion of today's class was focused on our novels. If you did not submit your reading schedule, do so immediately. It's now late. You have reflections due next week. Meet your goals and keep reading. 

Next class we'll have one of our final seminars of the year - there are two texts for you to choose from in the folder on Schoology. Read and annotate ONE in preparation for our seminar. We'll be discussing some solutions to problems in our next seminar, so a bit of a more optimistic discussion.

English 10

Great day today, y'all. We took our time to work through our first project workshop day and then moved into our test review. Remember that your projects and tests will be the week of the 25th. Focus on using your time in class effectively as you work through your projects. I'm looking forward to seeing your creative writing or your research - whichever you choose.

Next week we'll have an in-class essay (SOL 3) and time to work on our projects. We'll also finish our test review next class. Be ready for a quick end to this unit and then it's off to ASIA!

13 and 14 April

AP Language

Wowza! What a day! Great conversation and analysis as we worked through our novels and some really important concepts at the heart of our work this unit. I am so impressed by your professionalism and attention as we work and talk together. Continue to think about necropolitics as you are reading and working through your books. This may be part of your thinking as you consider your reflections as well.

Remember that your reading plan is due. Turn in your dates and either chapter sets or page number sets. Your reflections are due next week. You should turn in at least one, but you can turn in more if you so choose to. Keep an eye out for vocabulary as you're reading. Cards are due at the end of the unit.

Keep reading and enjoying! I'll see you next time!

English 10

Great work today everyone with our finishing of "Tuesday Siesta" by Marquez. I was glad to see the engagement that you all had with the end of the story and the amazing read of the symbolism you saw in the actions of the mother, the priest, and the sun. Excellent job. This is the last story in our Latin American unit. Next class we'll do our test review session and have time to work on our projects. Keep in mind that next week will be the final week of the unit. Your project will be due next week, you'll have a final test, and your vocabulary is due. Don't miss these milestones - get off to a good start for Q4!

11 and 12 April - Welcome to Q4

AP Language

Welcome back everyone! It was lovely to see all of you today and to kick of our fourth quarter together. As we work through this final unit of the year, we'll be reading our novels and preparing for the AP Examination. Be sure that you are reading your books regularly and staying up with all assignments. Remember that there will be fewer of them this quarter.

Submit your quickwrite on AP Classroom to the Unit 5 Progress Check. I'll score and give feedback soon. Additionally, there's an article posted for next class from Teen Vogue which will help you with understanding our next big concept - necropolitics. This concept is at play in the novels you're reading in some way, shape, or form. 

Your first assignments have been posted for this quarter - submit your reading plan and begin to work through your first reflections. See the unit plan document for your review of how to complete your reflections and the prompt.

English 10

Today we took time in class to read the first part of "Tuesday Siesta" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and work through some of the literary elements at play in the text. We'll finish the story next class. Keep in mind that this story is the LAST thing that we are reading in this unit, so we're moving on to finishing up tasks as well.

Before we went out on break, I gave you your project options - be sure that you choose which one you're completing. We'll have time next classes to work on the project - hopefully you'll finish your work in class and not have to finish over the weekend. Next week we'll take our exam on this unit, so gather your notes and begin to study. Keep in mind the test will be open book and open note, like normal.

30 and 31 March

We made it to the end of the quarter! Yay! Enjoy your break! I'll be finding myself with some good books and my feet in the sand and hopefully some WARMTH!!!

AP Language

Good end to the quarter today, everyone! We did a lot of work to reflect on MCQs and strategies as we broke down and worked through our first full-length MCQ work. The session is recorded below. We applied our strategies and skills for our first Matchbox MCQ - and I was happy to see the results!

From there, we took time with our novel groups. Remember that each time you meet with a group you should use the document to record your conversation. These will be key as you read and work through the novel. They'll also serve as a record of your participation, so be sure to keep up with the document. 

All work is due to me by Friday morning to be scored. Be sure to turn in your rubric if you're resubmitting your paper - and no, I won't take a photo of it. If you would like to complete the linked reflection below to improve an MCQ score from this quarter, feel free to do so. The form will lock on Friday morning.

English 10

Good times today working through Luisa Valenzuela and "The Censors". Itr's a pretty short and fantastic story about how quickly a person can be changed by their devotion to a task. A good example of irony, foreshadowing, and suspense at play. I hope you enjoyed it. We only have one story left in the unit, and we'll read that after Spring Break. 

Today I handed out your final project instructions. We'll work on that in earnest after we return. Remember that you'll have a final test AND a final project in this unit. Review the options and select one of the options there. If you have any missing assignments from the quarter, be sure that it's in by Friday morning. I will not accept any work to be scored beyond this.  

Enjoy your break! It is definitely well-earned!

28 and 29 March

AP English Language

Wonderful work today during our seminar on Brent Staples's "Just Walk On By" - I think that our review lately has been a fantastic way for all of you to develop some important frames with which you'll read your novels. Consider ideas like double consciousness, the veil, stereotype threat, and necropolitics.

Next class is going to give you the chance to find these things as you'll have a reading day next class. We'll also take some time to review for the AP Examination and focus on multiple choice testing strategies and ways to focus on working faster AND smarter.

Remember that any missing assignments are due by the end of the day on the 31st. Our final grade for the quarter was today's seminar, so, if you're satisfied with where you are, then you're done! Focus on fourth quarter and read your novels. If you're not pleased, then be sure to see me and get caught up while there's time.

English 10

We had a good day today with Pablo Neruda, though some of you were a bit harsh on some of his poetry. We read a collection of poems, one of them even about a giant tuna fish. I was happy to hear you reading and discussing poetry, and I hope you found a new way to break down and understand poetry.

From there we completed our final task for the quarter - our poetry scavenger hunt. Be sure that you check SIS and see that you have no missing assignments. If it's missing, turn it in! Next class we'll do some reading together and then take time to close out the quarter.

