Grade Recovery

Hello All:

10th World Lit:

Semester Extension forms came out today.  Please sign and return them by next Thursday.  I'd like to get forms back from all students--I'd much rather have and not need, than need and not have.

Speaking of not needing, 10^th World Literature students are being given 3 opportunities to recover their grades.

Opportunity #1—Students need to look at their Parallel Reading Scores on turnitin.com.  Due Monday, 12/16 they will need to write a reflection for each section of the rubric in which they scored below meets.  The full instructions can be found here. I highly recommend that every child write a reflection.  If they have not yet turned in their Parallel Reading Book Review, yes, you still may. 

Opportunity #2—Errand passes are finally due for extra credit.  As per the syllabus, it is the end of the semester.  Errand passes and red tickets are due on Monday 12/16.

Opportunity #3—I have been given approval to offer the following grade recovery opportunity.  I will match your score on the Midterm Exam to your lowest Summative grade.  For example, if you earn an 82 on the Midterm, and you earned a 54 on the Archetype test, I will change your Archetype test score to that 82.  Please utilize the study guide, and the resources on the Resource page of the blog.

I really hope that your child will utilize these opportunities to succeed to their highest ability in this class.  My highest hope is that these opportunities will help your student to increase their grade.

We have only one assignment left--the Parallel Reading Presentations and the audience reflection that students should be writing during the presentations. 

Yearbook:

Your grade remediation has been moved to next week.  See me if you want to recover one of your grades. 

Week 17--6 Days to Finals

Hello All!

This is it!

Yearbook:  Today is the last deadline of the semester.  If you don't have a deadline due today, your last published deadline will be about how prepared for your assignments you've been assigned for next semester.

Click here for the Yearbook Mid-Term Study Guide

10th World:  Your Oedipus Unit Test is TODAY.  Your Presentations begin TODAY.  Make sure I have access to your presentations either at the beginning of class, or online.

Parallel Reading--Your last Parallel Reading Grade will be a reflection.  Click here for the instructions.  The deadline for doing this is next Monday.

Click here for the 10th World Literature Mid-Term Study Guide.

We have 6 days left until finals!

Parallel Reading

Hello 10th World Lit-ers!

Your Parallel Reading Book Review was due on Monday.  I currently have 92 submissions.  This means that 48 of you have zeros for this very important assignment!  You are losing 10 points per day that you turn it in late!  Get it to turnitin.com as soon as possible!

Your Parallel Reading Presentations are next week!  Click here to submit your digital media to me.  Copy and paste the "share" link to the appropriate box.  Email me if you have problems.

Click here to see the sign up sheet for when you're going to present, as well as what the schedule is during next week.

Week 16--15 School Days Left (11 until Mid-Term Exams)

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving Break!

Yearbook!  So far we've been able to submit all of the pages that we need to to the publisher.  Great job guys!  Since the only pages left this semester are Football, Senior Tributes, Business Ads, and the section Openings, if that's not you, the focus for the rest of the semester will be getting ready for those quick, fast deadlines next semester.

The big push will be to sell as many books as possible before Winter Break.

Your mid-term exam will be an open eDesign test concerning how to questions.

10th World Lit--this is it!  Your Parallel Reading Book Reviews are due Monday 12/2--you have all of break to get them in, and as I said in class, I will not be able to answer emails after the weekend.  Your Presentations (a separate assignment, with a separate rubric) will be the week before finals.  The schedule that week will be CRAZY.  There will be no make up time, so make sure that you are READY.

Some students STILL haven't turned in their parent permission.  I need that before you can present.  An email or hand written note will work.

Everyone's Oedipus ATA will  be Thursday with remediation on Friday.  If you miss Thursday, you will have the option to take the ATA or the remediation on Friday.  The Unit Test is on Monday (or Wednesday for 5th, see crazy schedule, and yes, your test will be different), and there won't really be any time to make it up, so please make your best effort to be here.

Many students have zeros on tests or quizzes because they weren't here that day.  These must be made up as soon as possible and no later than Friday, 12/20.  I make myself available in the mornings by appointment, and will also be able to arrange to stay late on the 2 Mondays and Tuesdays to better help you make up these tests and quizzes--by appointment.  The sign up sheet is on the board.

Speaking of the Crazy Schedule, click here to see the schedule for December.

Pre-Thanksgiving Update

Hello everyone,

Today I handed grade reports to every 10th World Lit student.  It is expected that they get this report signed and returned because it exemplifies what your child is responsible for for the rest of the semester.

I admit, in an effort to get this out to you as soon as possible, I did not get a chance to input the recent quiz grades, or some make up work that several students turned in.  I will make every effort to update Synergy with these grades before I leave today, but was told that Synergy will be going through maintenance and may go down.

Week 15--23 Days left

Hello All.

10th World Literature:

Today you have a computer lab assignment to accomplish.  If you have an questions, email me.

You have your Mid Unit Benchmark over Oedipus Part I on Thursday.

You have your ATA for all of Oedipus on Thursday 12/5.  There will be a short answer section.

