Mr. Cyrus's Lang Arts II Blog

Activities for week three 2/13 - 2/16 - 2012

2012-02-11T21:32:00.001-08:00

What you start, finish. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who might. Responsible people follow through. If they make a commitment, they see it through. They finish. And that is how others evaluate them. Are they dependable or not? Can I rely on them? Writer Ben Ames Williams observed, "Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." As we move into the second semester how are you measuring up in responsibility? This week you have three opportunities for extra credit points to raise your grade. First, you may type an explanation of Williams's quote and also tell me how you would measure yourself (MLA format) (? points) (due by Tuesady). Second this weekend you and your parents can read and discuss "Test Tips". (Have your parents write me a note that you worked on it together and tell me was it worthwhile - 30 points) Also did you get a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird? (50 points)

Monday 2/13
1. Review CAHSEE Test (20 points)
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Read and Discuss "Montgomery Boycott"
4. Do Vocabulary 13 - 14 (Homework - due tomorrow)

Tuesday 2/14
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Finish "… Boycott"
3. Rosa Parks video clip
4. Do Next CAHSEE Test (homework)

Wednesday 2/15
1. Test on "Montgomery Boycott" (100 points)
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Review CAHSEE Test
4. Read "The Bill Of Rights" (homework)

Thursday 2/16
1. Vocabulary 13 - 14 Test (100 points)
2. CAHSEE Practice Test
3. Review Bill of Rights
4. U. S. Constitution Test (homework)
5. Read SSR Book 30 pages (homework)
6. Test Tips (homework)

Activities for week two new semester 1/30 - 2/3, 2012

2012-02-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level.

Monday 2/6
1. Review Idioms’ Test
2. Edit and Revise Essay
3. Do Vocabulary 11 - 12

Tuesday 2/7
1. Review Quarter Benchmark
2. Final Revision of Essay
3. Finish Vocabulary
4. Type Final Copy of Essay

Wednesday 2/8
1. Essay Due
2. Review and Grade Vocab
3. See Rosa Park clip
4. Read "Montgomery Boycott" pages 124 - 133

Thursday 2/9
1. Hearing Screening
2. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
3. Read and Discuss "Montgomery Boycott"
4. CAHSEE Practice Test

Friday 2/10
1. Vocabulary 11 – 12 Test
2. Review CAHSEE Test
3. Read and Discuss "Montgomery Boycott"
4. Do Next CAHSEE Test

*** Extra Credit ***

Twenty points - Print the blog and on the backside print your Aeries Grade and have your parents sign it. It is due before the warning bell.

Activities for week one second semester 1/30 - 2/3, 2012

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Please let's get off to a great start.

Monday 1/30
1. Review Final
2. Discuss Class Guidelines (homework)
3. Start Antigone Essay (homework)

Tuesday 1/31
1. Guidelines Due (25 points)
2. Review EDHS Dress Code
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Usage Problems Worksheet
5. Discuss Antigone Essay (outline, brainstorm - homework)

Wednesday 2/1
1. Discuss Connotation and Denotation
2. Usage Problems Worksheet
3. Discuss Active and Passive Voice
4. Work on Antigone Essay (type essay - homework)

Thursday 2/2
1. Second Quarter Benchmark Test (60 points)
2. Discuss Commentary
3. Work on Antigone Essay (homework)
4. Review All Idioms Weeks 1-12 (homework)

Friday 2/3
1. Idiom Weeks 1-12 Test (100 points)
2. Edit and Revise Antigone Essay (100 points) (type second copy) homework
3. Practice CAHSEE Test

Please come see me if you have any questions?

Finals Week 1/23 - 1/27 - 2012

2012-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

This is the end, all we have left is your final. If you have S.S.Reading points to make up you can do that Monday and Tuesday morning. Good luck on your final. Please check Aeries and make sure your grade is correct.

Final
55 clue context, prefix, suffix, root questions
20 vocabulary words
50 Antigone questions
20 literature terms
20 idioms

Monday January 23th
Review for final

Tuesday, January 24th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 25th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 26th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 27^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week eighteen 1/17 - 1/20

2012-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

In one of his notebooks Leonardo da Vinci wrote, "Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind." That distaste for inaction drove da Vinci's intellectual curiosity his entire life. His love for learning never stopped. I hope you have learned to love learning and love the feeling of accomplishment for a job well done.

Tuesday 1/17
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Test on Antigone Handouts
3. Presentation of Antigone
4. See and Discuss Antigone

Wednesday 1/18
1. Presentations of Antigone
2. See and Discuss Antigone
3. Type Antigone Essay (homework)
4. Review all Idioms

Thursday 1/19
1. Review Antigone Test
2. Presentations
3. See and Discuss Antigone
4. Edit and Review Essay (homework)
5. Study All Vocabulary

Friday 1/20
1. Antigone Essay Due
2. Vocabulary 1 – 10 Test
3. Presentations
4. Finish Antigone Study Guide – Due Monday

Do you have all your reading points?

Activities for week seventeen 1/9 - 1/13 - 2012

2012-01-07T16:09:00.000-08:00

Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." We still have a notebook to grade and a presentation of Antigone to complete before the semester comes to a close. Please make sure your deeds match the grade you promised yourself. Also please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. You may still make up S.S.Reading points in the morning or break, also you can see about after school reading.

Monday 1/9
1. Idiom 1 – 9 Test (100 points)
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Read and Discuss Scene I of Antigone
4. Do Vocabulary 9 - 10 (homework)
5. Practice Dialogue (homework)

Tuesday 1/10
1. Lecture: Drama and Structure of Tragedy
2. Practice Dialogue
3. Finish Vocabulary 9 - 10 (homework)
4. Finish Reading Antigone (homework)

Wednesday 1/11
1. Grade and Review Vocabulary 9 - 10 (70 points)
2. Group Presentation Work
3. See and Discuss Antigone
4. Work on Study Guide (homework)

Thursday 1/12
1. Antigone Test
2. Grade Quarter Notebook
3. Group Presentation Work
4. Practice Dialogue (homework)
5. Work on Study Guide (homework)

Friday 1/13
1. Vocabulary 9 - 10 Test (100 points)
2. Give Group Presentation (variable extra credit points)
3. Practice Dialogue (homework)
4. Study for Handout Test (homework)

Remember you can come and talk to me about your grade.
Also if you have you dialogue on index cards - see me Monday
before 8:22 am, not after for extra credit points.

Activities for week sixteen 1/3 - 1/6 - 2012

2011-12-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel.

Please check Aeries and know your grade; if you are not at 100% in your reading points all you have to do is come in and read (10 points for ten minutes) (before school, break, or after school -see me for after school-).

Tuesday 1/3
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Discuss and Write about “Sophocles Cartoon”
3. See Antigone “Prologue”
4. Start Vocabulary 7 - 8 (homework)
5. Practice dialogue (homework)

Wednesday 1/4
1. Practice dialogue
2. Read and discuss Pages 1014-1019 Antigone and quiz (ten questions) 50 points
3. Finish Vocabulary 7 – 8 (homework)
4. Practice dialogue (homework)

Thursday 1/5
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Review Antigone Quiz
3. Practice for Presentation (Class and homework)
4. Antigone Quiz (Pages 1015 – 1025) 50 points

Friday 1/6
1. Vocabulary 7 – 8 Test (100 points)
2. Prepare for Group Presentations of Handouts (extra credit possible)
3. See Antigone
4. Practice dialogue (homework)
5. Idiom Test Monday Weeks 1 - 9 (homework - study)

Finish Strong!
Your Grade Can Lower Car Insurance.

Activities for week fifteen 12/12 - 12/16 - 2011

2011-12-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

We are moving from the future of Fahrenheit 451 to the past of Sophocles' Antigone. As you read can you connect this quote to the drama? "In prosperity our friends know us. In adversity we know our friends."

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally make sure you have a dialogue and partner that I have approved for your class presentation of Antigone.

Remember we have a school wide toy drive. (extra credit)

Monday 12/12
1. Review Tests
2. Read Pages 1014 - 1021 (homework)
3. Do Vocabulary 5 – 6 Packet (homework)

Tuesday 12/13
1. Lecture: Drama Goals and Objectives
2. Find a Partner for Dialogue of Antigone
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Read Antigone 1022-1025 (homework)

Wednesday 12/14
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Do Usage Problems 26.2
3. Find Part for Presentation
4. Read Antigone and Write out Part (homework)

Thursday 12/15
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. See and Discuss "Greek Drama and Tragedy"
3. CAHSEE Practice Tests
4. Sign up for Presentation
5. Study for Vocabulary Test and Practice Dialogue (homework)

Friday 12/16
1. Vocabulary 5 - 6 Test (100 points)
2. See Antigone
3. Read "Drama" and Antigone Handouts (homework)
4. Practice Dialogue (homework)

Merry Christmas,
and Happy New Year!

Activities for week fourteen 12/5 - 12/9 - 2011

2011-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

As we move to Christmas - "do you know it is a party? It is a birthday party ... birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say 'Merry Christmas!'" stated Rick Warren. Let's work hard and enjoy the last weeks of school before vacation, then you can celebrate all the rest of this year. We will be working on our first full essay on Fahrenheit 451 and it is worth 200 points, you also have your last tests on Fahrenheit 451.

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally, make sure your notebook is up to date.

Monday 12/5
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Edit and Revise Fahrenheit 451 Essay
3. Start Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)
4. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Tuesday 12/6
1. Meet in Library
2. Type Final Copy of Essay
3. Finish Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)
4. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Wednesday 12/7
1. Essay Due (200 points)
2. Review and Grade Vocabulary 3 and 4 (70 points)
3. Review Fahrenheit 451 Quiz
4. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Thursday 12/8
1. Glossary Terms Test (120 points)
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Review for Fahrenheit 451 Final (homework)
4. Study for Vocabulary Test (homework)

Friday 12/9
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test (100 points)
2. Final on Fahrenheit 451
3. CAHSEE Practice Test
4. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)

Please, please see me if you have any questions.
Do you have all your S.S.R. points?

Activities for week thirteen 11/28 - 12/2 - 2011

2011-11-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

We are finishing Fahrenheit 451 in the next two weeks, and Robert Strauss stated, "Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." For you this means you need to put two good weeks in on Fahrenheit 451 if you want success in this unit. Also please check your S.S.Reading Points, you have until Thursday to make up any Reading Points. (You should have read 500 pages of you pleasure reading books.)

