Learn something new. Look up the history of the phoenix.

Welcome to Summer Break 2010! We’ve had a great year and I’m going to miss you (yes really) this summer. But I AM going to enjoy my break! I hope you each have a wonderful, safe summer. Do something fun. Do something different. Visit a new place, see a good movie, make a new friend, write, read & revive yourself for a new year. Whatever you do, make MEMORIES!

SUMMER FUN:

• Go see SHAKESPEARE performed a park in Louisville.  It’s FREE!!  Check out the dates at http://www.kyshakes.org/SICP/
• Master Musicians Festival. Somerset Community College, 808 Monticello St., Somerset. (606) 677-6000.  www.mastermusicians festival.com    Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/02/1285720/summer-music-guide-2010.html#ixzz0phsvLisj
• CHECK BACK FOR REGULAR UPDATES!

If you are in need of some extra credit (or you’r not and you just want to show off your INCREDIBLE writing skills) follow the guidelines below and enter the KASA Writing Contest.   If you decide to do this, please bring your rough draft to me before submitting so we can conference about it.   This is a great opportunity! 

Message to Students:

KASA’s 2010 writing contest theme is Connecting Learning to the Real World.  While at school each day, please consider your past and present learning experiences, and then consider how these experiences have been connected to your everyday life.  Below is a list of some guiding questions to help you consider the possibilities:

1. What do schools do to raise awareness of the many different views in our society?
2. What experiences at school have connected students to technology opportunities and growth?
3. How do principles of democracy apply in our schools?
4. What experiences at school have developed students’ understanding of career opportunities/career paths?
5. How has school service learning connected students to needs within the community?
6. What opportunities at school have supported student growth and appreciation of the creative arts?
7. What experiences at school have developed students’ understanding of future studies/fields of interest? 
8. What opportunities at school have supported student growth and appreciation of community leaders?
9. How has school-based instruction connected students to international partners and/or travel?
10. Will education today connect to future diplomacy skills for our students?
11. How will learning about “green” school initiatives connect to daily family living, global trends, or the greenhouse effect?
12. Will learning in today’s classrooms connect to targeted 21st century learning skills?

Using the writing format of your choice, please write about the many ways you believe education and learning can be connected to the world around us.  Include research that guides your thinking, be CREATIVE and have fun!!  

First place winners will be invited to read their winning entries at KASA’s annual summer institute, July 22 or 23, receive a $100 gift card, and a distinguished trophy.

Reminder! Extra credit options can be found on the English IV Extra Credit tab. There are three options. You may complete one or all. Deadline: MARCH 12th.

English III Students! 

Don’t forget that your extra credit assignments are due Friday, February 26, 2010.   This could really help boost your grade!  To view your options click here.

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In remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, students in all of Mrs. Lawler’s English classes will be writing a creative reflective writing piece.   They will use the memories they have retained from that day and the knowledge they now have of the events, to creatively write their own personal account of living through that day.   Students can write from the viewpoint of a student, as a person involved in the actual events, or perhaps even just as a news reporter.   Not only does this allow them time to reflect, but it will allow them to further develop their creative and reflective writing skills.    Parents, be sure to ask you students to share some of their writing with you!  They have great and inspiring minds.   Or, go a step further, write your own piece and share it with your child!

Photo Gallery:

Option 1:  Write a poem in response to “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.”  Write as if you are the father who has discovered that you are dying.

Option 2:   Find another poem by Dylan Thomas and explain it in great detail.   Explain the use of figurative language (metaphors, personification, simile, etc.), symbolism and imagery.    Describe the literal and symbolic meaning as you see it.

Due at time of FINAL EXAM.