Scholarship and Contest Opportunities

If you enter any of these contests or scholarships and show me your entry before you send it I will give you extra credit towards my class. Deadline to show me your entries are January 8th. No exceptions.
If you have already turned in the SAT word extra credit you will not receive extra credit for entering these contests.


Clean & Green Up Poster Contest -- go to www.miamidade.gov/image/ for more details. Prizes available include PS3, Ipod Nano, or $100 gift card to Dave and Busters.


Dade County Youth Fair Creative Writing Contest -- go to www.thefairexhibits.com/pdf/2010/Student/Divisions/10CreativeWriting.pdf
There are several categories to select from. Pick one and follow the directions. I can submit your entry for you.

Black History Essay Contest -- go to www.floridablackhistory.com/docs/2010/2010_essay_rules_forms_6_12.pdf
Follow the directions as found on the page.

Looking towards the New Year

It appears from everyone's posts and comments that we will be reading The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll for the third nine weeks. So make sure you obtain your copy.


I will also begin planning for a trip to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit of art. This is just for my students who have a grade of C or better for the second nine weeks. This is not a trip for other random students. If I get students from other classes asking me about the fieldtrip we will not go. We will be doing an assignment connected with Rockwell's art.

Have a safe and restful holiday break!

Events before the Holiday Break

A few important matters to take care of before we go on the holiday break:

1. Definition Essays
It is important that you finish your rough draft, peer editing and final draft before you leave on December 18th. Remember this essay counts as both your midterm essay grade and for the nine weeks grade. It is very important that you complete all parts in order to get the maximum number of points. This includes thesis, four sources (one being from The Awakening) and conclusion.

2. Group Presentations
Some of you definitely showed your understanding of the novel as well as your creativity. I was a bit disappointed in others. I have not put in everyones grades yet so just be patient.

3. Extra Credit
The SAT Word small posters must be turned in before the break if you want those points. No exceptions or excuses.

I am continuing to input grades, but do not get complacent. If you have an "A," "B," or "C" you need to continue working hard. Those students with "D" or "F" still have the possibility of raising that grade, but don't assume that the work you have already submitted is "A" or "B" work.

Week of November 30 - December 4

We finished reading The Awakening this week.
**Everyone should be working on their group projects this weekend. It is important that you are making references to the novel. Your groups grade will be based on creativity, demonstrating knowledge of the novel and everyone being involved with the process.

SIFT Charts are due on December 8th (4th period) or 9th (periods 1, 3, 5) and are worth 20 points! Please refer to the earlier blog post for specific details. If you have any questions about the assignment please make sure to ask me before it is due. You have had over two weeks to complete this chart. NO EXCUSES!!!!

The SAT M-P quiz was taken this week. I will hold off on giving you the next set of words until after the Christmas break. However, make sure you are reviewing all your A-P words because I will select 20 at random to be on the midterm exam.

We also read together the poem "A Cameo," which was alluded to in the novel. It is important to understand what an allusion is because that will be another concept that will be on the midterm.

Please make sure if you have asked to do a set of SAT words for extra credit you get those small posters to me ASAP.

I need to get your feedback:
1. Do we want to read Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll for the 3rd nine weeks, which would replace one of your previous novel choices?
2. Who would be interested in taking a fieldtrip to see an art exhibit of Norman Rockwell at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art? You can check out the following link for more information:
http://moaflnsu.org/

Please post your comments to these two questions.

Chapter 37-39 Reading Questions

1. How is Madame Ratignolle behaving in this chapter?
2. What does Edna discover when she returns from Madame Ratignolle's?
3. Where does Edna go? What does she do?

SIFT Chart Details

Since I am getting a lot of questions regarding the SIFT chart, here are some clarifications:
1. It will be due December 8th or 9th (depending on ODD or EVEN day).
2. You need to have a total of 20 entries, which include the page number and chapter where you found the quote. The quote also needs to be in the correct category (Symbol, Imagery, Figurative Language, Tone/Theme).
3. Even though it is not a requirement to be typed, points will be given to those who type it.

