Mr Cyrus's Lang Arts I Blog

Activities for week three new semester 2/13 - 16, 2012

2012-02-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

What you start, finish. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who might. Responsible people follow through. If they make a commitment, they see it through. They finish. And that is how others evaluate them. Are they dependable or not? Can I rely on them? Writer Ben Ames Williams observed, "Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." As we move into the second semester how are you measure up in responsibility? This week you have three opportunities for extra credit points to raise your grade. First, you may type an explanation of Williams's quote and also tell me how you would measure yourself (MLA format) (? points) (due by Tuesady). Second this weekend you and your parents can read and discuss "Test Tips". (Have your parents write me a note that you worked on it together and tell me was it worthwhile - 30 points) Finally you may bring in a box of Kleenex for 20 points.

Monday 2/13
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review and Grade “The Wreck of …” Packet
3. Do Vocabulary 13 - 14 (homework - due Tuesday)

Tuesday 2/14
1. Grade and Review Vocab
2. Finish Grading Packet
3. Write Thesis and Write a Bubble Cluster for “The Wreck of the Hesperus Essay (homework)

Wednesday 2/15D
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Start “Hesperus” Essay - Have Introduction Typed for Thursday With Outline (homework)

Thursday 2/16
1. Vocabulary 13 – 14 Test
2. Discuss “The Comma”
3. Work on the Essay
Type First Copy – Due Tuesday (homework)
4. Test Tips (homework)

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Activities for week Two - 2nd Semester 2011 - 2012

2012-02-05T21:27:00.001-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level.

Monday 2/6
1. Review Idioms’ Test
2. Finish Poetry Lecture
3. Do Vocabulary 11 – 12 (homework)

Tuesday 2/7
1. Review Poetry Lecture
2. Read "The Wreck of the Hesperus" pages 124 – 130 (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary 11 - 12 (homework)

Wednesday 2/8
1. Review and Grade Vocab
2. Read and Discuss "The Wreck of the Hesperus"
3. Do "The Wreck…" Packet (homework)

Thursday 2/9
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Discuss "… Wreck…" Packet
3. Start "…Wreck…" Essay (homework)

Friday 2/10
1. Vocabulary 11 - 12 Test
2. Discuss "The Wreck of the Hesperus" Packet and Essay – Packet Due
Monday
3. Essay and Packet (homework)

*** EXTRA CREDIT ***

Show me your notebook in order by Wednesday, before the warning bell.

Activities for week one new semester 1/30 - 2/3, 2012

2012-01-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Please let's get off to a great start.

Monday 1/30
1. Review Final
2. Review Poetry Journal
3. Common Usage Problems (homework)
4. Set Up New Notebook (homework)

Tuesday 1/31
1. Set up new S.S.R. Card
2. Review Usage Problems
3. Discuss Connotation and Denotation
4. Review for Benchmark Test

Wednesday 2/1
1. Discuss Active and Passive Voice
2. Common Usage Problems
3. Review for Benchmark Test
4. Read S.S.R. Book (15 pages) (homework)

Thursday 2/2
1. Second Quarter Benchmark Test
2. Review EDHS Dress Code
3. Study and Review All Idioms (homework)

Friday 2/3
1. Idiom Weeks 1 - 12 Test
2. Lecture: Studying Poetry
3. Read S.S.R. Book (30 pages) (homework)

Please come for help if you need it - I will be there.

Finals Week 1/23 - 1/27 - 2012

2012-01-22T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is the end, all we have left is your final. If you have S.S.Reading points to make up you can do that Monday and Tuesday morning. Good luck on your final. Please check Aeries to make sure your grade is correct.

Final
55 clue context, prefix, suffix, root questions
30 vocabulary words
20 literature terms
25 parts of speech
20 idioms

Monday January 23th
Review for final

Tuesday, January 24th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 25th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 26th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 27^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week eighteen 1/17 - 1/20 - 2012

2012-01-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

In one of his notebooks Leonardo da Vinci wrote, "Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind." That distaste for inaction drove da Vinci's intellectual curiosity his entire life. His love for learning never stopped. I hope you have learned to love learning and love the feeling of accomplishment for a job well done.

Tuesday 1/17
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Final Edit of Poetry Journal
3. Review Parts of Speech
4. Review all Idioms (homework)

Wednesday 1/18
1. Poetry Journal Due
2. Read and Discuss "Dreams" Poems by Hughes
3. Review All Vocabulary and Prefixes and Suffixes and Root Words

Thursday 1/19
1. Grade Quarter Notebook
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. Review All Parts of Speech
4. Review All Vocabulary

Friday 1/20
1. Vocabulary 1 – 10 Test
2. Review Literary Terms
3. Review Parts of Speech
4. Review All Idioms

Do you have all your reading points?

Activities for week seventeen 1/9 - 1/13 - 2012

2012-01-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." We still have a notebook to grade and a Poetry Journal to complete before the semester comes to a close. Please make sure your deeds match the grade you promised yourself. Also please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. You may still make up S.S.Reading points in the morning or break, also you can see about after school reading.

Monday 1/9
1. Idiom 1 – 9 Test (100 points)
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Review Description Poem
4. Write I do not Understand Poem (homework)
5. Do Vocabulary 9 - 10 (homework)

Tuesday 1/10
1. Review Poems
2. Read and Discuss “O What is That Sound” – Work on Packet
3. Write Children’s Poem (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/11
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Review “O What … Sound”
3. Write Nonsense Poem (homework)
4. Work on Poetry Journal (homework)

Thursday 1/12
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Read “Song of the Open Road” and “The Road Not Taken”
3. Review Poems
4. Write Write Your Own Pattern Poem (homework)

Friday 1/13
1. Vocabulary 9 – 10 Test (100 points)
2. Discuss “Road” Poems
3. Edit all Poems and Explanations
4. Write Original Poem (homework)
5. Put Poetry Journal Together (homework)

Please remember I am here every morning to help you!
You can still improve your grade if you come and talk to me.

Activities for week sixteen 1/3 - 1/6 - 2012

2011-12-30T15:05:00.001-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel.

Please check Aeries and know your grade; if you are not at 100% in your reading points all you have to do is come in and read (10 points for ten minutes) (before school, break, or after school -see me for after school-).

Tuesday 1/3
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Tangerine Essay
3. Review "Reminiscence" Explanation
4. Write "Name" Poem (homework)
5. Do Vocabulary 7 - 8 (homework)

Wednesday 1/4
1. Review "Name" Poem
2. Discuss "Commentary Mistakes"
3. Write "Mock Serious" Poem (homework)
4. Write Explanation for "Name" Poem (homework)
5. Finish Vocabulary 7 - 8 (homework)

Thursday 1/5
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Review Poems and Explanations
3. Write "Haiku" Poem and Write Explanation (homework)
4. Study for Vocabulary Test (homework)

Friday 1/6
1. Vocabulary 7 and 8 Test (100 points)
2. Review "Haiku" poem
3. Read and Discuss “Reading Poetry”
4. Read and Discuss “She Sweeps With Many-Colored Brooms
5. Write "Description" Poem and Explanation (homework)
6. Study for Idiom Weeks 1 - 9 test Monday (homework)

Finish Strong!
Bring your Poetry Journal cover Tuesday for extra credit.

Activities for week fifteen 12/12 - 12/16 - 2011

2011-12-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

At some point in life, each of us struggles with three basic questions. The first is the question of existence: why am I alive? The second is the question of significance: does my life matter? And the third is the question of intention: what is my purpose? I want you to know you are alive because you are loved. Second I also want you to know your life matters. And finally your purpose is to be the best you can be and to continue to seek after what you were put here to be.

Monday 12/12
1. Review Tests
2. Edit and Revise Essay (revise - homework)
3. Start Vocabulary 5 - 6 (homework)

Tuesday 12/13
1. Meet in Library
2. Type Essay
3. Finish Vocabulary 5 - 6 (homework)

Wednesday 12/14
1. Meet in Library
2. Finish Typing Essay (20 minutes of typing)
3. All Parts of Essay Due
4. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)

Thursday 12/15
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Lecture: Objectives of the Poetry Unit
3. Start "Reminiscence" Poem

Friday 12/16
1. Vocabulary 5 – 6 Test (100 points)
2. Discuss Poetry Project
3. Review and Revise "Reminiscence" Poem
4. Write "Name" Poem

Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year!

Activities for week fourteen 12/5 - 12/9 - 2011

2011-12-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

As we move to Christmas - "do you know it is a party? It is a birthday party ... birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say 'Merry Christmas!'" stated Rick Warren. Let's work hard and enjoy the last weeks of school before vacation, then you can celebrate all the rest of this year. We will be working on our first full essay on Tangerine and it is worth 200 points.

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally, make sure your notebook is up to date.

Monday 12/5
1. Review Tests
2. Review Sequence worksheet
3. Start Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)

Tuesday 12/6
1. Start Tangerine Essay (200 points)
2. Develop Brain Storm, Thesis and Outline (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)

Wednesday 12/7
1. Tangerine Test
2. Grade and Review Vocabulary 3 and 4 (70 points)
3. Bubble Cluster and Outline Due
4. Type Introduction (homework)

Thursday 12/8
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Edit and Revise Introduction
3. Type Introduction and Body Paragraphs (homework)

Friday 12/9
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test (100 points)
2. Edit and Revise Tangerine Essay
3. Discuss Conclusion Handouts
4. Type Whole Tangerine Essay for Monday in Class (homework)

Please, please see me if you have any questions!

Activities for week thirteen 11/28 - 12/2 - 2011

2011-11-27T13:17:00.001-08:00

We are finishing Tangerine in the next two weeks, and Robert Strauss stated, "Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." For you this means you need to put two good weeks in on Tangerine if you want success in this unit. Also please check your S.S.Reading Points, you have until Thursday to make up any Reading Points. (You should have read 500 pages of you pleasure reading books.)
I am still here in the mornings or at break for help or questions.

Monday 11/28
1. Questions on Collage
2. Open Note Tangerine Test
3. Finish Vocabulary
4. Finish Collage

Tuesday 11/29
1. Collage Due (Absolute deadline)
2. Grade Vocabulary 1 and 2 (70 points)
3. Review Tangerine Test
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 11/30
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Body Paragraph Handout
3. Share Collage (50 points)
4. Finish Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 12/1
1. Vocabulary 1 and 2 Test (100 points)
2. Lecture: Commentary
3. Share Collage
4. Sequence Worksheet (homework)

Friday 12/2
1. Open Note Tangerine Test
2. Share Collage
3. Finish Tangerine Worksheet

Please make up all your reading points.

Activities for week twelve 11/21 - 11/22 - 2011

2011-11-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those of you who brought cans for the canned food drive. This is a special time of the year as we move into the holiday season; I hope you have the ability to see real treasure and true value. You may see me for an extra credit reading for Thanksgiving vacation. You must read aloud "A Thanksgiving Fable for You and Your Family" in a family situation and bring back a note from one of your parents. See me for the rest of the details.

Monday 11/21
1. Review Benchmark Test
2. Discuss Vocabulary and Vocabulary Extra- credit
3. Work on Collage (Due 11/29) (homework)

Tuesday 11/22
1. Idiom Test - weeks 1 - 6
2. Review Tests
3. Discuss Tangerine
4. Read Tangerine and Finish Vocabulary Packet
5. Finish Collage (Due 11/29) (homework)

Excellence is not Chance, but Choice.

Activites for week eleven 11/14 - 11/18 - 2011

2011-11-11T17:43:00.001-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want. We also are in the school wide can food drive which is an extra credit opportunity for you, the deadline is Thursday. Also you can earn ten points extra credit if you are in class at 8:10 to start your retest of last Thursday's vocabulary test. Review the packet very poor results - you have seen the test - let's do much better.

Monday 11/14
1. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning Retest
2. Clean Backpack
3. Review Tangerine
4. Work on Collage and Study for Vocabulary Test (homework)

Tuesday 11/15
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Vocabulary Final
3. Finish Tangerine Worksheets (homework)
4. Work on Collage (homework)

Wednesday 11/16
1. First Benchmark Test
2. Review Tangerine worksheets and Tests
3. Discuss Tangerine Collage
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 11/17
1. Tangerine Quiz
2. Discuss Essay Introduction and Thesis hand-out
3. Vocabulary Lesson 1 - 2 (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 11/18
1. Review Tests
2. Discuss Vocabulary Extra Credit
3. Discuss Tangerine
4. Tangerine Worksheets (homework)
5. Work on Collage (homework)

Extra Credit
If you do not understand what you can do see me!

Activities for week ten 11/7 - 11/11 - 2011

2011-11-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." As we finish the quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are. You have until Thursday to make up any reading points that you are missing. As always I will be here every morning to help you.

Monday 11/7
1. Review Roots 4 Test
2. Review Vocabulary and All Cards are Due (extra)
3. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meanings (homework)
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 11/8
1. Review Worksheets
2. Tangerine Worksheets 60-75 (homework)
3. Finish Strategies for Unlocking Word Meanings (homework)

Wednesday 11/9
1. Review Word Meanings Packet
2. Journal: Quick Write “Integrity” What is it, and what are you building?
3. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Thursday 11/10
1. Quiz – Tangerine
2. Vocabulary Test
3. Start Tangerine Collage (homework)

Please check Aeries to make sure your grade is correct.
See me if there is a problem. You may still do the Box of Love.

