Last Post for 2011 (I think) :-)

I want to wish everyone a safe and restful winter break.
When we return we will be reviewing what we have covered this first part of the year and then moving onto modern American writers.
We will also continue with our preparation for taking the SAT and/or ACT tests.

Remember the second nine weeks closes on January 20th so if you need to pull up your grade there is still a little time left.

I would like for you to give me feedback as to which of the following books you would prefer to read for the third nine weeks:
A. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald or
B. A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
You can look up summaries of them and then we will take a vote when we get back from the break.

Enjoy this video of the most sung song on New Year's Eve -- "Auld Lang Syne."

Extra Credit

If you are interested in doing Extra Credit for the second nine weeks please come and see me. It will be due after the winter break and will consist of you creating small posters of our SAT words.
See me before we go on the break to be issued a letter.
Needs to be turned in the week we get back (January 3-6).

Connecting to the novel

Now that we have finished The Call of the Wild I would like you to take a moment and connect the novel to a movie, song or television show that demonstrates the concept of survival of the fittest, returning to your instincts, or the cruel treatment of animals.
You can either post your response to the blog, email me or write and turn into me a paragraph explaining your connection to the novel with a modern day movie, song or show.
You must submit your assignment by midnight on December 14th.
The assignment is worth 4 points.

Becoming Wild

Anthropomorphism Assignment

You will be writing either a poem or a short story from the point of view of an animal. Follow the requirements below:
1. Poem: Needs to be at least 30 lines long. Does not have to rhyme or follow a pattern.
2. Short story: Needs to be front and back of a page.

Poem or story does not have to be typed. Be creative and really try to get into the mind of your animal. I suggest you pick a favorite animal or pet. Have fun with the assignment.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Humane Society Donations

Here is the list of items we are collecting from now until the end of the nine weeks:

*leashes
*plastic chew toys
*Pet shampoo
*towels or blankets
*cat litter
*bleach
*mops and buckets
*canned dog, cat, puppy and kitten food
*Puppylac puppy formula
*KMR kitten formula
*white copy paper (for their office)
*Highlighters
*Sharpies
*Staples or paper clips
**We can also collect money to get giftcards to Pet Supermarket

We are collecting to correlate with our novel -- The Call of the Wild due to the fact that the main character, Buck, is a dog.

The Call of the Wild is calling :)

As we prepare to read our first novel of the year, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, you will be presenting minilessons to the class to give them background knowledge about some of the topics that will be encountered in the novel.

Your group minilesson needs to meet the following requirements:
1. Powerpoint notes - Your notes should provide general information regarding your topic to the class. Do not copy and paste information. You should paraphrase and summarize your information. You can use bullet lists as well.
2. Include images based on your topic. You can include them on the slides with your information or separately.
3. You can include a short video in reference to your topics. Make sure that your video is less than five minutes long.
4. Create a five question quiz for the class. You can include it on the last slide of your presentation. Make sure to create multiple, true/false, and a short response question.
5. Include a slide for your references of where you found information.
**Your presentation should last a minimum of 10 minutes.

Projects are due Monday, November 28 (Periods 1,3,5) and Tuesday, November 29 (Periods 2,4,6)
They will be worth 10 points.

Enjoy this video "The Return to Innocence." It ties into the novel because Buck will have to return to his instincts.

Second Nine Weeks here we go!

Dear students,
Now that the first nine weeks has come to an end there are some comments I need to make...
1. SAT Questions of the Day are a weekly requirement. You have been turning in these questions for the past eight weeks and should be used to doing them by now. It is your responsibility to either email it, print it out, or write it on a sheet of paper. If you are absent or on a fieldtrip or there is a substitute you are still responsible for getting a Question of the Day to me each Friday. Many of you suffered the consequences of not getting the points you needed for the grade you wanted as a result. I am not asking for a lot -- one simple question every week to prepare you for the SAT, which most of you should be planning to take anyway for college.
2. Reading Plus is also a requirement. Many of you, for whatever reason, do not complete your two sessions for the week. You can complete two sessions a day. However, for each session to count you must complete a PAVE, Guided Reading (must get 70% comprehension or higher) and a Vocabulary Exercise. These are points you do not want to be missing at the end of the nine weeks.
3. Make sure you are keeping your notebooks up to date. If I decide to do a surprise check or ask you to show me your agendas you should have them up to date.

With that said, this first week we accomplished the following:
1. Started the next set of SAT words I & J.
2. Took notes on the American Romantic Movement.
3. Took a Practice SAT Test.
4. Read together "Self-Reliance" by Emerson.
5. Began the Emerson Essay Partner Assignment. Remember you are creating a collage with your partner using your five quotes and images related to your essay topic. If you want to bring in your pictures and supplies to work on your collage in class you are welcome to do so. The collage is due on Wednesday (Periods 1,3,5) or Thursday (Periods 2,4,6).

