To all students: This is the e-mail I just sent to my APees. I just want to add to the sophomores--continue reading aloud in class with Othello, and please do not cause the substitute any problems. I assure you I wouldn't be out unless it was absolutely vital.
WEAR RED FOR EDUCATION!!!!
Dear Student,
I just found out that I will have to be absent tomorrow for a continuation of my family's ongoing medical issues. I fervently apologize for any inconvenience, and I will be there in the morning prior to first period if you'd like to drop off your Romanticism projects and show me your artwork. However, you now technically have until Monday to complete the project--I anticipate being back in the classroom Monday, regardless of the outcome tomorrow.
Your Jane Eyre quiz is still tomorrow for chapters 17-22, and once more, I am sorry tor any inconvenience.
Thank you and have a lovely evening,
Ms. Hilley
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Iago's Soliloquy
This is from the 1995 film version, with the incredible actor Kenneth Branagh as Iago. I love how he speaks directly into the camera, and burns himself without flinching.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Notes to Self: AP teacher meeting at 8:45 a.m.; senior teacher meeting at 3:30; enter grades.
Sophys: Post-It Note Quiz! Five questions on Othello before we launch into Act IV and see the chaos Iago and his bruised ego (or machination-seeking id) has caused. New content vocab list, too. Warning: Paper coming up!!! Think about Iago, and defending him. If you can.
APees: I'm in a quandary; I would dearly love to give you the creative assignment related to Chapter 19 but I'm not sure how manyof you are there yet (notwithstanding the Chapters 17-22 quiz you are taking on Thursday, but hey. . .) so I might poll the electorate and see what ya'll think. I would love to see what you could come up with, but I fear plot spoilers so we might just go into the close reading of the text from Chapter 18 today and reinforce understanding of Bronte's use of physiognomy. So many choices, so little time!!!
Reminders: JE quiz Thursday; Romanticism project due Friday.
If you are going to Germany with me this spring break, don't forget our pre-trip meeting next Tuesday night, March 3, in my classroom at 7 p.m. And if you are suddenly in the mood to go, let me know ASAP. We have room, but we would need to get your plane ticket immediately. Let me know!
Sophys: Post-It Note Quiz! Five questions on Othello before we launch into Act IV and see the chaos Iago and his bruised ego (or machination-seeking id) has caused. New content vocab list, too. Warning: Paper coming up!!! Think about Iago, and defending him. If you can.
APees: I'm in a quandary; I would dearly love to give you the creative assignment related to Chapter 19 but I'm not sure how manyof you are there yet (notwithstanding the Chapters 17-22 quiz you are taking on Thursday, but hey. . .) so I might poll the electorate and see what ya'll think. I would love to see what you could come up with, but I fear plot spoilers so we might just go into the close reading of the text from Chapter 18 today and reinforce understanding of Bronte's use of physiognomy. So many choices, so little time!!!
Reminders: JE quiz Thursday; Romanticism project due Friday.
If you are going to Germany with me this spring break, don't forget our pre-trip meeting next Tuesday night, March 3, in my classroom at 7 p.m. And if you are suddenly in the mood to go, let me know ASAP. We have room, but we would need to get your plane ticket immediately. Let me know!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sophys: Othello, Act III, continued.
APees: For the first part of the period, we will be exploring the timed writing we did on Monday, February 23--the two poems (Auden and Plath) that reflected the work of Breughel the Elder. The poems are disturbing, but then again, so are the paintings:
You can find a larger version on the web, but if you look at the lower right quadrant of the painting, you'll see two white legs incongruously peeking from the sea. That would be Icarus, the ultimate afterthought in the painting. Brueghel did have a sense of humor. This painting is related in the prompt to "Musee des Beaux Arts" by W.H. Auden.
The next painting is even more distirbing, though.
The second poem, "Two Views of a Cadaver Room" by Sylvia Plath, refers to this piece by Brueghel called "Triumph of Death." Again we see a scene with a comparatively minor detail in the lower right quadrant--in this case, two lovers obliviously embracing while carnage erupts around them.
