Week of December 17, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will continue our study of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  We'll read together and discuss Act IV of this play then, on Thursday, you will take a quiz on Act IV.  Make sure you finish your work on the Act IV study guide as soon as possible.  On Friday, we'll probably have an early surprise from SANTA!! Have a great Christmas break!!!

12th Academic English
This week we will continue our work with Shakespeare's MacBeth.  On Monday you'll take a quiz on Act III.  You also will finish reading Act IV and its study guide.  Tuesday you will take a test on Acts I, II and III, then we will begin to read together and discuss Act IV.  We'll finish our classwork on Act IV on Wednesday and on Thursday you will take a quiz on Act IV.  On Friday we'll play some Reindeer Games!!  Have a great Christmas break!!!

Week of December 10, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our work with Hamlet.  On Monday we won't have class since it is BIOLOGY DAY!!!  (Woohoo!)  Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the testing schedule, you will take a quiz on Act III of Hamlet, then will begin the Act IV study guide.  On Thursday you will take Vocabulary Quiz #7, will work on Vocabulary List #8, and will turn in Newsweek summary #6.  Friday you'll have a test on Acts I, II and III of Hamlet.  Good luck with the Biology Keystone Exams!!!

12th Academic English
This week we'll continue our work with MacBeth.  On Monday we'll finish up reading together and discussing Act II.  Tuesday you'll take the Act II quiz and will begin work with the Act III study guide, continuing into Wednesday.  On Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #7, will work on Vocabulary List #8, and will turn in Newsweek summary #6.  On Friday 12/14or Monday, 12/17 you will take the Act III quiz.

Week of December 3, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our study of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  On Monday or Tuesday, depending on your testing schedule, you will take a quiz on Act II of Hamlet.  After the quiz, you will begin work on Act III by reading the act and completing the study guide given to you after the quiz.  Later in the week we'll read together and discuss Act III of Hamlet.  Next week you will take a quiz on Act III of the play.  Good Luck with your Algebra I Keystone Exams!!!

12th Academic English
This week we'll continue our study of Shakespeare's MacBeth.  On Monday and into Tuesday we'll read together and discuss Act I of MacBeth.  Wednesday, you'll take the Act I quiz and will begin work on Act II.  You'll have some time in class to complete the Act II Study Guide.  We'll read together and discuss Act II of MacBeth, and you will prepare to take a quiz on Act II on Monday, December 10th.

Week of November 26, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our study of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  We'll continue reading together and discussing Act II.  As we read, you'll finish work with your Act II study guide.  Make sure your answers are solid since you'll have a quiz on Act II on Monday, December 3rd.  On Thursday of this week you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #6, will hand in Newsweek summary #5, and will work on Vocabulary List #7 and its review sheet. 

12th Academic English
This week we will begin a study of Shakespeare's MacBeth by reading together and discussing Act I.  You'll also get a study guide to complete for each of the acts in this play.  As we read Act I, make sure you are answering the questions on the Act I study guide.  You will have a quiz on Act I next Tuesday, December 4th.  On Thursday of this week you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #6, will hand in Newsweek summary #5, and will work on Vocabulary List #7 and its review sheet.

Week of November 19, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our study of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.  On Monday we'll finish our work with Act I and prepare for a quiz on Tuesday.  Then we'll begin work with Act II of this play.  You'll be given a study guide for Act II and will complete this as you read.  Make sure your answers are solid!  Our Act II work will continue through Wednesday and into next week.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break!

12th Academic English
This week we'll finish our work with The Canterbury Tales.  On Monday you will take a test on The Canterbury Tales and will begin reading and outlining pp. 220-231 in the literature anthology, "Celebrating Humanity: The English Renaissance."  On Tuesday and into Wednesday we'll continue work with this introduction to this unit, discussing the notes you've outlined while reviewing a powerpoint on additional English Renaissance material.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break!

Week of November 12, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll begin our study of William Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.  On Monday, you'll view and take notes on two documentaries, "Why Shakespeare?" and "In Search of Shakespeare."  Tuesday through Friday we'll work on Act I of Hamlet.  You'll receive a study guide for Act I to complete as you read.  We will also read together and discuss Act I of this play.  On Tuesday of next week (11/20) you will take a quiz on Act I.