You will have your Unit Test for all of Oedipus on Monday 12/9.  There will be an essay section.  If you earn 90 or above on your ATA you will exempt the Unit Test and your ATA grade will go in it's place.

Make sure you are on top of your Parallel Reading Deadlines.

Week 14--30 School Days til the end of the semester

Hello All,

The reason for our countdown is that I know that some of the students are unhappy with their grades.  You have 30 days to get your grade where you want it to be.

What I'm going to do is to go ahead and put in most of the major grades (as blank grades) into Synergy to give you an idea of what you need to do to finish the semester with the grade you want.

Yearbook--We have only a few days to finalize the mug pages.  Are you ready to get to work?  Are you on top of your future deadlines?

10th Lit--I've linked a copy of Oedipus the King to the blog in case you were absent.  I'm going to update the calendar with which lines we've finished in class to make sure that you don't get behind.

Have a great weekend!

Week 13

Grades are due on Wednesday.  I'll be working hard to make sure they're as up to date as possible before that deadline.

10th World Lit--Expect a printout of your students' progress to be signed and returned.  Monday we're in the Writing Lab.  Tuesday we have a Vocabulary Quiz, and on Wednesday we'll begin the final unit of the semester.  All of the students' Arabian Nights projects have been graded and are in Synergy now.

Yearbook--Mugs are processing.  We'll be name checking and correcting as quickly as we can.  Make sure you're on top of your deadlines and ready to work!

Week 12

Hello everyone!

$50,000.  Now that I have your attention, check out the link for a poetry contest that will give cash prizes (as well as kickback some to our school).

This week in 10th World Lit we had our Arabian Night Presentations.  I hope you enjoyed the chance to talk to your families about an interesting family story.  Many students had wonderful, interesting stories to share today and I'm looking forward to the remaining stories tomorrow.

In Yearbook, we're still waiting for our Mug Pictures, and in the meantime are perfecting the other pages that are due and will be due.

Have a great Halloween!

Arabian Nights Updated

The blog has been updated with a link to the text, for those of you who aren't able to read the book in class for whatever reason.

Have a happy Wednesday!

Week 11

Hello All,

In World Lit we had our first Parallel Reading Assignment.

Please check Synergy to check on your child's progress on this giant, long-term project.

There are 3 assignments that they have been responsible for so far:

1. Getting your permission to read a book.  Some of the books on my list (and off the list with my approval) 
2. Bring your book to class today.
3. Read your book and complete the One Pager assignment (is linked on the blog if you were absent).

If students did not bring the book to class today, they were given a lower point alternative assignment.  This is not in place of their original assignment as they absolutely need their book to complete the parallel reading assignment.  

Please check Synergy today to see how your student is progressing in this long term, major assignment.

Next week we continue DGP, Vocabulary Major Quiz 4, and begin our Arabian Nights Unit.

In Yearbook, deadline #2 is MONDAY!  The pages are due to the editors by midnight.  Remember, if you want a great grade, ask for approval, help, support before the deadline.  

Deadline #3 has 2 deadlines this year.  The first is next Friday--making sure all of the content is on the page.  This way, when we get the mugs in, everyone can concentrate on getting those perfect.

Week 10

Good morning all!

This week is crunch time!  Yearbook's next deadline is next Monday and we won't have class on Wednesday!  World Lit is having their first major Unit Test on Thursday!

Be Ready!

Week 9

Hello all!

Several big things are happening this week in World Lit.

1. We are finishing our reading of Gilgamesh (copy on the resource page).  ATA on Monday!
2. We are assigning our Parallel Reading (copy on the resource page).
3. We've mapped out the remainder of the semester.  Check out the calendar to see what's going to happen during the next 2 months.

Yearbook we're very close to our next deadline, are you ready?

By the way, there is a Writing Contest. There are prizes.

Week 8

Hello All!

10th--During this short week, we're going to read Gilgamesh.  Specifically "The Battle with Humbaba," "The Death of Enkidu," "The Story of the Flood," and "The Return."  I am working on trying to get the online textbook operational before the break, but it's out of my hands.  If the person who is in charge of making the online textbook work can make it happen, I'll post the log in information here.  If we cannot make it work, this is absolutely not a copy that you could use to study and make sure you're ready for the ATA on Thursday, October 10.

Yearbook--We finally confirmed with the plant when they need the pages by and have reassigned staff as needed.  You can log in to eDesign and Advance Search to see which pages you are assigned.

You can also click here to see a spreadsheet of when everyone has spreads due.  I tried to spread your responsibilities out throughout the year.  This sheet is sortable--if you click "Data", then "Sort Range" you can sort by (for example) column 2 to see who all has spreads due on the next deadline.

You can also click here to see a spreadsheet of the ladder.  This is also sortable.  I recommend sorting by Deadline #, or by Staff Assigned.  You can also see who the section editor of your section is because they have been assigned the opening of that section.

And here's a handy dandy poster of who your editors are (and what period they're in) so that you know.  You can print it out for your binder, and I plan to put a couple up around 1115 so that we can reference them.

I've updated the Resource page with these links, so that you can access them easily, and of course, you could print them out if you choose.

