Hello All,
First of all I want to thank those of you who took the time over Thanksgiving Break to complete the optional assignments. I appreciate your effort and look forward to seeing what you came up with. I am continuing to accept assignments up until Monday.
As we look towards Final Exams, I thought I should post a copy of the school's Exam Exemption Letter and policy.
Any student who qualifies for Exam Exemption has been given an exempted 0 in the Final Exam Assignment in the Gradebook. Every student whose Final Exam grade is "Not yet graded" in the gradebook, must take their Final or earn a 0 on 15% of their grade.
As a reminder, grades are still being submitted and projects are being finalized. Any student who qualified for exemption, if their grade drops below an 80, then their grade will be what they've earned, even if that means lower than 80. If they choose to come in and take the Final during our Final Exam Period, I will allow them to.
I handed out copies of the Course Extension Contract this week as well. This is a very important document for students in specific core classes (including World Lit) who end up failing the course by 1-5 points. I handed this out to students if they could possibly qualify as needing it. My hope is that none of my students will need it, but I do need it back from every student.
The World Lit Final Exam Study Guide can be found here.
The Yearbook Final Exam Study Guide can be found here.
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Thanksgiving Break
Hello All,
As we head into the last 14 days of class, I wanted to give every World Literature student the chance to improve their grades, if they wanted to.
These assignments are 100% optional. If you choose to do them, please follow all of the instructions completely as that's the only way to add points to your grade -- you are proving to me that you understand the standards assessed.
You may do 0, 1, 2, 3, or all 4 optional assignments. If you do choose do complete them, they are due on Monday, 12/2/19, before 11:59pm on turnitin.com. Each assignment should be on a separate google doc.
You can find the link to the assignment here, or on the Student Resources Page.
When we come back, we'll be working quickly to complete our last presentation and then prepare for the Final Exam.
I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving Break.
As we head into the last 14 days of class, I wanted to give every World Literature student the chance to improve their grades, if they wanted to.
These assignments are 100% optional. If you choose to do them, please follow all of the instructions completely as that's the only way to add points to your grade -- you are proving to me that you understand the standards assessed.
You may do 0, 1, 2, 3, or all 4 optional assignments. If you do choose do complete them, they are due on Monday, 12/2/19, before 11:59pm on turnitin.com. Each assignment should be on a separate google doc.
You can find the link to the assignment here, or on the Student Resources Page.
When we come back, we'll be working quickly to complete our last presentation and then prepare for the Final Exam.
I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving Break.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Week 12-13 and Homework
Hello All,
As we move to the second half of unit 3, all Literature classes are in the middle of reading their novels. Honors should be on page 402 of The Poisonwood Bible, while On Level should be on page 62 of Night, when classes return on Wednesday.
I feel like we need to have a conversation about homework. For the most part, with the exception of reading, I typically don't assign specific homework. The expectation is that you should go over what you've learned and finish anything you didn't finish in class. Please make sure that if you didn't finish an assignment in class, that you do follow up at home so you're grade doesn't suffer.
I know I've talked about it in class, but zeros are the number one reason students' grades suffer. Please make sure you're getting your work done and turning it in on time to keep your grade where it needs to be.
As a reminder, I can do early morning tutoring by appointment and every Wednesday I stay until 5pm. Let me know you're coming in advance so I can plan accordingly.
I hope y'all have a great Tuesday.
As we move to the second half of unit 3, all Literature classes are in the middle of reading their novels. Honors should be on page 402 of The Poisonwood Bible, while On Level should be on page 62 of Night, when classes return on Wednesday.
I feel like we need to have a conversation about homework. For the most part, with the exception of reading, I typically don't assign specific homework. The expectation is that you should go over what you've learned and finish anything you didn't finish in class. Please make sure that if you didn't finish an assignment in class, that you do follow up at home so you're grade doesn't suffer.
I know I've talked about it in class, but zeros are the number one reason students' grades suffer. Please make sure you're getting your work done and turning it in on time to keep your grade where it needs to be.
As a reminder, I can do early morning tutoring by appointment and every Wednesday I stay until 5pm. Let me know you're coming in advance so I can plan accordingly.
I hope y'all have a great Tuesday.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Week 10-11 Turnitin.com is back up!
Hello All,
World Lit and Honors World Lit classes--let's talk about your assignments.
Turnitin.com is finally back up and we are working towards getting all work submitted and graded. At this point, yes, you can turn in things late since the blip with technology wasn't anybody's fault, but we need to make sure things to get turned in and graded.
