Mrs. Hendel

Tuesday, October 30th

We had a great discussion today about friendship.  It was very lively, and we heard about some outstanding friendships.  Also, we had an interesting discussion related to the Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes anticipation guide.

1. Journal topic:  Write about a friendship, past or present, that was important to you.  Why was it important?  Why were you friends with that person?
2. We reviewed Vocab #12.
3. We introduced author Chris Crutcher.
4. Students completed the Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes anticipation guide.  We'll finish the discussion on Wednesday.
5. We distributed the study guide for Chapters 4-5.  Please read those chapters by Friday 11/2.

Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to review Chapters 1-3 and take Quiz #1.  We'll do that on Wednesday too. 

Stay warm!

New Unit Essential Questions

Poetry Unit Essential Questions

1. How is poetry a reflection of life?
2. How do authors use poetic devices in poetry?
3. How can I explain clearly and effectively, in writing, my responses to poems?

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes Essential Questions

1. How does reading a novel shape my opinion of society?
2. How does an author use literary devices to create a novel?
3. What is the importance of friendship?

Monday, October 29th

We started our new unit on Poetry and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes today.

1. New Vocab #12 - Notecards/squares are due Friday 11/2, and we will also have a quiz.

2. Response to poetry - Students read "Some Like Poetry" by Wislawa Szymborska and wrote a 1/2 page response, detailing their thoughts and feeling about the poem and their thoughts and feelings about poetry in general.  Then, students read two more poems - "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke and "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein - and wrote a 2-3 sentence response to each poem.

3. Students took the Poetry Unit Pre-Test.

4. We distributed a list of poetry terms.  Students are responsible for defining the list.

5. Please remember that we will have a quiz over the first reading assignment of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on Tuesday 10/30.  We will also collect the study guide answers for chapters 1-3.  Additional reading assignments are posted on the Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes page on the right side of the blog.

Thursday, October 25th

1. Students viewed their retake grades for The Odyssey Part I test.  The grades have been added to I-Parent. 

2. We reviewed for tomorrow's The Odyssey Part 2 test, and we watched the end of the movie.  It was great to see the movie so large on our new Interwrite board. :)  Also, please remember that study guides are due before the test.  We will NOT accept late study guides!

3. We reviewed Vocab 11 for tomorrow's quiz.

4. We announced the first Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes reading assignment.  Students are to read Chapters 1-3 by Tuesday 10/30.  That's only 54 pages!  We will have a quiz over the assigned reading on Tuesday. 

Wednesday, October 24th

1. We offered students the opportunity to retake their Odyssey Part 1tests today.  Those who were satisfied with their grade worked on an alternative silent reading assignment.  Test grades will be updated today on I-Parent if you are anxious to see your grade!

2. We finished reading "Odysseus' Revenge" and started on "Penelope's Test."  Please be sure you are completing your study guides.  We will be collecting the Part study guides before the test on Friday 10/26.

3. We will announce the first reading assignment for Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes tomorrow.  Please check out the Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes page on the right.  Reading assignments and handouts will be posted there.

Important Dates

Friday 10/26 - Vocab #11 Quiz, notecards/squares due

Friday 10/26 - The Odyssey Part 2 Test

Monday 10/29 - Begin new unit: Poetry and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

• Please bring your textbook and copy of SFSB to class!

Tuesday, October 23rd

1. We went up to the Computer Lab and took a short EOCT practice test. Follow the directions to activate your account if you did not:

Click here www.usatestprep.com 

Username: Sprayberry

Password: newton25

Complete SMALL 9th Lit/Comp EOCT Diagnostic Practice Test - 25 items

2. We returned to the classroom and read The Odyssey Part II section "The Challenge."

3. We returned several graded papers (Odyssey quizzes, study guides) today. 

Students were shown their grade for the Odyssey Part I Test. Remember, if you are retaking it tomorrow, PLEASE study and really take advantage of this opportunity!!!

Writing Lab 204 Information

To help you prepare for the 9th Lit/Comp EOCT:   

• Click here www.usatestprep.com 
• Username: Sprayberry
• Password: newton25
• Complete SMALL 9th Lit/Comp EOCT Diagnostic Practice Test - 25 items

How to register for the official SAT On-Line Class:

• Go to www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool 
• In the "students" box click  "Register Now"
• Enter your School code: 112005 (this code has expired, and we will give you the new code when we receive it)
• Sign in with your College Board account or create a new one

Friday, October 19th

1. We took a quiz over Vocab #10.

2. We began Part 2 of The Odyssey and worked on the study guide.  We will have a quiz over the first 3 sections (Twenty Years Gone, Argus, and The Suitors) on Monday 10/22.  The Part 2 test is Friday 10/26.

3. Please be sure to get a copy of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher.  We'll begin our next unit, Poetry and Parallel Reading, on Monday 10/29.

Thursday, October 18th

We took our test over Part 1 of The Odyssey today, and we played Vocab-O as a review for tomorrow's Vocab 10 quiz.

Please bring your textbook to class tomorrow!

Every student needs to check out a copy of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Krutcher from the SHS Media Center or purchase your own copy.  There are several used bookstores in the area.  Please have your copy by Monday, October 29th.  We will have nightly reading assignments.