Editors, make sure you check in with me on Monday so that I can give you your assignments.  See you in 1115!

Have a great weekend!

Unofficial Progress Report #1

Hello 10th World Lit Parents and Guardians,

Today I sent home your child's detailed Unofficial Progress report, breaking down their grades in this class.  Please sign it and return it on Thursday.  Basically I want to know that you know what your child's progress is, positive or needs improvement.

We have 60 school days left in the semester.  There is plenty of time, but they have to do their best, no matter what grade they have right now.

Week 7

Hello All!

Big deadline due today.

In World Lit we're having our Think Dot Presentations.

In Yearbook our first deadline is due by Midnight!

As a reminder, when you're not here, the first place you should check is the blog's calendar to see what we did, then the resource page to get any materials from there.

Have a great week!

Week 5 and 6

Hello All!

I'm working hard on making sure all of the grades are in and correct before my deadline on Monday.

This week is mostly preparing students for next week.

Next week is our first Yearbook Deadline on Monday.  Students will have until 11:59 pm to "Proof." Their page.

On Monday we'll also have our first presentation in 10th World Lit that will be our Mid Unit Benchmark for our Archetypes and Gilgamesh Unit.  Students were assigned this either on Wednesday or Thursday this week so there is no excuse to not be prepared for this short, verbal presentation.  You can see the Think Dot instructions and rubric on the Resource page.

I'm excited for Monday.  Hope y'all are too!

Yearbook Deadline #1

Our first deadline is one week from Monday!  On Monday we will have our first late night work session in the Writing Lab from 3:30-6:30.  This will be a session for students who have a spread due on our first deadline and whoever would like to help out.

There will be pizza provided by a fabulous volunteer.

Students with pages due are:

Caitlin
Christine
Eric M
Katie
Connor
Chase
Drew
Caroline
John
A'Rielle
Tayler
Jessica
Brooke
Jezmin
Eliana
Erin
Taylor V

As I said, other students who want to help, are welcome to come.

Synergy Update

As we get more used to Synergy, I wanted to give you an update

Week 5

Hello All!

10th World Lit:

Vocabulary books are in!  They will be distributed to those who purchased one on Tuesday this week.  There should be a limited supply in the Bull Pen on Wednesday in case you didn't order one, or you can click the link on the Resource page to order it directly through Sadlier-Oxford.


Yearbook:

Our first deadline is in 2 weeks from today! Today we'll be doing a round robin of the layouts that are due and then we'll be buckling down.  The push this week is Senior and Senior ads.

Everybody, please make sure you're keeping up with the calendar to know what your responsibilities are.

Have a great week!

Week 4

Hello all!

Yearbook:  I'm really excited about the first ever Yearbook Field Trip on Friday.  Remember to get your permission forms signed, your teacher forms signed, and bring in your $9 tomorrow!  On Friday morning we'll meet right before the bell in front of the school to be picked up.  Don't go to 1st period!  Come right outside!

Deadlines are coming up!  On Monday, you'll get your first grade to make sure you're working effectively on what you need to have done.  Everybody's layouts are due soon!  Our push for the week will be Senior Ads and Book Sales.  We need to think of targeted ideas for the last week of September for sales.

World Lit:  We had our first major vocabulary quiz on Monday and I was shocked with the results.  The class averages for 1st, 3rd, and 4th period were in the 80s (woo hoo!), while the class average for 5th period was in the 60s!  What happened!?!?!  Make sure, no matter what, you're studying those unit 2 words and getting your workbook done!  If you want extra practice, go to the Resource page of the blog for online quizzes and games.

This week our push is Persuasive Writing in practice for the GHSWT.  This will be your first BIG writing grade, so try your best!

The first 6 weeks grade reports are coming up quickly!  They'll go home on 9/25.  Make sure you're keeping up with your work.  Many students have been out sick and have missed quizzes and assignements.  I'm available before school from 8-8:20.  Make sure you make an appointment.  You have earned a 0 until you make it up!

Have a great week!

Important Updates

Hello All,

I have some updates for you.

1)  I look forward to seeing you at Open House this Thursday starting at 6:30.  I would love to meet you.

2)  There is a free app for Synergy, our new grading software.  Click for instructions on how to get it.

3)  The order for vocabulary books has gone out.  If you did not bring money in time, click here for instructions on how to order it. 

4)  Our first yearbook deadline is in 27 days.  Some later deadlines and/or page assignments may be adjusted because of needs of coverage.  More updates on that in class.

Week 3

Hello All!

Yearbook Class:
From now on, we'll be in the 1115 Lab for class.  Make sure you're there on time.  Our first Publication Deadline is on September 23rd, that's only 28 days away!!!  Today in class we're taking our eDesign quiz (you'll have to make up before or after school if you're not here) then we're breaking out into our Deadline Groups to set our specific Action Plan. 

Reminder:  I'll be collecting yearbook money during class!

