Skip to main content

Summer Reading!

Welcome to summertime, and you know what that means: summer reading assignments! Don't get stressed about it; take a book to the beach or the backyard and relax. A copy of the reading list was included with your report card, and you can find it here at any time.

Like last year, each honors student will read THREE books this summer; non-honors students will read TWO. Of these, only one is chosen for you. The others are up to you, with some stipulations.
The list for summer 2008:
Students will be asked to write an in-class essay when they return to school, based on topics provided by the teacher, using the book and an outline only.
As noted, the other selections are up to you. For each additional book, you will write a short report (referred to as a "reading guide"). Please observe the following when selecting additional books:

  1. Must NOT be a book the student has studied before

  2. Must be grade-appropriate (and appropriate for school)

  3. Must be at least 150 pages

Please note that parents should assist in the selection process. Due to the mature nature of some contemporary titles, parents are encouraged to preview selections or to choose a classic. For starters, try the following:

Popular posts from this blog

Homework

Seniors We are discussing the latest in robotics technologies this week. Typically, we tend to merge the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, but I'd like to start with the ways we have already integrated robotics into our world before we move on to advanced software. The results are staggering. Generally speaking, we are investigating some of the ways we are using robotics to make our lives easier and more productive.  I would like you to think about what differentiates "machines" from "robots" as we use the terms. Also consider Asimov's three laws of robotics as it applies to these devices. Finally, in what ways might robotics be used in the near future?  You might focus your research in one of the following general categories: Domestic - Cleaning , Personal Health, and Comfort Industrial - Health , Production, Delivery , Service, and Maintenance Military - Military Strikes, Law and Order, Exploration , Defense, Aide Below is a chart w...

Romeo & Juliet ~ Video Project

Groups of three (and sometimes four) will choose a scene from Romeo & Juliet and produce a short video using Shakespeare's original language. In addition, each student will provide a scripted translation of the scene (in modern English). As an option to the video project, groups are welcome to rehearse and perform for the class. As discussed in class, groups will compete for scenes. The winner of the spelling bee will get first choice. The test will be oral, with each student writing down the correct spelling. Individual scores will be averaged for a group score, which will then be ranked. The winner gets the first choice of scenes. THE LIST: 1. absence 2. guarantee 3. height 4. grammar 5. believe 6. development 7. leisure 8. recommend 9. rhythm 10. restaurant 11. independent 12. maintenance 13. neighbor 14. cemetery 15. embarrass 16. existence 17. privilege 18. ignorance 19. definite 20. separate 21. humorous 22. mosquito 23. biscuit 24. sandwich 25. principal

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation.   The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.   What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...