Extra credit opportunity!
I will give extra credit to students for creating small posters with our SAT words. You must email, post a comment, or speak to me to let me know which set of five words you will do. Do not include the definitions. Include the words with a picture. All posters must be turned in before Christmas break.

The Awakening Reading Questions

Chapters 30-33 questions:

1. What is Gouvernail alluding to when he murmurs the quote "There was a graven image of Desire..."?  (hint: google the quote) 

2.  What did Arobin surprise Edna with?

3.  After receiving Edna's letter Mr. Pontellier takes action.  How does Mr. Pontellier save appearances? 

4.  Who does Edna run into and how does she react?  

Important Updates

Midterm Exam Schedule:
December 16 - Periods 2 & 4
December 17 - Periods 1 & 5
December 18 - Periods 3 & 6

Progress Reports come out December 3rd.

After the Thanksgiving break:
1. SAT M-P Quiz
2. Group Projects on The Awakening
3. SIFT Charts (20 quotes total, put in the proper category, typed or neatly handwritten with blue/black ink only)
4. Compare/Contrast The Awakening with A Doll's House
5. Definition essay (after the Christmas break)
Don't forget about the SAT Question of the Week.

So if you are failing or in danger of failing there is still time to raise your grade.

Week of November 16-20

Here are the reading questions for Chapters 23-25of The Awakening:
1. Describe Edna's relationship with her father.
2. How does Edna's father criticize Leonce?
3. What happens between Alcee Arobin and Edna?

The onus is also on you to complete the creative writing assignment as follows:
1. Turn in a rough draft (handwritten or typed).
2. A printed copy of the art piece you selected.
3. Final draft typed.
Your grade will be based on creativity, following directions and proper grammar and spelling.
**If you are interested in submitting your writing to the Scholastic Writing Contest please refer to the link for length requirements. Please let me know if you are interested in submitting to the contest before the Thanksgiving Break so I can revise it and register you.

Very Important!!!!!!
If we want to have the pre-Thanksgiving meal I need more people participating. I am willing to give you extra points towards your creative writing assignment if you bring something in. Remember whatever you bring must be enough to share with the whole class (at least 30 people).

Don't forget to continue working on your SIFT charts (worth 20 points). Those are due upon completion of the novel, which should probably be the second week of December.

Creative Writing Assignment

Please have your creative writing rough drafts on Thursday or Friday.
Refer to the following website when selecting a piece of art to write about:
www.fineartprintsondemand.com/search/?q=Realism&submitted=1
http://jssgallery.org/Major_Paintings/Major.htm

You can write a poem, short story or personal essay about the piece of art you select.

You also have the option to write about the following topic:
The Constitution extends freedom of expression as a fundamental right to all U.S. citizens, but it is also a responsibility. It is up to all of us to make our voices heard in support of causes in which we believe. Our democracy thrives when citizens effectively express their opinions. As a creative citizen, using your writing, express what you believe will create a better future for the United States of America.

Have fun and show me how creative you can be with your writing.

Homecoming Week Assignments

Most classes have now read through Chapter 19 of The Awakening.

We have started writing sentences for the M-P words.

1. You will also create a SIFT Chart (Symbol, Imagery, Figurative Language, and Tone/Theme). You will collect 20 examples of these different literary devices from the novel. Make sure to include the page number and chapter for each of your examples. The examples can come from the whole novel.

2. The quiz on the Kate Chopin notes, characters and setting of the novel, and Chapters 1-10 events will be this coming week (November 17 or 18).

3. I would like for Periods 1,3,4, & 5 to have a pre-Thanksgiving feast to discuss the novel as well as share your creative writing pieces. Please post a comment or email me with your name, period and what you would be willing to bring for our feast (food, beverage, utensils, plates, napkins, etc.).

4. This coming week you will be asked to select a piece of art from the Realistic Movement and write a creative piece about it (poem, short story, personal essay). 

Hope you all enjoyed Homecoming Week.

