Mr. Power's SBHS Class Blog

Friday, 01/27/12

2012-01-27T17:36:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. None

Composition
1. VPP13 word pic
2. We will turn in our Scarlet Ibis questions on Monday.

English H
1. JOTF #12
2. Mask Project
3. VPP13 word pic

Thursday, 01/26/12

2012-01-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Organize your binders in preparation for the binder check.

Composition
1. VPP12 exercise II: Sentence Completion. Study the words and be ready for tomorrow's test.
2. "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" notes - complete the symbolism notes and the summary. We will turn in the "The Scarlet Ibis" questions (see yesterday's blog entry) tomorrow.

English H
1. VPP12 exercise III-V. Study the words and be ready for tomorrow's test.
2. Continue your Mask project.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 01/24-25/12

2012-01-24T18:19:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Organize your binders, be ready to finish all 8 habits on the 8 Ha bits Sheet on Thursday.

Composition
1. VPP12 exercise I (Words in Context) and quiz spelling make-ups (20x each).
2. Read "The Scarlet Ibis" in your Reader, and complete the questions:

1. What is the setting of the story (when/where)?
2. Who is telling the story?
3. What is the problem with Doodle?
4. What is Doodle’s real name? How does he get the name ‘Doodle’?
5. What amazing thing (for him) does Doodle accomplish? Why does the narrator cry when this happens?
6. What nice things does the narrator do for Doodle?
7. What mean things does the narrator do to Doodle?
8. What does Doodle love to do?
9. How does Doodle react to the scarlet ibis?
10. What happens to Doodle at the end?

English H
1. JOTF #10 and #11 (yep, both of 'em).
2. VPP12 exercise I-II and quiz spelling make-ups (20x each).
3. Start working on and thinking about your Mask projects.

Monday, 01/23/12

2012-01-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. none

Composition
1. VPP12 word picture and flashcards. Spelling quiz tomorrow.
2. Complete the Theme paragraph Standards Task. Must be typed and turned in tomorrow. Here is an example:
Most people living in a country involved with war know how it ravages and affects life within that country. According to "The Sniper," by Liam O'Flaherty, the message is that war also tears apart relationships within families as well. In this tale that takes place during the civil war in Ireland, a Republican sniper on a rooftop tricks an enemy Free Stater sniper and, after shooting him, “he peered across and uttered a cry of joy. His enemy had been hit”(O’Flaherty 214). The protagonist, in a battle for his life, kills his enemy on the other side of the war’s conflict; it is resolved with the enemy sniper's death. The resolution of the story's conflict lends to the theme, and concerns the consequences of such a deadly action of war. This consequence is the death of a family member, showing that war tears apart families. When he goes across the street “the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother’s face” (O’Flaherty 215). The death of the sniper's brother at his hands is just one example of how war hurts relationships; specifically that of families. The sniper did not choose to kill his kin, but was put in a situation by the war that led him to do so. This is the deadly outcome of war.O'Flaherty is making a point about the results of war and how it hurts families because of the situations it creates.

English H
1. JOTF #9
2. VPP12 word picture and flashcards. Spelling quiz tomorrow.

Friday, 01/20/12

2012-01-20T14:07:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Fix up binders for next week.
2. Read your IR book!

Composition
1. Fill out the body paragraph sheet for your standards task.
Below is a sample of the standards task written for "The Sniper." Topic sentences are in green, CDs are in blue, CMs are in red, and the anchor is purple.

Most people living in a country involved with war know how it ravages and affects life within that country. According to "The Sniper," by Liam O'Flaherty, the message is that war also tears apart relationships within families as well. In this tale that takes place during the civil war in Ireland, a Republican sniper on a rooftop tricks an enemy Free Stater sniper and, after shooting him, “he peered across and uttered a cry of joy. His enemy had been hit”(O’Flaherty 214). The protagonist, in a battle for his life, kills his enemy on the other side of the war’s conflict; it is resolved with the enemy sniper's death. The resolution of the story's conflict lends to the theme, and concerns the consequences of such a deadly action of war. This consequence is the death of a family member, showing that war tears apart families. When he goes across the street “the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother’s face” (O’Flaherty 215). The death of the sniper's brother at his hands is just one example of how war hurts relationships; specifically that of families. The sniper did not choose to kill his kin, but was put in a situation by the war that led him to do so. This is the deadly outcome of war. O'Flaherty is making a point about the results of war and how it hurts families because of the situations it creates.

English H
1. JOTF #8

Thursday, 01/19/12

2012-01-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Organize binders (binder check tomorrow).
2. Complete the pronoun packet that was handed out in class.

Composition
1. Pick your story for the standards task, look over it, and write down possible themes. The standards task is as follows:
Theme Standards Task
Write one 8-sentence body-style paragraph that explains the theme of one of the stories we have read this school year. Be sure to use 2 or more CDs.
Possible stories: "Big Boy," "The Most Dangerous Game," "The Necklace," "Marigolds," "Thank You, Ma'am," "The Monkey's Paw," "Gift of the Magi," "Flowers for Algernon," "How to Eat a Guava," "The Landlady," "Cinderella," "Little Red Cap," "Cask of Amontillado," "Cranes," "Beware of Dog," "Dog Star," "Crime on Mars," and "The Tell-Tale Heart."

English H
1. JOTF #7

Tuesday-Wednesday, 01/17-18/12

2012-01-17T15:23:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Spelling list G: Write each word 10 times each. The words are as follows:
embarrassing, psychology, financially, necessary, definitely, criticize, conscience, conscious, government, sacrifice

Composition
1. Song & theme. Pick a song you like and write down the title, artist and lyrics (these can be copy/pasted and printed out). Then, at the bottom, write out the theme or themes that your song is communicating. Make sure your theme is universal and not a cliche.

English H
1. JOTF #5 & #6

Friday, 01/13/12

2012-01-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish the All 8 Habits sheet for your Independent Reading book.

Composition
1. Study VPP11 words: Test on Tuesday/Wednesday.
2. Read "Cranes" by Hwang Sunwon on page 135 of the Composition Reader, and answer the following questions on a sheet of paper:

1. What is the setting of the story, both the when and where?
2. What was Songsam’s relationship with Tokchae when they were children?
3. For which side of the war is Songsam fighting?
4. Why is Tokchae a prisoner? Why did he not leave his home with his father?
5. What is Songsam’s internal conflict (p vs. s) regarding Tokchae? How is it resolved?
6. What is the theme of the story? What is it saying about war and friendship?

English H
1. Study VPP11 words: Test on Tuesday/Wednesday.
2. JOTF #3

Thursday, 01/12/12

2012-01-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. None

Composition
1. VPP11 word picture: Your choice of word.
2. Create a mini-card poster like we did in class with a topic, moral, and theme. Use color! The topics are listed below:
period 2 - love
period 4 - family
period 5 - death

English H
1. VPP11 word picture: Your choice of word.
2. Read Lord of the Flies pages 12-17. Be thinking of possible journal entries.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 01/10-11/12

2012-01-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. None

Composition
1. Spelling quiz make-ups, exercise II (sentence completion).

English H
1. Spelling quiz make-ups, exercises III-IV.
2. Journal of the Flies #1.
Download:
-Schedule
-Journal instructions

Monday, 01/09/12

2012-01-09T18:11:00.001-05:00

WELCOME BACK, VIKINGS!

ELAS
1. No homework.

Composition
1. VPP11 notecards and exercise I (Words in Context).

English H
1. VPP11 notecards, exercises I-II.
2. Start bringing Lord of the Flies to class.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays, everyone!

See you next year...

Monday, 12/19/11

2011-12-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

ELAS
1. Study all 60 spelling words to prepare for the final.
2. Study the 8 habits and the 5 ways to annotate a text to prepare for the final.
3. Read your IR book.
ATTENTION: ALL ELAS STUDENTS--BRING YOUR COMPOSITION READER TO THE FINAL ON WEDNESDAY.