Monday 11/28
1. Review Fahrenheit Packet
2. Start Fahrenheit Essay (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 11/29
1. Grade Vocabulary 1 and 2 (70 points)
2. Discuss Outline and Brain Storm
3. Discuss Body Paragraph
4. Write Brain Storm and Outline (homework)

Wednesday 11/30
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Glossary Terms
3. Lecture: Commentary
4. Type Introduction (homework)

Thursday 12/1
1. Vocabulary 1 and 2 Test (100 points)
2. Edit and Revise Introduction
3. Study Glossary Terms
4. Type Body Paragraphs (homework)

Friday 12/2
1. Fahrenheit 451 Quiz (100 points) 25 questions
2. Edit and Revise Essay
3. Discuss Conclusion
4. Type Conclusion (homework)

Please do every part of the essay. (200 points)

Activities for week twelve 11/21 - 11/22 - 2011

2011-11-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is a special time of the year as we move into the holiday season; I hope you have the ability to see real treasure and true value. Please check your grade on Aeries then you may see me for an extra credit reading for Thanksgiving vacation (you must know your grade). You must read aloud "A Thanksgiving Fable for You and Your Family" in a family situation and bring back a note from one of your parents. See me for the rest of the details. There is also a Fahrenheit 451 extra credit project for vacation. Please take advantage of your opportunities to bring your grade up during your time off from school.

Monday 11/21
1. Journal: Quick write “integrity”
2. CAHSEE Practice Test
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Study Glossary Terms and Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 11/22
1. Idiom Test - weeks 1 - 6
2. Review Benchmark Test
3. Read and Discuss Thanksgiving Cartoons and Word Search
4. Write “I am thankful for ________"
5. Read, Study, and Finish Your Vocabulary (homework)

Excellence is not Chance, but Choice.

Activites for week eleven 11/14 - 11/18 - 2011

2011-11-11T17:43:00.001-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want. We also are in the school wide can food drive which is an extra credit opportunity for you, the deadline is Thursday. Also you will be retaking Thursday's vocabulary test Monday, and if you are in class at 8:10 ready to take the test you will get ten points extra credit.

Monday 11/14
1. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning Retest
2. Review Capitalization
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Read and Study and Finish anything (homework)

Tuesday 11/15
1. Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets due
2. Vocabulary Final (200 points)
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Read and Study (homework)

Wednesday 11/16
1. Fahrenheit 451 Test
2. Part Three Reading Guide Due
3. Review Vocabulary Final
4. Read and Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Thursday 11/17
1. First Benchmark Test
2. Lecture: Title
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Vocabulary Lesson 1 - 2 (homework)

Friday 11/18
1. Discuss Vocabulary Program and Extra Credit (homework)
2. Journal: Quick write “integrity” What are you building?
3. See Fahrenheit 451

Extra Credit
If you do not know what you can do see me!

Activities for week ten 11/7 - 11/11 - 2011

2011-11-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." As we finish the quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are. You have until Thursday to make up any reading points that you are missing. As always I will be here every morning to help you.

Monday 11/7
1. Review Tests
2. Review Part Two Reading Guide
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning (homework)

Tuesday 11/8
1. Review Capitalization
2. Review all Vocabulary
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Work on Worksheets (homework)

Wednesday 11/9
1. Review Vocabulary Packet
2. See Fahrenheit 451
3. Start Part Three Reading Guide (homework)
4. Finish Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Thursday 11/10
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Review Glossary Terms
3. Questions on Fahrenheit 451
4. See Fahrenheit 451
5. Finish Anything Not Done and Study (homework)

Please see me about your grade if you don't like it!

Activities for week nine 10/31 - 11/4 - 2011

2011-10-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me. There is still time that you may contribute to "The Boxes of Love" for extra credit - see me.

Monday 10/31
1. Review Tests
2. Finish “Reading Guides”
3. Do Root Words 4 Cards (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 11/1
1. Review Vocabulary Cards
2. Review Part I Guide
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Read and Discuss Fahrenheit 451
5. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Wednesday 11/2
1. Grade Quarter Notebook
2. Read and Discuss 451
3. Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets (homework)

Thursday 11/3
1. Reading Guide Two Due
2. Fahrenheit 451 Test
3. Vocabulary Pretest and Bingo
4. Work on Setting, Inference, Conflict worksheets (homework)

Friday 11/4
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Finish Worksheets

Please see me if you want to raise you grade!

Activities for week eight 10/24 - 10/28 - 2011

2011-10-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/24
1. Review Roots 2 Test
2. Read and Discuss Fahrenheit 451
3. Finish Part One Guide (homework)
4. Make Root Word Cards (homework)

Tuesday 10/25
1. Review all Vocabulary
2. Review Worksheets
3. Read and discuss 451
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework) and study

Wednesday 10/26
1. Idioms Weeks 1 – 4 Test
2. Lecture: “Genre and The Novel”
3. Study Glossary Vocabulary (homework)
4. Read “The Sieve and the Sand” (homework)

Thursday 10/27
1. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
2. Fahrenheit Reading Quiz
3. Part Two Reading Guide (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Friday 10/28
1. Roots Words 3 Test
2. Read and Discuss 451
3. Finish Part Two Guide
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Check Aeries, and what are you doing about extra credit?

Activites for week seven 10/17 - 10/21 - 2011

2011-10-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class and excel; if you are not meeting your expectations right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade. Have you bought Fahrenheit 451? (50 points) We started reading it Friday. Have you bought something for the Boxes of Love? (20 points or ?) Finally do you have an Aeries printout of your grade and parent's note and signature? "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

Monday 10/17
1. Introductions due
2. Review Tests and CAHSEE
3. Read “The Pedestrian”
4. Make New Root word cards and Study (homework)

Tuesday 10/18
1. See The Veldt
2. Organize Collective Groups
3. Review Capitalization
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework) (Read 20 minutes/study Vocab 10)

Wednesday 10/19
1. Listen to CD and Write a Quick Write about “Struggle” Two Paragraphs
2. "Glossary and Censor" Worksheets
3. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework - same as Tuesday)

Thursday 10/20
1. Pretest Vocabulary and Word Roots Bingo
2. Lecture: "How to Mark a Book" Adler's strategies
3. Group work on Packets
4. "Building Background" Worksheets
5. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Friday 10/21
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Read Fahrenheit 451
4. "Part One Reading Guide" (homework)

***Extra Credit***
Set up an interview of you with me.
(fifteen points for ten minutes)

Activities for week six 10/10 - 10/14 - 2011

2011-10-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/10
1. Review Suffix Test and Root cards due
2. Discuss “Soft Rain”
3. Finish Essay Terms Lecture
4. Study Root words and Thesis for Tests (homework)

Tuesday 10/11
1. Thesis Test
2. Take notes on “Attitude”
3. “Soft Rain” Reading Test
4. Read “The Pedestrian” pages 95 - 101 (homework)

Wednesday 10/12
1. Essay Terms Test
2. Read and Discuss “The Pedestrian”
3. Type an introduction – use “Connect to Your Life” page 86 (Introduction handout) (MLA format)

Thursday 10/13
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Tests
3. Edit and Revise Introduction Paragraph
4. Finish “The Pedestrian”
5. Type New Introduction Paragraph (homework)

Friday 10/14
1. Introduction Paragraph due
2. Root words Test
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Start reading Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

***Extra credit***
You can buy Fahrenheit 451, so that you can annotate it.
(50 points) See me.

Activities for week five 10/3 - 10/7 - 2011

2011-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous

Monday 10/3
1. Review Prefix Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Read and discuss “By the Waters of Babylon”
4. Do “Thesis” Worksheet (homework)

Tuesday 10/4
1. Idioms Week 1 and 2 Test
2. Review Thesis worksheet
3. Finish “By the Waters …”
4. Read SSR Book, Study, and Finish “Babylon” Packet (homework)

Wednesday 10/5
1. “By the Waters of Babylon” Reading Test
2. Grade and Review Packet
3. Read “Interview with Ray Bradbury” and “There will come Soft Rains” pages 84-93 (homework)

Thursday 10/6
1. Prefix Review Test
2. Lecture: Multi-paragraph Terms
3. Read and Discuss “There Come Soft Rains”
4. Study for Test (homework)

Friday 10/7
1. Suffix Test
2. Finish Discussing “There Will Come Soft Rains” and Reading Test
3. Review Prefix Test
4. Make Cards for Word Roots # 1 (homework)

*** Extra Credit ***
Type MLA style - Grammar in Context: Action Verbs - page 94
Due Friday 10/7, 7:45am before class.

Activites for week four 9/26 - 9/30 - 2011

2011-09-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. We have a very busy week with three tests, stay on top of things; remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, or come to the tennis courts after school if you need help or have questions. Also you can email me at jcyrus@pylusd.org.

Monday 9/26
1. Set Up Portfolios
2. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
3. Study Prefixes and Literary Terms (homework - tests this week)

Tuesday 9/27
1. “Harrison …” Reading Test
2. See and Discuss “2081”
3. Work on Capitalization (homework)
4. Study For Literary Terms Test (homework)

Wednesday 9/28
1. Literature Terms Test
2. Review Reading Test
3. Review and Discuss Capitalization
4. Start Reading “By The Waters of Babylon” pages 42-55 (homework)

Thursday 9/29
1. Prefix Test
2. See “Genre Fiction” and “Figurative Language”
3. See Planet of the Apes
4. Make Suffix Cards (homework)
5. Finish Reading “... Babylon” (homework)

Friday 9/30
1. Suffix Cards due
2. Review Tests
3. Read and Discuss “By The Waters of Babylon”
4. Start “Babylon” Packet (homework)

***Extra credit***
There will be test corrections for your prefix test -
the same as the last test. Did you do them last time?

Activities for week three 9/ 19 - 9/23 - 2011

2011-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries is up - please use it to know where you are in our class.

Monday 9/19
1. Prefix Practice Quiz
2. Review “Interlopers” Homework and Test
3. Read The Bill of Rights
4. Write Your Own Bill of Rights (homework)

Tuesday 9/20
1. Edit Your “Bill of Rights” and Retype Them
2. See “Harrison Bergeron”
3. Read “Harrison Bergeron” pages 17 – 29 (homework)
4. Study for Prefix Test (homework)

Wednesday 9/21
1. Prefix Test
2. Review Literary Terms
3. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
4. New Prefixes and Make Cards (homework)

Thursday 9/22
1. Prefix cards due
2. Your “Bill of Rights” Due
3. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
4. Study for “Harrison…” Test (homework)

Friday 9/23
1. Portfolio Exchange
2. “Harrison…” Quiz
3. Review Prefix Test
4. Practice CAHSEE Test
5. Read S.S.R. Book (should have read 110 pages by Monday)

Extra Credit 10 points

Print Aeries Print out and have your parents sign it, due Tuesday before class.