12th Academic English
This week we will continue our study of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales.  You will be given class time on Monday to finish your work with "The Prologue," pp. 94-115.  On Tuesday and into Wednesday we will read together and discuss "The Nun's Priest Tale," pp. 119-137.  On Thursday and into Friday we will read together and discuss "The Pardoner's Tale," pp. 141-150.  On Monday of next week (11/19) you will take a test on all of the information from The Canterbury Tales.

Week of November 5, 2012
11th Academic English
This week, Monday through Wednesday, we'll view the film version of Arthur Miller's The Crucible.  make sure you note similarities and differences you observe between the film version and the play we read in class.  On Thursday, you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #5, will work on List #6, and will hand in Newsweek summary #4.  Friday is an Act 80 In-Service Day for teachers, so you'll have a long weekend!!

12th Academic English
This week, Monday through Wednesday, you'll work on "The Prologue," (pp. 94-115) of The Canterbury Tales.  On Thursday, you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #5, will work on List #6, and will hand in Newsweek summary #4.  Friday is an Act 80 in-Service Day for teachers, so you'll have a long weekend!

Week of October 29, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll finish reading and discussing Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible.  We will read together and discuss Act IV on Monday.  On Tuesday you will take the Act IV quiz.  Wednesday, you will take a test on the entire play and we will begin watching the film version of this play.  On Thursday, we'll have a guest speaker join us from McCann's School of Business and Technology.  On Friday we will continue to view the film.

12th Academic English
This week we'll begin to work with Chaucer's masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales.  On Monday you will read and outline "Prepare to Read/A Closer Look," pp. 90-93 in the literature anthology.  Beginning Tuesady and continuing through the end of the week, you will work on group project centered on "The Prologue," pp. 94-115.  Groups will be assigned and will work on presentations centered on teaching about Chaucer's pilgrims found in The Prologue.  On Thursday, we'll have a guest speaker join us from McCann's School of Business and Technology.

Week of October 22, 2012
11th Academic English
We'll continue our study of Arthur Miller's The Crucible.  Monday we will begin to read together and discuss Act III.  On Wednesday, you will take a quiz on Act III.  Thursday is ASVAB Testing.  On Friday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #4, will turn in Newsweek summary #3 and will begin work on Vocabulary List #5.  Don't forget that your Crucible research project is due on Tuesday, October 23rd!  That date was moved from Monday, October 22nd.

12th Academic English
We'll continue viewing the film Becket this week.  You should remember to take notes to help you answer the essay test due after we finish watching the film.  Right now, I'm projecting that we will finish the film on Wednesday, so your essay test is due on Thursday, October 25th.  Should the film run longer than that, the essay test will be due the day after we finish viewing the film.  On Friday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #4, will turn in Newsweek summary #3 and will begin work on Vocabulary List #5.

Week of October 15, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our work with The Crucible.  On Monday you'll hand in your bibliography/note cards for the project, then we'll read and discuss Act II of the play.  On Tuesday, you'll hand in your map/outline for the project, we'll finish discussing Act II and you will take the Act II quiz.  On Wednesday, you will take a test on Acts I and II, then will begin working on the Act III Study Guide.   Don't forget that the final part of the project, the actual writing, is due on Monday, October 22nd!!!

12th Academic English
This week we'll finish our study of Arthurian legend.  On Monday and into Tuesday we'll read together and discuss "Morte d'Arthur," pp. 176-184.  Tuesday into Wednesday, you should finish your "IF/THEN" worksheet for Arthurian legend.  On Wednesday you'll take a test on both Beowulf and Arthurian legend.  After the test, we'll begin viewing the film Becket.  You will receive an essay test prompt to help you focus your note-taking on this film.  We'll continue viewing the film through the end of the week.

Week of October 8, 2012
11th Academic English
Well, we got a little behind last week, so this week we'll finish our work with Act I of The Crucible.  You'll have a quiz on the Act I study guide on Wednesday.  You will begin work with Act II on Wednesday and will continue work on that on Friday.  On Thursday of this week you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #3 and will begin work on list #4.  You'll also turn in Newsweek summary #2 on Thursday.

12th Academic English
On Tuesday, we'll discuss "Sir Gawain and The Green Knight," pp. 162-175.  We'll look at how society is changing, what values are important to society as seen through this literature, and how these changes compare to what we've learned from studying Beowulf.  On Wednesday we'll begin work with "Morte d'Arthur," pp. 176-184.  Again, we'll look at society through this literature.  On Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #3 and will begin work on list #4.  Don't forget that Newsweek summary #2 is also due on Thursday.