Activities for week nine 10/31 - 11/4 - 2011

2011-10-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me. There is still time that you may contribute to "The Boxes of Love" for extra credit - see me.

Monday 10/31
1. Review Tests
2. Lecture: “How to Mark a Book” Adler’s strategies
3. Do Cards for Roots Words 4 (homework)
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 11/1
1. Grade Notebook
2. Review Vocabulary Cards
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 11/2
1. Review Tangerine worksheets
2. Start Pages 38 – 45 worksheet
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 11/3
1. Pretest and Vocab Bingo
2. Review and discuss Tangerine
3. Do pages 49 - 60 worksheet (homework)

Friday 11/4
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Review pages 38 – 45 worksheet
3. Finish pages 49-60 worksheet (homework)

Please see me if you want to raise your grade!

Activities for week eight 10/24 - 10/28 - 2011

2011-10-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/24
1. Review Roots Test
2. Read and discuss “Scarlet Ibis”
3. Review Thesis for Test
4. Make Card for Roots 3 (homework)
5. Read Tangerine (homework)

Tuesday 10/25
1. Thesis Quiz
2. Review “Scarlet Ibis” Packet
3. Lecture: Essay Terms
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 10/26
1. Review Thesis Quiz
2. Lecture: “How to Mark a Book” Adler’s strategies
3. Journal: “That’s not fair”
4. Do "Introduction" worksheet (homework)

Thursday 10/27
1. Idioms Weeks 1 - 4 Test
2. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
3. Discuss Tangerine
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 10/28
1. Vocabulary Six, Roots 3 Test
2. Review “Introduction”
3. In Groups do pages 7 – 16 and 16 – 38 worksheets
4. Read either Tangerine or your S.S.Reading Book (homework)

Please check Aeries - what could you do to raise your grade?
Have you taken advantage of extra credit?
S.S.Reading points - do you have all of them?

Activites for week seven 10/17 - 10/21 - 2011

2011-10-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class and excel; if you are not meeting your expectations right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade. Have you bought Tangerine? (50 points) Have you bought something for the Boxes of Love? (20 points or ?) Finally do you have an Aeries printout of your grade and parent's note and signature? "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

Monday 10/17
1. Review Tests and Thesis
2. Review Parts of Speech
3. Make cards for new Roots (homework)
4. Read “The Scarlet Ibis” Pages 592 - 607 (homework)

Tuesday 10/18
1. Essay Terms Lecture
2. Write a Journal “Connect to Your Life” page 592(two paragraphs)
3. Read and Review “The Scarlet Ibis” Pages 592 - 607 (homework)
4. Study all Vocabulary (homework - ten minutes)

Wednesday 10/19
1. Finish Essay Lecture
2. Parts of Speech Packet
3. Read and discuss “The Scarlet Ibis”
4. Work on “The Scarlet Ibis” Packet and Study (homework)

Thursday 10/20
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Read and discuss “The Scarlet Ibis”
3. Study and Finish “Ibis” Packet (homework)

Friday 10/21
1. Vocabulary Roots Test
2. Review and Grade “The Scarlet Ibis” Packet
3. Start reading Tangerine (homework)

***Extra Credit***

Set up an interview of you with me.

(fifteen points for ten minutes)

Activities for week six 10/10 - 10/14 - 2011

2011-10-08T19:39:00.001-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/10
1. Review Suffix Test
2. Study Root words
3. Read and discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
4. Finish Worksheets and Study (homework)

Tuesday 10/11
1. Read “The Most Dangerous Game”
2. Do Verbs, Adverbs, Prepositions Packet (homework)
3. Study Root Words (homework)

Wednesday 10/12
1. Finish “The Most Dangerous Game” and Review Packet
2. Reading Test - "The Most Dangerous Game"
3. Question on Homework
4. Study and Review for Test (homework)

Thursday 10/13
1. Review and Grade Parts of Speech Packet
2. Lecture: Essay Terms
3. Thesis Worksheet (homework)

Friday 10/14
1. Root Words One Test
2. Finish Lecture: Essay Terms
3. Review Reading Test and Thesis Worksheet

***Extra Credit***
Do not forget you can get Tangerine by Edward Bloor.
I will be teaching how you can annotate your own copy.
(50 points)

Activities for week five 10/3 - 10/7 - 2011

2011-10-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous
You can get Tangerine which is worth 50 points extra credit. It is our first novel we will read together.

Monday 10/3
1. Library Orientation
2. Read “The Most Dangerous Game” Pages 38 - 51 (homework)
3. Study Prefixes & Suffixes, and Idioms (homework)

Tuesday 10/4
1. Meet in Library
2. Finish Library Project
3. Start “The Most …” Packet (homework)
4. Study Idioms (homework)

Wednesday 10/5
1. Meet in Library and Finish
2. Idiom Week 1 and 2 Test
3. Work on “Dangerous” Packet (homework)
4. Review Parts of Speech for Test (homework)

Thursday 10/6
1. Parts of Speech Test
2. Edit Work Cited from Library Project
3. Read and Discuss “…Game”
4. Finish “The Most Dangerous Game” Packet and Study (homework)

Friday 10/7
1. Suffix Test
2. Review Tests
3. Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
4. Make Cards - Word Roots (homework)

Please see me if you are not doing well in class!

Activites for week four 9/26 - 9/30 - 2011

2011-09-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. We have a very busy week with three tests, stay on top of things; remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, or come to the tennis courts after school if you need help or have questions. Also you can email me at jcyrus@pylusd.org.

Monday 9/26
1. Check Notebooks and Idioms and do Quick Write
2. Read and Discuss “The Necklace”
3. Finish “…Necklace” Packet (homework - due 9/28)

Tuesday 9/27
1. Study Literary Terms
2. Review Parts of Speech
3. Read and Discuss “The Necklace”
4. Develop Portfolio (homework - due 9/29)

Wednesday 9/28
1. Literature Terms Test
2. Review and Grade “The Necklace” Packet
3. Pre-writing assessment (homework - due 9/29)
4. Study Prefixes (homework)

Thursday 9/29
1. Prefix Test
2. Portfolios Due
3. Finish Grading “The Necklace” Packet
4. Make Suffix Cards (homework - due 9/30)

Friday 9/30
1. “The Necklace” Reading Quiz and Quick Write in Notebook
2. Review Tests
3. Parts of Speech Packet (homework)
4. Read SSR Book (homework)

***Extra Credit***
See me for Parts of Speech worksheet.

Activities for week three 9/ 19 - 9/23 - 2011

2011-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries is up - please use it to know where you are in our class.

Monday 9/19
1. Practice Prefixes Quiz
2. Read and Discuss “Plainswoman”
3. Study for Tests (homework)

Tuesday 9/20
1. Discuss Test Taking Tips
2. Review Prefixes
3. Nouns, pronouns, adjectives worksheets (homework)

Wednesday 9/21
1. Prefix Test
2. Worksheets due and Review Parts of Speech
3. Make New Prefix Cards (homework)
4. Study Literary Terms (homework)

Thursday 9/22
1. Prefix Cards Due
2. See “The Necklace”
3. Read “The Necklace” pages 26 – 35 (homework)
4. Do “The Necklace” Packet

Friday 9/23
1. Practice Literary Test
2. Read and Discuss “The Necklace” pages 26 – 35
3. Finish “The Necklace” Packet – Due Monday (homework)

Extra Credit --- Listen in class

Activites for week two 9/12 - 9/16 - 2011

2011-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/12
1. Review Spell Checker and Edit and Share Poems
2. Read “15 Study Tricks to Improve Your Grade” (homework)
3. Get Spiral Three Subject Notebook

Tuesday 9/13
1. Read and Discuss “15 Study Tricks…”
2. Set up Spiral Notebook
3. Read, See, and Discuss MLA Format
4. Retype “Your Own Poem” (homework)

Wednesday 9/14
1. Check Out Literature Book
2. Lecture: Literary Terms
3. Read “Plainswoman” Pages 8 – 19 (homework)
4. Study Prefixes –-- Test 9/21 (homework)

Thursday 9/15
1. All Steps of Your Poem Due
2. Finish and Review Lecture
3. Read and Discuss Short Story
4. Study Prefixes and Make Note Cards (homework)

Friday 9/16
1. Read, Discuss and Apply Literary Terms to “The Plainswoman”
2. Review Prefix Cards and Study for Prefix Test (homework)
3. You should have read 60 pages of your SSR Book.

Please see me if you have any questions.

*** There is 25 extra credit points this week for parents coming to Back to School night and signing in. ***

Activities for week one 9/6 - 9/9 - 2011

2011-09-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next four years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7:05 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/6
1. Introductions and check phone numbers
2. Discuss “Guidelines” (have signed) and Reading List
3. Share your summer
4. Make a Name plate for your desk (homework)

Wednesday 9/7
1. Guidelines due
2. PowerPoint Overview of Class
3. “Who are you?” Worksheet (homework)
4. Get a Reading Book (SSR) (homework)

Thursday 9/8
1. Share “Who are you?”
2. Read and Discuss “The Fence” and “Since I Have…”
3. Write Your Own Poem about What You Expect From Life. (homework)

Friday 9/9
1. Fill out Silent Sustain Reading card (SSR Book)
2. Grammar quiz (Spell Checker)
3. Edit Poems and Share Poems

"He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times."

- Johann von Schiller -

Last week's activitites 6/13 - 6/16 - 2011

2011-06-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary. The parts of your final will be just like the vocabulary packets you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/13
1. Final - The Odyssey
2. Review Test
3. Portfolio – Post-Writing Assessment, and do End of the Year Reflection
Study for Finals (homework) and extra credit if you have all writing projects for the year.

Tuesday 6/14
1. Review Portfolio
2. Review Test
3. See the end of The Odyssey
4. Study for Finals (homework)

The Time Is Now!

Activities for week eighteen 6/6 - 6/10 - 2011

2011-06-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and The Odyssey. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Monday 6/6
1. Vocabulary 27 – 28 Test
2. Review Book 21 Study Guide
3. Start Vocabulary 29 - 30 (homework)
4. Study!

Tuesday 6/7
1. Book 21 Quiz
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. See The Odyssey
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
5. Study!

Wednesday 6/8
1. Review Vocabulary 29 – 30
2. Review Book 21 Quiz
3. See The Odyssey
4. Take home Odyssey Test (homework)

Thursday 6/9
1. Set up Vocabulary Bingo
2. Idiom Test
3. Review Take Home Test
4. See The Odyssey
5. Study, Study, Study! (homework)

Friday 6/10
1. Vocabulary 29 – 30 Test
2. Grade Spiral Notebook
3. The Odyssey Final (Monday)
4. Study for Finals! (homework)

It's all you!

Activities for week seventeen 5/31 - 6/3 - 2011

2011-05-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. Remember I am still here to help you anyway I can.

Tuesday 5/31
1. Edit God/Goddess Project
2. Read and Discuss "Book 21"
3. Start "Book 21" Study Guide (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 27 - 28 (homework)

Wednesday 6/1
1. God/Goddess Project Due (Absolute Deadline)
2. Read and Discuss "Book 21"
3. Do "Book 21" Study Guide (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary 27 - 28 (homework)

Thursday 6/2
1. Review Vocabulary
2. See The Odyssey
3. Finish "Book 21" Study Guide (homework)

Friday 6/3
1. Set up Vocabulary Bingo
2. "Book 21" Study Guide Due
3. See The Odyssey
4. Vocabulary Test Monday (Study for test)

Finish Strong!

Activities for week sixteen 5/23 - 27 - 2011

2011-05-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Larry Grant says, "there are three types of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, 'What happened?'" Which one are you? If you want to make something happen then you may answer the questions on pages 914, 926, and 939 (Typed MLA format, and complete sentences). You may also make up reading points from the last reading period - please check Aeries. You have been fun, now let's finish strong so you can have fun in the sun.

Monday 5/23
1. Review Tests
2. Questions on God/Goddess Project
3. Read and Discuss Book 12
4. Work on Vocabulary 25-26 and
Finish Book 10 and 12 Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 5/24
1. Book 10 & 12 Worksheets Due
2. First God/Goddess Copy of project Due (25 points)
3. Read and Discuss Book 12
4. Finish Vocabulary 25 - 26 (homework)

Wednesday 5/25
1. Review Vocabulary 25 -26
2. Review Book 10&12 Worksheets
3. Work on Project and Study for Book 12 Test (homework)

Thursday 5/26
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Book 12 Test
3. Second God/Goddess Copy of Project Due (25 points)
4. Read Book 21 - Also Homework
5. Start Book 21 Worksheet (homework)

Friday 5/27
1. Vocabulary 25 – 26 Test
2. Final Edit of God/Goddess Project (Due Monday - 5/30 - Absolute Deadline)
3. Read and Discuss Book 21
4. Finish Project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make it happen!