Activities for week two 9/12 - 9/16 - 2011

2011-09-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/12
1. Read and Discuss MLA Style
2. Edit and Retype Poems (homework)
3. Read “15 Study Tricks” (homework)
4. Get Spiral Notebook

Tuesday 9/13
1. Pass out Books
2. Setup Spiral Notebook
3. Review “15 Study Tricks”
4. Share Poems
5. Study Prefixes (homework)

Wednesday 9/14
1. Lecture: “Literary Terms”
2. Study Prefixes and Make Note Cards –Test 9/21
3. Read “The Interlopers” pages 8 - 13 (homework)

Thursday 9/15
1. Review Literary Terms
2. Read and Discuss “The Interlopers”
3. Do “The Interlopers” Worksheets (homework)

Friday 9/16
1. Review Worksheets
2. “The Interlopers” Test
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Study Prefixes (homework)

"The unexamined life is not worth living."
- Socrates -

Activities for week one 9/6 - 9/ 9 - 2011

2011-09-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next three years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7:05 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/6
1. Introductions and check phone numbers
2. Discuss “Guidelines” (have signed) and Reading List
3. Share your summer
4. Make a Name plate for your desk (homework)

Wednesday 9/7
1. Guidelines due
2. Powerpoint Overview
3. “Who are you?” worksheet
4. Read “Since I Have My Life Before Me” Brooke Bronkowski
5. Write Your Own Poem (homework)

Thursday 9/8
1. Read and Discuss “The Fence” and Lessons in Leadership – “Foster teamwork through respect”
2. Review “Who are you?” and Your Own Poems
3. Get SSR Book from list (homework)

Friday 9/9
1. Fill out Silent Sustain Reading card (SSR Book)
2. Grammar quiz (Spell Checker)
3. Edit Poems
4. Discuss and Review MLA format

"He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times."
- Johann von Schiller -

Last week's activities 6/13 - 6/16 - 2011

2011-06-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary. The parts of your final will be just like the vocabulary packets you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/13
1. Final – Julius Caesar
2. Portfolio – Post-Writing Assessment, and do End of the Year Reflection (homework) extra credit if you have everything
3. Study for Finals

Tuesday 6/14
1. Portfolio Due
2. Review Tests
3. Study for Finals

Now is the time!

Activities for week eighteen 6/6 - 6/10 - 2011

2011-06-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and Julius Caesar. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Monday 6/6
1. Vocabulary 27 – 28 Test
2. Review Act IV Packet
3. Start Vocabulary 29 – 30 (homework)
4. Read Act V (homework)

Tuesday 6/7
1. Review Act IV Packet
2. See Julius Caesar
3. Work on Act V Packet (homework)

Wednesday 6/8
1. Review Vocabulary 29 - 30
2. Read and Discuss Act V
3. Finish Act V Packet (homework)

Thursday 6/9
1. Set up Vocabulary Bingo
2. Review Act V Packet
3. Study for Tests (homework)

Friday 6/10
1. Act IV and V Test
2. Vocabulary 29 – 30 Test
3. See Julius Caesar
4. Study Julius Caesar Final (homework)

It's all you!

Activities for week seventeen 5/31 - 6/3 - 2011

2011-05-30T10:18:00.001-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. Remember I am still here to help you anyway I can.

Tuesday 5/31
1. Read and discuss Scene 2 and 3, Act III
2. Start Vocabulary 27 – 28 (homework)
3. Read Act IV (homework)

Wednesday 6/1
1. Review Test and Packet
2. Act II and III Test
3. Finish Vocabulary 27 – 28 (homework)
4. Start Act IV Packet (homework)

Thursday 6/2
1. Review Vocabulary 27 -28
2. Review Act II & III Test
3. Read and Discuss Act IV
4. Act IV Packet (homework)

Friday 6/3
1. Set up Vocabulary Bingo
2. Read and Discuss Act IV
3. Act IV Packet Due Monday (homework)
4. Vocabulary Test Monday (Study for test)

Finish Strong!

Activities for week sixteen 5/23 - 27 - 2011

2011-05-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Larry Grant says, "there are three types of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, 'What happened?'" Which one are you? If you want to make something happen then you may answer the questions Thinking through the Literature page 759. (Typed MLA format, complete sentences - Due Thursday 5/26) You must do your Act III packet first. You may also make up reading points from the last reading period - please check Aeries. You have been fun, now let's finish strong so you can have fun in the sun.

Monday 5/23
1. Review Idiom Test
2. Finish Review of Act II Packet
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Start Vocabulary 25 - 26 (homework)
5. Work on Act III Packet (homework)

Tuesday 5/24
1. Act II Test
2. Read and Discuss Act III
3. Finish Vocabulary 25 – 26 (homework)
4. Work on Act III Packet (homework)

Wednesday 5/25
1. Review Vocabulary 25-26
2. See and Discuss Julius Caesar
3. Finish Act III Packet (homework)

Thursday 5/26
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Act III Packet
3. Read Act IV (homework)
4. Start Act IV Packet (homework)

Friday 5/27
Vocabulary 25 – 26 Test
Finish Review of Act III
Discuss Study Guide Acts I – III (should be done)
Work on Act IV Packet (homework)

Make it happen!

Activities for week fifteen 5/16 - 5/20 - 2011

2011-05-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

As we finish the year I still have a few messages and opportunities for you. If you want to be successful and to maximize your efforts and talents as a good student you need to stop blaming others, take a good look in the mirror, and take responsibility for your own life and grades. Oprah Winfrey says, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." I hope that you will be in the place you want to be next year and this summer. You may see me for an extra credit opportunity.

This week be a "Star" as we will be taking the star test.

Tuesday 5/17 or Wednesday 5/18
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss Act II
3. Review All Idioms (homework)
4. Finish Act II Packet (homework)

Thursday 5/19
1. Idiom Weeks 17 – 21 Test
2. Review Act II Packet
3. Read Act III (homework)
4. Work on Act III Packet (homework)

Friday 5/20
1. Act II Test
2. Read and Discuss Act III, Scene 1
3. Finish Act III Packet (homework)

Go for it!

Activities for week fourteen 5/9 - 5/13 - 2011

2011-05-07T18:37:00.001-07:00

Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." As we finish this quarter, this semester, this year - finish strong; think of all you still can do this semester. "Excellence is the gradual result of always wanting to do better." stated Pat Riley. And if you want to do better you may make up any reading points from the last entry on Aeries.

Monday 5/9
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review The Tragic Hero
3. See Act I
4. Do Vocabulary 23 – 24

Tuesday 5/10
1. Review and Discuss Act I Packet
2. Read Act II / online 739
3. Start Act II Packet
4. Finish Vocabulary

Wednesday 5/11
1. Act I Test
2. Review Vocabulary 23 -24
3. Questions - Act II Packet
4. Read and Discuss Act II
5. Work on Act II Packet

Thursday 5/12
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Act I Test
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Read and Discuss Act II
5. Work on Act II Packet

Friday 5/13
1. Vocabulary 23 -24 Test
2. See and Discuss Act II
3. Finish Act II Packet

Please check Aeries and make sure
your grade is correct.

Activities for week thirteen 5/2 - 5/6 - 2011

2011-04-30T20:14:00.001-07:00

Magic Johnson paraphrased John F. Kennedy when he stated, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates." Are you making our class more interesting? Are you sharing your ideas about our reading, and really getting involved in our discussions? President Woodrow Wilson asserted, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and to impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Are you adding value to our class?

Monday 5/2
1. Review Tests
2. See “…Caesar Emerges…”
3. Read and discuss Act I
4. Do Vocabulary 21 – 22 (homework)
5. Work on Act I Packet (homework)

Tuesday 5/3
1. Read and Discuss Act I
2. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
3. Finish Act I Packet (homework)

Wednesday 5/4
1. Act I Packet Due
2. Review Vocabulary
3. See Act I
4. Read Act II (homework)

Thursday 5/5
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Act I Packet
3. Type and Answer Questions 1,3,4,5, and 9 on page 713 (homework)

Friday 5/6
1. Vocabulary 21 - 22 Test
2. Review Homework
3. Study for Act I Test (homework)
4. Finish Reading Act II (homework)

Please check Aeries and make sure your
grade is correct. If you have questions or do not
understand something in Julius Caesar please ask me.

Activities for week twevle 4th 1/4 4/25 - 2/29 - 2011

2011-04-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are very close to finishing your second year at El Dorado and you becoming a junior. President Abraham Lincoln said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Practicing responsibility will do great things for you. It will strengthen your talent, advance your skills, and increase your opportunities. Now we are going to start The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and you will have other opportunities in class to improve your lot. Will you?

Monday 4/25
1. Review Tests
2. See “Shakespeare 6 O’clock News'
3. Read “Shakespeare’s World” pages 683 - 689 (homework)

Tuesday 4/26
1. See and Discuss Elizabethan Theater, Actors, and the Globe
2. Read and Highlight "Shakespeare Handouts" (homework)

Wednesday 4/27
1. See and Discuss "Inferences about Characters"
2. Review and Discuss Reading
3. Study for Tests (homework)

Thursday 4/28
1. Week 15 – 19 Idiom Test
2. See and Discuss Videos on Rome
3. Study for "Shakespeare and Drama" Test (homework)

Friday 4/29
1. "Shakespeare and Drama" Test
2. See and Discuss “The Government of Ancient Rome”
3. Read Act I of Julius Caesar (homework)

Extra Credit
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
renfair.com

Activities for week eleven 2nd semester 4/11-4/15 - 2011

2011-04-09T20:06:00.001-07:00

Novelist Charles Wilson says, "No matter the size of the bottle, the cream always rises to the top." Talent gives you a head start on others, but the advantage it gives lasts only a short time. Songwriter Irving Berlin understood this truth when he said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in business. You've got to keep working that talent." As we finish the school year keep working your best. This week we also finish To Kill a Mockingbird with two big tests - make sure you are prepared.

Monday 4/11
1. Review Tests
2. Edit and Revise Conclusion of Essay (homework)
3. Review Vocabulary 13-20 (homework)

Tuesday 4/12
1. Review Essay and Type Final Copy
2. Review To Kill a Mockingbird Vocabulary
3. Study Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 4/13
1. Essay Due
2. Test on To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Review Benchmark Test
4. Study Vocabulary 13-20 (homework)

Thursday 4/14
1. Vocabulary Review Test
2. Review To Kill a Mockingbird Test
3. See TKM
4. Study for To Kill a Mockingbird Final (homework)

Friday 4/15
1. Final on To Kill a Mockingbird
2. See To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Finish S.S.R. Book (homework)

"Happy Easter"!

Activities for week ten, 2nd Semester 4/4 - 4/8 - 2011

2011-04-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli observed, The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." That is really the essence of positive relationships that influence people to rise up and reach their potential. They see the best in you and encourage you to strive for it. Author William Allen Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities." As we finish the school year let's lift each other up and influence each other in positive ways. If you are struggling in this class you need to see me this week, so we can set up a plan for you to succeed.

Monday 4/4
1. Chapter 15 – 16 Quiz
2. Review Tests
3. Review and Grade TKM Packet
4. Finish Body Paragraphs (homework)
5. Review Idioms Weeks 13 - 17 (homework)

Tuesday 4/5
1. Weeks 13 – 17 Idiom Test
2. Finish Reviewing Packet
3. Edit Body Paragraphs
4. Rewrite Body Paragraphs (homework)
5. Finish Reading TKM (homework)

Wednesday 4/6
1. Quarter Benchmark Test
2. Discuss Conclusion and Type One (homework)
3. Finish Vocabulary Packets (homework)

Thursday 4/7
1. Mockingbird Quiz
2. Edit Conclusion and Retype One (homework)
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Review All Vocabulary (homework)

Friday 4/8
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. See To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Type Final Copy of Essay - Due Monday (homework)

Easter is coming!