10th World Lit:
Today was our Summer Reading Quiz.  If you missed it, you have a zero until you make it up--remember the late work policy!
We also started our Daily Grammar Practice.  From now on we'll be starting the class with your journals and our weekly DGP sentence.  If you missed the sentence, it's on the resource page.
Tomorrow we'll be sharing our research from last week. We have a miniquiz for vocabulary (and Unit 1 is due) on Wednesday.  Also, on Thursday, if you missed the Characterization summative assessment last Monday, we'll be using that in class so please stop by before school Tuesday-Thursday to make that up!  Our major vocabulary quiz will be next week on Tuesday, be prepared!

Reminder: Tomorrow is the last day for Vocabulary Money!

Week 2

Hello all!

Please note the following location changes:

10th World Lit
Tuesday--Lab 1115
Thursday--Writing Lab
Friday--Writing Lab

Remember, the final day for vocabulary money is next week Tuesday!

And your Summer Reading Test will be next Monday--your note cards are due then!

Week 2 Recap and Essay Contests

Hello all!

I don't know about you but I'm very happy with our progress this week.

As we all are adjusting to the new schedule, tweaks and changes have to be made.  10th World Lit's Quiz was moved from today to Monday.  Also, yearbook staff assignments will probably be finished by Monday, not today.

Grades have started to go into Synergy, but Synergy doesn't go live until Open House--make sure you come on August 29th (Thursday) at 6:30 to meet me and get your log in!

As a reminder, vocabulary money is due by Tuesday, August 27th. 

If you'd like to earn money by writing, see below

Fire Safety Essay Contest--$50 prize. Open to grades 6-12

Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association Essay Contest – Topic forthcoming; watch for more details at the GFSA link below (This contest is for 12^th graders/high school seniors, class of 2014)

• Scholarships in the amounts of: $1,500 for 1^st place; $1,000 for 2^nd place; $750 for 3^rd place
• Details for this essay may be obtained at www.georgiafiresprinkler.org

Week 1 Recap, Getting Reading for Week 2

Hello all!

I hope you had a fabulous first week!  I know I did.

In moving on to week 2, these are the major things to remember:

10th World Lit

1. Get your syllabus signed and returned!  Copies are on the resource page if you need them.
2. Get your Vocabulary Money In!  $11!
3. Get your Summer Reading done!  We're going to have a progress check on Monday, the test is on the calendar already!
4. If you didn't finish it in class, finish your Formal Writing Assignment--it's due on Monday.
5. Bring a children's picture book to school on Monday--we should have a fun assignment with it, either Monday or Tuesday.

Yearbook

1. Get your syllabus signed and returned!  Copies are on the resource page if you need them.
2.  Let me know if you want to be an editor.
3. While I'm working on Staff placement, next week we'll be working on the yearbook basics.  You will have online homework--let me know if you have a problem with your internet!

Have a great week and make sure you check the calendar for daily assignments.

Week 1, Day 1

Hello all!

I hope you had as amazing of a day as I had.  I was really excited to meet and interact with all of you, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow!

Today, as it says on the calendar, we passed out the syllabus--I'd like to have it back tomorrow, signed and returned.  It is technically "due" by Monday, August 12th--that's when I'll start taking off points as a late grade.

I've also started to update the Resources sections for each class.  Click there to see what resources we've covered so far (ie: the syllabus).

We have been learning how best to utilize Synergy (our new online grading program), and I have to make a change to the syllabus.  In Synergy we cannot make a category that has 0 weight, however we can make assignments 0 weight.  This means if there is something I just want to communicate to you, like that your child has or has not paid for a vocabulary book, then I'll weight the grade 0 in the category that it best fits.

Thank you for a wonderful first day and I'm looking forward to day 2!

Getting ready for the 2013-2014 School Year

Hello and welcome!

I am so excited to begin the 2013-2014 school year with you at Kell High School!

This blog will be the invaluable tool for your World Literature class or your Yearbook 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, update you about your deadlines and due dates, 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

So you can utilize this blog effectively, I'd like to give you a small tour of its features

•  You can receive an email every time I post an update.  Type in your email address in the "Follow this blog" text box to the right.
• The Weekly Updates tab (the main page of this blog) will be updated weekly (at least) with information, announcements, and updates for the class.  It's a way for parents to keep up with what your child is doing in our class, as well as for students to have a preview of what's coming up.  This tab is mostly filled with general information, while the other tabs at the top of the page will have specific information you'll need for the class.  Since I teach two different courses, I'll give my posts section headers in bold so you know to which class the information below is pertinent.  
• The Calendar tabs at the top of the page will show the lesson plans for the day for your 10th World Lit class or your Yearbook class.  You can check here to see what we will be doing, or to see what we did if you are absent.
• The Kell Calendar tab at the top of the page is the official calendar for Kell High School.  It will have dates and deadlines for the school, as well as list events.
• The Resource tabs at the top of the page will have links to everything we use in your 10th World Lit class or your Yearbook class.  Everything from the syllabus, to handouts, PowerPoints, Links, assignments, study guides ... everything we use.  If you miss a day, check the calendar to see what you missed, then go to the Resource tab to get the resources we used that day.
• The SUMMER READING TAB has a list of all of the Summer Reading assignments for your English classes.  Make sure you've read one of the 10th World Lit Summer Reading books if you're in 10th World Lit!  Yearbook, since it is an academic English elective (and you have a Summer Reading assignment in your English class) there is no Summer Reading assignment this year.  