Here is a youtube video I found that connects with the "Simple Life" that we learned about with the Transcendentalists (including Emerson). It is titled "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Trick or Treat!

In the spirit of Halloween and Gothic Literature I would like you to pick and complete one of the following assignments to turn in on Monday, October 31st (Periods 2,4,6) or Tuesday, November 1st (Periods 1,3,5):

1. Write two poems with a minimum of 30 lines for both (example one poem can be 20 lines and the other poem 10 lines). The subject of the poem can be either Halloween related or use Gothic elements (refer to your notes).

2. Write a persuasive essay (at least 500 words) as to whether Halloween serves any real purpose or is it just another holiday that businesses have created to make money.

3. Write a scary story using Gothic elements and have a minimum of 500 words.

Watch the following video clip to help you get in the right mood to write:
Thriller lyrics by Michael Jackson (sorry, the actual music video was over 13 minutes long)

End of the Nine Weeks

Dear students,
This weekend I would like to ask you to log onto your student portals and check your grades in my class. If there are any grades missing or you think there is an error please write them down and bring them to class. Remember this coming week is the end of the nine weeks and I would like to have grades done before Friday.
I still have to put in the Summer Reading Quizzes for everyone as well as this weeks Reading Plus and the Benjamin Franklin card grades. Otherwise all your grades should be in.

Make sure to complete your two sessions of Reading Plus and if you have not sent me your SAT question for this week you have until midnight Friday. **Refer to the October 13th post if you need to get into the Reading Plus website.

Benjamin Franklin cards are due Monday or Tuesday (based on your period). If you were not able to pick up paper that was made in Ms. Nadel's room you can go ahead and make the card with regular paper or construction paper.

This coming week you will working on your Edgar A. Poe group projects. I am looking forward to seeing your creativity and how you bring the stories to life.
Periods 1,3,5 will present on Thursday, October 27th and
Periods 2,4,6 will present on October 31st.
Here is the link for the stories that are not in our literature book:
The Black Cat http://www.carmenlu.com/sixth/festivities/The_Black_Cat6.pdf
Silence http://poestories.com/read/silence
Shadow http://www.online-literature.com/poe/2193/

Special Treat -- No SAT Question of the Day due week of October 24th. Since this week is short: Thursday is an Early Release and Friday is a Teacher Work Day.

Enjoy this musical piece titled "Nevermore" (allusion to what the Raven quotes in Edgar A. Poe's poem).

Benjamin Franklin Cards

Now that you have made your own paper you will be creating a card based on Benjamin Franklin -- one of our countries Founding Fathers.

1. Your greeting card should have one of Benjamin Franklin's aphorisms from pg. 271 on the front.
2. On the inside front cover you need to write five facts about Benjamin Franklin.
3. On the inside back cover you are picking one of the 13 virtues from pg. 266. Write the virtue and its description. Then tell me in a paragraph how you would apply that virtue to your life. How would it make your life better?
4. On the back of the card make sure to include your name and period.

Card is due Monday, October 24 (Periods 2,4,6) and
Tuesday, October 25 (Periods 1,3,5)It is worth 10 points.

You can watch the video about Benjamin Franklin that I posted last week to help you get facts about Franklin. Have fun and be creative!

Another week bites the dust!

Literary Analysis papers are done so it is time to have a little fun!
My classes are scheduled to make paper on Monday (Periods 1,3,5) and Tuesday (Periods 2,4,6) so be ready to get your hands dirty. :)
The paper you make will be used to create cards based on Benjamin Franklin -- one of the best known Colonial Americans.

We have also finished the SAT E,F,G, and H words, which means there will be a quiz this week (most likely Thursday and Friday). Make sure to review your words.

We will finish the nine weeks with some gothic literature by Edgar Allen Poe.

Make sure you are turning in your weekly SAT Question of the Day and completing your two (2) sessions of Reading Plus by Sunday, October 16th.
For those of you who have issues with getting Reading Plus through your student portal take the following steps:
1. Go to www.readingplus.com
2. Click on login
3. Enter the site code - hia117
4. Find your period with me (Manfra#)
5. Find your name
6. Enter your student ID# for password
No Excuses for not having your sessions complete!

Check out this video about Benjamin Franklin to start getting ideas for your upcoming card assignment --

Literary Analysis is in progress

Everyone should be working on their literary analysis essays.
Final Drafts are due
October 13 for periods 1,3,5 or October 14 for periods 2,4,6.
If you know you will be out (field trip, extracurricular event, etc.) make sure to turn your paper in early.
You will be turning in the following items:
1. Literary Analysis Outline Chart (ditto I gave you in class)
2. Rough Draft (handwritten or typed)
3. Peer Editing (make sure the person that checked your essay put their name)
4. Final Draft (must be typed and double spaced)

We are moving along with our SAT words. Make sure if you have missed any days to get the words and definitions from a classmate. We will be finishing up this coming week with G & H. The quiz will be the week of October 17th for the E-H words.

