Week of December 12th-16th,2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:   How do our attitudes toward the past and future shape our actions?

Students will demonstrate their reading and writing skills by creating an Informative PowerPoint.  They will read and respond to 2 informational articles on the Renaissance/Reformation.  Students will complete summary worksheets.  They will then create a PowerPoint and download it to the Google Classroom.

Public Speaking:  How does the speech influence thought?

Students will be working on the Persuasive/Argumentative Speech.  They will use persuasive strategies and rhetoric skills to convince their audience to adopt the same thought or to motivate to act.  They will be required to have 5-7 sources, an outline, a hard copy, podium cards/binder, and  a visual aid.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is reflection and self-assessment important?

Students will work on Study Island and Open Ed app to complete any unfinished assignments.  These assignments will help them with critical thinking skills.  These skills are necessary to improve reading comprehension and produce problem solvers.

Week of December 5th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do our attitudes toward the past and future shape our actions?

Students have read and responded to informational literature on the Renaissance and the Reformation in their textbooks about the history, culture, and people from late 14th-16th centuries.  They will need to highlight/annotate the text. Students will pick an area of interest from this time period to create an Informative PowePoint presentation. They will be required to complete summaries on two of their articles.  They will then create the PowerPoint fulfilling the requirements of the Rubric.  At the conclusion, students will share their information with their peers.

Public Speaking:  How does information affect an audience?

Presentations will commence this week.  Students are required to read and respond to Chapters 11, 13, 14 & 15 in their texts.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students have been working on Study Island in preparation of the Keystones on Dec. 7th and 8th.                                                                       Good Luck!!

Week of November 29th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12: How do our attitudes toward the past and future shape our actions?

Students will finalize completion of any project/written response owed. They will begin Unit 3 by reading and responding to informational literature on the Renaissance and the Reformation.  Students will be required to respond to the text in their textbooks about the history, culture, and people from late 14th-16th centuries.  They will need to highlight/annotate the text. Students will pick an area of interest from this time period to create an Informative PowePoint presentation. They will be given the requirements and a rubric to complete the project.

Literature Keystone Remediation:   Why is self-assessment important? 

Students will continue to utilize Study Island.  They will need to complete tests in the areas of Vocabulary, Literary Terms and Devices, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Tone. Students are continuing to strengthen skills and become proficient with the format of the standardized test.  Confidence and consistency have strongly influenced their  test taking skills.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Public Speaking:  How does word choice affect communication?

Students will proofread and edit their speeches and visual aids in preparation for speech presentations.  Informative speeches should be interesting and understandable.  Clarity, validity, and expression are necessary requirements for good speech delivery.  Students must practice their speeches.  Speeches will commence on Dec. 1st and 2nd.  

Week of November 21st, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

Be thankful for all of the people who have touched your lives because they have taught you to love. Be thankful for all of your experiences because they have challenged you to become the best of who you are. Be thankful for the time you have had and make the most of the time you have.

Just be thankful.

Thank you for the time you have given me and all the memories we have created.  Thank you for continually challenging me to get the best out of you.  Thank you for all that you have given me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

English 12:  How do people come to have different view of society? Am I a part of the problem or a part of the solution?

Students will complete a culminating reflection response to Unit 2 of the textbook.  They will be asked to write an "I" response to a question pertaining to their perspective of America and whether or not they will become a part of the need for change.  Students will recognize the importance of criticism, but how constructive criticism promotes change.  Identifying problems in society are what makes this country good, but doing something about it is what makes this country great.  The written response will be an exit ticket to Tuesday's class or an entrance ticket for Wednesday's class.

Public Speaking:  Why is organization a necessary requirement for good speech writing?

Students will be required to create an Annotated Bibliography for their sources.  Identifying the validity of a source is necessary when one wants to be a respected speaker.  Being a thorough researcher helps the speech writer organize a valid, cohesive speech that the audience will be able to follow.  Knowledge of the sources and how they will be used is necessary for a successful Informative speech.  

