Winter Break! Homework and Looking to 2nd Semester

I hope you all have a wonderful, amazing, fantastic, restful, eventful break!

As you guys go off and enjoy yourselves, I'm excitedly working on your next units!  When we come back, our unit will focus on persuasive writing while we read a memoir of the Iranian Revolution called Persepolis.  Afterwards we're planning on doing a sampling of poetry from around the world, and ending the year with a short story unit.

Remember, the other half of your Parallel Reading is due next semester.  An awesome goal would be to have your book on the day we come back.  You have to get a book from the other half of the list. 

Don't forget your vocabulary!  When we come back, we'll be starting with Unit 7.  As always, miniquizzes and major quizzes will alternate every Monday.  You can go ahead and do your Unit 7 workbook.

I'll be moving all of the current resources to 1st Semester Resources tab--so that the information will still be there for you to look at.  Remember, the Final Exam for the course will be cumulative.

Again, have a fantastic break and see you in January!

Week 18 of 18--Final Exams

Hello All!

This is it!  On Friday I gave out the final grades for each student.  The formula to determine their final grade in the class is A x 0.85 + B x 0.15 = C where A is their current grade, B is their exam grade, and C is their final grade in the class.

I'd like these grade sheets signed and returned today, or tomorrow.

Due to some technical difficulty, I couldn't get the PPT review games onto the blog until now. 

For the rest of the week, we're reviewing for the final, and then taking the final.  Click here for the Final Exam Schedual for the week.

I hope you have a great week!

Week 17 (out of 18)

We are in the home stretch!  Today is the final vocabulary quiz of the semester, then all that's left is the presentation and final Midterm Exam!

Make sure you are studying EVERY NIGHT for 10-15 minutes!  You want to do awesome on this final and I know that you can!

The final will comprise of:

• Vocabulary from units 2-4 (6 questions)
• Gilgamesh and archetypes (12 questions)
• William Shakespeare (6 questions)
• Julius Caesar (36 questions)
• 2 cold readings that might have something to do with Julius Caesar or Shakespeare (10 questions)

It's 70 questions total.  You have 90 minutes to take it.  You can do it!

You should be studying your Gilgamesh notes, your archetype notes, your vocabulary (remember, games are linked on the Current Resources page), your Julius Caesar packet.  You can also use the study videos and the student presentations I've linked on the Current Resources page. 

Finally, on Thursday, I plan on having a review session in Leap Tutoring.  Please see me about the tutoring ticket to attend.  You can even just show up and fill it out in the Media Center at 3:45 on Thursday.

The Final Exam Schedule is linked below.  Click the Read More:

Week 16 (out of 18)

Head's up for this week:

You'll be given your exemption papers Monday in homeroom. 

You need to finish and be prepared to present your Julius Caesar Menu presentations by Friday.

We'll be in the Writing Lab on Wednesday (7th period Friday instead) to work on these presentations.

Only 53% of all students have turned in their Parallel Reading Assignment that was due last week.  Wednesday, December 5th, is the final day that submissions will be accepted.

Parallel Reading Results

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As of the writing of this post, Pinnacle is up to date with students who have not turned in their Parallel Reading Assignment.  Those Zs are accurate.  If a student has a blank grade, it has been turned in, and I am grading furiously.

Reward Results:

Period	Percent turned in by Friday	Number turned in Late
1st	65%	1
2nd	50%	0
5th	39%	0
6th	37%	0
7th	45%	1
TOTAL	48%	2

Due to having the highest percentage of papers turned in on Friday, 1st period will receive a reward.  Since 2nd period had the 2nd highest percentage of papers turned in, they'll also receive a (smaller) reward.  Rewards will be given to students who are present on Monday.
At this time 68 of 142 students have turned in their Parallel Reading.  I hope to have these 68 papers graded by Sunday.  Please, the 74 of you who have not yet turned in your papers, please turn them in as soon as possible!

[edit: To see why you received the grade you earned, you can log in to www.turnitin.com and then look at the "GradeMark" tab.  You should be able to see what comments I put on your paper, and how I marked you on the rubric. The rubric is very detailed, and based off of your original instructions.]

Parallel Reading Abstracts, due Friday

Hello all!

We've been working on our Parallel Reading Abstracts for about 6 weeks now.  Since they're due on Friday, but have been available to turn in for 3 weeks, I told the students in class on Monday that today I'd be putting in Z's (zeros) for any student who has not yet turned in the assignment to turnitin.com.

When a student turns in the assignment, I will delete the Z, so that the grade will be blank, as communication that the student turned in the assignment.  There will be no late penalty if a student turns in the abstract by Friday.  After  Friday, the student will loose 10 points per school day late.  The final deadline for submitting the abstract is next Wednesday, December 5th.  No abstracts submitted after December 5th will be graded.

I plan on grading as many of these projects as I can this weekend, since the end of the semester is so close. 

Some students have already turned in their abstracts.  Most students are well on their way to turning in their abstracts by Friday (turnitin.com is open until midnight).  Some students have not gotten their books yet, or were still reading their books today.  This project was assigned about 6 weeks ago, and students have gotten multiple reminders and checks each week about their progress. 

Total papers turned in thus far:    Thursday
1st period: 8%                            26%
2nd periond: 11%                       14%
5th period: 11%                          14%
6th period: 3%                            17%
7th period: 18%                          27%

The class with the most papers turned in on time by Friday (percentage of the whole class) will receive a reward on Monday.

Week 15 (out of 18)

Some students have already turned in their Parallel Reading Assignment which is due to turnitin.com on Friday.  That's awesome!  Some students told me today they haven't finished reading their book.  That's terrifying!

Parallel Reading Abstract due 11/30, no submissions after 12/5 accepted. 

Julius Caesar Presentations assigned on 11/27.

1st and 2nd Period in Writing Lab on Wednesday and Thursday to work on Parallel Reading Abstract, and Julius Caesar Presentations (when students finish).

5th, 6th, and 7th Period in Writing Lab on Tuesday and Wednesday to work on Parallel Reading Abstract, and Julius Caesar Presentations (when students finish).

Vocab Unit 6--Presentations 11/27 or 11/29.
Vocab Unit 6 mini quiz 12/3
Vocab Unit 6 workbook 12/5
Vocab Unit 6 Quiz 12/10

A lot to do!

Extra Credit Assignment

To earn extra credit on the Midterm Exam, you must complete the following assignment in total.  This assignment is worth 5 extra credit points.  If this puts your exam grade over 100, it will be applied to your lowest summative grade (that is not a zero); the same if you exempt this exam.

1. You must create a mini-poster (8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper).
2. Your mini poster should identify a key Language Arts vocabulary word for drama.
3. You must clearly define this term.
4. You must explain how this term applies to Julius Caesar.  If there is not an example of that term in Julius Caesar, do not choose that term.
5. You must have a picture.

Color is optional, but encouraged.  Neatness is a requirement.

This will help you to better understand Julius Caesar, and help your classmates as well as these will be placed on the back wall for them to use as we study the rest of the play.

This assignment is due on Monday, 11/26.  No late work is accepted.

Exam Exemptions

Since students have been asking, [edit] I've copied the requirements from the exam exemption form that I received from Ms. Stoddard.