24 and 25 March

Just one week to go in the quarter before we hit Spring Break! Remember that any work to be scored must be in by the end of the day on March 31 so that I can close my gradebook on April 1.

AP Language

After today's class, be sure that you have completed these goals by the end of the weekend. I'm looking forward to taking you into next class because of the piece that we'll be working through.

1. Complete your book form. Finish your shopping. If you check out a book, be sure to record your book title and number on the roster which the substitute has. Divide your book into five chunks and start to complete your reading.

2. Do you have any missing work? Do you want to work on your rewrite of your research paper? Remember everything needs to be in by March 31st. 

3. Next class we're discussing Brent Staples's article called "Just Walk on By - Black Men and the Public Space". I've posted it for you in Schoology. Read and annotate. Be ready for our final seminar of the quarter.

English 10

During class you have one major thing to complete and that is your NoRedInk End of Year Assessment. Follow the link and open the assignment on NoRedInk. It's for completion, so answer all the questions. You can only skip five times and still get an A.

When that's done, if you have missing work, you should focus on that. If your work is all done in the gradebook, then you should complete the Poem Hunt assignment. We will have time for this next week, so making up missing work would be the more important goal.

22 and 23 March

AP Language

Today's class looked a bit like a reality show. We had a quick challenge followed by several rounds of conversation around our articles for class. I was happy to hear your outcomes and conclusions related to Tannen, Steele, and Sullivan. It's wonderful to see the way that you are all seeing elements of the veil and double consciousness at play.

Next class is a substitute day. I'll be on campus, but won't be with you because of some other responsibilities. You'll have a working and reading day. Keep in mind that the quarter will end next week. Any resubmissions of research papers or other late/missing work must be in by the end of the day on March 31 to be scored. Your work right now is relatively light, so focus on catching up or getting ahead as you need to.

English 10

Today we took time to finish our work on the concept of the doppelganger. We finished reading Cortazar's "The Night Face Up" and then worked through an episode of The Twilight Zone called "Mirror Image." I think that each of our texts has shown the concept of the doppelganger in an interesting way which has power in its own way. 

Next class will be our day for our end of year grammar diagnostic. This won't be for an accuracy grade, just completion. If you have any zeroes in the gradebook, now is the time to submit late work. I will not accept any work past March 31, so the time is now! If you have any questions about anything, please let me know. 

18 and 21 March

AP Language

Today we completed our first full-length multiple choice set. I'll have these returned to you soon so that we can review your data from the first of these. Over the weekend, you have a few assignments to settle up. I'll review them in terms of importance.

1. Complete your AP Classroom checks from Unit 6. This includes the MCQ and FRQ. These close on Sunday night. 

2. Submit your personal reflection. Remember to focus on at least two communities and use evidence to explain how you are a member of that community. The response is only 200-300 words. Keep it casual.

3. We'll have another seminar next class. Go into the folder and pick ONE of three articles posted for you. We'll be looking at other marginalized communities and liberation movements next class.

Outside of this remember to work through your vocabulary cards as you meet new words and consider your book for the unit. You'll submit your book form next week, but if you know what you want, go ahead and submit that now to get ahead. 

English 10

Today's class was a look at the beginning of "The Night Face Up" by Julio Cortazar. It's a great story! Super engaging and exciting that starts off with quite a bang. We read the first half of the text and will finish it next week as we complete our study of the doppelganger.

This weekend is a good weekend for you to complete any work from Unit 4 which may be missing including your SOL Essay, Unit Project, or Vocabulary. If these assignments are missing they need to be turned in. I'll be scoring your work this week and finalizing grades, so be aware of what needs to be done. I'm available during LT and after school if you need me.

16 and 17 March

AP Language

Great day today, everyone! We worked through WEB DuBois and did a wonderful job understanding some of his main ideas including education, power, stereotypes, double consciousness, and the veil. We're going to encounter these ideas throughout the novels we're reading in this unit, so this is a good formative piece for us to begin with. Continue to reflect on the text and his ideas, especially as they apply to you.

Tonight you should complete your personal reflection. If you know the book you want to read, then you can complete the form as well. Next class is our full MCQ to prepare for the AP Examination. Any time you have after the MCQ is for working on this unit's tasks which are due. Don't forget about your MCQ and FRQ on AP Classroom which will lock on Sunday night.

English 10

Today's class was our foray deeper into the concept of the doppelganger. We read a short story by Jorge Luis Borges called "Borges and I", and we applied the strategy of close reading to understand the complex text. At the end of class we took time to complete an extra credit opportunity or complete our projects and vocabulary from Unit 4. Keep in mind that projects and vocabulary are now late, but still will be accepted. Please turn in your work to earn your points. We only have a few classes left in this quarter, so it's important to turn in all of your assignments now.

As always, please ask for any help you may need. I'm here for you.

14 and 15 March

AP Language

Today was a really wonderful day to start a new unit, which is exactly what we did! Unit 5 is our exploration of ignored American voices. In this unit we're going to explore various communities that have been marginalized for whatever reason in our country. There will be a lot of self-direction and choice in this unit, so I'm very excited to see what you all come up with.

Your first assignment for the unit is your personal reflection which is due on Friday. Follow the guidelines and reflect on the various communities to which you belong. By understanding this, you'll be able to select a novel which is a window on another world. You'll submit this electronically to Schoology on Friday.

Next class we have a seminar on our first core text from the unit - WEB DuBois From the Souls of Black Folk. You'll be reading Chapter One. Be sure to use the reading guide posted to understand each paragraph in the chapter. We'll work through this text together as a group next class! Be sure to read and annotate!

English 10 

We took time at the beginning of class today to work through the last part of our projects from Unit 4 on Russia and Eastern Europe. Be sure to complete these projects tonight if you haven't done so, remember you can't get back your points if the work is late.