Everyone should have taken at least one Summer Reading Quiz. If you still have not it might be because I do not have a quiz for your book. I am working on it and will make sure that everyone has taken at least one quiz by this coming week.

If you missed your ID pictures, the make-up day is Monday, October 10th during lunch.

PSAT is on Wednesday, October 12th for those of you who registered on time or you will be taking a practice ACT test in your second period class.

FCAT retake test is coming up the week of October 17th. If you have any questions or concerns please come and see me.

We all wear a Black Veil!

Hawthorne showed us how superficial and hypocritical we can be. This coming week we will be using this story as our testing ground for literary analysis. Remember I will be walking you through the process so it is very important that you are in class everyday or you might miss an important step to the final product.

We will continue with our SAT words this week (letter E).
You will also be taking the summer reading quizzes and a quiz on commas, semicolons and colons will take place this week.

Don't forget to submit your SAT Question of the Day if you haven't and to complete two Reading Plus sessions by Sunday before midnight.

We are Family!

Family Tree projects were presented this week and I must say I am always amazed to see how much diversity and drama all our families have. The phrase "it's a small world" comes to mind. :) Now I get to grade all your memoirs and narratives. Yippee!

We will be getting back to our literature books this week with "The Minister's Black Veil" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This short story is based on a Puritan village and its town minister -- Mr. Hooper. He has an important message he wants the townspeople to learn, but he teaches them in an unorthodox way. Listen to the following song ("The Stranger") by Billy Joel to see if you can guess what that lesson might be.



**Important Reminders**
1. Complete two sessions of Reading Plus by Sunday if you want to get credit. Please refer to the previous post.
2. Don't forget to finish reading your summer reading books for the quizzes due this week.

Important News

After attending a workshop to better understand Reading Plus I have decided that everyone will be responsible for completing two (2) sessions per week.
I will be giving you a weekly completion grade as follows:
5 pts (A) = 2 completed sessions at 70% or above comprehension
3.5 pts (C) = 1 completed session at 70% or above comprehension
0 pts (F) = 0 sessions completed
I will grade you based on the sessions you do from Monday-Sunday for each week.
So the first grade will come from sessions completed between Monday, September 19 - Sunday, September 25.
To reward those that level up, you can earn extra credit for the nine weeks.
5 pts each time you level up or receive a certificate.

**Family Tree Projects are due this week!
Tuesday, September 20 (Periods 1,3,5) and Wednesday, September 21 (Periods 2,4,6)
Remember the memoir and interview must be typed. You will only be presenting your family tree chart, which can be on a poster, powerpoint or an actual tree.

**Summer Reading Quizzes will be the week of September 26th so make sure you have your books read by then.

SAT Questions of the Day are due to me every Friday!
Whether you drop it off or email it to me, if you do not want a zero I need it by 11:59pm Friday. (4th period students, even though I was not in class to collect it you should have given them to the substitute.) No excuses for not having it done.

Ms. Sierra has given me the forms to register for the PSAT, so if you are interested in taking the test you can get a form from me and return it to me.

Progress Reports will be given out on Thursday, September 22nd.

Extra Credit Opportunity

All 11th graders have the opportunity to sign-up for the upcoming PSAT on October 12.
If you are on free or reduced lunch you can get a fee waiver from Ms. Sierra and take the test for free.
Otherwise the test is only $14.
The deadline to sign-up is Thursday, September 22nd.
This is a great chance for you to get an idea of how you would do on the actual SAT.

Bring me proof of your registration in order to get extra credit (5 points) for this nine weeks.

Moving Right Along (Third Week)

Let us review what we have accomplished this week:
You took the Native American Quiz and now we are moving on to the Colonial Americans.
We are moving along with the SAT words -- A, B, C are done and after the D words there will be a quiz so make sure you are reviewing your definitions and have your sentences completed.
Don't forget to work on reading your Summer Reading books and complete your Family Tree project. These are worth a lot of points -- 60 points!

It is incredible to think and realize that it has been 10 years since 9/11 took place and most of you were just in Kindergarten or 1st grade. I want you to watch the following video. You may have to pause it at times because it does go pretty quickly, but there are connections to what we have started discussing as far as religion and what the Puritans were doing when they first came.

Be prepared to discuss the video and what you believe.

**Assignment**
In honor of September 11 I want you to either write a poem of at least 20 lines (does not have to rhyme or follow a certain pattern) or a one page reflection using one of the following topics:
1. What are your memories of that day?
2. There are many children who were born after September 11th. How would you explain September 11th to them?
3. Did you or your family know anyone who died that day? How did you react or feel?
(If it makes it easier you can base your poem or writing off of a picture or documentary that you have seen about September 11.)

