Welcome to The Daily Post! As the name suggests, this portion of the website is updated daily (right after school) and is designed for you to be able to access what was covered in class, from home. It's a great resource for last minute updates or if you are ever absent or find yourself confused about any specifics about homework, reading, vocab (LA 9ers click here for current list) due dates, etc.
Just consider it one more thing I do to make your life a bit easier...
Monday 1/5
Mon, Jan 5 2009 02:52
LA 10 Honors
-Quickly discussed JC essays...went over a quick letter to the class. Revisions are due on Wed.
-CD check on outside reading (minor character)
-Assigned Outside Reading 1-pager...remember, the idea here is to create a "visual answer" to the question. Make it clear, make it creative. Click here for the official assignment.
Creative Writing
-Journals: Open
-Discussed progress on outside reading
LA 9
-CD check on chapters 1-4 of Animal Farm.
-Discussed how the novel can be read on multiple levels and that we will get into the sophisticated reading beginning tomorrow.
-Finished up Utopia Presentations
-Quickly discussed JC essays...went over a quick letter to the class. Revisions are due on Wed.
-CD check on outside reading (minor character)
-Assigned Outside Reading 1-pager...remember, the idea here is to create a "visual answer" to the question. Make it clear, make it creative. Click here for the official assignment.
HW:
-1-pager due at the start of class tomorrow
-You need to bring your book to class tomorrow!
-JC essay revisions due on Wed.
Creative Writing
-Journals: Open
-Discussed progress on outside reading
HW:
-Draft of character/conflict/starting point due tomorrow at the start of class.
LA 9
-CD check on chapters 1-4 of Animal Farm.
-Discussed how the novel can be read on multiple levels and that we will get into the sophisticated reading beginning tomorrow.
-Finished up Utopia Presentations
HW:
-Need to be through chapter 5 for tomorrow
A Couple of Quick Reminders for Monday
Sun, Jan 4 2009 11:40
LA 10 Honors
-You should be done (or extremely close) to finishing your outside reading book. Bring your copy to class tomorrow as we will begin working with them in class. Be prepared to be an expert on it.
-We will discuss the JC essays that were turned into turnitin.com before break...I'll have a letter for you tomorrow. There will be a couple of days for some revisions.
-If you haven't done your speech recitation, tomorrow is your last day...that's it.
-We will be starting a new novel this week...be prepared to get busy...you will be juggling multiple assignments at once.
Creative Writing
-You have a complete draft of your character/conflict/starting point assignment due at the start of class.
-You should be in the middle (or done!) with your outside reading book. Bring your actual copy to class...I am going to give you points for actually having it.
-Floodplain is (finally) done.
LA9
-You need to be through chapter 4 of Animal Farm. You will be held accountable for it tomorrow. If you forgot your book, click here.
-We will (quickly) finish up the remaining Utopia Presentations tomorrow.
Thursday 12/18: Updated for Winter Break
Thu, Dec 18 2008 05:17
With virtually every other Eastside school district saying school's off for tomorrow, I am going to go out on a limb and assume that I won't be seeing you in class in the next 24 hours. So, with that in mind. Here's what you need to take care of for tomorrow...and over break. Enjoy the time off!
LA 10 Honors
-OK folks, here's the deal. As planned, you need to get your essay in to me by tomorrow (let's say by 9pm). However, rather than emailing me the actual copy, I want you to use, sign up, and login to turnitin.com (it's a great program that stores essays in its database, checks for originality, and assures future classes from "borrowing" from your own brilliant works). Some of you have done this before (I know Treumper and Bopp use it). For those of you who haven't, click here for step-by-step instructions. At one point, you will be asked for a class ID and password. The ID for 1st period is: 2487340. For 2nd, it is: 2487347. The password for both is: goldhammer (all lowercase).
-My plan is to peruse these essays, see what needs to still be tackled as a whole, and then plan to take a fresh look at them after break. Do note however, I am expecting perfect and finalized drafts submitted tomorrow. You will be getting points for this...if you have problems, let me know via email.