Composition

1. Do the Final Review Sheets one, two, three, and four.

2. Bring the following things to the final:

-2 pencils

-2 pens

-blank paper

-your copy of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe.

-your four final exam review sheets

-the vocabulary final

-any unused bathroom passes

-a book or magazine to read for fun

English H

1. Finish your Of Mice and Men projects.
2. Bring the following things to the final:
-2 pens
-blank paper
-your final exam paper
-the vocabulary final
-any unused bathroom passes
-a book or magazine to read for fun

Friday, 12/16/11

2011-12-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Study all 60 spelling words.
2. Read your IR book!

Composition
1. Study all 110 VPP vocabulary words. The final is on Monday.
2. Complete all three Final Review Sheets (one, two, three, four). They are due on the day of the final.
3. Finish the Grade Check Sheet based on your HomeLogic grades.

English H

1. Study all 110 VPP vocabulary words. The final is on Monday.

2. Work on your Of Mice and Men project.

Thursday, 12/15/11

2011-12-15T17:21:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Study all 60 spelling words (lists A-F).
2. Read your IR book! Try to finish it before finals next week.

Composition
1. Study all 110 VPP vocabulary words. The final is on Monday.
2. Complete all three Final Review Sheets (one, two, three, four). They are due on the day of the final.
3. Finish the Grade Check Sheet based on your HomeLogic grades.

English H
1. Work on your Of Mice and Men project.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 12/13/11

2011-12-13T18:37:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. None.

Composition
1. Study VPP vocab lessons 1-10.
2. Complete the Final Review sheets: One, Two, Three, and Four. Due on the day of the final.
3. Complete the irony essay. Final draft due on Thursday. Remember that the essay organizer packet is always included in the links section to the right.

English H
1. Finish reading Of Mice and Men.
2. Complete Curley's Wife's Letter, written in 1st person unreliable limited narrative style to her sister.
3. Work on the Of Mice & Men Project, due the day of the final or earlier.

Thursday, 12/08/11

2011-12-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish reading The Hunger Games chapter 13, and do 10 annotations.
2. Study all spelling lists (A-F) to prepare for the final.

Composition
1. The essay packet for the irony essay is due filled out on Monday. Be sure to check out the first body paragraph that I wrote for you.
2. Study VPP10 to be ready for the test tomorrow!

English H
1. Finish reading Of Mice and Men chapter 3.
2. Create a character dreams & loneliness chart for your group's character.
3. Study VPP10 to be ready for the test tomorrow!

Tuesday-Wednesday, 12/06-07/11

2011-12-06T17:40:00.002-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish The Hunger Games annotations (10 total) on chapter 12.
2. Study Spelling List F in preparation for the quiz Thursday.

Composition
1. VPP10 ex. II (Sentence Completion), and quiz make-ups.
2. Irony essay introduction -- fill in the essay intro organizer sheet. The essay prompt is:
How do authors use irony in literature? Use three example texts to support your thesis.

English H
1. Irony/Symbolism essay final drafts due Thursday.
2. VPP10 ex. III-IV, quiz make-ups.
3. Finish the George and Lennie characterization on the character notes/chart sheet.
4. Read Of Mice and Men chapter 3 up to page 50 (about half way). Pay special attention to George's characterization and any possible foreshadowing.

Monday, 12/5/11

2011-12-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Binder checks tomorrow.
2. James - finish Jaws, for crying out loud!

Composition
1. VPP10 exercise I (Words in Context) and flashcards.
2. Della vs. Mathilda Loisel - 2 CDs. Since we haven't read "The Necklace" yet, just write about what kind of person Della is and back up your opinion with a concrete detail with a citation in correct MLA format.

English H
1. Essay final drafts are due Thursday.
2. VPP10 flashcards and exercises I-II.

Friday, 12/02/11

2011-12-02T16:49:00.002-05:00

ELAS
1. None, except to keep those binders organized.

Composition
1. VPP10 word pictures.
(we will be turning in the sheet that goes along with "Gift of the Magi" on Monday).

English H
1. Read Of Mice and Men chapter 2 and draw five of the characters introduced.
2. Irony/symbolism essay rough drafts due Monday.
3. VPP10 word pics

Tuesday-Wednesday, 11/29-30/11

2011-11-29T18:33:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. No homework.

Composition
1. VPP9 quiz makeups (20X each).
2. VPP9 exercise II (Sentence Completion).
3. MLA sheet - A, B, C example sentences.
4. Write your new verse for the song "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette.
See the lyrics here.
See the music video here.

English H
1. Symbolism/Irony essay: Introduction and CDs. See texts below.
2. VPP9 ex. III & IV (also quiz makeups, 20x each).

Irony:
"Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
"The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty
"Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

Symbolism:
"The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz
"Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
"Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost
"How to Eat a Guava" by Esmerelda Santiago

Monday, 11/28/11

2011-11-28T17:16:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish the tutorial questions sheet.

Composition
1. Complete the work for VPP9: Notes, word pictures, flashcards, and exercise I (Words in Context).
2. Make sure you are caught up in all of your Standards Tasks.

***Click here to download the VPP word picture sheet***

English H
1. Complete the work for VPP9: Notes, word pictures, flashcards, and exercises I-II.
2. Start bringing Of Mice and Men instead of Mythology to class every day.

Tuesday, 11/22/11

2011-11-22T17:16:00.001-05:00

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

ELAS
1. IR - three entries, three days. All on one Cornell note page. Your choice of habit for each one, but each habit should be different.

Composition
1. Fix up and work on any standards tasks that are not yet passing.
2. Have a restful break!

English H
1. Finish your "Red Death" notes: Do the summary tying together the "Red Death" song, the "Illusion of Safety," the symbolism in the story, and the theme in the story.
2. Have a restful break!

Monday, 11/21/11

2011-11-21T17:25:00.002-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish reading "A Vendetta" by Guy de Maupassant and do 10+ annotations. Remember that the annotation types are as follows (you need two of each):
1. 8 Habits
2. Literary Devices (English Comp class stuff)
3. Repetition
4. Vocab
5. Customs/History

Composition
1. Fill out the final box on your trial sheet (if you didn't finish in class) and discuss how the trial went and your reactions to the verdict on a sheet of paper that you will attach to your trial sheet.

English H
1. Finish reading "Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe.
2. Write down (on today's notes) information about your group's symbol:
-What literal information is there on your symbol in the story? (get CDs)
-What might it symbolize?

Friday, 11/18/11

2011-11-18T16:01:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Read your IR book for 15 minutes each day. :)

Composition
1. Prepare for the Montresor TRIAL! Fill out your trial sheet and be ready for Monday.

English H
1. Write about a time you took the "Road Less Traveled By" (the "Road Not Taken") in your life. Did it make "all the difference?" (see the poem at the bottom of this entry).
2. Do the TMNT quiz make-ups. The prompts are below:

1. Kenny is a good student.
2. The more money one has, the more problems one has.
3. Money.
4. People should be frugal with their money.
5. War tears apart families.
6. Do not judge someone based on their outward appearance.
7. Judgment.
8. There is often a disparity between how someone looks on the outside and how they truly are on the inside.

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (1920)

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Thursday, 11/17/11

2011-11-17T18:10:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. IR book: Read 10+ pages and add to your summary sheet. We will do one more tomorrow and have four total.

Composition
1. Flowers For Algernon typed Progress Report journal entry from another character's point of view - first person limited unreliable narrator. TYPED. Your options are as follows:
Pt. 1
Progress Report Mar 10 – Dr. Strauss’s or Dr. Nemur’s POV
Progress Report Mar 25 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 3 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 9 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 15 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Pt. 2
Progress Report May 15 – from Dr. Strauss’s POV
Progress Report July 10 – from Mrs. Flynn’s POV
Progress Report July 25 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report July 27 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report July 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV

English H
1. Take notes on the Symbolism article in the packet.
2. TMNT (Topic/Moral/Neither/Theme) quiz make-up.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 11/15-16/11

2011-11-15T19:05:00.002-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish chapter 8 of The Hunger Games and do 10+ annotations.

