A-Day Homework for Labor Day Weekend - 8/30

AP English III

Over the weekend for homework I would like for you to read Lars Eighner's "On Dumpster Diving" - it is available in 50 Essays or at this link.  If you use the online version you will want to have some post its as well due to the fact that there is not a lot of space in the margins for annotating.  As you read continue to look for the elements of rhetoric we have discussed as well as participating in your own analysis of the piece.  Look for elements of writing that Eighner uses and consider how these elements contribute and strengthen his overall argument. 

This is a really enjoyable piece - pay special attention to his use of TONE - it varies throughout, notice the shifts.  I look forward to a thorough discussion on Wednesday as well as more work on The Working Poor - be sure that you have your copies with you on Wednesday.

Russian I

Today in class we finished learning all of the letters in the Russian alphabet.  Congratulations!  Now we can move forward with our study of the grammar and the more high-level elements of the language.  I'm putting below links to several .mp3 files to help you with your pronunciation of the sounds in Russian.  Over the weekend it should be your priority to memorize all of the letters and become more fluent in your handwriting.  Use the worksheet I gave you in class as well as the notes we've taken over the past few days to practice more. 

Study!  Then study some more!  Your first quiz is coming soon!

Here is the link to the files on the alphabet.  Use the file names to download individual letter sounds or the whole alphabet.

Homework for the Weekend - 8/29/2013

B-day Students -- I won't see you all again until Tuesday so here are your reminders to get you prepared for our next class.

Honors English II

Tonight for homework your key task is to complete your vocabulary log with at least five words from the opening half of Nadine Gordimer's "The Train from Rhodesia".  Remember as you complete this that you need the following information in your log:

• the word
• its dictionary definition
• a synonym
• a sentence using the word which you've come up with yourself

Also, since we didn't get to peer editing today we will do that for sure on Tuesday.  If you did not complete your writing assignment, make sure that you have it then.

ESL English III

Please have your parent contact sheets filled out on Tuesday with a phone number for you and for your parent or guardian.  Also, continue to consider your first writing assignment - How can you add more detail and explanation to explain your idea of what it means to be an immigrant.

Homework and Announcements - 8/28

AP English III

Apologies for not getting to the peer editing of our introduction pieces today in class.  I just got so caught up with "On Compassion" and the elements of RHETORIC that I lost all track of time.  For next class you will definitely want to arrive with a complete version of your rough draft.  I'll be available next week for conferencing if you would like.  In addition, I would like for you to complete the multiple choice practice for "On Compassion" - give yourselves just ten minutes to complete the questions.  It is open book, so use the text.  In addition, be sure that you mark any words that are new to you so that you can begin your vocabulary logs. 

Lastly, I want you to reread the Introduction and the chapter called "Harvest of Shame" from The Working Poor.  As you reread and reannotate these pieces I would ask that you apply what we learned today in class about the rhetorical appeals:  How do you see ethos, pathos, and logos at play in Shipler's writing?  How does this help to make his argument more effective?

Russian I

At this point in class we have reviewed letters in groups one, two and three.  You now know the majority of the alphabet.  Next class we will finish with our alphabet study and begin working on writing words.  Tonight for homework I would like for you to complete the "Pre Lesson" handout to improve your handwriting.  As you write, make sure to fill the line with the writing and also be sure that you are saying the letters, sounds and words as you write them.  Saying as you write will help you to remember the sounds. 

As a head's up - be aware that you will have your first quiz at the end of next week on the alphabet.  Prepare yourselves accordingly.

The First B-Day of the Year 8/27

By this point I've met all of you and I'm pleased to say that given how we've started this year I think we're going to do some amazing things.  Please be aware of the following assignments and reminders to get you ready for our next class together.

All Classes

Please use the link in yesterday's post to access the online parent contact form.  You can also submit a paper copy.

Russian I

Your assignment is listed below.  I will post Russian I homework on the A-day post for the year.  Be aware of that.

English II Honors

Tonight for class I would like for you to complete your first writing assignment of the year in which you reflect on your personal culture.  Remember that this is a maximum one page response, and it is an introductory piece.  Make sure that as you explain what your culture consists of that you focus on one specific element and include a lot of detail to clarify your ideas.  Remember to stay focused on your main idea which is explaining your personal culture.  Bring your rough draft with you to class on Thursday for peer editing.

