Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Can you believe it's already October? At least there is a sense of coolness in the air. Autumn is upon us!

Today is National Vegetarian Day, and something about Circles. Many thanks to both Eric K. and Megan B. for providing us with all of the wacky days in October--hilarity will ensue.

Sophys: Count of Monte Cristo Final Reading Day As Voted on Democratically by Most of You. Yes, I know some of you don't like reading in class--it's too quiet, or it's too visually distracting, or you're not in the mood at this hour in the morning. If you'd rather read this amazing critical essay ABOUT CMC you can read that instead. Regardless, Dumas is getting his claws into your psyche this morning, and hopefully this will help all of you catch up.

Planning Ahead, Sophomore-Style:

1. This Friday, October 3: Mastery Test for 120 Literary Terms. Multiple Guess; bring a pencil.
2. Next Thursday, October 9: Count of Monte Cristo Test (essay and short answer format.) Bring a pen.
3. Wednesday, October 15: PSAT. You have all been signed up to take this test, and the 20.00 fee has been covered by school improvement funds. You will be excused from your first three classes that morning for testing, and you will need to bring a pencil. This test is important to you in several ways; as we discussed in class, it's A) the best way to prepare for national merit Qualifying next year; B) a measure by which we can best place you in AP classes next year and the year afterward, and C) terrific practice for the SAT and ACT. Pleas take this seriously. It is a highly respected, nationally recognized exam that is actually interesting in content.

APees: Sixth period needs to take the Act III quiz, due to ongoing delays from last week's Senior Panoramic Picture. Everyone else will forge straightaway into Act IV, scene i analysis, and develop thesis statements for the MacFocus Paper that is due next Tuesday. (You still need to bring your finalized thesis statement and rough materials with you Friday for in-class conferencing.) MacGoodness all around! And more cartoons on the board.