Who is Carl Sagan?

Carl Sagan is a popular singer and comedian who also happened to discover the high surface temperatures on Venus.  To see one of his famous music videos, click here.

Bonus Question on Bar Exam

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

BAR EXAM TOMORROW

Monday, September 26, 2011

7th Graders - please review Charles Baxter's GRYPHON for tomorrow

CLASS SOCIAL AT LUCY'S HOUSE - SUNDAY, 5:30 PM.

We're the only class in the school that invites students to the parent social.  It's always super fun, so don't miss it.  And bring your parents!!!

Homework due Monday

Everyone - 25 Question practice bar exam on laws.  Bring to class to exchange with your buddy.  Please print it out before class!

8th Graders - Write up answers to native garden grant application questions.

                        Literature:  Read Chapter 7 of Secret Life of Bees twice.  Bring 3 points to class.

Friday-Sunday, September 23-25, 2011

READING BOWL #1 - Book and Question Sheet - Due Monday


Greg’s Literature

Homework for Monday, September 26, 2011

Read Charles Baxter’s “Gryphon.”

Read it again:

1)     Making notes in the margins.

2)     Circling and defining your vocabulary words.

Write a one-page formal analysis that begins with the prompt:

In Charles Baxter’s short story “Gryphon,” the author explores the theme of ______.

The rest of your essay should use specific evidence from the story to prove your point.

Your response must be TYPED, DOUBLESPACED and at least a PAGE in length.

IN ADDITION AND ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER:

1) Identify ONE simile in the story.

2) Identify ONE metaphor in the story.

3) Identify ONE symbol in the story.

4) Identify ONE motif in the story.

REMINDER: As always, there will be a 6-question quiz at the start of the discussion period.

ONE FINAL THING:

On the story, please write THREE points you would like to bring up in class. These points should be written in complete sentences and be as thorough as possible so that you will earn points by contributing to the class discussion.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
Bring your lunch
Dress nicely 


COURT QUIZZES DUE

All Students -

Write a response to the film MISS REPRESENTED -- which includes not only your thoughts on and feelings about the film but also one thing that you CAN DO now to promote change.

Due Thursday, September 22, 2011

All Students - 

Send me several more 6-word memoirs for our CHILDREN INSPIRING HOPE projects. We will be making our gifts for Ghana on Friday.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

All Students -

Write a response to the film MISS REPRESENTED -- which includes not only your thoughts on and feelings about the film but also one thing that you CAN DO now to promote change.

Due Thursday, September 22, 2011

Greg’s Literature

Homework for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Read Stephen King’s “The Man in the Black Suit.”

Read it again. Think about the structure of the story, identifying:

• the beginning, middle and end
• the ordinary world
• the inciting incident
• the rising action
• the complications
• the super-objective
• the climax
• the dénouement (resolution)

Also, identify both the physical conflict and the emotional conflict.

Finally, analyze the story by interpreting the theme of the story. Here’s a question that might help with your investigation of the narrative:

• How does the Man in the Black Suit function as a symbol? In other words, what abstract concept does he represent in the story?

You do not have to respond with a written analysis but I do want you to make plenty of notes on the pages of your story and be ready to discuss your thoughts during Wednesday’s class. Everyone must participate. I will call on you if you try to hide behind another student.

Remember: we will also be having a quiz (6 questions) on the story at the beginning of class. The purpose of the quiz is to evaluate your comprehension of the narrative. A good way to prepare for the quiz is to write your own quiz.

Monday, September 19th, 2011

7th Grade Literature

Homework for Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Read Stephen King’s “The Man in the Black Suit.”

Read it again. Think about the structure of the story, identifying:

• the beginning, middle and end
• the ordinary world
• the inciting incident
• the rising action
• the complications
• the super-objective
• the climax
• the dénouement (resolution)

Also, identify both the physical conflict and the emotional conflict.

Finally, analyze the story by interpreting the theme of the story. Here’s a question that might help with your investigation of the narrative:

• How does the Man in the Black Suit function as a symbol? In other words, what abstract concept does he represent in the story?

You do not have to respond with a written analysis but I do want you to make plenty of notes on the pages of your story and be ready to discuss your thoughts during Wednesday’s class. Everyone must participate. I will call on you if you try to hide behind another student.

Remember: we will also be having a quiz (6 questions) on the story at the beginning of class. The purpose of the quiz is to evaluate your comprehension of the narrative. A good way to prepare for the quiz is to write your own quiz.