ESL English III

Tonight I would like for you to spend some time finishing your brainstorming on the idea of an immigrant which we began discussing today in class.  Think of specific examples from your life or the life of people around you to help you to explain your personal definition of what an immigrant is.  Remember that you need to make your idea clear to me which means that you need to really explain things thoroughly.  Remember to use your words as weapons to explain!

The First A-Day of the Year

Hooray for getting over the first day of the year; however, boo to alarm clocks which have to go off at 5:30 in the morning.  Anyhow, I hope that all of you have enjoyed your day and gotten the year off to a great start.  Here are your reminders for the first day of class.

All Classes:

Please submit either the paper or online contact form.  If you choose the online form, please return the paper version with a note saying that you have done this online.  This will help to ensure accurate and timely communication throughout the year.

Parent Contact Form

AP English III

If you did not submit all of your summer assignment today and you have not already made arrangements with me then you are already falling behind in class.  Remember that one of the key tools for success in AP classes is communicating honestly and proactively with your teachers.  Please see me before our next class to talk about anything that you need. 

For tonight, you will need to complete your introduction draft assignment as well as complete the reading of "On Compassion".  The article for tonight's reading can be found in the 50 Essays anthology or at this link.  No matter how you complete the reading, be sure that you come to class with notes and annotations and that you are prepared for a seminar on this piece in which you will be an active participant.  In addition, you will need to bring your copy of Shipler's The Working Poor as we will begin our work on this text during class on Wednesday.

Russian I

Добро пожаловать в русский мир!  Welcome to the world of Russian!  I hope that today's class was helpful for you in reviewing the policies and expectations for this class as well as getting you interested in our developing language study throughout the rest of the year.  For tonight, you need to make sure that your parent form is completed as well as continue your practice with the "Group One" letters which we studied today.  Practice writing both lowercase and uppercase versions of the letters.  Make small words or combinations of letters so that you can practice your handwriting and begin developing your style.  Remember that as you write you will want to say the sounds that you are writing so that the sound sticks.  Lastly, do not make English sounds when you say Russian letters.  Focus on making a pure Russian sound so as to begin working on your American accent.

See you all Wednesday!  B-day Russian students, your assignments are posted with the A-day post.  B-day English II and III students can expect your update tomorrow.

Final Post of the Year

And that takes us to the end of another successful school year.  I'm sitting in an emptied classroom and I hope that most of you took this day to sleep in, especially since it's so crappy and rainy outside. 

I wish you all a wonderful summer.  I'll see you all in August when we start the next school year :)

EXAM TIME

Alrighty kiddos - It's exam time.  The exam schedule for all of you is posted on the Jordan website, I'm including a link to the actual document here.  Please be aware that A1 students will not have a formal review period, so I will work in some review time before we begin the actual testing period.

As a reminder, any work which you have not yet submitted must be turned in at the day of the exam in order to get credit.  At this point, fourth quarter grades are ready for nearly all of you so that you can determine your final score for the year if you are exempt.  Remember that no student in English IV can be exempt from the exam as your test is a state test.

If you have any questions, come and see me.  Good luck on your exams!  Be rested and ready!

AP English III - Group Photo

If you couldn't make the group photo but would like to be included e-mail me a small photo of you and I will photoshop you in.

B-Day Flannery O'Connor Discussion Board

Please respond to the following prompt by attaching a comment signed with your name. Responses received before 4:00 on Friday afternoon will be considered for extra credit on a previous assignment of either one, two, or three points.



As discussed during the reading of the story, Flannery O'Connor is an expert when it comes to creating and using irony within her stories.  In your opinion, which element is the most ironic in the body of the story?  What is this element's greater purpose in the context of the story?  How does irony help Flannery O'Connor to communicate her greater message?

A-Day Flannery O'Connor Discussion Board

Please respond to the following prompt by attaching a comment signed with your name.  Responses received before 4:00 on Thursday afternoon will be considered for extra credit on a previous assignment of either one, two, or three points.


Flannery O'Connor is celebrated as being one of the foremost authors of the Southern Gothic style.  This style relies especially on the use of the grotesque in either characters or situations to clarify O'Connor's greater purpose in the story.  Given that knowledge, what element of the grotesque do you think has the most impact on the story?  What is that impact?  Why is this element of the grotesque and its impact important to the story as a whole?

Homework and Reminders 5/14 and 5/15

We've got a few reminders for all of you in this post.  Please pay attention and read carefully.