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students are working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They will need to complete one assessment a day.  They have begun Study Island assessments.  Students are continuing to strengthen skills and become proficient with the format of the standardized test.  Confidence and consistency have strongly influenced their  test taking skills.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Week of November 14th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do people come to have different view of society?  More specifically:  How has 
                     my view of society been formed?  How do I view society?

Due by November 16th:  They needed more time!  Students will need to finalize their creation of the satirical cartoon for up to 4 characters found in Chaucer's "Prologue".  They will follow the requirements and a rubric for satirical/political cartoons.  Students will then need to answer an I response to the question:  How has my view of society been formed?  

Due by November 22nd:  Students will create a modern day stereotype poem.  They will be required to introduce a new pilgrim to the prologue who represents some aspect of contemporary society. Students will be required to identify, analyze, and explain their pilgrim, apply four poetical devices, and 3 poetical elements.  They will need to include a paragraph explaining the tone and the effect the use of the devices had on their poem.

Self-reflection and honesty are necessary requirements for critical thinkers.  Who they are and how they think will form the rest of their lives.  We want them to lead productive lives, filled with experiences, and productive discussions, filled with solutions.



Public Speaking:  How does organization help to develop fluency and meaning?

Students are researching their topic for the informative speech.  The 4 sources and an outline are due no later than Wednesday, Nov. 16th.  They are required to have a purpose statement and a thesis statement at the top of their outline.  They will need to follow the outline format given to them at the beginning of the year. Chapters 10 & 12 are due by Friday, Nov. 18th.  The Annotated Bibliography is due on 11/21.  They have been given instructions and a rubric.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students are working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They will need to complete one assessment a day.  They have begun Study Island assessments.  Students are continuing to strengthen skills and become proficient with the format of the standardized test.  Confidence and consistency have strongly influenced their  test taking skills.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Week of November 7th-11th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do people come to have different view of society?  More specifically:  How has 
                     my view of society been formed?  

Students will finalize their creation of the satirical cartoon for up to 4 characters found in Chaucer's "Prologue".  They will follow the requirements and a rubric for satirical/political cartoons.  Students will then need to answer an I response to the question:  How has my view of society been formed?

Self-reflection and honesty are necessary requirements for critical thinkers.  Who they are and how they think will form the rest of their lives.  We want them to lead productive lives, filled with experiences, and productive discussions, filled with solutions.

Public Speaking:  Why is there an advantage to using visual aids in a speech?

Students will be responsible for reading and responding to Chapter 9.  They will learn how to use visual aids effectively.  Students will employ research skills to identify and validate 4 sources to be used in their Informative Speeches.  They will be required to print, highlight, and annotate their sources.  Students will use these sources to create an outline.  Sources and Outline to be handed in no later than Monday, Nov. 14th.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They are  working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They will need to complete one assessment a day.  They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students will also be assigned fiction and nonfiction passages with accompanying questions to help prepare them for the Keystones. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Week of October 31st, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12: How do people come to have different view of society?

Students have begun reading their assigned characters from "The Prologue" to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.  They will be required to identify the direct and indirect characterization for each assigned pilgrim(s). Students will then need to work with each other as they meet and share the characterizations of the other pilgrims.  They will then each need to create a satirical cartoon using the direct and indirect characterizations of their assigned pilgrim(s) which identify criticisms of substance and a need for reform.  Students have been given a packet that contains Rubric requirements, examples of satirical cartoons, and a list of requirements for political cartoons.  They will be given time in the Library to print out the necessary items for completion.  The satirical cartoon will be due by Friday, November 4th.

Public Speaking:  How do you move from general and abstract ideas to specific and concrete details effectively?

The topic for the Informative Speech is due on Monday, October 31st.  Students will view Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech".  They will be required to respond to the speech through a written critique.  The critique will be due no later than Friday, Nov. 4th. Students will read and respond to Chapter 8 in the textbook which will be due by Friday, Nov. 4th. They will be able to describe nine types of support materials and why they are necessary in a speech. Students will be able to discuss the use and abuse of statistics in speeches.  They will begin research for their Informative Speeches.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?

Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They are  working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They will need to complete one assessment a day.  They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students will also be assigned fiction and nonfiction passages with accompanying questions to help prepare them for the Keystones. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6) and the Literature Keystones (Dec. 7th and 8th).

Week of October 24th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do people come to have different views of society?
Students will continue to work on Unit 2.  Self-reflection, historical context, and discussion are necessary for the analysis of satire.  In preparation for Chaucer's "Prologue...", the students will be required to read background summaries on the focus period:  1066-1485. They will be required to pick one of the subtopics and research it.  Students will be required to create an explanatory PowePoint Presentation which will be due on Friday, October 26th.  Students will need to cite a valid website. They will be introduced to Chaucer's "Prologue..."  Students will then be assigned a character from Chaucer's "Prologue...".  They will be required to analyze the author's choice of character development through the use of direct and indirect characterization.

Public Speaking:   Why should the use of valid and reliable sources be necessary?
Students will be responsible for reading, analyzing and responding to Chapter 6 in their textbook. by Friday, Oct. 28th.  They will view and critique their Introductory Speeches.  Students will discuss key strengths and weaknesses.  Reflection and self-assessment are necessary for improvement.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 7 by Friday, October 28th. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments (Nov. 14 - Dec. 6).

Week of October 17th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do people come to have different views of society?
Students will begin work on Unit 2.  Self-reflection, historical context, and discussion are necessary for the analysis of satire.  In preparation for Chaucer's "Prologue...", the students will be required to read an explanatory text on the English Barons to understand the need for change.  They will be required to write a summary of the text identifying the thesis, the support, and the organization/structure, due on Wednesday 10/19 at the beginning of the period.  There should be no opinion or analysis. Students will then read background summaries on the focus period:  1066-1485. They will be required to pick one of the subtopics and research it.  Students will be required to create an explanatory PowePoint Presentation which will be due on Friday, October 21st.  Students will need to cite a valid website.

Public Speaking:  What are the structural elements of a speech and what strategies can be used to enhance each part?
Students will need to organize their speech, write a rough draft, edit, and practice their speeches.They will need to hand in an outline, a finalized speech, and podium cards.  Students will finalize their speeches by Thursday, October 20th..  Speeches will commence on Friday, October 21st.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 6 by Friday, October 21st. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site. Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 85%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments.

Week of October 10th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  How do heroes continue to affect our world?
Students will read, analyze, reflect and respond to the variety of literature written on heroism and leadership. Their responses will be completed in the form of a PowerPoint which will be due on Thursday, October 13th.

Public Speaking:  Why should the use of valid and reliable sources be necessary?
Students will be responsible for reading, analyzing and responding to Chapter 6 in their textbook. by Friday, Oct. 28th.  They will view and critique their Introductory Speeches.  Students will discuss key strengths and weaknesses.  Reflection and self-assessment are necessary for improvement.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 5 by Friday, October 14th.. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.  Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 77%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments.

Week of October 3rd, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Why do heroes exist?
Students will be responding to the Argumentative prompt.  They will be required to identify a claim, the counterclaim, use literary evidence, and create a strong conclusion.  These short responses will be due on Tuesday, October 4th.  Students will then read, analyze, and respond to an informational article on heroism and leadership.  Their responses will be completed in the form of a PowerPoint which will be due on Friday, October 7th.

Public Speaking:  Why are ethics invaluable to a speaker?
Students will identify topic and purpose of their Introductory Speech.  Outlines will be due the beginning of next week, October 10th.  Rough draft swill be due the following Monday.  Students will read and respond to Chapter 7 in their textbooks.  They will identify false claims, recognize the fallibility of polls and experts, and scrutinize the validity of organizations and internet sources.  Ch. 7 notes will be due by Friday, October 7th.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 4 by Friday, October 7th.. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.  Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 77%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments.

Week of Sept. 26, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Why do heroes exist?
The students will be assigned a poem with a hero perspective.  They will be required to create a graphic novel cover for the assigned poem.  Students will need to include the requirements of a comic book cover, apply archetypal culture-based hero elements, and demonstrate comprehension of poetry.  The students will identify cultural hero traits through reading, responding, and analyzing war poems.