Week of October 1, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will begin our study of Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible.  On Monday, we will discuss Salem's society in 1692, then will begin working with Act I.  You will be given a study guide for each of the Acts in this play.  We'll continue this work with Act I until Wednesday, when you will have an Act I quiz.  After the quiz, we will begin working with Act II.  Make sure you have your project proposals ready to go for class on Wednesday.  Have a great time during Homecoming Spirit Week 2012!

12th Academic English
This week we will begin our study of Arthurian legend.  On Monday and finishing on Tuesday, we will view two documentaries, In Search of Camelot and The Legend of King Arthur.  After we finish viewing the documentaries, you will read and outline "Prepare to Read," p. 110.  We will read aloud and discuss "Sir Gawain and The Green Knight," pp. 162+ in your literature anthologies.  I'll ask you to look at the indicators of societal and cultural values found in this and other Arthurian literature.  I'll also ask you to think about the changing concept of "Hero" in society as seen in this literature.  Don't forget to have your Beowulf projects ready to hand in at the start of class on Wednesday.  Have a great time during your last Homecoming Spirit Week, 2012!

Week of September 24, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will wrap up our study of explorer/settler narratives.  On Monday we will finish our discussion on "The General History of Virginia" and "Of Plymouth Plantation."  On Tuesday, you will take a test on Native American and Early American literature.  Wednesday we'll watch a documentary on the Salem Witch Trials.  Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #2 and work on Vocabulary List #3.  Don't forget that your Newsweek summary is also due on Thursday!  Friday you'll begin preliminary work on a research project based on the Salem Witch Trials and the play, The Crucible.

12th Academic English
This week we'll finish our study of Beowulf.  Monday and Tuesday we'll discuss the final selections from this poem found in your literature anthology.  Remember to finish work on your "IF/THEN" worksheet for Beowulf.  On Wednesday you'll take a test on Beowulf and Anglo/Saxon culture, then begin work on a writing project centered on Beowulf.  Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #2, will work on the next list, and will hand in your Newsweek summary.  On Friday you'll continue work on the Beowulf project.  It is a busy week, so make sure you keep up with the work!

Week of September 10, 2012
11th Academic English
On Monday and Tuesday we'll work on developing an original creation story in the style of the Native Americans.  We'll use the knowledge we gained from studying Native American Creation stories in class to write our own creation stories in the style of the Native Americans.  On Wednesday we will begin studying the personal narratives of the early American settlers/explorers by reading and outlining "Prepare to Read," pp. 60-61 and pp. 70-71, and a selection fron Christopher Columbus's "Journal of the First Voyage to America," pp. 62-64.  Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #1 and will work on Vocabulary List #2.  Friday you'll finish up the vocabulary work and continue with our look at settlers/explorers narratives.

12th Academic English
On Monday and into Tuesday we'll use class time to work on the Exile writing prompt.  You'll use this writing to demonstrate how you can relate to the feelings of the narrators in all of the Anglo-Saxon exile poetry we studied last week.  The writing should show me that you have a connection to what the narrators said in each of the poems and that you, in the present day, can relate to the human condition of the narrators.  On Wednesday you'll take a test on all of the Anglo-Saxon information we've studied so far, then you will begin work on Beowulf.  Thursday, you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #1 and will work on Vocabulary List #2.  Friday you'll finish up the vocabulary work and will continue work on Beowulf.  You'll read and outline "Prepare to Read," pp. 36-37, then begin reading the first section of Beowulf, pp. 39-45.

Week of September 3, 2012

11th Academic English
This week we'll begin our studies of the earliest American literature -- Native American Creation Stories.  On Tuesday you'll take notes during a powerpoint presentation on the introductory information from your literature anthology.  Wednesday through Friday we'll look at the Native American literature found in your book, discuss the similarities and differences between the stories, then look for a common structure in all three stories.  You'll use this information early next week to begin work on your own original creation story.

12th Academic English
This week we'll begin our studies of Anglo-Saxon literature.  On Tuesday, you will take notes during a powerpoint presentation on the introductory information from your literature anthology.  Wednesday through Friday we'll read and discuss three selections of Anglo-Saxon Exile Poetry.  We'll look for cultural influences in all three pieces, determining how societal values are represented in each of the poems.  We'll also look for themes that are common to all humans, no matter what the cultural or historical age may be.