Materials:
In addition to paper, pencils, pens, etc. you will specifically need a bound journal (composition book, spiral notebook, etc.) in which to record daily work.  Many stores have them on sale right now, including a certain store whose name begins with W, who had them for 50 cents.

10th Literature students will also need to purchase the Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary Level E Student Workbook.  The school will order the books within the first few weeks of class at a group discount.  After that time, students will need to purchase theirs on their own.

Hello Kell High School Parents and Students! Are you ready for the 2013-2014 School Year?

I am so excited to begin the 2013-2014 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.

To make sure you're ready for day 1, please make sure you've read your summer reading!  You can click the tab above or click here for

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

End of the Year and Have a Great Summer!

Hello all!  We made it!

I hope you had as good of a year as I did here at Kell High School.
Some students have asked, so I will keep up the resources from this year through most of the Summer. 

If you are scheduled to be in my class next year, the 10th Grade World Literature Summer Reading Assignment can be found here.  Make sure you read one of the books thouroughly and completely!

If you were in my class last year, the 11th Grade American Literature Summer Reading Assignment can be found here.  Again, make sure you read one of the books thouroughly and completely!

Have a great summer and I'm looking forward to seeing you in the 2013-2014 School Year!

Week 19--Final Exams!

As we get ready for next week, please keep the following things in mind.

1. Your study guide, and resources are at the top of the Current Resources page.  Study study study!
2. Your Summer Reading for next year is also on the Current Resources page.  Make sure you pick up one (or two if you're in honors next year) of the books!  Read it over the summer.  I recommend in June to get it out of the way.  If you'd like some structure to take your notes, you can use the Graphic Organizer attached to the Parallel Reading Assignment. 

At this point, it's up to you!  Good luck!

Just so you know, here is the schedule for next week.  It's all backwards, and we have early release Tuesday though Thursday (but busses on Tuesday will be at 3:30).

Also we are offering Semester Extension, but only for EOCT classes.  Click here for the information that I recieved today.  I'm sorry that I did not have this information sooner, and that my class doesn't qualify for this extension as we are not an EOCT class.

Week 18--5 days to Final Exams

Hello All!

Remember, at this point, since we've taken the Unit Test today there are only 2 ways for you to bring up your grade.

1. Vocabulary Remediation.  If you would like to bring up your Writing and Language Summative average, you may replace ONE vocabulary quiz grade by doing this assignment.  You must follow all of the directions carefully as if you don't, you won't earn credit.  This is an opportunity, and not mandatory.  The deadline of Wednesday, May 15th at midnight is a hard deadline.  There will be no late credit.
2. Final Exam Study Guide.  Your final exam for this semester is cummulative for this semester.  You need to be prepared to deal with any of the concepts, elements, devices, and types on that list.  You can do it!

If you'd like to calculate what you need on the final exam in order to get the grade you want/need in the class, you can use the formula below:

X(0.85)+E(0.15)=G

X is your current grade in the class going into the final.
E is the grade you earn on your Final Exam
G is your final grade in the class.

I'd recommend that you input your current grade (X), then plug in the grade that you'd like to have in the class (G, for example, 70).  Then solve for E to see what grade you need to make on the Final Exam just to pass. 

For example, if your current grade is a 73, you need a 54 on the final to just pass, but you'd need a 80 in order to earn a C (74) in the class.

Important Update--Make up Socratic Seminars and Vocabulary Remediation

Hello All!

Yesterday's Socratic Seminars went really well.  If you missed our class, there is a make up session for the Socratic Seminar today during Leap Tutoring.  Meet me at 3:35 in the Media Center!  If you can't make this session, then you need to see me to arrange a different time.  It should take about 15 minutes. 

Also, yesterday I passed out 2 very important documents.

1. Vocabulary Remediation.  If you would like to bring up your Writing and Language Summative average, you may replace ONE vocabulary quiz grade by doing this assignment.  You must follow all of the directions carefully as if you don't, you won't earn credit.  This is an opportunity, and not mandatory.  The deadline of Wednesday, May 15th at midnight is a hard deadline.  There will be no late credit.
2. Final Exam Study Guide.  Your final exam for this semester is cummulative for this semester.  You need to be prepared to deal with any of the concepts, elements, devices, and types on that list.  You can do it!

We only have 6 more days til Final Exams!  It's up to you to earn the grade you want in the class.  You can do it!

Week 17--10 days til Final Exams

Hello All!

Last week students completed the Last Story of the Year!

We also passed out the SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT. Click here if you somehow misplaced your assignment.  Yes, you have to do it.  Yes, a book (or two) from that list.  The assignment for Honors or College Prep is on the 2nd page--read it carefully!

This week we're going to individually complete our Socratic Seminar Questions in preparation for our Socratic Seminar on Wednesday.  Students were assigned this assignment on April 26th, so they know that they need to complete the questions on their own if they aren't here on Monday and Tuesday.

We have our ATA on Thursday!  Remember if you get an A on the ATA, you don't have to take the unit test!