Be prepared to share your writing with the class on Monday (Period 1,3,5) or Tuesday (Period 2,4,6).

Important dates coming up:
Open House -- Tuesday, September 13
Picture Day -- September 14 and 15

Native American Modern Influences

Even though Disney's version of Pocahontas is not completely accurate, the song "Colours of the Wind" does a good job of describing how Native Americans viewed the world and their connection to everything around them. Please watch the following video with the lyrics to the song and see if what the words of the song are saying remind you of anything we have learned about the Natives so far.


As we have discussed in class, Native Americans were portrayed in negative ways and treated unfairly, especially when it came to relocating them unto reservations. Watch the following video "Indian Reservation" sung by Paul Revere and the Raiders. Does this song do a good job of describing the injustice that took place with the Native Americans?


Last, but not least, this is a Disney cartoon that deals with a well-known Native American named Hiawatha. Disney of course makes him very cute, but try to watch it from a more mature mindset. Do you think the Disney creators were trying to teach any lessons to children who watched this cartoon?


Hope you enjoyed these videos and look forward to discussing them next week.

Family Tree Project

Here is the link for the Family Tree Project document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJCT1ar5aoDvnKIH9tROsr9DhjmVIqJpRKs4jGBssIM/edit?hl=en_US

If you have any questions in the coming weeks please come and see me or email me your questions.
Remember it is worth 40 points and is due September 20 (Periods 1,3,5) or September 21 (Periods 2, 4, 6).

First Week is done!

So we have already gotten much accomplished this first week.
1. We jumped right into American Literature with our Native American stories. ("The World on the Turtle's Back" and "Coyote and Buffalo")
2. You took an SAT Practice test so I can see what we need to start working on as far as grammar and vocabulary are concerned.
3. You wrote for me what your "American dream" is, which gave me a glimpse at you personally as well as your writing styles.
4. I introduced you all to the blog and most of you posted a comment to the blog so that I know you can access it on your own.

We will continue this coming week with group stories and presentations, reviewing the SAT Practice test, reading about the early settlers, starting with our first set of SAT vocabulary words, and I will be issuing the Family Tree project.

I hope everyone who had issues with their schedules are getting those taken care of and you are happy with the classes you are taking.
Make sure that you have your supplies for class everyday: binder, dividers (Native/Colonial Americans, SAT Vocabulary, Grammar Review), highlighter, paper, pen (blue or black).
I want to thank everyone that participated this week with reading outloud or sharing an answer/comment. I hope to get even more of you participating because as I said, the more enthusiastic you are about the class the more excited I get about teaching you.

**Don't forget about the Summer Reading assignment. You need to have your two books read by the last week of September to take the quizzes on those books.

Have a great and safe weekend and see you all soon!

Welcome Class of 2013!

A new school year has started and it is time to dust off those brains and jump into English III Honors with a bang!
We will be starting the year with the writings of Native and Colonial Americans. It is very important to know where American Literature started so that we can appreciate how far we have come. With that same idea you will be doing some research of your own into your family history to know where you have come from so that you can know where you are headed.
I will also begin preparing you for the SAT and ACT tests because most of you should be considering college and these tests are essential for applying to colleges and universities.
Throughout the year writing will be key in this class. I will be exposing you to writing literary analysis papers, definition essays, etc. to prepare you for what lies ahead.
Do not be discouraged or overwhelmed -- I am here to guide you.
However, you need to give me your effort and be ready to work hard.

Summer Reading will be due by the end of September, but I recommend you not procrastinate. If you did it already -- good for you (less for you to worry about). Please refer to www.readingheadquartersathghs.blogspot.com for the list and projects. You are responsible for reading two books and it will count as a grade for the first nine weeks.

Summer Notes

To my students,
I hope you are enjoying your summer.
Some of you may be preparing to apply for college and that is great. If any of you need help with your applications please don't be afraid to contact me.
I am also available if you need any tutoring for the SAT or ACT.
You can send me an email at cmanfra@dadeschools.net

** Don't forget to read those summer reading books. (Teachers are creating quizzes to replace the projects so it is very important that you really read at least two books from the list.)

School starts August 22nd! Have fun and be safe!