Criteria:

Ø  90% or higher (per class, per semester and no more than 4 days absent)

Ø  80% - 89% (per class, per semester and no more than 3 days absent)

Ø  74% - 79% (per class, per semester, no more than 1 day absent and NO ZEROES)

o   Seniors = You can EXEMPT 4 (3 if minimum day) FINAL EXAMS PER SEMESTER (AP/EOCT classes may not be exempted)                                                                      

o   Juniors = You can EXEMPT 3 FINAL EXAMS PER SEMESTER (AP/EOCT classes may not be exempted)

o   Sophomores = You can EXEMPT 3 FINAL EXAMS PER SEMESTER (AP/EOCT classes may not be exempted)

o   Freshmen = You can EXEMPT 2 FINAL EXAMS PER SEMESTER (AP/EOCT classes may not be exempted)

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS:                                                                                        

• Students with ISS, OSS are not eligible for any exam exemptions
• A conduct grade below an “S” for the semester (N or U) in a class, you may not exempt that class exam
• 3 tardies to a class equals an absence and will be added into the total absences for that class
• Students accumulating 7 or more school tardies not eligible for any exam exemptions

I would like to point out that the policy says absence, not excused absence, so those sick days do count.

Week 14 (out of 18)

Important things to remember this week:

1. Vocabulary Mini-Quiz Monday--Unit 5
2. Vocabulary Workbooks due Wednesday--Unit 5
3. Meet in Writing Lab on Wednesday for MLA workshop.  Bring your Parallel Reading Book (or at least the publication information).
4. Benchmark on Thursday--Shakespeare's Life (5 questions), Julius Caesar Acts I and II (14 questions, Cold Reading Passage (6 questions).
5. When you come back you need to be DONE with AT LEAST your rough draft of your Parallel Reading Abstract.
6. Vocabulary Quiz--Unit 5 the Monday we return.  (As we saw today, these words are difficult, so make sure you study over the break!)

Remember, every day you have homework.  You need to study 10 minutes each day (5 whatever we're reading, 5 vocabulary).  Your deadline is to have read 2/3 of you book by now.  If you're behind you should be reading reading reading every day.  If you're on target, you need to be reading every day. 

You can do it!  Just pace yourself!

Week 13

Hello All!

You may have noticed some changes in Pinnacle.  This morning I updated Pinnacle with ALL of the remaining assignments for the rest of the semester.  I want there to be no surprises going into your final grades for the semester.  The due dates are accurate.  If you have any questions, let me know!

Some students are getting extra credit today for bringing me back their signed Unofficial Progress Reports.  I do accept emails in lieu of signatures!  kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org.

We're plugging through Julius Caesar a bit more each day!  Check the calendar (to the right or on the tab above) to see how far we're getting each day!

Make sure you're reading, reading, reading your parallel reading book!

2nd 6 week Official Progress Report

Ladies and Gentlemen, the time has come once again.

My grades are due on Monday and I'm grading the epic narratives furiously so that they will be on the next official progress report.  Every other grade is up to date as of just now.  Basically, if it's not in there, you didn't turn it in. 

Since Official Progress Reports will go home on Wednesday, November 7th, my Unofficial Progress Reports, with comments, will be sent home on November 5th.  I do accept emails to kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12.org in lieu of signatures on these Unofficial Progress Reports. 

I want to make sure you know that the communication lines are open and I would love to discuss your child's progress in class. 

Week 12--Digging into Julius Caesar.

This is the last week before grades are due in for the 2nd round of Progress Reports.  I hope you've been working hard!  Many students have and have greatly improved their grades already.  If you're still in the red, you know you have to work hard on your Parallel Reading Project, you Julius Caesar notes, and be ready for your midunit benchmark and your Midterm Exam.  The Midterm will be 75% from this current unit and 25% cumulitive.  Yes, vocabulary from units 1-6 may be on the test.  Speaking of, don't forget your vocabulary Unit 4 mini quiz on Monday, and your workbook is due on Wednesday; yes, I'm checking for accuracy!

During class last week we started reading Julius Caesar using our accompanying packet.  Most classes finished reading through Act I Scene ii line 90.  If your class didn't (7th period), or if you were out, you need to use the online textbook and make sure you catch up over the weekend.  Remember, all links are on the Current Resources Page tabbed at the top of this page. 

As a head's up, I've told each class that while their first Parallel Reading Deadline (get your book) is Friday, Nov 2, I'm going to start putting Zs in the gradebook on Monday for those students who don't have books.  This is not perminant, just encouragement for students to get their books sooner rather than later.  I won't count off points of students who show me their physical book before Friday, however, 10 points per day after that applies. 

Week 11--Let's Go European!

Hello All!

After Monday's Unit 3 vocabulary quiz, and the Unit 4 presentations on Tuesday (you know who you are), we're going to jump from the Middle East over to Europe.  We'll actually be looking at 2 different cultures at once, British and Roman. That's right, we'll be reading Julius Ceasar by Shakespeare.

I don't know about you, but I'm excited--brotherly love, betrayal, portents, politicians, stubborness, fate, and let's not forget the Drama!  There should be plenty to get you interested.

The Shakespeare Background PPT and the Julius Ceasar Packet are already up on the Resource page if you want to look ahead.

We'll be in the computer lab on Wednesday for another Writing Lab Assingment (as a hint, it's first couple of pages of the Julius Ceasar Packet), and we'll actually start reading on Thursday. 

Those of you who haven't gotten your Reading Aloud grade yet for this 6 weeks, head's up, you're reading Act I. 

On Tuesday, you'll be assigned a Long Term Parallel Reading Assignment.  I want to get it to you early so that you'll have a month to work on it.  It is a serious assignment and will be completed outside of class and on your own.  We'll have weekly checks to work on your progress, but this assignment is not negotiable or optional.  You will need to get a book from the list and you will need to read and understand it.  This assignment will be due after Thanksgiving Break. [edit: The Parallel Reading Abstract Instructions and Requirements has been posted!]

Also, you may have noticed that I've cleaned up the Resource page and added a couple more tabs.  I wanted to make sure you still had access to the infromation from past units, but also that you had an easier time finding the currently relevant information.  I hope you like the new layout.  If you have any questions, as always, my email is open!

If you want to ask a question or contact me: kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org
If you *still* need to turn in your vocabulary presentation (way late!) or send me your turnitin.com password: mrsbundschu [at] gmail [dot] com

As a note, when you sent me your turnitin.com password, you can look in your "sent mail" and that email should be there.  In case you ever forget your password. 

Epic Narrative Update

Hello All!

The Epic Narrative was due yesterday.  I've marked in Pinnacle all of the students that have not yet submitted their projects to turnitin.com with a Z.  Students may still submit their narrative late, but they're losing 10% per day. 

Please check Pinnacle as to the status of your narrative.  No grade means I haven't graded it yet.  Z means it's not on my turnitin.com.

Week 10 Assessment Week

Due to overwhelming response, all vocabulary activities have been moved back by 1 week. 

Almost There Test for Unit 1 is on Monday: Study archetypes, Gilgamesh, and Genesis.

Epic Narrative is due on Turnitin.com on Tuesday; remember, no paper copies!

PSAT is on Wednesday, so Wednesday and Thursday we'll have a funky schedule.  We'll also be playing extention games.

Friday is our Final Unit Test.  Again, archetypes, Gilgamesh, and Genesis.

You can do it!!!

Vocabulary Questionaire

I'm trying out Google Forms to see how they work, but I would also like your opinion!

Please fill out and submit the form below so that I can alter my instruction based on your opinion.



Thanks!

Week 9--Summative Unit Assessment

Hello all!

This week is a very Student Directed Week.  The students were given the I Need a Hero Narrative Checklist and I Need a Hero Unit 1 Final Unit Assesment handouts on Friday last week.  They have deadlines to meet every day this week and through Tuesday next week.  Students who do not meet the deadlines on each individual step will not receive credit on that step!

You can watch your progress online on Pinnacle through the Epic Narrative Checklist grade.  Look at the list below to see of your student is on track with each deadline.  Students should be working ahead of each deadline in order to finish on time.

Students who are on track as of Monday have 20 points. 
Student should earn 20 points by Tuesday.
Students should earn 20 points by Wednesday.
Students should earn 10 points by Thursday.
Students should earn 30 points by Tuesday (next week).
Total of 100 points possible if they meet all of the deadlines.