APees: For the first part of the period, we will be exploring the timed writing we did on Monday, February 23--the two poems (Auden and Plath) that reflected the work of Breughel the Elder. The poems are disturbing, but then again, so are the paintings:
You can find a larger version on the web, but if you look at the lower right quadrant of the painting, you'll see two white legs incongruously peeking from the sea. That would be Icarus, the ultimate afterthought in the painting. Brueghel did have a sense of humor. This painting is related in the prompt to "Musee des Beaux Arts" by W.H. Auden.
The next painting is even more distirbing, though.
The second poem, "Two Views of a Cadaver Room" by Sylvia Plath, refers to this piece by Brueghel called "Triumph of Death." Again we see a scene with a comparatively minor detail in the lower right quadrant--in this case, two lovers obliviously embracing while carnage erupts around them.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Quick Announcements:
1. I will be unable to stay after school tomorrow for application help or tutoring due to a family medical issue. See me if you need anything during regular school hours and we'll work something out.
2. Don't forget Pasta for Pennies this week. . .and Change for Education! I suggested bringing 26 cents--a penny to annoy the government, and a quarter for cancer research. Of course, if you can find more, bring more. I will be bringing my entire piggy bank.
3. For those who are observant, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 25 and goes through April 11. Have you thought about what you'd like to give up for Lent? (If you do not celebrate Lent, but are curious about Lenten practices, there are a wealth of resources available online that can explain the custom. Typically one is to give up something important for the forty days, to symbolize self-sacrifice and increase thoughtfulness. The worst challenge I ever had was the year I gave up caffeine and cursing. I lasted three days before a student brought me a Diet Cok and demanded I drink it.)
Curriculum:
Sophys: Elements of Style quiz, after a quick review; Othello, Act III.
APees: Awesome timed writing in preparation for AP exam; the topic is insightful, but really creepy. You'll laugh; you'll cry; it's better than Cats. Actually, it's not, but I love the topic. Creepy and discomfiting, and all about the College Board's desire to make you life-long learners and thinkers.
1. I will be unable to stay after school tomorrow for application help or tutoring due to a family medical issue. See me if you need anything during regular school hours and we'll work something out.
2. Don't forget Pasta for Pennies this week. . .and Change for Education! I suggested bringing 26 cents--a penny to annoy the government, and a quarter for cancer research. Of course, if you can find more, bring more. I will be bringing my entire piggy bank.
3. For those who are observant, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 25 and goes through April 11. Have you thought about what you'd like to give up for Lent? (If you do not celebrate Lent, but are curious about Lenten practices, there are a wealth of resources available online that can explain the custom. Typically one is to give up something important for the forty days, to symbolize self-sacrifice and increase thoughtfulness. The worst challenge I ever had was the year I gave up caffeine and cursing. I lasted three days before a student brought me a Diet Cok and demanded I drink it.)
Curriculum:
Sophys: Elements of Style quiz, after a quick review; Othello, Act III.
APees: Awesome timed writing in preparation for AP exam; the topic is insightful, but really creepy. You'll laugh; you'll cry; it's better than Cats. Actually, it's not, but I love the topic. Creepy and discomfiting, and all about the College Board's desire to make you life-long learners and thinkers.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Eric K. wants everyone to know that today is Hoodie Hoo Day. At exactly noon, which is near the end of third period, you are to yell HOODIE HOO to scare away winter. Ironically, tomorrow Florida will be experiencing yet another brief Arctic blast, and temperatures will drop into the 30s or 40s. Good times.
Sophys: Othello, and grammar fun.
APees: Jane Eyre quiz, chapters 11-16, and multiple choiceness. Creativity coming soon! Don't forget that the Romanticism Project is now due next Friday instead of earlier in the week!!!
Sophys: Othello, and grammar fun.
APees: Jane Eyre quiz, chapters 11-16, and multiple choiceness. Creativity coming soon! Don't forget that the Romanticism Project is now due next Friday instead of earlier in the week!!!
Open Letter: Progress Reports and Budget Woes
Open Letter to All Students:
Progress reports go home tomorrow; some of the grades are very low in my AP classes due to low quiz scores on Jane Eyre. I want you to keep the following in mind: You have a major grade next week with the Romanticism project, and another 40-point writing assignment next week, too, both of which can serve as "buffers" for your overall average. You also have two more reading quizzes to help you bring up your grade. For some of you--you haven't been reading. For some of you--you don't recall details very well. Fortunately, the last round of quizzes was higher.