P.S.  If you really want to see New Moon on Friday bring $7 by Tuesday.

Week of November 2nd

Reading questions for Chapter 9 & 10:
1. How does Edna react to Mademoiselle Reisz piano playing?
2. What does Edna learn how to do in Chapter 10? How does this impact her personally?

*The SAT M-P words were also issued and you need to complete the definitions with parts of speech for next class. Sentences will be done in class like last time.

*In class we conducted a comment exchange about our initial reactions and thoughts to the novel. We have also addressed the ideas of Independence/Freedom and what they mean to us.

*You also have until Wednesday to post a comment about the portrait of Madame X. If you can not post a comment you can email me or submit your written answer.

**Chapter 4-6 reading questions were collected. Notes on the main characters, setting, the bird symbol and the concept of unrequited love were explained. There will probably be a quiz on the notes and Chapters 1-10 next week so make sure you understand what's going on so far.

Random

Name that movie line:  "remember, remember, the fifth of November."

The Awakening Reading Questions

Please make sure to answer the following questions regarding Chapters 4-6 for next class.

1. What does it mean when the narrator states, "Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman"?
2. How is the relationship between Robert and Mrs. Pontellier described?
3. What does the sea represent?

You can refer to the following link for the novel online:
http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/ChoAwak.html

Songs Dealing with Independence

Realism Movement

This piece by John Singer Sargent is titled "Madame X."
What impressions does it give you? What can you say about this woman? Why do you think Sargent painted her?

Unit on Independence

This nine weeks we will focus on the idea of "independence." Our countries independence began with the Declaration of Independence and since then American writers have written about that idea in a plethora of ways. As we focus on our main novel of The Awakening we will also touch upon many other pieces of literature, music, art and film. Some writers include Emerson and Thoreau who were part of the Transcendentalist movement.

We will also continue to work on our writing. This quarter I will teach you how to write a definition essay. Not difficult, but a different form that you should know.

You will also be required to enter either the Scholastic Writing Awards contest or the Fairchild Challenge Opinion paper.

Here are some websites I want you to refer to:

http://www.katechopin.org

http://www.fineartprintsondemand.com/search/?q=Realism&submitted=1

http://www.fullbooks.com/A-Doll-s-House.html

Second nine weeks

Make sure on Monday or Tuesday you have your copy of Kate Chopin's The Awakening. If by some chance the book store does not have a copy and they place the order for you bring in your receipt. You can check out a copy from a public library. In other words, you have many options, but need to have a copy in order to read in class and at home.


Corrido poems will be turned in on Monday or Tuesday. You must submit your rough draft (hand written) and a final draft (typed). Make sure you adhere to the structure as you can refer to the link a few posts down.


You will also have the quiz on the I-L words next week. It may be Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday. Be prepared!

You will learn one way or another

Now that the first nine weeks is over, let me reiterate some ideas that you need to remember for the rest of the school year:
1. No pencil! When submitting work to me it needs to be done in blue or black ink. Notes or work that stays in your folder can be done in pencil, but everything else must be in ink. Play with fire and you will loose points.
2. Check and recheck your work before submitting it. Typos and grammar errors will cause you to loose points on assignments. Make sure you are turning in your best work. The more careful and detailed you are demonstrates to me that you took time when completing your work and you will earn the better grade.
3. Following directions and listening. If I make copies of project sheets and take the time to explain what I am looking for you need to follow those directions or your grade will suffer. Many of you have also lost points on assignments because you don't listen to my instructions. Pay attention when I am explaining how I want assignments to be turned in (for example, rough draft, peer editing sheet and final draft).
4. Deadlines need to be adhered to as well as making up work in a timely fashion. When you are absent and you miss an SAT Question of the Day that should be the first thing you turn into me the following class period with your excused admit. Do not turn it in a week later because you know already one is due each week.

With all this said, keep in mind the saying,
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." ~Friedrich Nietzsche
Here's looking towards a successful second nine weeks.