Some students have already missed the first deadline as of today and cannot earn those first 20 points, however, they are still responsible for all subsequent deadlines.

Students who follow the Narrative Checklist are getting my (or Mr. Miller) to check off each step of their Writting Process.  If they are getting their work check at each step, their narrative should be worth an A when they actually turn it in. 

Getting Ready for the Next Unit and Extra Points

Did she just say, "Extra Points"?  Yep!

The online textbook is live, but I want to make sure that you can access it at home. 

The first 5 students from each class who access the online textbook (username is your number, password is cobb2013) and email me (kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org) screen shots (print screen button, then paste it into the email or a word document) of their accounts logged in to the online text books (yes, both of them) will get a ticket.

Remember, those tickets can turn into extra points or errand passes!

Week 8 and Looking at the Future

Hello All!

I hope you're all studying hard for your Vocab Quiz (unit 2) on Monday.

Speaking of studying, we're getting ready for our First Unit 1 Test!  The Gilgamesh notes for the stories we've covered so far are on the resource page, and the test dates for both the Almost There and the Unit Test are on the calendar.

You may notice that our Unit test is on Friday, October 19th.  Normally it would be Thursday, but since we have the PSAT on Wednesday, and our schedule is not normal for Wednesday or Thursday, we'll push the test to Friday. 

If you're presenting Unit 3, I hope you're ready!  You start Tuesday!

The Online Textbook is Live!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen!  Now you too can access our textbook at home!  Just log in to the book and you're set to go!

Go to: http://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com

Your user name is your number (lunch number, computer log in, etc.)
Your password is cobb2013

So if you missed a day of reading, say, Gilgamesh, you can now do the reading from the comfort of your own home!  Or the library, or a friend's house, or a family member's house...

Update on Grading

Hello All!

I am grading as much as I can as fast as I can, and getting those grades in as soon as possible. 

I wanted to give you an update about grading in general that Mr. Wagner relayed to us this morning at the faculty meeting:

Yes, a lot of students are not doing well right now due to the 80% summative 20% formative grading system.  In my classes alone, I have a staggering amount of students currently failing.  However, they are failing because we've only had 2 Summative grades and that is bringing their grades down if they haven't preformed well on the Summer Reading quiz or the Vocabulary Unit 1 quiz.

This shouldn't be a signal to give up; it should be a signal about what is neccessary to pass this class.  The class is not a sprint, it's a marathon.  You have to work hard every day, study every night (for about 10 minutes), in order to gain long-term knoweldge so that you do well on those summative assessments.  Some of the assessments coming up will be written.  Some of the assessments will be in class tests.  Every day that we take notes, I give hints about what information will be on the tests.  Every night, you should be looking over your notes, quizzing yourself, studying your vocabulary, in order to do fabulously on that Summative grade coming up. 

You can pull up your grade.  You just have to work hard, every day, to do it.  I believe in you.

If you need or want extra help, I'm here most mornings, I can sign you up for tutuoring.  Let me know what help you need.  Any questions or concerns, feel free to talk to me.  Email is best (I've gotten it fixed now, so you should actually be receiving my responses): kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org.

Remember, all large emails, like powerpoints, or emailed informtion should go to my gmail: mrsbundschu [at] gmail [dot] com

Week 7

This week we began reading Gilgamesh, and taking notes.  These notes will be on the blog as each class finishes each story, for students who were not here on those days.  I am talking with tech support about the issue of getting access to the online text book.  I'll get that information to you as soon as I have it.

Today, you're activator is on the Resource page, as is today's assignment under Vocabulary. 

End of 1st 6 Weeks

Hello all!

Since the end of the First 6 weeks of the year is this week, and Official Progress Reports are going home next week, I sent home an Unofficial Progress Report yesterday for the students to have signed and returned.  Students who turn it in today will receive a ticket.  This is just some extra communication between us. 

I hope students have been studying hard for their Mid-Unit Benchmark on Thursday!  It's all about Archetypes, and from the Archetype posters I've graded so far, I expect the students to do well.  Because I won't be able to finish grading all of the posters and presentations before Thursday, when I'm locked out of Pinnacle, these, and the Benchmark, will be the first grades to go in after I have access again.

I'm really excited to be starting Gilgamesh next week/Friday!

**Notice:  The final day to make up and missed test or quizzes from the first 6 weeks (as detailed on the Unofficial Progress Report) is Thursday, September 27th.  After that, all grades are final.**

Meet in the Writing Lab today

Please read this entire post before beginning your assignments.

In case you have never been to the blog before, or have forgotten where to find it, the Activators are found on the Resource page.  Click the Resource tab at the top of the page and the Activators are found under the Daily Work Category.  When you finish reading this entry, go ahead and do your activator.

Today's activity is found under the Instructions Category: "Writing Lab Assignment Checklist."

I've also uploaded a file called "Archetypes Mid Unit Benchmark Study Guide" under Handouts and Notes that you'll want to take a look at. 

Week 4 Recap, Week 5 Preview

This week was a busy one.  Either I or my coteacher, Mr. Miller, conferenced with every student who was here on Friday.  Students who were not here need to make up this conference with an appointment, per the Reading Reflection 5 instructions on the Resource page.

Each student helped create part of a mini-quiz for vocabulary which they will take on Monday.  This will count as a formative Language grade. 

Next week, please keep up with the calendar, as on Tuesday and Wednesday we are in a different location.  The assignments for next week will be posted on the blog shortly, if you want a preview of what we'll be doing in class.

As always, if you miss a day, check the calendar and the resource page for your make up work. 

Have a great weekend!

Vocabulary Book Update

I was just informed that we will, unprecedentedly, be placing a second order for vocabulary books.  The new deadline is Wednesday, September 5th. 

I will be able to collect money during Open House tonight, or on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.  The price is still $11. 

I appologize to those who have purchased their books directly from Sadlier-Oxford after the deadline and before now.  I litterally just found out this was happening.

Week 3 addendum

Since many parents are contacting me about their child's grades, I have to assume that Pinnacle is live, at least for some parents.  As you will see when you log in, I've already put 8 grades in (5 that are weighted), and I'm working on getting the Letters graded (a blank score means "I haven't graded yours yet, and I'm working as fast as I can."  I will say, writing takes me longer than say, just running a scantron through a machine, and I want to be able to really concentrate on your child's writing.

Several parents have contacted me about vocabulary books--instructions on how to handle your student missing the deadline are on the Resource page.

Open House is Thursday Night!  6:30-8!  I would love to meet you in person, so much that I'll give your child a reward ticket if they bring you to Open House. 

Several parents have asked about donations for the classroom.  I would love to keep a running supply of pens, pencils, and paper for students to use, and I supply what I can, but everything helps.  More imperitively, donations of facial tissue and hand sanitizer are gratefully welcomed.  Many students are already showing up to school sick and anything we can do to minimize the spread of germs is greeted with much appreciation and thanks. 

I have finished grading the Summer Writing Quizzes and some parents are probably shocked by the drastic change in their child's grades.  This is understandable.  Some students performed brilliantly, some did not.  Some blatently stated they didn't read the book.  Just so you know, yes, it greatly effects their grade now, since there are so few grades in the grade book, and it is in the Summative category, meaning it's weighted heavier than the smaller, along the way, Formative categories.  The students will have many opportunities to bring up their grades.  Please just keep checking back here, check the calendar, check the Resource page, to make sure they are keeping up with all of their responsibilities. 

You may have noticed, I'm not a big fan of a ton of homework, but they are expected to go over, recap, study every night, for at least 5 minutes as a minimum.  A great strategy that improves comprehension and test scores is having your student either teach you what we did in class, or teach a sibling, or teach the family dog if that's what's available.  Going over it aloud, teaching it to someone else, improves longterm retention and increases comprehention.   

