Ms. Conley

June 15, 2010

Reading:
*Bring in a novel for Sustained Silent Reading throughout the week.
This must be a novel rather than magazines for continuous reading of a story for the next few days.

"Of Nightingales That Weep," notes are due 6/16.
End of book test on 6/16.

History:
Complete the Renaissance through the Reformation timeline; it is due at the end of the day on 6/16, as discussed in class.

*Make sure to bring all History textbooks and "Of Nightingales That Weep" novels by 6/16.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 02:39 PM

June 14, 2010

Reading:
Read, "Of Nightingales That Weep," the last chapter for discussion in class tomorrow 6/15.
End of book test on 6/16.

History:
Begin a timeline from the Renaissance through the Reformation, as discussed in class.
We will complete this in class tomorrow in small groups.

*Make sure to bring any textbooks at home for any subject as well as a novel for Sustained Silent Reading in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:12 PM

June 11, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 30 by 6/14.
Chpt. 29 timeline is due 6/14.
Chpt. 29 test is 6/14.

Complete an illustrated letter for 15 points due 6/14:

Imagine that you are a 16th-century European traveler who has just completed a walking tour of Florence. Use the ideas and illustrations you recorded in your Reading Notes to write and illustrate a letter describing your experiences in Florence.

Your letter should be between 500-700 words (or one page) and follow these guidelines:
1. Include the date and a proper salutation. ("Dear...")
2. Write your letter to a friend who has never been to Florence and knows little about the Italian Renaissance.
3. Write an introduction that gives a general description of Renaissance Florence.
4. In the body of your letter, include a description of at least four places in the city. In describing each place, focus on these questions:
-What was most interesting or memorable?
-What do you know now that you didn't know before?
-What are some of the most noteworthy advances made in architecture, art, literature, science, mathematics, or politics?

Use precise, descriptive words to create a visual image in the reader's mind. Include at least one illustration, picture, or symbol for each place you describe.

5. Be creative in writing and illustrating your letter. After proofreading and editing your draft letter, type or write your final draft neatly in ink.

Reading Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapters 15, 16 by 6/14.
Notes are due 6/14.

The final chapter, Chpt. 17 will be due 6/15.
The end of book test will be on 6/16.

Newspaper Article Review:
The final Newspaper Article Review is due Monday, 6/14.

Read and review a compelling newspaper article; write a review for 5 points due 6/14.
List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Be prepared to discuss the article and your review in class.

Language Arts Extra Credit Opportunities:
Write a book report about a book you enjoyed recently.
Give a summary, recommendation, title, author and a reflection about your experience as a reader.
20 points due 6/14.

Write one newspaper review on three days' worth of a continuing story (such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico) for 15 points due 6/14.

History Extra Credit Opportunities:
Create a collage for any chapter that we have covered during this marking period for 15 points each.

Complete cornell notes on any chapter that we have covered during this marking period for 5 points each.

Write a research paper for 25 points on a subject we have learned about during this marking period.

*All outstanding assignments are due on 6/14 unless you have spoken to me by today, as discussed in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 01:22 PM

June 10, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 29.7-10 by 6/11.
Complete Chpt. 29 Study Guide essential questions by 6/11.
Complete Int. Active Notebook through Section 29.5 by 6/11.
Chpt. 29 timeline is due 6/14.
Chpt. 29 test is 6/14.
Complete the following questions by 6/11.

History Study Guide Questions:
1. Introduction: Why is Florence called "The Cradele of the Renaissance?"
2. What are two reasons Florence is the focus of this Chapter?
3. Why is the dome a novel idea/focus? (29.3)
4. Who is Filippo Brunellesori?
5. Why did he study ruins in Rome?

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapters 13, 14 by 6/11.
Notes are due 6/14.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/11.
Test is on 6/11.
(See 6/7 for Spelling/Vocab., words.)

Writing:
Final copy is due 6/11.
(See 6/7 for details.)

*No Newspaper Article Reviews are due this week.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:04 PM

June 09, 2010

June 9, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 29.1-6 by 6/10.
Complete Chpt. 29 Study Guide essential questions by 6/11.
Chpt. 29 timeline is due 6/14.
Chpt. 29 test is 6/14.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapters 11, 12 by due 6/10.
Illustrate two scenes with captions from Chpts. 1-10 due 6/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/11.
Test is on 6/11.

(See 6/7 for Spelling/Vocab., words.)

Writing:
5-paragraph Research Essay rough draft is due 6/10.
Final copy is due 6/11.
(See 6/7 for details.)

*No Newspaper Article Reviews are due this week.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:27 PM

June 08, 2010

June 8, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 29.1-5 by 6/9.
Complete Chpt. 29 Study Guide Terms by 6/9.
Complete Chpt. 29 Study Guide essential questions by 6/11.
Chpt. 29 timeline is due 6/14.
Chpt. 29 test is 6/14.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Novel test of chapters 1-10 is 6/9.
Illustrate two scenes with captions from Chpts. 1-10 due 6/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 6/9.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/11.
Test is on 6/11.

(See 6/7 for Spelling/Vocab., words.)

Writing:
5-paragraph Research Essay final copy is due 6/11.
(See 6/7 for details.)

*No Newspaper Article Reviews are due this week.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:06 PM

June 07, 2010

June 7, 2010

History:
Chpt. 28 Timeline is due 6/8.
Chpt. 28 test is 6/8.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Novel test of chapters 1-10 is 6/9.
Illustrate two scenes with captions from Chpts. 1-10 due 6/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 6/9.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/11.
Test is on 6/11.

1. opaque -blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light; hard to understand or explain (opaque prose); (obtuse, thickheaded)

2. conscript -to enroll into service by compulsion; (draft) (was conscripted into the army)

3. begrudge -to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure; (begrudge money); (begrudged the weeks spent away from home); to look upon with disapproval (begrudge their rivals' success)

4. anguish -extreme pain, distress, or anxiety (sorrow)

5. justify -to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable; to show to have had a sufficient legal reason; to qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property

6. vigor -active bodily or mental strength or force; active, healthy well-balanced growth especially of plants; intensity of action or effect

7. incoherent -lacking coherence: as lacking cohesion; (loose); lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance (inconsistent) (an incoherent essay); lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought (incoherent with grief)

8. compel -to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly (hunger compelled him to eat); to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure (public opinion compelled her to sign the bill)

9. lucid -suffused with light (luminous) (translucent) (snorkeling in the lucid sea); having full use of one's faculties (sane) clear to the understanding (intelligible) (clear)

10. ruse -a wily subterfuge (trick)

11. invincible -incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued (a seemingly invincible army)

12. scythe -an implement used for mowing (as grass) and composed of a long curving blade fastened at an angle to a long handle (saw)

13. vitals -vital organs (as the heart, liver, lungs, and brain); essential parts

14. squall -a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow

15. juror -a member of a jury; a person summoned to serve on a jury; a person who takes an oath (as in allegiance)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

Writing:
A 5-paragraph Research Paper Essay is worth 50 points, and is due 6/11.
You will need to choose your topic from the following choices:
The Renaissance from 1300-1500s, the Harlem Renaissance from 1919-1940 or particular figures from each period: Johannes Gutenberg, Michelangelo, Titian, Albrecht Durer, Nicolaus Copernicus, Andreas Vesalius, Isabella 1, Elizabeth 1, William Shakespeare, Miguel Cerbantes, or Leonardo da Vinci from the European Renaissance then, or Claude McKay, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas or Bessie Smith from the Harlem Renaissance, now.