After that, we began on our newest unit - Latin America. We went over several concepts that we'll study in this unit, the countries, and our first key concept - the doppelganger. We explored this in ourselves by creating our doppelganger and considering how they're similar and different from us. If you didn't turn this in at the end of class, be sure to get it to me as we start next time.

10 and 11 March

AP Language

Today was our last working day for Unit 4 - Research and Synthesis writing. Your papers are due as are your vocabulary cards and other finishing up elements of the unit. I'm really happy to see so much growth in your writing and your approach to the task over the last few weeks. This unit is where we're coming closest to college level work, so your gains have been meaningful.

Papers will be marked late if they are missing on Monday morning. AP Classroom progress checks for the end of the unit will close on Tuesday night. Don't wait until 11:30 PM on Tuesday night to complete this. It won't end well for you.

We'll be starting Unit 5 on Monday/Tuesday. It's a lot of choice in the next unit, and it's our last unit, so I'll be interested to see the directions that you take yourself.

English 10

Today was the end of Unit 4 and the end of our study of Russia and Eastern European literature. We took our time in class today to complete our SOL Essay 2 and then use remaining time for any final unit tasks. I'm looking forward to reading these essays and seeing the way in which you've grown as writers so far this year. I should have these scored for you by the end of the weekend.

On Monday/Tuesday you will need to turn in your project to avoid the late penalty. We'll be moving to our next unit as well on Monday, so after we finish the unit introduction you'll have time to finish and submit projects. Our next unit is focused on Latin American literature and thought - there are plenty of great authors for us to meet!

8 and 9 March

Happy International Women's Day!

AP Language

Today was another day on our Groundhog Day rotation - another writing and conferencing day. We're rounding out the unit right now, so I want to outline your requirements to close the unit out.

1. This week your paper and vocabulary cards are due. Turn in your paper as a PDF. Don't forget your MLA formatting for the document and the works cited page. Vocabulary cards are also due. Give me the paper copy of your rubric when you turn in your paper. 

2. The MCQ and FRQ for the unit is due next week. It's opne for you to complete at your time and leisure. This will be scored on the more stringent scale - it's a full essay. Follow the instructions.

3. Checklists for participation can be turned in when they are full. If you need to meet for a conference, be sure to see me for that ASAP!

I think that's all. I'm after school on Wednesday and Thursday if you need me!

English 10

Today was a day where we worked on a few elements of our ending of the unit. We reviewed the final project requirements and took forty minutes to start our work on those projects. Keep in mind that this project is due on Monday. We'll do presentations of our projects later next week. We're also moving into our next unit soon - so be ready for Latin America and the literature from there. It's a great part of the world.

The second major thing we worked on is our SOL Essay preparation. We'll be writing next class. Use the packet that we worked on today to gather your ideas and thoughts together. I'm hoping that I'll see a lot of growth on these essays from our first one in Quarter 1. 

Please turn in your vocabulary, test corrections, and other work to finish the unit ASAP. Next class we'll talk about how to set up our final projects.

3 and 7 March

AP Language

Another writing day in the books! Don't forget about your vocabulary cards and your writing conference. It's a great chance for us to talk and review your work. We'll finish conferences next week. The paper is coming due soon. Use Lion Time, it's super valuable! There's also vocabulary to be completed - just five cards for the end of the unit.

English 10

Today was our working day to get us to the end of the unit. Normally this is a catch-up day to make up missing work, but so far this quarter we've been doing a great job in class of finishing our work and getting it turned in. I'm really proud of all of you for this!

I handed out the final project and reviewed its components for all of you. Remember you can choose a creative writing project OR a research project. You're only picking one. Next class is going to be our workshop day for the project, so don't worry about starting it now. Projects will be collected and presented next week. If you're working on test corrections over the weekend or other tasks for class, remember that the corrections are due on March 8. No test corrections will be taken after this date.

1 and 2 March

AP Language

Today we kept our selves on along as we continued through our writing days. The paper is due next week, so our days building to that eventuality are days for writing, conferencing, and working with partner groups to develop the draft. Use this time! Be efficient. Get content drafted. Your paper is due on the 10th of March at the end of the day. The 10th is the last day of the unit, so vocabulary cards are also due that day. 

English 10

Today was a really wonderful day. We took time to make a choice of what to read and then worked to collaborate with our peers to understand, analyze, and draw connections between the texts that we've read. I was glad to see your communication and collaboration with each other. Today was our last day of reading in the unit. Next class we will start with our final projects and final tasks for the unit.

Your quizzes have been returned to you online. You can do test corrections and recoup any missed points. Test corrections are due on March 8/9. I will not accept them after this date. You can also use rubles to raise your score, but that's a limited route - so I'd suggest the corrections. Next class will be a workshop day for us, so you'll be able to work on the final project or complete any final tasks for the unit like vocabulary or test corrections.

25 and 28 February

If you're looking for ways to support Ukraine during this time, let me know. I can give you leads to Ukrainian organizations and NGOs who are working to support Ukraine and Ukrainians during this time.

AP Language

Today was the beginning of our writing days. Over the next three classes you'll have ample time to work in class to complete your research paper. Use the time and resources that I've given you wisely and you'll find a lot of success. As you're working through the process, you have a partner to check in with. Work with that person to complete your checks and develop your drafts. 

Don't forget that you have a writing conference over the next two weeks with me for a grade. Share your draft in advance of your conference, come and ask questions, get an A - it's really simple. I'll be opening a lot more conference spots next week - so don't worry if you haven't signed up yet.

English 10

Today we dipped our feet into the land of absurdism as we read "The Guillotine" by Teffi. Teffi was a female Russian humorist who escaped Russia after the revolution and eventually settled in France. The story is chock full of irony and presents an interesting message to us about apathy and what that can do to us as a society. This story is the last thing that we will read as a class - next time we'll have some choices for what to read as we close the unit.

Your quizzes have been released to you on Google Forms - check your email. We'll do test corrections next class, finish our reading, and begin to take a look at our final project. There won't be a final test in the unit, just the final project. If you were absent, be sure to see the recording and get a copy of the story next time you're on campus.

