endings and beginnings

Almost 1/2 way!!! This week is full of new novels (To Kill a Mockingbird - aka. TKM), old tests (MAPS reading), and the ending of chapters (WSH ch. 9) --- students should have a TKM question packet - they need to be through ch. 3 by Friday --- MAPS is on Thursday, this week and next --- and there is a chapter 9 WSH quiz on Friday as well as the due date for 5 paragraphs on possible notable choices (they will make their requests for their notable on Friday too) --- I'm fully aware this seems like a lot of fires going at the same time, but I am trying my best to weave it all together. WSH and English, while taking place on opposite ends of the country, are both dealing with racism and the constitution (this will be a nice transition over to Civics) - and Night of the Notables requires an early start in order for students to use time outside of class. In regards to N of N - they will be getting their packet that outlines all the requirements next week after everyone has their notable approved. From then on, much of the research will need to take place outside of class - at least for blocks 2 and 3. Happy short work week - enjoy our brief hint of Spring :) kw

P.S. grades are mostly finished - only a few small things left to add - for most, WSH will be an obviously passing grade (A, B, or C) at semester, so the small bit of work we have left 2nd semester won't impact their ability to pass - for a few students with a D or an F, I will be communicating the importance of trying to raise that grade as we work on WSH into 2nd semester. Remember that all students must pass this course in order to graduate from high school in Washington.

Happy New Year

Happiest of New Years to you all!!!! Today we went over the graded and returned Native American Diaries - they were generally quite spectacular this year! This is a very creative bunch :) I also returned book projects that had been on display and reminded them all to check their grades on-line --- as we near the end of Washington State History (there will be overlap into 2nd semester though) - they need to make sure they are not in danger of failing since the course is a requirement for graduation and an F would mean retaking the course in high school (and that really isn't ideal) --- tomorrow we will capping our disablitites lit. circle with the movie I am Sam - they are being asked to think about the challenges a developmentally disabled adult would face trying to negotiate the social welfare and legal system -- and also to pay attention to how different people treat the characters in the book. It is a thought provoking film that they should also enjoy. By the end of the week we will be covering ch. 9 in the Wa. St. History book and discussing options for a final project - I will have more on that later. In English, we will be reading To Kill a Mockingbird next - probably starting early next week if not sooner. Have a great week! kw