Week of August 27, 2012

11th Academic English
Welcome back, everyone!  We have a great school year planned for you!  You'll face challenges, experience success, and learn from mistakes.  By the end of the school year, however, you will be more confident, more successful and more accomplished in all you do!  This week we'll begin our vocabulary studies by working with Vocabulary List #1.  Near the end of the week we'll discuss literature and begin our study of Early American literature. 

12th Academic English
This is is, guys and girls, you are now SENIORS!!!! As leaders of the school, you'll have a lot of wonderful times this academic year.  This year, we're going to make sure that you are prepared to face the challenges and expectations of life beyond high school.  By the time the end of May, 2013 gets here, you'll be ready to take off into the next phase of  your life.  Remember to constantly challenge yourself this year and to give your best efforts to everything.  This week we'll begin our vocabulary studies by working with Vocabulary List #1.  Near the end of the week we'll discuss the roots of our English language and literary heritage by beginning our studies of early Anglo-Saxon literature.

Week of May 14, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will continue our study of Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men.  Monday and Tuesday we'll read and discuss chapters 4 through 6 and you will complete your study guide for that section.  On Tuesday, you will take a quiz on this section.  Wednesday, you will take a test on the entire novel and we will begin viewing the film version of this classic book.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #17, the last Vocabulary Quiz of the school year!!!!  You will also hand in the LAST Newsweek summary of the school year!!  Friday we will continue viewing Of Mice and Men.

12th Academic English
We are wrapping up your high school English career this week!!  On Monday you will finish work on the Frankenstein project.  On Tuesday, you will hand in the project and will also turn in your copy of the novel, Frankenstein.  Wednesday and Friday we will review for the final exam.  On Thursday your will take Vocabulary Quiz #17, the last vocabulary quiz of your 12th Academic English career!!!  You will also hand in the LAST Newsweek summary of the school year!!!  Remember to prepare well for your final exams!  The schedule for exams is as follows -- Monday, May 21 Periods 3 and 5; Tuesday, May 22 Periods 1 and 2;  Wednesday May 23 Periods 6 and 7; Thursday, Period 4.  You will turn in your literature anthology on the day of your final exam.

Week of May 7, 2012
11th Academic English
On Monday you'll take a test on the Modern and Postmodern Periods of American literature.  After the test and throughout the rest of the week, we will begin work on John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men.  You will receive a study guide to complete as you read.  We'll also begin some review work for your final exam.  The end of the school year is quickly coming to a close, so make sure you keep up with all of your work.

12th Academic English
Monday through Wednesday we will work with two short stories, "The Rocking Horse Winner," p 1176, and "A Shocking Accident," p. 1190.  On Thursday you will take a test on the Modern and Postmodern Periods of British literature.  After the test on Thursday and on Friday, you will comtinue working on the Frankenstein project.  Make sure you keep up with work since your senior year is very quickly coming to a close.  Final exams are just around the corner!

Week of April 30, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will finish up our work with Modern and Postmodern American Literature found in the literature anthology.  We will discuss biographical information on John Updike, then read his short story, "The Brown Chest."  You'll also take a quiz on this information on Tuesday.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #16, will turn in Newsweek summary #12, and will work on the final vocabulary list for the year, Vocabulary List #17.  Friday, you will take a test on everything from the Modern and Postmodern periods.

12th Academic English
Monday through Wednesday of this week we will continue our analysis of British Modern and Postmodern literature.  We will discuss "The Fiddle" by Sillitoe, then work with Virginia Woolf's short story, "The Lady In The Looking Glass," pp. 1158-1163.  We will also begin work with D. H. Lawrence's piece, "The Rocking Horse Winner," pp. 1176-1189.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #16, will turn in Newsweek summary #12, and will work on Vocabulary List #17, the final list of the school year!  By Friday, you should finish reading Frankenstein.  We will discuss the project requirements at that time.  Make sure you keep up with work as the end of your final year in high school is very quickly coming to a close!

Week of April 23, 2012
11th Academic English
PSSA Science testing is happening this week, so class meeting times will vary.  This week we will continue our study of literature from the Modern Period.  We will discuss "In Another Country," (pp.808-814) by Hemingway and "The Night The Ghost Got In," (pp. 989-902) by Thurber.  We will also discuss the authors of these short stories and the literary devices these authors used in their works.  You will take a quiz on each of these selections.  On Friday you will use class time to read and outline "Prosperity and Protest," pp. 958-965 in the literature anthology.