Composition
1. Finish Flowers For Algernon (part 2) and the FFA questions.
2. Do the Progress Report journal from another character's point of view (first person limited unreliable. See the choices below: Make sure you type it and reference at least 3-4 events from the text.
Pt. 1
Progress Report Mar 10 – Dr. Strauss’s or Dr. Nemur’s POV
Progress Report Mar 25 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 3 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 9 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 15 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Pt. 2
Progress Report May 15 – from Dr. Strauss’s POV
Progress Report July 10 – from Mrs. Flynn’s POV
Progress Report July 25 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report July 27 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report July 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV

English H
1. Finish your myth essay final draft.
2. Finish the theme notes.
3. Do a little mini-poster on your topic given in class. It should have the topic, a moral relating to that topic, and a theme relating to that topic.

Monday, 11/14/11

2011-11-14T17:29:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish organizing your binder.
2. Complete the Tutorial Tuesday question sheet.
3. Finish reading chapter 7 of The Hunger Games and annotate it, using the 8 habits and new vocabulary.

Composition
1. Read Flowers For Algernon part one (up to page 82).
2. Answer as many questions on the FFA question sheet as you can.

English H
1. Complete the rough draft of your myth essay.
2. Complete the foreshadowing and irony chart.

Thursday, 11/10/11

2011-11-10T18:37:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Write conscience and conscious 10 times each on your spelling words list.
2. Read chapter 7 of The Hunger Games and annotate it, using the sheet we went over in class.

Composition
1. In class we read the article on point of view and narrator on page 24 of the class reader. Take notes on it, and then, on a separate piece of paper, write the mini-story on that page (about the saxophone player) over again...do it in first person limited unreliable point of view from the point of view of either the dog or the girl in the window.
2. Finish your characterization narrative final draft. Be sure to follow Mr. Power's suggestions and to fix the dialogue in the narrative.

English H
1. Write a new verse to the Alanis Morisette song "Ironic" (go here to see the lyrics and here to see the video).
2. Read "Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry on page 142 of the reading workbook.
3. Get the CDs (concrete details) for your mythology essay. Write them into the essay organizer sheet, and be sure to put them in MLA format.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 11/08-09/11

2011-11-08T19:27:00.001-05:00

ELAS
1. Write 10 sentences for each of your spelling list F words.

Composition
1. VPP8 quiz makeups and exercise II (sentence completion).
1. Finish the foreshadowing boxes sheet.

English H
1. VPP8 quiz makeups and exercises III-IV.
2. Finish your essay intro.
3. Read "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty.
4. Read "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant.

Monday, 11/07/11

2011-11-07T15:45:00.000-05:00

ELAS
1. Finish the tutorial questions sheet.
2. Finish the (late) annotation of The Hunger Games chapter 6 if you haven't already done so.

Composition
1. VPP8 flashcards and exercise I, Words in Context.
2. Finish the "Beware of the Dog" continuation paragraph.
3. Finish the "The Landlady" questions (see below)
1. Where is Billy coming from, and what is he trying to find in the town of Bath?
2. What are three things Billy sees that attracts him to the Bed and Breakfast place?
3. What is the first strange thing Billy notices about the landlady?
4. What is another strange thing that the landlady says or does (CD)?
5. Billy thinks he recognizes the names of the two young men in the guest book (Mulholland and Temple). Where does he think he remembers them from?
6. How does the landlady say the two young men were alike?
7. Where does the landlady say the two young men still are? What happened to the landlady’s pets?
8. What does the tea taste like?
9. What do you think will happen to Billy Weaver?
10. Copy two CDs of foreshadowing from the story.

English H
1. VPP8 flashcards and exercises I-II
2. Write your Greek Mythological Allusion Poem.
3. Finish the MLA practice sheet. You can also read the whale article here and watch the video here.

Friday, 11/04/11

2011-11-04T18:01:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. The Hunger Games - finish reading chapter 6, and finish annotating the text.

Composition
1. VPP8 word picture.
2. Characterization narrative typed draft due Monday.

English H
1. VPP8 word picture.
2. Start thinking of a poem you will write using Greek mythological allusions.

Thursday, 11/03/11

2011-11-03T16:49:00.002-04:00

I apologize to all parents and students who were unable to see Tuesday's and yesterday's blog entry: I was still feeling sick and was not able to update the website.

ELAS
1. Binder check tomorrow...be prepaaaaaared!

Composition
1. VPP7 -- study for the test tomorrow and have the packet ready.
2. Characterization narrative (standards tasks!) typed drafts are due Monday or tomorrow for extra credit.
3. Finish the foreshadowing notes if you haven't already done so.

Here are the questions for "The Landlady" from the projector:
1. Where is Billy coming from, and what is he trying to find in the town of Bath?
2. What are three things Billy sees that attracts him to the Bed and Breakfast place?
3. What is the first strange thing Billy notices about the landlady?
4. What is another strange thing that the landlady says or does (CD)?
5. Billy thinks he recognizes the names of the two young men in the guest book (Mulholland and Temple). Where does he think he remembers them from?
6. How does the landlady say the two young men were alike?
7. Where does the landlady say the two young men still are? What happened to the landlady’s pets?
8. What does the tea taste like?
9. What do you think will happen to Billy Weaver?
10. Copy two CDs of foreshadowing from the story.

English H
1. VPP7 -- study for the test tomorrow and have the packet ready.
2. Finish the myth packet if you haven't already done so.

Monday, 10/31/11

2011-10-31T17:09:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

ELAS
1. Finish your 10 spelling sentences using each spelling word.
2. Finish your tutorial question sheets.

Composition
1. VPP7 word picture due tomorrow (we'll do notes on the words, too).
2. Characterization narrative rough drafts due tomorrow (bring your rubrics and chart sheets as well).
3. "The Monkey's Paw" questions are due tomorrow for those classes that finished the story.

English H

1. VPP7 word picture due tomorrow (we'll do notes on the words, too).
2. Myth packets due tomorrow.

Friday, 10/28/11

2011-10-28T17:20:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Finish your 8 Habits from chapter 5 of The Hunger Games if you haven't already. Organize your binder.

Composition
1. VPP7 word picture.
2. Characterization narrative rough draft due Monday. Use your characterization boxes sheet and rubric to guide you.

English H
1. VPP7 word picture.
2. Myth packets due Monday.

Thursday, 10/27/11

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Finish chapter 5 of The Hunger Games and the 8 Habits on one sheet.
2. Organize your binder and have it ready for the check.

Composition
1. VPP6 - study for the test tomorrow!
2. Complete your characterization narrative sheet and work on the rough draft (due Monday). Check the characterization narrative rubric to make sure you are doing everything you need to do.

English H
1. VPP6 - study for the test tomorrow!
2. Complete the myth packet. Due on Monday.

Monday, 10/25/11

2011-10-25T18:53:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Finish reading chapter 5 of The Hunger Games.

Composition
1. Do VPP6 exercise II (Sentence Completion)
2. Finish the characterization sheet.

English H
1. VPP6 exercises III & IV.
2. Myth packets! Due on Monday.

Monday, 10/24/11

2011-10-24T18:22:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Finish the tutorial questions sheet.

Composition
1. Do the VPP6 word picture, exercise I (Words in Context), and flashcards.

English H
1. Do the VPP6 word picture, exercise I (Words in Context), and flashcards.
2. Do at least two stories in the myth packet.

Tuesday-Friday, 10/18/11

2011-10-18T18:02:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Study your spelling lists A-D.
2. Organize your binder.
3. Remember to bring a pen, your IR Book, and The Hunger Games for the midterm.

Composition
1. Complete your VPP1-5 midterm crossword.
2. Complete the midterm study guide.
3. Bring a pen for the midterm.

English H
1. Complete your VPP1-5 midterm crossword.
2. Complete the midterm study guide.
3. Bring a pen, your myth packet, and an IR book to the midterm.