Have a great rest of the week and I hope to see you tomorrow night!

Week 3

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

This week is a big week:

On Tuesday we have the Summer Reading Quiz; I hope you're prepared!

On Thursday we'll have an in-class practice writing that mirrors the Georgia High School Writing Test.  Since this is a 10th Grade class, next year, you'll take the GHSWT, so use this as practice.  It'll also be your first essay grade. 

We'll have Reading Reflections on Tuesday (after your quiz) and Friday (per usual), so don't forget to bring in something to read!

Also, this Thursday is our Open House.  We'd love to see you from 6-8p!

I hope you have a fantastic week!

Week 2 Preview

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

First, I'd like to thank the 99 of you who have checked this blog in this first month, as well as the 17 of you who checked it today.  Thank you for being on top of your learning!

I'm going through everyone's Summer Reading Quickwrite, grading as I go (you'll see a blank grade in Pinnacle if I just haven't gotten to yours yet, X is "exempt", and Z is "you didn't turn it in; it's a zero").  I'm really startled to see how many of you haven't read one of the books as of last Monday.  I hope you've found your book and are reading furiously for our test on August 28th.  If you haven't found a book yet, the list is on the syllabus, and a copy of the syllabus is on the Resource page (click on the tab above).

As always, for a preview of what we're doing this week, you can check out the calendar (to the right).  We'll be focusing on refreshing ourselves on grammar, as well as getting ready for our Summer Reading Test with in class activities.  You should bring your Summer Reading Book and Notes to class starting on Tuesday.  And don't forget to get a book ready for Free Reading Friday.  

If your class didn't turn them in already, the letters to yourselves in the future is due on Monday.  I look forward to seeing your goals!

I hope you have an awesome week!

Week 1 Recap

Hello All!

I hope you had a wonderful week!  I know I did, meeting all of you and getting to know you.  I'm really looking forward to this semester and year with you.

Some things to note in the first week:

1. Many grades are already up in Pinnacle.  I'm working hard on getting the rest done, and I'm adding comments to some of the grades--please check them.  As stated in the syllabus, grades in the "Not a grade--Pretests and Communication" category do not affect your grade, but it is communication. 
2. How to view this blog:  You'll notice that the calendar has a couple of ways to look at it, I find the most useful way is the "Agenda" tab.  Some quiz dates and future assignments have already been posted.  Also, the handouts and assignments that we've done this week have been updated on the Resource tab above.  If you missed anything (or if parents want to check out what we did), check there. 
3. The assignments that have been assigned are:
1. Sign and Return Syllabus
2. Bring in $11 for vocabulary books before $24
3. Bring in something to read on Friday
4. In class a quick write about the summer reading book
5. In class 6 word story (unless you didn't finish)
6. In class letter to the future (unless you didn't finish)
7. Read and study one of the summer reading books, listed in the syllabus, for the test on August 28th. 
4. Some classes have already had homework because they did not finish their work in class.  Please make sure you're staying on task.   My goal is that you shouldn't have much homework, but it is entirely up to you. 

I'm also putting my first Word of the Week.  If you write this word on a piece of paper with your name and give it to me, I'll give you a reward ticket.  If you also write what it is, I'll give you an extra ticket.  The Word of the Week is "cephalopod."  I'll accept these until Friday, August 24.

Hello Kell High School Students and Parents!

I am so excited to begin the 2012-2013 school year with you at Kell High School!

This blog will be the invaluable tool for your World Literature class.  It will be updated at least weekly, probably more often, so make sure you check it on a regular basis.  I’ll use it to communicate with students and parents, list makeup work, upload handouts, let you know when I’ve sent something home, give you more information about an assignment, for just about everything, really.

I’m looking forward to meeting all of you, and please feel free to contact me at any time:

kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org

seven seven oh, six oh nine, five four eight one

Grades are in and finalized!

I hope you had an awesome semester and you have an even better summer!

Don't forget, that summer reading essay is right around the corner!  Go ahead and get ahead!  The link is on the Wheeler Website, or you can click the link below.

http://www.cobbk12.org/Wheeler/Library/SummerReading.pdf

I really enjoyed working with all of you at Wheeler and will miss you all terribly.  If you need anything, including references for college, you can always email me at kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org.

EOCT Grades Are In Pinnacle--Unofficial Progress Report Final

The EOCT Grades have come in and are in Pinnacle!

Students will receive their final Unofficial Progress Report on Monday.  Please sign and return.

Week 19--Finals Week

This is it!

Students were given their Final Exam Study Guides last Wednesday.  Students will also be allowed to use a 3x5 note card (or piece of paper physically cut to that size) filled with notes on the final exam.  These will be collected when the student finishes the final. 

All that's left are the final set of Activators and the Final Exam.  The Reward System as detailed in the syllabus is still in effect and will be turned in for the reward on Tuesday.

Week 18

Hello All!

We are in our final two weeks of school and it is crunch time! 

The date for late work has past, however several students have some tests and quizzes they need to make up.  Make up tests and quizzes must be completed this week.  Any test or quiz that has not been made up by Friday will become a zero. 

This week Reading Folders are due on Wednesday.  Since the late work deadline has past, late work will not be accepted.  Folders must be completed through chapter 13.  Folders will be graded on an all or nothing basis for each assignment.  For example, for your Reading Journal portion of your Reading Folder, you were asked to have 2-3 quotes with deep, meaningful responses for each chapter.  If you have a quote but no response you will not get credit for that quote.  If you have a response that does not analyze the quote you will not get credit for that response.  However, if you follow the directions as described in the blue packet, you should earn full credit. 

The study guide for the final should be on the Resource Page on Wednesday.  [[edit: It is there now.]]

We only have a couple of assignments left.  Please make sure you keep up with these because they cannot be accepted late.  What we have left, as stated on Pinnacle, are Activators set 9 (82-89), DGP week 16, and the Reading Folders. 

This week's word of the week is velociraptor.  Write it on a scrap of paper and turn it in to me for a ticket.  You'll get an extra ticket if you tell me the average height of a velociraptor and a third ticket if you tell me what this height tells you about movies and literature.

Unofficial Progress Report #6 and the Final Exam

As of today, all late work that has been turned in has been graded.  Students were given their last Unofficial Progress Report to be signed and returned as our last communication of the semester before the EOCT and final grades.  I need this report signed and returned as soon as possible, preferably by Thursday.

On the Unofficial Progress Report, I've already added every grade between now and the end of the year.  I reserve the right to modify the assignments as needed, but we will not have any more assignments than those listed on Pinnacle as of now.  There will be no surprises.

As for the Final Exam.  This week I'm in the process of choosing the final exam questions and creating your Study Guide (you'll get this next week, and of course, it will be uploaded to the resource page).  I have, however, selected the categories for the final.  You will have a section on the final that concerns grammar.  You will have a section on the final that concerns Their Eyes Were Watching God chapters 11-20.  You will have a general knowledge of American Literature section. 

Our EOCT is tomorrow and Friday.  I truly believe that most students have learned a lot over the course of this semester and will do well on their test.  I wish everyone good luck and remember your test taking strategies!  You can do it!

1st block:  Meet in room 200.
3rd block:  Meet in the Writing Lab (146) after A lunch.
4th block : Meet in the Media Center.

Change in Plans

Hello All.

Due to the rapidly approaching end of the year, a deadline has been altered.

Your Their Eyes Were Watching God Reading Folder is due next Wednesday.  We will decide on the actual chapters to be covered by then on Monday, but we will not have time to read more than chapter 15.  These are due after Friday's final late work deadline, and due to the end of the semester, late work will not be accepted.  It needs to be turned in at the beginning of class on Wednesday.