Activities for week nine - 2nd semester 3/28-4/1-2011

2011-03-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Responsible people enjoy an increasingly better reputation. And that is one of the greatest assets of sustained responsibility. Others discover what they can expect from you, and they can depend on you. You're solid! If you want others to trust you, to give you greater opportunities and resources to develop and strengthen your talent, and to partner with you, then embrace responsibility and practice it faithfully in every area of your life.

Please check Aeries and make sure your grade is correct - do you have all your S.S.Reading points? Did you make up whatever I or Miss Schickling said you could make up?

Monday 3/28
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review TKM Vocabulary
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Do Vocabulary 19 - 20 (homework)

Tuesday 3/29
1. Review TKM Vocabulary
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. Discuss TKM Essay (do Bubble Cluster)
4. Finish Vocabulary 19 - 20 (homework)

Wednesday 3/30
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Review Bubble Cluster
3. Discuss Introduction (Type one)
4. Finish Chapter 9 - 22 (homework)

Thursday 3/31
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Test TKM and Literary Terms
3. Edit Introduction
4. Discuss Study Guide
5. Study and Finish Packet (homework)

Friday 4/1
1. Vocabulary 19 – 20 Test
2. Discuss Body Paragraphs
3. Review Chapters 9 – 22 Packet
4. Write Body Paragraphs (homework)

**********

You may see me for extra credit if all your work is complete.

Activities for week eight - 2nd semester 3/21- 3/25 - 2011

2011-03-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." As you move through school are you earning the trust of your parents? Many of you have earned my trust and I hope you will continue to work hard.

Soles for Souls is teaming up with Sport Chalet to donate gently worn shoes to the earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan. I will be collecting shoe this week for extra credit; by giving you have a chance to make a difference.

Monday 3/21
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. Vocabulary 17 – 18 (homework)
4. Finish Chapter 1-8 Packet (homework)

Tuesday 3/22
1. Quiz TKM
2. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
3. Read Chapters 9 - 22 (homework)

Wednesday 3/23
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Review TKM 1 – 8 Packet
3. Read Chapters 9 - 22 (homework)

Thursday 3/24
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review TKM Packet
3. Start TKM Packet, Chapters 9 - 22 (homework)

Friday 3/25
1. Vocabulary Test
2. See To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Finish 9 – 22 Packet (homework)

Shoes?

Activities for week seven 2nd semester 3/14 - 3/18 - 2011

2011-03-12T18:35:00.001-08:00

As a coach I say this all the time, "You play at the level at which you practice." Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play. It sharpens your talent. Successful people understands this. They value practice (homework) and develop the discipline to do it. If you want to sum up what lifts most successful individuals above the crowd, you could do it with four little words: a little bit more. Successful people pay their dues and do all that is expected of them-plus a little bit more. The question for you is this, "are you doing that little bit more?" Listen in class this week for the little extra.

Monday 3/14
1. Counselor Visit
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Finish The Real Cause (homework)
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)

Tuesday 3/15
1. TKM Vocabulary
2. Review The Real Cause
3. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 3/16
1. Idiom 11 – 14 Test
2. Chapter 1 – 8 Packet
3. Read TKM (homework)
4. Review all Vocabulary

Thursday 3/17
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. TKM Vocabulary Packets
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)

Friday 3/18
1. Vocabulary 11 - 16 Test
2. Review and Discuss Chapters 1 - 8
3. Read TKM (homework)
4. Finish Chapters 1-8 Packet (homework)

You can give that little extra!

Activities for week six - 2nd semester 3/7 - 3/11 - 2011

2011-03-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

Doing the right thing doesn't come naturally to any of us. As George Washington said, "Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder." Yet that is what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us.

It's not easy to do the right thing when the wrong thing is expedient. Moliere commented, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ. The difference in their deeds is simple: People of character do what is right regardless of the situation." It's not easy to do the right thing when no one but you will know. But it's in those moments that a person's character becomes strong. Martin Luther King Jr. asserted this:

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it Popular?
Character asks: Is it right?"

That is the bottom line. Are you going to do what's right? Will I see your homework done with effort and care? Will you do your reading and study for your test?

Ten points extra credit if you come and tell me what Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote says and ten more points if you can explain it to me and give me a personal example.

Monday 3/7
1. Research Project Due
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Do Vocabulary Lessons 15 - 16 (homework)

Tuesday 3/8
1. CAHSEE Test in the Gym
2. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
3. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)

Wednesday 3/9
1. CAHSEE Test in the Gym
2. Read To Kill a Mockingbird

Thursday 3/10
1. Review and Grade Vocab
2. See The Making of To Kill a Mockingbird, Fearful Symmetry
3. Start The Real Cause Packet (homework)

Friday 3/11
1. Vocabulary 15 - 16 Test
2. Lecture: Author – Nelle Harper Lee
3. Discuss TKM
4. The Real Cause Packet (homework)

Extra Credit?

Activities for week five 2/28 - 3/4 - 2011

2011-02-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

Activities for week four 2/22 - 2/25 - 2011

2011-02-19T18:33:00.001-08:00

Harvard professor of psychiatry George E. Vaillant, in his book Aging Well, identifies resiliency as a significant characteristic of people who navigate the many transitions of life from birth to old age. He writes, "Resilience reflects individuals who metaphorically resemble a twig with a fresh, green living core. When twisted out of shape, such a twig bends but it does not break; instead it springs back and continues growing." That is an description of how you need to be to persevere and make the most of your talents here at El Dorado. You must not become dry, brittle, and inflexible. You would be wise to follow the words of Jerry West: "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good." So as we move to the end of the school year let's do the most we can with what we have. Finally do you have all of your S.S.Reading points - you could bounce back there, if you come in and make up your time reading.

Tuesday 2/22
1. Review Tests
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Vocabulary 13 - 14 (homework)

Wednesday 2/23
1. Read and Discuss “Women’s Rights” pages 394 – 399
2. Read To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 2/24
1. Grade and Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Read and discuss pages 821 "Questioning"
3. TKM Study Guide
4. Glossary React (TKM Vocabulary)

Friday 2/25
1. Vocabulary 13 – 14 Test
2. Lecture: Objectives of To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Read TKM

Please stay up on your reading of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Activites for week three 2/14 - 2/18 - 2011

2011-02-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

What you start, finish. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who might. Responsible people follow through. If they make a commitment, they see it through. They finish. And that is how others evaluate them. Are they dependable or not? Can I rely on them? Writer Ben Ames Williams observed, "Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." As we move into the second semester how are you measure up in responsibility? This week you have three opportunities for extra credit points to raise your grade. First, you may bring a box of Kleenex for 25 homework points (due by Tuesday), and second, you may type an explanation of Williams's quote and also tell me how you would measure yourself (? points). (due by Thursday) Also did you get a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird?

Monday 2/14
1. Antigone Worksheet Due
2. Review Tests
3. Presentations
4. Do Vocabulary 11 - 12

Tuesday 2/15
1. Idiom 1 – 11 Test
2. Finish Presentations
3. Rosa Parks video clip
4. Review "Montgomery Boycott" pages 124 - 133

Wednesday 2/16
1. Grade Vocabulary 11 - 12
2. Test on "Montgomery Boycott"
3. Read and Study “The Bill Of Rights”

Thursday 2/17
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. "U. S. Constitution" Test
3. CAHSEE Practice Test

Friday 2/18
1. Vocabulary 11 – 12 Test
2. Review Montgomery Test
3. Review CAHSEE Test
4. Start Reading To Kill a Mockingbird

Great week to get on top of your grade!

Activities for week two 2/7 - 2/11 - 2011

2011-02-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level. I will still be here every morning, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you with questions or problems you may have. Finally, do not forget the President Obama extra credit project with your parents is due Monday before class only.

Monday 2/7
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Presentations (Prologue)
3. Read “from The Other America”
4. Review All Idioms

Tuesday 2/8
1. Presentations (Scene 1)
2. Discuss “from The Other America”
3. MLA format – Type (Quick – Write) Walk in someone else’s shoes. Or, walk in your own.

Wednesday 2/9
1. Presentations (Scene 2)
2. Discuss Homework
3. See Rosa Park clip
4. Read “Montgomery Boycott” pages 124 - 133

Thursday 2/10
1. Idiom Review Test (1 – 9)
2. Presentations (Scene 3)
3. Type (MLA) and do “Vocabulary in Action” “Grammar in Context” pages 134-135 and “Assessment Practice pg 143

Friday 2/11
1. Homework due
2. Vocabulary Review Test
3. Presentations (Scene 3,4)

Super Bowl
Ten points extra credit - talk to me before Tuesday.

New Semester, Week One Activities 1/31 - 2/3 - 2011

2011-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Please let's get off to a great start.

Monday 1/31
1. Review Final
2. See and Discuss Antigone
3. Do Vocabulary 9 and 10 (homework)

Tuesday 2/1
1. Practice Dialogue
2. Review Benchmark Test
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 2/2
1. Review Vocabulary
2. See and Discuss Antigone
3. Activity Antigone worksheet (homework)
4. Practice CAHSEE Test (homework)

Thursday 2/3
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review CAHSEE Test
3. See and Discuss Antigone
4. Practice Dialogue (homework)

Friday 2/4
1. Vocabulary 9 and 10 Test
2. Antigone Worksheet Due
3. See and Discuss Randy Pausch’ “The Last Lecture
4. Presentation Next Week (homework - be ready!)

Let's be on an odyssey of curiosity!

Finals Week 1/24 - 1/28

2011-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 25th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 26th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 27th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 28^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week seventeen 1/18 - 1/21 - 2011

2011-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is the finish of the first semester. I hope you learned somethings and had some fun. Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." Please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. You may still make up S.S.Reading points in the morning.

Tuesday 1/18
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Antigone Packet Due
3. Grade Notebook
4. See Antigone
5. Practice Dialogue (homework)

Wednesday 1/19
1. Quiz on Handouts
2. Lecture: Drama and Structure of Tragedy
3. Review All Vocabulary
4. Finish Reading Antigone (homework)

Thursday 1/20
1. Second Quarter Benchmark Test
2. Review Antigone Packet and Quiz
3. See Antigone
4. Antigone Final Packet (homework)

Friday 1/21
1. Antigone Test
2. See Antigone
3. Practice Dialogue
4. Finish Antigone Packet (homework)

Get Ready For Your Finals.

Activities for week Sixteen 1/10 - 1/14 - 2011

2011-01-08T22:10:00.001-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel.

Please check Aeries and know your grade; if you are not at 100% in your reading points all you have to do is come in and read (10 points for ten minutes) (before school, break, or lunch).

Next Tuesday we will be grading your second quarter spiral notebook. It is an absolute deadline project, because of grading time for the end of the semester.