Monday, 10/17/11

2011-10-17T17:30:00.001-04:00

ELAS1. Study your spelling list for lists A&B, C, and D. Go to this address below to download the list:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2659783/elas%20spelling%20lists.doc
2. Organize your binder (it is part of the midterm!).
3. Finish the tutorial Qs sheet for the things you learned the whole year in each class.

Composition
1. Study VPP lessons 1-5. The vocabulary midterm starts tomorrow. You need to know the definition, part of speech, and spelling of each word. You also need to be able to correctly use the word in a sentence.
2. Do any fix-ups you need to do. Please remember: Standards Tasks must be completed in order to pass the class!!

English H
1. Study VPP lessons 1-5. The vocabulary midterm starts tomorrow. You need to know the definition, part of speech, and spelling of each word. You also need to be able to correctly use the word in a sentence.
2. Continue working on your myth story packets.

To find the online magic card generator for the card project, go here:

http://magic.falseblue.com/

Thursday, 10/13/11

2011-10-13T20:01:00.002-04:00

ELAS
1. Study your spelling lists to prepare for the midterm
2. Organize your binder.
3. Tutorial Qs - we will turn them in on Monday.

Composition
1. Characterization Cornell notes -- you are to read "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes on page 70 of the reader and include the following information on your Cornell notes from class today:
-What indirect characterization do you see from Miss Luella Bates Washington Jones?
-What do you learn about the character and personality of Miss Luella Bates Washington Jones?

English H
1. Work on your myth card projects.
2. Work on your myth readings packets (at least finish the story of Dionysus).

To find the online magic card generator for the card project, go here:

http://magic.falseblue.com/

Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/11-12/11

2011-10-11T17:05:00.002-04:00

ELAS
1. Study your spelling list (test Thursday).
2. Organize your binder (check soon).
3. Finish your tutorial questions sheet that we worked on in tutoring.

Composition
1. Setting & Mood writing pieces: Fix up into a typed draft -- this is a standards task -- and turn in on Thursday with the rubric.
2. Keep studying VPP1-5.

English H
1. Keep working on those myth projects. They should be almost finished at this point.
2. Keep studying VPP1-5.

Monday, 10/10/11

2011-10-10T17:32:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Study your spelling list.
2. Organize your binder.
3. Complete the tutorial worksheet before tomorrow! (First half only).

Composition
1. Finish the figurative language sheet if you didn't turn it in today.
2. Finish the cut-and-paste tense sheet.
3. Study VPP1-5 for the midterm next week.

English H
1. Work on your myth project!
2. Study VPP1-5 for the midterm next week.

Friday, 10/07/11

2011-10-07T17:10:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Binder organization. Check on Monday.

Composition
1. Add more to your setting writing piece. This will become the next standards task. Make sure you have added many sensory details and one of each type of figurative language to the writing. Underline each figurative language example.
2. Study VPP1-5 for the midterm.

English H
1. Complete your essay final draft. Due Monday.
2. Start really working on the Myth Beings Card Project. Due 10/17.
3. Study VPP1-5 for the midterm.

To find the online magic card generator for the card project, go here:

http://magic.falseblue.com/

Thursday, 10/06/11

2011-10-06T18:29:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Fix up your binder in preparation for binder checks tomorrow.
2. Spelling word re-writes (any words you missed when writing the sentences today).
3. Summarize pages 48-49 of The Hunger Games on your notes we took in class.

Composition

1. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
2. VPP5 -- study for tomorrow's test.
3. Persuasive/Opinion Essay - work on your rough draft and fix it up. Type up the final draft -- due tomorrow.
4. Setting & Mood writing piece. Due tomorrow. Also don't forget to turn in the Figurative Language notes if you haven't already.

English H

1. VPP5 -- study for tomorrow's test.
2. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
3. Persuasive/Opinion Essay - work on your rough draft and fix it up. Type up the final draft -- due Monday.
4. Mythological beings notes -- continue taking notes on all beings with names in ALL CAPS from part 1 chapter 1. Due tomorrow.
5. Humanlike god miniproject: Create a Greek-like god like the example of Loopy Hamsterbuns in class. Include a picture.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/04-05/11

2011-10-04T18:29:00.003-04:00

ELAS
1. Study your spelling words, and write them five times each.

Composition
1. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
2. VPP5 quiz makeups and exercise II: Sentence Completion.
3. Persuasive/Opinion Essay - work on your rough draft and fix it up. Type up the final draft -- due Friday.
4. Setting & Mood writing piece. Due tomorrow.

English H
1. VPP5 notes, flashcards, and exercises III-IV.
2. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
3. Persuasive/Opinion Essay - work on your rough draft and fix it up. Type up the final draft -- due Monday.
4. Mythological beings notes -- continue taking notes on all beings with names in ALL CAPS from part 1 chapter 1. Due Friday.
5. Humanlike god miniproject: Create a Greek-like god like the example of Loopy Hamsterbuns in class. Include a picture.

*****instructions for voting: freshman ASB position*****

1. Watch the video by clicking HERE.

2. Vote by filling in the bubble on the scantron sheet.

3. Only vote for one candidate for each position.
4. Give the scantron ballot to Mr. Power tomorrow.

4. The candidates' numbers are as follows:

For President

Emily Dennis-Keep #1

Andrea Cadena #2

Tyler Spriggs #3

N'Dierra Jennings #4

For Vice-President

Gregory Mitchell #10

Charise Montgomery #11

For Secretary

Paula Diaz #21

Areania Robinson #22

Helena Tewolde #23

For Treasurer

Sierra Jennings #31

Sullivan Lyons #32

Monday, 10/03/11

2011-10-03T19:03:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Study the spelling words for the test tomorrow: Accomplish, Believe, Criticize, Disappear, Financially, Grammar, Height, Intelligence, Jewelry, Knowledge

Composition
1. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
2. VPP5 notes, flashcards, and exercise I: Words in Context.
3. Persuasive/Opinion Essay - work on your rough draft and fix it up. Type up the final draft -- due Friday.

English H
1. VPP5 notes, flashcards, and exercises I-II.
2. Organize the English section of your binders in reverse chronological order.
3. Essay rough draft -- write it up using your intro sheet and packet.
4. Mythological beings notes -- continue taking notes on all beings with names in ALL CAPS from part 1 chapter 1. Due Friday.
5. My origin myth: Write a short mythological story that explains one of the following questions from the notes in class --

How did we all get here?
What are volcanoes?
Why do the seasons change?
Why do flowers exist?
Why does the sun rise and set?

Thursday, 09/29/11

2011-09-29T19:27:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Write each spelling word five times:
2. Organize your binders! Be ready for the check tomorrow.

Composition
1. Essay rough drafts are due Monday. They can be written or typed.
2. VPP4 - study for the test.
3. Finish the summary for the setting notes (page 17 in the Reader).

English H
1. VPP4 - study for the test.
2. Fill in the essay organizer packet for your opinion essay.
3. Start getting ideas about the mythology card beings project...

ALL CLASSES: YOU CAN NOW DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THE COMPOSITION COURSE READER HERE AND IN THE LINKS SECTION TO THE RIGHT. YOU'RE WELCOME.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 09/27-28/11

2011-09-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Work on organizing your binders (again).
2. Study the spelling words: Accomplish, Believe, Criticize, Disappear, Financially, Grammar, Height, Intelligence, Jewelry, Knowledge

Composition
1. VPP4 quiz makeup (20x each for missed words), exercise II (Sentence Completion).
2. Finish the essay packet.
3. Choose to read either "Dog Star" or "Crime on Mars" by Arthur C. Clarke, and then fill out the worksheet that goes along with it. You may work with a partner or group of three.

English H
1. VPP4 quiz makeup (20x each for missed words), exercise II (Sentence Completion).
2. Complete the essay evidence sheet.
3. Read the myth article and take notes on it.