12th Academic English
This week we will begin our study of Modern and Postmodern British literature.  On Monday you will take notes during a powerpoint presentation on this information.  Tuesday through Friday we will read, outline and discuss "The Demon Lover," pp. 1032-1038 and "The Fiddle," pp. 1078-1084.  We will also discuss the biographical information on the authors of these stories and the literary devices they used in their works.  You also should continue reading Frankenstein, completing up to and including Chapter 20 by Monday, 4/30.  Time is quickly winding down on the school year.  Make sure you keep up with all of the work you need to complete!

Week of April 16, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will continue or study of American literature from the Modern and Postmodern periods.  We'll discuss both "Winter Dreams" and "The Turtle" then take a look at Hemingway's "In Another Country."  On Wednesday you will have a quiz on both "Winter Dreams" and "The Turtle."  Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #15, will turn in Newsweek summary #11 and will work on Vocabulary List #16.

12th Academic English
This week we will wrap up our study of British Victorian literature.  On Monday we'll finish our discussion of the poetry of the Brownings and will begin discussing a selection from "Jane Eyre" pp. 856-872.  On Wednesday you will take a test on the Victorian Period.  Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #15, will turn in Newsweek summary #11 and will work on Vocabulary List #16.  On Friday you will read and outline information on the British Modern and Postmodern periods, pp. 950-960 in the literature anthology.

Week of April 9, 2012
11th Academic English
Hopefully you are enjoying this spring break!!  When you return on Thursday, we will continue our study of modern/postmodern American Literature by discussing together F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams" and John Steinbeck's "The Turtle."  On Monday, April 16th you will have a quiz on "Winter Dreams" and on Tuesday, April 17th, you'll take a quiz on "The Turtle."  Don't forget, North Schuylkill Theatre Arts' production of West Side Story happens this coming weekend -- Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th.  Curtain time is 7:30PM each evening. 

12th Academic English
Hopefully the spring break is going nicely for you!!  The rest of the year will fly by once you return from break.  When you come back on Thursday and into Friday, you will continue work on the Frankenstein project.  You should be well into the novel by now.  If you aren't very far along, you'll need to pick up the pace since this project will be due in about a month.  Don't forget, North Schuylkill Theatre Arts' production of West Side Story happens this coming weekend -- Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th.  Curtain time is 7:30PM each evening.

Week of April 2, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will continue our study of American Literature from the Modern Period.  We will read and discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams,"  pp. 744-762 in the literature anthology.  Enjoy your long Easter break! 

12th Academic English
This week we will continue an analysis of the British Victorian Period in literature by looking at the poetry of Robert Browning and his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, pp. 834-844 in the literature anthology.  Enjoy your long Easter break!

Week of March 26, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll begin a study of Modern and Postmodern American literature.  You will read and outline "Disillusion, Defiance and Discontent,"  pp. 704-713 in the literature anthology.  We'll also read and outline biographical information on F. Scott Fitzgerald, p. 742, then begin reading together and discussing "Winter Dreams," pp. 744-762.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #14 and will turn in Newsweek summary #10.  You'll also begin work with Vocabulary List #15 and its review sheet.  Friday we'll continue our work with literature.

12th Academic English
This week we will wrap up our study of British Romantic Literature.  On Tuesday, you will take a test on the Romantic Period.  Wednesday, you will begin work on your 4th quarter project.  This project will center on the Gothic novel, Frankenstein.  Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #14, will turn in Newsweek summary #10, and will begin work on Vocabulary List #15.  On Friday, you will begin work with the British Victorian Period by reading and outlining introductory information found on pp. 802-813.

Week of March 19, 2012
11th Academic English
Great job on the PSSA Testing last week!  I'm glad so many of you said you felt well-prepared while taking the Reading tests.  This week we'll watch the film version of Hamlet.  I'll ask you to note the similarities and the differences you see between the play we read in class and the film you'll view.  On Friday, we'll get back into the literature anthology.  You will read and, in your notebooks, outline "Disillusion, Defiance and Discontent," pp. 704-714, then we'll discuss this information in class.