Monday 1/10
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Practice dialogue (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 7 - 8 (homework)

Tuesday 1/11
1. Pre-reading Antigone quiz (last week's reading)
2. Practice dialogue
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Work on Antigone Packet (homework)

Wednesday 1/12
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Practice dialogue
3. Read and discuss Antigone and quiz
4. Finish Antigone Packet (homework)

Thursday 1/13
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Test - Antigone
3. Review Antigone Packet
4. Practice for Presentation (homework)

Friday 1/14
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Finish Reviewing Packet
3. See Antigone
4. Practice dialogue (homework)

Oral Presentation Rubric: Antigone 200 pts

CATEGORY	25	22	18	15
Speaks Clearly	Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time, and mispronounces no words.	Speaks clearly and distinctly (100-95%) the time, but mispronounces one word.	Speaks clearly and distinctly most (94-85%) of the time. Mispronounces no more than one word.	Often mumbles or cannot be understood OR mispronounces more than on word.
Preparedness	Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.	Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals.	The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking.	Student does not seem at all prepared to present.
Organization	Set up of the stage and actors are comprehensible. There are minimal questionable moments during performance.	The set up on the stage and actors needs to be worked on. There are too many questionable moments.	The set up of the stage and actors was never taken into consideration and it shows.	The se up of the stage and actors is poor.
Posture and Gesture	Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Uses exaggerated body language to express the characters tone.	Stands up straight and uses some body language.	Sometimes stands up straight and uses minimal body language.	Slouches and/or is being inexpressive.
Audience Interest	Audience enjoyed and was enthralled	Audience understood the message that was being delivered.	Audience interest not maintained.	The class needs a break.
Collaboration With Peers	Works well with partner and has good timing.	Works well with partner, but needs to improve timing.	Works o.k. with partner.	Not synchronized
Props	Student uses several props (could include costume) that show considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.	Student uses 1 prop that shows considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.	Student uses 1 prop which makes the presentation better.	The student uses no props OR the props chosen detract from the presentation.
Budgets correctly	Each stage movement, placement, and gesture is unique. Avoids repetition.	Some repetition in movement, placement & gesture. Runs out of ideas.	Failed to come up with any ideas to make performance unique.	Has completely ignored all supportive details on how to present performance.

Finish Strong!

Activities for week fifteen 1/3 - 1/7 - 2011

2011-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

As we start a new year decide your purpose, set your goals. You need to do this - not your parents, not your friends, and not me.(I know you can do great things) This is your 2011. Remember if you do the things you need to do, when you need to do them, someday you can do the things you want to do, when you want to do them!

Jim Tressel, the Ohio State football coach says, "The first step in creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it.

.Vision will ignite the fire of passion, which fuels our commitment to
do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

.Vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into reality of
achievement through human action.

.Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our vision is what
we become in life."

Now for the business of class - please check Aeries so you know where you are grade wise in this class (essay will be added by Tuesday). Vacation extra credit is due by Tuesday this week. We have three more weeks then finals, and you will have one in this class. You should probably have a new SSR book. You also have a final on Fahrenheit 451 Tuesday. If you missed a test last week before vacation you need to make up it by Monday - please be here Monday by 8:15 am. Let's finish this semester strong!

Monday 1/3
1. Review Vacation
2. Review Tests
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Do Vocabulary 5 – 6 Packet (homework)

Tuesday 1/4
1. Final on Fahrenheit 451
2. See the end of Fahrenheit 451
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Read pages 1014 - 1021 in literary book (Greek Drama) (homework)

Wednesday 1/5
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Lecture: Drama Goals and Objectives
3. Find Partner and Part for Dialogue Presentation
4. Read Antigone 1022-1025 (homework)

Thursday 1/6
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Fahrenheit 451 Final
3. See and Discuss Greek Drama and Tragedy
4. Do First Two CAHSEE Tests (practice packet)(homework)

Friday 1/7
1. Vocabulary 5 - 6 Test
2. Review CAHSEE Tests
3. Read Drama Handouts (homework)
4. Practice Dialogue (homework)

For extra credit explain Jim Tressel's

quote with examples from you.

(MLA format - due Tuesday!)

Activities for week fourteen 12/13 - 12/17 - 2010

2010-12-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

As we move to Christmas - "do you know it is a party? It is a birthday party ... birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say 'Merry Christmas!'" stated Rick Warren. Let's work hard and enjoy this last week of school before vacation, then you can celebrate all the rest of this year. We will be working on our first full essay on Fahrenheit 451 and it is worth 200 points.

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally, make sure your notebook is up to date.

Monday 12/13
1. Review Tests
2. Work on First Copy of Fahrenheit 451 Essay (homework) Absolute Deadline - Due this week only!
3. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Tuesday 12/14
1. Lecture: Ideas about the Novel
2. Finish Essay (homework)
3. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Wednesday 12/15
1. Finish Lecture
2. Edit and Revise Essay
3. Type Second Copy of Essay (homework)

Thursday 12/16
1. Notes Test on Fahrenheit 451
2. Review Essay (homework)
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Study Glossary Terms (homework)

Friday 12/17
1. Glossary Terms Test
2. Essay Due (Absolute Deadline!) Due Thursday if you will not be here Friday
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Final on Fahrenheit 451 When We Return (Review over vacation)
5. You may see me at the beginning of lunch for vacation extra credit.

Merry Christmas!

Activities for week thirteen 12/6 - 12/10 - 2010

2010-12-04T19:13:00.001-08:00

Monday 12/6
1. Review Tests
2. Lectures: Anticommunism and The McCarthy Era,
and Realism versus Romanticism
3. Vocabulary Packet 3 and 4 (homework)

Tuesday 12/7
1. Commentary Packet due
2. Literary Commentary Packet – due Thursday
3. Lecture: Symbolism
4. Finish Vocabulary Packet and study Glossary Terms (homework)

Wednesday 12/8
1. Review and Grade Vocab
2. Finish Symbolism Lecture
3. Review and study (homework)

Thursday 12/9
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Glossary Terms (Test next week)
3. Commentary Review
4. Fahrenheit 451 Essay (homework)

Friday 12/10
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Discuss Essay and Write Brainstorm and Outline (homework)

"To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose

under the heaven."

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

Activities for week twelve 11/29 - 12/3 - 2010

2010-11-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Galileo Galilei stated, "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." What does this mean to you? Write me a typed MLA formatted paragraph explaining what the quote means to you in relationship to our class and explain who is Galileo. Are you using your endowments? This is an extra credit project due Monday (Possible 50 points), (25 points Tuesday before class only - absolute deadline). Please check Aeries so you know where you are in our class, and what you need to do to get what you want. Is there S.S.Reading points that you are missing?

Monday 11/29
1. Review Journal “Integrity”
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Elements of Language Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Tuesday 11/30
1. Explain Extra Credit Vocabulary cards (due Thursdays before the bell to class placed on the stool)
2. Review Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Finish Vocabulary and Part Three Reading Guide (homework)

Wednesday 12/1
1. Review Vocabulary Packet
2. Review Glossary Terms
3. Body Paragraph Handout (homework)
4. Read and Study (homework)

Thursday 12/2
1. Review Reading Guide 3
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Lecture: Commentary
4. Do Commentary Practice (homework)

Friday 12/3
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Fahrenheit 451 Quiz
3. Lecture: Anticommunism and The McCarthy Era
4. Finish Commentary Packet (homework)

Excellence is not Chance, but Choice.

Activities for week eleven 11/5 - 11/19 - 2010

2010-11-14T16:59:00.001-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want. We also are in the school wide can food drive which is an extra credit opportunity for you, the deadline is Thursday.

Monday 11/15
1. Review Benchmark Test
2. Review Part Two Study Guide
3. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning (homework)

Tuesday 11/16
1. Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets due
2. Review Vocabulary Final
3. Review Glossary Terms (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Wednesday 11/17
1. Fahrenheit 451 Test
2. Review Packets
3. Part Three Reading Guide (homework)
4. Review Glossary Terms (homework)

Thursday 11/18
1. Practice Vocabulary Test
2. Lecture: Title
3. Discuss Fahrenheit 451
4. Read and Study (homework)

Friday 11/20
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Journal: Quick write “integrity” What are you building?
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Read and Study (homework)

Be Great Today!

Activities for week ten 11/8 - 11/10 - 2010

2010-11-06T13:12:00.001-07:00

Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." As we finish the quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are. You have until Wednesday to make up any reading points that you are missing. As always I will be here every morning to help you.

Monday 11/8
1. Review Tests
2. Review Works Cited
3. Work on Worksheets (homework)
4. Finish Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 11/9
1. Quarter Benchmark Test
2. See Fahrenheit 451
3. Work on Worksheet (homework)

Wednesday 11/10
1. Vocabulary Final
2. Discuss Fahrenheit 451
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Finish Fahrenheit 451 Packet (homework)

Have a great vacation!

Activites for week nine 11/1 - 11/5 - 2010

2010-10-30T14:10:00.001-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me. There is still time that you may contribute to "The Boxes of Love" for extra credit - see me.

Monday 11/1
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Read Fahrenheit 451 Background handout
3. Finish Part Two “Reading Guide”
4. Do Root Words 4 Cards (homework)
5. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 11/2
1. Idiom Test (week 1 and 2)
2. Review Vocabulary Cards
3. Discuss Fahrenheit 451 Background
4. Practice CAHSEE Test
5. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Wednesday 11/3
1. Grade Quarter Notebook
2. Review Reading Guide One
3. Start "Setting, Inference, Conflict" Worksheets (homework)

Thursday 11/4
1. Reading Guide Part Two - Due
2. Fahrenheit 451 Test
3. Vocab Pretest and Bingo
4. Work on "Setting, Inference, Conflict" worksheets (homework)

Friday 11/5
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. See Fahrenheit 451
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)

********************************************

"Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ."

Who said this, what does it mean, and where are you in your deeds? In MLA format type the answers to these questions in a well written paragraph blending your answers into a cohesive paper. Extra Credit Due by Tuesday!

********************************************

Activites for week eight 10/25 - 10/29 - 2010

2010-10-23T18:07:00.001-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/25
1. Reading Quiz - Fahrenheit 451
2. Review Roots 2 Test
3. Review Introduction Paragraph
4. Finish Worksheets (homework)
5. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 10/26
1. Review all Vocabulary
2. Review Worksheets
3. Read and discuss Fahrenheit 451
4. Part One Reading Guide (homework)

Wednesday 10/27
1. Lecture: “How to Mark a Book” Adler’s strategies
2. Lecture: “Genre and The Novel”
3. Read “The Sieve and the Sand” (homework)
4. Finish Reading Guide (homework)

Thursday 10/28
1. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
2. Review Reading Quiz and Part One Guide
3. Part Two Reading Guide (homework)
4. Study all Vocabulary for Test (homework)

Friday 10/29
1. Roots 2 Test
2. Read and Discuss 451
3. Finish Part Two Guide (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Talk is Cheap!

Activities for week seven 10/18 - 10/22 - 2010

2010-10-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class; if you are not passing right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade. Have you bought Fahrenheit 451? (50 points) We start reading it on Tuesday. Have you bought something for the Boxes of Love? (25 points or ?)

