Monday, May 21, 2012

Week of 5/21- English

Monday, May 21st:  Final day of presentations.

Tuesday, May 22nd-Thursday, May 24th:  Return to The Last Lecture.

Friday, May 25th:  No School!  Memorial Day Break!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Week of 5/14- English

Oral defenses will take place for the duration of the week.

Click HERE for 8th period's presentations schedule.
Click HERE for 9th period's presentation schedule.

Investments and financial crisis: week of 5/14

Due Friday 5/18:  Summary and reaction to the current events article given to you on Monday.  See instructions on each article.  Some additional research is necessary to complete the assignment. 

Monday and Tuesday 5/14-15: We are discussing the upcoming school budget vote, how Americans save and invest and strategies for investing your savings.   Click HERE for the notes on how to invest your savings.

Wednesday and Thursday (5/16-17) to discuss strategies for investing in the stock market and the financial crisis. 

Expect a quiz on these next topics. 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Senior Thesis Paper

Your Senior Thesis Paper (final exam for the class) is due on Friday, May 4th.  You must submit a hard copy to me in class,  and you also must submit it to Turnitin.com as well.  The window will open on May 3rd and will close at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4th.

Turnitin login information:

Period 8: 
Turnitin Class ID #: 5049487
Password (case sensitive):  Amir

Period 9:
Turnitin Class ID #: 5049491
Password (case sensitive): Hassan

Submission Guidelines:
  • The entire paper should be in Times New Roman, 12 point font, and double-spaced.
  • You must create a title page for the paper.
  • You must staple the paper together in the following order:  title page, research paper, bibliography
  • The entire research paper (not the title page or bibliography) should have page numbers.
NOTE- We will spend Monday- Wednesday of next week preparing for your oral defenses, which will begin on Thursday, May 10th.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Personal Finance - all handouts for upcoming test

All handouts and lessons are fair game
for the Personal finance test. Test on Thursday 4/26
Cashless economy.  click HERE for the handout.

Researching Credit card options and calculating the cost of credit card debt. Click HERE for the handout.  All the suggested links are easily accessible from the googledoc.
Click HERE for the credit card debt calculator
Click HERE for a site to compare student credit cards.
Credit card sample bills click HERE
Working on or off the books.  Click HERE for the pros and cons
You also need to know how to read a pay stub and a W-2 form.
Filing your taxes.  Click HERE
Writing a check instructions click HERE
Car insurance click HERE

Click HERE for a copy of the Personal Finance Final Project- This is your final project

Part I: Due at the beginning of class Thursday 5/3
The rest is due at the beginning of class on Friday May 11th

we will meet in 204 to work on the project unless you told to go to 111

Extra Credit will be given if you show me a ticket to the Senior Experience Fashion Show.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Week of 4/30- English

Monday, April 30th: Introduction to The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.  In class we will read the introduction and "An Elephant in the Room." Written reaction #1 is due on Thursday.  The rough draft of your Senior Thesis Paper is due tomorrow (typed).

Tuesday and Wednesday, May 1st-2nd:  Peer editing sessions will take place.  You will have two different individuals read through your research paper over the course of two days.  You will have until Friday to revise and edit your paper based on the suggestions of your editors. I will also go over the submission guidelines at some point during these two days as well.

Thursday, May 3rd:  We will begin the class period by sharing written reaction #1. We will then read "The Parent Lottery" in class.  Written reaction #2 is due tomorrow.  The final draft of you paper is due tomorrow- no exceptions!

Friday, May 4th:  We will begin the period by sharing written reaction #2.  We will then read "The Elevator in the Ranch House" in class.  What would you draw on your walls (in-class activity)?   I will collect your research papers while you work on illustrating your "walls."

