WEEKLY AGENDA
Week of 6/12 - 6/16
During this week, our final week, students will complete their work on The Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath's Tale quiz, prologue recitation and the Canterbury Feast.
I have been very lucky to work with such an amazing group of students in this AP section. They came to every class with enthusiasm, curiosity and gratitude. It has truly been a joy and a privilege to teach them this year. Thank you!
Have a wonderful summer!
During this week, our final week, students will complete their work on The Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath's Tale quiz, prologue recitation and the Canterbury Feast.
I have been very lucky to work with such an amazing group of students in this AP section. They came to every class with enthusiasm, curiosity and gratitude. It has truly been a joy and a privilege to teach them this year. Thank you!
Have a wonderful summer!
Week of 6/5 - 6/9
We will finish up Macbeth tomorrow. Notebooks are due on Thursday, 6/8.
Students should be working on their Canterbury Tales recitations, which I introduced last week. They are due on Monday, 6/12. The Canterbury Tales feast will be on Wednesday, 6/14.
This week, students will read two tales from the Canterbury Tales: The Pardoner's Tale and the Wife of Bath's Tale. They are reading in Middle English, but they may use translations to help them along.
We will finish up Macbeth tomorrow. Notebooks are due on Thursday, 6/8.
Students should be working on their Canterbury Tales recitations, which I introduced last week. They are due on Monday, 6/12. The Canterbury Tales feast will be on Wednesday, 6/14.
This week, students will read two tales from the Canterbury Tales: The Pardoner's Tale and the Wife of Bath's Tale. They are reading in Middle English, but they may use translations to help them along.
Week of 5/30 - 6/2
This week, we will continue reading Shakespeare's Macbeth. Students are researching individual strands of imagery for homework each night.
This week, we will continue reading Shakespeare's Macbeth. Students are researching individual strands of imagery for homework each night.
Week of 5/15 - 5/19
This week, we will finish up the college resume and begin Shakespeare's Macbeth. We did not have a chance to get to Macbeth last week due to final preparations for the AP Exam. Lord of the Flies articles are due this Thursday.
This week, we will finish up the college resume and begin Shakespeare's Macbeth. We did not have a chance to get to Macbeth last week due to final preparations for the AP Exam. Lord of the Flies articles are due this Thursday.
Week of 5/8 - 5/12
Students will take their AP exam this week (Wednesday, 5/10 @ 7:40). On Monday, we will review recent essays and multiple choice questions for our final preparation. On Friday, we will discuss the test and begin Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Students will take their AP exam this week (Wednesday, 5/10 @ 7:40). On Monday, we will review recent essays and multiple choice questions for our final preparation. On Friday, we will discuss the test and begin Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Week of 4/24 - 4/28
I hope you all had a great vacation with your families. This week (on Tuesday and Wednesday), students will register for their upcoming AP exams. The Language and Composition exam will take place on Wednesday, May 10th at 7:40. Starting tomorrow, students will begin final preparations for that exam. They will write analytical and argumentative essays. On Friday, they will practice multiple choice.
In addition, students will continue their analysis of President Kennedy's American University Commencement Address. They will also read "A Modest Proposal," by Jonathan Swift. Finally, they will start to organize and design the writing they have been completing on Lord of the Flies in order to create magazine articles.
I hope you all had a great vacation with your families. This week (on Tuesday and Wednesday), students will register for their upcoming AP exams. The Language and Composition exam will take place on Wednesday, May 10th at 7:40. Starting tomorrow, students will begin final preparations for that exam. They will write analytical and argumentative essays. On Friday, they will practice multiple choice.
In addition, students will continue their analysis of President Kennedy's American University Commencement Address. They will also read "A Modest Proposal," by Jonathan Swift. Finally, they will start to organize and design the writing they have been completing on Lord of the Flies in order to create magazine articles.
Week of 4/10 - 4/14
As we head into vacation, students will finish up their synthesis projects and Lord of the Flies journals. They will also take part in a Book Chat in order to share their independent reading books.
I am not assigning homework over vacation. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with your families!
As we head into vacation, students will finish up their synthesis projects and Lord of the Flies journals. They will also take part in a Book Chat in order to share their independent reading books.
I am not assigning homework over vacation. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with your families!
Week of 4/3 - 4/7
We have spent the last two classes reviewing vocabulary for the AP exam. This week, we will continue with our vocabulary review. Students will also analyze various pieces of art and JFK's American University speech in terms of Lord of the Flies.
As we get closer to the exam, students will write essays and complete multiple choice exams every class. They will write a synthesis essay this week (based on student synthesis projects).