Monday 10/18
1. Introduction due
2. Review Test
3. Read “The Pedestrian”
4. Make New Root word cards (homework)

Tuesday 10/19
1. See The Veldt
2. Read and discuss Fahrenheit 451
3. Review all vocabulary
4. Read Fahrenheit 451

Wednesday 10/20
1. Listen to CD and write a quick write about “Struggle” two Paragraphs
2. Glossary and Censor worksheets (groups)
3. Read Fahrenheit 451

Thursday 10/21
1. Pretest Vocabulary and Word Roots Bingo
2. Group work on packets
3. Building Background worksheets
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Friday 10/22
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test

3. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Are you reaching your potential?

Activities for week six 10/11 - 10/15 - 2010

2010-10-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/11
1. Review Suffix Test
2. “Soft Rain” Test
3. Finish Essay Terms Lecture
4. Study Root words and Thesis for Tests (homework)

Tuesday 10/12
1. Thesis Test
2. Review Reading Test
3. Take notes on “Attitude”
4. Read “The Pedestrian” pages 95 - 101 (homework)

Wednesday 10/13
1. Essay Terms Test
2. Review Thesis Test
3. Read and Discuss “The Pedestrian”
4. Type an introduction – use “Connect to Your Life” page 86 (Introduction handout) (homework)

Thursday 10/14
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Essay Terms Test
3. Edit and Revise Intro ¶
4. Finish “The Pedestrian”
5. Type New Intro ¶ (homework)

Friday 10/15
1. Introduction Paragraph due
2. Root words Test
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Start reading Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Is better to give or receive?

Week five activities 10/4 - 10/8 - 2010

2010-10-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous

Monday 10/4
1. Review Tests
2. “Babylon” packet due
3. Read and discuss “By the Waters of Babylon”
4. Do “Thesis” Worksheet (homework)

Tuesday 10/5
1. Study Vocabulary
2. Review “Babylon” Packet
3. Review Thesis worksheet
4. Read “Interview with Ray Bradbury” and “There will come Soft Rains” pages 84-93 (homework)

Wednesday 10/6
1. Prefix Review Test
2. Read and Discuss Story
3. Type Grammar in Context: Action Verbs – page 94 MLA format (homework)

Thursday 10/7
1. Homework due
2. Read "Making writing fun, or at least less painful"
3. Lecture: Multi-paragraph Terms
4. Study for Tests (homework)

Friday 10/8
1. “There Will Come Soft Rains” Test
2. Suffix Test
3. Review Prefix Test
4. Make Cards for Word Roots # 1 (homework)

Check Aeries

Week four activities 9/27 - 10/1 - 2010

2010-09-26T16:22:00.001-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Wednesday night is back to school night and I would love to meet your parents and start a relationship with them. You can earn 25 extra credit points if they sign in Wednesday night during your period. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. Remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, and the beginning of lunch, or come to the tennis courts after school.

Monday 9/27
1. Practice CAHSEE Test
2. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
3. Study Prefixes (homework)

Tuesday 9/28
1. Study Prefixes
2. Review Literary Terms Test
3. Read “By The Waters of Babylon” pages 42-55 (homework)

Wednesday 9/29
1. See and Discuss 2081
2. Read and Discuss “By The Waters of Babylon”
3. Start “Babylon” Packet (homework)
4. Study for Prefix Test (homework)

Thursday 9/30
1. Prefix Test
2. Read and Discuss “Babylon”
3. Make Suffix Cards (homework)
4. Finish “Babylon” Packet (homework)

Friday 10/1
1. Suffix Cards due - Study for test
2. "Babylon" Packet – Due
3. Reading Test
4. Practice CAHSEE Test

You have choices.
Make good ones.

Week three activities 9/20 - 9/24 - 2010

2010-09-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries is up - please use it to know where you are in our class.

This is the Bell Game Week and the Aloha Dance on Saturday. Enjoy and don't forget, high school is only once.

Monday 9/20
1. Portfolios due
2. Discuss “The Interlopers”
3. “Interlopers” Usage and Mechanics worksheet and Conflict worksheet and Test

Tuesday 9/21
1. “Interlopers” work due
2. See “Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” in the Theater
3. Read “Harrison Bergeron” pages 17 - 29

Wednesday 9/22
1. Prefix Test
2. Review “Interloper” work
3. See “Harrison Bergeron”
4. New Prefixes and Make Cards

Thursday 9/24
1. Prefix cards due
2. “Harrison” Reading Quiz
3. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
4. Study Literary Terms

Friday 9/25
1. Literary Terms Test
2. Review Reading Quiz
3. Review Prefix Test
4. Read and Discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
5. Practice CAHSEE Test

Week two activities 9/13 - 9/18 - 2010

2010-09-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/13
1. Read and Discuss MLA Style
2. Read and discuss “15 Study Tricks”
3. Get Spiral Notebook

Tuesday 9/14
1. Setup Spiral Notebook
2. Lecture: Literary Terms
3. Read “The Interlopers” pages 8 - 13

Wednesday 9/15
1. Finish “Literary Terms” lecture
2. Read and Discuss “The Interlopers”
3. Study Prefixes –Test 9/22

Thursday 9/16
1. Review Reading
2. Discuss College Syllabus
3. Prefixes – make note cards and study

Friday 9/18
1. Portfolio Exchange
2. Pre-writing Assessment
3. Read and discuss a College Syllabus
4. Study Prefixes

Take Pride in your work!

Activities for week one 9/7 - 9/10 - 2010

2010-09-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next three years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/7
1. Introductions and check phone numbers
2. Discuss “Guidelines” (have signed) and Reading List
3. Share your summer
4. Make a Name plate for your desk

Wednesday 9/8
1. Guidelines due
2. PowerPoint Overview
3. Read and Discuss “Exam Keeps diplomas from 506 seniors”
4. Ice Breaker

Thursday 9/9
1. Read and Discuss “The Fence” and Lessons in Leadership – “Foster teamwork through respect”
2. Get SSR Book from list

Friday 9/10
1. Fill out Silent Sustain Reading card (SSR Book)
2. Grammar quiz (Spell Checker)
3. Discuss and Review MLA format

You are important and I want you to excel!

Last week's activities 6/14 - 6/17 - 2010

2010-06-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary lessons 1 - 20. The parts of your final will be just like the vocabulary packets you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Do not forget Tuesday's study session. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/14
1. Review Test
2. Study Guide due
3. Review and Study for Final

Tuesday 6/15
1. Review and Study for Final

Wednesday 6/16
1. Final

"Our doubts are traitors
and make us lose the good we oft might win
by fearing to attempt."

-William Shakespeare-

Activities for week eighteen 6/7 - 6/11 - 2010

2010-06-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and Julius Caesar. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have. Next Tuesday at 3 pm to 4 pm I will have an extra credit study session for your final. You must be on time or you will get no extra points.

Monday 6/7
1. Act IV Test
2. Review Vocabulary Test
3. Read and Discuss Act V
4. Work on Act V Packet (homework)

Tuesday 6/8
1. Read and Discuss Act V
2. Finish Act V Packet (homework)
3. Review all Idioms and Vocabulary

Wednesday 6/9
1. Review Act IV Test
2. Review Act V Packet
3. Review all Vocabulary and Idioms

Thursday 6/10
1. Act V Test
2. Vocab and Idiom Bee
3. See Julius Caesar
4. Finish Character Chart (homework)

Friday 6/11
1. Character Chart Due
2. See Julius Caesar
3. Study for finals
4. Study Guide Due Monday (homework)

"This is the end"

-The Doors-

Activities for week seventeen 6/1 - 6/4 - 2010

2010-05-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. If you would like you may do one final extra credit project. The project is to answer the questions on page 799 (on line Glencoe) and they are due Friday.

Tuesday 6/1
1. Review Act II, III Test
2. Read and discuss Act IV
3. Work on Act IV Packet (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 6/2
1. Review Vocabulary
2. Read and discuss Act IV
3. Finish Act IV Packet (homework)
4. Read Act V (homework)

Thursday 6/3
1. Vocabulary Bingo
2. Review Act IV Packet
3. Read Act V (homework)

Friday 6/4
1. Vocabulary 23-24 Test
2. See Julius Caesar
3. Act IV Test Monday
4. Start Act V Packet (homework)

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.

- Dr. Seuss -

Activites for week sixteen 5/24 - 5/27 - 2010

2010-05-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Larry Grant says, "there are three types of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say, 'What happened?'" Which one are you? If you want to make something happen then you may answer the questions After You Read page 782. (Typed MLA format, complete sentences - Due Wednesday 5/26) You must do your Act III packet first. You may also make up reading points from the last reading period - please check Aeries. You have been fun, now let's finish strong so you can have fun in the sun.

Monday 5/24
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Review Act II Test
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Finish Act III Packet (homework)

Tuesday 5/25
1. Review Act III Packet
2. Answer all Questions on Study Guide Acts I - III
3. Read Act IV (homework)

Wednesday 5/26
1. Idiom Test Weeks 17 - 21
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. See and Discuss Act III
4. Do Vocabulary 23 - 24 (homework)

Thursday 5/27
1. Act III Test
2. Read and Discuss Act IV
3. Finish Vocabulary 23 - 24 (homework)
4. Start Act IV Packet (homework)

Finish Like a Beast !

Activites for week fifteen 5/17 - 5/21 - 2010

2010-05-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

As we finish the year I still have a few messages and opportunities for you. If you want to be successful and to maximize your efforts and talents as a good student and good person, you need to stop blaming others, take a good look in the mirror, and take responsibility for your own life and grades. Oprah Winfrey says, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." I hope that you will be in the place you want to be next year and this summer. You may see me for two extra credit opportunities.

Monday 5/17
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss Act II
3. Finish Act II Packet (homework)
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Tuesday 5/18
1. Review Act II Packet (Big points!)
2. Review All Vocabulary (homework)
3. Finish Study Guide for Acts I and II (homework)

Wednesday 5/19 (Late Start)
1. Review and Discuss Study Guide
2. Read Act III (homework)
3. Review Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 5/20
1. Act II Test (100 points)
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. Read and Discuss Act III
4. Work on Act III Packet (homework)

Friday 5/15
1. Vocabulary Review Test
2. See Act III
3. Finish Act III Packet (homework) Due Monday

Perseverance sustains your talents!

Activities for week 14 5/10 - 5/14 - 2010

2010-05-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Disraeli said, "Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." As we finish this quarter, this semester, this year - finish strong; think of all you still can do this semester. "Excellence is the gradual result of always wanting to do better." stated Pat Riley. And if you want to do better you may make up any reading points from the last entry on Aeries. Act II Packet is worth major points make sure you finish it and ask me questions on anything you do not understand. The Packet will be reviewing grammar and mechanics plus your understanding and analysis of Act II.