Monday, 09/26/11

2011-09-26T17:24:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Study & practice spelling words: Arguing, Choose, Chose, Definitely, Embarrassing, Environment, February, Government, Humorous, Loneliness, Marriage, Necessary, Opinion, Paid, Repetition, Sacrifice, Tragedy, Until, Woman, Women
2. Continue organizing your binder, and keep it organized until Friday.

Composition
1. Complete the essay organizer packet, except for the Conclusion page.
2. VPP4 notes, flashcards, and exercise I: Words in Context.
3. Finish the Marigolds plot/conflict side of the sheet if you didn't in class.

English H
1. VPP4 notes, flashcards, and exercises I-II.
2. Write your opinion in the 'closing statement' box of the trial sheet: What did you think about the evidence?

Friday, 09/22/11

2011-09-23T16:30:00.002-04:00

ELAS
1. Continue organizing your binder.
2. Study the spelling words (written below)
Arguing, Choose, Chose, Definitely, Embarrassing, Environment, February, Government, Humorous, Loneliness, Marriage, Necessary, Opinion, Paid, Repetition, Sacrifice, Tragedy, Until, Woman, Women

Composition
1. VPP4 word picture.
2. Finish your essay CDs (concrete details) on the sheet from Thursday.
3. We'll be turning in the Marigolds head and conflict/plot sheet on Monday.

English H
1. VPP4 word picture.
2. Finish your trial research and be ready to present your case on Monday.
3. Finish the improved draft of your Setting & Mood writing piece.

Thursday, 09/22/11

2011-09-22T13:15:00.002-04:00

ELAS
1. Binders! Organize them.

Composition
1. VPP3 - study for the test tomorrow.
2. Continue getting CDs for your persuasive/opinion essay. These are due Monday.
3. Finish the Character's Empty Head sheet for Lizabeth in the story "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier.

English H
1. VPP3 - study for the test tomorrow.
2. Montresor trial research - be ready to present your case in the trial of The People vs. Montresor.
3. Setting & Mood writing assignment - do the next draft of the setting/mood writing assignment. It is due Monday.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 09/20-21/11

2011-09-20T19:18:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Keep your binders organized.
2. Write sentences using each of the misspelled words from the spelling word sentences we wrote in class.

Composition
1. VPP3 quiz corrections (20 times each), exercise II in the book (sentence completion)--remember to copy the entire sentence.
2. Complete the worksheet getting facts (CDs, or concrete details) for your persuasive/opinion essay.
3. Finish the tense worksheet.
****if you still need to read "Big Boy" by David Sedaris or "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell, click one of the the links.

English H
1. VPP3 quiz corrections (20 times each), exercises III & IV in the book.
2. Finish reading "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, finish the worksheet, and do the perspective journal. The journal information is as follows:
Choose one of the following journals and label it with the information below.

Pt. 1
*Progress Report Mar 8 – from Dr. Strauss’s or Dr. Nemur’s POV
Progress Report Mar 10 – Dr. Strauss’s or Dr. Nemur’s POV
Progress Report Mar 25 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 3 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report Apr 9 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 15 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report Apr 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Pt. 2
*Progress Report May 15 – from Dr. Strauss’s POV
Progress Report July 10 – from Mrs. Flynn’s POV
Progress Report July 25 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Progress Report July 27 – from Joe Carp’s or Frank Reilly’s POV
Progress Report July 28 – from Miss Kinnian’s POV
Be sure to reference at least 3-4 events from the text.

Monday, 09/19/11

2011-09-19T17:20:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Read your IR book!
2. Answer questions 1-5 on the Hunger Games chapter 2 questions sheet.

Composition
1. VPP3 notes, flashcards, and exercise I (Words in Context).
2. Finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell and fill out the conflict and plot sheet for that story and for "Big Boy" by David Sedaris.
**also finish the Most Dangerous Game parts I & II questions if you haven't already

English H
1. VPP3 notes, flashcards, and exercise I-II.
2. Write the story from the narrator article of your packet from the first- or third-person point of view of either the girl or the dog. Write which one you chose, first- or third- person, and omniscient or limited narrator type at the top.

Thursday, 09/15/11

2011-09-15T10:04:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. no homework! Have a great weekend. Congratulations to the following tie-tying competition winners:
Speed tie winners:
1st - Andrew Morales
2nd - Steven Chavez
3rd - James Cunningham
Blindfolded tie winners:
1st - Dalton Cabuto
2nd - Sadique Hayward
3rd - James Cunningham
Ultimate tie winners:
1st - Navari Julius
2nd - Paulina Prochazkova
3rd - Ty Roller

Composition
1. Study for your VPP2 test, finish exercise II (sentence completion) - remember to copy the complete sentences.
2. Finish reading "The Most Dangerous Game" parts I and II (we'll finish part III in class). Then finish the questions sheet. This is all due on Monday.

English H
1. Study for your VPP2 test, finish exercises IV-V.
2. Add to the next draft of your mood setting paragraph and type it. Remember to add the following:
-past tense (all verbs)
-sensory details - cover all five senses except taste
-figurative language - at least one of each of the four types - simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole

Tuesday-Wednesday, 9/13-14/11

2011-09-13T18:29:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Bring ties to class, and practice your tie-tying skills.
2. Finish writing each of the spelling words five times each, and finish writing one sentence using each word. The words in Spelling list A are: Arguing, Choose, Chose, Definitely, Embarrassing, Environment, February, Government, Humorous, Loneliness, Marriage, Necessary, Opinion, Paid, Repetition, Sacrifice, Tragedy, Until, Woman, Women

Composition
1. Do make-ups for VPP2 quiz, and complete exercise I, Words in Context.
2. On your persuasive essay topic sheet, write down three reasons why you are right about your opinion.

English H
1. Do make-ups for VPP2 quiz, and complete exercises II-IV.
2. Complete the mood setting paragraph on the mood setting sheet.

Monday, 09/12/11

2011-09-12T17:27:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Remember to bring your ties to class! Click here to watch the instructional video we watched in class.

Composition
1. VPP2 (Vocabulary Power Plus lesson 2) notes - finish. Also create flashcards for the words.
2. Pick one of your five topics for your persuasive essay. Write a few sentences explaining why you chose that topic.

English Honors
1. VPP2 (Vocabulary Power Plus lesson 2) notes - finish. Also create flashcards for the words.
2. Read Marigolds by Eugenia Collier and complete the Lizabeth's head side of the worksheet.

Friday, 09/09/11

2011-09-09T16:23:00.002-04:00

ELAS
1. Practice your tie tying skills in preparation for the contest next week. Click here to watch the youtube video we watched in class.

Composition
1. Complete your VPP lesson 2 picture.
2. Finish the take-home VPP1 test.

English H

1. Complete your VPP lesson 2 picture.
2. Finish the take-home VPP1 test.

Thursday, 09/08/11

2011-09-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. No homework - continue to bring your IR book and binder every day.

Composition
1. First vocabulary test tomorrow! Study, study, study: Use your flash cards, your notes, your exercises, and your copied picture sheet.
2. Finish Exercise II: Sentence Completion in your VPP (Vocabulary Power Plus book).
3. Make up the points on your spelling quiz, if applicable.
4. Period 5 only: Label the type of conflict from your TV show on your notes.

English H
1. First vocabulary test tomorrow! Study, study, study: Use your flash cards, your notes, your exercises, and your copied picture sheet. Make sure all exercises are complete.
2. Finish the conflict and plot chart for "The Most Dangerous Game" and "Big Boy".

Tuesday-Wednesday, 09/06-07/11

2011-09-06T17:47:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. No homework except to bring your ties to class.

Composition
1. Do your VPP (vocabulary power plus) lesson one flashcards and exercises (Words in Context, Sentence Completion).
2. Watch one TV show in story form--no reality, news, or sports--and write down two conflicts in the story. Explain them in terms of wants...but... on your conflict notes from today.