23 and 24 February

AP Language

And now we move forward into the drafting phase! Today's class was about feedback on our outlines in our cohort groupings followed by time to finalize the Synthesis Prompt building assignment. Remember that this is due today! It's very easy, just a lot of copying and pasting.

Outlines have been returned with feedback! The biggest thing that I saw across the board were big blocks of quotations and lacking commentary in places. Be sure that the line of reasoning is clear throughout the assertions, argument, and the commentary. It's got to line up. Remember that part of the process of writing will involve a resubmission of the outline. If it's missing, I need it immediately. Sign up for your conference and be ready for workshop days across the coming classes.

English 10

Today we took our time to finish Escape from Sobibor - a true story of the only successful prisoner revolt during World War 2 in a death camp. It's only because of the survivors that we know what happened. I look forward to reviewing your viewing guides and getting those back to you soon.

Be aware that we're finishing the unit soon. Next class we'll take a look at a short story as we consider reactions to tragedies. The week following will be our week to begin our final projects, tie up loose ends, and begin to move on to Latin America (our next unit of the year). If you haven't yet taken your test from the first part of the unit, you'll need to do that ASAP to avoid a missing score. Test corrections will happen next class.

Presidents' Day Weekend (18 and 22 February)

English 10

Movie day! Movie day! I hope you enjoy the movie - it's a good one, and the ending is fantastic. I know you didn't finish, so we'll take care of that next week. Be sure that as you watch, you are completing your viewing guide! This is going to be your grade for this film. If you missed anything, the movie is posted in Schoology for you.

AP Language

If you've received an extension on your outline for the weekend, be sure that your work is in as soon as possible. I'd like to finish all of the outlines on Tuesday to get you your feedback to begin drafting. Today is a timed writing day! I'm not with you, so it's a timed writing day. I hope you enjoy the prompt - it's a bit perfect for Fairfax High School students, if you think about it. This is a good time for this essay because it'll help us as we develop our drafts in our own research papers. Don't forget about your next assignment - the template is there to help you complete it easily. Just use a page for each of your five sources and only give five sources - I know some of you have more.

I'll be back with all of you on Wednesday, Delta Airlines willing, I suppose!

16 and 17 February

AP Language

Today was our full on library day to focus on the completion of our outlines. The better the outline, the easier the paper. We began by reviewing the requirements of MLA formatting and setting up our outline documents. We also reviewed the rubric in order to understand how to earn full credit for this assignment.

Keep in mind that an outline is a picture of your thinking. You don't have to use all of this as you move to the draft, but you'll find it easier to put together with a thorough and complete outline. Be sure to review the samples posted as you complete this task - they're very instructive.

English 10

A good day in English 10 today with some poetry, some focus on major ideas, and a bit of movie time at the end to relate to our themes that we're exploring in this unit. I also enjoyed seeing you all work through the silent conversation - I think that's a fun and interesting way to share our thoughts and see what people think, even anonymously.

Next class will be our full movie day for Escape from Sobibor. You'll get your viewing guide back to finish as you watch the film. Be sure that it's complete. If you don't finish the movie, then we'll finish it up next week. If you haven't done your vocabulary, do so now from the things we've read so far this unit. We'll be ending the unit in a few weeks, so be ready for another quiz and your end of the unit project.

14 and 15 February

Happy Valentine's Day! Remember everyone, "If you can't love yourself, then how in the heck are you going to love somebody else?" Be sure to always take time to love yourself and your amazingness! I love all of you and am so happy to be your teacher. Now, on to the business.

AP Language

Today's class was a bit of a set-up and then delivery as we discussed some of the requirements and suggestions around building your eventual paper. The important thing is to realize that this paper is very different from what you've done in the past, even though it looks similar. Beware the temptation to turn this into a body of quotes and paraphrases with a bit of context - this isn't a report, it's an argument. The evidence is here for YOU to present and prove YOUR argument as valid.

We discussed ways to revise the argument, the goal of using evidence in the body, and some other suggestions - put these forward as you work through your outline. The next step of the process is also part of today's lesson. This is a very simple assignment - basically just a copy and paste job. See the template and the samples posted.

As always - let me know if you need me. Lion Time can be very useful right now!

English 10

Today we had a solid day where we took a bit of a thematic diversion away from Russia and Eastern Europe to investigate Burma. The line to connect the two areas is unfortunately not a very good one - the connection betwen authoritarianism and the limiting of personal freedom and expression. Our author Aung San Suu Kyi is a victim of these same policies today - an important reminder that the ideas we explore in class are more than ideas for some people in this world.

Class focused on our law and justice seminar and then we read and analyzed her speech "Misrule of Law" - see the recording if you were absent. Next class we'll make some more connections back to our unit and take time for test corrections. If you haven't yet finished your test, come and see me tomorrow during LT to finish that.

English 10 Update

Sorry about yesterday, y'all. I guess with my appointments my brain was a bit distracted. Instead of a movie, we had the continuation of low-key days in English 10 with our course registration meetings in the Career Center today. Junior year is a very important year in your high school trajectory, so I am glad that you had the opportunity to sit down and speak with your counselors about where you want to go and how you're going to get there. I also appreciated having the opportunity to speak with a few of you about your plans and goals moving forward.

Be sure that you complete any of the assignments that may be lingering over you right now. Some of you need to finish/make-up the test. Some of you need to finish your adaptations of "A Problem". If you have any questions about where you stand in class, be sure to ask ASAP. Next week we'll be watching our film, doing test corrections, and studying the 20th Century in Russia and Eastern European literature and culture.

10 and 11 February

AP Language

Today was a basic day - a day for an FRQ and MCQ on AP Classroom. As a reminder, this is the last time you'll be scored on the easier FRQ scale. From here on out the translation of the six point rubric to the 4.0 grading scale will be a bit more stringent. Why? Because it's second semester, the exam is three months away, and you've done each of the tasks already. Welcome to the big leagues.