Monday 5/10
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Act I Test (120 points)
3. Read and Discuss “Before You Read page 739
4. Do Vocabulary 21 – 22 (homework)
5. Read Act II (homework)

Tuesday 5/11
1. Review "The Tragic Hero and do What is Tragedy" worksheets / "Globe Theater"
2. Read and Discuss Act II
3. Start Act II Packet (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 5/12
1. Review Vocabulary 21 -22 (70 points)
2. Discuss Questions on Act II Packet
3. Read and Discuss Act II
4. Work on Act II Packet (homework)

Thursday 5/13
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Act I Test
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Read and Discuss Act II
5. Work on Act II Packet (homework)

Friday 5/14
1. Vocabulary 21 -22 Test
2. See and Discuss Act II
3. Finish Act II Packet (homework - Major Points!)

"Carpe Diem!"

Activities for week thirteen 5/3 - 5/7 - 2010

2010-05-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Magic Johnson paraphrased John F. Kennedy when he stated, "Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates." Are you making our class more interesting? Are you sharing your ideas about our reading, and really getting involved in our discussions? President Woodrow Wilson asserted, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and to impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Are you adding value to our class? If you are involved in our discussions and are raising your hand to answer my questions you may see me for extra credit projects. Please don't ask if you are one of my "just along for the ride people".

Monday 5/3
1. Review Drama Test
2.Read and discuss Act I
3. Do Vocabulary 19 – 20 (homework)
4. Finish Act I Packet (homework)

Tuesday 5/4
1. Read and Discuss Act I
2.Finish Vocabulary (homework)
3. Finish Act I Packet (homework)
4. Review Idioms 15 - 19

Wednesday 5/5
1. Idiom 15 - 19 Test
2. Act I Packet Due (175 points)
3. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
4. See Act I
5. Read Act II (homework)

Thursday 5/6
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2.See and Discuss Clips of Rome and Julius Caesar
3. Study for Vocabulary Test (homework)

Friday 5/7
1. Vocabulary 19 - 20 Test (100 points)
2.Review Act I Packet
3. Study for Act I Test (homework)

Smile!

Activities for week twelve 4/26 - 4/30 - 2010

2010-04-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

We are very close to finishing your second year at El Dorado and you becoming a junior. President Abrahm Lincoln said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Practicing responsibility will do great things for you. It will strengthen your talent, advance your skills, and increase your opportunities. We are now going to studying The Tragedy Of Julius Caesar. If you want to increase your points in this class you may go to glencoe.com and: enter your state and subject and click on student, Browse the menu to the right for state and other general info, click to open the online learning center, select the online student edition, enter student and b931082076, then open content and print page 718.(You have a handout on this as well.) This is due Thursday for 25 points.

***** Remember you are a "Star" and Tuesday through Thursday we will be testing to see how bright you shine - be prepared! *****

Monday 4/26
1. Collect Research Project
2. See Mr. Shakespeare (video)
3. Read and Review Shakespeare and Drama Handouts
4. Read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act I, Scene 1 and 2 (homework)

Thursday 4/29
1. Read and Discuss Act I
2. Act I Packet (homework)
3. Julius Caesar Study Guide (homework)
4. Study and Review for Test on Handouts

Friday 4/30
1. Shakespeare and Drama Test
2. Read and Discuss Act I
3. Finish Reading Act I (homework)
4. Finish Act I Packet (homework)

You may make up reading points this week.
After this week you may not make up points for the third quarter.

Activities for week eleven 4/19 - 4/23 - 2010

2010-04-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Novelist Charles Wilson says, "No matter the size of the bottle, the cream always rises to the top." Talent gives you a head start on others, but the advantage it gives lasts only a short time. Songwriter Irving Berlin understood this truth when he said, "The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in business. You've got to keep working that talent." As we finish the school year keep working your best. Please if you are having problems you need to see me. This week I will be gone Thursday and Friday to Ojai for a tennis tournament, so you need to see me before that.
Please check Aeries so you know where you are in this class.

This week we will be in the library from Monday through Thursday working on your research project. Your project is your homework as well this week.

Friday 4/23
1. Edit project
2. Read pages 682 - 691 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (homework)
3. Research Project due Monday

Activities for week ten 4/13 - 4/16 - 2010

2010-04-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli observed, The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." That is really the essence of positive relationships that influence people to rise up and reach their potential. They see the best in you and encourage you to strive for it. Author William Allen Ward remarked, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities." As we finish the school year let's lift each other up and influence each other in positive ways. If you are struggling in this class you need to see me this week, so we can set up a plan for you to succeed.

Tuesday 4/13
1. Review S.S. Reading Card (Are you where you need to be?)
(Have you earned all your reading points this quarter?)
2. Review Mockingbird Final
3. Listen to and Discuss Music for To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 4/14
1. Vocabulary and Idiom Bee
2. See “Shakespeare 6 O’clock News
3. Read and Highlight Shakespeare Handouts (Test on this Material)

Thursday 4/15
1. Vocabulary 17 – 18 Review Test
2. See and Discuss Elizabethan Theater, Actors, and the Globe
3. Read Research Handouts (homework) Have questions for tomorrow

Friday 4/16
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Pick person for research
3. Explain Project / Questions
4. Explain Note and Bib Cards (bring 3" x 5" index cards)
5. Find a Book on your person not from the El Dorado library (homework - Due Monday 25 points)

Don't forget about the Orange County National College Fair
Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
See me for a flier

Activities for week nine 3/29 - 4/1 - 2010

2010-03-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, we are finishing the third quarter, please do not miss anything this week. Every thing this week is an absolute deadline. For extra credit you may go back and find one of my opening addresses to you from this quarter and explain it and tell me how you can use it in your life. Also you may only make up the last two weeks S.S.Reading points.

Monday 3/29
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Benchmark Test
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Review Mockingbird Essay (homework)

Tuesday 3/30
1. Mockingbird Test
2. See To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Rework Essay (homework)

Wednesday 3/31
1. Review Mockingbird Test
2. See end of Mockingbird
3. Type final copy of essay (homework)

Thursday 4/1
1. Mockingbird essay due
2. To Kill a Mockingbird Final
3. Review Benchmark Test
4. Read 100 pages S.S.R. Book (homework)

Happy Easter!

Activities for week eight, 3/22 - 3/ 26 - 2010

2010-03-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

As a coach I say this all the time, "You play at the level at which you practice." Consistently good practice leads to consistently good play. It sharpens your talent. Successful people understands this. They value practice (homework) and develop the discipline to do it. If you want to sum up what lifts most successful individuals above the crowd, you could do it with four little words: a little bit more. Successful people pay their dues and do all that is expected of them-plus a little bit more. The question for you is this, "are you doing that little bit more?"

Monday 3/22
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. Do Vocabulary 17 - 18 (homework)

Tuesday 3/23
1. Review all Idioms
2. See To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 3/24
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Write Introduction for TKM Essay (homework)

Thursday 3/25
1. Idiom 13 – 17 Test (100 points)
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Edit Introduction (25 points)
4. Write Body Paragraphs (homework)

Friday 3/26
1. Vocabulary Test (100 points)
2. Edit Body Paragraphs (75 points)
3. See To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Write Conclusion (homework)

Extra credit
If all your work is turned in on time this week,
then see me for a little bit more.

Activities for week 7, 3/15 - 3/ 19 - 2010

2010-03-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The glory of friendship is not in the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is in the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." As you move through school are you earning the trust of your parents? Many of you have earned my trust and I hope you will continue to work hard. Do you understand the things Attitus is trying to instill in Jem and Scout, in To Kill a Mockingbird?

This week you will be taking the CAHSEE Test, and I know you will do well. Make sure you get a good night sleep before the test and have a good breakfast, as well. (15 points extra credit for everyone who passes.)

Monday 3/15
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Tests
3. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)

Tuesday 3/16
1. Take CAHSEE Test
2. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)
3. Review all Vocabulary

Wednesday 3/17
1. Review all Vocabulary (homework)
2. Finish Reading Novel (homework)

Thursday 3/18
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. Read and finish To Kill a Mockingbird (Homework)

Friday 3/19
1. Review Vocabulary 11 - 16 Test (180 points)
2. Review and Discuss Chapters 9 – 22 Packet
3. Review all Idioms (homework)

Extra Credit
See me Monday before school or at the beginning of break only!

Activites for week six 3/8 - 3/12 2010

2010-03-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

Doing the right thing doesn't come naturally to any of us. As George Washington said, "Few men have virtue enough to withstand the highest bidder." Yet that is what we must do to develop the kind of character that will sustain us.

It's not easy to do the right thing when the wrong thing is expedient. Moliere commented, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ. The difference in their deeds is simple: People of character do what is right regardless of the situation." It's not easy to do the right thing when no one but you will know. But it's in those moments that a person's character becomes strong. Martin Luther King Jr. asserted this:

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it Popular?
Character asks: Is it right?"

That is the bottom line. Are you going to do what's right? Will I see your homework done with effort and care? Will you do your reading and study for your test?

Ten points extra credit if you come and tell me what Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote says and ten more points if you can explain it to me and give me a personal example.

Monday 3/8
1. Review Tests
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Do Vocabulary Lessons 15-16 (homework)
5. Work on Chapters 9 - 22 packet (homework)

Tuesday 3/9
1. Chapters 13 – 16 TKM Quiz (80 points)
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. See To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Read Mockingbird and work on Chapters 9-22 Packet (homework)

Wednesday 3/10
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Discuss Study Guide
3. Read T0 Kill a Mockingbird and Finish Packet (homework)

Thursday 3/11
1. Chapters 9-22 Packet Due (116 points)
2. Chapters 17 – 22 Quiz (60 points)
3. Vocabulary Bingo and Vocabulary Pretest
4. Review Reading Quiz
5. Study and Read (homework)

Friday 3/12
1. Meet with Counselors (have your registration form with you)
2. Vocabulary 15-16 Test (100 points)
3. Finish CAHSEE Packet (homework)
4. Read, Read, Read (homework)

Extra credit
Find the correct answer in your book for chapters
4 - 10 quiz. Type (MLA) the page and the quote that proves
what the right answer should be to each question you have wrong.
This is due when your chapters 9 - 22 packet is due, only
if you have a complete well done packet. (3 points each)
I will not take it if your packet is not well done and neat.

Activites for week five 3/1 - 3/5 2010

2010-02-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

Greek philosopher Aristotle observed, We become what we are as persons by the decisions that we ourselves make." Each time you make a responsible decision, you become a more responsible person. Even if your track record has not been good up to now, you can change. Oprah Winfrey stated, "My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Let's get the job done this week so that you will be ready for what is a head of you. You did a great job on your last Idiom test - keep the ball rolling. Please check Aeries and if there is a problem or you don't like your grade see me before school.