Week 16 and 17

Hello All,

This week has been weird.  As you know, I was out sick 2 days this week.  Students have their TEWWG Quiz on chapters 1-10 on Friday as well as their last vocabulary quiz (which will be weighted as a test).

Most students are finished with chapter 11 or 12.  Next week is EOCT week.  We'll review for the EOCT and read some more in TEWWG.

As always, please check the calendar to the right to be aware of upcoming deadlines.

EOCT Locations for May 10th and 11th; Thursday and Friday!

1st block: room 200
3rd block: room 146 (Writing Lab)
4th block: Media Center

End of Year Update--Deadlines for Makeup Work--Student Teacher Conferences

The last day any late work will be accepted for credit is Friday, May 11th.  This is to ensure that I have time to grade it before final grades are due.  Many students have low grades because of work that they have not turned in, any work from April 10th to May 11th is due on Friday, May 11th.  After this time, no late work will be accepted.

You may have noticed that I've been entering future grades into Pinnacle.  Normally I'm not allowed to do this because of how the system works for Official Progress Reports, but since we've handed out our last one, I can go ahead an put in grades I know are coming up.  These are also listed on the calendar to the right of this page.  I have not put in every assignment that we have left, (for example, I haven't put in the Reading Folder grades), but I have put in most of them.

We are nearing the end!  Today when I checked vocabulary, I conferenced with each student to discuss their grades and what they need to do to pull their grade up.  They know what they need to do and how to do it--as always, it's up to them.

EOCT Date Change

We have been offered the fabulous opportunity to take our EOCT for American Literature online instead of paper and pencil.  This is a fabulous opportunity because it means there is a possibility of getting the scores back quicker, and it means that our date for the EOCT has been pushed back.

Our EOCT is now May 10th and 11th.  Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Week 15--Unofficial Progress Report

Hello All!

We are getting so close to the end--just 2 more full weeks until the EOCT and less than 5 weeks until the end of the year!

Since Official Progress Reports were sent home on Wednesday, today (Friday, April 20th) I sent home Unofficial Progress Reports.  I need these signed and returned on Monday.  We're in the last stretch.  Make up work is accepted for all work due after 4/10, but as stated in the syllabus, a penalty of 1 letter grade per day late applies.  Many students need to focus in these last few weeks, turn in everything *on time* if they want to pass.  Of course, to those of you who are doing what you're suppose to do, as always, thank you.

This week we'll be continuing to read TEWWG.  (1st block is in the middle of chapter 2. 3rd block finished chapter 3.  4th block is in the middle of chapter 2.)  The Powerpoint that we use in class for the In-Class Responses is on the Resource page, as well as the PowerPoint going over the requirements for the Blue Reading Folder (mostly a reitteration of page 1 of the packet).  Remember, the Reading Folder is the Giant Project for this unit.  Make sure you're keeping up with it and keeping everything in your 3-pronged Folder.

By the end of this week, I hope to finish through chapter 10, but we'll see how quickly each class reads. 

The word of the week is incentive.  Write it on a piece of paper and give it to me for a ticket.  If you tell me how the word of the week is an incentive, I'll give you an extra ticket.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

The Reading Folder Packet and all class PowerPoints for TEWWG have been uploaded to the Resource Page.  Links to some of the pages for the In-Class Responses have also been added.

The Book Nook and Bookmiser, both on Roswell Road, have used copies of TEWWG (as of Friday) if you would like to purchase your own copy (again, only a suggestion, not a requirement).  Copies purchased and then donated to the class at the end of the unit will be accepted gratefully.

Week 14

Hello All!

Important Announcement!  As stated in class today, the deadline for the Narrative Essay and the Narrative Essay Extra Credit has been moved back!

If you turn in the Narrative Essay today (Friday, April 13th), then you will receive 5 points extra credit on it (for completing your obligations by the original deadline).  However, the final deadline that I will accept your Narrative Essays for full credit is next Tuesday, April 17th.  If you turn your essay in today, you can turn it in under the original assignment to earn your extra credit.  If you turn it in starting tomorrow, turn it in under Revision 1.  The Narrative Essay Extra Credit is just due Tuesday.

Remember the requirements for these essays!  You must turn them in to BOTH Essay Scorer AND Turn It In .com.  You must have at least a 5/6 to pass!  At this point you've had 3 weeks to work on them, now you have an extra 4 days!

((Important:  Essay Scorer will be under maintenance on Saturday morning from 8-2 (I don't know which timezone).  You will not have access to Essay Scorer while it's under maintenance.  Please plan accordingly.))

Next week we'll be beginning our unit on Their Eyes Were Watching God (hereafter referred to as TEWWG).  You must bring in a 3 prong folder for the unit project which will be handed out on Monday.  You may bring in your own copy of the book. 
The word of the week is Everglades.  Write me a note with your name and the word of the week and you'll receive a ticket.  If you tell me where in Florida the Everglades are located, I'll give you an extra ticket.

Week 13--Unofficial Progress Report

I hope everyone has a fantastic Spring Break!  When we come back well be finishing up the tail-end of the American Renaissance by reading a short story about the Civil War, then moving on to our Their Eyes Were Watching God Novel Study.  I'm really excited about it.

The rest of this post will be a giant reminder of upcoming deadlines and requirements:

1. The final day that I will accept late work for the 2nd 6 weeks in Tuesday, April 10th. 
2. Students were given an Unofficial Progress Report today in preparation for the latework deadline and the upcoming Official Progress Report.  Please sign and return this the Monday we return.
3. Your Narrative Essay is due on Friday, April 13th.  You need to submit your first draft to Essay Scorer ASAP! so that you'll have time to revise and edit it.  Remember, if you want to pass this essay, you'll need an overall score of 5 or higher.  As stated on the Instructions, your Narative Essay must be submitted first on Essay Scorer AND on Turnitin.com.  Essays only submitted to one or the other will not be graded, as they did not follow the requirements.
4. Your Extra Credit Narrative Essay is due on the same day with the same requirements.
5. After we finish the Civil War (shouldn't take us the week), we'll be moving on to our Their Eyes Were Watching God Novel Study.  For this Unit, you'll need a 3-prong folder, and it is recommended for you to obtain your own copy of the novel by Zora Neale Hurston.
6. When we get back, we'll be starting our EOCT practice on USA Test Prep.  The first 3 assignments will be due when we're in the Writing Lab (Wed for 3rd and 4th, Thurs for 1st).  You must be signed up for USA Test Prep in order to complete the assignment.

All instructions and links are on the Resource page.

The word of the week is "centrifugal force."  If you write it on a scrap of paper and give it (secretly) to me, you'll earn a ticket.  You'll get an extra ticket if you tell me a common place that you can go to experience centrifugal force.  This work of the week expires on Tuesday.

Upcoming Reading and Required Materials

When we come back from the break we will begin our first novel unit.  As a class we will be reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.

While I do have a class set I can provide during class, I do not have enough copies to allow students to check them out and take them home.  It is recommended, but not required, for you to purchase or rent from the library, your own copy of the book, in case you need to reread or utilize the book outside of class.

During our reading of the novel, we will be taking notes differently.  The culminating product for this unit will be a Reading Folder, which will house a variety of notes and activities.  For this project, each student must have a 3 prong folder.  This 3 prong folder may be recycled from another project, or students may get together to share a pack purchased from an office supply store, however, the 3 prong folder itself is a requirement.  3 ring binders and pocket folders will not be acceptable.  We will begin to use these folders the week we return from Spring Break.

Week 12--2nd 6 weeks late work deadline

Only one more week until Spring Break!  You can do it!  Don't give up!

This week we'll be finishing Transcendentalism, utilizing our notes handout.  There will be a Unit Test on Thursday, March 29, although we'll be moving on to the Civil War earlier in the week. 