The due dates are as follows:
An outline including a thesis statement with the three main points you will prove, and three sources are due 6/8.
You may use your textbook, the internet, the school and local libraries and any articles given in class.
Rough draft for peer editing is due 6/9. You will be assigned peer editing partners.

Final copy is due 6/11.

An outline and rubric are in the Extended Entry below.

*No Newspaper Article Reviews this week.

Continue reading "June 7, 2010"

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:42 PM

June 04, 2010

June 4, 2010

History:
Read Chpts. 28.6 and 20.2-12 (to help identify a Renaissance figure for your group project and/or individual research paper) by 6/7.
Chpt. 28 Timeline is due 6/8.
Chpt. 28 test is 6/8.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapter 10 by 6/7.
Journal notes are due 6/7.
Illustrate two scenes with captions from Chpts. 1-10 due 6/10.
Novel test of chapters 1-10 is 6/9.

Literature Discussion Questions are due 6/7.
5. Takiko receives a poem from General Munemori in Chpt. 9; why doesn’t she want him?

6. Why is it a problem to simply refuse him?

The due dates are as follows:
An outline including a thesis statement with the three main points you will prove, and three sources: one primary and two secondary sources are due 6/8.
You may use your textbook, the internet, the school and local libraries and any articles given in class. We will talk about primary and secondary sources in detail on Monday.

Rough draft for peer editing is due 6/9. You will be assigned peer editing partners.

Final copy is due 6/11.

An outline and rubric will be available in class on Monday.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:44 PM

June 03, 2010

June 3, 2010

History:
Read Chpts. 28.5 and 29.1-3 by 6/5.
Chpt. 28 Essential questions are due 6/4.
Chpt. 29 Vocabulary is due 6/4.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapters 6-9 by 6/4.
Journal notes are due 6/7.
Illustrate two scenes with captions from Chpts. 1-10 due 6/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/4.
Test is on 6/4.
(See May 26 for Spelling and Vocabulary words.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:22 PM

June 01, 2010

June 1, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 28.1-4 by 6/2.
Chpt. 28 Study Guide terms are due 6/4.
Chpt. 28 Essential questions are due 6/5.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read chapters 6-9 by 6/5.
Journal notes are due 6/7.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Tuesday, 6/1.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/4.
Test is on 6/4.
(See May 26 for Spelling and Vocabulary words.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 07:27 PM

May 26, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 28.1-3 by 5/27.
Chpt. 28 Vocabulary is due 5/27.
Chpt. 22 Timeline is due 5/27.
Chpt. 22 Test is 6/1.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read pp.30-46 by 5/27.
Journal notes are due 6/1.

Writing:
Yosemite Brochure
Informational Text Writing Assignment
(See 5/21 for details.)

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Tuesday, 6/1.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 6/4.
Test is on 6/4.

May 26, Spelling and Vocabulary:
1. mild -gentle in nature or behavior (has a mild disposition); moderate in action or effect (a mild sedative); not sharp, spicy, or bitter (mild cheese)

2. vivid -producing a strong or clear impression on the senses; (sharp) (intense); producing distinct mental images (a vivid description); acting clearly and vigorously (a vivid imagination)

3. plectrum -stringed musical instrument part; pick

4. koto -a long Japanese zither having 13 strings

5. minstrel -one of a class of medieval musical entertainers; a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp (musician) (poet)

6. forsake -to renounce or turn away from entirely (friends have forsaken her) (forsook the theater for politics)

7. bulk -spatial dimension; (magnitude); in large quantities

8. intrigue -to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of (intrigued by the tale)

9. dowry -money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage; a gift of money or property by a man to or for his bride

10. hypocrisy -a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion

11. scruple -an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action; mental reservation

12. prospect -the act of looking forward; (anticipation); a mental picture of something to come ; something that is awaited or expected (possibility) (chance)

13. grave -consideration (important); (grave problems); likely to produce great harm or danger (a grave mistake); significantly serious (considerable) (great)

14. corridor -a passageway (as in a hotel or office building) into which compartments or rooms open; a usually narrow passageway or route; a narrow strip of land through foreign-held territory; a restricted lane for air traffic; a land path used by migrating animals; a densely populated strip of land including two or more major cities (the Northeast corridor stretching from Washington into New England); an area or stretch of land identified by a specific common characteristic or purpose (a corridor of liberalism) (the city's industrial corridor)

15. armistice -temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement between the opponents (truce)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:51 PM

May 21, 2010

May 25, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 22.9-12 by 5/26.
Chpt. 22 Essential questions are due 5/26.
Chpt. 22 Timeline is due 5/27.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read pp.18-29 by 5/26.
Journal notes are due 6/1.

Writing:
Yosemite Brochure
Informational Text Writing Assignment
(See 5/21 for details.)

*No Spelling and Vocabulary homework due on Wednesday.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 07:38 PM

May 24, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 22.5-8 by 5/25.
Chpt. 22 Essential questions are due 5/26.
Chpt. 22 Timeline is due 5/27.

Novel, "Of Nightingales that Weep":
Read pp.11-17
Journal notes are due 6/1.

Writing:
Yosemite Brochure
Informational Text Writing Assignment
(See 5/21 for details.)

*No Spelling and Vocabulary homework due on Wednesday.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 07:34 PM

May 21, 2010

History:
Read Chpt. 20.1-3 by 5/24.
Read Chpt. 22.1-3 by 5/24.
Complete Chpt. 22 Vocabulary and Study Guide terms by 5/24.
Chpt. 22 Essential questions are due 5/26.
Chpt. 22 Timeline is due 5/27.

Novel, "The Examination":
Notes are due 5/24.
End of Book Study Guide questions are worth 10 points, and are due 5/24:
1. Summarize Part III in one-two paragraphs, include themes and your reflection of the ending.

2. Throughout the book, we made many predictions. Were yours and the authors the same? How many times? Which do you think were better?

3. What were some re-occurring themes in the book? What was one or two over-arching themes (over the entire book?)

4. Who is Gao Shi? Why is he significant?

5. What are two characteristics of Hong and Chen? Are they the same throughout the book? Do they change?

6. Why doesn’t Hong go to the banquet with Chen and the other scholars and emperor?

Use this to prepare for the end of book test on Monday, May 24. You may use your notes as well as the book.

End of book test is 5/24.

Writing:
Yosemite Brochure
Informational Text Writing Assignment

From the reading on pp.92-95 in the Holt Literature Textbook, review the information found in informational text such as appliance manuals, road signs, nature guides, museum maps, etc. After reviewing these and other resources you may find at home, in the library, online, etc., create a brochure describing and informing the reader of a space at Yosemite that you recommend visiting.

Your brochure should give detailed information, positive (selling this visit!) phrases that will make the reader want to travel to the park tomorrow! Include safety information, such as a helmet in the spider caves, sturdy shoes for the trails, climbing, camping, bear safety information, etc.

Provide your readers with information on Yosemite’s history, geology, plant life, bird watching, sight seeing, including lakes, meadows, camping areas, etc. (Use your memories, journal notes or pictures to begin, and the resources to give detailed information.)

Create a colorful, full-page (horizontal, vertical, folded/unfolded) brochure with pictures and headings for each space you are advertising. (If there is one, a title is fine.) Include a map with a key as well.