For all of you: I will be MORE than glad to give each of you a weekly update on your grades; as many of you know, the past few weeks have been crazy with registration and what-not, and thus some of the grades weren't updated as frequently as I would have liked. Rest assured that there are many, many grade opportunities pending and the progress report may not accurately reflect your overall performance in this class.
Today in class, we went over some of the budget shortfalls facing our state. The entire district is mobilizing, and all districts in Florida are seeking help from the Florida legislature. There is a 5 billion dollar shortfall in the state for education, and a 102 million dollar shortfall for OCPS alone. Some of the suggested cuts being studied by the district include, but are not limited to:
*Eliminating freshman and some junior varsity sports teams
*Reducing the number of guidance counselors
*Cutting teachers with annual contracts (typically, teachers with 1-4 years experience, or media specialists, or speech therapists)
*An across-the-board pay cut of 5%
*Closing 16-24 elementary schools
*Keeping the "flip"
*Eliminating social workers and SAFE coordinators
For those of you who are seniors, please be aware that you are not immune to the latest woeful rounds. College tuition may well hike up next year; recent figures indicated that a tuition increase of 11-14% is possible.
Please get involved. You are students, and you and your parents are stakeholders in this miasma. An educated society is a free society. I realize that not all public schools are perfect, and not every teacher you've ever had has been awesome. I also realize that the alternative--an uneducated populace--is a scary, scary prospect. Public education is constitutionally mandated by the state of Florida, so it's high time it was funded appropriately.
More information will be forthcoming in the new edition of the school's Smoke Signals. Each school in Florida will feature "EDUCATION CUTS NEVER HEAL" on its marquee. And, for the record, I am fervently hoping that the powers that be can make cuts at higher levels before they hit the classroom, and that extravagances that were common in the past get slashed.
Here are some addresses, if you are interested:
Office of Governor Charlie Crist (R)
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Telephone:
State Representative Randolph Scott (D)
State Representative Eric Eisnaugle (R)
Progress reports go home tomorrow; some of the grades are very low in my AP classes due to low quiz scores on Jane Eyre. I want you to keep the following in mind: You have a major grade next week with the Romanticism project, and another 40-point writing assignment next week, too, both of which can serve as "buffers" for your overall average. You also have two more reading quizzes to help you bring up your grade. For some of you--you haven't been reading. For some of you--you don't recall details very well. Fortunately, the last round of quizzes was higher.
For all of you: I will be MORE than glad to give each of you a weekly update on your grades; as many of you know, the past few weeks have been crazy with registration and what-not, and thus some of the grades weren't updated as frequently as I would have liked. Rest assured that there are many, many grade opportunities pending and the progress report may not accurately reflect your overall performance in this class.
Today in class, we went over some of the budget shortfalls facing our state. The entire district is mobilizing, and all districts in Florida are seeking help from the Florida legislature. There is a 5 billion dollar shortfall in the state for education, and a 102 million dollar shortfall for OCPS alone. Some of the suggested cuts being studied by the district include, but are not limited to:
*Eliminating freshman and some junior varsity sports teams
*Reducing the number of guidance counselors
*Cutting teachers with annual contracts (typically, teachers with 1-4 years experience, or media specialists, or speech therapists)
*An across-the-board pay cut of 5%
*Closing 16-24 elementary schools
*Keeping the "flip"
*Eliminating social workers and SAFE coordinators
For those of you who are seniors, please be aware that you are not immune to the latest woeful rounds. College tuition may well hike up next year; recent figures indicated that a tuition increase of 11-14% is possible.
Please get involved. You are students, and you and your parents are stakeholders in this miasma. An educated society is a free society. I realize that not all public schools are perfect, and not every teacher you've ever had has been awesome. I also realize that the alternative--an uneducated populace--is a scary, scary prospect. Public education is constitutionally mandated by the state of Florida, so it's high time it was funded appropriately.