Week 16--15 days til Final Exams

Hello All!

Today (Friday) we went over the MidUnit Benchmark in class and students were given the opportunity to retake that test.  If you missed this opportunity, you need to talk to me about making it up before or after school.  If you don't by the end of next week, your current grade stands. 

This week we'll be reading our final story of the year "How Much Land does a Man Need?"  The handout is on the Current Resources page, and will be collected for a grade on Thursday or Friday (depending on when you'll have this class due to the Assembly on Friday). 

Week 15--20 Days to Final Exams--Persuasive Writing!

Hello All!

This week we're focusing once more on Persuasive Writing--again in preparation for the Georgia High School Writing Test you'll take at the beginning of your junior year.

A shortcut to all of the requirements can be found on the blog (or here).  As a reminder, yes, you won't get any Summative credit unless you follow all 5 steps of the Writing Process--you'll either meet the standard or you won't.  The formative grade in Pinnacle is to show which step of the Process you've completed:

20 Points per step. 

• Prewriting--Short Story Packet page 4
• Drafting--Handwritten on a sheet of paper
• Editing--"Get Feedback" on Essay Scorer
• Revising--Make changes and "Get Feedback" again on Essay Scorer
• Publishing--turnitin.com

Also, if you want an educated guess on what grade you'll earn on this essay, you can use the following chart based on The Essay Scorer Rubric.

If your essay is scored:
     1-3  Your essay will receive a failing grade.

     4  Your essay will probably receive a C or D.

     5  Your essay will probably receive a B.

     6  Your essay will most likely receive an A.

 

You can do it!  We're in a lab 3 days this week to work on this, so you should have plenty of time!

Week 14--25 days to Final Exams

Hello All,

By now your Parallel Reading Abstract should be in turinitin.com under Revision 1 if you turned it in last Friday (before Spring Break), and Revision 2 if you didn't.  Remember, if you're turning it in late, you need to turn it in tonight before midnight for the highest possible grade of a 90, tomorrow for an 80, etc.

This week we're starting with pg. 1322, reading the background information on Chinua Achebe before reading his short story, "Marriage is a Private Affair" (p. 1329), and his response "On Marriage is a Private Affair" (p. 1338).  These Cornell style Notes are due on Thursday, the same day as your Mid Unit Benchmark--which will concern the vocabulary of short stories.  Be sure that you can define the elements and apply them to a story.

25 days to Final Exams.  All of the grades between now and then are already posted in Pinnacle.  I'll get the Parallel Reading Abstracts graded as soon as I can.  Your confirmation of if you turned it in should be in the "Not a Grade" category by today.

Week 13--Beginning of Short Stories and Parallel Reading is DUE!

Hello All,

Your Parallel Reading Abstract is due to turnitin.com on Friday, April 5th! 

You'll need to differentiate between your final published copy and your drafts by turning in the version you want me to grade under the assignment called "Parallel Reading Abstract 2nd Semester -- Revision 1."

If you don't turn in your draft by Friday, you'll need to submit your published copy under "Revision 2" for the late grade.  Yes, even if you're planning to use a late pass.  The "due" date for the late grade is later, so in case you mistakenly upload the wrong file, you'll be able to go back and fix it.  Turnitin.com is set so that once a grade is "due" you can't overwrite the submission.

On Monday, after our vocabulary quiz for unit 11, we're going to be starting our next and final unit, Short Stories.  Monday, you'll receive the packet we'll be using that includes all of your responsibilities and due dates for the rest of the year.  All of these dates are also on the blog's calendar. 

Progress Reports go home after Spring Break, so you'll get your Unofficial Progress Reports this week as a head's up to what'll be on the official report and why it is what it is.  You will get extra credit if you turn these in before Spring Break.

Week 12

Hello All,

On Monday, your Poetry Booklets are due before you leave class. 

The rest of the week will be spent in labs to give you time to complete your Parallel Reading Abstract.  At this point you should have finished your book and written your first draft.

We'll have a Writing Lab Assignment for each day spent in the lab.  If you miss a day, you're still responsible for the assignment--it'll be on the Current Resources page.

You can see the calendar for where we'll meet each day, but I've also included a table below:

Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Lab 1113	Writing Lab	Writing Lab	Lab 1115 (7th period in 1113)

Next week we'll start our Short Story Unit--the last unit of the semester!

Free SAT Practice Test Opportunity

Please click the link to see an email from Mr. Wagner concerning a Free SAT Practice Test Opportunity. 

This is an opportunity from the Omega Lerning Center and also has information about discounts on other opprtunities. 

Week 11 Poetry!

Hello all!

This week we're finishing the poetry presentations.  If you're absent during any day of the presentations, you have an alternative assignment on the current resources page.

After we finish presentations, you'll be writing your own poetry booklets--the instructions for that is on the last page of your Poetry Packet. 

Your Parallel Reading Abstracts are coming up!  Be prepared!

Week 10--Grade Recovery and Vocabulary

Hello All,

As a reminder your Grade Recovery Opportunity is due on Wednesday by 11:59.  Make sure you're following all of the directions and criteria or you won't earn credit.