Activities for week fifteen 5/16 - 5/20 - 2011

2011-05-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

As we finish the year I still have a few messages and opportunities for you. If you want to be successful and to maximize your efforts and talents as a good student you need to stop blaming others, take a good look in the mirror, and take responsibility for your own life and grades. Oprah Winfrey says, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." I hope that you will be in the place you want to be next year and this summer. You may see me for an extra credit opportunity.

Do not forget this week you get to be a "Star" as we will be star testing.

Monday 5/16 or Wednesday 5/18
1. Polyphemus Poem Due
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Read and Discuss Book Ten
4. Work on Book 10 and 12 Packet (homework)
5. Review all Idioms (homework)

Thursday 5/19
1. Book Ten Quiz
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. See The Odyssey
4. Work on Book 10 and 12 Packet (homework)

Friday 5/20
1. Idiom Test Week 17 - 21
2. Start “Create Your Own God/Goddess Project” (homework)
3. Read and Discuss Book 12
4. Finish Packet (homework)

Go for it!

Activities for week fourteen 5/9 - 5/13 - 2011

2011-05-07T18:38:00.001-07:00

Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." As we finish this quarter, this semester, this year - finish strong; think of all you still can do this semester. "Excellence is the gradual result of always wanting to do better." stated Pat Riley. And if you want to do better you may make up any reading points from the last entry on Aeries.

Monday 5/9
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Character Outline
3. Write ”Polyphemus” Poem (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 23 - 24 (homework)

Tuesday 5/10
1. "Book One and Nine" Test
2. See The Odyssey
3. Finish Polyphemus Poem (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
5. Read Book Ten (homework)

Wednesday 5/11
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Edit Poem
3. Revise Poem (homework)
4. Start Book 10 and 12 Worksheet (homework)

Thursday 5/12
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Edit Polyphemus Poem
3. Read and Discuss "Book Ten"
4. Rewrite Poem (homework)
5. Read "Book 12" (homework)

Friday 5/13
1. Vocabulary 23-24 Test
2. Read and Discuss The Odyssey
3. Final Copy and all Parts of "Polyphemus" Poem Due Monday (homework)

Please check Aeries and make sure
your grade is correct.

Activities for week thirteen 5/2 - 5/6 - 2011

2011-04-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Magic Johnson paraphrased John F. Kennedy when he stated, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates." Are you making our class more interesting? Are you sharing your ideas about our reading, and really getting involved in our discussions? President Woodrow Wilson asserted, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and to impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Are you adding value to our class?

Monday 5/2
1. Review Test
2. See The Gods of Olympus
3. Do Study Guide "Book 1 & 9" (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 21 - 22 (homework)

Tuesday 5/3
1. Handout: Origin of the Gods
2. Facebook God/Goddess Profile Project (homework)
3. Read and Discuss "Book 9"
4. Work on Study Guide (homework)
5. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 5/4
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Finish Facebook Profile (homework)
3. Read "Book 9"
4. Finish Study Guide (homework)

Thursday 5/5
1. Study Guide Due
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Share Facebook Profiles
4. Study (homework)

Friday 5/6
1. Vocabulary 21 – 22 Test
2. Finish Facebook Profiles
3. Review Study Guide
4. Start “Polyphemus” Poem (homework)

You may use "Greek Gods and Goddesses"
on my school website to help with your project this week.
It is at Cyrus resources. Also you can use YouTube- gallery of the gods.

Activities for week twevle 4th 1/4 4/25 - 4/29 - 2011

2011-04-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

We are very close to finishing your first year at El Dorado and you becoming a sophomore. President Abraham Lincoln said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Practicing responsibility will do great things for you. It will strengthen your talent, advance your skills, and increase your opportunities. Now we are going to start The Odyssey and you will have other opportunities in class to improve your lot. Will you?

Remember you are a "Star" and we will be testing Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to see how bright you shine.

Monday 4/25
1. Review The Tragedy Romeo and Juliet
2. Review Anticipation Guide
3. Review Dialectical Journals
4. Study for Romeo and Juliet Final (homework)

Tuesday 4/26
1. Final – Romeo and Juliet
2. See "Greek Dramatic Festivals"
3. Read “Homer’s World” and “The Epic” pages 886-893 (homework)

Wednesday 4/27
1. Review Romeo and Juliet Final
2. See “Before You Read”
3. "Mythology IQ Test" and "Anticipation Guide" (homework)
4. Study for Tests (homework)

Thursday 4/28
1. Week 15 – 19 Idiom Test
2. Read and Discuss “Homer’s World” and “The Epic” pages 886-893
3. Review and Discuss "Mythology IQ Test" and "Anticipation Guide"
4. Do “Before You Read” Handout and Study (homework)

Friday 4/29
1. “Homer’s World” and Handout Test
2. Review and Discuss Handout
3. Discuss "Character" and "Odysseus Journey" Maps
4. Read Book 1 of The Odyssey pages 894 - 895 (homework)

Extra Credit
English 120-G World Literature I
Using the web look up and print the course syllabus from
the "Odysseus Journey" map. In MLA format type me a paragraph
about how that class relates to your future college experience and
what college will be like. (You will have to take an English class.) Due Monday before class.

Activities for week eleven 2nd semester 4/11 - 4/15 - 2011

2011-04-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

Novelist Charles Wilson says, "No matter the size of the bottle, the cream always rises to the top." Talent gives you a head start on others, but the advantage it gives lasts only a short time. Songwriter Irving Berlin understood this truth when he said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in business. You've got to keep working that talent." As we finish the school year keep working your best.

Only Dakoda has done the Romeo and Juliet extra credit. Why?

Monday 4/11
1. Review Tests
2. Read and Discuss Act IV
3. Finish Act V Packet (homework)
4. Work on Journals (homework)

Tuesday 4/12
1. Read and Discuss Act IV
2. Work on Journals (homework)
3. Really Finish Act V Packet (homework)

Wednesday 4/13
1. Act IV Test
2. Review Benchmark Test
3. Discuss Dialectical Journals
4. Act V Packet Due
5. Work on Dialectical Journals (Homework)

Thursday 4/14
1. Review Act V Packet
2. See Discussion of Act V
3. Work on Dialectical Journals (homework)
4. Study for Act V Test (homework)

Friday 4/15
1. Act V Test
2. See The End of Romeo and Juliet
3. Study for Romeo and Juliet Final (homework)

***Extra Credit***
Romeo and Juliet Essay
(Due first day back)

Activities for week ten, 2nd Semester 4/4 - 4/8 - 2011

2011-04-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli observed, The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." That is really the essence of positive relationships that influence people to rise up and reach their potential. They see the best in you and encourage you to strive for it. Author William Allen Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities." As we finish the school year let's lift each other up and influence each other in positive ways. Please check Aeries so you know you grade. If you are struggling in this class you need to see me this week, so we can set up a plan for you to succeed. Only two of you picked up extra credit last week?

Monday 4/4
1. Review Tests
2. Read and Discuss Act III
3. Review all Vocabulary and Idioms (homework)
4. Work on Act IV Packet (homework)

Tuesday 4/5
1. Idiom Test - Weeks 13 - 17
2. Review Quarter
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Work on Journals (homework)
5. Finish Act IV Packet (homework)

Wednesday 4/6
1. Act IV Packet Due
2. Quarter Benchmark Test
3. See Act III
4. Work on Dialectical Journals (homework)

Thursday 4/7
1. Act III Test
2. Review Act IV Packet
3. Read Act V (homework)
4. Work on Journals (homework)

Friday 4/8
1. Vocabulary Review Test
2. See Discussion of Act IV
3. Work on Journals (homework)
4. Act V Packet (homework)

Easter is coming!

Activities for week nine - 2nd semester 3/28-4/1-2011

2011-03-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Responsible people enjoy an increasingly better reputation. And that is one of the greatest assets of sustained responsibility. Others discover what they can expect from you, and they can depend on you. You're solid! If you want others to trust you, to give you greater opportunities and resources to develop and strengthen your talent, and to partner with you, then embrace responsibility and practice it faithfully in every area of your life.

Please check Aeries and make sure your grade is correct - do you have all your S.S.Reading points? Did you make up whatever I or Miss Schickling said you could make up?

Monday 3/28
1. Review Tests
2. See Act II
3. Finish Act III Packet (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 19 - 20 (homework)

Tuesday 3/29
1. Act III Packet Due
2. See Act II and Test
3. See Discussion of Act III
4. Finish Vocabulary 19 - 20 (homework)

Wednesday 3/30
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Discuss and Start Dialectical Journals (homework)
3. Review Act III Packet

Thursday 3/31
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Read and Discuss Act III
3. Work on Dialectical Journals (homework)
4. Read Act IV (homework)

Friday 4/1
1. Vocabulary 19 – 20 Test
2. Review Act II Test
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Act IV Packet (homework)

Extra Credit:
If you have all your reading points and your Act III packet complete, then you can see me for Romeo and Juliet extra credit.

Activities for week eight - 2nd semester 3/21- 3/25 - 2011

2011-03-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." As you move through school are you earning the trust of your parents? Many of you have earned my trust and I hope you will continue to work hard.

Soles for Souls is teaming up with Sport Chalet to donate gently worn shoes to the earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan. I will be collecting shoe this week for extra credit; by giving you have a chance to make a difference.

Monday 3/21
1. Review Tests
2. Do Vocabulary 17 – 18 (homework)
3. Finish Act II Packet (homework)
4. Study Handouts (homework)

Tuesday 3/22
1. Act II Packet Due
2. Visit Counselors
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Study for Handout Test (homework)
5. Make sure Notebook is up to date and Review Idioms

Wednesday 3/23
1. Drama Handout Test
2. Review Vocabulary
3. See Discussion of Act III
4. Start Act III Packet (homework)

Thursday 3/24
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Read and Discuss Act II
3. Act III Packet (homework)
4. Update Notebook (homework)

Friday 3/25
1. Vocabulary 17 – 18 Test
2. Grade Notebook
3. See Act II
4. Review Act II for Test Monday

Shoes?

Activities for week seven 2nd semester 3/14 - 3/18 - 2011

2011-03-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

As a coach I say this all the time, "You play at the level at which you practice." Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play. It sharpens your talent. Successful people understands this. They value practice (homework) and develop the discipline to do it. If you want to sum up what lifts most successful individuals above the crowd, you could do it with four little words: a little bit more. Successful people pay their dues and do all that is expected of them-plus a little bit more. The question for you is this, "are you doing that little bit more?" Listen for the extra in class.

Monday 3/14
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Discuss Act I
3. Finish Act I Packet (homework)
4. Read Act II (homework)

Tuesday 3/15
1. See and Discuss Act I
2. Review All Idioms
3. Review All Vocabulary (homework)
4. Read Act II (homework)

Wednesday 3/16
1. Idiom 11 – 14 Test
2. Review Act I Packet
3. Read Act II and Start Act II Packet (homework)

Thursday 3/17
1. Act I Test
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. Literal and Figurative Romeo and Juliet Cartoon
4. Finish Act II Packet (homework)

Friday 3/18
1. Vocabulary 11 – 16 Test
2. See Romeo and Juliet
3. Read Act III (homework)
4. Study - Test on Handouts (homework)

Do the little extra!

Activities for week six 2nd semester 3/7 - 3/11 - 2011

2011-03-05T21:06:00.001-08:00

Doing the right thing doesn't come naturally to any of us. As George Washington said, "Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder." Yet that is what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us.

It's not easy to do the right thing when the wrong thing is expedient. Moliere commented, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ. The difference in their deeds is simple: People of character do what is right regardless of the situation." It's not easy to do the right thing when no one but you will know. But it's in those moments that a person's character becomes strong. Martin Luther King Jr. asserted this:

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it Popular?
Character asks: Is it right?"

That is the bottom line. Are you going to do what's right? Will I see your homework done with effort and care? Will you do your reading and study for your test?

Ten points extra credit if you come and tell me what Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote says and ten more points if you can explain it to me and give me a personal example.

Monday 3/7
1. Research Project Due
2. Review “Hesperus” Packet
3. See Shakespeare on the 6 O'clock News
4. Vocabulary 15 - 16 (homework)

Tuesday 3/8
1. See Understanding Shakespeare
2. Discuss Anticipation Guide
3. See Glencoe Online
4. Read pages 982 - 989 (homework)
5. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 3/9
1. Review Vocabulary
2. See Shakespearean Video
3. Discuss and Read Shakespeare Handouts (homework)

Thursday 3/10
1. Set up Vocabulary Bingo
2.See Discussion of “Act I”
3. Read Act I Glencoe Online (homework)
4. Start Act I Packet (homework)

Friday 3/11
1. Vocabulary 15 - 16 Test
2. See Romeo and Juliet
3. Finish Act I Packet (homework)

Don't forget the extra credit.

Activities for week five 2/28 - 3/4 - 2011

2011-02-26T10:07:00.001-08:00

Greek philosopher Aristotle observed, We become what we are as persons by the decisions that we ourselves make." Each time you make a responsible decision, you become a more responsible person. Even if your track record has not been good up to now, you can change. Oprah Winfrey stated, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Let's get the job done this week so that you will be ready for what is a head of you. You did a great job on your last vocabulary test - keep the ball rolling. Please check Aeries and if there is a problem or you don't like your grade see me before school.