The goal for other remaining class time is the work on our outlines. I've included two examples of high achieving outlines as models for you. Feel free to ask me questions and conference as you're doing this work, it's very helpful. As you build your outlines, find your vocabulary words, the end of the unit will be here soon!

English 10

Today's class was our movie day. We're currently watching Escape from Sobibor a true story about how a group of prisoners at a Nazi concentration camp called Sobibor united together to escape their prison. It's a great story of resistance and relates well to our unit. 

If you weren't in class today, the movie and the viewing guide is posted in Materials. We'll finish the film next class. This remains a fantastic time to pull together your vocabulary for the unit so far. I'll have quizzes returned to you next week and we'll have time to do some revisions of those as well.

8 and 9 February

English 10

Today was a quiz day for us - so it was a pretty simple day. The quiz asked you about all of the things that we've studied so far in this unit including fairy tales, poetry reading, our short story "A Problem" and some of the historical and cultural context we reviewed to open the unit.

After the time for the assessment, there was time available to complete any remaining tasks and begin with your vocabulary for this unit. Remember that you are responsible for ten words each unit we read texts together. You can submit your work electronically or on paper, as long as it's complete - we're good! Remember to give me the text, the word, the definition, and two synonyms.

AP Language

Today was our first full-on library day. Huzzah. You know how to access the databases, how to find resources, and how to outline, so now it's time to do it. As you are working and researching and finding, you should also be revising. Remember, this is a recursive process - it builds on itself. Your outlines are due next week - you have ample time to build this boat, but stay on your grind.

Next class we'll take time for our AP Classroom MCQ and FRQ followed by time in class for researching and outlining. See you then!

4 and 7 February

English 10

Good times today in English 10. We took our class time to finish our work on Anton Chekhov's "A Problem" by reimagining the story in a more modern context - we changed the setting and the parameters, but we kept the story the same. This allows us to really understand the themes and the conflicts in a very real way.

Next class we'll be taking a brief quiz on the first section of Russian literature. Be sure to review your notes, slides, and previous lessons so far in the unit. The quiz will be a mix of multiple choice, true or false, short answer, and matching. This also gives you a great chance to pull your vocabulary together, too! 

AP English Language

Today's class was all about moving forward to our next steps - the outline! First, you have to revise your question. We discussed today in class the importance of reasons. As you do research, you'll probably find more reasons to support your argument, but it's important to have an idea of what you're looking for. Also it's important to define your concepts clearly. What does "effective" mean in the scope of your investigation? Pin down your terms so that your argument is clear.

We'll be back in the library next class to complete revisions and work toward our outlines. Use the rubric posted as you create your outline. 

2 and 3 February

AP Language

Wow! What a day! We did a lot of great work today as we really collaborated to make each other better researchers. We reflected on our questions, found some of their glitches, and then began the process of revision with our cohorts. Now - it's time to put the pedal to the metal and revise!

Your next step is to submit your revised research question (version 2.0). Use the same document, it's returned to you, make a copy and put it in your folder for this assignment. When you have finished your revision and written your argument, resubmit the document at the Step 2 assignment space. 

We'll be in the library next class, and we'll discuss the next steps of the project which involve the source pack and the outline.

English 10

It was a wonderful Wednesday for Anton Chekhov. We read "A Problem" today and discussed characterization, irony, symbols, and themes. I really love this story and the ending, especially. Seeing what Sasha does at the end to Ivan is a great example of an ending that works on a lot of levels. If you enjoyed today's reading, then you'll want to take a look at some of Chekhov's plays - I think they're even better.

Tonight is a great night to pull together vocabulary if you haven't already done so. Between our poems and our story, you can probably find ten words. Next class we'll be doing an activity with today's story and next week we'll have our quiz on the first part of our unit. Be sure that you're reviewing regularly so that you're prepared!

31 January / 1 Feburary

AP Language

Good day today in the library - our goal right now is to develop our first research questions so that we can move into the process of peer review and further revisions. Remember that your final research question isn't due until next week, so the process of revising is key. Figure out the path you want to take. Carve out a part of the conversation that you can conduct in four to seven pages. Remember, narrowing your scope and focus is key - and the research databases are here to help you do this.

English 10

Today's class was a day to get Romantic (big R not little r). We talked about Romanticism as a literary movement, understood the main tenents of their philosophy and then looked at two poems - one by Pushkin and one by Lermontov.

We applied our TP-CASTT skills as we analyzed the poems and then did a bit of creative work as we analyzed the poems and understood their themes. We also worked through a fair amount of vocabulary. Don't forget to collect your vocabulary lists while you are reading - you have ten words due at the end of the unit.

Next class we'll be reading a short story by Anton Chekhov and doing an activity with it. I think you're going to really enjoy it. The recording is posted if you were absent or need to review - slides are under Materials.

27 and 28 January

AP Language

Today was our day to begin our fourth unit on research and synthesis writing. We reviewed our task on the exam - the synthesis prompt and two student responses. Though these responses are scored using the old rubric, they're still indicative of what the assessors are looking for in your response. From there we discussed the importance of specificity and the development of the research question. This is going to be our focus over the next few classes because the question is the key to the paper.

Next class we're in the library to explore databases and develop our questions further. Your questions are due first for completion, then we'll revise and resubmit for quality. Don't fall behind in this unit! Each day we have a goal to complete.

Remember that your Gatsby assignments are due tonight. Please submit your quote, annotations, and essay electronically.

English 10

What a wonderful class today! We did some great work today as we read Russian folk tales to understand some of the essential elements of narrative and of Russian culture. I loved seeing you all read, think, and communicate with each other about these stories. Remember that most of them exist on YouTube as cartoons - check that out if you'd like.