This week we're finishing up our Poetry Powerpoints--the first presentations will be on Friday (those who sign up for Friday will receive 5 extra points).

Your Parallel Reading first drafts were due on Monday.  Check the calendar for upcoming deadlines and your Parallel Reading Packet for details.  No matter how behind you are, you ABSOLUTELY NEED to have a draft, handwritten or typed, by March 27 (preferably with revisions and editing).  We'll be in the Writting Lab with the sole purpose of putting your drafts into MLA format and submitting them to turnitin.com.  If your draft isn't done by then, 1) it's 3 weeks late and 2) you won't have my help in getting your MLA perfect.

Since we have so much going on with Parallel Reading and your Poetry Projects, we've decided to skip unit 10 of vocabulary.  We'll resume our vocabulary study on March 25th with a miniquiz on Unit 11--you should be working on the unit 11 workbook on March 19th.

Grade Recovery Opportunity

Hello all!

As an opportunity to earn a higher grade in the Summative Reading Category, you have the option to complete an assignment.

You can find a copy of the assignment and ALL of the instructions and criteria here.You must follow all of the criteria listed on this linked page to earn this grade recovery opportunity.

If you follow all of the criteria, the score you earn on this essay will replace your current Summative Reading Test grade.  If your final score on your essay is below the grade you currently have for your Summative Reading Test grade, then you will keep your current test grade.  If you choose to not participate in this grade recovery opportunity, that is your choice and that is perfectly fine.

As listed on the instructions and criteria, this assignment is due on Essay Scorer AND turnitin.com by 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 13th, 2013.

Summer School Information

For those who need it, for this or any other class, the information for Summer School is linked at http://www.cobbk12.org/ (on the left menu) or you can click here to go directly. 

Just thought I'd pass this along.

Week 9--Moving on to Poetry!

Hello all!

The next unit we're working on has several components--group research, group presentation, individual writing. 

The calendar has been updated with what days we're working on what, including when presentations will be held, and if we're in a different location.  The White Board in class has also been updated.

The Current Resources Tab have been updated with most of the materials for the unit. 

Make sure you're keeping up with Parallel Reading, a deadline is this Monday!

Guidance Lesson in Room 1113

After Guidance's presentation, take out your Poetry Packets.  Your responsibility for today is to complete the section called "PowerPoint Design" on page 2 in your Poetry Packet.

You can find the "PowerPoint Do's and Don'ts" PowerPoint with all of the information you need here.

Persepolis Unit Test Update

Hello All!

Mr. Miller, Ms. Roberts, and I graded all of the Unit Tests and we discovered a massive error with one of the keys.  If you have a grade in Pinnacle at this time, your grade is correct.  If you are missing a grade for the test you took today, it's because you were one of the students whose test key had a massive error.  Rather than putting in your incorrect grade, I'm going to leave it blank until tomorrow.

At the beginning of class I'll call your name and we'll fix your answer sheets.  You should have your grade by the end of the day tomorrow.  Sorry for the delay.

Week 8--Progress Reports

It's that time again!

Students were given unofficial grade reports on Friday to be signed and returned on Monday.  This will be the grade that they have earned for their first Official Progress Report which comes home on Wednesday.

Students will have their Persepolis Unit ATA on Monday and their Final Unit Test on Thursday.  On Friday we'll be getting a visit from the Guidance Department in the Writting Lab--we'll also be starting our next unit!

As a reminder, I am available for extra help most mornings from 7:45-8:20, and afternoons on Monday and Thursday until 5.  Just let me know if you need to come in!

Parallel Reading Update

Hello All!

Just letting you know that if your student was in school yesterday, I conferenced with them about their Parallel Reading Abstract.  Their upcoming due dates are:

I Have a Book -- 2/4
Finished Reading -- 3/4
Prewriting in their Packet -- 3/6
1st Draft Writtten -- 3/11
2nd Draft on Turnitin.com -- 3/25
Published on Turnitin.com -- 4/5

If you do a little at a time, it's not a lot of work.  Do your future-self a favor and work in advance!  Some students are finished reading already, some students haven't started...

Week 7

It has come to my attention that one of my answers on the benchmark was marked incorrectly on my key.  I've given everyone +3 points to correct this.

This week is a short week.

On Tuesday, we'll be taking an in-class written quiz for a summative reading grade reguarding theme.  If you are absent, you must make it up before or after school.

Persepolis needs to be finished and your packet completed by Thursday next week!

Week 5 addendum and Week 6

Hello all,

I am feeling much better today, and really appreciated the students who asked about me.  Thank you.

Because I was out yesterday, I know that some students did not get enough time in a lab to complete the requirements for their Letters.  I will be trying for another day in the lab next week, and we'll push the deadline back until then.  Check the calendar for the new deadline, and I'll adjust the requriremnt on Turnitin.com as well.

I've also moved back all of the vocab deadlines by one week, so you'll have a little more time to get ready for the Unit 8 test as well. 

Next week we'll be focusing on getting back on track with Persepolis. 

Make sure you're keeping up with your Parallel Reading!