English H
1. Do your VPP (vocabulary power plus) lesson one flashcards and continue your exercises.
2. Read "The Most Dangerous Game" and answer one prompt per page in the interactive reader.

Friday, 09/02/11

2011-09-02T18:14:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Read for 30+ minutes out of your IR book.
2. Bring your tie to class every day next week!

Composition
1. Finish the improvements on your typed letter to Mr. Power. Make sure it is printed out.
2. Complete the vocabulary picture for VPP lesson 1 (download the sheet here).

English H
1. Read the story Big Boy by David Sedaris and write down the conflicts you see on your notes.
2. Complete the vocabulary picture for VPP lesson 1 (download the sheet here).
3. Keep looking for an IR book. Start bringing it to class next week.

Thursday, 09/01/11

2011-09-01T17:18:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Take your IR (independent reading) books home and bring them back again tomorrow.

Composition
1. Improve your rough draft letter to Mr. Power and work on typing up a better draft--due Tuesday.

English H
1. TV show conflicts: On your notes, describe two conflicts from a show you watch this evening. Bonus--guess what type of conflict it is!
2. Complete VPP (Vocabulary Power Plus) lesson I exercise 2 (sentence completion).
3. IR book - get one! Start bringing it in.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 08/30/11-09/01/11

2011-08-30T17:23:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Finish your three reactions to the book you interviewed in class. Don't forget the summary of what happened in your book!
(download the syllabus here)

Composition
1. Correct your syllabus quiz.
2. Review the summer reading (our first test will be on The Giver).
3. Finish the rough draft of the letter to Mr. Power.

English H
1. Finish draft two of your Who I Am letter.
2. Finish VPP (Vocabulary Power Plus) lesson 1 notes and exercise I (Words in Context).
3. Get an IR book to bring to class every day.
(download the syllabus here)

Monday, 08/29/11

2011-08-29T19:52:00.000-04:00

ELAS
1. Work on your weekly goal.

Composition
1. Complete the syllabus information sheet and have your parent/guardian sign it.
2. Review the summer reading in preparation for the quizzes.

English H

1. Complete the syllabus information sheet and have your parent/guardian sign it.
2. Review the summer reading in preparation for the quizzes.
3. Do your syllabus quiz corrections in preparation for turning them in tomorrow.

Friday, 08/26/11

2011-08-26T16:55:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Start thinking of a book you'd like to read (on your own)!
2. Have your parent or guardian fill out the syllabus form and bring it on Monday.

Composition
1. Sign the classroom rules and bring the sheet on Monday.

English H
1. Sign the classroom rules and bring the sheet on Monday.

****Remember, for all classes the "drop dead" book due date for all books for the entire year is Tuesday, September 6th. See our text requirements here.

Welcome Home, Vikings!

2011-08-25T18:23:00.001-04:00

To all new Vikings: Welcome Home!

I am extremely excited at the prospect of this new year, and to see faces both new and old. I hope that this year will be marked by caring, communication, a broadening of horizons, and lots of enjoyable learning in the classroom. Here is some information that might be helpful:

Summer projects are due! You can find the summer project assignment sheets for download here. Click here for the 9th grade English Composition summer project assignment. Click here for the English Honors summer project assignment.

Students need their books as soon as possible! Click here to see a list of required class texts for this year with their ISBN numbers and purchasing links to Amazon.com. Click here to see the list for the year.

Students need materials! They should have a 3" binder, lined looseleaf paper, subject dividers, a pencil pouch, blue ink pens, black ink pens, red ink pens, green ink pens, scissors, tape, and highlighters.

It is important that students and parents know the classroom expectations and rules. C lick here to check 'em out.

Have a blessed year, and keep checking back!

-Mr. Power

Required Class Texts, 2011-2012

2011-08-25T18:21:00.005-04:00

The following is a complete list of the required class texts for each class. Clicking on the title of the text will take you to the Amazon.com page where you can order the text. For more information, check the class syllabus. NOTE: The 2011-2012 Class Reader can ONLY be purchased through Bernard's Books.

9th grade Composition

Ninth Grade English Class Composition Reader 2011-2012
Edited by Robin Power
ISBN: N/A, purchase here

Vocabulary Power Plus for the New SAT Book One
ISBN: 9781580492539

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
By Edith Hamilton
ISBN: 9780446607254

Of Mice and Men
By John Steinbeck
ISBN: 9780140177398

Lord of the Flies
By William Golding
ISBN: 9780399501487

Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
ISBN: 9781411400368

English Honors

Vocabulary Power Plus for the New SAT Book One
ISBN: 9781580492539

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
By Edith Hamilton
ISBN: 9780446607254

To Kill a Mockingbird
By Harper Lee
9780446310789

Lord of the Flies
By William Golding
ISBN: 9780399501487

The Red Badge of Courage
By Stephen Crane
9781593081195

Fahrenheit 451
By Ray Bradbury
9780345342966

Of Mice and Men
By John Steinbeck
ISBN: 9780140177398

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain
9781593081393

Romeo and Juliet
By William Shakespeare
ISBN: 9781411400368

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*
By Ken Kesey
9780451163967
(*you may wait until next semester to purchase this text)

Thursday, 08/25/11

2011-08-25T18:02:00.001-04:00

ELAS
1. Bring your 3" binder to class.
2. Bring your signed handbook contract form.
3. Get a good night's sleep. :)

Composition
1. Bring your 3" binder to class
2. Bring your class reader and vocabulary book to be checked.
3. Bring your rules sheet to be finished in class.

***Click here to find download links to the required class texts for this year***

English H
1. Bring your 3" binder to class.
2. Bring your Mythology and vocabulary books to be checked.
3. Write a formal personal letter to Mr. Power that discusses the question "Who am I?" Follow the format we used in class.

***Click here to find download links to the required class texts for this year***

Wednesday, 08/25/11

2011-08-24T10:40:00.001-04:00

Welcome, class of 2015!

Directions: Look at the picture that corresponds to your period and email a description of the picture to Mr. Power.

Period 4:

Period 5:

Use one of these tools if you don't have an email account:
https://www.whisperbot.com/send/
http://www.venompen.com/write.php

English Honors homework:
1. Watch If You Really Knew Me episode 106 (click here for the link).
2. Copy and answer the following questions:
1. If I had to fit into a "clique" or "label," what would it be?
2. What would I want/wish my label to be?
3. What are my strengths? My weaknesses?
4. How do I think others see me?
5. What drives/motivates me?
6. What would I want my memorial or epitaph to be?
7. Who do I want to be?
8. What did I think of the If You Really Knew Me episode? Explain.

Tuesday 08/23/11

2011-08-23T13:08:00.003-04:00

Welcome, class of 2015!

Period 2:

Period 3:

Summertime and the Next School Year

2011-06-13T15:36:00.001-04:00

Students! Find the section below that applies to you for English information for next year.

Next year's Junior Class
Download your summer reading assignment here. You will need to get two books, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt, and read them over the summer (honors students will need to download this assignment and will need to also read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain). Please remember, do NOT buy a class reader from one of last year's juniors. The reader has changed, and you need the updated version. Remember to get next year's school books online from Bernard's Books over the summer.

Next year's Sophomore Class
Download your summer reading assignment here. You will need to get two books, A Separate Peace by John Knowles and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, and read them over the summer (honors students will need to download this assignment and will need to also read The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein). Remember to get next year's school books online from Bernard's Books over the summer.

Next year's incoming Freshmen
Download your summer reading assignment here. You will need to get two books, The Giver by Lois Lowry and A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry , and read them over the summer. Remember to get next year's school books online from Bernard's Books over the summer.

Finals!

2011-06-07T14:27:00.002-04:00

To all students: Good Luck and God Bless on all of your finals!

World Literature:
Please remember to bring your vocabulary final and your mother/daughter sheets to class. Be prepared to present your culture.

Composition
Please remember to bring your vocabulary final, your Journal of the Flies packet, and your final review packet. Be ready for your final!

Have a great summer!

