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?