This week we will be in the library from Tuesday through Friday working on your research project. Your project is your homework as well this week.

Monday 2/28
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. "The Wreck of the Hesperus" Essay due
3. Pick Person for Research Project

Tuesday 3/1 - Friday 3/4
1. Meet in Library and Work on Research Project
2. Research Project Due Monday

Activities for week four - 2/22 - 2/25 - 2011

2011-02-19T18:02:00.000-08:00

Harvard professor of psychiatry George E. Vaillant, in his book Aging Well, identifies resiliency as a significant characteristic of people who navigate the many transitions of life from birth to old age. He writes, "Resilience reflects individuals who metaphorically resemble a twig with a fresh, green living core. When twisted out of shape, such a twig bends but it does not break; instead it springs back and continues growing." That is an description of how you need to be to persevere and make the most of your talents here at El Dorado. You must not become dry, brittle, and inflexible. You would be wise to follow the words of Jerry West: "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good." So as we move to the end of the school year let's do the most we can with what we have. Finally do you have all of your S.S.Reading points - you could bounce back there, if you come in and make up your time reading.

Tuesday 2/22
1. Review Tests
2. Peer Edit Introduction and Body Paragraphs and Revise them (retype)
3. Start Vocabulary 13 - 14 (homework)

Wednesday 2/23
1. Second Copy of Essay Due
2. Discuss Conclusion of Essay and Type One (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 2/24
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Edit and Revise Conclusion (retype)
3. Read and Do Analysis of “She Sweeps with Many Colored Brooms” (homework)

Friday 2/25
1. Vocabulary 13 – 14 Test (100 points)
2. Review Poem
3. Edit and Revise Whole Essay – Type Final Copy (homework - Final Due Monday)

Each edited copy of "The Wreck of the Hesperus" essay is worth points. Please make sure you do every step in this project.

Bounce back time!

Activites for week three 2/14 - 2/18 - 2011

2011-02-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

What you start, finish. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who might. Responsible people follow through. If they make a commitment, they see it through. They finish. And that is how others evaluate them. Are they dependable or not? Can I rely on them? Writer Ben Ames Williams observed, "Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." As we move into the second semester how are you measure up in responsibility? This week you have three opportunities for extra credit points to raise your grade. First, you may bring a box of Kleenex for 25 homework points (due by Tuesday), and second, if your notebook is perfect 10 extra test points. Finally, you may type an explanation of Williams's quote and also tell me how you would measure yourself (? points). (due by Thursday)

Monday 2/14
1. Grade Spiral Notebook
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Work On Vocabulary 11-12 (homework)
4. Work On “The Wreck of the Hesperus” (homework)

Tuesday 2/15
1. Idiom 1 – 11 Test
2. Read and Journal “The Wreck of the Hesperus”
3. Finish All Homework (homework)

Wednesday 2/16
1. Grade Vocabulary 11 – 12 (60 points)
2. Grade “Wreck” Packet (75 points)
3. Start “Hesperus” Essay (homework) (100 points)

Thursday 2/17
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Discuss and Work on Essay and "The Comma"
3. Write Thesis and Cluster (homework)
4. Review Vocabulary for Test (homework)

Friday 2/18
1. SSR points (100 points) if you are caught up on your pleasure reading
2. Vocabulary 11 – 12 Test (100 points)
3. Work on Essay
4. Type Introduction and Body Paragraphs for “The Wreck…” Essay (homework)

This is a big week to get on top of your grade.
Do it!

Activities for week two 2/7 - 2/11 - 2011

2011-02-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level. I will still be here every morning, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you with questions or problems you may have. Finally, do not forget the President Obama extra credit project with your parents is due Monday before class only.

Monday 2/7
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Final Edit of Poetry Journal
3. Finish Poetry Lecture
4. “O What Is That Sound” Worksheet (homework)

Tuesday 2/8
1. Poetry Journal Due
2. Review Homework
3. Test on “O What Is That Sound”
4. Worksheet on “Roads” Poems (homework)

Wednesday 2/9
1. Review “O What…” Test
2. Review Homework
3. Test on “Roads” Poems
4. Review All Idioms and Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 2/10
1. Idiom Review Test (1 – 9)
2. Review “Roads” Test
3. Vocabulary Bee
4. Read “The Wreck of the Hesperus” pages 124 - 130 (homework)

Friday 2/11
1. Vocabulary Review Test
2. Review Idiom Review Test
3. See “The Last Lecture”
4. Start “The Wreck of the Hesperus” Packet (homework)

Believe in your dreams!

New Semester, Week One Activities 1/31 - 2/3 - 2011

2011-01-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Make sure you have a new spiral notebook. Please let's get off to a great start. Your Poetry Journal is due next week - please have it done so you get off to a great start for the new semester.

Monday 1/31
1. Review Final
2. Write Nonsense Poem (homework)
3. Do Vocabulary 9 and 10 (homework)

Tuesday 2/1
1. Set up new S.S.R. Card
2. Review Quarter Benchmark Test
3. Review Poems
4. Read and Discuss “O What Is That Sound”
5. Write Write Your own Pattern Poem (homework)

Wednesday 2/2
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Review Tangerine Essay and Portfolio
3. Review Write Your Own Pattern Poem
4. Read Frost’s and Whitman’s Road Poems pages 288-292 (homework)

Thursday 2/3
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Read and Discuss Road Poems
3. Write Original Poem (homework)

Friday 2/4
1. Vocabulary 9 – 10 Test
2. Review and Edit Poetry Journal
3. Lecture: Studying Poetry
4. Get Your Poetry Journal Ready (homework)

Let's be on an odyssey of curiosity!

Finals Week 1/24 - 1/28

2011-01-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 25th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 26th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 27th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 28^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week seventeen 1/18 - 1/21 - 2011

2011-01-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is the finish of the first semester. I hope you learned somethings and had some fun. Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." Please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. You may still make up S.S.Reading points in the morning. (Your essay for Tangerine is still being graded and can change your grade, because it, as you know, is worth 200 points.)

Tuesday 1/18
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Grade Notebook
3. Review Mock Serious Poem
4. Write: Haiku Poem and Explanation (homework)

Wednesday 1/19
1. Review Poems
2. Write: Description Poem and Explanation (homework)
3. Review All Vocabulary and Prefixes and Suffixes and Root Words for your Final

Thursday 1/20
1. Second Quarter Benchmark Test
2. Review Poems
3. Write I do not Understand Poem and Explanation (homework)
4. Review All Parts of Speech for your Final

Friday 1/21
1. Review Parts of Speech
2. Review Poems
3. Write Children’s Poem and Explanation (homework)
4. Review Literary Terms for your Final

Make sure you are getting ready for your finals.

Activities for week Sixteen 1/10 - 1/14 - 2011

2011-01-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel.

Please check Aeries and know your grade; if you are not at 100% in your reading points all you have to do is come in and read (10 points for ten minutes) (before school, break, or lunch).

Next Tuesday we will be grading your second quarter spiral notebook. It is an absolute deadline project, because of grading time for the end of the semester.

Monday 1/10
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Idioms Weeks 1 - 6
3. Review Tangerine
4, Do Vocabulary 7 and 8 (homework)

Tuesday 1/11
1. Idiom Test Weeks 1 – 6 (100 points)
2. Lecture: Objectives of the Poetry Unit
3. Start Poetry Notebook and write "Reminiscence Poem" (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/12
1. Tangerine Final (200 points)
2. Review Vocabulary
3. Write Explanation for "Reminiscence Poem" (homework)

Thursday 1/13
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review and Edit "Reminiscence Poem"
3. Write "Name Poem" and Explanation (homework)

Friday 1/14
1. Vocabulary 7 and 8 Test
2. Review Tangerine Final
3. Review "Name Poem"
4. Write "Mock Serious Poem" (homework)

POETRY JOURNAL

Listed below are your directions and requirements for your journal.

1. Must have the proper cover

2. Must have a title page (Poetry Journal) and include your name, period, and the date.

3. Must have a table of contents, which list both the type of poem and the title plus the proper page number.

4. You should include some appropriate art work, by hand or computer

5. Each poem should be followed on the next page with the paragraph explanation and insight into your poem.

The paragraph should follow the multi-paragraph format. This means: Topic sentence, concrete detail and two different sentences of commentary (your personal insight).

6. Your poems should be in this order:

1. Reminiscence

2. Name

3. Mock Serious

4. Haiku

5. Description

6. I do not understand

7. Nonsense

8. Children’s

9. Write your own pattern

10. One original poem that you have composed

**********************************************************

I hope this will be a fun project and that you will learn something about yourself.

Rubric For Poetry Journal

Name _____________________________ Period _____

Date Due: 1/21/2010 (Thursday Absolute Deadline)

	Points Possible	Points Earned
Cover	10
Title Page	15
Table of Contents	20
Poems	100
Explanation	100
Usage and Mechanics	30
Art and Presentation	25

Total Points Possible: 300 Total Points Earned: _____

Activities for week fifteen 1/3 - 1/7 - 2011

2010-12-31T18:24:00.000-08:00

As we start a new year decide your purpose, set your goals. You need to do this - not your parents, not your friends, and not me.(I know you can do great things) This is your 2011. Remember if you do the things you need to do, when you need to do them, someday you can do the things you want to do, when you want to do them!

Jim Tressel, the Ohio State football coach says, "The first step in creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it.

.Vision will ignite the fire of passion, which fuels our commitment to
do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

.Vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into reality of
achievement through human action.

.Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our vision is what
we become in life."

Now for the business of class - please check Aeries so you know where you are grade wise in this class. We have three more weeks then finals, and you will have one in this class. You should probably have a new SSR book. You also have your second copy of your Tangerine essay due Monday please make sure you have all parts to this project. If you missed a test last week before vacation you need to make up it by Monday - please be here Monday by 8:15 am. Let's finish this semester strong!

Monday 1/3
1. Review Vacation
2. Review Stop the Bullying
3. Review Essay
4. Do Vocabulary 5 – 6 Packet (homework)

Tuesday 1/4
1. Final Edit and Revision of Tangerine Essay
2. Test on Tangerine
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/5
1. Essay Due - All Parts– Absolute Deadline! Only Time I will take it!
2. Grade and Review Vocabulary
3. Review Tangerine Test
4. Do Sequence of Events (homework)

Thursday 1/6
1. Pretest and Vocab Bingo
2. Test on Tangerine
3. Review Sequence of Events Worksheet
4. Study for Tests (homework)

Friday 1/7
1. Vocabulary 5 – 6 Test
2. Review Tangerine Test
3. Discuss and Review for Tangerine Final

For extra credit explain Jim Tressel's
quote with examples from you.
(MLA format - due Tuesday!)

We start poetry next week!

Activities for week fourteen 12/13 - 12/17 - 2010

2010-12-12T13:56:00.001-08:00

Monday 12/13
1. Review Tests
2. Share Colleges
3. Work on Commentary Packet (homework)

Tuesday 12/14
1. Commentary Packet Due
2. Read and Discuss Tangerine Aloud
3. Stop the Bullying worksheet (homework)
4. Review Vocabulary 1 - 4 (homework)

Wednesday 12/15
1. Tangerine Test
2. Start Tangerine Essay
3. Bubble Cluster and Outline Due Tomorrow (homework)
4. Finish Stop the Bullying (homework)

Thursday 12/16
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Stop the Bullying Due
3. Work on Essay – Type First Copy (have book) and Discuss Conclusion handout (homework)

Friday 12/17
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Edit and Revise Essay
3. Type Second Copy of Essay (homework)

Merry Christmas!

Activities for week thirteen 12/6 - 12/10 - 2010

2010-12-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

We are finishing Tangerine in the next two weeks, and Robert Strauss stated, "Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." For you this means you need to put two good weeks in on Tangerine if you want success in this unit. Also please check your S.S.Reading Points, you have until Thursday to make up any Reading Points. (You should have read 550 pages of you pleasure reading books.)
I am still here in the mornings, at break, or lunch for help or questions.

Monday 12/6
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review all Idioms
3. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Packet (homework)
4. Finish Packets (Tangerine and Commentary) homework

Tuesday 12/7
1. Idiom Test
2. Review Worksheets and Discuss Tangerine
3. Read Tangerine and finish Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 12/8
1. Grade and Discuss Vocabulary
2. Review Idiom Test
3. Share Collages
4. Read Tangerine and study (homework)

Thursday 12/9
1. Tangerine Quiz
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Share Colleges
4. Read and Study (homework)

Friday 12/10
1. Vocabulary 3, 4 Test
2. Share Colleges
3. Discuss Commentary
4. Finish Reading Tangerine (homework)

"To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose

under the heaven."

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

Activities for week twelve 11/29 - 12/3 - 2010

2010-11-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

Remember, your collage is due Monday! You may drop it off early if you wish.

Galileo Galilei stated, "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." What does this mean to you? Write me a typed MLA formatted paragraph explaining what the quote means to you in relationship to our class and explain who is Galileo. Are you using your endowments? This is an extra credit project due Monday (Possible 50 points), (25 points Tuesday before class only - absolute deadline). Please check Aeries so you know where you are in our class, and what you need to do to get what you want. Is there S.S.Reading points that you are missing?