More information will be forthcoming in the new edition of the school's Smoke Signals. Each school in Florida will feature "EDUCATION CUTS NEVER HEAL" on its marquee. And, for the record, I am fervently hoping that the powers that be can make cuts at higher levels before they hit the classroom, and that extravagances that were common in the past get slashed.
Here are some addresses, if you are interested:
Office of Governor Charlie Crist (R)
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Telephone:
- Citizen Services Hotline: (850) 488-4441
- Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: (850) 488-7146
[Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time]
Fax: (850) 487-0801
E-mail: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
State Senator, District 9 Andy Gardiner (R)
District Office:
1013 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 428-5800
Senate VOIP: 40900
State Representative Geraldine Thompson (D)
| Capitol Office: |
| 316 The Capitol |
| 402 South Monroe Street |
| Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 |
| Phone: (850) 488-0760 |
| District Office: |
| Suite 204 |
| 511 West South Street |
| Orlando, FL 32805-2761 |
| Phone: (407) 245-1511 |
State Representative Randolph Scott (D)
| Capitol Office: |
| 400 House Office Building |
| 402 South Monroe Street |
| Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 |
| Phone: (850) 488-0660 |
| District Office: |
| Suite 100 |
| 701 East South Street |
| Orlando, FL 32801-2953 |
| Phone: (407) 893-3084 |
State Representative Eric Eisnaugle (R)
| Capitol Office: |
| 417 House Office Building |
| 402 South Monroe Street |
| Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 |
| Phone: (850) 488-9770 |
| District Office: |
| Suite 1 |
| 2003 Curry Ford Road |
| Orlando, FL 32806-2419 |
| Phone: (407) 893-3141 |
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Cadbury Eyebrows (official version)
You've probably seen this, since it's been out for a while. It's my nephew's favorite video--in fact, he looks a bit like the little boy.
Just sharing the talent! Now get off the internets and go do your homework!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Gifted English II: Elements of Style grammar lesson, followed by more Othello-ness.
APees: Jane Eyre and the AP multiple choice exam.
Thank you for your help today--grading on no sleep was brutal. Progress reports go out on Friday and I fully anticipate printing grade slips to staple to the reports with more-current averages.
APees: Jane Eyre and the AP multiple choice exam.
Thank you for your help today--grading on no sleep was brutal. Progress reports go out on Friday and I fully anticipate printing grade slips to staple to the reports with more-current averages.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How are you today? I hope you are well.
Sophys: Elements of Style, rules 1-11 review. Also, insights from the classic etiquette book Don't, published in 1880, then a resumption of Othello in all of its awesomeness.
APees: Multiple choice questions relevant to Jane Eyre, followed by FRQ fun.
Sophys: Elements of Style, rules 1-11 review. Also, insights from the classic etiquette book Don't, published in 1880, then a resumption of Othello in all of its awesomeness.
APees: Multiple choice questions relevant to Jane Eyre, followed by FRQ fun.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Today is Registration Day for the sophomores. Meet in the Guidance lobby. Second period--this means you will be watching BBC in the lobby. I think this is a good day for a subsequent BBC quiz. . .
Note to all students: 8 seniors and 11 sophomores still have not posted their essays to www.turnitin.com OR e-mailed me a copy so I could do it for them. I WILL NOT RECORD YOUR GRADES UNTIL IT GOES THROUGH THIS PORTAL. Progress reports go home Friday; do you want a zero sitting there? You have two very simple options for fulfilling this requirement and if it is not done by Wednesday afternoon the zero goes in.
APees: Since we haev been discussing the autobiographical elements of Jane Eyre, I think it would be interesting for us to look at a bit of Bronte's correspondence. She sought advice from the then-famous "Lake Poet" Robert Southey, and reading their letters to each other offers a great deal of insight into both of their personalities. Not to mention that these letters lead to a terrific AP prompt. . .
Note to all students: 8 seniors and 11 sophomores still have not posted their essays to www.turnitin.com OR e-mailed me a copy so I could do it for them. I WILL NOT RECORD YOUR GRADES UNTIL IT GOES THROUGH THIS PORTAL. Progress reports go home Friday; do you want a zero sitting there? You have two very simple options for fulfilling this requirement and if it is not done by Wednesday afternoon the zero goes in.