The Yosemite brochure is worth 25 points, and is due on May 28.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Test is on Monday, 5/24.
(See 5/17 for Spelling/Vocabulary list)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 03:22 PM

May 20, 2010

History:
Chpt. 19 Timeline is due 5/21.
Chpt. 19 Test is 5/21.

Novel, "The Examination":
Notes are due 5/24.
End of book test is 5/24.

Writing:
Using similes and metaphors involving ourselves and nature, write an autobiographical poem talking about yourself in relation to who you are, what you wish to become, what your dreams are or where you are from both locally or culturally. Write an "I am..." or I am from..." poem, worth 10 points, and is due 5/20.
Final copy should be revised and typed; is due 5/21.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/19.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/21.
Test is on Friday, 5/21.
(See 5/17 for Spelling/Vocabulary list)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:09 PM

May 19, 2010

History:
Chpt. 19 Essential Questions are due by 5/20.
Chpt. 19 Timeline is due 5/21.
Chpt. 19 Test is 5/21.

Novel, "The Examination":
*Read pp.286-296 by 5/20.
Notes are due 5/24.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/19.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/21.
Test is on Friday, 5/21.
(See 5/17 for Spelling/Vocabulary list)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:00 PM

May 18, 2010

History:
Read Sects. 19.3-4 by 5/19.
*Complete Chpt. 19, Vocabulary and Study Guide terms by 5/19.

Novel, "The Examination":
*Read pp.276-285 due 5/19.
Notes are due 5/24.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/19.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/21.
Test is on Friday, 5/21.
(See 5/17 for Spelling/Vocabulary list)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 03:21 PM

May 17, 2010

History:
Read Sects. 19.1-2. by 5/18.
*Complete Chpt. 19, Vocabulary and Study Guide terms by 5/19.

Novel, "The Examination":
*Read pp.269-276 due 5/19.
Notes are due 5/24.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/19.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/21.
Test is on Friday, 5/21.

May 17, Spelling and Vocabulary:
1. mortarboard -an academic cap consisting of a closely fitting headpiece with a broad flat projecting square top; a board or platform about three feet (one meter) square for holding mortar (mortarboard illustration)

2. novice -a person admitted to probationary membership in a religious community; a beginner

3. assiduous -marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application (an assiduous book collector) (tended her garden with assiduous attention)

4. paraphernalia -the separate real or personal property of a married woman that she can dispose of by will and sometimes according to common law during her life; personal belongings; articles of equipment; (furnishings); accessory items

5. absorb -to take in and make part of an existent whole (the capacity of China to absorb invaders); to suck up or take up (a sponge absorbs water); to take in (aquire) (learn)

6. appall -to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay (we were appalled by his behavior) (dismay)

7. chambermaid -a maid who makes beds and does general cleaning of bedrooms (as in a hotel)

8. cremate -to reduce (as a dead body) to ashes by burning

9. balustrade -a row of balusters topped by a rail; a low parapet or barrier

10. bracket -an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle; a fixture (as for holding a lamp) projecting from a wall or column

11. ornate -marked by elaborate rhetoric or florid style; elaborately or excessively decorated (an ornate mantle)

12. candidly -free from bias, prejudice, or malice (fair) (a candid observer); marked by honest sincere expression (a candid discussion)

13. writhe -to twist into coils or folds; to twist so as to distort (wrench); to twist (the body or a bodily part) in pain

14. censor -to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable (censor the news); also to suppress or delete as objectionable (censor out indecent passages)

15. pockmark -to cover with or as if with pockmarks (pit)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 03:11 PM

May 07, 2010

May 7, 2010

History:
*Create a scroll that celebrates Chinese discoveries and inventions, worth 15 points, and is due on 5/10 by the end of the day. (Details are on p.122 in the Interactive Notebook.) *You will have class time to complete any characters from visuals in the classroom.
Chpt. 18 test is 5/10.

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.253-269 due 5/10.
Notes are due 5/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Test is on Monday, 5/10.
(See 5/3 for Sp/Vocab list.)

**Yosemite Article Review:
Read and review a newspaper or magazine article about Yosemite National Park; write a review for 5 points due on Monday, 5/10.

List the author, location in the park, as well as an illustration and caption, if any.

Summarize the article (this can be one or more paragraphs.)

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:34 PM

May 06, 2010

May 6, 2010

History:
Create a scroll that celebrates Chinese discoveries and inventions, worth 15 points, and is due on 5/10. (Details are on p.122 in the Interactive Notebook.)
Chpt. 18 test is 5/10.

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.253-269 due 5/10.
Notes are due 5/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/5.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/7.
Test is on Monday, 5/10.
(See 5/3 for Sp/Vocab list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:59 PM

May 05, 2010

May 5, 2010

History:
Create a scroll that celebrates Chinese discoveries and inventions, worth 15 points, and is due on 5/10. (Details are on p.122 in the Interactive Notebook.)

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.243-253 due 5/6.
Notes are due 5/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/5.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/7.
Test is on Friday, 5/7.
(See 5/3 for Sp/Vocab list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 02:36 PM

May 04, 2010

May 4, 2010

History:
Complete pp.116-121 in the Interactive Notebook by 5/5.
Create a scroll that celebrates Chinese discoveries and inventions, worth 15 points, and is due on 5/10. (Details are on p.122 in the Interactive Notebook.)

Novel, "The Examination":
Illustrate two scenes with captions of Part III due 5/5.
Read pp.232-243 due 5/5.
Notes are due 5/10.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/5.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/7.
Test is on Friday, 5/7.
(See 5/3 for Sp/Vocab list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:16 PM

May 03, 2010

May 3, 2010

Novel, "The Examination":
Illustrate two scenes with captions of Part III due 5/5.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 5/5.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 5/7.
Test is on Friday, 5/7.

Spelling/Vocabulary list for 5/3:

1. venerable -made sacred especially by religious or historical association;
calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments (a venerable jazz musician); broadly; conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence (encouraged by the venerable doctor's head-nodding); impressive by reason of age (under venerable pines)

2. longevity -a long duration of individual life; length of life (a study of longevity); long continuance (permanence) (durability)

3. embitter -to excite bitter feelings in (embittered by divorce); to make bitter

4. reverence -honor or respect felt or shown; (defference); especially; profound adoring awed respect; a gesture of respect (as a bow); the state of being revered; one held in reverence —used as a title for a clergyman

5. comparable -capable of or suitable for (comparison); (similar) (like) (fabrics of comparable quality)

6. contemplation -concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion; a state of mystical awareness of God's being; an act of considering with attention; (study); the act of regarding steadily; intention, expectation

7. indulge -to take unrestrained pleasure in; gratify; to yield to the desire of : humor (please indulge me for a moment); to treat with excessive leniency, generosity, or consideration

8. lament -to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for, often demonstratively: mourn; to regret strongly, deplore

9. propaganda -the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person; ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect

10. renowned -having renown; celebrated, famous

11. impeach -to bring an accusation against; to charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office; to remove from office especially for misconduct
12. prestige -standing or estimation in the eyes of people; weight or credit, in general opinion; commanding position in people's minds, influence

13. whimsical -lightly fanciful (whimsical decorations); subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change

14. restrain -to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something (estrained the child from jumping); to limit, restrict, or keep under control (try to restrain your anger); to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of (restrain trade); to deprive of liberty

15. vulnerable -capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage; assailable; (vulnerable to criticism)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:12 PM

April 30, 2010

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp. 226-232 due 5/3 with notes.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:37 PM

April 28, 2010

History:
Chpt. 18 Timeline is due 4/30.