At this point, I've put in zeros for assignments that I am missing from you. Look carefully at the grades. If something says not yet graded, then I haven't graded it. However, if it says 0 or 1 out of 100, and it is a summative grade, then there is a problem that we need to correct. I'm working hard on my end to catch up and I need you to be doing the same.
Our upcoming major assignments are:
Yearbook, our first true deadline is next week. Let's make sure you are following the style guide and working towards your goals.
Make Up Picture Day is this Friday. Anyone who didn't take pictures will have a pass during 2nd and anyone who wants to Retake pictures can do so during their lunch.
Have a great week!
World Lit and Honors World Lit classes--let's talk about your assignments.
Turnitin.com is finally back up and we are working towards getting all work submitted and graded. At this point, yes, you can turn in things late since the blip with technology wasn't anybody's fault, but we need to make sure things to get turned in and graded.
At this point, I've put in zeros for assignments that I am missing from you. Look carefully at the grades. If something says not yet graded, then I haven't graded it. However, if it says 0 or 1 out of 100, and it is a summative grade, then there is a problem that we need to correct. I'm working hard on my end to catch up and I need you to be doing the same.
Our upcoming major assignments are:
- Drafting your chilling narratives. Peer Revision and Editing Wednesday and Thursday. Publishing on Monday. Presentations Wednesday and Thursday.
- Drafting your argument essay. Starting to work on this next week and publishing coming up the week after.
Yearbook, our first true deadline is next week. Let's make sure you are following the style guide and working towards your goals.
Make Up Picture Day is this Friday. Anyone who didn't take pictures will have a pass during 2nd and anyone who wants to Retake pictures can do so during their lunch.
Have a great week!
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Week 9 Expectations and Upcoming Assignments
Hello All,
In World Lit and Honors World Lit, we've started Unit 3. Students previewed the 6 major assignments for this unit earlier this week (it's a big one--we broke it into 2 parts) and we are working towards the skills and knowledge necessary for students to be completely prepared for those assignments as we reach them in the upcoming weeks. You can see a copy of the assignments on the Overview on the Resources Page.
Honors: This is due when you walk in the door on Friday. Be prepared and use your class time well. If you need extra time, you can always take these pages from your book home. Don't forget that you need to be done with page 142 in Poisonwood Bible by Monday. (Yes, there will be another quiz.)
In World Lit and Honors World Lit, we've started Unit 3. Students previewed the 6 major assignments for this unit earlier this week (it's a big one--we broke it into 2 parts) and we are working towards the skills and knowledge necessary for students to be completely prepared for those assignments as we reach them in the upcoming weeks. You can see a copy of the assignments on the Overview on the Resources Page.
Honors: This is due when you walk in the door on Friday. Be prepared and use your class time well. If you need extra time, you can always take these pages from your book home. Don't forget that you need to be done with page 142 in Poisonwood Bible by Monday. (Yes, there will be another quiz.)
- Finish reading “Two Kinds” on p21-29
- Answer 1, 3-4, 6-7, 9 on p30-31
- On a separate sheet of paper, p 32, number 10.
- P 9-14 -- highlight ideas that help you understand what “cultural identity” means. Discuss the questions 1-12 with a partner.
- On a separate sheet of paper, p 17 -- Check your understanding
On Level: This is due before you leave tomorrow.
- Finish reading “Two Kinds” on p 21-29
- Answer 1, 3-4, 6-7, 9 on p 30-31
- On a separate sheet of paper, p 32, number 10.
Yearbook: Some students are using their time wisely in class and some aren't. Your grades are starting to reflect your effort. You have your first spread due at the end of the month. Please make good choices and stay strong.
Tomorrow is an Early Release Day. I hope you find the afternoon restful!
Friday, September 20, 2019
September Break and Upcoming Assignments
Hello Students,
Our World Lit and Honors World Lit classes just finished a big week. Our first Socratic Seminar, a Reading Test, and a Writing Test--all going into the Summative Category.
Turnitin.com is still frustratingly down. So that means I need all of you to turn in your major writing assignments to Google Classroom for now so I can grade them there. Follow the instructions on each assignment. Please bare with me as we work through this technological breakdown.
Our next unit will focus on Cultural Perspectives from around the world. We'll be having reading assessments as we go through the readings, but we'll also be working towards a narrative and an argument paper, as well as a presentation. Exciting things!