APees: Since we haev been discussing the autobiographical elements of Jane Eyre, I think it would be interesting for us to look at a bit of Bronte's correspondence. She sought advice from the then-famous "Lake Poet" Robert Southey, and reading their letters to each other offers a great deal of insight into both of their personalities. Not to mention that these letters lead to a terrific AP prompt. . .
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13th! I've always had good luck on these days (knock on wood.) So, where did all of the paranoia about this particular date start?
(Note: Fear of this date is paraskavedekatriaphobia.)
According to the infallible sources over at Wikipedia (note irony) the fear of the number 13 goes back to Norse mythology, but was compounded by the Christian view of the number 12 indicating a form of completeness. I always thought Friday the 13th was merely the name of Kevin Bacon's first film appearance when I was younger, but paraskavedekatriaphobia does lead to ome lively urban legends and what-not. So be safe tomorrow, and watch out for ladders, spilled salt, angsty-looking black cats, and mirrors. And clowns. But you always have to watch out for some clowns. . .
Gifted English II: I need to sign your registration forms, and you need to take a vocabulary quiz. Afterwards: The wonder of English grammar, with a brief history lesson.
AP Lit: Jane Eyre quiz, followed immediately by a comprehensive review of Romantic values as they may appear in the novel.
Reminder: NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!! Happy Prez Day!
(Note: Fear of this date is paraskavedekatriaphobia.)
According to the infallible sources over at Wikipedia (note irony) the fear of the number 13 goes back to Norse mythology, but was compounded by the Christian view of the number 12 indicating a form of completeness. I always thought Friday the 13th was merely the name of Kevin Bacon's first film appearance when I was younger, but paraskavedekatriaphobia does lead to ome lively urban legends and what-not. So be safe tomorrow, and watch out for ladders, spilled salt, angsty-looking black cats, and mirrors. And clowns. But you always have to watch out for some clowns. . .
Gifted English II: I need to sign your registration forms, and you need to take a vocabulary quiz. Afterwards: The wonder of English grammar, with a brief history lesson.
AP Lit: Jane Eyre quiz, followed immediately by a comprehensive review of Romantic values as they may appear in the novel.
Reminder: NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!! Happy Prez Day!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Many exciting things going on today on campus!
Periods One and Two: REGISTRATION. We will go over your course options and I will sign your forms. Remember that we get first dibs--we are going to Guidance on Tuesday, February 17!!! After we finish this, we are taking the super-easy Othello Act II Vocabulary Quiz, and looking at the Elements of Style text.
Periods Four thorugh Seven: Eyre in the Air. Ms. McMillen has enthusiastically supported our outdoor reading day; the weather is expected to be in the pleasent seventies with little chance
of rain. You MUST have a reading pass and a copy of Jane Eyre, and you must behave yourself or APees will lose many, many privileges. Ahem.
Periods One and Two: REGISTRATION. We will go over your course options and I will sign your forms. Remember that we get first dibs--we are going to Guidance on Tuesday, February 17!!! After we finish this, we are taking the super-easy Othello Act II Vocabulary Quiz, and looking at the Elements of Style text.
Periods Four thorugh Seven: Eyre in the Air. Ms. McMillen has enthusiastically supported our outdoor reading day; the weather is expected to be in the pleasent seventies with little chance
of rain. You MUST have a reading pass and a copy of Jane Eyre, and you must behave yourself or APees will lose many, many privileges. Ahem.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Sophys: Today in class, we will review the ten vocabulary words for Othello, Act II. Also, we will go over elements of Act II and clarify any questions you may have. You need to bring your copy of The Elements of Style with you tomorrow for rules 1-11.
APees: Today, we will review elements of Jane Eyre for the next quiz after we finish looking at “Grecian Urn”. To ameliorate the woe, I have asked Ms. McMillen permission for our FIRST OUTDOOR READING DAY for Jane Eyre on Thursday. Each of you will receive an awesome reading pass.