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp. 219-226 due 4/30.
Review the poem from the Tang dynasty, looking at the way in which nature is used by the poet, due 4/30.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/28.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/30.
Test is on Friday, 4/30.
(See 4/26 for Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:13 PM

April 27, 2010

History:
Chpt. 18 Timeline is due 4/30.

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp. 209-219 due 4/28.
Complete the literature discussion questions in writing please due 4/28:
4. Why is Chen fascinated by Meng Dafu? Is it an unusual connection? Why or why not?

5. On p.207, what do we learn about the Chinese language here?

6. What are your predictions for the rest of the novel?

Illustrate two scenes with captions of Part III due 5/5.

Writing:
From the criteria we established in class about "I wish..." poems, create an, "I wish" poem using a color, a celebrity and a song. There is no limit on the number of lines, just please write more than one line.
We will continue the assignment in class tomorrow, so be prepared to revise/complete tomorrow in class, 4/28.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/28.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/30.
Test is on Friday, 4/30.
(See 4/26 for Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:02 PM

April 26, 2010

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp. 197-209

Spelling and Vocabulary:
Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/28.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/30.
Test is on Friday, 4/30.

Spelling/Vocabulary
1. captivity -the state of being captive (some birds thrive in captivity)

2. contemplate -to view or consider with continued attention: meditate on (contemplate the vastness of the universe); to view as contingent or probable or as an end or intention (contemplate marriage)

3. woebegone -strongly affected with woe (woeful); exhibiting great woe, sorrow, or misery (a woebegone expression); being in a sorry state (woebegone tattered clothes)

4. pervasive -pervading or tending to pervade, to become diffused throughout every part of, (a pervasive odor)

5. contraption -perhaps blend of contrivance, trap, and invention (device) (gadget)

6. inconspicuous -not readily noticeable

7. profusion -lavish expenditure; (extravagance)

8. recapture -the act of retaking; an instance of being taken again

9. pompous -excessively elevated or ornate (pompous rhetoric); having or exhibiting self-importance (arrogant) (a pompous politician)

10. resolute -marked by firm determination (resolved) (a resolute character) (bold) (steady)

11. surly -menacing or threatening in appearance (surly weather)

12. grim -fierce in disposition or action (savage); stern or forbidding in action or appearance (a grim taskmaster) (somber) (gloomy)

13. bloated - being much larger than what is warranted (a bloated estimate) (inflated); obnoxiously vain (a bloated ego)

14. lurch -to roll or tip abruptly (pitch); to move with a lurch (suddenly lurched forward); (stagger)

15. mass -to assemble in a mass (three thousand students had massed in the plaza)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:04 PM

April 23, 2010

History:
Complete Chpt. 18 Study Guide's Essential Questions by 4/26.

Novel, "The Examination":
Write a summary of Part II due 4/26.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:29 PM

April 22, 2010

History:
Read Section 18.3 due 4-23.

Novel, "The Examination":
Complete the following questions due 4-23:

1. From p.188, prepare a statement from Hong describing/explaining what General Ma is saying, "Such a man will never die. He represents the best in us. And the suffering he endured only encourages us to be like him: generous, brave, determined."

2. Construct a diagram of General Ma's winning military strategy.

3. Predict what will happen in Part III.
Illustrate and label one scene in Part II by 4-23.

Write a summary of Part II due 4/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/21.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/23.
Test is on Friday, 4/23.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:14 PM

April 21, 2010

History:
Complete Chpt. 18 vocabulary and Study Guide terms due 4-22.

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.183-194 due 4-22.
Illustrate and label one scene in Part II by 4-23.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:10 PM

April 20, 2010

History:
Complete p.112-114 in Interactive Notebook
Chpt. 17 test is 4/21-173

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.175-183 due 4/21.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Mr. Solove at 02:50 PM

April 19, 2010

History:
Complete p.111 in Interactive Notebook
Chpt. 17 test is 4/21-173

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.164-173 due 4/20.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/21.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/23.
Test is on Friday, 4/23.

1. sprightly -marked by a gay lightness and vivacity (spirited); full of spirit and vitality

2. whirling -to become giddy or dizzy; moving in a circle or similar curve especially with force or speed

3. berth -sufficient distance for maneuvering a ship; the place where a ship lies when at anchor or at a wharf

4. pagoda -a tower in eastern Asia usually with roofs curving upward at the division of each of several stories and erected as a temple or memorial

5. tranquil -free from agitation of mind or spirit (a tranquil self-assurance); free from disturbance or turmoil (a tranquil scene)

6. plaited -to interweave the strands or locks of (braid)

7. sampan -a flat-bottomed skiff used in eastern Asia and usually propelled by two short oars

8. exuberant -extreme or excessive in degree, size, or extent (exuberant prosperity); joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic (exuberant praise) (an exuberant personality); unrestrained

9. serene -clear and free of storms or unpleasant change (serene skies); shining bright and steady (the moon, serene in glory)

10. placid -serenely free of interruption or disturbance (placid skies) (a placid disposition)

11. intermittent -coming and going at intervals; not continuous (intermittent rain) (occasional)

12. indifferent -marked by impartiality; (unbiased); that does not matter one way or the other; of no importance or value one way or the other; marked by no special liking for or dislike of something (indifferent about which task he was given); marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something; (apathetic) (indifferent to suffering and poverty)

13. guffaw -a loud or boisterous burst of laughter

14. fallow -of a light yellowish-brown color; left untilled or unsown after plowing; (dormant) (inactive)—used especially in the phrase to lie fallow (at this very moment there are probably important inventions lying fallow)

15. tributary -paying tribute to another to acknowledge submission, to obtain protection, or to purchase peace; (subject); paid or owed as (tribute) (tributary gifts)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Mr. Solove at 02:43 PM

April 16, 2010

History:
Read Marco Polo Bridge article by 4/19
Timeline is due 4/19
Chpt. 17 test is 4/21

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.153-164 due 4/19.
Journal notes are due 4/19.

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:58 PM

April 15, 2010

History:

Essential questions are due 4/16
Timeline is due 4/19
Chpt. 17 test is 4/19

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.143-153 due 4/16.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/14.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/16.
Test is on Friday, 4/16.
(See 4/12 for list and details.)

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:26 PM

April 13, 2010

History:
Read 17.3,4 by 4/15.

Essential questions are due 4/16
Timeline is due 4/19
Chpt. 17 test is 4/19

Novel, "The Examination":
Read pp.128-134 due 4/14.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/14.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/16.
Test is on Friday, 4/16.

Vocabulary and Spelling
*Change to the spelling list:
*6. cope v. -to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties —often used with (learning to cope with the demands of her schedule)

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:05 PM

April 12, 2010

History:
Read 17.2; complete 17.2 in Interactive Notebook by 4/13.

Novel, "The Examination":
Write 1-2 paragraphs about Part One as a review for test tomorrow, 4/13.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

*Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 4/14.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/16.
Test is on Friday, 4/16.