-Now, let's talk about this whole outside reading thing. I've created a self-explanatory page that outlines exactly what you need to do and what your choices are for this assignment. Before you head over to the link however, I do want to make a couple of things really clear. First, you actually need to read the book. You need to aim to have it done by the end of the break. Watching the movie won't help you when it comes to the assessment...and yes, there will be some kind of written assessment when you get back. The second point I want to reiterate is that these books all work for the AP exam...that means--and I want to be really clear here--that some (most) of these books have mature themes and subjects. The AP test is a college-level course and these titles are designed to get you ready for it. Some are pretty complex and adult novels...some more than others. All though, are fantastic. Choose wisely. In case you are wondering, The Road and The Lone Ranger and Tonto are two of my all-time favorites. If you are not sure which of these books are appropriate for you, The Chosen (such a good book!) has been officially approved by the district for Sophomores. With that said, click here for the official assignment.
Creative Writing
-Good thing we planned for this, right? Here's a quick reminder of what's going on: First, email me your open letter by tomorrow.
-Next, over break, you need to continue to work (and finish!) this assignment we started on Tuesday. As you all remember, on Tues, we began an interesting piece that's broken into 3 parts--character, conflict, and starting point. You were given slips of paper with the first two (character and conflict). You then were assigned numbers for the starting point. The plan was for you to brainstorm some possibilities for your chosen character and conflict (I'm sure you all did that, right?). Now, you need to put together the third part...the starting point. Click here for the list (just find the corresponding number you got in class).
-Now that you've got all 3. Your job is tricky, you need to take your 3 chosen elements and turn it into a complete work (let's say a 3 page min.) A complete draft is due the day we get back from break...handwritten (at least for the draft), is perfectly acceptable.
-Oh! And your booklists! Click here. Find your name. Do note that some of these books have mature themes and moments. You need to choose wisely and pick something you think is right for you. Go online, do some research about what they are about, and find something you think you will enjoy. All you need to do is read it (let's aim to have it done about 2 weeks after break). We will worry about an assignmet to go along with it later. If you are not sure what to chose, drop me an email...I definitely have a few that know you'll enjoy. It's your responsibility to track these titles down (bookstore/library/amazon/etc.).
LA 9
-Wow, what a screwed up week! Here's the deal: We will finish up the Utopia stuff when we get back...I promise it will all make sense with your new novel, Animal Farm. Speaking of Animal Farm, it's a good thing you got that book checked out to you--you've got some reading to take care of for me. When we get back from break, you need to be read through chapter 4. It's a quick read, you can probably get that done in less than an hour. Be prepared to be held accountable for what you've read right when we get back. We'll dive into what it's really all about then.
LA 10 Honors
-OK folks, here's the deal. As planned, you need to get your essay in to me by tomorrow (let's say by 9pm). However, rather than emailing me the actual copy, I want you to use, sign up, and login to turnitin.com (it's a great program that stores essays in its database, checks for originality, and assures future classes from "borrowing" from your own brilliant works). Some of you have done this before (I know Treumper and Bopp use it). For those of you who haven't, click here for step-by-step instructions. At one point, you will be asked for a class ID and password. The ID for 1st period is: 2487340. For 2nd, it is: 2487347. The password for both is: goldhammer (all lowercase).
-My plan is to peruse these essays, see what needs to still be tackled as a whole, and then plan to take a fresh look at them after break. Do note however, I am expecting perfect and finalized drafts submitted tomorrow. You will be getting points for this...if you have problems, let me know via email.
-Now, let's talk about this whole outside reading thing. I've created a self-explanatory page that outlines exactly what you need to do and what your choices are for this assignment. Before you head over to the link however, I do want to make a couple of things really clear. First, you actually need to read the book. You need to aim to have it done by the end of the break. Watching the movie won't help you when it comes to the assessment...and yes, there will be some kind of written assessment when you get back. The second point I want to reiterate is that these books all work for the AP exam...that means--and I want to be really clear here--that some (most) of these books have mature themes and subjects. The AP test is a college-level course and these titles are designed to get you ready for it. Some are pretty complex and adult novels...some more than others. All though, are fantastic. Choose wisely. In case you are wondering, The Road and The Lone Ranger and Tonto are two of my all-time favorites. If you are not sure which of these books are appropriate for you, The Chosen (such a good book!) has been officially approved by the district for Sophomores. With that said, click here for the official assignment.
HW:
-Submit your completed JC essay to turnitin.com by Friday 12/19
-Outside reading (needs to be done about 2 days after we get back from break)
Creative Writing
-Good thing we planned for this, right? Here's a quick reminder of what's going on: First, email me your open letter by tomorrow.