We have spent the last two classes reviewing vocabulary for the AP exam. This week, we will continue with our vocabulary review. Students will also analyze various pieces of art and JFK's American University speech in terms of Lord of the Flies.
As we get closer to the exam, students will write essays and complete multiple choice exams every class. They will write a synthesis essay this week (based on student synthesis projects).
Week of 3/20 - 3/24
This week, students will write an AP argument essay. They will also analyze film / art in relation to Lord of the Flies. Finally, they will turn in their synthesis questions and create AP vocabulary presentations.
This week, students will write an AP argument essay. They will also analyze film / art in relation to Lord of the Flies. Finally, they will turn in their synthesis questions and create AP vocabulary presentations.
Week of 3/13 - 3/17
This week, students will work on the AP argument essay. We took a little break last week to review for the SAT essay, as many students in class took Saturday's exam. In addition to working on the argumentative essay, students will be reading and writing on poetry and song lyrics related to Lord of Flies. Finally, their synthesis articles are due on Friday. If we have snow and the I need to alter this schedule, I will let the students know.
This week, students will work on the AP argument essay. We took a little break last week to review for the SAT essay, as many students in class took Saturday's exam. In addition to working on the argumentative essay, students will be reading and writing on poetry and song lyrics related to Lord of Flies. Finally, their synthesis articles are due on Friday. If we have snow and the I need to alter this schedule, I will let the students know.
Week of 3/6 - 3/10
Last Friday, the guidance department presented college information to our English class. They provided each student with a red folder full of important information on the college process. Please make sure to ask for and go through these folders.
This week, students will analyze poetry related to Lord of the Flies. They will also work on the AP argument essay in class and their synthesis projects for homework.
In addition, they should begin their new independent reading books. This month's topic is recommendation. If you have a book you can recommend to your son or daughter, please do so. Finally, we'll be working on new vocabulary words based on AP rhetorical terms.
Last Friday, the guidance department presented college information to our English class. They provided each student with a red folder full of important information on the college process. Please make sure to ask for and go through these folders.
This week, students will analyze poetry related to Lord of the Flies. They will also work on the AP argument essay in class and their synthesis projects for homework.
In addition, they should begin their new independent reading books. This month's topic is recommendation. If you have a book you can recommend to your son or daughter, please do so. Finally, we'll be working on new vocabulary words based on AP rhetorical terms.
Week of 2/13 - 2/17
With the snow days and the delay, I am playing catch up this week. I will introduce the SAT essay format to students tomorrow. We will also review symbolism in Lord of the Flies and discuss synthesis projects.
On Thursday, I will assess students on Lesson 4 vocabulary words. We will also have a Book Chat, where students have the chance to discuss their independent reading books with peers and invited guests.
I am not assigning homework over vacation. Please enjoy the time with your families!
With the snow days and the delay, I am playing catch up this week. I will introduce the SAT essay format to students tomorrow. We will also review symbolism in Lord of the Flies and discuss synthesis projects.
On Thursday, I will assess students on Lesson 4 vocabulary words. We will also have a Book Chat, where students have the chance to discuss their independent reading books with peers and invited guests.
I am not assigning homework over vacation. Please enjoy the time with your families!
Week of 2/6 - 2/10
This week, students will finish reading Lord of the Flies. We will review the novel throughout the week. I will introduce the SAT essay format and give the students a chance to work with sample questions. Finally, we will begin the third quarter Synthesis project. Students will devise topics and begin research.
This week, students will finish reading Lord of the Flies. We will review the novel throughout the week. I will introduce the SAT essay format and give the students a chance to work with sample questions. Finally, we will begin the third quarter Synthesis project. Students will devise topics and begin research.
Week of 1/30 - 2/3
This week, students will read chapters 7 - 10 in Lord of the Flies. They will finish the book over next weekend. On Tuesday, students will hand in their independent work on the novel. On Thursday, they will take a mulitple choice AP section exam.
Upcoming assignments - Independent reading (bestseller) and vocabulary due the week of 2/11.
Last week, I handed out the AP Bulletin to students. Please find additional information from our guidance office below.
Attention All Advanced Placement Students:
You will be receiving a copy of the AP Bulletin for parents and students during your AP
Classes this week. A cost of $93 per exam must be paid in full before April vacation (April 11, 2017). If you receive Federal Services for Free and Reduced, please see Ms. Perry in Guidance as soon as possible. A $15.00 non-refundable “down payment” fee per exam will be collected in the Guidance Office from February 1st-16th. Checks should be made payable to ORRHS/Advanced Placement Exam. Please see Mrs. Bertrand in Guidance.