12th Academic English
Great job in getting your final drafts of the Research Project to me by the deadline!!  You can breathe a sigh of relief that this major project is complete!!  On Monday, we'll begin an analysis of "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner," p. 686+ in your literature books.  We'll discuss the elements of Romanticism found in this classic work, and will also discuss the influences of Romantic thought found here too.  Later in the week we'll view an adaptation of this piece and discuss the similarities and differences found between this film and the work you read in class.  You'll have a test on all of the Romantic Period information sometime early next week.  Be sure to take good notes.

Week of March 12, 2012

11th Academic English
This is it, guys and girls!!!  The PSSA Reading Tests we've been preparing for are happening Tuesday through Friday of this week!  I know that you are well-prepared to take these tests, so make sure you review the notes we took in class, get a good night's sleep before each of the testing days, and have some breakfast each day before you come to school!  I'm sure you'll do well on these!!!  Monday we'll wrap up the third quarter by taking Vocabulary Quiz #13 and by turning in Newsweek Summary #9.  Imagine, only one more quarter before you officially become SENIORS!!!!

12th Academic English
This is an unusual week for everyone!  PSSA Testing will happen Tuesday through Friday of this week.  On Monday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #13 and turn in Newsweek Summary #9.  EVERYONE WILL TURN IN THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT ON WEDNESDAY, WHETHER OR NOT YOUR CLASS PERIOD MEETS.  LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  Throughout the rest of the week, those of you who will meet with me will first finish the vocabulary work you didn't complete on Monday, then will watch the film adaptation of Of Mice and Men.

Week of March 5, 2012

11th Academic English
This week we will continue our review for the PSSA Reading Tests.  We'll use the Reading Coach workbooks in class to review skills needed to successfully complete these tests.  Make sure you are taking good notes in class while creating your own reading review handbook in your notebooks!

12th Academic English
This week you will continue to wrap up your research project.  The Works Cited page is due on Tuesday, March 6th.  (Please note the change in the due date!) Make sure you are working on the text of your paper!!!  Don't wait until the paper is due to complete this last part of the research project.  On Monday and throughout the rest of the week we'll continue our study of the British Romantic Period in literature.  We will read and discuss "Introduction to Frankenstein" (p. 650), "The Oval Portrait" (p. 658) and "Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey" (p. 666).  Later in the week we will begin a study of "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner" (p. 686).  Make sure you keep up with all classwork and homework.  You are coming into the home stretch of your senior year!

Week of February 27, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will wrap up our study of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  On Monday you will take the Acts IV and V quiz.  On Tuesday you will take the final test on Hamlet.  Beginning Monday after the quiz and continuing throughout the week, we will prepare for the PSSA Reading tests.  We will use the PSSA Reading Coach workbook to review and practice the skills you will need to successfully complete the PSSA Reading Tests in mid-March.  On Thursday of this week you will hand in Newsweek summary #8, and will take Vocabulary Quiz #12.

12th Academic English
Your work on the Research Project is winding down!  On Tuesday you will turn in the word-processed, MLA formatted outline for your position paper.  Beginning on Monday, we will return to our literary studies by reading and outlining the introductory information on The Romantic Age of English literature (pp. 614-621).  We will read together and discuss "Introduction to Frankenstein," (p.650+), "The Oval Portrait," (p. 658+) and "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," (p. 666+).  On Thursday you will hand in Newsweek summary #8 and will take Vocabulary Quiz #12.

Week of February 20, 2012

11th Academic English
On Monday you'll enjoy the Presidents' Day holiday.  On Tuesday, we'll take a look at Act IV information from Hamlet, and will discuss major events in the play up to this point.  Be ready for a discussion!  Wednesday you'll take the Act IV quiz and will begin work on Act V and its study guide.  We're closing in on wrapping up this Shakespearean tragedy!

12th Academic English
On Monday you'll enjoy the Presidents' Day holiday.  On Tuesday, you will hand in the last set of Bibliography and Note Cards, then will begin working on an outline for your research project.  You'll spend this week developing an outline, creating the works cited page and beginning your text writing.  All of the research you've done over the last four weeks will be used to create the final product---your position paper.  Make sure you keep focused on the final product and don't slack off.  You must make all of the remaining due dates for the project, and you must have all components of this project completed before you can hand in your finished work.  Those of you who missed the Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday of last week will make that up on Tuesday of this week

Week of February 13, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our work with Shakespeare's Hamlet.  On Monday, we'll finish with Act III and take the Act III quiz, then start working on Act IV.  On Tuesday you'll take a test on Acts I, II and III, then continue working on Act IV into Wednesday.  On Thursday you'll take Vocabulary Quiz #11, turn in Newsweek summary #7 and work on Vocabulary List #12.  Enjoy the long weekend!!