The next deadline for late work is coming up after the break.  All work due between 2/29 and 4/10 will be accepted (with the penalty of 1 letter off per day) until 4/10.  No work due in the 2nd 6 weeks will be accepted after that deadline.

This week's word of the week is "Eagle Nebula."  Write it on a scrap of paper with your name on it, and you'll get a ticket.  You'll get an extra ticket if you tell me which constillation it's found in, and a 3rd ticket if you tell me what's so special about it.

Week 11--Attendence Reports

The AC is fixed!!!  As promised, 3rd block will meet in room 001 for A lunch, then move back to the classroom for the rest of the day on Monday.  All other classes, and subsequent classes, will meet in the trailer.

This week is the week of the GHSGT.  I know that a lot of students are missing many days this week.  As always, if you are not in class, you are still responsible for all daily and classwork.  The Activators and Reading Reflection questions are updated on the Resource page.  This week we continuing through the Unit's reading (listed below).  As we finish the notes in class, they will be uploaded to the Resource Page as well.

[edit: Because we have so many students out for the GHSGT, I've uploaded a copy of a students' notes (completed) for "Song of Hiawatha," "Thanatopsis," and "The Raven" on the Resource Page for your reference.]

We will have a quiz over "The Song of Hiawatha," "Thanatopsis," and "The Raven" on Friday.

The Word of the Week is "Schrodinger's Cat."  Write it on a scap of paper with your name on it for a ticket.  You'll get an extra ticket if you explain what it means.

[edit:  Oops!  Forgot to say that I sent home mid-semester Attendence Reports last Friday.  If they turn them in, there's an extra credit opportunity!  Students who didn't receive one, because they've never been tardy nor absent, automatically received the extra credit and were exempt from the assignment in Pinnacle with an "X".]

3rd and 4th Blocks only!

Until the AC is fixed:

3rd Block will be in room 001 (behind the cafeteria).

4th Block will be in trailer 7 (across the boardwalk and one to the left).

See you there!

1st Block's location will not change, as it doesn't get hot until the afternoon.

At least the compressor blew out this early--it could have happened much later in the year, or during testing week!

Electives Sign Up

It's that time of year again to sign up for your electives for next year.

We're doing things differently this year.  The Course Catalogue is online only, and you need to look up the classes you want to take before your appointment time in room 512 (basement of Magnet Building).

Click here to find your homeroom's signup time.

What you need to bring with you during your signup appointment:

A piece of paper with the following information:

1.  Your first and last name
2.  Your student ID number
3.  Your six choices for electives for next year--you must list the Course Name AND the Course Number!

Come prepared!

Instructions for Registering for Electives

Below are the instructions for registering for electives for next year.

Upcoming Reading--The American Renaissance Unit

In case you miss a day,  below are the texts from the textbook that we will cover for this Unit.  Remember, in this class, when a text is listed, the informational text that comes before and after the text is concidered part of your required reading.

Song of Hiawatha
Thanatopsis
The Raven
(quiz)
Nature
Self-Reliance
Civil Disobediance

Have a happy Tuesday!

Week 10

We are half-way through the semester! 

This week we are finishing up our Research: American Poetry Unit and moving into the American Renaissance Unit.  The first handout of notes is already on the Research Page, but you'll be getting a copy in class.

There will be an Open Note Grammar Quiz on Monday, which students should be prepared for, if they've been actively participating in their Daily Grammar Practice.

The word of the week is "proximal phalanges." Write it on a scap of paper with your name on it for a ticket.  You'll get an extra ticket if you tell me what it means and where it's located. 

As always, keep up with the calendar for upcoming deadlines and events.

Week 9--Unofficial Progress Report Time

The presentations this week were fabulous.  Tomorrow is the LAST day to do presentations, I hope everyone is prepared.

Unofficial progress reports were sent home today.  I expect these signed and returned tomorrow.  I've printed out the comments for the grades, and added an ungraded communication of whether or not you've turned in your Giant Research Paper or not.  I'm working hard on grading them, and you *should* have that back within the next 2 weeks.  It took you all 4 weeks to make these, so it takes some time to grade them well. 

During the presentations, students were given a small writing assignment.  For the days that students were not in class, they are still responsible for a poetry assignment.  Using the textbook, they must read 5 poems for each day they've missed, and answer all associated questions.  The poem choices are from 402-438 in the textbook.  Students may either use the online textbook, or arrange to come early or stay late.  This make up assignment is due by Friday next week. 

Giant Research Presentations

The Giant Research Presentation Dates have been uploaded on the Resource Page.  You can check there, or click here, to remind yourself when you are presenting. 

Remember, there are dire concequences for not presenting on time, and if something comes up on the day that you will present, make sure you let me know as soon as possible on that day.  Email me, call me, stop by before you leave.  Pretend this is your job and actually call in sick.  My voicemail number is seven seven oh, six oh nine, five four eight one.

Each class has convinced me to move their Paper Deadlines to Sunday on turnitin.com.  Use this extra time.  I expect awesome things.

Week 8

Hello Everyone!

I hope that you are satisfied with your grade that will appear on your Official Progress Report that will go home next Wednesday, February 29th--they've been sent off to the printer.

This week we will be in a variety of locations, please check the calendar to the right for our location for your class (it's different, different days). 

More examples of how to format and what your paper should look like have been updated on the Resource page.

Our activities for the week will include:

• discussing and choosing your presentation medias (because it's multimedia)
• signing up for your presentation day (Monday 3/5-Friday 3/9, as needed per class)
• an extra credit in-class writing project (it's for charity, so it would be nice if everyone participated)
• working on producing your presentations--due to limited lab time, some presentations may need to be completed at home
• practicing for your presentations, what you're actually going to say, making sure you are inside the time limit
• normal daily and weekly work

Remember, your final deadlines for your Published Final Draft and Final Revised Work Cited are this Friday, March 2nd.  If you're on the step you're suppose to be on, you shouldn't have any homework.  If you're not, you have a lot of homework.

This week's secret word is "cephalopod."  Write it on a scrap of paper and give it to me, with your name on it, and you'll get a ticket.  If you add on the scrap of paper at least two members of the subclasses of cephalopods (their common animal names), you'll get an extra ticket.

Conference Update

Hello All,

Today, while checking vocabulary, I conferenced with each student to check on their progress on their research papers.  By now, according to their deadline checklist, they should already have their drafts done and be working on revisions.  Many students were well on their way to working on this goal.  Some students will have a lot of now-homework over the weekend.

First Official Progress Report

Hello all,

The first official progress report of the semester will go home on Wednesday, February 29th.

As of today, all grades that will impact the official progress report grade have been created in Pinnacle.  If a grade is blank, it is because it hasn't been graded yet (a couple of the assignments aren't due until tomorrow).  Any work turned in on time will be reflected on the progress report.  Any work turned in after the due date will not necessarily reflect on the progress report.

Remember, the last day for late work due before February 28th is due on February 28th.  No exceptions.

Week 7

Hello Everyone!

It was fabulous to meet so many of you at this week's Open House.  As always, if you need anything, feel free to email me at kimberly (dot) bundschu (at) cobbk12 (dot) org or leave me a message at seven seven oh, six oh nine, five four eight one. 

During this long weekend, please remember your deadlines:

1.  You should have at least steps 1-8 done before you return to school on Tuesday, especially:

• Your Works Cited page should already be on turnitin.com
• You should already have all of your notes.
• You should have your intro paragraph done and ready to check.
• You should have at least one body paragraph done done and ready to check.

 2.  Your final paper is due on Friday 3/2. 

3.  We will begin our presentations the very next week, so your presentation needs to be done by Monday, 3/5.

On Thursday, I held mini-conferences with all students.  Most students are well on their way towards completing their papers on time, however, some students will definetly need to work hard in the next couple of weeks.  If you need extra help, I'm available before or after school upon request, and of course, you can sign up for Learning Links.