This week, students will read chapters 7 - 10 in Lord of the Flies. They will finish the book over next weekend. On Tuesday, students will hand in their independent work on the novel. On Thursday, they will take a mulitple choice AP section exam.
Upcoming assignments - Independent reading (bestseller) and vocabulary due the week of 2/11.
Last week, I handed out the AP Bulletin to students. Please find additional information from our guidance office below.
Attention All Advanced Placement Students:
You will be receiving a copy of the AP Bulletin for parents and students during your AP
Classes this week. A cost of $93 per exam must be paid in full before April vacation (April 11, 2017). If you receive Federal Services for Free and Reduced, please see Ms. Perry in Guidance as soon as possible. A $15.00 non-refundable “down payment” fee per exam will be collected in the Guidance Office from February 1st-16th. Checks should be made payable to ORRHS/Advanced Placement Exam. Please see Mrs. Bertrand in Guidance.
Week of 1/16 - 1/20
Students are reading chapters 2 and 3 in Lord of the Flies over the weekend. Next week, we will review the first three chapters of the book. I will assign individual analysis of characters and setting (due 1/23).
Next week, we will also review student synthesis essays and look at samples / discuss scores. Students will develop their own synthesis prompts during term 3, and they will begin by considering topics next week.
Tuesday's homework: Read and take notes on chapter 4 in Lord of the Flies; Begin Lord of the Flies individual analysis (due 1/23)
Thursday's homework: Read and take notes on chapters 5 and 6 in Lord of the Fies; Continue work on Lord of the Flies individual analysis (due 1/23).
Long term assignments: Independent Reading (bestseller) and SAT 4 vocabulary. Assessments the week before February vacation.
Students are reading chapters 2 and 3 in Lord of the Flies over the weekend. Next week, we will review the first three chapters of the book. I will assign individual analysis of characters and setting (due 1/23).
Next week, we will also review student synthesis essays and look at samples / discuss scores. Students will develop their own synthesis prompts during term 3, and they will begin by considering topics next week.
Tuesday's homework: Read and take notes on chapter 4 in Lord of the Flies; Begin Lord of the Flies individual analysis (due 1/23)
Thursday's homework: Read and take notes on chapters 5 and 6 in Lord of the Fies; Continue work on Lord of the Flies individual analysis (due 1/23).
Long term assignments: Independent Reading (bestseller) and SAT 4 vocabulary. Assessments the week before February vacation.
Week of 1/9 - 1/13
Next week, students will write their first synthesis essay in class. They will also begin our new book: Lord of the Flies (chapters 1-3).
Students are choosing bestselling books for their January / February independent reading. The librarian, Ms. Barker, visited our class this week to share her collection and make suggestions. Students should choose a book by next week. I will assess their reading the week before February vacation.
Students are now working on the Lesson 4 SAT vocabulary words.
Next week, students will write their first synthesis essay in class. They will also begin our new book: Lord of the Flies (chapters 1-3).
Students are choosing bestselling books for their January / February independent reading. The librarian, Ms. Barker, visited our class this week to share her collection and make suggestions. Students should choose a book by next week. I will assess their reading the week before February vacation.
Students are now working on the Lesson 4 SAT vocabulary words.
Week of 12/19 - 12/23
On Monday, students will practice for the synthesis essay by evaluating source materials and developing thesis statements.
On Wednesday, they will take a vocabulary assessment on lessons 1-3. We will also review the multiple choice exam they took this week.
On Friday, students will take their independent reading assessment (on book assigned 11/1).
There will be no homework over vacation.
On Monday, students will practice for the synthesis essay by evaluating source materials and developing thesis statements.
On Wednesday, they will take a vocabulary assessment on lessons 1-3. We will also review the multiple choice exam they took this week.
On Friday, students will take their independent reading assessment (on book assigned 11/1).
There will be no homework over vacation.
Week of 12/12 - 12/16
Brave New World projects are due on Tuesday, 12/13. Students will share and review their projects in class. On Tuesday, I will review student analytical essays and continue the synthesis essay. On Thursday, students will take an AP multiple choice assessment.
During the week, students will read and respond to pages 279 - 302 in The Language of Composition (essays by Martin Luther King and Henry David Thoreau).
Upcoming assessments - SAT vocabulary (Lessons 1-3) on Wednesday, 12/21; Independent Reading on Friday, 12/23.