AP English IV:  Our final days are upon us - Thursday we have our Character Cafe and then on Monday we have the project presentations.  Be sure that you have completed your entry ticket thoroughly on your character.  I'll announce exemptions for all of you on Monday.  There's no formal review for our exam but I am offering time for you to come in on Tuesday afternoon or during lunch on Tuesday which is the last day of class.  It's not required, but I'd come if you're taking the exam.

Remember for Thursday to be on time as we'll be taking our group photo at the beginning of class.

AP English III:  First, remember that we have The Great Gatsby on Thursday afternoon at around 3:30.  Meet at the Carmike Wynnsong on Martin Luther King Parkway.  Also, we'll be having our group photo on Wednesday afternoon at 2:40.  Please be prompt!

You all have your Character Cafe on the last day of class.  Remember to sign up with me with your character and what you're planning on bringing for the good of the group.  Keep it secret - part of the fun of the game is figuring out who everyone is.  I'll announce exam exemptions for all of you during the Character Cafe.

Lastly, due to the fact that I'll be out this Friday you will have your final chance to tun in your Motif/Calligraphy Projects on Monday the 20th.  This is a final due date for all students!

English IV:  If you have missing assignments you need to get these made up and submitted ASAP.  A-day students have their final projects due on the 16th (Thursday).  B-day students will need to turn in their projects on either the 16th during 4th period or on Monday the 20th before school, after school, or during 4th period.  Again, due to the fact that I will be out, the date has changed.

A3 Denisovich Scripts

A3 Students - Here is the link for your script.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yI15E-foMBX-Gdta4awkv_1feWhofVNo03GI9II4kZA/edit?usp=sharing

English IV - Denisovich Work

B2 Students - Here is the link for your script.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pO7ThuNBCubTXfaUUynuETlBh0_693dJSAEfLnev4dk/edit?usp=sharing

Winding Down the Year

Students!  Happy Friday!

By this point all of you have taken your AP Exams for me and now we just need to move forward to our actual examinations.  AP Students - I'll be announcing your exemptions on the 20th and 21st.  Remember that absences do count as well as grades. 

AP Juniors - Remember that your motif and calligraphy projects are due next week.  This is really your final chance to bring up your grades for the quarter - be sure that these projects show a level of sophistication and style.  I'll be able to collect your projects before school, after school, or during lunches.  Remember that you need to come with your copy of Invisible Man for a quick annotation check when you submit your work to me.  I will not be able to collect projects on the 17th (Friday) due to the fact that I will not be in the building.  Please plan accordingly.

English IV - Please work to complete your final projects on A Day in Your Life.  Consider your presentation and your commentary as you work.  B-day students, I will need to change your due date due to my absence next Friday.  I'll be sure to find a plan that will work for you all and be fair.

Freshman Focus - Next week we will be constructing our children's books.  Remember to bring any materials that you may need.  I'll have the basics of colored pencils, markers, glue and colored paper - but you will need to bring clip art or collaging materials if you're not hand drawing your illustrations.

Lastly, if you have any materials or books from me please start bringing those back!  I don't want to hunt you all down at the end of the year.

Homework and Reminders - 5/8 and 5/9

By this point in the year all classes really just have their final projects to work on and complete.  Be sure that you're working on these so that your final projects show a level of sophistication and that they complete the task that you have ahead of you.

Remember - AP students, those of you taking the exam, I'd like to see you before you test.  Come see me for one last hype-up!

AP English III Homework - 5/7 and 5/8

Like I said, this week the B-day students are ahead of the A-day students due to AP Testing; we'll all catch back up with each other by the end of the week.  For tonight I would just remind you that you have your final projects due next week - Remember that you can turn them in all week before school, after school, during C lunch on A-days and during all lunches on B-days.  I will be spot checking your annotated novels during this time - so make sure that you have everything that you need to have when you come to submit the project.

You've got your exam this week - for those of you taking it - be sure to rest, eat a good and filling breakfast with protein and carbohydrates before you test, and don't be stressed.  You're all amazing!  You'll do wonderfully.

Homework Reminders - 5/6 and 5/7

Cross another day off of your calendars everyone.  We're only FIVE A-days away from the beginning of final exams.  Make sure that you're studying and preparing as well as portioning your time wisely so that you can get all of your tasks completed.

AP English IV

At this point your priority is to finish your projects related to Ivan Denisovich - our presentations of these projects will not happen until the 20th of May (LDOC) but remember that in order to fully show me a complete project you can not rush this at the last minute.  Review your assignment sheets and make sure that your moments which you present show me what they need to show. 

AP English III

Today was not a real class as we had only six people here.  To those of you who were taking an AP Exam, I hope you felt prepared.  Check back tomorrow for your update.