Public Speaking:  How and why do speakers adapt to their audience?  Students will be able to identify an audience-centered speaker and one who is not.  They will be able to describe when and how speakers can adapt to their audience. Chapter 5 due by Friday, September 30th.  Students will be working on an analysis of the Trump/Clinton Debate.  They will fact check and research responses to the main questions of the debate.  They will create a critique and identify who won the first debate based on research.

Keystone Lit. Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 3 by Friday, September 30th.. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.  Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 77%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.  The ultimate benchmark is for the students to reach an initial goal of Proficient on Study Island Assessments.

Week of Sept. 26, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Why do heroes exist?
The students will be assigned a poem with a hero perspective.  They will be required to create a graphic novel cover for the assigned poem.  Students will need to include the requirements of a comic book cover, apply archetypal hero elements, and demonstrate comprehension of poetry.

Public Speaking:  How and why do speakers adapt to their audience?  Students will learn how to select appropriate and interesting speech topics. They will be able to develop a clear, concise specific purpose statement for every speech.  Students will develop a a clear, coherent central idea, and understand how it fits into the design and structure of a speech.  Chapter 5 due by Friday, September 30th.  Students will be working on an analysis of the Trump/Clinton Debate.  They will fact check and research responses to the main questions of the debate.  They will create a critique and identify who won the first debate based on research.

Keystone Lit. Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 3 by Friday, September 30th.. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.  Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 77%. They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness. Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.

Week of September 19th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Why do heroes exist?
Students will complete the epic poem, Beowulf.  They will summarize plot and identify and apply literary devices.  The focus will be on the characteristic traits of the Anglo-Saxon hero.Students will read and respond to the Beowulf graphic novel.  They will be required to answer questions and write an argumentative response.  Students have been given a specific goal for writing to reach/exceed.  They have identified how and when the goal needs to be met.  Students will be responsible for tracking their progress on their charts. The argumentative response will be due on Tuesday, 9/20.  There will be a test on Wednesday, 9/21.  The students will be assigned a poem with a hero perspective.  They will be required to create a graphic novel cover for the assigned poem.  Students will need to include the requirements of a comic book cover, apply archetypal hero elements, and demonstrate comprehension of poetry.

Public Speaking:  Why is it just as important to listen as it is to speak?
Students will be reading and responding to Chapter 3.  They will be able to understand the importance of being a good audience member.  Listening skills are necessary for analyzing and evaluating a speech.  Students will learn to give effective feedback to their peers and receive constructive criticism from their peers.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Why is self-assessment important?
Students will work on identified/assigned individual goals.  They will be required to complete Key 2. Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers. They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students will use the "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.  Students will need to retake an assessment on the Opened.com site if they received a score less than 77%.  They have also been assigned an assessment on the site to help them strengthen an area of weakness.  Students are responsible for charting their progress in their files.

Week of September 12th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Students will continue to respond to Beowulf.  They will summarize plot and identify and apply literary devices.  The focus will be on the characteristic traits of the Anglo-Saxon hero.Students will read and respond to the Beowulf graphic novel.  They will be required to answer questions and write an argumentative response.  Students have been given a specific goal for writing to reach/exceed.  They have identified how and when the goal needs to be met.  The argumentative response will be due on Friday, 9/16.

Keystone Literature Remediation: Students have been working on independent goals.  They have identified areas of Fiction or Non-Fiction that need to be improved even though it is their area of strength.  They will work on Key 1 in the Keystone Workbooks.  Students will be required to take, correct, and identify answers.  They will be responsible for identifying the type of question they need to work on.  Students have been given a "Question Stems" handout to help identify a question type. They are also working in the Opened.com app/site.

Public Speaking:  Students will be required to view, read, analyze, and respond to JFK's Inaugural address.  They will complete a worksheet on identifying rhetoric skills and persuasive techniques. Students will use the worksheet and the hard copy of the speech to complete a written critique which will be due by Friday, 9/16.  They will also be responsible for reading and responding to Chapter 2 of their textbook by the end of the week.