All late work for the first 6 weeks of the class will be accepted until February 28th with the standard minus one letter grade per day penalty.  Any work with a due date before February 28th will be accepted for credit until February 28th.  Any work due before February 28th and turned in after February 28th will not be accepted.  No exceptions, no extensions.

The secret word for the week is platypus.  If you give me a small note with your name and the secret word on Tuesday or Wednesday (DON'T TELL ANYONE!) I'll give you a ticket.  This is to let me know that you're keeping up with the blog.

Week 6

Hello All!

Open House is this Thursday.  An extra credit opportunity exists for those who attend.  6-8.

This week students should be finishing their notes and putting together their first draft.  Student drafts need to be finished by next Tuesday.

As always, please check the calendar for our meet location.

This week students are continuing to work on and complete their Giant Research Projects.  Final drafts of their Works Cited were due on Wednesday.  Final drafts of their papers are due on 3/2.

Have a wonderful week and an excellent 3 day holiday!

Unofficial Progress Report #2 and Final Deadlines for Make up work

Hello parents and guardians,

Today I sent home everybody's current unofficial progress report for our class.  Again, I'd like these signed and returned on the next school day.  Between now and the end of the 1st 6 weeks, the only grades that will go into the computer will be daily work (activators, reading reflections, and daily grammar practice), vocabulary work and quizzes, and the final draft of the Works Cited Page.  The Giant Research Paper and Presentation Project which students are currently working hard on will be due on after Official Progress Reports go home on February 29th.

All late work for the first 6 weeks of the class will be accepted until February 28th with the standard minus one letter grade per day penalty.  Any work with a due date before February 28th will be accepted for credit until February 28th.  Any work due before February 28th and turned in after February 28th will not be accepted.  No exceptions, no extensions.

Meet in Media Center--Day 23

Your activator is still the same as the past 2 days.  Write Activator 23 with your updated progress.

Today is our last day in the Media Center for research.  By the end of the day you need to make sure you have access to your digital sources (we'll be in the classroom on Monday and you won't have access to them unless you print them (careful of the page numbers) here or at home, or bring in a computer with them saved on it), and your print sources are on the cart. 

About 30 minutes into class, Ms. Bryan will be going over how to make sure your Works Cited page is in proper MLA format.  By this time, you definitely need the citation information for all of your sources (was due on Wednesday) and it should be typed so that we can work on the formats.  Then you'll have the last 30 minutes to finish up any corrections and get your Works Cited draft signed off.

If you finish your Works Cited draft and get it signed off in the first 30 minutes, make sure you talk to me about how to do step 4.

Conferences

Hello All,

Today I conferenced with all students who were present today about their current work.  We discussed all missing work.  A lot was turned in today, and I'm looking forward the rest of the make-up work.

Have a great Thursday!

Writing Lab

Before you continue your research, please go to http://www.turnitin.com/ and check your 2 essays.  Click on each essay's name, then click originality to see your similarity percentage and what words were the exact same as someone else on the internet.  Also click on grade mark to see your comments, grammar notes, and your score on the rubric.  The rubric is located in the bottom right column and looks like a small, grey table of boxes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  Once you've checked your turnitin, you should check your pinnacle account to make sure you're not missing any work.  Then continue your research.

Meet in Media Center--Don't forget to check in.

Hello Everybody!
The Activator is the same as yesterday, and is already on the Resources page. 

If you don't have your assigned poet, you need to see me first thing!

4th Block:  Go to the Resource page and read and take notes on the PowerPoint titled How to write bibiographic information.  Come to me with any questions you still have.

Today is your first deadline on your checklist!  When you have your sources and citation list, bring them to me (actually bring me the books, bring me the citation information for the digital articles you've emailed to yourself--that means, yes, you need to email the articles to yourself).  Your checklist must be signed by the end of the period to get full credit for today.  I will not write late passes; I will not call you to remind you. 

If you were not here on Friday or Monday, Ms. Marsala will be calling students to a small group to show them what they missed. 

Have a great day!

Meet in Media Center--Make sure you check in!

The goal for today is to start to gather your research for your Giant Research Paper.  Make sure you complete today's checklist in order.  Make sure you read all of what is expected of you, including where to meet for the rest of the week.

You need to check in to prove that you were here.  Also, I need to see everyone individually when we get to work time to discuss vocabulary and the argument essay due tomorrow.

1. Daily Work:
1. Activator 19:  Look at the first page of your green rubric.  What kind of information about your poet (which you need to get approved by your teacher today before you begin your research) do you need for Part I?  What kind of information do you need for Part II?  Where are you going to begin your research?  (i.e.: Online?  In a book?  At Wheelerlibrary.com in a database?)
2. Starting Tomorrow:  All this week, your Activator will answer the same prompt, but your answer will be different based on how much you accomplished the day before:  Write a brief summary of your progress through your research.  How many sources have you gathered about your poet's life and times?  How many sources have you gathered about your poet's poems?  How many sources have you gathered in total?  How many quotes have you gathered on your note cards?  Which deadline are you currently working on on your Check Sheet? (Remember, these are due Tuesday!)
3. DGP:  We're skipping DPG for this week due to being outside of the classroom so much.  We'll continue week 3 next week.
4. RR:  Since you are reading so much for your research, we won't be recording our Reading Reflections this week, however, what you do have will be due on Tuesday.
2. Get your Author Approved.  Check in with Ms. Bundschu to register your poet.  Remember, only 2 people per class may research the same poet. 
3. Look at your Rubric.  Notice the 2 parts of the paper.  What kind of information do you need for Part I?  What kind of information do you need for Part II?  Hint: for part I you can search for key words such as:  biography, life, (the time period they lived), influences, impact, etc.  For part II, you can search for key words such as: analysis, literature, poetry, (the key words from your rubric, like diction).
4. Step 1 on your research checklist is Gather Your Sources.  You need to have 4 books (or the equivelant) before you begin to take your first note.  Search through Wheeler Library to find information on your author's Life and Times and Influences.  Then, search through Wheeler Library to find information on your author's poetry.  Remember, you need at least one primary source of your poet's actual poems. 
5. Once you gather your sources, and get your Checklist signed by me, then you may begin Step 2.  This is to make sure you know what information is in each source.  Make sure you have all of the information you need for your rubric.  Notice what information you don't have and what information is repeated throughout your sources.

Week 5

This week is all about research for the Giant Research Project.

Our location:

Monday:  Media Center
Tuesday: Writing Lab (1st block in classroom)
Wednesday:  Media Center
Thursday:  Writing Lab (1st block in Media Center)
Friday: Media Center

Tuesday we'll have our Vocabulary Quiz from last Friday.

All of the handouts and powerpoints for the Giant Research Paper are already up on the Resource Page.

Meet In Media Center--Did you check in to be marked "present"?

Today Ms. Bryant and Ms. Marsala are going to show us where to find the information to cite sources using http://wheelerlibrary.com/.  For each database, on a sheet of paper, you need to write down:

1. The name of the database.
2. What steps you need to do to copy the reference information.  (Yes, it's different depending on the database.)

Activator 18:  We have very limited time in the library.  Why is it important to use this time effectively?  What are you going to do to use Ms. Bryant and Ms. Marsala's presentation time the most efficiently?  What are you not going to do?

DGP:  Click here for your Diagram Key.

Webquest

For class today, we're going to have a webquest, based on the information we've already learned about MLA format.  This will help you become familiar with MLA format as you find your own sources and write your own research paper.

This webquest is broken down into steps.  Follow the directions in each step, and write the answers down on your paper.

1.  First go to wheelerlibrary.com.  You can type it in another window or tab.  Or you can right click on the Wheeler High School site and find it on the left hand column.  On the Wheeler Library site, how would you find a copy of your MLA 7th ed. Works Cited Guide?  Which tab is it under?