Brave New World projects are due on Tuesday, 12/13. Students will share and review their projects in class. On Tuesday, I will review student analytical essays and continue the synthesis essay. On Thursday, students will take an AP multiple choice assessment.
During the week, students will read and respond to pages 279 - 302 in The Language of Composition (essays by Martin Luther King and Henry David Thoreau).
Upcoming assessments - SAT vocabulary (Lessons 1-3) on Wednesday, 12/21; Independent Reading on Friday, 12/23.
Week of 12/5 - 12/9
This week, students will complete their analysis of Brave New World and write an AP analysis essay. I will introduce the AP synthesis essay and give students the opportunity to work with sample prompts. I will also discuss and assign the Brave New World creative project.
This week, students will complete their analysis of Brave New World and write an AP analysis essay. I will introduce the AP synthesis essay and give students the opportunity to work with sample prompts. I will also discuss and assign the Brave New World creative project.
Week of 11/28 - 12/2
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break! This week, students will continue to review the structure and themes in Brave New World through writing, analysis, research and group work. At the end of the week, I will assign a creative project based on the book.
Upcoming assessments: independent reading and vocabulary assessments the week of 12/19.
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving break! This week, students will continue to review the structure and themes in Brave New World through writing, analysis, research and group work. At the end of the week, I will assign a creative project based on the book.
Upcoming assessments: independent reading and vocabulary assessments the week of 12/19.
Week of 11/21 - 11/25
On Tuesday, I will hand back and review the rhetorical essays students wrote last class. They will have the chance to look over actual AP responses and scores on the same question. We will also continue our review of Brave New World.
Now that we are in the second grading quarter, I am counting the rhetorical essay score in Powerschool (students were allowed to practice during first quarter and given points for participation). Scores range from 0 - 9, but I base the grade on a sliding scale to benefit students.
On Tuesday, I will hand back and review the rhetorical essays students wrote last class. They will have the chance to look over actual AP responses and scores on the same question. We will also continue our review of Brave New World.
Now that we are in the second grading quarter, I am counting the rhetorical essay score in Powerschool (students were allowed to practice during first quarter and given points for participation). Scores range from 0 - 9, but I base the grade on a sliding scale to benefit students.
Week of 11/14 - 11/18
This week, students will continue to review rhetorical essays. On Friday, they will write an in class rhetorical essay. We will also continue to discuss and analyze Brave New World. Reading schedule: Chapters 5-9 due tomorrow. Chapters 10 - 14 due Wednesday. Chapters 15-18 due Friday.
This week, students will continue to review rhetorical essays. On Friday, they will write an in class rhetorical essay. We will also continue to discuss and analyze Brave New World. Reading schedule: Chapters 5-9 due tomorrow. Chapters 10 - 14 due Wednesday. Chapters 15-18 due Friday.
Week of 11/7 - 11/11
Due to the shortened week, I will only meet with my AP students once (on Wednesday, 11/9). We will discuss the Brave New World reading assignment (chaptes 2 - 4). I will also give students a rhetorical essay prompt on which they will work in groups. After, they will examine a model student paper on the same essay.
Homework: Students will read chapters 5-7 in Brave New World and define AP terms from their Language of Composition books.
Due to the shortened week, I will only meet with my AP students once (on Wednesday, 11/9). We will discuss the Brave New World reading assignment (chaptes 2 - 4). I will also give students a rhetorical essay prompt on which they will work in groups. After, they will examine a model student paper on the same essay.
Homework: Students will read chapters 5-7 in Brave New World and define AP terms from their Language of Composition books.
Week of 10/31 - 11/4
I will assess students on the October independent reading books and vocabulary words at the beginning of the week.
At the end of the week, the librarian will visit classes to help students choose their new independent reading books (fiction: their choice). They will have two months (November and December) to read the book.
I will also provide the new SAT vocabulary words at the end of the week.
We will also continue our analysis of In Cold Blood. The students did a fantastic job during our Socratic Seminar on the book. They prepared well, provided excellent research and offered astute observations. They were impressive!
Finally, we will work with the AP rhetorical essay.
Reminder: Quarter One ends this week on November 3rd.
I will assess students on the October independent reading books and vocabulary words at the beginning of the week.
At the end of the week, the librarian will visit classes to help students choose their new independent reading books (fiction: their choice). They will have two months (November and December) to read the book.
I will also provide the new SAT vocabulary words at the end of the week.
We will also continue our analysis of In Cold Blood. The students did a fantastic job during our Socratic Seminar on the book. They prepared well, provided excellent research and offered astute observations. They were impressive!
Finally, we will work with the AP rhetorical essay.
