End-of-year Schedule

	Period 2	Period 3
Friday, 5/27	play at NCC	Vocabulary Test
Monday, 5/30	Memorial Day	Memorial Day
Tuesday, 5/31	Vocabulary Test SAT essay finish Catcher in the Rye	Vocabulary Test SAT essay  finish Catcher in the Rye
Wednesday, 6/1	review Catcher SAT writing laptops	review Catcher SAT writing laptops
Thursday, 6/2	SAT sentence completions laptops	SAT sentence completions laptops
Friday, 6/3	SAT review Catcher project due	SAT review Catcher project due
Monday, 6/6	laptops	laptops
Tuesday, 6/7	College Essay group work  résumés and cover letters	College Essay group work cover letters
Wednesday, 6/8	laptops	laptops
Thursday, 6/9	Junior Trip interview practice	Junior Trip interview practice
Friday, 6/10	College Application Project Due In-class interviews	College Application Project Due In-class interviews
Monday, 6/13	Final exam!	Final exam!

Friday, May 27

For Tuesday:
Finish The Catcher in the Rye.
Study for your vocab quiz!
Keep working on your Catcher project and your College Application project.

Wednesday, May 25

Hi Juniors!

I apologize for missing class today. I lament missing class time with such erudite students, but I'm sure you will prudently and fastidiously use the time to your advantage.

Today, please diligently work on your projects. The laptops are available for you to use.


Catcher Analysis Group Project
College Application Project

As you research colleges, remember to look for a "reach," a "match," and a "safety" school. A reach school should be a school that has challenging admissions and may be difficult to afford. A match school should be a school in which you have a reasonable chance of being accepted and can reasonably afford. A safety school should be a school to which you know you can get in and can afford.

You may want to use the search engine at collegeboard.org to help you.

Also, start brainstorming everything you can include on a resume. This includes challenging courses (AP, dual enrollment, etc), service learning, student groups and clubs, jobs, summer programs, etc. You want to be able to brag about yourself!

Good luck and be good! Email me if you need anything.

Love,
Ms. McCartney

Vocabulary #13 Defintions

Monday, May 23

Writing Prompt:
What did you think of the "world ending" Saturday? Where were you and what did you see? Do you think we are living in an alternate universe now?

Assignments:
Read chapter 20 for class tomorrow
Writing Prompts collected on Tuesday
Vocabulary Test on Friday (40 new and 40 old)

Monday, May 16

Homework for Wednesday, May 18.

Read Catcher chapters 13-14.
Period 4, finish your concept cards for Wednesday. The word and an illustrative picture on the front; the definition and your name on the back.

Tuesday, April 26

Writing Prompt: How important do you think it is to fit in? Do people need to conform in order to survive or succeed? How should a person determine when it is appropriate to fit in and when to be his or her own individual? Explain what you think about the positives and negatives of conformity. 

Period 2

Today:

1. Review vocabulary

2. Using quotes in your writing

3. Independent work time

Important Dates:

1. Rough drafts due Friday, April 29!!

2. Make up the vocab test from Friday, 4/15 today afterschool in the IMC

3. Word maps are due Tuesday, May 3: Write the word part and its meaning. Find three words that use the word and keep the same meaning. (you cannot use "a path through the woods" as an example of "path" meaning emotion)

Period 4:

Today:

1. New vocabulary

2. SAT practice

3. MLA formatting

4. Independent work time

Important Dates:

1. Final drafts due Monday, May 2!!

2. Make up the vocab test from Friday, 4/15 today afterschool in the IMC

Monday, April 25

Writing Prompt: What is the optimum aspect of being a teenager? What is the most vexing or disconcerting aspect of being a teenager? Explain.

Period 2:

Today:

1. Collect outlines and research notes

2. Avoiding plagiarism

3. Rough draft requirements

4. Sample rough draft

Important dates:

1. Outline and research notes are due in class.

2. Concept cards are due today (if you didn't finish them before the break!)

3. Test make-up tomorrow after school in the IMC

4. Rough drafts are due Friday, April 29

Period 4: 

Today:

1. Collect rough drafts!

2. Tear apart Ms. McCartney's rough draft

3. Peer edit rough drafts

4. Concept cards

Important dates:

1. Rough drafts are due today in class

2. Test make-up tomorrow after school in the IMC

3. Typed final copies are due Monday, May 2

We will go over MLA tomorrow and Wednesday. We have the laptops reserved for Wednesday.

