Skip to main content

Summer Reading [Update]

Alright, now that we're closer to the actual beginning of school, it's time for a reminder concerning summer reading. As you know, we've lessened the amount of work due at the beginning of the term. Below is a complete list of the requirements:

ALL STUDENTS entering grades 9-12 will read ONE required book + ONE book (or TWO if in honors) of the student's choice. The required books for each class are listed below:
Freshmen ~ Introduction to Writing and Literature
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo

Sophomores ~ American Literature
The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder

Juniors ~ British Literature
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Seniors ~ College-Prep English
Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich, OR Bayou Farewell, by Mike Tidwell

Instead of the traditional exam on the required book, all students will write an in-class essay upon returning to school. Students will be able to use their books for the essay and will be expected to quote directly from the text. Also, students will develop an outline in class based on a topic chosen from a list.
In-Class essays will be written IN CLASS on Monday 8/20.
IN ADDITION each student will compose a reading guide for each additional book. Each report should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA. Please use 1" margins and 12-point Times New Roman. Include the following:
  • A paragraph of no more than 100 words summarizing the book, including a statement concerning the central theme or idea.
  • A paragraph that introduces and explains a significant quote from the book; the quote should be no longer than three lines and should be in quotation marks; please cite the page number at the end of the quote -- i.e. (#).
  • Finally, a one-paragraph review of the book, again about 100 words; please include WHY you did or did not like the book; feel free to compare it to other books (or films).
BOTH student and parent(s) need to sign the bottom of the report certifying that the book was parent-approved and was read in its entirety. This is required.

Reading Guides are due Thursday 8/16 (1st full day).



Popular posts from this blog

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...
Read more

Seniors ~ Three (Small) Writing Assignments

As you work on your memory books this week and next, you should also be working on the end-of-year writing assignments.  I've given you a handout (if you were on class): A letter to your future self -- imagine yourself four years from now...where will you be, and what will you be doing?  Is it what you planned?  What do you hope to remember about NOW?  What's important?  Address your future self in a letter (standard form), and enclose it in a self-address envelope.  I won't read it, but I do need to know you've done it, so don't seal it. A reflective paragraph that will serve as the introduction to your memory book.  What is your overall impression of your high school years?  What do you want to remember most? Finally, write a poem about your senior class.  The form and tone of the poem is up to you: funny, serious or sad; rhyming couplets, ballad, or free verse.  However you write it, though, please take it seriously.  A copy of this poem should go in your memory ...
Read more

Seniors ~ Macbeth Project (Redux)

This is just a reminder that your 250-word papers are due with the projects. This paper is required for all of those students who either completed an art project or participated in a group video. Remember: I'm not grading you on how great an artist you are, or how well you can act. I'm grading on your participation and effort, as well as your attention to detail and focus on Macbeth . The paper is your opportunity to make your case for receiving full marks on the project. As discussed in class, the paper should include the following: If in a video, tell me what you did and why ; what was your process in completing the project? Again, please be specific in detailing your participation, as this is the only way for you to defend your work, other than what I see on the video. If you created a piece of artwork, then tell me why you decided to choose your subject and medium. What guided your vision? What lead to the artistic (and practical) choices you made? Defend your work of...
Read more