Monday, April 23, 2012

Week of 4/23- English

We will meet in the computer lab (room 111) or the library (on the 26th only) to work on your Senior Thesis Paper.  Please adhere to the following due dates:
  • During class on Monday, April 23rd, I will call you up individually to check your sources.  Please have them readily available.
  • Your properly formatted bibliography is due on Tuesday, April 24th. No exceptions!
  • The rough draft of your paper will be due on Tuesday, May 1st.  MLA parenthetical citations must be correctly used/formatted within your paper.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Week of 4/16- English

Monday, April 16th:  Your topic proposal/ thesis statement is due today (typed and double-spaced).  I will  be conferencing with each of you to discuss your research topic and thesis statement during class time.

Tuesday, April 17th- Friday, April 20th:  We will meet in the library so you can begin to accumulate sources for your research paper.  Please be aware that you will be given a class participation grade worth 100 points during this research period, so use your research/ library time appropriately!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Week of 4/2- English

Monday, April 2nd:  Introduction to the Senior Thesis Paper. This is your final exam for the class and will count for 20% of your overall English average. Your creative writing piece for The Kite Runner is due tomorrow, and your movie reaction to Restrepo and Taking Chance is due on Wednesday.  Both assignments should be typed.

Tuesday, April 3rd:  Creative writing assignment due. Group share activity.

Wednesday, April 4th:  We will meet in the library, so you can begin to look through various sources and find a research topic.  Your thesis proposal is due on Monday, April 16th and is the first grade of this research project.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Week of 3/19- English

Monday, March 19th:  We will discuss chapter 22 of Kite Runner and view a PBS Frontline special that directly correlates with the reading.  Chapter 23 in Kite Runner is due tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 20th through Thursday, March 22nd:  We will discuss Amir's recovery and determine whether or not he actually "becomes good again." Chapter 24 is due Wednesday, and Chapter 25 is due on Thursday. On Thursday we will discuss whether or not we are satisfied with the ending of the novel, so bring your 200-300 word reaction (assigned in class) with you.

Friday, March 23rd:  I will return your grammar exam, and we will go over it.  For the last twenty minutes of class, we will go watch the drama previews for Kiss Me, Kate.  Your test on Kite Runner will be Monday. 

PIG/ECO notes and test preparation for Kite Runner, Afghanistan, Protestors

Thursday:  You will share your expertise on your protestor.  Click HERE for the profiles of all 4 protestors.  Make sure you follow the directions on the assignment (the directions are on the bottom of the back).  This is a great opportunity to raise your average.

Friday:  Your PIG/ECO test for Kite Runner/Afghanistan will be Thursday.   Click HERE for the some of the test questions.  I will expect thorough and thoughtful responses that reflect the lessons of the past 3 weeks.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Week of 3/12- English

Monday, March 12th:  We will discuss chapters 12-14 in class today, focusing specifically on Afghani culture/tradition, Amir and Soraya's relationship and fertility issues, Baba's death, and Rahim Kahn's phone call to Amir.  For homework, read chapters 15-16. In addition, read the nine rules of pronoun/ antecedent agreement, which you will receive a handout for in class today. 

Tuesday, March 13th:  We will briefly discuss pronoun/antecedent agreement and complete a quick practice exercise.  We will then discuss chapters 15-16, focusing specifically on how much Afghanistan has changed since Amir left, and Hassan's ability to forgive his mother.  For homework, read chapters 17-18. 

Wednesday, March 14th: Baba's secret is revealed!  We will discuss how this is foreshadowed throughout the entirety of the text thus far. For homework, read chapters 19-21. 

Thursday, March 15th:  We will discuss the horrors of Ghazi Stadium and Sohrab, Hassan's son. For homework, study for your grammar quiz, which will focus on colloquialisms, appositives, affect vs. effect, underlining vs. quoting in titles, and pronoun antecedent agreement (study the "Troubleshooting Your Writing" and "Pronoun/Antecedent Agreement" worksheets).

