UGH! I wrote a post, but apparently never posted it! So sorry!  Well....this week is always a bit chaotic - but I think we are making good progress with our study of Edgar Allen Poe - the students are being introduced to his plays and stories - I use a variety of approaches to catch their interest - Youtube readings, Hulu clips, videos, reading on their own and www.poemuseum.org.  We cover a few literary terms along the way as well as discuss the art of the short story.  Hopefully those of you that attend conferences tomorrow will not find my Dead Poet look too distracting :)

There is a MUSIC AND ME essay due on Thursday for Blocks 1 and 2 and Friday for Block 3 (because of our half day schedule. 

Reminder - I will not be available for conferences on Thursday evening.  Hope to see you tomorrow instead ! 

Have a wonderful rest of your week - bask in the last gasp of warm temps - I know I am savoring and being thankful for every last drop of sunshine and light breezes! :)

10. Windy Nights - Robert Louis Stevenson


WHENEVER the moon and stars are set,

Whenever the wind is high,

All night long in the dark and wet,

A man goes riding by.

Late in the night when the fires are out, 5

Why does he gallop and gallop about?



Whenever the trees are crying aloud,

And ships are tossed at sea,

By, on the highway, low and loud,

By at the gallop goes he. 10

By at the gallop he goes, and then

By he comes back at the gallop again.

This somehow seemed fitting for a day like today.  The English teacher in me can't help but think in poems :)

FYI - the students are receiving a packet for the last 2 presidential debates today.  They will need to watch at least one of them and to the required worksheet.  There is an extra credit for 2nd quarter option attached as well.  Hope you are engaging in this wonderful right of citizenship alongside your student! 

We also have our Bill of Rights project due on Friday - Quiz Friday as well.  For fun review, encourage your student to check out www.icivics.org  and the "Do I Have a Right? " game :) 

Whew! The last day of the quarter is next Friday 10/19!  This has been a busy week with plenty of class time to read their literature circle books and complete their packets (these are due today).  We also completed the preliminary work for a project on the Bill of Rights (there will be extra credit associated with this project and it will be due next Friday).  Finally, their 1st quarter choice book and the associated 40 point journal is due today (no surprise that so many had procrastinated on this and were probably frantically working on it last night - hopefully next quarter will go more smoothly).  Additionally, I will also be introducing an extra credit opportunity for 2nd quarter on Monday.  It will be related to the final two presidential debates and based on material you can find on  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplans/socialstudies/debates_short.html There will likely be a required assignment for everyone in addition to an extra credit extension.  Look for a packet and info regarding this activity Monday.  Enjoy what looks to be our last day of "Summer!"  kw