Welcome to the New Year!

Hello All!

I'm so glad that you are in my class this semester!

To start, I'd like to give you a little tour of this blog.

This tab is Weekly Updates--it's just a head's up of what's happening in the class this week.  For example, this week we're getting used to the class environment and starting the Precourse Reading Dialectical Journal that will be due next Friday, 1/18/19, on turnitin.com.

The next tab is the Resources Page.  This page is where all of the links used for the class will be posted, including the Syllabus, and copies of assignments, presentations, notes, etc.  This is the most useful tab for the class.

The next tab is the Classroom Calendar.  This is the head's up for major due dates and what's going on in the class. 

My email and phone number are listed above (written out so that I don't get spam).  If you ever have any questions, please feel free. 

I am looking forward to an amazing year!

3 weeks left -- all assignments

Hello Multicultural Lit Students and Parents,

Congratulations on having only 3 weeks left of class!

I've already created all the assignments we have remaining in the class in the gradebook so you know exactly where you stand between now and the end of the semester. 

In order to support you, as we've discussed in class, I've extended the deadline for the Thanksgiving Break Grade Recovery Assignments to 12/9 at 11:59pm, however, if you want them to count towards exam exemptions, I need them by 12/2 at 11:59pm so that I can grade them by the 12/7 cut off.

While we're reading American Born Chinese, make sure you're completing your daily journal entry and keeping up with the Study Guide Questions, as well as being prepared to present your assigned question to the class.

If you'd like to preview the final presentation assignment, I've already linked it to the Resources Page on the blog.  You'll get a printout copy next week.

Have a great Thursday!

Thanksgiving Break Optional Assignments

Hello All,

Several students have asked what they can do to bring up their grade.  The following is a completely optional assignment that, if you follow all directions and turn in a product that shows that you have mastery of the Standards, add up to 60 points if you didn't turn in the original assignment, or up to 20 points if you did turn in the original assignment (maximum grade of 100).  You may do 1, 2, 3, or none of the assignments. 

Optional Thanksgiving Break Grade Recovery Assignment

We're also having our 2nd Socratic Seminar tomorrow.  Students were given the questions today, but you can also find them here.  Make sure you are prepared by completely answering the questions on a separate sheet of paper.  I'll also be collecting both Archetype Graphic Organizers and the Feminist Graphic Organizer.  Copies of those are on the Resources Page of the blog. 

Have a great Wednesday.

Time is getting closer

Hello All,

As we enter the last 6 weeks of school, we're getting really close to grades being finalized. 

As announced in class last week, all makeup work for summative grades is due on turnitin.com by November 9th. 

The next large assignment will be next week, and the notes about Literary Criticisms are on the Resources Page of my blog.  Students will need to know those criticisms well in order to complete the next assignment. 

Head's Up -- Quiz in Multi Lit on Monday

Hello Seniors,

This is a reminder that you'll have a short quiz over the readings of 1.19 and 1.20 on Monday.  If you don't feel confident about those stories, I suggest you look over them again.  I send the link to the online book (we're in Unit 1) to your Synergy messages.

Also, I need you to have your Planning Document 1 and 2 finished and at least 3 sections of your Reflective Essay completed when you walk in the door on Monday so you can be finished with your draft of your essay BEFORE you leave class on Monday (not at 11:59, before you leave).

I hope you have a great weekend!  

Finishing Up the Unit

8 Weeks Left in the Semester

Hello All,

Thank you for your understanding while I was (and still am) dealing with medical issues.  I'm working on a solution and appreciate your continued support, especially on the days that I have to be out for doctor's appiontments.

With that said, as of just now I've finished catching up on all of the major grades for all classes.  As a reminder, the formative category is only worth 20% of your total grade, while your summative category is worth 65% and the final exam is worth 15%.  The summative grades impact your overall grade the most, and the grades for each categry are an average of all of your scores in that category.  This means low summative grades will impact your grade a lot and for a long time.  The next big grade coming up is a Reflective Essay (Multi-Lit) and your first deadline (Yearbook).

Please look over your grade (or your child's grade) and feel free to reach out with any comments or concerns.  If you're not happy with your grade, there is plenty of time to bring it up, but you must do your best for the rest of the semester.  If you are happy with your grade, keep up the hard work and stay strong through the end!

Thank you and I hope you have a great week.