Vocabulary and Spelling
1. invoke -to petition for help or support; to appeal to or cite as authority

2. harboring -giving shelter or refuge to; being the home or habitat of (the ledges are still harboring rattlesnakes)

3. haste -rapidity of motion; rash or headlong action

4. vigilant -alertly watchful especially to avoid danger; watchful

5. granaries -storehouses for threshed grain; regions producing grain in abundance; chief sources or storehouses

6. coping -the covering course of a wall usually with a sloping top
7. decisive-having the power or quality of deciding (a decisive battle); resolute; determined

8. sinuous -of a serpentine or wavy form; winding; marked by strong lithe movements; intricate; complex

9. kerchief -a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck (handkerchief)

10. roil -to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of; to stir up: disturb; disorder; rile; to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation (conflicting emotions roiling inside her)

11. skein -a loosely coiled length of yarn or thread wound on a reel
12. commemoration -the act of commemorating; commemorate: to call to remembrance; to mark by some ceremony or observation

13. overwhelm -to cover over completely; submerge; to overcome by superior force or numbers; to overpower in thought or feeling

14. passage -a way of exit or entrance : a road, path, channel, or course by which something passes; the action or process of passing from one place, condition, or stage to another (death); something that takes place between two persons mutually; a specific act of traveling or passing especially by sea or air
15. comply -to conform, submit, or adapt (as to a regulation or to another's wishes)

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:47 PM

April 02, 2010

April 2, 2010

History:
Complete pp.107,8 in the Interactive Notebook by 4/12.
Vocabulary and terms from the Study Guide are due 4/12.

Reading:
pp.103-124 in the novel, "The Examination" with notes are due 4/12.

Writing:
From the footbinding *articles, notes and in-class discussions, complete a five-paragraph persuasive essay either for or against the practice of footbinding. Use the outline given in class, and focus on a thesis statement as well as two counterarguments in the body of the essay. This practice/informal five-paragraph essay may be handwritten and is due 4/12.

*http://yennadon.sd42.ca/online/socials/Chinatown/doll.html
*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:06 PM

April 01, 2010

April 1, 2010

History:
Complete pp.107,8 in the Interactive Notebook by 4/12.

Reading:
pp.92-103 in the novel, "The Examination" by 4/2; notes due 4/12.

Illustrate two images with captions of Hong and Chen during their journey and/or stay in Chengdu.
This is worth 20 points and is due 4/2.

Writing:
From the footbinding article, notes and in-class discussion, begin a persuasive essay either for or against the practice of footbinding. Use the outline given in class, and focus on a thesis statement as well as two counterarguments in the body of the essay. This handwritten practice/informal five-paragraph essay is due 4/12.
Show your progress in class on 4/2.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

*Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Thursday, 4/1.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/2.
Test is on Friday, 4/2.
(See 3/30 for Spelling/Vocab., list.)

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:43 PM

March 31, 2010

History:
Read Sections 17.1,2 by 4/1.
Complete pp.107,8 in the Interactive Notebook by 4/12.

Language Arts:
Read the footbinding article, and complete the attached journal by 4/1.

Illustrate two images with captions of Hong and Chen during their journey and/or stay in Chengdu.
This is worth 20 points and is due 4/2.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

*Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Thursday, 4/1.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/2.
Test is on Friday, 4/2.
(See 3/30 for Spelling/Vocab., list.)

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:19 PM

March 30, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16 test is 3/31.

Language Arts:
No Reading homework.

Illustrate two images with captions of Hong and Chen during their journey and/or stay in Chengdu.
This is worth 20 points and is due 4/2.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

*Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Thursday, 4/1.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 4/2.
Test is on Friday, 4/2.

Spelling and Vocabulary
1.transluscent -permitting and diffusing light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly.

2. assuage -to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses)

3. hodgepodge -a heterogeneous mixture (jumble)

4. grandiose -characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration; impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope or grandeur

5. discontented -lack of being contented

6. frivolous -of little weight or importance; lacking in seriousness

7. gawked -to have gaped or stared

8. ration -a food allowance for one day

9. cask -a barrel-shaped vessel of staves, headings and hoops usually for liquids

10. tyranny -a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler; oppressive power exerted by government

11. mandate -an authorization to act given to a representative

12. didi -Chinese term for younger brother

13. edict -an official public proclamation having the force of law

14. rhetorical -of, relating to or concerned with/given to speaking or writing effectively

15. solemnly -(solemn) marked by the observance of established form or ceremony

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:03 PM

March 26, 2010

History:
Read Sect. 16.6,7 as well as notes in the Int. Notebook due 3/30.
Chpt. 16 test is 3/31.

Language Arts:
"The Examination" novel, read pp.83-92 by 3/30.
Notes are due 3/30.

Illustrate two images with captions of Hong and Chen during their journey and/or stay in Chengdu.
This is worth 20 points and is due 4/2.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment
*Revisions are due Tuesday, 3/30.

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:26 PM

March 25, 2010

No History homework

Language Arts:
"The Examination" novel, read pp.76-83 by 3/26.
Notes are due 3/30.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

*Revisions are due Tuesday, 3/30.

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/24.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/26.
Test is on Friday, 3/26.

(See 3/24 for Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Extra Credit:
(See 3/24 for details.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:11 PM

March 24, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16
*Complete: Essential Questions/Terms/Vocabulary/Timeline by 3/25.
Read Sect. 16.5

Language Arts:
"The Examination" novel, read pp.65-75 by 3/25.
Notes are due 3/30.

Choose a poem about brothers. Write a reflection--why you chose that particular poem; whether you liked/disliked it and why.

Complete by 3/25.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

*Revisions are due Friday, 3/30.

*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/24.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/26.
Test is on Friday, 3/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary list for March 22:
1. magistrate -an official entrusted with administration of the laws: as a : a principal official exercising governmental powers over a major political unit (as a nation) b : a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions

2. isolated -occurring alone or once (unique) (sporadic)

3. nonchalant -having an air of easy unconcern or indifference

4. blunt -abrupt in speech or manner; having an edge or point that is not sharp (a blunt instrument)

5. divert -to turn from one course or use to another

6. sieve -a device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (as of ashes, flour, or sand) of various sizes may be passed to separate them from coarser ones, through which the liquid may be drained from liquid-containing material, or through which soft materials may be forced for reduction to fine particles

7. rattan -a climbing palm (especially of the genera Calamus and Daemonorops) with very long tough stems; a part of the jointed stem of a rattan used especially for furniture, wickerwork, and walking sticks

8. emphasis -force or intensity of expression that gives impressiveness or importance to something; special consideration of or stress or insistence on something

9. duress -forcible restraint or restriction; compulsion by threat; specifically unlawful constraint

10. shifty -given to deception, evasion, or fraud (tricky); capable of evasive movement (elusive) (a shifty boxer)

11. sullen gloomily or resentfully silent or repressed (a sullen crowd); dull or somber in sound or color (dismal) (gloomy)

12. cajole -to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance (coax)

13. insolent -insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct (overbearing); exhibiting boldness or effrontery (impudent)

14. morose having a sullen and gloomy disposition; marked by or expressive of gloom

15. ostentatiously -marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display (showy)

Extra Credit:
Write a book report about a book you enjoyed recently.
Give a summary, recommendation, title, author and a reflection about your experience as a reader.
20 points due 4/30.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 12:51 PM

March 23, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16
*Complete: Essential Questions/Terms/Vocabulary/Timeline by 3/25.

Language Arts:
Choose a poem about brothers. Write a reflection--why you chose that particular poem; whether you liked/disliked it and why.