On a side note, check out this article from the AJC about what college students wish their high school teachers did.  This is not the first article like this I've seen and articles like this one are the reasons behind why I run my class the way I do.  You can do it and it's to get you ready for life after high school!

Week 5

This week will focus on writing.

On Monday we have our Mid-Unit Benchmark, then students will be given their rubric for the Persuasive Persepolis Letter (due Friday), and their Persepolis II Packet (PiiP). 

Tuesday-Thursday we'll be in Labs so there is no reason any one shouldn't have their letter done and submitted on both Essay Scorer then Turnitin.com.

When students finish and submit their letter, they'll be expected to continue reading in Persepolis.

The ATA and Final Unit Test are already on the calendar.

Week 4

This week is all about individual work ethic.

By Friday it is your student's responsibility to read Persepolis through pg. 153 and be prepared for the MidUnit Benchmark on Monday.  It will be 40 questions, and everything from the Persepolis I Packet is fair game.

Today the students were given an Unofficial Progress Report to show their progress so far in World Lit.  Please sign this and return it on Wednesday.  It's not a grade, so doesn't affect their overall average, but there may be a reward for students who turn it in on Wednesday ;)

There may be a pop quiz at some point this week covering the Persepolis Packet. 

Safe and Drug-Free Schools Survey

Last week I spoke to the students about a survey we'll be taking tomorrow.  This 100% anonymous survey is to gather information in order to provide the most effective drug and violence prevention resources and/or activities for your child.  The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is totally anoynmous and voluntary.  If you do not want your child to take the survey, I have an opt out form for you to sign--just let me know.  We also have a printed version of the survey for you to look at if you wish to come before or after school--just let me know if you'd like to see this.

We are scheduled to take this survey on Wednesday.

The survey works best with Internet Explorer or Firefox. 

Students:  Click here then use the drop-down menu to select Cobb and Kell.

Open House

Open House is tonight starting with a PTSA meeting at 6 and walking through your child's schedule at 6:30.  I'd love to meet you so much I'll give your student extra credit if they bring you.

Students and parents who are not able to come due to other obligations, please email me at kimberly [dot] bundschu [at] cobbk12 [dot] org and I'll give you credit as well.

Parallel Reading on Pinnacle

Hello All,

As we did last semester, in order to help you to be on top of your deadlines, I'll start putting Zs in Pinnacle for each student who has not completed a Parallel Reading Deadline on Friday.  As with last semester, if they complete the deadline by the due date, they will receive full credit. 

It is a way to communicate with you that they have not yet met this deadline.

Week 3

Hello All!

I hope you had a relaxing long weekend!

This week our goal will be to read Persepolis I and to hopefully be moving alongin your Parallel Reading Abstract.  We'll be in the Writing Lab on Thursday; remember to be ready to work and know what you will be working on!  It's up to you!

How to read the Classroom Calendar

Hello all,

Some people have been asking, so here's how to read the Classroom Calendar.

Each day, I will write the activities you are responsible for on the calendar, these mirror what we do in class.  If you are not in class, going to the calendar is how you will see what you missed.

The kinds of things that are on the calendar are:

Meet in ... (if we are in a different location)
2nd Period Meet in ... (if a specific class meets in a different locaiton)
PIP (something from the Persepolis I Packet)
PIIP (something from the Persepolis II Packet)
Assigned (something that was handed out or talked about in class that is due later--a copy will be on the Current Resources page)
Due (the date a long-term assignment is due)
Vocabulary (unless it has PIP, refers to the Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary Workbook)
Read Persepolis through # (refers to what pages we read in our book that day, which pages you are responsible for if you were absent).

You know your Activator and Summerizer is also on the Current Resources page, as well as all of your notes, packets, handouts, PowerPoints, Student Lists, etc.

If I left something off of here, please let me know so I can edit it!

Week 2

Hello all!  I hope your first week went well! 

I'm told that parents should have access to Pinnacle and it is up to date with current grades.  Several students have not yet turned in their Syllabus or Letter to the Future.  Please check Pinnacle to see if your child has turned these items in.  Remember, no grade means I haven't graded it yet, Z means they haven't turned it in, and a number grade is the grade they've earned.

Some students have asked for a refresher on how to read this blog.  This collumn announces weekly updates and special announcements.  The Current Resources tab has copies of all of the infomation necessary for this class, including links.  The Calendar tab has a list of all assignments that we do in class, when things are assigned and when they're due. 

This week we're starting our Parallel Reading Assignment as well as continuing in our Persepolis Packet.  We should start reading by Wednesday; make sure you have your Persepolis Vocabulary done before then!

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful break!

We're not wasting any time in 10th World Lit and we're getting right back into the swing of things.

Today students were given a mid-year addendum to the current syllabus.  Please read it with your parents and get that last page signed and returned as soon as possible.  This is actually a Speaking and Listening grade!  Easy 100!

The calendar is already starting to be updated with the activities we're going to be covering over the next few weeks and the current resources tabs are getting a bit of an overhall for the new semester.  You'll still be able to access all of the old information, just make sure you look at Current Resources for the current resources.

Our first in class witing assignment is tomorrow!  Hope you're ready!