Final Exam Review

The following topics will be on the Final exam:
1. Native Americans / Colonial Americans
A. The World on the Turtle's Back
B. The Coyote and the Buffalo
C. Sinner's in the Hands of an Angry God
D. John Smith and Benjamin Franklin
E. The Minister's Black Veil
F. The Raven
2. Know the following authors and what they wrote:
A. Nathaniel Hawthorne
B. Edgar Allen Poe
C. Ralph Waldo Emerson
D. Edith Wharton
E. Robert Frost
F. Ernest Gaines
G. Martin Luther King
H. Neil Simon
3. SAT Vocabulary:
Anomaly, Absolve, Beseech, Conundrum, Deluge, Discredit, Empathy, Ephemeral, Fortuitous, Germane, Hiatus, Humane, Imbibe, Impetuous, Judicious, Karma, Knotty, Lucid, Magnanimous, Meliorate, Neophyte, Obsequious, Onus, Pretentious, Querulous, Rendezvous, Rudimentary, Sagacious, Taciturn, Travesty.
4. A Lesson Before Dying A. Setting
B. Characters
C. Plot
D. Themes
5. Plaza Suite A. Review your notes
6. Literary TermsAllegory, Allusion, Conflict, Connotation, Denotation, Dialect, Elegy, Genre, Hyperbole, Imagery, Irony, Metaphor, Onomatopoeia, Parody, Personification, Simile, Symbol

There are 100 total questions. (Multiple choice, True and False, and Matching) It is worth 50% of your Final Exam grade. The other 50% comes from your essay.
If you create a review sheet and bring it in the day of your exam I will give you extra credit towards your test.

Important Information

I hope those of you who came and heard my guest speaker, Daniel Pena, got some useful and insightful college information.
Here are some websites to check out now or over the summer:
1. Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (deadline July 1)www.hispanicheritage.org/press_news.php?id=202
2. Scholarship Information -- www.fastweb.com

Senior Pictures -- Start making your appointments at www.foxmar.com/session

Summer Reading -- Make sure to read two books and complete a project for each book. Go to http://reading headquartersathghs.blogspot.com

End of the Year Project and Books

In case any of my amazing students check the blog before their projects are due, here are some last minute tips. ;)

1. Make sure it is clear what subject you are reviewing. Remember anything we covered this year is fair game: Native Americans, Colonial Americans, "The Minister's Black Veil," Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allen Poe, "The Story of an Hour," Holiday Songs, A Lesson Before Dying, Plaza Suite, SAT Vocabulary, 1940-1960s, parody, etc.

2. Is your presentation helpful to your classmates? Does it refresh their memory of what they learned this year? Will it help them pass the final exam?

3. Give me your best! Show me how creative you can be! Go out with a bang! I know you all have it in you, now just show me.

Last, but not least, remember to bring your textbooks if you haven't turned them in yet.

Final Exam Schedule

Essay Exams --
Thursday, June 2 Period 1 and 5
Friday, June 3 Period 2 and 4
Monday, June 6 Period 3 and 6
**June 2, 3, and 6 are regular days (7:20-2:20)

Objective Exams --
Tuesday, June 7 Period 2 and 4
Wednesday, June 8 Period 1 and 5
Thursday, June 9 Period 3 and 6
** June 7, 8, and 9 are early release days (7:20-12:00)

***No exams can be taken before your scheduled day.

Open Mic Day Pics

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Third Annual Open Mic Day.
I hope you enjoyed sharing and listening to the variety of poems that were read.
Here is a Smilebox of the pictures I took:
http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a51324d4451304d54513d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link

"I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." ~Robert Frost

End of the Year Project

So here it is! You will have one of the following options:

1. Video project
2. Mini-lesson using Powerpoint or Promethian board
3. Newspaper

Once you have decided which option you want to do you need to cover a topic from this school year. You can cover anything from Native Americans to Plaza Suite and everything in between. You can work on the project by yourself or with up to 4 people.

The project will be due either May 23 (periods 1,3,5) or 24 (periods 2,4,6).
Worth 20 points.

Cash for Teachers contest

To all my lovely students -- here is a chance to really thank me.
Y100 has this contest where by writing a short essay about your teacher they are entered to win $1000.
Please go to the following website and submit an essay by May 3rd!
http://ccsf.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=25123

Earth Day Reflection

This is a picture of the young Ms. Manfra (on the right) and her sister Monica (left). I am going to call it -- "admiring nature." :)
In honor of Earth Day, April 22nd, I would like you to share either three examples of how you can help preserve the Earth or share a picture of yourself that captures your appreciation of nature (please include a short paragraph explaining the picture).
You can either post your comment to the blog or turn it into me.
Your assignment is due by April 29th.

Teacher Appreciation Cards

You need to have the following components on your Teacher Appreciation card:
1. On the front of the card you need a quote that deals with teachers. For example: "A good teacher is like a candle -- it consumes itself to light the way for others." ~Unknown
2. On the inside of the card write a personal message to the teacher. Include favorite moments from their class or something that makes them stand out. (Be Specific!)
3. On the back of the card make sure to put your name (first and last).
4. Decorate your card. Include pictures, clipart or images that reflect what teachers do or things that remind you of that teacher. For example: If you are sending a card to your science teacher then you might want to include images of microscopes or beakers.

Open Mic Day coming soon!

