Valedictorian Address
I want each of you to have the experience of challenging your graduating class in an original valedictorian address. Please write a two – three minute speech that you will present to our class tomorrow (Tuesday).
16th
05 -
2011
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15th
03 -
2011
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The end is near (again).
The end of the nine weeks is approaching quickly. Make sure you have EVERYTHING turned in before we leave for Spring Break!
11th
03 -
2011
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Love that body!
The body of your research paper is due on Friday, March 18. Please turn it in by that date, so you can actually enjoy your spring break!! 
11th
03 -
2011
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The end is near!
Do you realize that we only have two weeks of classes until the end of the grading period? Unbelievable! Make sure you turn in all upcoming assignments in on time. No late work!
2nd
03 -
2011
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Friday, Friday, Friday!
This is a gentle reminder that your introduction is due on Friday, March 4. Please also bring your completed Research Paper Scaffold packet and your vocabulary workbook. See you then!
8th
02 -
2011
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Week of February 7
We worked on writing thesis statements yesterday, and your homework is due today. We’ll be in computer lab II for class, so bring your homework and everything else you need for our research. (We will take some time to share our quote books today and Friday.) Wednesday and Thursday will be spent watching Tuesdays with Morrie to finish up that unit. Your thesis statements for your papers are due at the beginning of class on Friday. I’ll be conferencing with each of you to examine your thesis statements, so bring your “stuff” to work on while I’m working with your classmates!
25th
01 -
2011
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Tuesdays with Morrie Quote Book
We will soon finish reading Tuesdays with Morrie. I hope reading it has challenged you to think about how you live your own life…and if the book didn’t do that for you, your quote book should! Your quote books are due on Friday, February 4, 2011. Please make sure you are collecting quotes and thinking about your paper (AKA: Introduction Page on rubric). Ask me if you need any help/advice!
25th
01 -
2011
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It’s Novel time!
Remember to bring the novel you have chosen to read for our new grading period to class tomorrow (Wednesday, January 26.) I can’t wait to see what you each have chosen to read!
9th
12 -
2010
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WOTT workshop
I want to thank Mrs. Ekechi for subbing for me today, so I could attend the WOTT workshop. I hope you will soon see the benefit of my attending the workshop by my new and improved blog!
14th
08 -
2010
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HCT Summer Reading
Be ready to discuss your summer reading book and turn in your text journals when we return to school!
Juniors: Choose one…Better by Atul Gawande; Gifted Hands by Ben Carson; Dark Remedy: The Impact of Thalidomide and Its Revival as a Vital Medicine by Trent Stephens and Rock Bryner.
Seniors need to read Gifted Hands by Ben Carson.
The assignment is to read the book and to complete 10 text journals.
Here is an example of how to do a text journal:
A text journal helps the reader keep a record of thoughts, ideas, opinions, observations and questions. The purpose of the journal is to ask questions of the text and then pose possible answers. Relate the text to yourself to find a personal connection. Sometimes we don’t always understand what we read; this is where the journal can come in handy. Some texts may contain references to material that is unfamiliar or difficult to understand. Look up unfamiliar words or references, then write the meaning down on the right side of your page. Below is an example of the format; each journal entry should be on a separate sheet of paper and contain at least 6-8 passages, quotes, sentences, or words.
Give your journal entry a heading (name, date, chapter, entry #) in the top right corner.
Divide your paper into three columns- on the left side write the page number and passage, quote, sentence or word(s) from the text in its entirety. Record a passage that interests you, relates to a past experience, sparks a question or is just an example of good writing. Then on the right side of the page write your reaction to the word, quote, question, or passage. Remember: question the text and then pose a possible answer. Explain characters, symbols, and themes (if applicable) using your text journal.