Monday 11/29
1. Collage Due
2. Review Journal “Integrity”
3. Review Vocabulary Test
4. Elements of Language Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Tuesday 11/30
1. Review Tangerine Test
2, Explain Extra Credit Cards
3. Review Tangerine Worksheets
4. Read Tangerine and finish Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 12/1
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Body Paragraph Handout
3. Tangerine Worksheets (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 12/2
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Lecture: Commentary
3. Work on Worksheets (homework)
4. Read Tangerine and study (homework)

Friday 12/3
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Commentary Packet (homework)
3. Finish Tangerine Worksheet (homework)

Excellence is not Chance, it is Choice.

Activities for week eleven 11/5 - 11/19 - 2010

2010-11-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want. We also are in the school wide can food drive which is an extra credit opportunity for you, the deadline is Thursday.

Monday 11/15
1. Review Benchmark Test
2. Clean Backpack
3. Work on Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning (homework)

Tuesday 11/16
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Finish Tangerine Worksheets
3. Read Tangerine and finish Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 11/17
1. Review Strategies Packet
2. Review Tangerine worksheets
3. Start Tangerine Collage (homework) Due 11/29 absolute deadline (100 points)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 11/18
1. Tangerine Quiz
2. Practice Vocabulary Test
3. Essay Introduction hand-out
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 11/19
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Journal: Quick write “integrity” What are you building? Write two paragraphs
3. Tangerine Worksheets (homework)

Be Great Today!

Activities for week ten 11/8 - 11/10 - 2010

2010-11-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." As we finish the quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are. You have until Wednesday to make up any reading points that you are missing. As always I will be here every morning to help you.

Monday 11/8
1. Review Tests and Work Cited
2. Review Vocabulary and Card are Due
3. Review Worksheet 16 -38
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 11/9
1. Quarter Benchmark Test
2. Review Worksheet 38 - 45
3. Tangerine Worksheets 60-75 (homework)
4. Study for Vocabulary Final (homework)

Wednesday 11/10
1. Vocabulary Final
2. See Student Teacher Conflict
3. Discuss Tangerine
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Have a great vacation!

Activites for week nine 11/1 - 11/5 - 2010

2010-10-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me. There is still time that you may contribute to "The Boxes of Love" for extra credit - see me.

Monday 11/1
1. Review Tests
2. Discuss Tangerine
3. Do Cards for Roots Words 4 (homework)
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 11/2
1. Idiom Test (weeks 1 and 2)
2. Grade Notebook
3. Review Vocabulary Cards
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 11/3
1. Review Tangerine worksheets
2. Start Pages 38 – 45 worksheet (homework)
3. Read Tangerine and Study root words (homework)

Thursday 11/4
Pretest and Vocab Bingo
Review and discuss Tangerine
Do pages 49 - 60 worksheet (homework)

Friday 11/5
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Review pages 38 – 45 worksheet
3. Finish pages 49-60 worksheet (homework)

******************************************

"Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ."

Who said this, what does it mean, and where are you in your deeds? In MLA format type the answers to these questions in a well written paragraph blending your answers into a cohesive paper. Extra Credit *** Due by Tuesday! ********************************************

Activites for week eight 10/25 - 10/29 - 2010

2010-10-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/25
1. Review Roots Test
2. Read and discuss “Scarlet Ibis”
3. Review Thesis for Test
4. Make Card for Roots 3 (homework)
5. Read Tangerine (homework)

Tuesday 10/26
1. Thesis Quiz
2. Review “Scarlet Ibis” Packet
3. Review Essay Terms
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 10/27
1. Review Thesis Quiz
2. Lecture: “How to Mark a Book” Adler’s strategies
3. Journal: “That’s not fair”
4. Do Introduction worksheet (homework)

Thursday 10/28
1. Essay Terms Quiz
2. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
3.Discuss Tangerine
4.Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 10/29
1. Vocabulary Six, Roots 3 Test
2. Review “Introduction”
3. In Groups do pages 7 – 16 and 16 – 38 worksheets
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Talk is cheap!

Activities for week seven 10/18 - 10/22 - 2010

2010-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class; if you are not passing right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade. Have you bought Tangerine? (50 points) We start reading it on Friday. Have you bought something for the Boxes of Love? (25 points or ?)

Monday 10/18
1. Review Tests
2. Review Thesis and “Dangerous Game” Packet
3. Make cards for new Roots (homework)
4. Start "The Scarlet Ibis" Packet

Tuesday 10/19
1. Essay Terms Lecture
2. Start Idioms
3. Write a Journal “Connect to Your Life” page 592
4. Read “The Scarlet Ibis” Pages 592 - 607 (homework)

Wednesday 10/20
1. Review Root Words
2. Finish Essay Lecture
3. Read and discuss “The Scarlet Ibis”
4. Work on "The Scarlet Ibis" Packet

Thursday 10/21
1. Review Homework Questions
2. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
3. Read and discuss “The Scarlet Ibis”
4. Study for Vocabulary Test and Finish "Ibis" Packet (homework)

Friday 10/22
1. Vocabulary Roots Test
2. “The Scarlet Ibis” Packet Due
3. Start reading Tangerine (homework)

Are you reaching your potential?

Activities for week six 10/11 - 10/15 - 2010

2010-10-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/11
1. Review Tests
2. Study Root words
3. Read and discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 10/12
1. Read and Discuss “Dangerous Game”
2. Review Parts of Speech
3. Read pages 1190 – 1193 Do Grammar Practices pages 1192 and 1193 (Type and MLA format) (homework)

Wednesday 10/13
1. Finish “Most Dangerous Game” and Review Packet
2. Reading Test
3. Questions on Homework
4. Study and Review for Test (homework)

Thursday 10/14
1. Grammar Homework Due
2. Parts of Speech Test
3. Lecture: Essay Terms
4. Thesis Worksheet (homework)

Friday 10/15
1. Finish Lecture: Essay Terms
2. Review Reading Test and Homework
3. Study all Vocabulary - Test Monday (homework)

Is it better to give or receive?

Week five activities 10/4 - 10/8 - 2010

2010-10-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous
Do not forget Tangerine is worth 50 points extra credit.

Monday 10/4
1. Review Tests
2. Read and discuss “The Necklace”
3. Retype “Work Cited” (homework)
4. Study Prefixes & Suffixes (homework)

Tuesday 10/5
1. Suffix Cards and Work Cited due
2. Grade “The Necklace” Packet
3. “The Necklace” Test
4. Read “The Most Dangerous Game” Pages 38 - 51 (homework)

Wednesday 10/6
1. Prefix Review Test
2. Review “Necklace” Test
3. Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
4. Work on “The Most Dangerous” Packet (homework)

Thursday 10/7
1. Study Suffixes class and homework
2. Work on Parts of Speech class and homework
3. Finish “The Most Dangerous Game” Packet (homework)

Friday 10/8
Suffix Test
Review Prefix Test
Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
Make Cards - Word Roots (homework)

Please check Aeries

Week four activities 9/27 - 10/1 - 2010

2010-09-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Wednesday night is back to school night and I would love to meet your parents and start a relationship with them. You can earn 25 extra credit points if they sign in Wednesday night during your period. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. Remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, and the beginning of lunch, or come to the tennis courts after school.

Monday 9/27
1. Pre-writing assessment due
2. Literary Terms Test
3. New Prefixes – Make cards (homework)
4. Work on “Works Cited” and type page (homework)

Tuesday 9/28
1. Study Prefixes – Cards due
2. Review Parts of Speech
3. Read “The Necklace” pages 26 - 35 (homework)

Wednesday 9/29
1. Work Cited page due
2. Read and Discuss “The Necklace”
3. Do “The Necklace” Packet (homework)
4. Study for Tests (homework)

Thursday 9/30
1. Parts of Speech Test
2. Finish “The Necklace”
3. Finish Packet (homework)
4. Study for Prefix Test (homework)

Friday 10/1
1. Prefix Test
2. Review “The Necklace” packet
3. Make Suffix cards (homework)

You have choices.
Make good ones.

Week three activities 9/20 - 9/24 - 2010

2010-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries is up - please use it to know where you are in our class.

This is the Bell Game Week and the Aloha Dance on Saturday. Enjoy and don't forget, high school is only once.

Monday 9/20
1. Portfolio due - write Pre-writing Assessment
2. Review Prefixes
3. Discuss “Plainswoman”
4. Study for Tests (prefixes and literary terms) (homework)

Tuesday 9/21
1. See "Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less" (in the Theater)
2. Nouns, pronouns, adjectives worksheets (homework)

Wednesday 9/22
1. Meet in Library
2. Library Orientation
3. Worksheets due
4. Study for Tests (homework)

Thursday 9/23
1. Meet in Library
2. Finish Project
3. Study Literary Terms and Prefixes for Tests (homework)

Friday 9/24
1. Prefix Test (100 points)
2. Literary Terms Test (100 points)
3. Review Parts of Speech
4. Read “The Necklace” pages 26 - 35 (homework)

Week two activities 9/13 - 9/18 - 2010

2010-09-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/13
1. Read and Discuss MLA Style
2. Read and discuss “15 Study Tricks to Improve Your Grade”
3. Get Spiral Three Subject Notebook

Tuesday 9/14
1. Check out Literature Books and setup Spiral Notebook
2. Lecture: Literary Terms
3. Read “Plainswoman” pages 8-19

Wednesday 9/15
1. Finish lecture
2. Read and discuss “Plainswoman” Pages 8 – 19
3. Study Prefixes –-- test 9/22

Thursday 9/17
1. Read and discuss story
2. Read College Syllabus
3. Study Prefixes and make note cards
4. Make and set up Portfolio

Friday 9/18
1. Read and discuss “The Plainswoman”
2. Portfolio due
3. Read and discuss a College Syllabus

Take Pride in what you do!

Activities for week one 9/7 - 9/10 - 2010

2010-09-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next four years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/7
1. Introductions and check phone numbers
2. Discuss “Guidelines” (have signed) and Reading List
3. Share your summer
4. Make a Name plate for your desk

Wednesday 9/8
1. Guidelines due
2. PowerPoint Overview
3. Read and Discuss “Exam Keeps diplomas from 506 seniors”
4. Ice Breaker

Thursday 9/9
1. Read and Discuss “The Fence” and Lessons in Leadership – “Foster teamwork through respect”
2. Get SSR Book from list

Friday 9/10
1. Fill out Silent Sustain Reading card (SSR Book)
2. Grammar quiz (Spell Checker)
3. Discuss and Review MLA format

You are important - let me help you!

Last week's activities 6/14 - 6/17 - 2010

2010-06-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary lessons 1 - 20. The parts of your final will be just like the vocabulary packets you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Also don't forget our study session on Tuesday. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/14
1. Review Tests
2. Review and study for final
3. Check Aeries (homework and extra credit)

Tuesday 6/15
1. Review and study for final

Wednesday 6/16
1. Final

Thursday 6/17
1. Final

"You have to have confidence in your ability,

and then be tough enough to follow through."

- Rosalynn Carter -

Activities for week eighteen 6/7 - 6/11 - 2010

2010-06-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and The Odyssey. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have. Next Tuesday I will have an extra credit study session from 3 pm to 4 pm for your final. You must be on time for any points.

Monday 6/7
1. Vocabulary 23 – 24 Test
2. Character Map
3. Read and Discuss The Odyssey
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 6/8
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Book 21 Worksheet
3. Read and Discuss The Odyssey
4. Read S.S.R. Book (20 pages) (homework)
5. Review all Idioms (homework)

Wednesday 6/9
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. Idiom Bee
3. See The Odyssey
4. Mythology Crossword (homework)
5. Study and Review all Terms (homework)

Thursday 6/10
1. Organize Portfolio
2. Literary Terms Hunt
3. Review all Vocabulary and Idioms (homework)

Friday 6/11
1. Review Grade
2. Study for finals

"This is the end."
-The Doors-

Activities for week seventeen 6/1 - 6/4 - 2010

2010-05-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. Remember I am still here to help you anyway I can.

Tuesday 6/1
1. Review Tests
2. Book 21 Worksheet due
3. Edit god/goddess Project (work on drawings)
4. Vocabulary 23 - 24 (homework)

Wednesday 6/2
1. Read and Discuss Book 21
2. Work on Project (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary 23 - 24 (homework)

Thursday 6/3
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Final edit and revision of god/goddess Project (homework)

Friday 6/4
1. God/goddess Project Due
2. Vocabulary Bingo
3. See The Odyssey
4. Vocabulary Test Monday

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.

- Dr. Seuss -

Activites for week sixteen 5/24 - 5/27 - 2010

2010-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Larry Grant says, "there are three types of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, 'What happened?'" Which one are you? If you want to make something happen then you may answer the questions on pages 914, 926, and 939. (Type MLA format, and complete sentences) You may also make up reading points from the last reading period - please check Aeries. You have been fun, now let's finish strong so you can have fun in the sun.