8th grade literature:

Wednesday:  Read chapter 5 twice and develop three discussion points.  Research Black Madonnas.  Choose one to write a one-page report on and write it.  Bring a picture and be prepared to tell the class about your Black Madonna.

Friday:  Read chapter 6 twice and develop three discussion points

Court:

7th and 8th grade:

Friday:  Bring in a 25 question test on the constitution (procedures and jobs).  You  and your buddy will exchange tests, take them during class and check them.

Monday:  Bring in a 25 question test on the constitution (laws).  You and your buddy will exchange tests, take them during class and check them.

Wednesday, September 28:  Bar Exam, Part 1 (Procedures and Jobs).

Monday, October 3:  Bar Exam Part 2 (Laws).

Friday - Sunday, September 16-18, 2011

 

NEXT WEEK 

Grandma/Grandpa Chic Week!! - Prizes for those who best personify the style.

Here's the article on the newest fashion trend. Click Here!



8th Graders - RCG - COLOR OF FEAR Response Paper

8th Graders - LITERATURE - The Secret Life of Bees - Chapter Four


7th Graders - LITERATURE - Lyrics Presentation Due Monday - You must use three/four note cards for your presentation.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

 

7th Graders - Review Chapter 1 - WORLD RELIGIONS textbook - pgs 11-18 - Make an Outline of the Chapter using the bolded words and sentences



7th Graders -- Lyrics Paper Due Friday, September 16th - One page, double-spaced, typed

Should include your main idea/thesis/theory and at least three pieces of specific proof

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

 

7th Graders - DUE TOMORROW - Read Chapter 1 - WORLD RELIGIONS textbook - pgs 11-18 - Be sure to HIGHLIGHT




7th Graders -- Lyrics Paper Due Friday, September 16th - One page, double-spaced, typed

Should include your main idea/thesis/theory and at least three pieces of specific proof

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

7th Graders - 

Begin Working on your Lyrics Project -- DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th

8th Graders -  

SECRET LIFE OF BEES - Due Wednesday, 9/14 - Chapter 2, Pages 34-56

Secret Life of Bees Syllabus

8th Grade Literature w/Martha
Secret Life of Bees

Syllabus

The dates indicated below are the dates the readings will be discussed in class, so you need to have the assignment completed by the due date.

 DUE DATE                                     WHATS DUE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, 9/12                                Chapter 1, Pages 2-33

Wednesday, 9/14                           Chapter 2, Pages 34-56

Friday, 9/16                                   Chapter 3, Pages 57-66

Monday, 9/19                                Chapter 4, Pages 67-81

Wednesday, 9/21                           Chapter 5, Pages 82-101

                                                      Black Madonna report

Friday, 9/23                                   Chapter 6, Pages 102-114

Monday, 9/26                                Chapter 7, Pages 115-135

Wednesday, 9/28                           Chapter 8, Pages 136-164

Friday, 9/30                                   Chapter 9, Pages 165-188

Monday, 10/03                              Chapter 10, Pages 189-213

Wednesday, 10/05                         Chapter 11, Pages 214-231

Friday, 10/07                                 Chapter 12, Pages 232-256

Monday, 10/10                               Chapter 13, Pages 257-276

Wednesday, 10/12                          Chapter 14, Pages 278-302

Monday, 10/17                               How to write a literature essay

Wednesday, 10/19                          Discuss essay topics and points

Friday, 10/21                                  Essay Q/A’s

Monday, 10/24                               Essays due

                                                       Book cover art project due

You are expected to read the material twice and turn in at least three points you want to discuss in class on each assigned reading.  There will be a 5-question quiz at the beginning of class each day. 

You will be assessed in the following areas:

1.    Reading quiz average

2.    Quality of written points

3.    Quality of participation in discussions.

4.    Quality of final essay

5.    Attitude: completion of assignments and enthusiasm for learning

Monday, September 12, 2011

7th Grade World Religions

By tomorrow, make sure you know all the Belief-o-Matic terms.


7th Grade Literature

Homework for Tuesday, September 13th

Read Mary Oliver’s “Spring in the Classroom.”

Read it again. Think about the author’s use of image in this poem. Read a third time and think about what the author is saying about these students and their teacher.

Remember: Two levels exist for every narrative (yes, poems can be stories): the literal level, or in other words, what is happening; and the subtext, which is the level underneath the story or plot The subtext refers to the thematic region of the story, or in other words, what the narrative or story means.