There's no homework over the weekend. Be sure to begin your vocabulary list for this unit from our reading today. I look forward to seeing you next class to begin looking at some poetry.

Opening Up Quarter 3 - 25 and 26 January

AP Language

Today was a super simple day for us - registration day! We met, reviewed the requirements of our writing assignment due next class, and then we headed down to the Career Center. Remember that Mrs. Kim is here to help you as you make your plans for after high school. There are a lot of different pathways you can take to get to your goals. Make the best decisions for you!

Work through the completion of your 1Q1P (it's due next class) and be ready to get going with Unit 4. We'll have days in the library to start and lots of working days ahead of us - use your time wisely to accomplish your steps!

English 10

Today was a solid day! We started a new unit focused on Slavic Literature - the literature of Eastern Europe and Russia. We did a lot today to focus on the culture, some of the authors, and some of the major themes that we'll be looking at through the unit like power versus freedom, individual versus society, and the power of literature to speak truth. We played bingo to do our learning to make it a bit more fun.

After bingo we took time to set some intentions for ourselves. We didn't finish the entire activity, so give yourself some time to check out more of those videos later on. Next class we'll look at some fairy tales from Russia to get more of a handle on the culture and what these people believe.

End of the Quarter / Semester - 19 and 20 January

We're halfway home everyone! The back half always seems to run a bit faster than the first. Keep on pushing, and remember AP kiddos, we end in May, really.

AP Language

Today's class was a bit of a catch-up day for us since we're ahead of the other AP Language group and since we've had a lot of absences lately. Remember that everything is here and recordings are useful if you've missed class time. If you need more - please let me know.

Quarter 2 closes today! Your class is the last chance you have to submit assignments to be scored. I appreciate everyone communicating and staying on top of things. We did a bit of a look ahead to Unit 4 - check the recording and the new folder/files to see what's on tap.

Over the long weekend, I would focus on your analysis of your quotation to complete your project on The Great Gatsby. Keep in mind that this is an analysis. The previous day's feedback may be useful in how you approach this assignment. Next week we'll begin with registration and then begin Unit 4 later in the week. 

English 10

Today was our final day for the end of the quarter and the end of our third unit of study for the year. By the end of today's class the goal was to complete your presentation of your research and submit that assignment to be scored. There were a lot of absences today in class - so I hope that if you are at home, or wherever you may be, that you find the time to complete this work and get it submitted.

Follow the template to complete your task. Keep in mind that your evidence (from the text and the research) should be focused on the importance of your text. There's not a lot of writing in this project, it's more about putting the pieces together and showing the ideas to a viewer.

Our next unit is going to focus on Russia and Eastern Europe. I'm really excited to take you to this part of the world. There are a lot of great videos about Russia loaded in the folder if you'd like to take a look!

14 and 18 January

Enjoy the long weekend! Do something for your community in the spirit of Dr. King to celebrate his legacy. I'd say go to DC and tour the monument, but the weather may not be the best for that.

AP Language

Today was our day for a writing workshop focused on rhetorical analysis. We discussed the importance of the rhetorical situation when considering the author's argument as well as the importance of the line of reasoning. It's especially important that our commentary on the evidence is connected to one strong line of reasoning that the author conveys in their text. It is also important that we have sufficient evidence to show and convey that line of reasoning to the assessor. I hope our review of the rubric and my feedback was helpful.

Take this feedback forward as you complete your FRQ on AP Classroom as well as your analysis of your quotation for the end of the color motif project. For your motif project, it's all about the one quotation. Show how the part (quote) relates and conveys the whole (argument). Remember that you've read the whole novel and you know about Fitzgerald, so you can also comment on his exigence and context for the novel. This writing assignment is not due until Quarter 3. So, don't stress this now.

This weekend your focus should be AP Classroom and any other assignments in SIS that are marked as missing or blank. I will have grades updated when I see you next.

English 10

Today was our day to make up for lost time and lost internet resources from last class. I really appreciate everyone's maturity and dedication to the classroom today as we worked to get things done and make this a better experience for everyone. 

Over the weekend, I would highly recommend making up for any lost time related to Unit 3 - World Research. If you are missing any part of the unit so far, you should work to complete that as soon as possible. Next class we will be finishing the final product and submitting that for review. This is the final grade of the unit and quarter - so I can't take it late. Use the previous lesson slides to help you gather all the pieces and work toward completion.

I look forward to a productive end of the quarter with all of you. Please reach out if you need anything at all. 

12 and 13 January

AP Language

Today was a creation day in AP Language - we farmed the text and created our visuals for our The Great Gatsby color assignment. By collecting all of the examples of the color in the novel, you're able to see the whole picture and really understand the meaning of that color in this novel. This is the idea that you'll explore further in your writing assignment. How does this quotation using the color relate to the overall meaning of the color in the novel? This is the question you should take with you to your writing assignment and planning.

For tonight, I would find and annotate your chosen quotation. If you have any work to complete - vocabulary, AP Classroom Progress Checks, or elements of the last unit, then be sure that the work is done as soon as possible. I am only accepting work during the end of the quarter because of the snow days. Stay on top of your assignments and be sure to ask if you have any questions about where you stand.

See you next time for our writing workshop on deep analysis.

English 10

Today's class was a class focused on our final project for this unit - a display of our text and our interpretation of that text. For this final interpretation, you have three options. You can do a research poster, a slideshow, or an essay. Different types of texts work better with different formats - so consider what works best for what you studied.

For this project you'll need to have the same requirements no matter how you display your ideas. Be sure to refer to the slides posted on Schoology for requirements and templates. By the end of our next class I need to see all of your work leading up to the final project if you haven't had it checked yet. 

We'll be transitioning to our next unit on Wednesday and Thursday next week - be ready to travel off to a new and exciting part of the world!

10 and 11 January

AP Language

Welcome back! It was good to see so many of you today in class. We had a relatively easy day since we had to complete academic advising for English today. While I was doing that, there was time to work on AP Classroom Progress Checks, Vocabulary, or get ahead on your motif projects. We started off with our reflection from the unit mini-project on RA (find that link in the folders).