Friday, March 16th:  Grammar quiz.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Week of 3/5- English

Monday, March 5th: Grammar Day (makeup from Friday)!  I am also going to return several graded assignments and your five week progress report with a summary of your grades.  If you need to makeup assignments or submit late ones, you must do so by the end of this week.  Chapters 9-10 of The Kite Runner will be due tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 6th:  Discussion of chapters 9-10.  Please make sure you email your discussion questions to me before 9:00 a.m.  Chapters 11-12 will be due on Thursday.

Wednesday, March 7th:  Challenge Day!

Thursday, March 8th: Discussion of chapters 11-12.  Please make sure you email your discussion questions to me before 9:00 a.m.  Chapters 13-14 will be due on tomorrow.

Friday, March 9th:  Half the period will be dedicated to grammar (pronoun/antecedent agreement), and the other half of the period will be dedicated to our discussion on Chapters 13-14 of The Kite Runner.   Chapters 15-16 will be due on Monday.  Please make sure you email your discussion questions to me before 9:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Week of 2/27/12- English

Monday, February 27th:  We will begin The Kite Runner today. I will disseminate the monthly calendar and the novels during class.  We will also complete a pre-reading activity and begin reading chapter 1.  Chapters 2-4 are due tomorrow.  For each nightly reading, you are to devise three discussion, which we will use to lead our discussion the next day.

Tuesday, February 28th:  We will discuss chapters 2-4 of The Kite Runner, focusing specifically on the relationships between Amir and Hassan, Amir and Baba, and Hassan and Baba. Chapters 5 and 6 are due tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 29th: We will discuss chapters 5 and 6 of the novel.  Chapters 7 and 8 are due tomorrow.

Thursday, March 1st:  We will discuss chapters 7-8 of the novel.  Chapters 9-10 are due on Monday.

Friday, March 2nd:  Grammatical concept of the week:  Correct comma usage.

Note:  If you still need to submit your nonfiction narrative, please do so ASAP!  They should have been emailed to me by Friday, February 17th if you weren't in class to submit them.  Anything handed in after the due date will receive a late penalty.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Week of 2/13- English

Monday, February 13th:  We will meet in the back of the library today to complete the group survival activity that coincides with In the Heart of the Sea. 

Tuesday- Thursday, February 14th-16th:  We will be viewing 127 Hours, a powerfully uplifting true story about one man's struggle to survive against mountainous odds.  Click HERE for the 127 Hours writing assignment.
Friday, February 17th:  Your nonfiction narrative is due.  Please make sure it is typed and double-spaced.

NOTE:  If you need to finish or take your essay test on In the Heart of the Sea, you MUST do so by Thursday, February 16th.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Week of 2/6/2012- English

Monday, February 6th:  Chapter 13 of In the Heart of the Sea is due.  We will juxtapose the homecomings of both Pollard and Chase.  For homework, finish the novel and complete the worksheet disseminated in class.  On Thursday and Friday, you will have an essay exam on the novel. Below are the requirements:

Task: After generating a thesis statement specific to In the Heart of the Sea, compose a five paragraph essay that develops/proves your thesis.   

Thesis generation:
The thesis statement you develop should be specific to one of the following topics presented to us in the novel:

  • Racism
  • Leadership (Note- Your thesis for this topic should not be “Chase is a more effective leader than Pollard,” as we have discussed this topic ad nauseum).
  • Allusions
  • Survival psychology
  • Survival situations
  • Man and nature (Note- Your thesis for this topic should not be “Men often underestimate the power of nature,” as we have discussed this topic ad nauseum)
If you would like to focus on a particular topic not presented here, it must be approved by me first.

MLA Citations:
In order to develop/support your thesis, you MUST make reference to textual evidence through means of MLA parenthetical citations.

Preparation:
The essay exam will take place in class on Thursday and Friday, February 9th and 10th.  Prior to coming to class on those dates you should plan out your response by developing a thesis and finding evidence from the text that you plan to use in your essay (place post-it notes throughout the book to indicate passages you may want to include in your essay).  

Tuesday, February 7th:  Chapter 14, epilogue, and homecoming assignment due. Please continue to work on your nonfiction narrative, which is due on February 14th.