In this exercise:

1) Identify at least three (3) symbols and explain what each represents.
2) Interpret the theme/message of the poem. What is the poet trying to say? Do not just summarize the poem here – go deeper, get beyond what is happening in the poem.

As always, type and doublespace. My expectation is for a one-(full)-page response to this exercise.

Friday-Sunday, September 9-11, 2011

8th Graders - Literature
For Monday: Read 1st Chapter of THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES and bring in three written discussion points

8th Graders - RCG
For Monday: Interview your parents (and/or other family members) about your family history.  What are the cultural origins of your family?  When did they first come to the U.S.?  What countries are represented in your family tree?  What religions?  Are there interesting stories about your ancestors?


7th Graders - 1st Draft Speech Story Due Monday, September 12th


7th Grade - Greg’s Literature

Homework for Monday, September 12th

1) Select your song for the song lyrics project. On Monday, make sure Greg deems your choice appropriate.

2) Read Brady Udall’s “The Wig.”

Read it again. Think about the author’s use of symbols in this short piece. Read a third time to search for symbols.

Remember: a symbol is a concrete object that represents an abstract element or idea.

CONCRETE OBJECT=ABSTRACT ELEMENT/IDEA

In this exercise, identify at least three (3) symbol equations and explain your equations.

For example (from Alice Walker’s THE FLOWERS):

Flowers=Innocence

EXPLANATION: The child Myop is gathering flowers before she discovers the dead man and the noose. After she sees death and violence, represented by the body and the rope, she lays down her flowers. She begins the story as an innocent girl but ends the story knowing the world around her contains terrible things. Laying down her flowers, she has lost her innocence.

Here is list of possible objects contained in “The Wig”:

the wig

the green paisley tie

the cereal

the garbage

the funnies

the window

the mist outside the window

Please write on at least three (3) of these. You can write on all seven (7) if you would like. Or you can come up with something not on the above list. Please type and doublespace your response. Please avoid one or two sentence explanations.

Remember: There is no wrong or right in this literature class. I welcome all ideas BUT you must thoroughly explain your answers.

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

7th Graders 1st Draft of Speech Story Due Monday


8th graders - Keep working on Final Drafts of Speech



7th Grade Literature

Homework for Friday, September 9th

Read Alice Walker’s ‘The Flowers.”

Read it again. Think about what the author is trying to say by telling us this short narrative about Myop and her experience near the stream. Explore the deeper meaning, or theme, the author is exploring.

Remember: a theme is a unifying or dominant idea in a work of art; a message or abstract idea in a story; the deeper meaning of a given narrative

In this exercise, analyze “The Flowers” by writing a paragraph on what theme the author is exploring. Begin your essay with a statement of your idea and then provide several pieces of SPECIFIC evidence that prove your theory.

For example (from Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY):

THEORY: Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY explores the importance of empathy.

EXPLANATION: In the poem, the “I” voice speaks to another character about what he/she must do in order to provide food for the other. While one character sits with a bowl of chicken soup, the other describes walking—with knife and apron -- out of the safety of the house into the henhouse where a chicken will be killed. The speaker believes that the person eating the soup thinks that life is “chicken soup, served in blue willow-pattern bowls…”, or in other words, that life is easy. But the speaker knows what it takes to provide that soup and through the poem, asks the “you” character and the reader to have empathy and begin to understand what the experience of making the soup/killing the chicken is really like.

Make sure that your concept of the theme describes an abstract idea rather than a specific moment of the plot. Here, in “Farm Country,” the theme deals with empathy and understanding. The theme is not killing a chicken to make chicken soup (that’s the plot).

Please type and double space your response. Please avoid one or two sentence explanations.

Remember: There is no wrong or right in this literature class. I welcome all ideas BUT you must thoroughly explain your answers.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

7th Graders 1st Draft of Speech Story Due Monday


8th graders - Keep working on Final Drafts of Speech



7th Grade Literature

Homework for Friday, September 9th

Read Alice Walker’s ‘The Flowers.”

Read it again. Think about what the author is trying to say by telling us this short narrative about Myop and her experience near the stream. Explore the deeper meaning, or theme, the author is exploring.

Remember: a theme is a unifying or dominant idea in a work of art; a message or abstract idea in a story; the deeper meaning of a given narrative

In this exercise, analyze “The Flowers” by writing a paragraph on what theme the author is exploring. Begin your essay with a statement of your idea and then provide several pieces of SPECIFIC evidence that prove your theory.

For example (from Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY):

THEORY: Mary Oliver’s FARM COUNTRY explores the importance of empathy.