You are allowed to read outside as long as you do not disturb anyone else. Fourth period, since you are in the lunch period, I would ask you to limit your reading space to areas not associated with the cafeterias. (Stadium, art building, north end of campus.) The weather has been lovely of late, and this may allow you to find a comfortable spot to really get in touch with nature to solidify what we’ve been discussing with all things Romantic.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Today is the FCAT Writes! First period will be as normally scheduled, after which everyone will report to their testing location. Seniors: You will NOT have third period today, but will stay in second period until the test is concluded. Sophys: Good luck on your test.
In light of recent events that have made me seriously question the logic of being a public school teacher, please allow me to reiterate some basic principles for functioning in 313:
1. Listen when I am speaking to you.
2. Turn off AND put away all electronic devices in class.
3. Do your work to the best of your ability and with integrity.
That last element is the most important; as the school year winds toward the conclusion, even the most diligent among you are losing focus. Friday's events will NOT be repeated or I swear I will run screaming into the hills and leave you to fend for yourselves. I am a firm believer in second (and even third) chances, but I am growing weary of chaos management, which second period in particular seems to relish.
Please think before you act. Every action has consequences. I take full responsibility for crafting an environment of informality; I was trying to create a safe place in which you could express yourselves. it is becoming increasingly clear to me that self-expression is not a problem for some of you, but self-restraint is. It would be unethical and irresponsible of me to allow this to continue, so expect regular reinforcement of expectation henceforth.
That said, here are the lessons:
1st Period Gifted English II: Othello Act II review and final tips for FCAT Writes!
AP Lit and Comp: John Keats, "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" and "Urn."
Here is the first poem, a sonnet of significant dolor:
What is Keats most sorry to abandon? What seems to be his central fear? How does our knowledge of his plight add to our reading of this poem? What kind of sonnet is this?
In light of recent events that have made me seriously question the logic of being a public school teacher, please allow me to reiterate some basic principles for functioning in 313:
1. Listen when I am speaking to you.
2. Turn off AND put away all electronic devices in class.
3. Do your work to the best of your ability and with integrity.
That last element is the most important; as the school year winds toward the conclusion, even the most diligent among you are losing focus. Friday's events will NOT be repeated or I swear I will run screaming into the hills and leave you to fend for yourselves. I am a firm believer in second (and even third) chances, but I am growing weary of chaos management, which second period in particular seems to relish.
Please think before you act. Every action has consequences. I take full responsibility for crafting an environment of informality; I was trying to create a safe place in which you could express yourselves. it is becoming increasingly clear to me that self-expression is not a problem for some of you, but self-restraint is. It would be unethical and irresponsible of me to allow this to continue, so expect regular reinforcement of expectation henceforth.
That said, here are the lessons:
1st Period Gifted English II: Othello Act II review and final tips for FCAT Writes!
AP Lit and Comp: John Keats, "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be" and "Urn."
Here is the first poem, a sonnet of significant dolor:
| WHEN I have fears that I may cease to be | |
| Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain, | |
| Before high piled books, in charact’ry, | |
| Hold like rich garners the full-ripen’d grain; | |
| When I behold, upon the night’s starr’d face, | 5 |
| Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance, | |
| And think that I may never live to trace | |
| Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance; | |
| And when I feel, fair creature of an hour! | |
| That I shall never look upon thee more, | 10 |
| Never have relish in the faery power | |
| Of unreflecting love!—then on the shore | |
| Of the wide world I stand alone, and think | |
| Till Love and Fame to nothingness do sink. |
What is Keats most sorry to abandon? What seems to be his central fear? How does our knowledge of his plight add to our reading of this poem? What kind of sonnet is this?
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009: Lupercal Edition
This was the only image of Lupercalia that was safe for a website of this readership. Some of the stuff out there on the old Internets is. . .scary. . .
Sophys: Today is our Lupercal festivity! Each group will present their research to the class, complete with food, togas, and other regalia. All will be well. I hope. Tomorrow is FCAT Writes!
APees: Review "The Cormorant" by Rosanna Warren, discuss Jane Eyre, and introduce "Ode on a Grecian Urn" by John Keats. Next reading assignment for JE: Chapters 5-12, due Friday.
NOTE: There is no school on Monday, the 16th, due to Presidents Day.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Seriously--how many of us feel this way? We can't wait to leave work or school and rush home to. . .work on a computer. Granted, my job doesn't require that I stare tediously into the LCD glow of a computer monitor, but it does require a significant amount of computing. Then I rush home, heady with the haze of temporary freedom, and log on. So sad. There is such thing as too much technology. Right?