Wednesday, February 8th: Survival activity: Would you and your group members survive based on your leader's performance? 

Thursday and Friday, February 9th and 10th:  Essay exam.  Bring your thesis statement, outline, and copy of the novel to class.  I will collect In the Heart of the Sea on Friday.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Week of 1/30-English

Monday, January 30th:  Chapters 8-9 of In the Heart of the Sea due. 

Tuesday, January 31st:  Chapter 10 due.

Wednesday, February 1st:  Chapter 11 due.

Thursday, February 2nd:  Chapter 12 due.

Friday, February 3rd:  Creative nonfiction example; begin composing pieces. Finish In the Heart of the Sea by Monday.

NOTE:  If you are responsible for presenting a chapter from the novel this week, it is YOUR responsibility to plan a presentation and meet with me to discuss what you will be focusing on.  Failure to meet with me/ prepare for you presentation will result in a zero for the assignment.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Week of 1/23- English

Monday, January 23rd:  Comprehensive Quiz on chapters 1-6 of In the Heart of the Sea.  If you miss the quiz today, you MUST make it up by Thursday (1/26); this is the final grade of the marking period.

Tuesday and Wednesday, January 24th-25th:  No classes will be in session due to midterms.

Thursday, January 26th:  Chapter 7 of  ITHOTS is due.  Those of you who are responsible for presenting should make it a point to meet with me during an off period or in extra help on Monday.

Friday, January 27th:  Grammatical concept of the week: parallel structure in writing.  We will also begin discussing the art of composing "creative" non-fiction. 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Week of January 16th, 2012- English

Monday:  No School

Tuesday:  You will retake a grammar quiz on sentence types at the beginning of the period. For the remainder of the period, we will discuss chapter five of In The Heart of the Sea. Chapter six of the novel is due Thursday.

Wednesday:  Continuation of discussion for chapter five ; chapter six due tomorrow.

Thursday:  Chapter six discussion. Chapter seven due Monday.

Friday:  Mid-book comprehensive quiz on In the Heart of the Sea.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Week of 1/9/2012- English

Monday, January 9th: Grammar day!  We will discuss various methods to improve your writing, focusing specifically on strengthening you word choice, verb usage, and sentence structure. Click HERE for the handout.

Tuesday, January 10th:  There will be a brief grammar quiz that focuses specifically on sentence structure.  After the quiz, Chris and Ashley (period 8) and Chandler and Sal (period 9) will present chapter two of In the Heart of the Sea. Your revised Gangs of New York writing assignment is due tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 11th:  We will spend the first ten minutes of class discussing the grammar quiz, which was administered in class yesterday.  For the remainder of the period, Alfred and Alex (period 8) and Dylan and Chris (period 9) will present chapter three of In the Heart of the Sea.

Thursday, January 12th: Chapter four of In the Heart of the Sea is due. Nick and Liza (period 8) and Erin and Alex (period 9) will present.

Friday, January 13th:  Chapter five of In the Heart of the Sea is due.  Danielle and Himat (period 8) and Jon and Mary (period 9) will present.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Week of 1/3/2012- English

Happy New Year!

Tuesday, January 3rd:
We will warm-up with a brief grammar activity, which will focus on sentence types; this is a review from before we went on break.  We will spend the remainder of the period discussing Nantucket and the American whaling industry. The preface and Chapter 1 of  ITHOTS will be due on Thursday (this is a calendar change). Kristen and Angelo (period 8) and Kim and Amanda (period 9) should plan to meet with me tomorrow after school. 

Wednesday, January 4th:
Introduction to In the Heart of the Sea continued- Analysis of "The Nantucket Graveyard" and excerpt from Exodus.

Thursday, January 5th:
Preface and Chapter 1 of  ITHOTS due.

Friday, January 6th:
Vocabulary/ Grammar Day!  We will  look at select excerpts from the Gangs of New York writing assignment, and we will discuss possible revision methods, focusing specifically on sentence structure and diction.