English IV

Many of you are missing assignments or missing parts of assignments which are bringing your overall grade down.  Remember that I will be checking your journals next class to see how you've done with the reading of this text as we've been working.  Be sure that you don't have any missing entries or that you don't have gaps in the earlier entries.  You also have a final project which is coming due at the end of the next week.  Be ready for this!

Homework and Announcements - The Beginning of the End - 5/2 and 5/3

Students,

We're now at a point in the year where we are really focused on wrapping up and preparing for exams, or two rounds of exams for AP students.  Below are some reminders going into AP Exam week and also as we move in to May.  Remember as always to ask for any help, especially if you're falling behind or have been absent.

AP English III and IV

Next week you all have your AP Exams, many of you will be absent on Monday taking your AP science exams so the schedule and lessons will be a bit discombobulated.  Remember that you should be focusing on your review at this point.  Go over strategies, learn and review vocabulary, maybe a practice set or two.  We'll continue talking about the writing tasks in class over the next few days.

Don't forget about our photos.  Your respective exams are at the end of the week and you have morning exams.  I would really enjoy seeing all of you before you march in to do the deed, one last cheer perhaps.

AP English III - Remember about your motif and calligraphy projects on Invisible Man.  I will spot check your novels when you submit your project to me.  Thus, there will be times for you to come by during the week of the 13th.  Prepare yourselves accordingly.

AP English IV - Your final projects are coming due at the very end of the quarter.  Right before your Senior Breakfast day.  Stay tuned on Monday for more fun surprises at the end of the year!  If you've not finished Ivan Denisovich make sure that you do!

English IV

Many of you today asked me in class about your Shakespeare final presentation grades.  If you need to make up part of this assignment, please see me during your lunch period to get this settled.  You all also have your final project which should be occupying your time outside.  Think about your day, think about your daily routines.  Remember the idea of introspection and reflection - What does what you do say about who you are?  How can you express this with various voices?

And onward to next week!  Happy Friday!

Homework for 4/30 and 5/1

And now we can say goodbye to April.  Here are your reminders and announcements to prepare you for tonight, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

AP English IV

Tonight you should finish reading One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.  Next class we'll finish our work on Akhmatova's "Requiem" and then from there move on to looking at multiple choice.  I need to finish checking the key for your AP Multiple Choice practice as I think that it is so very wrong...

AP English III

A few announcements for you:  Your research papers were due today.  If you did not submit it today then you are losing points daily for it being late.  Please make sure to see me if this is an issue for you.  Further, we are now starting our final push to our AP Exam.  Today you should be feeling relatively confident in terms of Multiple Choice testing and strategies.  Here's a great link of the 100 Most Commonly Used Terms on the AP Exam.

Tonight I'd like for you to reflect in your journals about the three types of writing - synthesis, argument, and analysis - With which do you feel the most confident?  Least confident?  Why?

Next class we'll finish Multiple Choice and then move to writing.  Lastly, your Calligraphy Projects are due on the week of the thirteenth.  Find a date which works for you!

English IV

Today you received your final project for the year.  You should begin working on this to prepare for your final presentation and due date.  I look forward to seeing what you all create!

Homework for the Weekend and Monday - 4/26 and 4/29

It's almost May and now we only have SEVEN more A-days to prepare for final exams.  Here are your reminders for tonight to move us into May!

AP English IV:

I'm asking you over the weekend to read through to the end of supper in the text.  Also, I would recommend that you all spend some time looking back over Anna Akhmatova's "Requiem" -- We'll be doing a bit of analysis and exploration work on this poem next class.  Furthermore, be aware that I will be reviewing your final project related to Ivan Denisovich on Tuesday. 

AP English III

Your priorities for the weekend are your research papers.  I'm not going to be available this weekend to answer questions, so I hope that all of you got them in now.  Remember that everyone will have his/her paper collected on Tuesday, April 30th.  A-day students will collect papers in class.  B-day students will need to come by and hand deliver your papers.  You will need to use your envelope to submit your paper and the following documents are required in the envelope:

1. Your final draft with Works Cited page.
2. Your rough draft from conferencing.
3. Your outline.
4. Supplementary documents:  Cover Sheet, Rubric

I'll hand out the Supplementary Documents in class on Monday/Tuesday.  We're going to start doing exam review and preparation over the next few classes. It's time for our final push!

English IV

No homework for the weekend, but you will be starting on your final project as well next class.  Be ready for it!