EXPLANATION: In the poem, the “I” voice speaks to another character about what he/she must do in order to provide food for the other. While one character sits with a bowl of chicken soup, the other describes walking—with knife and apron -- out of the safety of the house into the henhouse where a chicken will be killed. The speaker believes that the person eating the soup thinks that life is “chicken soup, served in blue willow-pattern bowls…”, or in other words, that life is easy. But the speaker knows what it takes to provide that soup and through the poem, asks the “you” character and the reader to have empathy and begin to understand what the experience of making the soup/killing the chicken is really like.

Make sure that your concept of the theme describes an abstract idea rather than a specific moment of the plot. Here, in “Farm Country,” the theme deals with empathy and understanding. The theme is not killing a chicken to make chicken soup (that’s the plot).

Please type and double space your response. Please avoid one or two sentence explanations.

Remember: There is no wrong or right in this literature class. I welcome all ideas BUT you must thoroughly explain your answers.

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

FRAMEWORK OF VALUES

Based on today's diversity discussion, rewrite the Diversity section from the Framework of Values:


"Paideia should teach explicitly, by example, and through its environment, an appreciation of racial, ethnic and cultural diversity."

7th Graders Only:

Assignment Seven (Due Wednesday, September 7^th)

Read over all your responses for this unit. Choose one of the personal experiences you have described to expand into the subject of your speech. Or come up with another speech topic that you feel more compelled to explore through writing your speech. 

Get your topic approved by Greg on Wednesday. Begin writing your first draft.

First Draft of Speech for 7^th graders due Monday, September 12th

 

Monday, September 5, 2011

Framework of Values

Assignment Six (Due Tuesday, September 6^th)

Reread the sections entitled EMPATHY and DEVELOPMENT OF AN ETHICAL SELF, and consider the following questions.

1)   Why is EMPATHY toward your classmates important? Why is EMPATHY toward your teachers important? How does a sense of EMPATHY lead to personal growth and/or an ethical self?

2)   Describe a situation in which it was difficult to maintain your “personal integrity in the face of social pressures.” Why was it so difficult to remain yourself and not give in to peer pressure? If you did give in to social pressure, describe what it was like to hide. If you stood up to social pressure, describe the personal strengths that allowed you to maintain your personal integrity and ethical self. BE SPECIFIC

Type your responses to these questions, double-spaced, two page minimum.


Reading Bowl
 
1st Reading Bowl book Due September 26, 2011

Please let me know if the information below is incorrect or incomplete. You can correct information or provide information by commenting on this post below.

When finished with a book, please see me for the reading guide sheet that you must complete by due date.

8th Grade
Dylan - Maus
Emma - True Notebooks
Hannah - Donorboy
Eli - Great Wide Sea
Adriana - In Zanesville
Dominique - In Zanesville
Kendall - Part-Time Indian
Liam - Lani Garver
Erica - Great Wide Sea
Celeste - Keeper
Adam - Lani Garver
Nico - Part-Time Indian
Houston - 
Michael - 
Jordan - 
Annice - 


7th Grade
Danielle - Miss Peregrine
Sam - Peak
Brooks - Peak
Felicia - Kick Me
Juliet - Miss Peregrine
Katherine - Peak (2nd Book - Miss Peregrine)
Cedar - I am not Esther
Megan - Miss Peregrine
Jason - Peak
Ean - Kick Me
Luke - Monster
Evan - Monster 
Max - Born to Rock (2nd Book - Monster)
Alexa - Miss Peregrine (2nd Book  - I am Not Esther)
Lucy - Peak

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Court Quiz - Tomorrow -- Friday, September 2nd

Quiz covers Laws & Jobs


Framework of Values

Assignment Five (Due Friday, September 2^nd)

Reread the sections entitled RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY and EGALITARIANISM and consider the following questions.

1)   Why is DIVERSITY important in a learning environment? Why is EQUALITY important? How does a respect for DIVERSITY and EQUALITY make for a successful learning environment?

2)   Have you ever been in a situation in which you felt powerless? Describe that moment or incident. How did you deal with it? How did the lack of power make you feel? Were you able to get that power back? How so? BE SPECIFIC

3)   Have you ever been in a situation where you have unfairly taken power from someone else? Describe that moment of incident. How was this situation resolved? BE SPECIFIC

Type your responses to these questions, double-spaced, two page minimum.

 8th Graders - Speeches Due Tomorrow - Friday, September 2nd

Goals Due Tomorrow - Friday, September 2nd