Reminders Aplenty!
Sophys: REGISTRATION FOR NEW CLASSES BEGINS NEXT THURSDAY. I will go to training next Wednesday and bring you all of the relevant information, but if I haven't met with you yet--and that's still about a quarter of you--let's make plans to do so on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. No worries! Signature dates (when your current teachers sign the recommendations for next year's classes) will be on February 17th and 18th, and then I will go with you to Guidance on the 20th to meet with your individual counselors. This calendar will most likely be on the BHS website also (you can access that at www.boonebraves.ocps.net) and in the weekly Reservation Report to which your parents might subscribe. Advice: Please involve your parental units in your decision making process! Your junior year is your MOST important year of high school! And you can believe me, because I DON'T TEACH JUNIORS! So this isn't false advertising for my own brand of pedagogical magic or anything.
APees: Your moral homework tonight was to Name Your House, like in Jane Eyre. Since I rent, I don't really have naming rights for my abode, nor have I named my car. I do, however, have a cactus named Copernicus, and I have over 200 handbags awaiting naming. Suggestions are welcome. Name your home! You'll be glad you did! Just don't name it Kindling or anything similarly ominous. Your real homework, however, is to read chapters 1-4 of Jane Eyre for a spectacular quiz tomorrow.
Now time for some confessions!
Confession #1: I won't be there tomorrow. I knew it today, pretty much, and I arranged to have the awesome Mr. Bailey has my sub, but I feared that too many of you might absent yourselves on your own recognizance if you knew in advance of my absence on a Friday--particularly those of you in the later afternoon classes. Be good! I have a checkup; all will be well.
Confession #2, The Big One: So it turns out I did order copies of Jane Eyre, and there are two boxes near my desk (in front of the empty bookcase) chock-full of brand new copies. If you would like one, just let Mr. Bailey know and he will give you one. I am sorry! I forgot I ordered them two years ago, and then forgot I placed them in Mrs. Covert's room, then forget subsequently that I removed them from Mrs. Covert's room and returned them to my room, then forgot I used those boxes as makeshift tables. I am sorry! Help yourselves! The novels were purchased with funds from The College Board--we WANT you to read them!
Lessons for Today:
Sophys: I have questions for you that focus on Act II; since you are responsible for reading Act II independently, these questions will help you in your pursuit of academic excellence. And they are in the order of the play's narrative! Reminder: Lupercal is Monday, and FCAT Writes! is Tuesday!
APees: Jane Eyre quiz, which will take some of you more time than others due to scrupulosity of test-taking. Afterwards, please read "The Cormorant" in the 6th edition beige workbook (pp. 16-17) and answer the 11 questions that correspond. IF you have time still, Mr. Bailey will have four extensive thought questions for the novel.
If you were curious, this is what a cormorant looks like:
Have a great weekend, and we will schedule an Outside Reading Day next week, so that you can experience Romanticism in the gentle embrace of nature, or at least, the gentle embrace of BHS's concrete superstructure.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Brrrrrrr! The cold weather continues! I hope you survived the evening with lows near 26--unprecedented chill for Central Florida. Bundle up for school; you never know how cold the classrooms may be. We like our air conditioning.
Gifted English II: After we review sample FCAT Writes! prompts and discuss strategies for next week's writing test, we will adjourn to our groups to go over the Lupercal Festival coming on Monday. You need to have The Elements of Style by Strunk and White; we will be going over the first eleven rules in class each day for the next few days. The first quiz is on this part of the book. I will post the rules you need here over the weekend; however, you still need the book to review the specific examples. Trust me on this one--this book is THE definitive grammar text you will need for success in high school and beyond.
AP Literature and Comp: Yesterday, we went through most of "Nightingale" by Keats; today, we will finish the final stanza with whole-class analysis, after which we will break into discussion groups to really delve into the discussion questions in the packet I gave you.
