Open Mic Day

Okay everyone, here is the situation:

Open Mic Day has been postponed to May 6 (Periods 1,3,5) and May 7 (Periods 2,4,6)!
That means we have two weeks to prepare and make the event even better.
Get those poems ready, practice your talents and let's make this years Open Mic Day a memorable one.

*Remember, this is a major grade so participation is mandatory.

Dade County Youth Fair Creative Writing Winners

I would like to congratulate the following students for receiving recognition at the Youth Fair for their creative writing entries:

Second Place Winners:
Nathalie Arencibia -- 2nd place for Poetry
Michelle Chow -- 2nd place for Poetry
Giannixa Galvez -- 2nd place for Poetry
Miraidys Hidalgo -- 2nd place for Poetry
Christopher Marroquin -- 2nd place for Poetry
John Morales -- 2nd place for Poetry
Laura Saavedra -- 2nd place for Poetry
Josue Sanchez -- 2nd place fore Poetry

Third Place Winners:
Samantha Collazo -- 3rd place for Poetry
Marilia Garrido -- 3rd place for Poetry
Aylin Hernandez -- 3rd place for Poetry
Gerardo Lopez -- 3rd place for Nonfiction essay
Jasmin Ochoa -- 3rd place for Poetry
Kimberly Orozco -- 3rd place for Poetry
Yesenia Rodriguez -- 3rd place for Poetry

I am proud of my students for representing Hialeah Gardens High School and demonstrating that we have talented writers.

Happiness Article Assignment

Using the articles on the following website -- http://www.newser.com/tag/22471/1/happiness.html

1. Write a summary of your article

2.  Explain whether you agree or disagree with the topic

3.  Present to class on Friday, April 5 (Periods 2,4,6) and Monday, April 8 (Periods 1,3,5)

Articles begin with #1 Crack a Smile:  It's International Happiness Day

Third Nine Weeks Extra Credit

So with three weeks left in the third nine weeks here are your options for extra credit:

1.  Level up on Reading Plus.  Many of you are close.

2.  Show me a letter that you have been accepted to a college or university.

3.  Bring in canned food for a Feed the Hungry drive from Monday, March 4th - 15th.

Each extra credit is worth 5 points.

Advice Presentations

As I mentioned at the beginning of the nine weeks, you will be giving advice to the underclassmen about a topic of your choice.  The topic should be related to high school such as how to make it to graduation or preparing for your future in college or SAT/ACT prep, etc. 

The first step is letting me know who you will be working with or if you will be working by yourself.  There is a limit of two people.
The next step is telling me the name of the teacher's class that you will be presenting to.  Make sure that you get approval from that teacher beforehand.
Then you need to figure out a topic that you will be presenting and getting my approval of it.

Requirements for the presentation:
1. It should be on a Powerpoint.  That will make the overall presentation easier because you will give the teacher your USB drive and they can put your presentation on the board for the whole class to see.
2.  It needs to be 5-10 minutes long.
3. Make sure that your presentation is informative while also being interesting.  You want to make sure the class you are presenting to is engaged in your presentation (not falling asleep).

I will provide you with a rubric to give to the teacher so that they can provide me with feedback on your presentation.
You will have from March 4 - 15 to present.

This will be the last major grade for the nine weeks so make it count!

Hamlet Critique

With this assignment you are going to have the choice between giving your opinions about the play we saw on Tuesday or the movie I showed you in class.

Your critique must be typed, double spaced, minimum one page.

Critique should include the following:
1. Clearly identify whether you are critiquing the play or the movie.
2. Be specific about what parts you like and what parts you didn't like.
3. Finish with a final concluding thought about whether you liked it overall or not.

Due on February 21st (Periods 1,3,5) or February 22nd (Periods 2,4,6)
You can turn it in early as well.
Worth 10 points.

You have the option to submit your paper to www.turnitin.com before you submit it to me.  This website will review your essay and give you feedback on it.
Create an account (click on link in top right corner)
Class ID 6143977
Password HGHS2013

** No School Monday, 2/18
** You will have a test on Hamlet this coming week so make sure you know the characters and the major events of the play.
** Progress reports come out next week.

Field trip to see Hamlet live

If you are planning on attending the field trip to see Hamlet on Tuesday, February 12th I need your permission forms by Wednesday, 2/6!

As far as what the dress code will be, it will be the standard uniform, unless you would like to make a special shirt in class using a quote from the play.  If you are interested in making your own shirt please let me know ahead of time and you must show me the shirt ahead of time.  If you would like to make your shirt in class you can bring in your own supplies and do that as well before next Tuesday.

As far as lunch is concerned for that day, unless I can talk with the bus drivers to let us pick McDonald's or something like that where we can all get off and grab something quick, you will need to bring your own lunch or if you have free or reduced lunch please let me know so I can alert the cafeteria to have a bag lunch made for you.

Looking forward to having a great experience!