Monday, 06/06/11

2011-06-06T16:19:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Finish your vocabulary take-home final. It is due the day of your class final.
2. If you have any unused bathroom passes, bring them on the day of the final.
3. Be ready to present your culture for three minutes on the day of the final. You should be able to locate your culture's country on a world map. Also, you will receive a higher grade if you bring in snacks from your culture. :)

Composition
1. Finish your vocabulary take-home final. It is due the day of your class final.
2. If you have any unused bathroom passes, bring them on the day of the final.
3. Bring your completed Journal of the Flies packet with all 19 (really 18) journals.
4. Study for the final! Complete the final review packet.

Friday, 06/03/11

2011-06-03T11:57:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Research Paper - finish your final draft. Final drafts are due on Monday. Remember, your final draft should have a title page, a 6+ page written paper, and a works cited page.

Composition
1. JOTF #19 "Cry of the Hunters" part 2 - finish the book!

On Monday we will:
2. Put all of your JOTFs together to make the JOTF project packet. Don't forget a nice cover!
3. Do your Lord of the Flies essay.

Thursday, 06/02/11

2011-06-02T12:35:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Research Paper - finish the final draft, including the title page and works cited page.
2. The Joy Luck Club - finish the Mother/Daughter sheet.

Tomorrow the final begins. Be sure to bring your one page front-and-back handwritten "cheat sheet," PENS, and PAPER. Good luck.

Also, check out the Summer Reading and assignment list for American Literature next year (click here for the honors version). If you bring in the summer reading books on the day of the final, you get extra credit.

Composition
1. JOTF #18 (183-192), "Cry of the Hunters." You can keep reading and finish the book early if you like.
2. Research Paper - finish the peer review, and finish improving the final draft of your research paper. Print it out if you want to avoid a print line tomorrow.

Also, check out the Summer Readin g and assignment list for World Literature class next year (click here for the honors version). If you bring in the summer reading books on the day of the final, you get extra credit.

Tuesday/Wednesday, 05/31/11-06/01/11

2011-05-31T15:04:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Research Paper - Finish your rough draft, including your conclusion.
2. The Joy Luck Club - Finish reading "Magpies," and finish filling in the Mother/Daughter sheet.

Composition
1. JOTF #17, (169-182) ch. 11 "Castle Rock"
2. Research Paper - Peer review two research papers, fix up your rough drafts.

Friday, 05/27/11

2011-05-27T14:22:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Research Paper - write your introduction and start writing/typing the body paragraphs.
2. The Joy Luck Club - Read "Magpies" and fill out the Mother/Daughter sheet.

*please bring your vocabulary book next week

Composition
1. JOTF #15 (145-154) ch. 9 "A View to a Death"
2. JOTF #16 (155-168) ch. 10 "The Shell and the Glasses"
3. Research Paper - add a title page and headings to your paper. And catch up!
4. Don't forget your mask project...

*please bring your vocabulary book next week

Thursday, 05/26/11

2011-05-26T12:51:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Research Paper - complete the outline for your paper.
2. The Joy Luck Club - finish your parent story, and finish reading "Without Wood" and filling in the mother/daughter sheet.

Composition
1. JOTF #14 (finish the chapter "A Gift for the Darkness")
2. Research Paper - complete the Works Cited page* for your paper.
3. Don't forget to finish up your Mask Project.

*For more help with the Works Cited page, visit http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/05/ -- it is an excellent resource. On the left is a menu that goes over specific works cited entries. In fact, the whole website is great for helping out with anything related to a research paper or MLA format!

Final Comprehension Extra Credit Assignments

2011-05-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

Students and Parents --

You have the opportunity to raise your grade one whole letter grade by completing one of these two packets and turning it in the day before the final. In order to do this, however, the entire packet must be done extremely well. That means you must follow the directions very, very carefully. They will require an intense amount of work, and they will not be easy! But they will show me that you have learned what we have been doing this year. Links to download the packets are below and in the links section to the right. Please email me if you have any questions about them.

World Literature Final Comprehension Extra Credit packet

Composition Final Comprehension Extra Credit packet

Tuesday/Wednesday, 05/24-25/11

2011-05-24T15:42:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Talk to your parent/guardian and write up the meaningful parent story we discussed in class.
2. Keep taking notes on your sources. Your 5+ source cards and 90+ note cards are due by the end of Wednesday.
3. Read "Without Wood" and do the Mother/Daughter sheet for it (by Friday).

Composition
1. JOTF #13 - use the pre-done Cornell notes sheet for it.
2. Continue working on your mask project (due Friday).
3. Research paper body paragraphs due by Thursday on Google docs. Finish your conclusion on it as well!

Monday, 05/23/11

2011-05-23T18:47:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Finish the essay introduction for the Fate/Faith essay. The essay prompt is below.
2. Keep taking notes on your sources. Your 5+ source cards and 90+ note cards are due by the end of Wednesday.

Fate/Faith essay prompt:
In the chapter “Half and Half” from the novel The Joy Luck Club, author Amy Tan’s character Rose Hsu Jordan says "I discovered that maybe it was fate all along, that faith was just an illusion that somehow you're in control" (121). Do you agree or disagree? Write a personal essay* in which you explain why, using examples from your experiences to illustrate your answer.

Composition
1. JOTF #11.
2. Continue working on your mask project (due Friday).
3. Research paper body paragraphs due by Thursday on Google docs.

Friday, 05/20/11

2011-05-20T13:08:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Read "Half and Half" and fill in the Mother/Daughter sheet for it. Be ready to discuss the thought questions in class. The thought questions are posted below.
2. Complete 3+ source cards and 10+ note cards and have them in class on Monday.

Why is the title of the chapter “Half and Half?” What are the two halves literally? How about figuratively? Who exhibits both these halves?
What will An-mei tell Rose after Rose reveals her divorce plans (according to Rose)? What does this say about An-mei?
Why is Rose attracted to Ted? How is this different from how she is? What is her problem? How does this partially lead to her divorce?
Does Rose believe more in Fate or Faith? How about An-mei?
What is nengkan? Why is it ironic that it is a Chinese term? What does it have to do with the American dream? Who believes in it?
Why does Rose say An-mei “lost her faith in God?” Hint: Bing. Is Rose right? How do you know? What is the significance of the way she wrote Bing’s name in the Bible?

Composition
1. JOTF #10 (76-95) ch.5 "Beast from Water."
2. Work on your mask project.
3. Keep writing your research paper body paragraphs.*
*Monday is the last day to have your note cards finished and checked in for a grade.

Thursday, 05/19/11

2011-05-19T12:21:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Complete the Mother/Daughter stories comparison sheet for the story "Scar" that we read in class.
2. Continue your research! Keep finding sources and make source cards. Then start taking notes on your note cards.

Composition
1. JOTF #9 (63-75) ch. 4 "Painted Faces and Long Hair".
2. Work on your mask project.
3. Keep writing your research paper body paragraphs.*
*Monday is the last day to have your note cards finished and checked in for a grade.

Tuesday/Wednesday, 05/17-18/11

2011-05-17T14:48:00.002-04:00

World Literature
1. Read chapter 1, "The Joy Luck Club," from The Joy Luck Club. Complete the take-home quiz questions (see below). I could not locate the text online - you will have to buy it or get it from the library.
2. Continue getting sources for your research paper. Create source cards for each source.

ch 1 quiz questions:
1. Where was the first Joy Luck Club started?
2. Name one thing Suyuan Woo (Jing-Mei Woo’s mother) had to drop in her escape from the Japanese army.
3. What way does the Joy Luck Club actually make money (through “luck”)?
4. Name two opinions that Suyuan has about An-mei.
5. What happened to An-mei when she went back to visit China?
5. At which corner of the table did Suyuan Woo sit (Jing-Mei sits there now)?
6. Why do the Joy Luck mothers look worried when they Jing-Mei claims she didn’t know her own mother very well?