-Next, over break, you need to continue to work (and finish!) this assignment we started on Tuesday. As you all remember, on Tues, we began an interesting piece that's broken into 3 parts--character, conflict, and starting point. You were given slips of paper with the first two (character and conflict). You then were assigned numbers for the starting point. The plan was for you to brainstorm some possibilities for your chosen character and conflict (I'm sure you all did that, right?). Now, you need to put together the third part...the starting point. Click here for the list (just find the corresponding number you got in class).
-Now that you've got all 3. Your job is tricky, you need to take your 3 chosen elements and turn it into a complete work (let's say a 3 page min.) A complete draft is due the day we get back from break...handwritten (at least for the draft), is perfectly acceptable.
-Oh! And your booklists! Click here. Find your name. Do note that some of these books have mature themes and moments. You need to choose wisely and pick something you think is right for you. Go online, do some research about what they are about, and find something you think you will enjoy. All you need to do is read it (let's aim to have it done about 2 weeks after break). We will worry about an assignmet to go along with it later. If you are not sure what to chose, drop me an email...I definitely have a few that know you'll enjoy. It's your responsibility to track these titles down (bookstore/library/amazon/etc.).
HW:
-Email open letter (by tomorrow 12/19)
-Complete a draft of character/conflict/starting point
-Get a book off your list, read it
LA 9
-Wow, what a screwed up week! Here's the deal: We will finish up the Utopia stuff when we get back...I promise it will all make sense with your new novel, Animal Farm. Speaking of Animal Farm, it's a good thing you got that book checked out to you--you've got some reading to take care of for me. When we get back from break, you need to be read through chapter 4. It's a quick read, you can probably get that done in less than an hour. Be prepared to be held accountable for what you've read right when we get back. We'll dive into what it's really all about then.
HW:
-Read chapters 1-4 in Animal Farm
-Study your vocab
Thursday 12/18
Thu, Dec 18 2008 09:59
Well, we got our snow...and because of it, there's a good chance we won't be seeing eachother tomorrow. Since my sophs are probably freaking out about their essays right about now, I figured I'd give a quick little update. Here it is: your essays are still due tomorrow (don't worry, I know this process has been about as messed up as it can be). I'll post instructions (for all of you) about what you need to get done a bit later...just as soon as we get a better sense of what tomorrow will be like. If you are concerned, confused, or just bored, drop me a line...I should be checking my email throughout the day.
Enjoy the snow.
Wednesday 12/17
Wed, Dec 17 2008 05:32
Due to the snow, all classes will proceed with the regular plan (meaning: everything that was due today) tomorrow. See yesterday's post for details. Be sure to check this site tomorrow if we get another snow day.
Tuesday 12/16
Tue, Dec 16 2008 03:43
LA 10 Honors
-Checked-in on essay progress
-Went to the lab for one-on-one help
Creative Writing
-Journals: The Cold (must be written in a 1st person perspective)
-Due: original character piece from last week and yesterday...did some sharing of these as well
-Began character/conflict/starting point assignment (picked characters and conflicts...we will get starting points later this week)
LA 9
-Checked in on Utopia progress
-got back in groups and finished up visuals and presentation prep
-Began presentations (5th period only)
-Checked-in on essay progress
-Went to the lab for one-on-one help
HW:
-typed, printed, as-perfect-as-possible draft due at the start of class tomorrow
-final draft due Fri
-Voc due Thursday
-Quiz on Friday
Creative Writing
-Journals: The Cold (must be written in a 1st person perspective)
-Due: original character piece from last week and yesterday...did some sharing of these as well
-Began character/conflict/starting point assignment (picked characters and conflicts...we will get starting points later this week)
HW:
-Come to class with some ideas about your character and conflict ready to go
-Open letter due before Friday
LA 9
-Checked in on Utopia progress
-got back in groups and finished up visuals and presentation prep
-Began presentations (5th period only)
HW:
-Be prepared to finish up presentations
Monday 12/15
Mon, Dec 15 2008 01:32
Today was the last day with the sub...I will be back tomorrow. You need to make sure that you've done everything listed below... I will be checking you off tomorrow (for points) at the start of class:
LA 10 Honors:
-Essentially, you should have your entire essay "fully shaped." That means I will be looking for completed intro organizers, shaping sheets for all of your body paragraphs, and a conclusion organizer...that's the bare minimum. If I were you, I'd have started to type this thing up. Tomorrow we will be in the lab...if you've begun typing, make sure you have an electronic copy you can access from the school computers. Tomorrow will be fully devoted to lab time and one-on-one questions.