April 28th will be the third annual Open Mic Day that I sponsor.
On that day, you will share a poem that you have either personally written or a poem by a favorite poet.
*Your poem needs to be at least 12 lines long and you will be reading it outloud to the class.
*Your grade is based on your reading quality.
*Please come and sign-up with me to let me know what poem you will be reciting ahead of time because I do not want any repeats.
Looking forward to having another successful Open Mic Day. Don't forget to snap!

Last Nine Weeks

Believe it or not we have reached the last nine weeks. Yippee!!!!

At this point in the year I like to have you all reflect on everything you have learned throughout this school year. You will begin writing a reflection essay as part of your final essay exam examining everything you have learned in my class. I will be checking on your progress over the next several weeks and will probably be collecting your essays sometime in May.

Other important grades coming up--

1. Women's History Month Project (due this week, April 6 or 7)

2. Open Mic Day (you will be reading a poem that either you have written or a poem by a favorite poet)

3. SAT/ACT (last chance practice and tips)

I will also be meeting with some of you to make sure you are aware of the 5 point rule. It is very important to earn at least 5 points between the third and fourth nine weeks and the final exam.

Piano Slam Poetry Contest

To all my students, Here is an opportunity to create a poem, enter it and possibly win $100! (I had a winning entry last year and would love for someone to win this year as well.) Go to the following website: www.pianoslam.org/download.htm to get more details about the contest. If you want me to look over your poem before entering it please bring it by. The deadline is next week -- April 7th!

Women's History Month Project

It's time to have some fun because "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"!

With a group (up to 5 people) or on your own you will rewrite a song in honor of Women's History month.
1. Select a song by a woman singer or group.
2. Write background information about the singer or group. (In other words, a short biography.)
3. Print out the original lyrics to the song.
4. Rewrite the song either as a parody or singing about famous women in history or events that have impacted women.
5. The creative part. :) You can create a music video, a Powerpoint with images and words of your new song, or perform the song as a skit in class. (If you have any other ideas please see me ahead of time.)

The project will be due April 6 (periods 2, 4, 6) or April 7 (periods 1, 3, 5).
Worth 10 points (doubled)

Peer Edit Questions

1. Is their attention getter interesting?
2. Underline/highlight the person's thesis.
3. Do they make a connection to the novel and the word they are defining?
4. Do they have at least three sources? (A Lesson Before Dying and two other sources)
5. Does their conclusion do a good job of summarizing their definition and wrap-up their essay or does it leave you with more questions?

Congratulations!

I am so proud of the following students for being recognized by the Scholastic Writing Awards program for their creative writing.
Their work will be on display at the Dade County Youth Fair.

Yailin Alvarez - Poetry - Third Place
Sandra Arango - Poetry - Third Place
Juan Bermeo - Short Story - Second Place
Allison Delgado - Poetry - Third Place
Jose Diaz - Poetry - Third Place
Kenneth Gutierrez - Poetry - Third Place
Jonathan Lam - Poetry - Third Place
Melissa Martinez - Personal Essay - Second Place
Robert Ortiz - Poetry - Third Place
Frank Perez - Poetry - Third Place
Gabriel Quicano - Poetry - Third Place
Susan Serpa - Poetry - Third Place
Olivia Socorro - Poetry - Third Place

Memorial Service for Jefferson

You are all invited to attend the Memorial Service for Jefferson, which will take place either
Friday, March 4 (Periods 1, 3, 5) or Monday, March 7 (Periods 2, 4, 6) where we will share our memories from A Lesson Before Dying.

Elegies will be collected and refreshments will be served.
*Remember your elegies should be 10 lines long, include details about Jefferson and how he passed away, how he impacted the community and how he will be remembered.

Art Critique

The image above is titled "Moving In" by Norman Rockwell.






The image above is titled "The Problem we all live with" (also by Norman Rockwell)

Norman Rockwell is a well-known, 20th century American artist that depicted American life.

Now that we have finished reading A Lesson Before Dying and have read many pieces by African-Americans in reference to racism and civil rights, I want you to pick one of the images from above and post a comment to the blog answering the following:

1. Describe what you see in the image.

2. What does it mean to you or what message is the image sending?

3. Do you think it is a good representation of American life? (remember the time period is not today)

Make sure you post your comment by March 25th. This will be worth 5 points.

Upcoming Events (Very Important)

*Don't forget that the Quote Assignment is due this week on March 1 (Periods 2,4,6) or March 2 (Periods 1, 3, 5). Please refer to the post from February 2nd for details.
It is worth 20 points!

*You should also be working on your definition essays. I am including the link to the sample definition I went over in class so you can refer to it:
www.apstudynotes.org/english/sample-essays/definition-success/
Remember that final drafts of the Definition Essay will be due on March 8 (Periods 1, 3, 5) or March 9 (Periods 2, 4, 6). I will be collecting the Outline, Rough Draft, Peer Edit and Final Draft (typed).