SPRING BREAK ASSIGNMENTS

There was a vocabulary test on Friday! If you weren't in school, see me by Friday, April 29 to make it up. 

PERIOD 2:

Complete 10 pages of research notes.

Complete the outline for your paper. 

Email me before Sunday if you need help!!!

PERIOD 4:

Complete the outline for your paper. 

Write a complete rough draft of your paper.

Here is the power point from Thursday about using quotes.

Email me before Sunday if you need help!!!

Have a happy spring break! Read lots and lots of books. :)

Wednesday, April 14

PERIOD 2

Today: 

Working Thesis - your thesis is due at the end of class today!!

Important Dates:

1. 10 Research Sources due on Thursday, April 14 - email to mccartneychs@gmail.com. For each source, write 1-2 sentences explaining how the information on the source relates to your topic and thesis and 1-2 sentences explaining how you know the source is reliable. You can simply include the URL of the website. You don't need to use formal MLA format yet. 
2. Vocabulary test on Friday: 40 new/60 old
3. Spring Break Homework: Outline and 10 pages of research notes due Monday, April 25. 

PERIOD 4

10 pages of research notes due at the end of the period!!! 

Important Dates:

1. Vocabulary test on Friday: 40 new/60 old 
2. Spring Break Homework: Outline and rough draft due Monday, April 25. 

Tuesday, April 12

Period 2:

You have the laptops to use for research today! Use your time wisely. You will not have laptops on Wednesday.  

Important Dates:

1. GRADES END TODAY!!! MAKE SURE ALL YOUR WORK IS IN BY 2:54. I will be in the IMC until 4:30 this afternoon.
2. Vocabulary Test on Friday!  
3. 10 Research Sources due on Thursday, April 14 - email to mccartneychs@gmail.com. For each source, write 1-2 sentences explaining how the information on the source relates to your topic and thesis and 1-2 sentences explaining how you know the source is reliable. You can simply include the URL of the website. You don't need to use formal MLA format yet.

Period 4: 
Writing Prompt:

What are your plans for after high school? What do you need to do to prepare yourself for these plans? What knowledge and skills do you think you need to do well after high school?

Today:

1. Review Vocabulary

2. Plagiarism ppt

3. College Readiness Article

Important Dates:

1. Grades close today at 2:54. See me to get in make up work.

2. 10 pages of research notes due tomorrow, Wed, 4/13

This is your first grade for the 4th marking report.

3. Vocab Test on Friday - 40 new & 60 old

Friday, April 8

Make sure you get your working thesis statement to me today!!!


Your working thesis statement should:

• answer one of the essential research questions
• focus your research on a specific topic
• explain your argument
• be easily revised and edited
• be changed if your research leads you to a different conclusion

Please email me or talk to me about your working thesis statement by the end of the period.

Ten Resources Due TODAY, Friday, April 8.

• Email me a list of your sources by 11:59pm today. 
• For each source, write 3-4 sentences explaining what the source is about and why you believe it is reliable. 
• These are not your research notes! All I want is a list of the sources you have found so far, a 1-2 sentences overview of the type of information and 1-2 sentence explanation of why it is a reliable source.

Thursday, April 7

Today:
Focus on creating a working thesis statement. This should not be your final thesis, but it should be what you will focus on as you continue your research. Think of it as a hypothesis for what you are trying to prove.


Your working thesis statement should:

• answer one of the essential research questions
• focus your research on a specific topic
• explain your argument
• be easily revised and edited
• be changed if your research leads you to a different conclusion

Please email me or talk to me about your working thesis statement by the end of the period.

Ten Resources Due Tomorrow, Friday, April 8

• Email me a list of your sources by the end of the period.
• For each source, write 3-4 sentences explaining what the source is about and why you believe it is reliable. 
• These are not your research notes! All I want is a list of the sources you have found so far, a 1-2 sentences overview of the type of information and 1-2 sentence explanation of why it is a reliable source. 

Wednesday, April 6

I'm sorry that I'm not with you in class today. Please use your time in the IMC to research your topic. There are more copies of the research notes handouts if you need them (and you probably will need them if you are doing thorough research!).