Creative Writing
-Journals?
-Well, hopefully you've spent the last 5 days (3 at school, 2 at home) working away at something brilliant and utterly creative (see the posts from Thursday and Friday). Tomorrow, I will be collecting whatever it is you came up with...make sure your effort is apparent in your work. Tomorrow we will jump into something new.
LA 9
-After today, Utopia projects should be done. That means: the packet, the visual, the key points you plan on presenting for the presentation all should be ready to go at the start of class tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, here's the plan. Each group will share it's unique Utopian vision and then we'll start figuring out how this all is going to tie into our next unit.
LA 10 Honors:
-Essentially, you should have your entire essay "fully shaped." That means I will be looking for completed intro organizers, shaping sheets for all of your body paragraphs, and a conclusion organizer...that's the bare minimum. If I were you, I'd have started to type this thing up. Tomorrow we will be in the lab...if you've begun typing, make sure you have an electronic copy you can access from the school computers. Tomorrow will be fully devoted to lab time and one-on-one questions.
HW:
-Memorization is due by Thursday
-Make sure you've got a clear 5 days of work done on this essay.
Creative Writing
-Journals?
-Well, hopefully you've spent the last 5 days (3 at school, 2 at home) working away at something brilliant and utterly creative (see the posts from Thursday and Friday). Tomorrow, I will be collecting whatever it is you came up with...make sure your effort is apparent in your work. Tomorrow we will jump into something new.
HW:
-Open letter due this week (before Friday)
-Tomorrow you will turn in the assignment you've been working on since Thursday
LA 9
-After today, Utopia projects should be done. That means: the packet, the visual, the key points you plan on presenting for the presentation all should be ready to go at the start of class tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, here's the plan. Each group will share it's unique Utopian vision and then we'll start figuring out how this all is going to tie into our next unit.
HW:
-Make sure all Utopia work (packet/visual/presentation) is ready for the start of class tomorrow
Friday 12/12
Sat, Dec 13 2008 10:42
There will be a sub through Monday...
LA 10 Honors
-Took Vocab Quiz #10
-Due: Thesis statement for essay (hopefully you've thought about this, checked yours out with a classmate's, etc.)
-Continued working on the web/brainstorm/map for your essay (get all the handouts you need from the Writing Center section of this website)
HW:-You need to aim to have your essay "fully shaped" by the end of Monday (that means all of your paragraphs). If I were you, I'd begin typing this up so you have something to work with in the lab on Tuesday. A complete rough draft will be due on Wed. Finals will be due the Friday before break. If you have questions, drop me a line.
Creative Writing
-Journals?
-Spent the day working on a new, original, and entirely open character assignment (see yesterday's post for all of the details). Another work day is scheduled for Monday. Please, make sure you are using them...I need you to help me out with this.
HW:-This new character piece (it can be handwritten) is due at the start of class on Tuesday-Open Letter due before break.
LA 9
-Continued working on planning the visual and presentation (it'll be quick/informal) portions of the Utopia project. I am fully aware that many groups might be close to being finished...however, you have Monday as a work day as well...that means these visuals better be spectacular and worth 3 full days of dedicated and focused work. My expectations are high and you will be graded (on the entire project) with these expectations in mind.
HW:-Continue to work on your Utopia Project...presentations/visuals/packets will all be due on Tuesday at the start of class. Make these brilliant, make these creative.
Thursday 12/11
Thu, Dec 11 2008 02:10
Sad news...sub until Monday.
LA 10 Honors
-Since today was a sub day, the plan was simply to get started working and developing your thesis statements + ideas for your essays. By the end of the day, you should have left with a solid thesis statement and having made some progress on your web/brainstorm (click here for a blank). If you have questions, I am, unfortunately, unavailable...instead, talk to each other, (if necessary) talk to Mrs. Howland...see what you come up with.
-Tomorrow you will begin working on "shaping" your essay (click here and here and here for all the necessary handouts). Aim to have these completed (essentially a rough draft of your essay) for Monday. I will check them off for points. On Tuesday we will be in the lab. Be prepared to head in there with some kind of electronic draft that you can continue to work on. The plan is still to have finals due before break...in other words, don't slack.