12th Academic English
This week you will continue work on the Research Project.  You will turn in Bibliography/Note Card set #2 on Tuesday.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #11, turn in Newsweek summary #7 and begin work on Vocabulary List #12.  The last set of Bibliography/Note Cards is due on Tuesday, February 21st, the day you return to school after your long weekend.  Make sure you are ready to hand in those when you get to class on Tuesday, 2/21.  Enjoy the long weekend!!

Week of February 6, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will continue our study of Shakespeare's Hamlet.  On Tuesday you will take a quiz on Act II, on Thursday a quiz on Act III and on Friday a test on Acts I, II and III.  Make sure you complete each study guide as thoroughly as possible and take good notes during our class discussions of this work.

12th Academic English
This week you will continue to gather information for your research project.  On Monday you will turn in the first packet of Bibliography and Note Cards.  Make sure the bibliography work is precise.  Use your MLA Handbook and/or Citationmachine.net to help you complete this work.  The second set of Bibliography and Note Cards is due on Monday, February 13th. 

Week of January 30, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll continue our work with Shakespeare's Hamlet.  Monday and Tuesday we'll talk about Act I and review your answers to the Act I study guide.  On Tuesday you'll take the Act I quiz and begin work on the Act II study guide.  Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #10 and turn in Newsweek summary #6.  You'll also work on Vocabulary List #11.  Make sure you keep up with the work!

12th Academic English
On Monday you will turn in your Thesis Statement for the position paper research project.  Make sure you follow correct procedure in creating the Thesis Statement.  Also on Monday we will review procedures for creating the Note and Bibliography Cards.  The first set of those is due on Monday, February 6th.  We'll also review some on-line research sources and review procedures for requesting materials through the inter-library loan system.  On Thursday you will take Vocabulary Quiz #10, turn in Newsweek summary #6 and begin work with Vocabulary List #11.  Make sure you keep up with the research work and due dates.  Ask questions when you need clarification and be certain that all research project assignments are done precisely and on time.  Manage your time wisely and effectively!

Week of January 23, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we'll begin our study of Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet.  On Monday we will view and take notes on two documentaries, "Why Shakespeare?" and "In Search of Shakespeare."  On Tuesday and through Friday, we will read and discuss Act I of this play.  You will receive an Act I study guide to complete as we work with this act.  Make sure you take good notes while working with this play and answer the study guide questions completely.

12th Academic English
This week you will refine your topics for the research project.  On Tuesday you will hand in your General Topic, Thursday you will hand in your specific topic and Monday of next week you will hand in your Thesis Statement.  Please remember that you are writing a position paper, using research to defend your position.  Also remember that deadlines are absolute.  You must turn in the segments of this project on time or you will not receive credit for your work.

Week of January 16, 2012
11th Academic English
This week we will practice some revising and editing skills in preparation for the PSSA Writing Tests.  In class, you will use the Revising and Editing workbook, completing 10 segments of this activity.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #9, will turn in Newsweek Summary #5, and will work on Vocabulary List #10. 

12th Academic English
This week we will begin work on the research unit for this course.  You will be given information about the requirements for this unit, due dates for each of the elements that make up this project, and time in the library to begin your work.  On Thursday, you will take Vocabulary Quiz #9, will turn in Newsweek Summary #5, and will work on Vocabulary List #10.

Week of January 9, 2012
11th Academic English
On Monday we will review for your Midterm Exam.  Make sure you have with you your study guides and all appropriate notes.  Check the Midterm Exam schedule if you aren't sure when your exam will take place.  On Friday we will do some work in a revising and editing workbook to begin preparing for the PSSA Writing Tests.  Make sure you study for Midterms!!!

12th Academic English
On Monday we will continue to view the film version of MacBeth.  We will also clarify any questions you have about Miderm Exams.  Check the Midterm Exam schedule if you aren't sure when your exam will take place.  On Friday we will finish viewing MacBeth.  Make sure you study for Midterms!!!