On Level classes should still be reading a personal choice book.
Honors classes, when we get back from break we'll begin reading Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver as a parallel text to what we read in class. This means, I need you to obtain a copy -- digital or physical, rented or bought, up to you -- and you'll have reading targets each week so that we can have our discussions in class. You will be completing a Major Works Data Sheet on this text. You are not assigned to read it over the break, but if you choose to read ahead so that you'll have less homework each night when we get back, that choice is yours to make.
Yearbook classes, your first mod is due today. As we discussed in class, if you don't have your things on the page before midnight, you're earning a zero until you do, and when your content is on the page, the best score you can earn is 50. You've had weeks. You know what's expected of you. I've also assigned you your next spread. Make sure you look at the topic on the ladder and know what you are going to cover. Start thinking about your plan.
All Classes: When we do return from the break, I have been summoned for Jury Duty. As you know, this can be a short or a long summons. However, as I told the students in class today, my lesson plans are the same whether they tell me I have to go to the courthouse or not. Any time I am in class or not, I have spent time and effort into creating meaningful instruction and learning for you. There are no free days--we are always practicing a skill to help you meet the standard.
I hope you have a fantastic Fall Break.
Our World Lit and Honors World Lit classes just finished a big week. Our first Socratic Seminar, a Reading Test, and a Writing Test--all going into the Summative Category.
Turnitin.com is still frustratingly down. So that means I need all of you to turn in your major writing assignments to Google Classroom for now so I can grade them there. Follow the instructions on each assignment. Please bare with me as we work through this technological breakdown.
Our next unit will focus on Cultural Perspectives from around the world. We'll be having reading assessments as we go through the readings, but we'll also be working towards a narrative and an argument paper, as well as a presentation. Exciting things!
On Level classes should still be reading a personal choice book.
Honors classes, when we get back from break we'll begin reading Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver as a parallel text to what we read in class. This means, I need you to obtain a copy -- digital or physical, rented or bought, up to you -- and you'll have reading targets each week so that we can have our discussions in class. You will be completing a Major Works Data Sheet on this text. You are not assigned to read it over the break, but if you choose to read ahead so that you'll have less homework each night when we get back, that choice is yours to make.
Yearbook classes, your first mod is due today. As we discussed in class, if you don't have your things on the page before midnight, you're earning a zero until you do, and when your content is on the page, the best score you can earn is 50. You've had weeks. You know what's expected of you. I've also assigned you your next spread. Make sure you look at the topic on the ladder and know what you are going to cover. Start thinking about your plan.
All Classes: When we do return from the break, I have been summoned for Jury Duty. As you know, this can be a short or a long summons. However, as I told the students in class today, my lesson plans are the same whether they tell me I have to go to the courthouse or not. Any time I am in class or not, I have spent time and effort into creating meaningful instruction and learning for you. There are no free days--we are always practicing a skill to help you meet the standard.
I hope you have a fantastic Fall Break.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Week 7, Socratic Seminar and Deadlines
Hello All!
This week is a pretty big week.
Honors and On Level World Lit, your first Socratic Seminar is tomorrow. Make sure you come to the discussion prepared by having the questions answered before you walk in the door. You can see a copy of the questions and the rubric on the resources page. Remember, the Socratic Seminar will help you to discuss things that will be on the test on Thursday. Be prepared.
Yearbook, your first deadline is officially Friday. You absolutely need to have your pictures and quotes in eDesign before the end of the day on Thursday so that we can do final touches in class. If you are not done before you leave, you'll earn a 0 and late work has a maximum grade of 50. I've already extended this deadline, so you have had time. Be prepared.
There's a lot of major grades going on so we can start fresh after the break. Do your best until the end!
This week is a pretty big week.
Honors and On Level World Lit, your first Socratic Seminar is tomorrow. Make sure you come to the discussion prepared by having the questions answered before you walk in the door. You can see a copy of the questions and the rubric on the resources page. Remember, the Socratic Seminar will help you to discuss things that will be on the test on Thursday. Be prepared.
Yearbook, your first deadline is officially Friday. You absolutely need to have your pictures and quotes in eDesign before the end of the day on Thursday so that we can do final touches in class. If you are not done before you leave, you'll earn a 0 and late work has a maximum grade of 50. I've already extended this deadline, so you have had time. Be prepared.
There's a lot of major grades going on so we can start fresh after the break. Do your best until the end!
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