*I also want to make you all aware of the Memorial Service we will be having for Jefferson on March 4 (Periods 1, 3, 5) or March 7 (Periods 2, 4, 6).
I will be passing a list around next week for people to volunteer to bring in refreshments. As a final wrap-up to the novel you will be sharing your favorite part(s) from the novel and turning in an original elegy (a poem to memorialize someone that has passed away.)

Chapters 23-25 Reading Questions

Read the following chapters for homework and be ready for a reading check next class (2/28 & 3/1).

Chapter 23
1. What does Reverend Ambrose feel Jefferson needs? What is distracting him?
2. What do the children collect for Jefferson? Does he appreciate it?

Chapter 24
3. What is a hero, according to Grant?
4. What is a myth, according to Grant?

Chapter 25
5. What causes Grant to get in a fight?
6. What does this show us about Grant's character?

Chapter 20-22 Reading Questions

1. Jefferson is scheduled to be executed during what holiday?

2. Why was this particular day chosen? What is its significance? (hint: symbolism)

3. Who does Vivian meet? How does the meeting go?

4. What "vicious circle" does Grant refer to when speaking to Vivian?

5. What does Jefferson want for his last supper?

6. What difficulties does Grant encounter while trying to buy a radio for Jefferson?

Chapter 17-19 Questions

Chapter 17
1. What lesson or message does Grant give to Jefferson about dying and living?
2. What message does the sheriff give to Grant to pass on to Miss Emma?

Chapter 18
3. Has Grant made any progress with Jefferson? Explain by giving some examples from their conversation.
4. Is Vivian's character pessimistic or optimistic? How can you tell?

Chapter 19
5. Who was the Christmas pageant dedicated to? Did that change anything?
6. What is the significance of the color clothes the children are wearing?
7. What is the deeper meaning of the whole Christmas pageant?

Chapter 13-16 Reading Questions

You need to write down the following questions and answer them on your own paper.
They are due on Tuesday, February 15 (Periods 2, 4, 6) and
Wednesday, February 16 (Periods 1, 3, 5).

Chapter 13
1. What report does Grant give to Miss Emma? Is it the truth?
2. Who is more concerned about Jefferson's soul? Why?

Chapter 14
3. Grant and Vivian's relationship goes to a new level. Do they really love each other or do you think it is just lust? Please explain your answer.

Chapter 15
4. What is Tante Lou's opinion of Vivian?

Chapter 16
5. Who makes Grant feel powerless?
6. Miss Emma's attitude towards the whole Jefferson situation shows us what about her character?

Extra Credit for Essay Contest

If you enter the What's Great About America? Essay Contest I will give you extra credit towards this nine weeks.

Go to the following link to get details about the contest: www.stosselintheclassroom.org/essaycontest.php

The deadline is February 28th, so get writing.

Quote Assignment

Throughout the novel we encounter many significant quotes and or ideas. It is these thoughts that make the novel meaningful.

You are to select 20 quotes from the novel that you find to be meaningful or significant. Write down the page number of the quote and the complete quote. Explain why you selected the quote and its impact on the story for you.

Here is an example of how you should complete each quote:

"He's dead now. And I can't raise the dead." Page 14

This quote is significant because Grant is basically using this as his argument for not wanting to visit Jefferson in jail. Jefferson is like a dead man walking because he has been given the death penalty and no one can stop that from happening. I also found it meaningful because Grant feels he is not a miracle worker and if Miss Emma couldn't teach Jefferson how to be a man after 21 years how is he going to do so in just a few months.

This assignment is worth 20 points.
Due March 1 (Periods 2, 4, 6) or March 2 (Periods 1, 3, 5)

Reading Questions for Chapters 3-8

If you have lost or never received the reading questions for Chapters 3-8 of A Lesson Before Dying here you are. I don't want to hear any excuses that you did not have the questions.

Chapter 3
1. What is the significance of the back door to Grant?
2. What is Miss Emma's plea with Mr. Henri?
3. "I want somebody to do something for me one time for I close my eyes." Why do you think Miss Emma makes this statement?

Chapter 4
4. How does Grant describe his girlfriend, Vivian?
5. What is Vivian and Grant's commitment?
6. What is causing conflict in Grant's life? (more than one thing)

Chapter 5
7. Decribe Grant's classroom.
8. How does Grant treat his students. Give an example.
9. How does Grant use Jefferson as a lesson for his students?

Chapter 6
10. What does the scene of Grant waiting in the kitchen show us about his character?
11. What is your impression of Mr. Guidry?
12. What arrangement is made in regards to Grant visiting Jefferson?

Chapter 7
13. Who came to visit the school?
14. Compare and contrast Grant's behavior as opposed to Dr. Joseph's behavior.
15. What is Dr. Joseph's commentary to Grant about his class?
16. How does Grant respond?