Complete by 3/25.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.
*Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review with a focus on brothers for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Extra Credit:
Write a book report about a book you enjoyed recently.
Give a summary, recommendation, title, author and a reflection about your experience as a reader.
20 points due 4/30.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 03:45 PM

March 22, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16
Essential Questions are due 3/22
Timeline is due 3/23

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 52-65, "The Examination"
Notes are due 3/29.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Extra Credit:
Write a book report about a book you enjoyed recently.
Give a summary, recommendation, title, author and a reflection about your experience as a reader.
20 points due 4/30.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 03:07 PM

March 19, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16
Essential Questions are due 3/22
Timeline is due 3/23

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 41-52, "The Examination"
Notes are due 3/22.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Extra Credit:
Write a book report about a book you enjoyed recently.
Give a summary, recommendation, title, author and a reflection about your experience as a reader.
20 points due 4/30.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 02:50 PM

March 18, 2010

History:
Chpt. 16 Study Guide Terms are due 3/19
Essential Questions are due 3/22
Timeline is due 3/23

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 29-41, "The Examination"
Notes are due 3/22.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Final Copy is due on Friday, 3/19.
Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/19.
Test is on Friday, 3/19.
(See 3/15 for the Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 07:16 PM

March 17, 2010

History homework: Read Section 16.3.
Chpt. 16 Study Guide Terms are due 3/18
Essential Questions are due 3/22
Timeline is due 3/23

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 21-29, "The Examination"
Notes are due 3/22.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Final Copy is due on Friday, 3/19.
Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/19.
Test is on Friday, 3/19.
(See 3/15 for the Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:06 PM

March 16, 2010

History homework: Read Section 16.1-2.

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 6-20, "The Examination"
Notes are due 3/22.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Peer edit is due on Wednesday, 3/17.
Final Copy is due on Friday, 3/19.
Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/17.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/19.
Test is on Friday, 3/19.
(See 3/15 for the Spelling/Vocabulary list.)
V
Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 07:04 PM

March 15, 2010

No History homework

Language Arts:
Reading: pp. 6-20, "The Examination" by 3/16;
Notes are due 3/22.

Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Rough draft is due on Tuesday, 3/16.
Peer edit is due on Wednesday, 3/17.
Final Copy is due on Friday, 3/19.
Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/17.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/19.
Test is on Friday, 3/19.

Vocabulary and Spelling:

1. authority -a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support; the source from which the citation is drawn; a conclusive statement or set of statements (as an official decision of a court); a decision taken as a precedent

2. Confucious -551–479 B.C. Chinese philosopher

3. capable -having attributes (as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment (is capable of intense concentration); having traits conducive to or features permitting

4. primer -a small book for teaching children to read; a small introductory book on a subject

5. province -a country or region brought under the control of the ancient Roman government; an administrative district or division of a country; all of a country except the metropolises

6. stature -natural height (as of a person) in an upright position; quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement

7. halting -marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness (spoke in a halting manner)

8. mender -to free from faults or defects: as; to improve in manners or morals; reform; to set right (correct); to put into good shape or working order again; patch up (repair); to improve or strengthen (as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation —used chiefly in the phrase mend fences (spends the weekend mending political fences)

9. examination -the act or process of inspecting; the state of being investigated; an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge; a formal interrogation

10. grudgingly -done, given, or allowed unwillingly, reluctantly, or sparingly (grudging compliance)

11. stabilize -to make stable, steadfast, or firm; to hold steady: as; to maintain the stability of (as an airplane) by means of a stabilizer; to limit fluctuations of (as prices)

12. capricious -governed or characterized by caprice (a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action)

13. mournful expressing sorrow; (sorrowful); full of sorrow; (sad); causing sorrow or melancholy (gloomy)

14. glumly -broodingly morose (became glum when they heard the news) (dreary)

15. tael -any of various Chinese units of value based on the value of a tael weight of silver; any of various units of weight of eastern Asia

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one compound sentence.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 11:12 AM

March 12, 2010

No History homework

Language Arts:
Persuasive Essay Writing Assignment

Choose one writing prompt, and write a five-paragraph essay. Remember to include the thesis statement, your specific points about what you with to prove in the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. Convince the reader that your view is definitively the conclusion the reader should take away from the essay.

1. Some people fish to at what they catch; others fish simply for the “sport,” returning the fish to the water after they’ve caught it. Many animal rights activists argue that sport fishing is cruel and should be abolished. How do you feel about this issue? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

2. For centuries people have wondered about the possibility of life on other planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life exists? Write an essay persuading other to share your point of view.

3. Today’s top professional athletes often have salaries and bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these athletes deserve such high compensation? Why or why not? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.
www.scribd.com

Rough draft is due on Tuesday, 3/16.
Peer edit is due on Wednesday, 3/17.
Final Copy is due on Friday, 3/19.
Revisions are due Friday, 3/26.

The essay is worth 40 points. Please follow the rubric (give in class) for the maximum number of earned points.
Following are the points and categories for the highest mark of the rubric:

Structural Organization: Essay is powerfully organized and fully developed.
Thesis: Establishes thesis and maintains clear purpose via suitable voice and tone.
Focus: The essay is focused, purposeful, and reflects clear insight and ideas.
Support: Specific, developed details and superior support and evidence in the essay content.
Mechanics: Nearly error-free which reflects clear understanding and thorough proofreading.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:20 PM

March 11, 2010

History Chapter 15:

Exhibit Guide Project is due Friday, 3/12, and is worth 20 points.
(See 3/9 for details.)

Reading:
Review "Names/Nombres" p.263, "A Mason-Dixon Memory" p.357, and "Amigo Brothers" p.308 by 3/12.

From your literature book, on pp. 263, 357, and 308, be prepared to compare and contrast events, themes, and your interpretations of the characters, and the authors' points of view.

Short Story/Essay test is 3/12.
(See 3/9 and 3/10 for an additional study guide.)

Literature Study Guide for “Names/Nombres,” A Mason-Dixon Memory” and “Amigo Brothers.”

“Names/Nombres” From literature book, p.267:
1. Julia Alvarez has been known by the different names listed below. Explain who uses each name or group of names and what the names mean to Alvarez. “little girl”, Julita, Judith/Juliet, Jules/Jude, Alcatraz, Judy, Julia Altagracia Maria Teresa Alvarez Tavares Perello Espaillat, and Julia Alvarez.

2. How does Julia picture the people who mispronounce her name?

3. As a teenager, why does Julia want to be called Judy? How do you think her attitude has changed since then?

4. Why do you think the writer gave this piece the title “Names/Nombres” instead of just “Names” (or just “Nombres”)? What connection can you see between this title and Alvarez’s comment about being “on the border between two worlds”?

5. What would you say is the main idea of “Names/Nombres”? List three significant details or quotations from the story that you think back up the main idea.

6. Is this essay subjective or objective? How do you know?

“A Mason –Dixon Memory,” by Ms. Scott, Horrace Mann Middel School
1. Describe the setting of Dondre Green’s part of the story. Include each element of “setting.

2. What is the decision that Murphy asks his seniors to make?

3. What is the significance of the Mason-Dixon line in the conversation the author, Clifton Davis, has with the chaperone of his trip?

4. Davis noticed that at the Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln’s face seems both “alive and so terribly sad”. He says the next morning he understood a little better why Lincoln wasn’t smiling. What was it that Davis understood?