Reminder: You need to have read through Chapter 4 of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte by tomorrow. The book can be found electronically due to public domain should you still need a copy. The copies in my classroom have already been distributed (in their limited way) but there are many copies available via the public library if you can't find one for purchase or do not wish to spend money on one.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Note to sophys: The FCAT Writes! list is posted on the wall at the Media Center and is on my computer via PDF; I would attach the list here but for student privacy laws. See me if you don't know where to test next week. Due to a glitch, I won't be proctoring, but I will be giving all of the proctors restroom breaks, so I may see some of you on testing day. Tips for testing will be posted in this space tomorrow.
Gifted English II: Othello vocabulary list for Act II and discussion of Act I. Some of the questions we need to consider regard Iago's manipulation of Roderigo (who, arguably, deserves to be manipulated) and Othello's sense of authority. Remember that Act I of Shakespearean works are almost always at least a little bit expository--introductory, teaching us characterization elements and plot points that will recur.
AP Lit and Comp: Continue with Keats and "Nightingale."
Gifted English II: Othello vocabulary list for Act II and discussion of Act I. Some of the questions we need to consider regard Iago's manipulation of Roderigo (who, arguably, deserves to be manipulated) and Othello's sense of authority. Remember that Act I of Shakespearean works are almost always at least a little bit expository--introductory, teaching us characterization elements and plot points that will recur.
AP Lit and Comp: Continue with Keats and "Nightingale."
Monday, February 02, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Gifted English II: Othello Act I Vocabulary quiz, followed by the completion of Act I and related questions. If we have time your groups can reconvene to solidify plans for next week.
APees: John Keats, after reviewing Blake from yesterday. If you were absent yesterday you need to check out a copy of Sound and Sense and do some reading.
I'd write more, but my heater is still out and I'm cold. Brrrrr! See you tomorrow, and dress warmly--temperatures are supposed to drop throughout the day.
APees: John Keats, after reviewing Blake from yesterday. If you were absent yesterday you need to check out a copy of Sound and Sense and do some reading.
I'd write more, but my heater is still out and I'm cold. Brrrrr! See you tomorrow, and dress warmly--temperatures are supposed to drop throughout the day.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day!!!!!
So, will we Floridians have six more weeks of non-Winter, or six weeks of early Spring? So hard to tell!
Quick announcement: If you are at all interesetd in the Ireland trip next spring break (or, for seniors only, the Paris trip in the fall) I encourage you to sign up as soon as you feel you can commit. We have limited spaces. (Also, I do have thre open seats on this spring break's Germany trip for anyone who has an extra pile of money lying around. Yeah, it's last-minute, and it's a small, cozy group, but you'll be able to say that you saw Neuschwanstein Castle with Tony R. David B., Danielle M., and other cool kids!)
On to academia:
Gifted English II: Review Othello vocabulary for Act I; quiz tomorrow. Reading: Othello. Reminder: We will start with Strunk and White's The Elemens of Style on Friday in class.
APees: Before we launch into John Keats, I want to spend a couplef of days with William Blake. Totally worth it. However, I am going to give you the Keats stuff today for advance reading if you have time. Also, we will be going over some introductory elements of Jane Eyre today.
So, will we Floridians have six more weeks of non-Winter, or six weeks of early Spring? So hard to tell!
Quick announcement: If you are at all interesetd in the Ireland trip next spring break (or, for seniors only, the Paris trip in the fall) I encourage you to sign up as soon as you feel you can commit. We have limited spaces. (Also, I do have thre open seats on this spring break's Germany trip for anyone who has an extra pile of money lying around. Yeah, it's last-minute, and it's a small, cozy group, but you'll be able to say that you saw Neuschwanstein Castle with Tony R. David B., Danielle M., and other cool kids!)
On to academia:
Gifted English II: Review Othello vocabulary for Act I; quiz tomorrow. Reading: Othello. Reminder: We will start with Strunk and White's The Elemens of Style on Friday in class.
APees: Before we launch into John Keats, I want to spend a couplef of days with William Blake. Totally worth it. However, I am going to give you the Keats stuff today for advance reading if you have time. Also, we will be going over some introductory elements of Jane Eyre today.
GROUNDHOG DAY TRAILER
This movie, while dated, is adorable. You will never hear "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher the same way again.
Happy Groundhog Day, peeps!!!
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