As a reminder, vocabulary is due. Please submit on Schoology. AP Classroom work will be unlocked during class or Lion Time, so plan accordingly to complete that work. Next class will be your full workshop for the motif project, you may want to complete part of that work tonight to be better prepared for your class time next class. I also need to check your novels, so don't forget your notes. 

If you have anything missing, now is the time to complete those tasks. Please reach out if you need me for anything.

English 10

Today's class was a day for us to get our heads back on our shoulders and pointed in the right direction as we return to school and to Unit 3 - Research. At this point in the project, most of you are either studying your text (in some way, shape, or form) or you're ready to research the author/historical context to support your claim.

We understood at the end of today's class what our thesis is for this final presentation and what type of research we need to support that claim. Your task is to find the biographical or historical information to help you complete this project. By the end of next class you should show me your research notecard which includes your citation and your three notes.

Next class we will review the structure of our final project and have time to work. Keep in mind that you have just two grades left this quarter - so be sure to stay focused on completing these tasks.

Snow Day to Start 2022

Happy Snow Day, y'all!

I hope that you're able to stay warm, safe, and dry while the snow falls. It's really falling heavily, so I'll be taking Bruno out in a bit to see what he thinks about all of this. Be sure to check Schoology for updates to your class. If you're in 2nd or 6th - be aware that this class will not be able to be made up. Try to take some time for class if you can today - there are resources to help you do this.

I'll be available via email if you need me. Please reach out and enjoy the day!

17 December and 3 January 2022

AP Language

Today was a lovely day! We worked through the end of The Great Gatsby and had wonderful analysis and discussion of some key passages. I am so glad to see the depth of thinking that you're accomplishing with this text. Keep this going! It'll lead to a great outcome as you keep working and thinking and growing.

Most of our conversation focused on outcomes and resolutions. Be sure that you've updated your annotations based on our conversations in class. I'll be checking your books soon after we return from Winter Break.

There's no homework over the break. When we return, though, we have a few things to work through. There's our end of unit seminar (choose one of the articles for this), our vocabulary assignment, and our final work with the novel. Review the project and be ready for some workdays when we return! Also be ready for a fast end to the quarter - it'll be here before you know it.

English 10

Today was our classroom catch-up day. If you are missing your reading notes, your author paragraph, or your research on your country then today should have given you ample time to complete those tasks. If you need more time, please finish over the break and show me your work when we return. If you are missing anything from Unit 2 (like our soundtrack project) I hope that you will get that turned in as soon as possible so that I can update your scores in the gradebook. 

We took time in class today to watch Persepolis. If you missed today's class - feel free to find it online and watch if you'd like.

When we return from break we'll be focused on finishing this unit and completing our final steps of our project. It'll be a quick finish, so be ready to work diligently to complete your assignments. Keep in mind that NO LATE WORK will be accepted during the last week of the quarter.

15 and 16 December

AP Language

Today's class was a writing day! But, it was a bit of a special writing day since you were the one who constructed the prompt. I hope that through this mini-project you've developed a process by which you can break down and analyze a text in order to extract and trace the meaning in the passage. By increasing your speed and skill with this throughout the rest of the year, you'll be completely ready for the exam (and life, on a larger scale - sorry in advance for ruining all movies).

Next class we'll be discussing the end of The Great Gatsby - Chapters 8 and 9. It's a sad, but rich ending, so I hope that you enjoy it. I'm looking forward to a rich end to a wonderful book. Be aware that your vocabulary will be due in January. We'll also have our final seminar - choose one of the articles to read and annotate in advance of that seminar day.

English 10

Today was our reading day! We locked in to our author/creator and spent our day focused on studying our text or texts of choice. I am so happy to see how focused and dedicated you all were today in class. Keep in mind that if you didn't finish your notes, then you'll have the chance to do so on Friday during our Unit Catch-Up Day.

If you have any missing work from this part of the year, it's important to get it done as soon as possible so that I can update your scores as soon as possible. Use the time on Friday if you need to for this, but be sure that your reading notes are finished first.

13 and 14 December

AP Language

Today we focused on non-fiction, genres, and a new type of non-fiction called process analysis. This allowed us a chance to go back to the end of Chapter 7 and see the process of Myrtle's death in a new light. I think that we were able to understand a lot more about what Fitzgerald was trying to accomplish in that scene now than we did before. Be sure that your group work on Woolf/Petrunkevitch is submitted so that I can review that - just one for the team.

Tonight you need to complete and submit your prompt for your rhetorical analysis. For this I need your prompt (see the samples in the folder), your excerpt, and then your rationale for the excerpt. It must be submitted to Schoology so that I can print them for you. Next class, you'll complete the timed write!

The last reading - Chapters 8 and 9 will be covered at the end of the week (or beginning of January). I hope you enjoy the end of this book - the last paragraph is one of the best written paragraphs in American literature, I think. I've also posted your final choice articles for our seminar in January. Lots of stuff to get ahead on - but be sure that your prompt is submitted ASAP!

English 10

Today's day was a day for us to focus on Step 3. At the beginning we codified our choice of which author/creator we'll study and now we'll move into Step 3B - Which text/piece will we study? Use the slides from today's class to select your note taking method for your text. Based on the type of text, you'll want to select a note taking method that works best.

I recommend using TP-CASTT for songs/poems, the idea web is great for paintings, sculptures, and non-fiction pieces, the story map is fantastic when studying fiction or short stories. Pick your text(s) and begin your notes. Next class is going to be what I call a "reading day" - you'll have all class to work through your reading notes and hopefully have those done before the end of the week.

When we return from break we'll work through Steps 3C and 3D. Keep in mind that these are our last major grades of the quarter - be sure that you're meeting your goals and staying on your grind!

9 and 10 December - The End of the Week!