5. On the last page of the story, it reads,

In his words and in his life, Lincoln had made it clear that freedom is not free. Every time the color of a person’s skin keeps him out of an amusement park or off a country club fairway, the war for freedom begins again. Sometimes the battle is fought with fists and guns, but more often the most effective weapon is a simple act of love and courage.

Interpret this passage. (Explain what the author means.)

** On the last page of the story, it reads,

Interpret this passage. (Explain what the author means.)

“Amigo Brothers” p. 318
1. Why do both boys wish for an early knockout? What does this wish show about them and their feelings for each other?

2. The last sentence refers to both boys as “champions.” In what sense are they both champions?

Compare and Contrast
1. What are the similarities and differences in these stories? Identify common themes.

2. Reflect on the stories: did you like/dislike the stories? Were the characters believable? Did you find a connection between the stories?

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/10.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/12.
Test is on Friday, 3/12.
(See 3/9 for Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:13 PM

March 10, 2010

History Chapter 15:
*Chapter 15 test is 3/11.

Exhibit Guide Project is due Friday, 3/11, and is worth 20 points.
(See 3/9 for details.)

Reading:
Review "User Friendly" and "After Twenty Years" by 3/11.
From your literature book, pp. 185, 224, be prepared to compare and contrast events, themes, and your interpretations of the characters, and the authors' points of view.

Short Story/Essay test is 3/12.
(See 3/9 for an additional study guide.)

Literature Study Guide for “User Friendly” and “After Twenty Years.”

Literature Book, p.196:
1. Trace the chain of causes and effects leading up to Kevin’s decision to unplug Louis. Is what finally happens to Louis part of the chain of events or outside it?

2. You can tell a lot about people when you know what’s important to them. For instance, what seems most important to Kevin is his computer. What other character traits does Kevin have?

3. What are some of the themes of “User Friendly?”

4. Compare the themes of “User Friendly” with themes in “Fish Cheeks” and “Mother and Daughter.” What does each theme say about the power of love?

Literature Book, p.230:
1. What does the police officer realize when the man in the doorway lights his cigar?

2. When did you realize who the police officer was? Find and explain the first clue to his identity.

3. Both men honor a commitment they made over twenty years ago, but for Jimmy Wells there’s one thing more important than even a long friendship. What is one theme of this story? What truth about loyalty versus honesty does the story reveal to you?

4. What would you have done if you were Jimmy?

Compare and Contrast
1. What are the similarities and differences in these stories? Identify common themes.

2. Reflect on the stories: did you like/dislike the stories? Were the characters believable? Did you find a connection between one or both of the stories

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/10.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/12.
Test is on Friday, 3/12.
(See 3/9 for Spelling/Vocabulary list.)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 05:00 PM

March 09, 2010

March 9, 2010

History Chapter 15:
*Chapter 15 test is 3/11.

Exhibit Guide Project is due Friday, 3/11, and is worth 20 points.

Exhibit Guide Project

Imagine that you are the director of the Cultural Center of West Africa. You have created exhibits about African art, music, and oral and written traditinos. Now you want to publish a guide to help visitors better understand the exhibits. Your guide must be between 500 and 700 words and:

include a colorful and creative covor and title

be at least three pages long, with pages devoted to art, music, andoral and written traditions

include at least five illustrations or drawings

contain information to help the reader understand African culture. The guide must have at least three paragraphs that describe the exhibits and explain what they teach us about African culture and society. Each paragraph must cover one of these three topics: art, music, and oral and written traditions.

include a list of at least four examples of ways in which West African cultural achievements influence our world today.

Prepare a rough draft of your guide and have your teacher review it. Type or write your final draft neatly in ink.

Reading:
Be prepared to discuss your answers to the Literature Study Guide by 3/10.
Short Story/Essay test is 3/12.
Literature Study Guide

“Mother & Daughter”

From questions on p.116:
2. Look back at the way Yollie and her mother tease each other at the beginning of the story. What inferences can you make about the character traits revealed by the mother and the daughter in that scene?

3. What inferences can you make about the characters of Yollie and her mother based on the awkward feelings they experience at lunch the day after the school dance?

4. How has Yollie distinguished herself at Saint Theresa’s? Based on her involvement in those activities, what would you infer about her character?

5. Look at the way Mrs. Moreno dresses, at how other people respond to her, and at how she feels about Yollie. What inferences can you make about her character?

7. Do you think that Yollie and her mother are believable characters? (Think of how they compare with people you know.) How about that final discovery of the money in the cigar box? Was that a believable resolution to the plot? Why?

“Fish Cheeks”

From questions on p.355:
2. Why do you think Amy is ashamed of her family’s Chinese traditions? What does her mother mean when she says, “Your only shame is to have shame”?

3. Re-read Tan’s description of the food her mother is preparing. How does Amy feel about the dinner? How can you tell?

4. Find one image in the story that creates a vivid picture in your mind. Find three other images that help you feel you can touch, smell, taste or hear details of that famous Christmas dinner.

5. Why do you suppose it isn’t until many years later that Amy realizes her mother chose all of Amy’s favorite foods for the Christmas Eve dinner? What do you think are her mother’s “lesson” and “true purpose” in preparing those foods?

7. Is this essay about a strange menu, or is it really about something else? In one or two sentences, state what you think is Tan’s main idea.

8. Where does the title “Fish Cheeks” come from? Do you think it’s a good title? Tell why or why not.

Why do you think Tan takes the particular quote, “On Christmas Eve, I saw that my mother had outdone herself in creating a strange menu,” to be the caption on the title page? What is the purpose?

What is the focus of this essay?

Compare and Contrast, “Mother & Daughter”/“Fish Cheeks”

1. What are the similarities and differences in these stories?

2. Choose one common theme in both stories. Explain your reasoning.

3. Reflect on the stories: did you like/dislike the stories? Were the characters believable? Did you find a connection between one or both of the stories?

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/10.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/12.
Test is on Friday, 3/12.

Spelling and Vocabulary list for 3/8-12.

1. deport -to behave or comport oneself especially in accordance with a code; to send out of the country by legal deportation

2. bewilder -to cause to lose one’s bearings; to perplex or confuse

3. commitment -an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; an act of committing to a charge or trust

4. abolish -to do away with wholly; to destroy completely

5. deliver -to set free; to take and hand over to or leave for another

6. befriend -to act as a friend to

7. consider -to think about carefully; to think of especially with regard to taking some action

8. diminish -to make less or cause to appear less; to lessen the authotity, dignity or reputation of

9. deplore -to feel or express grief for; to regret strongly; to consider unfortunate

10. abhorrent -strongly opposed; not agreeable

11. bestow -to convey as a gift

12. admonish -to indicate duties or obligations; to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement

13. distress -to cause to worry or be troubled; to mar (wood or furniture) deliberately to give an effect of age

14. allotment -the act of assigning or distributing a share or portion

15. abreast -beside one another with bodies in line; up to a particular standard or level especially of knowledge of recent developments

Posted by Ms. Conley at 03:24 PM

March 05, 2010

March 5, 2010

History Chapter 15:
Timeline is due 3/8
Chapter 15 test is 3/9
Reading:
Short Story/Essay notes
for "Names/Nombres are due 3/8.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
(see 3/2 for details)

Posted by Mr. Solove at 04:47 PM

March 03, 2010

March 3, 2010

History:
Reach Section 15.4 by 3/4.
West African Passport Project is due 3/4.
(see 2/25 for details)
Study Guide Essential Questions are due 3/5
Timeline is due 3/8
Chapter 15 test is 3/8
Reading:
Short Story/Essay notes
for "Names/Nombres are due 3/8.