Composition
1. Finish JOTF #9 (63 - 75), ch.4 "Painted Faces and Long Hair"
2. Continue working on the body paragraphs of your research paper. Type them into the google docs or write them down from your note cards and then transfer them over.

Monday, 05/16/11

2011-05-16T18:31:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Finish The Last Samurai packet.
2. Continue researching your culture for your paper. Write down the names of your sources.
3. Read and underline the important parts of From China to Gold Mountain.

*keep studying VPP words - 5 words a night - to be ready for you final!

Composition
1. Finish JOTF #7 (48-57), ch. 3.
2. Finish your research paper introduction.
3. Start writing your research paper body paragraphs.

*keep studying VPP words - 5 words a night - to be ready for you final!

Friday, 05/13/11

2011-05-13T18:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry if you visited the blog yesterday - blogger was down and I was not able to update. But here are the assignments for the weekend:

World Literature
1. Study for VPP17 test - the test and packet have been postponed to Monday.
2. Finish The Last Samurai project packet. If you were absent and missed part of the movie then you need to either find it online or rent it.
3. Find research sources and continue your research for your research paper.

Composition
1. Journal of the Flies #6 (finish reading chapter 2).
2. Finish the Research Paper Introduction sheet. Be ready to start writing the body paragraphs of your paper next week.

Happy Friday!

Tuesday-Wednesday, 05/10-11/11

2011-05-10T18:14:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Complete the Research Paper Inquiry sheet.
2. Bring in 100 notecards (3x5 is great) to class with your name on the back of every one.

3. Complete the Things Fall Apart essay (final due Thursday, typed) with your group.

Composition

1. Complete your Research Paper Outline if you haven't already done so.

2. Finish JOTF (Journal of the Flies) #4 - we read the selection in class already.

Monday, 05/09/11

2011-05-09T18:17:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Complete the Research Paper Inquiry sheet.
2. Bring in 100 notecards (3x5 is great) to class with your name on the back of every one.
3. Get The Last Samurai movie permission slip filled out.*
4. Complete the Things Fall Apart essay (final due Thursday, typed) with your group.

*note to parents/guardians: The Last Samurai is a well-made movie that contains valuable connections to our most recently finished novel, Things Fall Apart. It is rated "R," but mostly for battlefield violence - there is virtually no sexual content and very little foul language. The battlefield violence is realistic, but not graphic. If you would like to know more, please visit http://www.kids-in-mind.com/l/lastsamurai.htm

Composition
1. Complete your Research Paper Outline.

Friday, 05/06/11

2011-05-06T16:15:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. VPP17 word picture - last one!
2. Things Fall Apart essay packet - communicate with your group and fill out the intro sheet and the body paragraph packet.
Composition
1. Finish and type up your Of Mice and Men essay. It is due on Monday!
2. Study VPP17.

*remember that this weekend is your last chance to finish your research paper notecards. If you are done and want to see what comes next, check out the outline sheet.

Thursday, 05/05/11

2011-05-05T18:31:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. VPP17 word picture - last one!
2. Things Fall Apart essay packet - communicate with your group and fill out the intro sheet and the body paragraph packet.

Composition
1. Finish working on your Of Mice and Men essay, getting CDs and CMs. It's due on Monday, typed and finished!
2. Finish your VPP work. Study for the test on Monday.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 04/03-04/11

2011-05-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Things Fall Apart essay - complete the intro sheet (rubric here) and start looking for CDs. This is a group essay, so you may work with your group on it.

Composition
1. VPP17 - keep working and studying on the words. Test and packet due Friday.
2. The Of Mice and Men essay introduction should finished (rubric here). By Thursday you need all of your CDs filled out on your essay organizer and the CMs for the first body paragraph filled out.

Monday, 05/02/11

2011-05-02T13:18:00.008-04:00

World Literature
1. Finish reading Things Fall Apart! We only have chapters 24 & 25 left.
2. Fill out the Socratic Seminar sheet #2 after you finish reading. Be ready for the discussion tomorrow.

Composition
1. Complete your VPP17 word picture. Also do your 15 flashcards for the words.
2. OM&M essay: Finish the introduction paragraph using the intro sheet. Be sure to check out the rubric for help. Also start getting your CDs and copying them into your essay organizer.

Thursday, 04/21/11

2011-04-21T14:39:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Finish the Achebe's Writing Style packet by working with your classmates!
2. Things Fall Apart...catch up or read ahead. We only have two chapters left in the book...

Composition
1. Finish the research and note-taking on your paper. That means:
-5+ source cards total
-90+ note cards total

****9th graders - make sure you also have a copy of Lord of the Flies when we get back to school

Have a wonderful Easter Vacation!

Tuesday/Wednesday, 04/19-20/11

2011-04-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. VPP16 packet due tomorrow, Thursday. Test Thursday, too.
2. Read Things Fall Apart chapters 22 and 23 and complete the take-home quiz.
3. Finish the Achebe's Writing Style packet!

Composition
1. VPP16 packet due tomorrow, Thursday. Test Thursday, too.
2. Of Mice and Men essays - finish the introduction that we started in class. (Make sure to check out the rubric too).
3. Research paper - continue researching and taking notes. You need to have:
-1 more source card for 4 total
-10 more note cards for 35 total

Thursday, 04/14/11

2011-04-14T15:23:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Read chapter 19 of Things Fall Apart.
2. Work on the Socratic Seminar #1 questions. They are due Tuesday, which is when we will be having the Socratic Seminar.
3. Finish your Achebe's Writing Style 4-sheet packet by getting information from other students.
4. Keep working on VPP16. Spelling quiz next week.

Composition
1. Complete your Of Mice and Men project. It is due next week.
2. Conduct your interview for your research paper!
2. Complete one more source card (for your interview) and 15 more note cards (from the information in your interview). You will now have 3 source cards and 25 note cards total.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 04/13/11

2011-04-12T18:32:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Read chapter 17 and 18 of Things Fall Apart. Draw the most important scene from each chapter.
2. Keep studying and working on VPP16.

Composition
1. Research paper! At least two source cards and ten note cards are due on Thursday. (source code list)
2. Keep working on your Of Mice and Men group projects. They are due on Tuesday/Wednesday of next week.

*remember to bring all of your research paper materials and all 100 cards each day

Monday, 04/11/11

2011-04-11T18:46:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. Start reading part II of Things Fall Apart and finish the chapters 13 and 14 questions.
2. Finish your VPP16 word picture.

Composition
1. Do your VPP16 word picture.
2. Work on your Of Mice and Men group project!

****remember - you should be bringing your research materials (like your note cards) every day to class*****

Friday, 04/08/11

2011-04-08T13:02:00.002-04:00

World Literature
1. Continue reading Things Fall Apart - finish part one (chapters 11-13) and finish the chapters 11 & 12 questions. Chapters 13 & 14 questions will be due on Tuesday.

Composition
1. Finish reading Of Mice and Men! Be ready for a quiz on chapter 6 on Monday.

Happy Friday everyone!

Thursday, 04/17/11

2011-04-07T18:48:00.000-04:00

World Literature
1. VPP15 test & packet tomorrow.
2. Finish part 1 of Things Fall Apart - read chapters 11, 12, and 13 by Monday. Chapters 11 & 12 questions due Monday. You can also start working on the chapters 13 & 14 questions if you wish.

Composition
1. VPP15 test & packet tomorrow
2. Finish Of Mice and Men chapter 5 and write the letter from Curley's wife to her sister.
3. Keep researching for your research paper, and read up on the research!

Tuesday, 04/15/11

2011-04-05T14:35:00.001-04:00

World Literature
1. Things Fall Apart chapter 9 & 10 questions.*
2. VPP15 - complete the work and study. Test (and packet due) on Friday.

*if you missed the chapter 8 study questions, click here to download them.

Composition
1. Finish putting your name on the back of all 100 notecards.
2. Continue your research paper research - you should find at least five good sources - one book, one interview, and three internet sources. Remember that you can have more!
3. VPP15 - complete the work and study. Test (and packet due) on Friday.