Corrido poems

To end our Hispanic Heritage unit you will be writing your own Corrido poem.

In class we will visit the following website to understand what and how to write one.

http://www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3742/3742_mexCor_definition.pdf

Here is an example of the corrido poem entitled "El Corrido de Gregorio Cortez"--

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3742/3742_mexCor_cortezCor.pdf

We will also get in the spirit of Halloween by reading a piece by Edgar Allen Poe later this week. He was known as the original Gothic Horror writer.

Almost There

So this weekend you have a break since the Colonial Newspapers are done and you have presented your Hispanic Folktales. Thanks to all of you for being so creative and putting your effort into your assignments. (Your grades will demonstrate what you have earned.)

With that said, I have a lot of grading to catch up so I need you to give me some time and space. Please do not bother me with questions about your individual grades until I am done inputting everything. (If you have an X for a grade that means I have your assignment, but have not graded it yet.)

October 20th is the FCAT Retake for Reading and October 21st for Math. Remember that this test is not timed and there are no short or long response questions. Please practice using the FCAT Explorer program. If you need your login and password email me or post a comment so that I can send it to you.

****I am selling tickets for the Hispanic Heritage Assembly taking place October 23rd during 4th period for $2. Come and see your fellow Gladiators singing, dancing, and celebrating their Hispanic Heritage.

Class Act

Twice a month, beginning on Oct. 25, the Miami Herald will profile a person or program making an impact at a local school -- like a dedicated teacher ;) , an interesting school club, or a student who makes a point of helping others in the community.

If you know of someone or something at a local school, learning center or university that's worthy of a Class Acts profile, let the Miami Herald know. Send ideas to Neighbors editor Tere Figueras Negrete at: tfigueras@miamiherald.com or to One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

Important Dates

On October 14th students who registered will be taking the PSAT.

Colonial Newspaper Projects are due on the 14th (even periods) or 15th (odd periods).

On October 20-22 students will be retaking the FCAT. Make sure you are practicing using the FCAT Explorer program.

If you want to get a jump on obtaining a copy of the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, which we will begin reading for the second nine weeks, go ahead and do so. The paperback should cost about $5. You can also obtain it from the public library or see if our school library has it and if not they can get it from another school. (You will receive points for having the book so make sure you have it by the beginning of the second nine weeks -- November 2nd!)

Trial Period is Over

Ladies and gentleman, your first 30 days is over. From next week on points will begin to suffer (drastically) for the following reasons:
1. Anything turned in written in pencil will not be accepted.
2. Anything turned in late -- points will be deducted. Assignments will not be accepted at all a week after they were due. If you know you are going to be absent make sure to get your assignment to me somehow (i.e. a friend, email, post on the blog).
3. Your full name (first and last) must be on all papers turned in. No initials! You also must include your period and the date.

I also want to make another point crystal clear -- CHEATING is UNACCEPTABLE!
As a result of my observations, from now on quizzes will be reviewed only after everyone has taken it. I can tell you how you did if I have time to grade them, but actual feedback will not be given.
The new set of SAT Words I-L procedures have been changed due to the fact that many of you had the exact same sentences and some of them were copied directly from the Internet. So from now on sentences will be written in class -- individually. This should also help those of you who seem to not have the time to finish the flashcards; it is now classwork. :)

Other than that, this week we accomplished the following:
The Final Drafts for the Literary Analysis of "The Minister's Black Veil" were completed.
The Summer Reading Projects were turned in.
Colonial Newspaper Project is due October 14 (even periods) and October 15 (odd periods).
We are beginning to review basic grammar skills because we need to make sure we are following the standards of English properly.

Those of you not checking the blog will not be aware of important information. You have been told to check it once a week, especially on the weekends. There will be no more warnings.

**Don't forget Picture Day is on Monday and Tuesday during English class.

Scholastic Writing Awards

Here is the website with detailed information regarding the Scholastic Writing Awards.
www.artandwriting.org/SubmissionGuidelines/ShowGuidelines?zipCode=33018&workType=W&x=19&y=11

If you are interested and want me to look at your writing feel free to come and show it to me.
Have fun!