Spelling and Vocabulary:
(see 3/2 for details)

Posted by Mr. Solove at 04:49 PM

March 02, 2010

March 2, 2010

History:
Reach Section 15.3 by 3/3.

West African Passport Project is due 3/4.
(see 2/25 for details)

Reading:
Read "Names/Nombres" p.263 by 3/3.
Short Story/Essay notes are due 3/8.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday/Thursday, 3/3,4.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/5.
Test is on Friday, 3/5.
Vocabulary and Definitions
1. ethnicity -common culture or nationality

2. florid-sounding -flowery; using fancy words

3. Third World -developing countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia

4. rococo -an early-eighteenth-century style of art and architecture

5. heritage -traditions that are passed along.

6. convoluted -complicated

7. substance -essential nature; a fundamental or characteristic part or quality; physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence

8. endurance -the ability to withstand hardship or adversity

9. reluctant -feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness

10. influence -the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways; one that exerts influence

11. kente -colorfully patterned cloth traditionally woven by hand

12. elaborate -planned or carried out with great care (took elaborate precautions); marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness

13. mallet -a hammer with a typically barrel-shaped head: as a : a tool with a large head for driving another tool or for striking a surface without marring it.

14. legacy -gift by will especially of money other personal property; something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past (the legacy of the ancient philosophers)

15. coronations -the act or occasion of crowning; also : accession to the highest office

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.
(see 2/25 for details)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:08 PM

February 26, 2010

History:
Chapter 15 Study Guide terms are due 3/1.

West African Passport Project is due 3/4.
(see 2/25 for details)

Reading:
Read "Veto on Video Games" p.599 by 3/1.
Short Story/Essay notes are due 3/1.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 3/3.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 3/5.
Test is on Friday, 3/5.
(See 3/1 for list of Spelling words.)

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.
(see 2/25 for details)

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:56 PM

February 25, 2010

History Chapter 15 Vocabulary is due 2/26.
Reach Chapter 15's Introduction by 2/26.

West African Passport Project

Focus: Each student will complete a passport for this West African study unit. The project will include the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

This project is worth 20 points, and is due March 4, 2010.

1. Your passport will need a green cover.
2. Your name, birthdate and address will go under a picture of you; if you do not have a picture, Ms. Conley will take one of you with signed family permission consent. (Please authorize and sign below.)
3. All pages must be written neatly, printed or typed.
4. List the name of each empire on separate pages.
5. Write the approximate date of each empire’s beginning and its location.
6. State the empire’s major economic resources.
7. Write a brief summary of the leader of the empire at this time.
8. Include a map, printed or drawn.
9. Look for ways how human and the geographic boundaries and features changed with each leader.

Ask questions! This is an individual project, but you may work together with your classmates in answering/researching questions. You will have some time to work on this project in class, but you must complete it on your own by the due date.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, stapler, map pencils (colored pencils are fine); markers; crayons; rulers; picture of you; maps of ancient empires of Africa.

Reading:
"A Mason Dixie Line," p.359
Review "Fish Cheeks," p.353
Reading notes are due 3/1.

Spelling and Vocabulary

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 2/24.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 1/26.
Test is on Friday, 1/26.
(See 2/23 for list of Spelling words.)

Writing Fiction, a Short Story Assignment:

Create character(s) in your own short story! In thinking about this assignment, make sure to think about what point of view you want this piece to be told from; what is/are the setting(s)? What is the conflict? Is there a resolution—what ending does this story have? Be sure to title your work. The length may be 1-2 pages, so use the most descriptive words and edit, edit, edit along the way!

Your short story narrative will be graded according to the rubric on the back page, for a total of 30 points. Please attach this page to the front of your title page.

The character and setting descriptions are due Monday, February 22.
The first draft is due Tuesday, February 23.
Peer edit is due Wednesday, February 24.
The final draft is due Friday, February 26.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

List the author, audience, location, as well as illustration and caption, if any.
Diagram one sentence with subject, verb (action, helping, linking, being verbs), and pronouns.
Summarize the article (this can be one or more sentences.)

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Mr. Solove at 05:43 PM

February 23, 2010

History, Chapter 14
Read Sections 14.7,8 by 2/23.

Study Guide Essential Questions are due 2/24.
Timeline is due 2/25.
Chapter 14 test is 2/25.

West African Passport Project

Focus: Each student will complete a passport for this West African study unit. The project will include the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

This project is worth 20 points, and is due March 4, 2010.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, stapler, map pencils (colored pencils are fine); markers; crayons; rulers; picture of you; maps of ancient empires of Africa.

Reading:
"User Friendly," p.187
"The Tejano Sould of San Antonio," P.147
Reading notes are due 3/1.

Spelling and Vocabulary

Alphetebize, syllables, parts of speech, accent marks, and sentences are due Wednesday, 2/24.

Words written three times paper is due Friday, 1/26.
Test is on Friday, 1/26.

1. subjugate -to bring under control and governance as a subject (conquer); to make submissive (subdue)

2. procession -a group of individuals moving along in an orderly often ceremonial way

3. encounter -to meet as an adversary or enemy; to engage in conflict with; to come upon face-to-face; to come upon or experience especially unexpectedly

4. reveille -a signal to get up mornings; a bugle call at about sunrise signaling the first military formation of the day

5. impact -to fix firmly by or as if by packing or wedging; to press together; to have a direct effect or impact on : impinge on; to strike forcefully

6. corrugate -to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves

7. reverberate -to become driven back; to become reflected; to continue in or as if in a series of echoes (resound)

8. contentious -likely to cause contention (a contentious argument); exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes (a man of a most contentious nature)

9. convulsion -an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

10. alacrity -promptness in response : cheerful readiness (accepted the invitation with alacrity)

11. exclude -to prevent or restrict the entrance of; to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion

12. assail -to attack violently with blows or words

13. dissipate -to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish c : to lose (as heat or electricity) irrecoverably

14. griots -any of a class of musician-entertainers of western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies; poets-musicians

15. illustrious -notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions

Writing Fiction, a Short Story Assignment:

Your short story narrative will be graded according to the rubric on the back page, for a total of 30 points. Please attach this page to the front of your title page.

The character and setting descriptions are due Monday, February 22.
The first draft is due Tuesday, February 23.
Peer edit is due Wednesday, February 24.
The final draft is due Friday, February 26.

Newspaper Article Review:
Read and review newspaper articles daily; write a review twice a week for 5 points due weekly on Tuesday and Thursday.

Write a letter to the editor, with your positive or negative review.

Be ready to discuss your article in class.

Posted by Ms. Conley at 04:12 PM

February 22, 2010

History, Chapter 14
Read Sections 14.3, 4 by 2/22.

Study Guide Essential Questions are due 2/24.
Timeline is due 2/25.

West African Passport Project

Focus: Each student will complete a passport for this West African study unit. The project will include the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

This project is worth 20 points, and is due March 4, 2010.

Materials: Colored construction paper, scissors, stapler, map pencils (colored pencils are fine); markers; crayons; rulers; picture of you; maps of ancient empires of Africa.

Spelling and Vocabulary
1. subjugate -to bring under control and governance as a subject (conquer); to make submissive (subdue)