Today:

1. Keep working on research and developing your research question. Your research should be complete by Monday, April 11. Check the calendar and make sure you are staying up to date.
2. You should have a list of ten sources to show me by Friday. For each source, write 1-2 sentences explaining why it is a reliable source (review the power point from Monday, April 4).
3. The text book research was due today. I will collect it tomorrow. 
4. Word maps are due Friday! Don't forget. We will review the words tomorrow in class. 

Thank you so much for cooperating and working hard today. 

Tuesday, April 5

Teach Me How to Google ppt

You have the period to work on your research notes. Make sure you are filling in as much of the Works Cited information as you can!

Monday, April 4

Today we start real research! Your final topic selection is due at the end of the period. 

How do you start to choose your sources? Review this powerpoint on evaluating internet sources.

Be sure to finalize your topic by the end of the period. You need to relate your topic to one of the essential research question. Explain how you will attempt to answer this question using your topic. This should not be a thesis yet; instead, it will help you create a thesis at the end of this week. 

If you want to start researching and recording information, use the attached Research Notes.

Homework

1. For Wednesday, complete the Textbook Research Handout. Use two of the textbooks in the school (African American History, the American Pageant, or either of the AP textbooks) to complete this sheet. 

2. Word maps due Friday!

Friday, April 1

Welcome back to English class! I am very proud of how hard each of you worked on the PSSAs. Thank you all for being so cooperative and focused during these past two weeks. And, keep it up for science next week!

We got new words today! Vocabulary 11 is posted here and on the vocab list, numbers 372-411. Word maps will be due on Friday.

Research Project began today! I know that research is not always the most exciting project, but I know these skills will help you succeed for all the college papers you will eventually have to write. :) See me if you have any questions! This is not an April Fool's joke...

Research Assignment and Calendar

Topic Selection Sheet - due Monday, 4/4 in class (30 points)

Wednesday, March 16

Writing Prompt: 

The following is a prompt for an informational essay. Read the questions and complete the following:
1. Brainstorm
2. Outline how you would answer this question in an essay format. Include a thesis, and at least three reasons supporting your thesis. 

You have just won $50,000 in an essay contest. Here's the catch: You can't spend any of the money on yourself, and you must use it to improve your school. You will soon be addressing the student body with your explanation of how you will use the money. In your paper, be sure to explain what you will do and how it will help others.

Today:
1. Review Vocabulary
2. "The Interrogation" page 176
3. "Progress" page 182

Important Dates:
1. Green Light Project due Friday, 3/18!
2. If you need anything printed for your project, email  it to me today!!
3. Vocabulary quiz tomorrow (with a super fun PSSA practice part!)
4. The last SAT test prep after school classes are today and tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 15

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!!!

Writing Prompt: The following is a prompt for an persuasive essay. Read the questions and complete the following:

1. Brainstorm possible answers

2. Outline how you would answer this question in an essay format. Include a thesis, and at least three reasons supporting your thesis. 

You have decided that you want to be a contestant on a reality show. Write an essay persuading the producers of the show to choose you. Be sure to include reasons why you should be chosen, and provide details countering any objections you think they might have to selecting you.

Today:

1. Review vocabulary

2. Review PSSA practice test

3. "Candle Hat"

4. Gandhi 

Important Dates:

1. Vocab quiz on Thursday

2. Green Light project due on Friday

3. Last SAT Test Prep after school classes are Wednesday and Thursday this week. 

Monday, March 14

Writing Prompt: The following is a prompt for an informational essay. Read the questions and complete the following:
1. Brainstorm possible inventions
2. Outline how you would answer this question in an essay format. Include an introduction with a thesis, and at least three reasons supporting your thesis.

"Inventions have changed our lives for the better and for the worse. In an essay, discuss one of the most important inventions of your lifetime. Explain the positive and negative effects this invention has had on society." 

Today:
1. Review vocabulary - quiz on Thursday!
2. Non-fiction focus: article on homelessness
3. Poetry focus: poem on homelessness


Important Dates:
1. Green Light Project - due Friday
2. Vocabulary Quiz - Thursday
3. PSSA Practice Test (from Thursday). You need to make this up tomorrow (Tues, 3/15) after school.
4. Last afterschool SAT prep sessions are Wed and Thursday this week.