Reminder: Quarter One ends this week on November 3rd.
Week of 10/24 - 10/28
Students will conduct a Socratic Seminar on Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. They will also analyze specific passages from the book. In addition, they will read the section titled "Close Analysis Essay" in The Language of Composition and write their own analytical essays. Finally, they will outline their MOTH stories (spoken stories).
Upcoming Assignments: Independent Reading and Vocabulary assessments due Monday 10/31.
Extra Credit Opportunities: Students may research additional topics or present additional topics for the Socratic Seminar on Tuesday, 10/25.
Students will conduct a Socratic Seminar on Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. They will also analyze specific passages from the book. In addition, they will read the section titled "Close Analysis Essay" in The Language of Composition and write their own analytical essays. Finally, they will outline their MOTH stories (spoken stories).
Upcoming Assignments: Independent Reading and Vocabulary assessments due Monday 10/31.
Extra Credit Opportunities: Students may research additional topics or present additional topics for the Socratic Seminar on Tuesday, 10/25.
Week of 10/17 - 10/21
On Wednesday, October 19th, students will take the PSAT. We have concluded our preparation for the writing section of the test, and we will conclude our preparation for the reading section on Monday. We will also continue our AP analysis of In Cold Blood. At the end of the week, we will work on the AP rhetorical analysis essay.
Upcoming projects: In Cold Blood Socratic Seminar 10/25
Independent Reading and Vocabulary Assessments: 10/31
On Wednesday, October 19th, students will take the PSAT. We have concluded our preparation for the writing section of the test, and we will conclude our preparation for the reading section on Monday. We will also continue our AP analysis of In Cold Blood. At the end of the week, we will work on the AP rhetorical analysis essay.
Upcoming projects: In Cold Blood Socratic Seminar 10/25
Independent Reading and Vocabulary Assessments: 10/31
Week of 10/10 - 10/14
Students will have their school pictures taken during English class tomorrow. I will then give the final assessment on In Cold Blood, and we will discuss the reading in class. Throughout the week, students will practice AP strategies as they analyze sample passages from the text. I will also assign the Socratic Seminar to go with the book.
We will finish our review for the writing section of the PSAT with work on modifiers / parallelism / active voice.
Finally, I will introduce samples from the MOTH Radio Hour (working with the spoken word to share stories).
Students should now have their October Independent Reading books. I will assess them during the last class meeting this month.
Students will have their school pictures taken during English class tomorrow. I will then give the final assessment on In Cold Blood, and we will discuss the reading in class. Throughout the week, students will practice AP strategies as they analyze sample passages from the text. I will also assign the Socratic Seminar to go with the book.
We will finish our review for the writing section of the PSAT with work on modifiers / parallelism / active voice.
Finally, I will introduce samples from the MOTH Radio Hour (working with the spoken word to share stories).
Students should now have their October Independent Reading books. I will assess them during the last class meeting this month.
Week of 10/3 - 10/7
On Monday, I will assess students on part 3 of In Cold Blood. We will review plot and Capote's rhetorical techniques. Students will begin to read part 4 on Tuesday (Due Monday 10/10). In addition, students will practice SAT grammar samples (parallel structure and active voice) and AP multiple choice samples.
I will also introduce the October SAT / AP vocabulary words. Students will have one month to work with these words before their assessment during the final class meeting in October.
Finally, I will be checking October Independent Reading books throughout the week. The genre is mystery, supernatural, detective or horror. The September Independent Reading assessment is due tomorrow (Monday, October 4th).
Extra Credit Option - Complete one test on SAT / AP words at vocabtest.com. Print out the answer sheet and return to Ms. Brunelle anytime this week. Here is the link to the specific lesson:
https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=2
On Monday, I will assess students on part 3 of In Cold Blood. We will review plot and Capote's rhetorical techniques. Students will begin to read part 4 on Tuesday (Due Monday 10/10). In addition, students will practice SAT grammar samples (parallel structure and active voice) and AP multiple choice samples.
I will also introduce the October SAT / AP vocabulary words. Students will have one month to work with these words before their assessment during the final class meeting in October.
Finally, I will be checking October Independent Reading books throughout the week. The genre is mystery, supernatural, detective or horror. The September Independent Reading assessment is due tomorrow (Monday, October 4th).
Extra Credit Option - Complete one test on SAT / AP words at vocabtest.com. Print out the answer sheet and return to Ms. Brunelle anytime this week. Here is the link to the specific lesson:
https://www.vocabtest.com/vocabulary_word_test.php?book=vocabulary_power_plus_3&lesson=2