-You get a freebie on your vocab work this week...quiz is still tomorrow
Creative Writing
-Due: Stolen Dialogue from this past week in the lab (turn these into the box if you haven't)
-Today was essentially the start of a multi-day assignment where you folks really need to help me out. Here's the plan: come up with an original piece. It needs to be centered around an original character. Come up with an original place to take this...I know it's vague and I apologize...consider it a chance to simply play around with something new. Aim for multiple pages. You'll have tomorrow and Monday to work on this in class (unfortunately, I'm not sure the lab will be an option)
LA 9
-OK LA 9ers...out of all my classes, you guys and gals need to step it up the most and help me out. Today you continued work on your Utopia projects. Tomorrow and Monday, you will take this to the next step and fine-tune your plans as well as begin to create a visual that will better help your group explain its Utopian vision to the entire class. Click here for the requirements for the visual. If all goes well, you should have some supplies ready to go in class tomorrow. As a backup, you may want to bring your own.
LA 10 Honors
-Since today was a sub day, the plan was simply to get started working and developing your thesis statements + ideas for your essays. By the end of the day, you should have left with a solid thesis statement and having made some progress on your web/brainstorm (click here for a blank). If you have questions, I am, unfortunately, unavailable...instead, talk to each other, (if necessary) talk to Mrs. Howland...see what you come up with.
-Tomorrow you will begin working on "shaping" your essay (click here and here and here for all the necessary handouts). Aim to have these completed (essentially a rough draft of your essay) for Monday. I will check them off for points. On Tuesday we will be in the lab. Be prepared to head in there with some kind of electronic draft that you can continue to work on. The plan is still to have finals due before break...in other words, don't slack.
-You get a freebie on your vocab work this week...quiz is still tomorrow
HW:
-Get as far as you possibly can on your initial essay web/brainstorm (if possible, finish it)
-Memorizations will be extended into next week (I should be back on Tuesday)
Creative Writing
-Due: Stolen Dialogue from this past week in the lab (turn these into the box if you haven't)
-Today was essentially the start of a multi-day assignment where you folks really need to help me out. Here's the plan: come up with an original piece. It needs to be centered around an original character. Come up with an original place to take this...I know it's vague and I apologize...consider it a chance to simply play around with something new. Aim for multiple pages. You'll have tomorrow and Monday to work on this in class (unfortunately, I'm not sure the lab will be an option)
HW:
-Open Letter due next week (anytime before break)
-Get crackin on this new assignment
LA 9
-OK LA 9ers...out of all my classes, you guys and gals need to step it up the most and help me out. Today you continued work on your Utopia projects. Tomorrow and Monday, you will take this to the next step and fine-tune your plans as well as begin to create a visual that will better help your group explain its Utopian vision to the entire class. Click here for the requirements for the visual. If all goes well, you should have some supplies ready to go in class tomorrow. As a backup, you may want to bring your own.
HW:
-Continue to work on your Utopia projects
Wednesday 12/10
Wed, Dec 10 2008 02:04
LA 10 Honors
-Due: 4-5 chunks
-Went over these in class
-Took Act 4-5 Quiz
-Read: Brutus and I (funny)
-Assigned essay (if gone, you can get the prompt tomorrow)
Creative Writing
-No journals (again!)
-Went to the lab and finished up "Stolen Dialogue" piece (these are due tomorrow)
LA 9
-Discussed yesterday's Utopia progress
-reformed groups and continued working through the packet
-Due: 4-5 chunks
-Went over these in class
-Took Act 4-5 Quiz
-Read: Brutus and I (funny)
-Assigned essay (if gone, you can get the prompt tomorrow)
HW:
-Work on memorization
-Begin thinking about essay (we'll discuss your options/develop thesis statements/begin mapping this essay out tomorrow in class)
-Vocab work #10 due tomorrow
Creative Writing
-No journals (again!)
-Went to the lab and finished up "Stolen Dialogue" piece (these are due tomorrow)
HW:
-Final "Stolen Dialogue" work due tomorrow
-Open Letter due before the 19th
LA 9
-Discussed yesterday's Utopia progress
-reformed groups and continued working through the packet
HW:
-Continue working on/thinking about Utopia project