Week of September 5th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 12:  Are heroes made or are they born?  We will continue working on the hero unit.  Students will begin reading, analyzing, and responding to information on the Anglo-Saxon Period and the epic poem Beowulf.  Students will be responsible for summarizing a section of the epic poem and identifying cultural hero traits. Demonstrating knowledge of vocabulary in context will also be necessary for comprehension.  Students should be prepared to discuss their section by Friday, September 9th.

Public Speaking:  How do basic speaking and listening skills help speech writing and delivery? Students will be reading and responding to information found in the text to help them learn the importance of both listening and speaking skills when writing a speech.  The application of information will aid with the writing of their Introductory Speech.  The first Chapter will be due on Friday, September 9th.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Students will continue to work in their Keystone Resource book.  They will complete sections geared towards their strength in Fiction or Non-Fiction passages.  We will continue to emphasize their responsibility to understand specific questions that are a weakness in their strong content area.  This class will only be successful with a consistent diligence towards self-improvement.

Week of August 29th-September 3rd

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

Welcome Back!

English 12:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This year will focus on how we,  as individuals, can make life better...not easier.  We look forward to creating an environment that respects individual thought, creative production, and a diligent work ethic. Students will be responsible for promoting thoughtful discussions about the relevancy  of literature, utilizing/applying critical thinking skills to the literature, and demonstrating their writing skills through written responses.  They will be given an informational article on the culture of the Anglo-Saxons.  Students will be responsible for reading, analyzing, and responding to the article that will enable them to successfully complete reading and analyzing the epic poem.  Students will begin with identifying characteristics of the hero type through the modern day superhero found in graphic novels and comparing/contrasting to the epic hero found in Beowulf.  They will identify elements of the epic poem and graphic novel writing.  Through guided discussion and peer interaction, students will share their response to the relevancy of the poem.

Keystone Literature Remediation:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This course requires a student to show improvement in standards that need to be strengthened.  Each student will receive a goal(s) to be reached for individual improvement.  Every student is responsible to focus and work on improving a skill for success on the Keystone.

Public Speaking:  Students have been introduced to the course requirements.  This class creates confidence, improves critical thinking and writing skills, and produces students with an increased awareness of self.  A positive, respectful environment that welcomes constructive criticism to strengthen speech skills is necessary for each student's success.  Students will begin reading and discussing the basics of beneficial speech habits.

Weeks of April 25th- May 23rd 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

Senior Finals begin on May 20th.  Underclassmen Finals begin on May 25th

English 11:  Students have been reading, analyzing, and responding John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.  They have been required to identify and analyze major and minor themes, apply direct and indirect characterization, identify and apply foreshadowing, symbolism, point of view, irony, simile, and tone.  Students will be required to complete research for Annotated Bibliographies.  They will be required to use valid sources, apply MLA format, critique sources, use parenthetical citations, and create a solid thesis.  Students will work on identifying, dissecting, and analyzing vocabulary for Unit 7.  They will be required to comprehend and use the words in context.  Students will view Shakespeare's Hamlet.  They will be required to find relevancy through the identification of theme as well as other literary elements and devices through analysis and discussion.

Practical English 11: Students have completed the Newspaper Projects.  They were required to apply themes, characters, and facts from The Crucible to the modern day application of newspaper writing.  Students are now working on articles from The Age of Reason/Enlightenment.  They will be required to compare/contrast articles.  Identifying the purpose and tone of each informational article is important to understanding the perspective of the authors.  Students will then be introduced to Poor Richard's Almanack.  They will be required to create their own set of aphorisms for today's society.  Students will then read and respond to The Declaration of Independence.  They will read, analyze, and respond to John Steinbeck's of Mice and Men.  Students will view Shakespeare's Hamlet.  They will be required to find relevancy through the identification of theme as well as other literary elements and devices through analysis and discussion.