2.  On that same tab, under the MLA 7th ed. Citation section, which link has the most detailed help information?

3.  Under which tab and section would you find the Databases if you wanted to search an approved database?

4.  In Gale Power Search, I found 5 academic journals that referenced dr suess as a keyword.  What is the title and actual topic of the first source?  (Hint: the title is 6 words long)

5.  Of these 5 articles, which of them actually talk about Dr. Suess?  Is it a good source if you're writing a biography about him?  Why or why not?

6.  Write down how you found the citation information for that source, then write down the citation information.

7.  Go back to Wheeler Library and click on the Student Resource Center.  How many biographies of Dr. Suess are in the database?  For each biography, cite the source and how useful you think the source will be.

8.  Go back to Wheeler Library and search for Dr Suess in the Book Collection: Nonfiction.  How many new sources show up?

9.  Go back to Wheeler Library and search for Dr Suess in Google Books.  How many sources show up?  Choose a primary source and cite it. 

10.  How many full length analysis books have been written about Dr. Suess according to Philip Nel?  What key words did you use to search in Google Books? (Hint: it tells you on page 11 of the book)

Argument Essay in the Writing Lab

Hello Everybody,

Please click on this link to find your instructions for your Argument Essay while in the Writing Lab.  Your final essay is due on both Essay Scorer and turnitin.com next Tuesday.

Week 4 and Unofficial Progress Report Sent Home

Hello Everybody,

Today we sent home an unofficial, just for American Lit, progress report.  This is so you can see how you are doing in the class so far.  Since we are half way to the first official progress report, I don't want there to be any surprises.  The report is up-to-date, excluding today's vocabulary quiz, and the Summer Reading Essay.  I'll get those done as quickly as possible and get those into Pinnacle as well.

I expect this progress report to be signed and returned to the "Signed" folder in your class's In-Box.

Coming Up This Week:

Finishing the Declaration of Independence.
Tuesday in the Writing Lab to work on your Persuasive Essays (due the following Tuesday) (Homework only if you don't finish in class).
The Beginning to 1800 Unit 1 Test was moved to Thursday, to give you a couple more days to study, however, we'll also be beginning our Research Unit this week.  This week we'll cover MLA style, the Works Cited Page, and have a Webquest (that will appear on this very blog!) while in the Media Center on Friday. 

All of the notes, handouts, and study questions for the Unit 1 Test are already posted on the Research Page.  The MLA notes and the Rubric for the Giant Research Project will go up over the course of the week.

Because we'll be in the Media Center on Friday, and class will be shortened due to the Pep-rally, we're moving the Vocabulary Unit 3 Quiz to Monday, 2/6, in order to get the most out of our Media Center time. 

Week 3

Hello Everybody!

I hope you're becoming familiar with your classes and the requirements. 

As of now, the How to Create Accounts document has been updated with information for the Online Textbook, as well as USA Test Prep on the Resources Page.  Let me know if you have had a problem with any of the log ins so that we can troubleshoot it before you have an assignment due.

USA Test Prep has launched a mobile site.  On your phone or device you can go to: m.usatestprep.com


Coming up this week:

Beginning Monday we will begin Daily Grammar Practice, which is due every Friday.
Reading Native American Myths.
Quiz on Wednesday covering the Introductory Informational Text Beginning to 1800 and Native American Myths (multiple choice, 10 questions). 
Reading Boulders Taller than the Great Tower of Seville.
Reading Of Plymouth Plantation.
Reading the Declaration of Independence. (All of the above will be on the Unit Test on 1/31).

Vocab Unit 2 due Thursday.
Vocab Unit 2 Quiz on Friday.

Week 2

Hello Everybody,

I hope you all had a wonderful first week!  This week is also a very big week--we have a lot to do!

Our Activities for the week are:

• Daily Work (#5-9)
• Summer Reading Essay on Tuesday (Rubric in instructions)
• Go to the Writing Lab (on Wednesday) and become familar with some of the class' technology
• Beging the Beginning through 1800 Unit, taking notes and doing an in class activity (handouts) 
• Vocabulary Book due Thursday ($10 due Tuesday!)
• Vocabulary Quiz, Unit 1 is Friday (There's going to be one EVERY Friday, so this will be the only time I'm going to remind you.  The rest are on the calendar.)

Since this is an EOCT course, you may want to be going ahead and looking at the EOCT study guides.  You can click here for the giant student guide link or click here for a smaller study guide link.  These are also linked on the Resource page for future reference.

I hope you have a great week!

Week 1

Hello all,

This week is a busy week.

The activities for the week are: 

• activators 1-4 (daily work)
• reading reflections 2-4 (daily work)
• discuss the syllabus (handout)
• an in-class quickwrite and our first grade of the semester (in class only)
• figure out our learning styles (handout)
• write a letter to ourselves for the end of the semester (instructions)
• introduced some poetry (powerpoint, instuctions)
• take a pretest (in class only)

All are linked on the Resource page (click the upper right corner) by category.

Homework for the week is to bring the syllabus signed, bring $10 for vocabulary book, bring something to read every day, finish your letter if you didn't finish it in class (final draft in pen), and be prepared for the Summer Reading Essay on Tuesday!

Have a great week!

PS:  This weeks' secret code word (that's right, 2 opportunities!) is one of the most awesome animals known to humans: "cuttlefish."  Don't tell anyone!  If you write me a small note with the secret codeword and your name by Friday 1/13/12, I'll give you a ticket.  This will tell me that you checked the blog.  But don't tell anyone why you got the ticket!

Turnitin.com

Hello all!

Next Wednesday (1/18/12), we'll be in the Writing Lab (Room 146) for class and will get familiar with several of the online tools for the semester.

1)  You need a professional email to use for this class.  It could be an email that you already use, or an email that you create just for the professional world (i.e.: this class, when you apply for a job, when you apply for college, etc.).  When creating your email address, you should use a common and professional webaddress, for example, yahoo, google, hotmail, etc.

Your email should include your name.  You email should not include numbers, words that are not in your name, or nicknames that are not a part of your name.

Examples:

firstname.lastname@webaddress.com
firstname.middleinitial.lastname@webaddress.com
firstname.middlename.lastname@webaddress.com
firstinitial.lastname@webaddress.com
firstinital.middleinitial.lastname@webaddress.com

2)  You need to log in to turnitin.com (http://www.turnitin.com/).  You need to use your professional email address for your log in.

1st Block enrollment ID: 4709895
3rd Block enrollment ID: 4709814
4th Block enrollment ID: 4709816

Your enrollment password is: stapler

3)  You need to log in to Essay Scorer (http://www.essayscorer.com/ph/ga/whs).

Your user name is your lunch number.
Your password is: cobb2012

You'll be able to log in as soon as I add everyone to my classes, as soon as the schedules balence out.

4)  You need to log in to Blackboard.  I'll give you more information about this in a little while.

5)  The secret passcode is "squirrel."  Don't tell anyone!  If you write me a small note with the secret password and your name on Wednesday 1/11/12, I'll give you a ticket.  This will tell me that you checked the blog.

Welcome to American Literature Spring 2012!

Hello Everybody!

Welcome to Mrs. Bundschu and Mrs. Malavenda's very informative blog!

You should notice several very important features on this blog:

1) The link in the upper right hand corner takes to you the resource page with links to all of the handouts, powerpoints, and activators in the class.  If you miss something or misplace something, this is the place to get it.  You can go there right now to get a copy of the syllabus.

2) The blog itself will keep you up to date on what is happening in the class.  It will be updated weeklly and then some.

3) The classroom calendar has all deadlines, due dates, and location notifications. 

I am looking forward to an awesome semester with you!