Monday 5/24
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Book 12 Test
3. Review all of The Odyssey (homework)

Tuesday 5/25
1. Book 9 – 12 Test
2. Idioms Bee
3. Start Book 21 Worksheets (homework)

Wednesday 5/26
1. Idiom Test week 17 - 21
2. Start “Create Your Own God/Goddess Project” (homework)
3. See The Odyssey (homework)

Thursday 5/27
1. Grade Notebook
2. Questions on Project
3. Finish Book 21 Worksheet (homework)
4. Work on God/Goddess project (homework)

Finish like a Beast!

Activites for week fifteen 5/17 - 5/21 - 2010

2010-05-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

As we finish the year I still have a few messages and opportunities for you. If you want to be successful and to maximize your efforts and talents as a good student and good person, you need to stop blaming others, take a good look in the mirror, and take responsibility for your own life and grades. Oprah Winfrey says, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." I hope that you will be in the place you want to be next year and this summer. You may see me for two extra credit opportunities.

Monday 5/17
1. Polyphemus Poem Due
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Read and Discuss Book 12
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 5/18
1. Book Ten Quiz
2. Read and Discuss Book 12
3. Finish Book 10 and 12 Worksheets (homework)
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 5/19
1. Review and Discuss Book 10 and 12 worksheets
2. Review all Vocabulary (homework)
3. Read S.S.R. Book Twenty minutes (homework)

Thursday 5/20
1. Book Twelve Quiz
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. See The Odyssey
4. Read Book Twenty-one pages 941 - 954 (homework)

Friday 5/21
1. Vocabulary Review Test
2. See The Odyssey
3. Grade Notebook next week
4. Read S.S.R. Book twenty minutes (homework)

Go for it!

Activities for week 14 5/10 - 5/14 - 2010

2010-05-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." As we finish this quarter, this semester, this year - finish strong; think of all you still can do this semester. "Excellence is the gradual result of always wanting to do better." stated Pat Riley. And if you want to do better you may make up any reading points from the last entry on Aeries.

Monday 5/10
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss Book 10
3. Review Character Outline
4. Write Polyphemus Poem (homework)
5. Do Vocabulary 21-22 (homework)

Tuesday 5/11
1. See The Odyssey
2. Read and Discuss Book Ten
3. Finish Polyphemus Poem (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 5/12
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Edit Poem
3. Revise Poem (homework)
4. Start Book Ten and Twelve Worksheet (homework)

Thursday 5/13
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Edit Polyphemus Poem
3. Rewrite Poem (homework)
4. Read Book Twelve (homework)

Friday 5/15
1. Vocabulary 21-22 Test
2. Read and Discuss The Odyssey
3. Final Copy and all Parts of Polyphemus Poem Due Monday!

Carpe Diem!

Activities for week thirteen 5/3 - 5/7 - 2010

2010-05-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Magic Johnson paraphrased John F. Kennedy when he stated, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates." Are you making our class more interesting? Are you sharing your ideas about our reading, and really getting involved in our discussions? President Woodrow Wilson asserted, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and to impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Are you adding value to our class? If you are involved in our discussions and are raising your hand to answer my questions you may see me for extra credit projects. Please don't ask if you are one of my "just along for the ride people".

Monday 5/3
1. Read and Discuss Book 9
2. Work on Study Guide (homework)
3. Do Vocabulary 19 - 20 (homework)

Tuesday 5/4
1. Test on “Homer’s World”
2. Read and Discuss Book 9
3. Study Guide Due
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 5/5
1. Idiom 15 - 19 Test
2. Review Vocabulary
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Review for Book 1 and 9 Test (homework)

Thursday 5/6
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Book 1 and 9 Test
3. Start “Polyphemus” Poem (homework)

Friday 5/7
1. Vocabulary 19 – 20 Test
2. Discuss “Polyphemus” Poem – Character sheet due Monday
3. See The Odyssey

The Adventures Continues!

Activities for week twelve 4/26 - 4/30 - 2010

2010-04-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

We are very close to finishing your first year at El Dorado and you becoming a sophomore. President Abrahm Lincoln said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Practicing responsibility will do great things for you. It will strengthen your talent, advance your skills, and increase your opportunities. Now we are going to start The Odyssey and you will have other opportunities in class to improve your lot. Will you?

Remember you are a "Star" and we will be testing Tuesday through Thursday to see how bright you shine.

Monday 4/26
1. Research Project Due
2. Review Romeo and Juliet Final and Anticipation Guide
3. Discuss Power Words
4. Read “Homer’s World” and The Odyssey pgs. 886 - 893 (homework)

Wednesday/Thursday
1. Discuss “Homer’s World” and “The Epic”
2. Mythology IQ Test
3. Read Book 1 of The Odyssey pages 894 - 895 (homework)

Friday 4/30
1. Discuss Gods/Goddesses
2. Read and discuss Book 1
3. Read Book 9 pages 896 – 913 (homework)
4. Begin Study Guide Books 1 - 9 (homework)

You have this week only to make up any reading
points from the third quarter.

Activities for week eleven 4/19 - 4/23 - 2010

2010-04-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

Novelist Charles Wilson says, "No matter the size of the bottle, the cream always rises to the top." Talent gives you a head start on others, but the advantage it gives lasts only a short time. Songwriter Irving Berlin understood this truth when he said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in business. You've got to keep working that talent." As we finish the school year keep working your best. Please if you are having problems you need to see me. This week I will be gone Thursday and Friday to Ojai for a tennis tournament, so you need to see me before that.
Please check Aeries so you know where you are in this class.

This week we will be in the library from Monday through Thursday working on your research project. Your project is your homework as well this week.

Friday 4/23
1. Edit project
2. Read pages 886 - 893 The Odyssey and Homer's World (homework)
3. Research Project due Monday

Activities for week ten 4/13 - 4/16 - 2010

2010-04-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli observed, The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." That is really the essence of positive relationships that influence people to rise up and reach their potential. They see the best in you and encourage you to strive for it. Author William Allen Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities." As we finish the school year let's lift each other up and influence each other in positive ways. If you are struggling in this class you need to see me this week, so we can set up a plan for you to succeed.

Tuesday 4/13
1. Review Act IV Test
2. Questions and work on vacation homework
3. Packet Due Tomorrow (homework)
4. Review Romeo and Juliet (homework)

Wednesday 4/14 (Late Start)
1. Review Act V Packet
2. Review All of Romeo and Juliet for your final (homework)
3. Read S.S. Reading Book (20 pages - homework)

Thursday 4/15
1. See and Discuss Act V Romeo and Juliet
2. Read Research Handouts and have questions for tomorrow (homework)
3. Study for Romeo and Juliet Final (homework)

Friday 4/16
1. Romeo and Juliet Final
2. Pick person for Research
3. Explain Project & Questions
4. Find a Book on your person not from the El Dorado Library (due Monday - 20 points extra credit)

Don't forget about the Orange County National College Fair
Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
See me for a flier
Extra Credit

Activities for week nine 3/29 - 4/1 - 2010

2010-03-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hello, we are finishing the third quarter, please do not miss anything this week. Everything this week is an absolute deadline. For extra credit you may go back and find one of my opening addresses to you from this quarter and explain it and tell me how you can use it in your life. Also you may only make up the last two weeks S.S.Reading.

Monday 3/29
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Benchmark Test
3. Read and Discuss Act IV
4. Read S.S.R. Book (30 min) (homework)

Tuesday 3/30
1. Review Act IV Packet
2. See Act IV
3. Read S.S.R. Book (30 min) (homework)

Wednesday 3/31
1. Act IV Test
2. Review Benchmark Test
3. Discuss Dialectical Journals
4. Act V Packet

Thursday 4/1
1. See Discussion of Act V
2. Work on Dialectical Journals
3. Finish Act V Packet

Happy Easter!

Activities for week eight, 3/22 - 3/ 26 - 2010

2010-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." As you move through school are you earning the trust of your parents? Many of you have earned my trust and I hope you will continue to work hard.

If you are not doing well in class you need to see me this week before Wednesday.

Monday 3/22
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. See Act III and discuss it
3. Do Vocabulary 17 – 18 (homework)
4. Read Act IV and Start Act IV Packet (homework)

Tuesday 3/23
1. Review Act III Packet
2. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
3. Make sure Notebook is up to date and Review Idioms
4. Work on Act IV Packet (homework)

Wednesday 3/24
1. Act III Test (100 points)
2. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
3. Finish Act IV Packet (homework)
4. Review Idioms 13 - 17

Thursday 3/25
1. Act IV Packet Due
2. Idiom 13 – 17 Test (100 points)
3. Grade Notebook
4. Read and Discuss Act IV

Friday 3/26
1. Vocabulary 17 – 18 Test (100 points)
2. Review Act III Test
3. Read and discuss Act IV
4. Read Act V (homework)

Finish Strong!

Activities for week seven, 3/15 - 3/ 19 - 2010

2010-03-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

As a coach I say this all the time, "You play at the level at which you practice." Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play. It sharpens your talent. Successful people understands this. They value practice (homework) and develop the discipline to do it. If you want to sum up what lifts most successful individuals above the crowd, you could do it with four little words: a little bit more. Successful people pay their dues and do all that is expected of them-plus a little bit more. The question for you is this, "are you doing that little bit more?"

Monday 3/15
1. Review Tests
2. Review Act II Packet
3. Study all Vocabulary (homework)
4. Read Act III (homework)

Tuesday 3/16
1. Act II Test (100 points)
2. See Discussion of Act III
3. Start Act III Packet (homework)
4. Review All Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 3/17
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. Read and Discuss Act III
3. Work on Act III Packet (homework)

Thursday 3/18
1. Act III Packet Due
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)

Friday 3/13
1. Vocabulary 11 – 16 Test
2. See Romeo and Juliet
3. Read Act IV (homework)

Extra Credit
If you want to do that little bit more - see me.

Activites for week six 3/8 - 3/12 2010

2010-03-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Doing the right thing doesn't come naturally to any of us. As George Washington said, "Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder." Yet that is what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us.

It's not easy to do the right thing when the wrong thing is expedient. Moliere commented, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ. The difference in their deeds is simple: People of character do what is right regardless of the situation." It's not easy to do the right thing when no one but you will know. But it's in those moments that a person's character becomes strong. Martin Luther King Jr. asserted this:

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it Popular?
Character asks: Is it right?"

That is the bottom line. Are you going to do what's right? Will I see your homework done with effort and care? Will you do your reading and study for your test?

Ten points extra credit if you come and tell me what Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote says and ten more points if you can explain it to me and give me a personal example.

Monday 3/8
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Cartoon
3. See the end of Act I
4. Do Vocabulary 15 - 16 (homework)
5. Work on Act II Packet (homework)

Tuesday 3/9
1. See Discussion of Act II
2. Read and Discuss Act II
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Work on Act II Packet (homework)

Wednesday 3/10
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Read and discuss Act II
3. Finish Act II Packet (homework)
4. Study for Shakespeare Background Test (homework)

Thursday 3/11
1. Act II Packet Due (143 points)
2. Drama Terms and Background Test (100 points)
3. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
4. Read and discuss Act II
5. Read Act III (homework)

Friday 3/12
1. Vocabulary 15 - 16 Test (100 points)
2. See Romeo and Juliet
3. Study for Act II Test (homework)
4. Read Act III (homework)

Extra Credit
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Quote

Activites for week five 3/1 - 3/5 2010

2010-02-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Greek philosopher Aristotle observed, We become what we are as persons by the decisions that we ourselves make." Each time you make a responsible decision, you become a more responsible person. Even if your track record has not been good up to now, you can change. Oprah Winfrey stated, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Let's get the job done this week so that you will be ready for what is a head of you. You did a great job on your last Idiom test - keep the ball rolling. Please check Aeries and if there is a problem or you don't like your grade see me before school.

Monday 3/1
1. Act I Packet Due (95 points)
2. Review Idiom’s Test
3. Read and Discuss Act I
4. Start Vocabulary 13 - 14 (homework)

Tuesday 3/2
1. Review Act I Packet
2. Read and Discuss Act I
3. Finish Vocabulary
4. Start Reading Act II (homework)

Wednesday 3/3
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Read and discuss Act I
3. Literal and Figurative – Explain each Term and the Cartoon (Type - MLA format) (homework)

Thursday 3/4
1. Homework Due
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Vocabulary Pretest
3. Act I Test (100 points)
4. See Act I, Romeo and Juliet
5. Start Act II Packet (homework)

Friday 3/5
1. Vocabulary 13 and 14 Test (100 points)
2. Review Act I Test
3. See Romeo and Juliet
4. Work on Act II Packet

Let your light shine!

Activites for week four 2/24 - 2/26 - 2010

2010-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Harvard professor of psychiatry George E. Vaillant, in his book Aging Well, identifies resiliency as a significant characteristic of people who navigate the many transitions of life from birth to old age. He writes, "Resilience reflects individuals who metaphorically resemble a twig with a fresh, green living core. When twisted out of shape, such a twig bends but it does not break; instead it springs back and continues growing." That is an description of how you need to be to persevere and make the most of your talents here at El Dorado. You must not become dry, brittle, and inflexible. You would be wise to follow the words of Jerry West: "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good." So as we move to the end of the school year let's do the most we can with what we have. Remember I am here every morning to help you be prepared for class.