Just one more week of school until Winter Break! Keep pushing!!!

AP Language

Today's class we kept zooming in in order to strengthen our annotation skills. Today it was all about two lines of dialogue since Chapter Seven is so dialogue heavy. We read, we illustrated, we annotated, we worked! I love what you were able to find and note - especially related to how decisions are being made in the text. Remember, we're nearly done.

Over the weekend I'd recommend re-reading the end of Chapter Seven (Myrtle's death) and consider the slide we didn't get to today. The reading for the weekend is a choice - either Woolf or Petrunkevitch. Both texts are what we call a process analysis so pay attention to the steps in the process in the article. We'll also return to our projects next class - be sure to have an excerpt, Level 2 annotations, and your rationale for the passage's importance.

English 10

Today's class was a day for us to start to transition into our final step of our research process - Step 3. In this step we're focused on ONE creator from our country and an item (or items) that they've created. This is where our research on the culture and history of the country will come into play since so many authors reflect their culture in some way in their texts.

Tonight your country slides are due for Step 2. Please submit your work to Schoology when you're finished. Follow the template for what to do with each slide. From there, we'll move into Step 3 next week. First you'll pick your creator and then you'll move into your reading notes.

Also keep in mind that if you would like to resubmit your soundtrack projects, you now have your feedback to use in that process. If your soundtrack is missing, work to complete that project as soon as you can - get your points because we only have a few weeks left in the quarter.

7 and 8 December

Today was a relatively low-key day due to the Cultural Observation falling on the 8th. Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday for prayer and meditation.

AP Language

Today we engaged in a new note-taking strategy called sketchnotes which can be helpful when showing connections between important ideas or concepts when reading. I think that they're great in helping us think about a text like this one (which is so heavily visual) and hanging on to that visual aspect. Keep in mind that when colors or symbols are interacting, Fitzgerald is showing us the interaction between ideas. Consider which ideas win and which lose, for lack of a better word.

We also took time to work on the second phase of our rhetorical analysis project. The next step involves us building a prompt - so you have to have a rationale for the excerpt in order to do this well. Remember that you will need to show completed Level 2/DIDLS annotations and a rationale for your selected excerpt.

For next class, read and annotate Chapters 6 & 7. They run together. Six is short, seven is longer (but a TON happens and it really moves). Pay attention to character interactions and how cars play a serious role in the action. We're nearly done with this book, if you can believe it. So be alert for upcoming end of unit assessments.

English 10

Today's class was our day focused primarily on completing our research. This is the last day where you'll be getting a majority of class to finish this work, so you should be done or nearly done. Your slides or project (in whatever format) is due on Thursday/Friday. Keep in mind that you need to have a recommendation paragraph and your slides need to show in-text citations for your database.

Outside of working on our projects, we discussed writing a bit and what I'm seeing with your projects. All projects will be scored by the end of the week. If you'd like to do a resubmission, you'll have next week to turn that in.

Next class we'll take time to discuss the parameters of Step 3 and begin our process of finding our author and text(s) to study for the final phase of this work. Keep in mind that this phase will be a longer one because of the fact that we have to do research and read something by the author of focus.

3 and 6 December

AP Language

We really killed it today. We zoomed in on a significant passage in the forest of Chapter 3 - and we found a lot of significant meaning as we kept examining the text. I'm really happy with what you're seeing in the text - as you keep looking you keep finding. All of this work that we're doing is so important in building the skills to analyze and build a rhetorical analysis that works.

Over the weekend you're reading Chapters 4 and 5. Pay attention to the idea of time, especially past versus present, it's super productive. Build links to the ideas of fantasy/reality as you look at these chapters. You should also be able to finish your vocabulary at this point. 

Next class we're going to work through Chapters 4 and 5 as well as take our next step on our project workshop. You'll need to come in with Level 1 annotations of your text for the next workshop.

English 10

Today was a day to move into Step 2 of our new unit. We solidified our choice of country and then began the process of researching that country and building our slide deck about the country. We went to the library and heard from Mrs. C as she reviewed the tools of the library catalogue and the online databases. I love these databases - they do a lot of the work for you.

Next class will be our whole class workshop. You'll have the entire class to finish your Step 2 work. If you finish, you'll be able to move on to Step 3 - finding an author and a text by that author to study. Keep in mind that you have to finish each step before you move on to the next one, so no half-stepping and no missing assignments!

1 and 2 December

Welcome to December, everyone! Just a few more weeks until we go out for Winter Break. Be sure that you're using all the class time that we have efficiently - that will lead you to a great break!

AP Language

Today's class was a time for us to focus on Chapter 2 and all of the contrasts that are apparent to us through the chapter. What I think is really interesting is the fact that these two chapters, on the outside, are pretty similar. Consider the direction of the plot and the basic events: Nick narrates, goes somewhere, there's a gathering around a table, Nick leaves. But when we zoom in, these similarities go right out the car window.

We then touched in on Lorde and Hughes to understand what they are telling us and why these concepts may be important in breaking through this novel. We'll come back to them later, so be sure to read deeply if you've not yet.

Next class we're looking at Chapter 3. It's a bit of a long one. Pay attention to the way that tone is created in the chapter and the shifts that it takes. The minor characters at our first Gatsby party are pretty important as well. Today's slides are posted with our Rules for Good Writing.

English 10

Today we kicked of Unit 3 by looking at different countries around the world. In this unit, you're choosing your whole adventure. Which country? Which author? Which text? You can choose to read a set of poems, a short story, or an article for the later portion of this unit.

Next class we'll be writing about our country before we move on to Step 2 - the poster/brochure/slide show on our country. Having good research from today will really help you to conquer Step 2 easily. Then we'll have to do some reading and annotating to finish the project out. 

If you have your project from Unit 2 missing, tonight gives you a good chance to complete that work. Don't miss your chance to get caught up; now we're moving on and we'll have things to do every day of class.