Chapter 8
17. What is distracting the class?
18. Grant begins to question himself about whether he is reaching the students or not. What does this tell us about him?
19. Who is Matthew Antoine? What was his suggestion to his students?

Week of January 24th

Lots of stuff happened this week.

1. I checked your novels for A Lesson Before Dying. Last day to show me whether you have your book or not is Monday, January 31st. 2. Outline of pages 1093-1101 was collected. There will be a quiz based on your outlines this coming week.
3. Read "Stride Toward Freedom" by Martin Luther King and answered four reading questions.
4. Took introduction notes on the novel and watched a brief video on Ernest Gaines, the author. There will be an introduction quiz on that information this coming week.
5. Issued the Poster project. (Please refer to the posting for details on the project.)

I know most of you are looking forward to the Ring Ceremony coming up this week on Thursday, February 3rd (Early Release). Make sure you stay focused and complete all work and be present for the quizzes.

P.S. I am looking into trying to get a swing dance instructor to come to the school to teach you swing dancing since that was a dance that was popular during the 1940s-1960s. I will give you more information as I get it. I hope this sounds fun to you because I think it would be a great way to learn more about that time period.

Poster Project for A Lesson Before Dying

You are to design a poster based on the time period of the novel -- A Lesson Before Dying.
You have a a choice between one of the following topics:
1. Famous people and/or events of the time (1940s-1960s)
2. Racism / Segregation
3. Civil Rights Movement

Your poster will be graded based on visual creativity and information on your topic.
You can work on your own or with a partner. No more than two people per poster!

It will be due February 8th (periods 1,3,5) and February 9th (periods 2, 4, 6).
Worth 10 points

Observations from first half of the year

So we made it through the first half of the year.
Overall I am pleased with your work and effort. There are only a few things I would like to mention:
1. I don't give you grades -- you earn them. Remember that I grade on a point system, which means everything counts even more. You may have an 89% in the class and think you are missing an "A" by just one point, but it is more than just one point, it is one percent.
2. I do offer extra credit, but you need to do it and submit it on time. The third and fourth nine weeks extra credit will be to register and take either the SAT or ACT. To sign-up see Ms. Abesada (CAP Advisor) in the main office. Remember if you are on free/reduced lunch you can get a voucher so you don't have to pay the registration fee, which is like $45.
3. Up to now we have read in class, but this second half of the year you will be responsible for reading more independently at home so make sure you are keeping up with the reading. This is to prepare you for college.

I look forward to a great second half of the school year.
Remember -- "The Gladiator life is the life we live." :)

Are you ready for A Lesson Before Dying?

We will be reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines for the 3rd nine weeks.
I will begin checking for your copy of the novel the week of January 24th.
All students need to have their own copy of the book (you can check it out from the library, download from the internet, purchase it) because you will be doing reading at home.
I will be issuing a book check for points.

Do not get caught without a book because you will only be hurting yourself.

Midterm Review

Here are topics to review for the midterm (multiple choice exam):

1. You should know the main idea, plot and characters of the pieces below--
A. Native / Colonial Americans (notes)
B. The World on the Turtle's Back
C. The Coyote and the Buffalo
D. Sinner's in the Hands of an Angry God
E. The General History of Virginia by John Smith
F. Benjamin Franklin
G. The Minister's Black Veil
H. The Raven

You should also know what the following authors wrote:
Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert Frost

2. SAT Vocabulary (A-T words): Absolve, Anomaly, Beseech, Conundrum, Deluge, Discredit, Empathy, Ephemeral, Fortuitous, Germane, Hiatus, Humane, Imbibe, Impetuous, Judicious, Karma, Knotty, Lucid, Magnanimous, Meliorate, Neophyte, Onus, Obsequious, Pretentious, Querulous, Rendezvous, Rudimentary, Sagacious, Taciturn, Travesty

3. Grammar Review (Comma Usage, Subject-verb agreement)

4. SAT Practice Questions (Sentence completion, grammar correction)

*If you create a review sheet for yourself and turn it in the day of your midterm I will give you extra points towards your test.

Midterm Exam Schedule

I know we just got back from the holiday break and you may not want to think about this, but it is time for Midterms. Here is the schedule of testing:

Subjective Exam (Essay)

Wednesday, January 12th Periods 4 & 5
Thursday, January 13th Periods 1 & 3
Thursday, January 14th Periods 2 & 6

Objective Exam (Multiple Choice)

Tuesday, January 18 Periods 1 & 5
Wednesday, January 19 Periods 2 & 6
Thursday, January 20 Periods 3 & 4

Monday, January 17th No School (Martin Luther King Holiday)
Thursday, January 20th End of the Second Nine Weeks
Friday, January 21st No School (Teacher Planning Day)