Hispanic Heritage Month Music

Half way there

This week you received your progress reports and know where you stand in this class (for the most part). I still have the Family Tree Projects to enter, but by next week they should be graded.
If you are having difficulty with your Literary Analysis paper or would like to see if you are on the right track go to the following website that breaks down the process:
http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/pusdrbhs/academics/english/curriculum/literaryguide.pdf

If you are concerned about your grade here are some upcoming grades that could boost your grade up or bring you down if you are not careful:

1. Four more SAT Questions of the Day
2. SAT Words E-H Quiz (September 29 or 30)
3. Summer Reading Projects (2 required)
4. Literary Analysis Essay
5. Corrido poem for Hispanic Heritage Month
6. Colonial Newspaper Project (due Oct. 14 or 15)
7. Classwork

Remember that the Summer Reading books and projects can be found on the hghs.dadeschools.net site on the home page.

For the Colonial Newspaper Project here is a list of potential movies you can review:
Dances with Wolves
Last of the Mohicans
Geronimo
Crazy Horse and Custer
Blazing Saddles
Dreamkeeper
Into the West
Little Big Man
The New World
Smoke Signals
The Patriot
The Crucible
The Scarlet Letter

*Remember there is no school on Monday because it is a teacher work day.

Eventful Week

We are already half way through the first nine weeks and certain parts of the class should be second nature to you by now. For example:
*SAT Question of the Day (due once a week)
*SAT Vocabulary flashcards (due every other week) E-H are due Monday (even periods) or Tuesday (odd periods)
*Checking this blog :)

Important Dates--
****Open House on Tuesday, September 22nd from 6:30-8:30pm
****Progress Reports on Thursday, September 24th (Failure and in danger of failing notices will be given)

We started our introduction to Literary Analysis essays this week using "The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne as our primary source. The writing of this essay will be done in class only. Thanks to Ms. Parra, the Media Specialist, I will be able to show you more examples of literary analysis essays so that you know what I am looking for.

Family Tree Project Presentations -- WOW! I have such a diverse group of students with all kinds of backgrounds and stories. Have you made the connection yet between your own families and those of the early immigrants to this country? I have a ton of reading to do of narratives about yourselves and other family members, but I am looking forward to it to learn new aspects of each one of you.

Upcoming assignments and projects (because I love you all so much):
1. Colonial Newspaper Project - You will be creating the front page of a newspaper with information on either the Native Americans, Colonial Americans or a mixture of both. I will provide you with the handout that explains everything I want next week.
2. Corridos -- We will learn what a Corrido is for Hispanic Heritage month and you will write your own.
3. Quiz on SAT E-H words either by the end of next week or the following week.

Read This

We have completed our first fifteen days of school and I am now going to start to put on the pressure for some of you.  

**SAT Vocabulary quiz will be on Monday or Tuesday (depending which day you have me).

**Family Tree Project will be due on the 17th or 18th (once again, depending on when you have me).

Those of you who have followed directions, pay attention and take everything I say seriously, I want to thank you all for making my life a little easier.  Your level of maturity will serve you well in my class and in the years to come.

Here are some observations and general concerns:

1. Not following directions.  

Many of you did not receive complete credit for the SAT Vocabulary words A-D because you did not complete all the requirements.  I gave many of you a second chance to fix what you didn't do the first time around, but from now on you will either have it completed on time with all components done or you will not get full credit.

2. Not paying attention.

I clarify many things in class regarding classwork assignments, homework or projects.  For example, the Family Tree Project Part C has now changed.  I want you to use your creativity to present your findings of where your family comes from (replacing the immigration map) and your basic family tree (you, your parents, grandparents from both sides, and possibly great grandparents).  If you have any concerns or issues see me before the due date.

You can present this information in a Powerpoint, on a poster, on a science board, etc.  Be creative because I know you can all do it.