Use sparknotes to help you understand your reading.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/

Wednesday 2/24
1. Vocabulary 11 – 12 Test (100 points)
2. Discuss Anticipation Guide
3. Read and discuss Shakespearean Handouts
4. Read The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, “The Prologue and Act I” pages 992 - 1019 (homework)

Thursday 2/25
1. Read and discuss The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Act I
2. See Understanding Shakespeare
3. Start “Act I” Packet (homework)

Friday 2/26
1. Idiom Weeks 13 – 14 Test
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. See Discussion of “Act I”
4. Finish “Act I” Packet (homework)

Please stay up on the reading of
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

Activites for week three 2/16 - 2/19 - 2010

2010-02-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

Remember Yoda says,
" There is no try in do."

Actitives for 2nd week - 2/8 - 2/12 - 2010

2010-02-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level. I will still be here every morning, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you with questions or problems you may have.

Monday 2/8
1. Bubble Cluster Due (25pts)
2. Review and set up Idioms in Notebook
3. Review Extra Credit Vocabulary Cards
4. Review “Hesperus” Packet
5. Do Vocabulary 9 - 10 (homework)

Tuesday 2/9
1. Finish Review of Packet and Take Test
2. Review and Develop Thesis and Write Outline (Type Outline) (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 2/10
1. Outline Due (25 points)
2. Review Vocabulary (70 pts.)
3. Review Introduction and write Introduction (Start with a quote) Type it (homework)
4. Read pages: 130, 873-878, 979, 1155-1156

Thursday 2/11
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Edit Introductions (25 pts)
3. Work on and Type Body Paragraphs (homework)

Friday 2/12
1. Vocabulary 9 and 10 Test
2. Edit Body Paragraphs (75 pts)
3. Review Conclusion and Type One (homework)

EXTRA CREDIT
Monday only for 20 points, you may bring a regular box of tissue.

Activities for new semester - week 1, 2/1 - 2/5 - 2010

2010-01-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Please let's get off to a great start.

Monday 2/1
1. Review Final
2. Read and have signed Class Guidelines, (25 points)
3. Read “The Wreck of the Hesperus” pages 124 - 130 (homework)

Tuesday 2/2
1. Guidelines due
2. Set up new S.S.R. book cards
3. Read and Discuss Guidelines for Studying Poetry
4. Start “Hesperus” Packet (homework)

Wednesday 2/3
1. Read and Discuss “The Wreck of the Hesperus” pages 124-130
2. Work on “The Wreck of the Hesperus” Packet (homework)

Thursday 2/4
1. See “The Last Lecture” and take notes
2. Finish “The Wreck of the Hesperus” Packet
3. Read S.S.R. Book (20 pages) (homework)

Friday 2/5
1. Read and Discuss “The Wreck of the Hesperus”
2. Start “Hesperus” Essay (homework)
3. Packet Due Monday

Let's Have Fun!
And get our work done!

Finals 1/25 - 1/28 - 2010

2010-01-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

This is the end, all we have left is your final. If you have S.S.Reading points to make up you can do that Monday and Tuesday morning. Good luck on your final.

Final
55 clue context, prefix, suffix, root questions
30 vocabulary words
20 literature terms
25 parts of speech
20 idioms

Monday January 25th
Review for final

Tuesday, January 26th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 27th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 28th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 29^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week eighteen 1/19 - 1/22 - 2010

2010-01-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

This is the finish of the first semester. I hope you learned somethings and had some fun. Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." Please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. For extra credit (25 points) you may print your grade from Aeries and have your parents write me a note on the back of the printout about what they think of your grade and your effort in this class. (Your essay for Tangerine is still being graded and can change your grade, because it, as you know, is worth 200 points.) (Please have their signature and print their name also, so I can read who the note it from.)

Tuesday 1/19
1. Poetry Journal Due
2. Idiom Test (weeks 1 – 11)
3. Read and Discuss “O What Is That Sound” pages 138 – 145
4. Review: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots (homework for final)

Wednesday 1/20
1. Review Idiom Test and Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss Frost’s and Whitman’s Road poems – pages 288 – 292
3. Review Parts of Speech (homework for final)

Thursday 1/21
1. Idiom Test (1-12)
2. Grade Spiral Notebook
3. Study for Final and Read S.S.R. Book (literary terms?)

Friday 1/22
1. Review for Final
2. Study for Final
3. Read S.S.R. Book

Extra - Extra - Extra Credit

If you would like you may bring items from the list to support the food Pantry for PYLUSD McKinney Vento. All items are due by Wednesday.
(Points will vary)

Food Pantry
for PYLUSD McKinney Vento
Families

The Assessment Center has a food pantry that we are filling with just the
basics. The food is distributed to needy families, with students in our schools,
who have been identified as McKinney Vento eligible. To be in the program a
student must lack fixed, regular, or adequate housing due to economic
hardship. We would love it if you would think of us the next time you are in the
Costco or Sam’s. However, due to limited space and health considerations, we
are accepting donations for the following food staples only:
• dried beans, rice in bags
• cooking oil
• oatmeal
• pasta (spaghetti, macaroni)
• tomato sauce
• garbanzo beans and lentils
• canned vegetable soup
• boxed cereals (healthy only)
• canned mixed vegetables
• sugar
• baby food in jars, and formula
• crackers (Saltines, Ritz)
• canned tuna
• small bags of flour
We are located at 3232 Topaz Lane next door to Topaz Elementary School in the bungalows on Sapphire Street
on the corner of Topaz Lane and Sapphire. Our phone number is 714-986-7028. We distribute food all year
long, so if you would, keep us in mind throughout the year! Your donations help families who have lost their
income due to job loss during these tough economic times. A bag of groceries can keep several kids fed for a
few days which is often all that it takes for a family who is desperate and in transition. Our families truly appreciate
the help that we give them. We are not a “crutch” or a social service, just a helping hand during a crisis.
Any donations at all are greatly appreciated! As always, food gift cards from local grocery stores are welcome
donations! Send them through district mail to Jon Matson at the Assessment Center.

Activities for week seventeen 1/11 - 1/15 - 2010

2010-01-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel.

Monday 1/11
1. Idiom 1 – 9 Test
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Review and edit poems
4. Write Mock Serious and Haiku poems (homework)
5. Do Vocabulary 7 and 8 (homework)

Tuesday 1/12
1. Review Poems
2. Write: Description and I do not Understand poems (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/13
1. Review Idiom’s Test
2. Review Poems
3. Write: Children’s and Nonsense poems (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 1/14
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Review Poems
3. Write Your Own Pattern poem (homework)

Friday 1/15
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Review Poems
3. Write Original poem (homework)
4. Finish Poetry Journal (homework)

If your choice is to increase your points in this class you may go to glencoe.com and: enter your state and subject and click on student, browse the menu to the right for state and other general info, click to open the online learning center, select the online student edition, enter student and f81e73ce51, then open content and print page 440 and 448. On page 440, click on the filmstrip and watch the video and be able to tell me what is is about. This is due Wednesday or before (40 points Tuesday, 30 points Wednesday).

Activities for week sixteen 1/4 - 1/8 - 2010

2010-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

As we start a new year and a new decade decide your purpose, set your goals. You need to do this - not your parents, not your friends, and not me. This is your 2010. Remember if you do the things you need to do, when you need to do them, someday you can do the things you want to do, when you want to do them!

Jim Tressel, the Ohio State football coach says, "The first step in creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it.

.Vision will ignite the fire of passion, which fuels our commitment to
do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

.Vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into reality of
achievement through human action.

.Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our vision is what
we become in life."

Now for the business of class - please check Aeries so you know where you are grade wise in this class. We have three more weeks then finals, and you will have one in this class. You should probably have a new SSR book. If you missed Friday you have a test to make up - please be here Monday by 7:30 am. I have also attached part of your poetry project to this blog - the project should be fun.

Monday 1/4
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Edit and revise essay (homework)
3. Do Vocabulary 5 and 6 (homework)

Tuesday 1/5
1. Review Tangerine Final
2. Work on and revise essay (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/6
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Lecture: Poetry Journal
3. Finish essay

Thursday 1/7
1. Essay due (200 points)
2. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
3. Write Reminiscence poem

Friday 1/8
1. Vocabulary 5 and 6 Test (100 points)
2. Lecture: Objectives of Poetry Unit
3. Review Reminiscence poem
4. Write Name poem

Finish Strong!

**********************************************************

I hope this will be a fun project and that you will learn something about yourself.

Rubric For Poetry Journal

Name _____________________________ Period _____

Date Due: 1/21/2010 (Thursday Absolute Deadline)

	Points Possible	Points Earned
Cover	10
Title Page	15
Table of Contents	20
Poems	100
Explanation	100
Usage and Mechanics	30
Art and Presentation	25

Total Points Possible: 300 Total Points Earned: ________

Teacher Comments:

Reminiscence Poem

--I remember. . . (who or what)

--Describe the person or event

--Tell when

--Why do you remember it now

--Now when I . . .

I remember all of my fun family vacations,

Staying down at Newport in our beachfront house,

Lying in the sun,

Swimming in the ocean,

And meeting friends old and new,

During the heated month of July.

I remember it now because it’s my favorite place to be.

It’s always cheerful and peaceful near the sea.

Now, when I think back on it I wish I was there,

Happy and free,

Near the sea!

Name Poem

--compare a person to an inanimate object. (use a metaphor)

--then compare the person to an animal

--Show the person in a dream-like state (ideal) setting

--Describe or name an emotion of the person and compare that emotion to something in nature.

EXAMPLE:

Pam is

A boulder etched

with beauty and grace,

By the strong desert winds.

She is a mountain lion,

Seeking quiet places

under the stars.

She walks through trees,

Ravished by the wind.

She is calm amid chaos,

Like a patch of wild flowers near a raging river.

Activities for week fifteen 12/14 - 12/18 - 2009

2009-12-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

As we move to Christmas - "do you know it is a party? It is a birthday party ... birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say 'Merry Christmas!'" stated Rick Warren. Let's work hard and enjoy this last week of school before vacation, then you can celebrate all the rest of this year.

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally, make sure you finish strong!

Monday 12/14
1. Commentary Packet due
2. Present Collages
3. Review Stop the Bullying
4. Vocabulary 3 and 4 do exercises 2 and 3 (homework)
5. Quick write #2 due tomorrow

Tuesday 12/15
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Present Collages
3. Quick write due
4. Sequence of Events (homework)
5. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 12/16
1. Final on Tangerine
2. Review Vocabulary
3. Conclusion Handout
4. Begin Tangerine Essay (homework)

Thursday 12/17
1. Pretest and Vocabulary Bingo
2. Work on and Discuss and Type Tangerine Essay

Friday 12/14
1. Vocabulary Test
2. First Draft of Essay due
3. Edit and Revise
4. Type Final Copy (homework)

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Activities for week fourteen 12/7 - 12/11 - 2009

2009-12-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm." Ronnie Lott said of football's Joe Montana, "You can't measure the size of his heart with a tape measure or a stopwatch." This prove that it takes more than talent or brains to create success. It takes passion. This is what I have been trying to get across to you. With passion you can do well in this and every class. Please check Aeries; if there is a problem see me.

Monday 12/7
1. Collage Due (Discuss everyday)
2. Review Tests
3. Do Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)

Tuesday 12/8
1. Tangerine Reading Quiz
2. Review Vocabulary 3 and 4 - exercises 2 and 3 (60 points)
3. Stop the Bullying worksheet (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)

Wednesday 12/9
1. Review Assessment Test
2. Review Vocabulary
3. Finish Stop the Bullying (homework)
4. Do Personal Commentary Packet (homework)

Thursday 12/10
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Stop the Bullying
3. Type Quick write #2 (MLA format) (homework)
4. Study Vocabulary (homework)

Friday 12/11
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test (homework)
2. First Copy due - Edit and Revise Quick Write (final copy due Tuesday)
3. Finish Commentary Packet (due Monday)

I am here every morning.
For those of you who have been coming, I see growth.
Others of you should be here too.

Activities for week thirteen 11/30 - 12/4 - 2009

2009-11-28T20:48:00.000-08:00

We are finishing Tangerine in the next two weeks, and Robert Strauss stated, "Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." For you this means you need to put two good weeks in on Tangerine if you want success in this unit. Most of you did not pick up extra credit last week, but for you that did all extra credit is due by Thursday. Also please check your S.S.Reading Points, you have until Thursday to make up any Reading Points. (You should have read 580 pages of you pleasure reading books.)
I am still here in the mornings, at break, or lunch for help or questions.

Monday 11/30
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Edit Quick write and Revise it (homework)
3. Vocabulary 1 and 2 Packet (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Tuesday 12/1
1. Questions on Vocabulary
2. Lecture: Symbols
3. Finish Worksheets (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 12/2 (Late Start)
1. Finish Lecture
2. Review Worksheets
3. Work on Collage (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 12/3
1. Tangerine Quiz
2. Review Vocabulary Packet
3. Study, Read, Quick write, and work on your College (homework)

Friday 12/4
1. Vocabulary 1 and 2 Test
2. Final Copy of Quick write due
3. Finish College (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Finish Strong!