YES:  Students have been collaborating and creating presentations where they have been asked to identify and solve a problem in their community.  Responsibility is necessary to create productive citizens.  They will be presenting their Problem/Solution Presentations the week of May 2nd.  They were required to apply the units we have discussed in class.  Personal Development, Communication and Collaboration, Quality and Technology, and Health and Safety Units need to be applied to the Process of Solving a Problem.  Students will complete work on the Entrepreneurship Presentation.  They will be required to decide on a business that they wish to create.  Students are required to create a business/product, logo, slogan, location, model, and finance plan.  Presentations will commence during the week of May 16th.

Weeks of April 11th and April 18th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 


English 11:  Students will read, analyze, and respond to a biography on John Steinbeck.  They will need to identify and define any unknown vocabulary through reading in context and/or utilizing a dictionary. Students will be required to identify the main idea for each paragraph, take notes/highlight/underline, and make a connection.  They will then be required to read and respond to Of Mice and Men.  Students will focus on identifying and analyzing the author's use of several literary devices.  Applying major and minor themes through characters, setting, and symbols are necessary for meaning and relevancy.

Practical English 11:  Students are working on the Newspaper Project.  They will be responsible for creating a lead article (informational writing), an editorial or a political cartoon (argumentative writing), and an advertisement (persuasive writing).  All of the elements of modern day journalism will be applied to their knowledge of The Crucible and the Salem Witch Trials.

YES Period 4:  Students will work on their Group Presentations which will occur the week of May 2nd. The group presentation is a culmination of the 4 major units the YES program focuses on:  Communication, Personal Development, Quality and Technology, and Health and Safety.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students have completed their Cover Letters and Resumes.  They have begun work on Group Presentations which will occur the week of May 2nd. The group presentation is a culmination of the 4 major units the YES program focuses on:  Communication, Personal Development, Quality and Technology, and Health and Safety.

Weeks of March 28th and April 4th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 11: Students will be reading and analyzing The Declaration of Independence.  They will analyze the structure and meaning by comparing/contrasting 2 interpretations of the motivation behind the Declaration.  Students will then read and respond to 2 of the deleted passages from the original draft and will need to interpret meaning.  They will then read an article on the translation of the deleted passages to affirm or to negate their interpretation.

Practical English 11:  Students will be completing their Crucible Study Guides.  They will be responsible for analyzing the text, identifying character motivation, and applying themes of power, personal integrity, and morality.  Students will begin work on Vocabulary Unit 3.

YES Period 4:  Students will create a presentation on the solution to a problem.  As a team, they will be responsible for research, data, and a solution in a presentation.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students will create a cover letter and a resume for preparation of their mock interview in May.   They will engage in discussions and activities on Communication.

Week of March 21st, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 11: Students will read and respond to an informational article on Thomas Jefferson.  They will be required to highlight, identify and define unknown vocabulary, ask questions, and apply relevancy. Students will also be required to identify tone and purpose. They will be given two articles written on the motivation behind the Declaration.  Students will need to respond to the articles, comparing and contrasting the different interpretations. Students will then be required to read, analyze, and discuss The Declaration of Independence through the completion of worksheets which will help them dissect and analyze the literature.

Practical English 11: Students will be viewing, reading, responding, and discussing Arthur Miller's, The Crucible.  They will be responding and discussing the relevancy of the play.  The play deals with elements of false accusations, mass hysteria, and rumor-mongering.  Politics, morality, and society are themes which will be analyzed and discussed.  Students will be required to complete a study guide, using the textbook as a resource, which will be due on Thursday, April 24th, 2016.

YES Period 4:  Students will review and finalize Resumes.  Students will begin to analyze and discuss the unit on Teamwork.  They will engage in discussions and activities on Team Effectiveness, Problem Solving Skills, Leadership, and Diversity.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students will work on the unit of Quality and Technology.  They will engage in discussion and activities on Continuous Improvement, Quality, Analyzing Charts, Prints, and Gauges, and Root Cause Analysis.They will also practice/review for the TABE and Wonderlic Tests.