3. Not reviewing your notes.

Many of you were caught off guard with the Literature term quiz, even though both in class and on this blog I warned you that a quiz was imminent.  You must be prepared at all times both in my class and in the real world for whatever comes your way.

4. Absences and new students.

When you are absent it is your responsibility to find out what you missed either from another student or checking the blog/school notes page.  When you return to school you need to show me an excused admit within a week to receive any make-up work or quizzes.  

New students need to get with the program as quickly as possible.  Your grade will begin from the moment you enter the class.  Grades that were issued before you entered the class will not count against you.

President Obama's Speech to Students

Watch Obama's speech to students and post a comment about your reaction to what he had to say to students across the United States.

Heads Up

Tomorrow (Sept. 10th) there will be a quiz on the Literature terms.  I will select random terms from the list of ten I gave in class a few weeks ago and from the one's on the school notes page.  The SAT Words A-D quiz will be moved to next Monday and Tuesday.  Don't forget to do your weekly SAT Question of the Day!

Colonial America

As we move on to Colonial American literature do not forget what you learned about the Native Americans.  There will be an assessment in the near future. (foreshadowing) ;)

With that said, I hope you are making the connections between your Family Tree Project and the original colonists of this country.  This country was founded on its immigrants.  

I also hope you are diligently learning those SAT words.  There will be a quiz on them this week.

I am gathering songs for Hispanic Heritage month, so if you have any favorites let me know so I can add them to the blog.

Upcoming grades--

*Composing your own Corrido

*A Native American/Explorers/Colonial Americans Newspaper

*Edgar Allen Poe short stories/poems, partners project

Hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend.  See you soon.  

  

Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

I highly recommend you enter this essay contest since there is the potential of winning a full scholarship to any Florida college or university. Here is the topic for this year's contest:

Florida's history is deeply rooted with Hispanic influences. Describe how the early Hispanic explorers impacted our state in the 1500's, and how that has influenced Florida's culture today.

Visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com for complete guidelines and entry forms.

I can look over your essay before you submit it.

First Week Observations

So we made it through the first week of school and have the weekend to take a breath.
I must say that I am pleased overall with what I have seen in class. However, I must warn that this first week my assignments were just a springboard to get the juices flowing again. With each passing week I expect to see improvement in your writing and reading analysis.
Some upcoming assignments, lessons, homework, etc. will be:
**Weekly "SAT Question of the Day" starting the week of August 31st
**SAT Vocabulary words A-D has been issued and will be collected the week of September 7th
**Family Tree Project will be issued the week of August 31st (due around the week of September 14th)
**Test on the Native Americans (short/long response questions) You will be able to use notes.
**Don't forget about the Summer Reading Projects due week of September 28th or anytime before.

You should have your binder with dividers by next week. Dividers should be labeled as follows:
1. Native/Colonial Americans (notes)
2. SAT Vocabulary
3. Misc. (dittos, worksheets)

We will continue reading Native American literature this coming week.
I hope you enjoy the music selections. As we go through the year I will try to find music that connects with what we are studying. If you have any songs that relate to the topic or can be connected in some way please email me the title and artist name.
Take care and see you all next week.

Selected Novel Choices

Thanks to our democratic process these are the novels that each class has voted on to read from cover to cover. I will let you know when to obtain them during the course of this school year.

Period 1 -

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Period 3 -

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Period 4 -

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Period 5 -

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Welcome to English III Honors

As we begin this school year in our new building I look forward to teaching you American Literature. I hope you are ready to increase your English skills and become exceptional writers and readers. We will begin the year studying the American colonial writers and work our way to modern American authors by the end of the year. There will be several papers, projects and novels to read along the way, but I am here to make the process as smooth as possible. I want you to set high expectations for yourselves because you are all capable of succeeding.

Materials needed:
*Three ring binder with three dividers
*Paper
*Pens (Blue or black only)
*Highlighter

Grading scale:
Your grade will be based on a 100 point scale, therefore, every point counts.
A= 100-90
B= 89-80
C= 79-70
D= 69-60
F= 59-0