Activities for week twelve 11/23 - 11/25 - 2009

2009-11-21T19:06:00.001-08:00

Thank you to those of you who brought cans for the canned food drive. This is a special time of the year as we move into the holiday season; I hope you have the ability to see real treasure and true value. You may see me for an extra credit reading for Thanksgiving vacation. You must read aloud "A Thanksgiving Fable for You and Your Family" in a family situation and bring back a note from one of your parents. See me for the rest of the details.

Monday 11/23
1. Vocabulary Test
2. See Video of Blind Football Player and Finish Strong Video
3. Type Tangerine quick write (homework MLA format)

Tuesday 11/24
1. Review Study Guides
2. Review Commentary Packet
3. Tangerine Study Guide (homework)
4. Read and Study (homework)

Wednesday 11/25
1. Read and Discuss Thanksgiving Comics
2. I am thankful for ____
3. Discuss Collage Project (100 points - Due 12/7)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

***Extra Credit***
See the beginning

Activities for week eleven 11/16 - 11/20 - 2009

2009-11-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want.

Monday 11/16
1. Review Commentary and Body Paragraph handout
2. Quick write: “Integrity” What are you building?
3. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning (homework)

Tuesday 11/17
1. Review Test
2. Review Tangerine Worksheets
3. Read Tangerine and finish Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 11/18
1. Review Strategies Packet
2. Freshman Assessment Test
3. Tangerine Packet (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 11/19
Idiom Test Weeks 1 - 6
1. Practice Vocabulary Test
2. Do Commentary Practice (homework)
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 11/20
Vocabulary Test
Finish Commentary Packet (homework)
Finish Tangerine Worksheet (homework)

***Extra Credit***
Can Food Drive
Thursday Deadline

Activities for week ten 11/9 - 11/13 - 2009

2009-11-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

One quarter down and three to go. We now start the second quarter and your grade continues until the end of the first semester. Many of you have a grade to be proud of, please continue with what you are doing. For those of you who want a better grade - work and work with me and you can improve your grade. Remember I will be here every morning to answer any questions and help you with anything you do not understand or want me to check over for you. Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." So this quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are.

Monday 11/9
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Clean backpack and Review your grade
3. Finish Worksheet and Read (homework)

Tuesday 11/10
1. Discuss Essay Introduction hand-out
2. Review Worksheet
3. Study and Read (200 points Vocab Test Friday)
4. Tangerine Worksheets 60-75 (homework)

Thursday 11/12
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. Lecture: Commentary
3. Journal: Quick write “integrity” – What are you building?
4. Study, Study, Study

Friday 11/13
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Review Tangerine Worksheets pages 60 - 75
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

***Extra Credit***
We have the Can Food Drive.
Half a point for each can you bring to class.

Activities for week nine 11/2 - 11/6 - 2009

2009-10-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me.

Monday 11/2
1. Grade Notebooks
2. Review Vocabulary (homework)
3. Finish Worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 11/3
1. Review Tests
2. Review and Grade Vocabulary Cards
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 11/4
1. Review Tangerine worksheets
2. Read Tangerine (homework)
3. Review Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 11/5
1. Pretest and Vocab Bingo
2. Review and discuss Tangerine
3. Do pages 49 - 60 worksheet (homework)

Friday 11/6
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Review Tangerine
3. Work on pages 49-60 worksheet (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

"Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ."

Activities for week eight 10/26 - 10/30 - 2009

2009-10-25T13:16:00.001-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/26
1. Review Tests
2. Review Introduction worksheet
3. Review all Vocabulary - You should have six sets of cards.
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Tuesday 10/27
1. Thesis Quiz
2. Review pages 7 – 16 worksheet
3. In Groups do pages 16 - 38 worksheets (and homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Wednesday 10/28
1. Lecture: “How to Mark a Book” Adler’s strategies
2. Start “Sibling Rivalry” worksheet
3. Finish pages 16 – 38 worksheet and Study (homework)

Thursday 10/29
1. Essay Terms Quiz
2. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
3. Discuss and Review Worksheets
4. Read Tangerine and Study (homework)

Friday 10/30
1. Vocabulary Six Test
2. Finish Review of Worksheets
3. Sibling Rivalry Worksheet
4. Do Pages 38 – 45 Worksheet (homework)

***Do you have all of your S.S.Reading Points?***

Week Seven's Activities 10/19 - 10/23 - 2009

2009-10-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class; if you are not passing right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade.

Monday 10/19
1. Review Parts of Speech Test
2. Finish Essay Lecture
3. Review Thesis worksheets
4. Study Idioms and Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 10/20
1. Take the Healthy Kid Survey
2. Study Idioms and Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 10/21
1. Idioms Test (weeks 1-4)
2. Journal: ”That’s not fair” (write two paragraphs - situation and why)
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

Thursday 10/22
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Collective Learning Groups
3. Do “Introduction Worksheet” (homework)
4. Read Tangerine (homework)

Friday 10/23
1. Vocabulary Roots Test
2. In Groups Do pages "7 – 16 Worksheet"
3. Read Tangerine (homework)

*** Extra Credit ***
Boxes of Love
For Canning Hunger
See me

Activites for the 6th week 10/12 - 10/16 - 2009

2009-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/12
1. Review Tests and Grades
2. Read and discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Study and Read S.S.R Book (20 pages) (homework)

Tuesday 10/13
1. “Dangerous Game” Test
2. Review Parts of Speech
3. Read pages 1190 – 1193 Do Grammar Practices pages 1192 and 1193 (Typed and MLA format) (homework)

Wednesday 10/14
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Homework and Test
3. Study for Vocabulary Test and Parts of Speech Test (homework)

Thursday 10/15
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Lecture: Essay Terms
3. Thesis Worksheet (homework)
4. Word Roots # 2 (make cards)

Friday 10/16
1. Parts of Speech Test
2. Review Thesis homework
3. Finish Lecture: Essay Terms
4. Read S.S.R. Book (20 pages) (homework)
5. Study all Vocabulary

***If you have a low grade see me with all your test.***

Activities for week five 10/5 - 10/9 - 2009

2009-10-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous

Monday 10/5
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Finish “Dangerous” Packet (homework)

Tuesday 10/6
1. Meet in Library
2. Packet Due
3. Library Orientation
4. Parts of Speech Packet (homework)

Wednesday 10/7
1. Meet in Library
2. Finish Library Orientation
3. Work on Parts of Speech (homework)
4. Study Vocabulary and Idioms (homework)

Thursday 10/8
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Read and discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Make Cards for Word Roots # 1 (Test 10/15) (homework)

Friday 10/9
1. Idiom Weeks 1 and 2 Test
2. Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Review “Dangerous” Packet and Parts of Speech
4. Read 20 pages in S.S.R. Book (homework)

Do not forget Tangerine is worth 50 extra credit points.

Fourth week's Activities 9/28 - 10/2 - 2009

2009-09-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Wednesday night is back to school night and I would love to meet your parents and start a relationship with them. You can earn 25 extra credit points if they sign in Wednesday night during your period. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. Remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, and the beginning of lunch, or come to the tennis courts after school.

Monday 9/28
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest (prefixes and suffixes)
2. Review Part of Speech Test
3. Read and Discuss “The Necklace”
4. Finish “The Necklace” Packet (homework)

Tuesday 9/30
1. Prefix and Suffix Test
2. Finish “The Necklace”
3. Review “Necklace” Packet (it should be done)
4. Make Suffix Cards (homework)

Wednesday 10/1
1. “The Necklace” Reading Test
2. Finish Reviewing Packet
3. Read “The Most Dangerous Game” pages 38 - 51 (homework)

Thursday 10/1
1. Journal: Quick write – “Struggle” write two paragraphs
2. Read and Discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Work on “Dangerous” Packet (homework)

Friday 10/2
1. Review Prefix and Suffix Test and Reading Test
2. Read and discuss “The Most Dangerous Game”
3. Finish “Dangerous” Packet (homework)

***Extra Credit***
See me before school or at break Monday for a ten point Aeries assignment.

Activities for 3rd week 9/21 - 9/25 - 2009

2009-09-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries should be set up by the end of the week - please use it to know where you are in our class.

This is the Bell Game Week and the Aloha Dance on Saturday. Enjoy and don't forget, high school is only once.

Monday 9/21
1. Prefix cards and set up Portfolio, and set up Notebook
2. Read and discuss “Plainswoman”
3. Start Idioms (you will four idioms a week to learn and be tested on)
4. Read SSR book for 20 minutes (homework)

Tuesday 9/22
1. Prefix Test
2. Read and Discuss “Plainswoman”
3. Nouns, pronouns, adjectives worksheets (homework)
4. New Prefixes (Test 9/29)

Wednesday 9/23
1. Review worksheets
2. Journal: “This year in school ________” (what do you want to accomplish?)
3. Make Prefix cards (homework)

Thursday 9/24
1. Parts of Speech Test
2. Review Prefix Test
3. See “The Necklace”
4. Read “The Necklace” pages 26 - 35 (homework)

Friday 9/25
1. Read and Discuss “The Necklace” pages 26 – 35
2. “The Necklace” Packet (Due 9/29) (homework)

Extra Credit
Find the first two idioms on the internet and print them.
They are due Friday before the warning bell to class.

Week Two's Activities 9/14 - 9/18 - 2009

2009-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/14
1. Edit and Review “The Race” Paragraphs
2. Read and discuss “15 Study Tricks”
3. Type final copy of “The Race” Paragraphs (homework)

Tuesday 9/15
1. Paragraphs due
2. Pretest Literary Terms
3. Lecture: Literary Terms
4. Read “Plainswoman” pages 8-19 (homework)

Wednesday 9/16
1. Finish lecture
2. Read and discuss “Plainswoman” Pages 8 – 19
3. Study Prefixes –-- quiz 9/22 (homework)

Thursday 9/17
1. Read and discuss story
2. Study Prefixes and make note cards (homework)
3. Make and set up Portfolio (homework)

Friday 9/18
1. Read and discuss “Plainswoman”
2. Portfolio due
3. Read and discuss “Test Taking Tips” (homework)

**extra credit this week**

Thursday night have a parent give you a practice quiz on the prefixes. Have your parent sign the quiz and turn it in for ten points on Friday.

Welcome to El Dorado week 1's lessons 9/8 - 11 - 09

2009-09-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next four years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/8
1. Introductions and check phone numbers
2. Discuss “Guidelines” (have signed) and Reading List (homework)
3. Share your summer
4. Make a Name plate for your desk (homework)

Wednesday 9/9
1. Guidelines due (25 points)
2. PowerPoint Overview
3. Poems: “I Can” and ”Risk”
4. Discuss MLA Format
5. Rewrite “Risk” from your point of view (homework)

Thursday 9/10
1. Review your poems (20 points)
2. Read and discuss “The Race”
3. Type two paragraphs describing a personal situation that was similar to “The Race”. Use:The Five W's who, what, when, where, and why. What did you learn or how did you grow? (homework)

Friday 9/11
Fill out Silent Sustain Reading card (SSR Book)
Grammar quiz (Spell Checker)
Edit and review homework (20 points)
Retype paper (MLA format) (homework)

Go Hawks!

This is it! - 6/8 - 6/11 - 2009

2009-06-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary lessons 1 - 20. The parts of your final will be just like the workbook you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Monday 7:15 am you can take a Idiom Test for extra credit and a Literary Term Test also for extra credit or if you have a zero period you may take one at the beginning of break. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/8
1. Book 9 - 12 Test
2. Organize Portfolio
3. Return Book

Tuesday 6/9
1. See The Odyssey
2. Study for final

Wednesday 6/10
1. Final

"You have to have confidence in your ability,
and then be tough enough to follow through."

- Rosalynn Carter -

4th 1/4 - week 18's lessons - 6/1 - 6/5 - 2009

2009-05-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and The Odyssey. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Monday 6/1
1. Review Vocabulary (50 points)
2. Read and Discuss The Odyssey
3. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)
4."Book 12" Worksheet

Tuesday 6/2
1. Work on "Book 10 and 12" Worksheets (neat and complete)
2. Review Vocabulary
3. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)

Wednesday 6/3
1. Vocabulary 23 - 24 Test
2. Review "Book 10" Worksheet
3. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)
4. Review for Final

Thursday 6/4
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review "Book 12" Worksheets
3. Read pages 941 - 960 (homework)

Friday 6/6
1. See The Odyssey
2. Study for finals (homework)

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."
- Booker T. Washington -

4th 1/4 - week 17's lessons - 5/26 - 5/29 - 2009

2009-05-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. If you would like you may do one final extra credit project. The project is "Create Your Own God/Goddess.

Tuesday 5/26
1. Collect Polyphemus Poem
2. Review Tests
3. Review Greek gods (homework)

Wednesday 5/27
1. Review Study Guide
2. Read “Book Ten”
3. Do Vocabulary Lesson 23 – 24, exercise 2 and 3 (homework)

Thursday 5/28
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Read and discuss The Odyssey
3. Do Analogy 12, page 137 and Exercise 1-2, pages 209- 214 (homework)

Friday 5/29
1. See The Odyssey
2. Vocabulary due Monday

"The secret is this: Strength lies solely in tenacity."
Louis Pasteur