Weeks of March 7th and 14th, 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 11: Students have been working on Vocabulary Unit 5.  They will required to define, analyze, and apply vocabulary.  There will be a test on Tuesday, March 8th.  They will read an excerpt from Poor Richard's Almanack. Students will identify and discuss the elements of an aphorism.  They will then interpret aphorisms, apply them to the 13 virtues identified from the Autobiography, and create 10 virtues for today's society and an aphorism for each.  Students will then be introduced to Thomas Jefferson for analysis of the Declaration of Independence.

Practical English 11:  Students have been working on Vocabulary Unit 2.   They will required to define, analyze, and apply vocabulary.  There will be a test following a review on Thursday, March 10th.  Students will respond to an article on Puritanism.  They will then read, analyze, and respond to a sermon written by Jonathon Edwards.  Identifying elements of cultural beliefs through the literature is necessary for meaning.  Students will then read, analyze, and respond to an informational article on the Salem Witch Trials in preparation for the drama, The Crucible.

YES Period 4: Students have been working on a letter of persuasion.  Identifying strengths and weaknesses of character are important for self awareness and growth.  They will then be required to create resumes.  Students will then begin the unit on Teamwork.

YES Periods 7 & 8:  Students have been developing Math skills.  They have completed exercises and assignments to improve their basic Math skills.  They will be completing exercises and assignments to develop and improve their language skills.  One of the requirements of the YES course is to pass the TABE test.  They will also be working on the unit of Health and Safety.

Weeks of February 1st, 8th and February 15th 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

11th Grade English: Students have been working on informational articles on the Enlightenment. They are required to read and respond to the articles, demonstrating their critical thinking skills by identifying relevancy.  Students will be introduced to the life of Benjamin Franklin through a biography, reading an excerpt from his autobiography, and writing a letter to themselves as freshmen. They will demonstrate the major themes of order and motivation in his autobiography through letter writing.  Students will read and respond to an excerpt from Poor Richard's Almanack.  They will work in pairs on The Almanac Project.  Students will analyze and interpret aphorisms, create a modern day list of virtues, and create an aphorism for each one.

CDT testing on Friday, February 19th and Monday February 22nd.

Practical English & Practical Literature 11:  Students will begin work on Vocabulary Unit 1.  They will be required to define, analyze, dissect, and apply vocabulary.  There will be a Vocabulary Unit Test on February 2nd.  Students will continue the unit on Native American Myths.  They will summarize and analyze the creation myth.  Students will need to discuss the importance of knowledge for use of interpretation.  They will be required to apply elements of Native American Myths after reading When Grizzlies Walked Upright.  Students will use their application skills to create a Children's Book or a Manifest Destiny Myth.

CDT testing on Friday, February 19th and Monday February 22nd.

YES Period 4:  Students will continue work in the unit of Communication.  Effective communication is necessary for success in the workplace.  They will also be retaking the TABE test.

YES Periods 7 and 8:  Students will be working on the unit of Personal Development.  They will identify characteristics of good employment skills.  Students will engage in and complete activities on time management, organization, and planning.

Weeks of January 4th and January 11th 2016

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

The goal of this English class is to produce critical thinkers. Students are not only reading for comprehension but for meaning and relevancy of the work as a whole. Literature is also an example of good writing. The writing improves when a student reads. Vocabulary also improves because the student is learning to read in context. We want successful students who can think critically and communicate effectively. 

English 11: Students will be working on The Crucible Study Guide.  They will be using the text in the literature book to respond to the questions.  The study guide will help them review for the Midterm.  The comprehension of the culture and time period of Puritanism is necessary for the analysis and relevancy of the play. Application of culture in response to the questions will be required on the Midterm. They will also be defining, analyzing, and applying vocabulary.  Unit 4 Vocabulary will be on the Midterm.  There will also be a review of the elements of Native American Myth.  These elements will need to be applied on the Midterm.

Public Speaking: Students will apply learned rhetoric skills when presenting their speeches.  The utilization of good rhetoric skills is necessary in the Persuasive Speech.  Identifying and applying that knowledge will be required on the Final.

YES:  Students will be honing their basic Math and Language skills in preparation of the Wonderlic Test.