Monday 3/1
1. Chapter 1 – 8 Packet Due (65 points)
2. Review Idiom’s Test
3. Review CAHSEE Test
4. Discuss Study Guide
5. Start Vocabulary 13 - 14 (homework)

Tuesday 3/2
1. Practice CAHSEE Test
2. See The Making of To Kill a Mockingbird, Fearful Symmetry
3. Finish Vocabulary 13 - 14
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (30 minutes) (homework)

Wednesday 3/3
1. CAHSEE Test Practice
2. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
3. Review Chapters 1 - 8 packet
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (30 minutes) (homework)

Thursday 3/4
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Vocabulary Pretest
2. Quiz on To Kill a Mockingbird (short answer - chapters 1-10 - 100 pts)
3. See To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Start To Kill a Mockingbird 9 – 22 Packet (homework)

Friday 3/5
1. Vocabulary 13 – 14 Test (100 points)
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Discuss Study Guide
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird and Work Packet (homework)

Let your light shine!

Activites for week four 2/24 - 2/26 - 2010

2010-02-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Harvard professor of psychiatry George E. Vaillant, in his book Aging Well, identifies resiliency as a significant characteristic of people who navigate the many transitions of life from birth to old age. He writes, "Resilience reflects individuals who metaphorically resemble a twig with a fresh, green living core. When twisted out of shape, such a twig bends but it does not break; instead it springs back and continues growing." That is an description of how you need to be to persevere and make the most of your talents here at El Dorado. You must not become dry, brittle, and inflexible. You would be wise to follow the words of Jerry West: "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days you feel good." So as we move to the end of the school year let's do the most we can with what we have. Once again I am here every morning to help you anyway I can. Remember, now we are reading To Kill a Mockingbird and you will need to understand what Atticus is trying to teach his children. Please use your study guide to direct your reading and SparkNotes: To Kill a Mockingbird
The TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Student Survival Guide

Wednesday 2/24
1. Due The Real Cause
2. Vocabulary 11 - 12 Test (100 points)
3. Start Chapter 1 - 8 Packet (homework)
4. Discuss Study Guide
5. Read To Kill a Mockingbird up to chapter 8 (homework)

Thursday 2/25
1. Reading Quiz Chapters 1-5
2. Review and Discuss The Real Cause
3. Read To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)
4. Work on Chapters 1 - 8 Packet (homework)
5. CAHSEE Study Packets (practice for test - next 3 weeks)

Friday 2/26
1. Idiom Weeks’ 13 – 14 Test (100 points)
2. Review Tests
3. Practice and Discuss CAHSEE Test (packet)
4. Read To Kill a Mockingbird
5. Finish Chapter 1-8 Packet

Activites for week three 2/16 - 2/19 - 2010

2010-02-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

What you start, finish. There are two kinds of people in the world: those who do and those who might. Responsible people follow through. If they make a commitment, they see it through. They finish. And that is how others evaluate them. Are they dependable or not? Can I rely on them? Writer Ben Ames Williams observed, "Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion; it is a business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." As we move into the second semester how are you measure up in responsibility? Do not forget I am here in the mornings!

Tuesday 2/16
1 Review Vocabulary Test
2. Discuss To Kill a Mockingbird Cartoon
3. Glossary React (start studying)
4. Discuss Chapter One
5. Vocabulary 11 - 12 (homework)

Wednesday 2/17
1. Read and discuss pages 819 – 821 Symbolism and figurative Language
2. Discuss Study Guide (take notes as you read TKM)
3. Do The Real Cause Packet (homework)

Thursday 2/18
1. Lecture: Author – Nelle Harper Lee
2. Work on The Real Cause (homework)
3. Read TKM up to Chapter 4 (homework)
4. Finish Vocabulary 11 - 12 (homework)

Friday 2/19
1. Review Vocabulary 11 and 12 (70 points)
2. Discuss To Kill a Mockingbird
3. Finish The Real Cause (homework)
4. Vocabulary 11 - 12 Test Next Wednesday

Remember Yoda says
"There is no try in do."

Activites for 2nd week - 2/8 - 2/12 - 2010

2010-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Jonas Salk said, "There are two lasting things we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings." I hope from this class you have both. You are a part of El Dorado and also a part of me; I look forward to you doing many great thing, here and in the future. Let's take it to the next level. I will still be here every morning, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you with questions or problems you may have.

Monday 2/8
1. Finish “Montgomery Boycott” and Test (100 points)
2. Review Vocabulary Extra Credit
3. Do Vocabulary 9 - 10 (homework)

Tuesday 2/9
1. Review Grammar homework
2. Read and Discuss “Women’s Rights” pages 394 – 399
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 2/10
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Listen to the story of the geese. How should we as humans be like the geese? (MLA format and Typed) (homework 50 points)

Thursday 2/11
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review “Boycott” Test
3. Edit Geese Paper ( peer review)
4. Read Chapter 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird (homework)

Friday 2/12
1. Vocabulary 9 and 10 Test (100 points)
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Lecture: Objectives of To Kill a Mockingbird
4. Read To Kill A Mockingbird (homework)

EXTRA CREDIT
You may bring one box of tissue Monday only for 20 points.
(Regular box)

Activities for new semester - week 1, 2/1 - 2/5 - 2010

2010-01-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Please let's get off to a great start.

Monday 2/1
1. Review Final
2. Read and have Class Guidelines, 25 points (homework)
3. Read “from The Other America" (homework)

Tuesday 2/2
1. Practice CAHSEE Test (Reading/Literature)
2. Quick-Write," Walk in someone else’s shoes"
3. Rosa Parks video clip
4. Read "Montgomery Boycott" pages 124 - 133 (homework)

Wednesday 2/3
1. Set up S.S.R. Book Card
2. Video of Martin Luther King and Timeline of events
3. Read and Discuss "Montgomery Boycott"
4. Read S.S.R. Book (20 pages) (homework)

Thursday 2/4
1. U. S. Constitution Test, and The Bill of Rights
2. Type (MLA format) and do “Vocabulary in Action” “Grammar in Context” pages 134-135 and “Assessment Practice pg. 143 (homework)

Friday 2/5
1. Finish discussing "Montgomery Boycott"
2. See and Discuss “The Last Lecture” Randy Pausch
3. African American Cross Word (homework)

This is it!
Let's Go!

Finals 1/25 - 1/28 - 2010

2010-01-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

This is the end, all we have left is your final. If you have S.S.Reading points to make up you can do that Monday and Tuesday morning. Good luck on your final.

Final
55 clue context, prefix, suffix, root questions
20 vocabulary words
50 Antigone questions
20 literature terms
20 idioms

Monday January 25th
Review for final

Tuesday, January 26th

Period 1 7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:12 9

Period 2 10:19 – 10:39 20

Period 3 10:46 – 11:06 20

Period 4 11:13 – 11:33 20

Period 5 11:40 – 12:00 20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:30 30

Period 6 12:37 – 2:45 128 minutes

Wednesday, January 27th

Period 2

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 3

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Thursday, January 28th

Period 4

7:55 – 10:03 128 minutes

Break 10:03 – 10:11

Period 5

10:18 – 12:26 128 minutes

Friday, January 29^th

Non-Student Day

Activities for week eighteen 1/19 - 1/22 - 2010

2010-01-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is the finish of the first semester. I hope you learned somethings and had some fun. Moliere said, "Men are alike in their promises. It is only their deeds that they differ." Please check Aeries to make sure your deeds for this class were recorded correctly. For extra credit (25 points) you may print your grade from Aeries and have your parents write me a note on the back of the printout about what they think of your grade and your effort in this class. (Please have their signature and print their name also, so I can read who the note it from.)

Tuesday 1/19
1. Lecture: Drama and Structure of Tragedy
2. Finish Antigone Packet (homework)
3. Idiom Test - Weeks 1 – 11
4. Study all suffixes, prefixes, and roots (homework)

Wednesday 1/20
1. Review Tests and Packet
2. Discuss Antigone
3. Review all Vocabulary (homework)

Thursday 1/21
1. Idiom Test (1 – 12)
2. Grade Second Quarter Spiral Notebook
3. Review Antigone (homework)

Friday 1/22
1. Antigone Test
2. Review Idiom Test
3. Review Antigone
4. Study for final (homework)

Extra - Extra - Extra Credit

If you would like you may bring items from the list to support the food Pantry for PYLUSD McKinney Vento. All items are due by Wednesday.
(Points will vary)

Food Pantry
for PYLUSD McKinney Vento
Families

The Assessment Center has a food pantry that we are filling with just the
basics. The food is distributed to needy families, with students in our schools,
who have been identified as McKinney Vento eligible. To be in the program a
student must lack fixed, regular, or adequate housing due to economic
hardship. We would love it if you would think of us the next time you are in the
Costco or Sam’s. However, due to limited space and health considerations, we
are accepting donations for the following food staples only:
• dried beans, rice in bags
• cooking oil
• oatmeal
• pasta (spaghetti, macaroni)
• tomato sauce
• garbanzo beans and lentils
• canned vegetable soup
• boxed cereals (healthy only)
• canned mixed vegetables
• sugar
• baby food in jars, and formula
• crackers (Saltines, Ritz)
• canned tuna
• small bags of flour
We are located at 3232 Topaz Lane next door to Topaz Elementary School in the bungalows on Sapphire Street
on the corner of Topaz Lane and Sapphire. Our phone number is 714-986-7028. We distribute food all year
long, so if you would, keep us in mind throughout the year! Your donations help families who have lost their
income due to job loss during these tough economic times. A bag of groceries can keep several kids fed for a
few days which is often all that it takes for a family who is desperate and in transition. Our families truly appreciate
the help that we give them. We are not a “crutch” or a social service, just a helping hand during a crisis.
Any donations at all are greatly appreciated! As always, food gift cards from local grocery stores are welcome
donations! Send them through district mail to Jon Matson at the Assessment Center.

Activities for week seventeen 1/11 - 1/15 - 2010

2010-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

In his book My Personal Best, John Wooden writes, "There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, so keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make makes you." As we finish the first semester you can still raise your grade by doing well on your remaining assignments and making the choice to excel. For EXTRA CREDIT if you complete your vocabulary and final Antigone packet, then you may answer the questions on page 1061. They are due Tuesday 1/19 - MLA format with the question in the answer for reference and complete sentences well developed and typed.

Monday 1/11
1. Idiom 1 – 9 Test
2. Review Quizzes
3. Presentation
4. Do Vocabulary 7 and 8 (homework)

Tuesday 1/12
1. Review Tests
2. Antigone Presentations
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 1/13
1. Lecture: Drama and Structure of Tragedy
2. Presentations
3. Finish Reading Antigone

Thursday 1/14
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Presentations
3. Antigone Final Packet (homework)

Friday 1/15
1. Vocabulary 7 and 8 Test
2. Presentations
3. Finish Antigone Packet (homework)

If your choice is to increase your points in this class you may go to glencoe.com and: enter your state and subject and click on student, Browse the menu to the right for state and other general info, click to open the online learning center, select the online student edition, enter student and b931082076, then open content and print page 665. This is due Wednesday or before (30 points Tuesday, 20 points Wednesday).

Activities for week sixteen 1/4 - 1/8 - 2010

2010-01-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

As we start a new year and a new decade decide your purpose, set your goals. You need to do this - not your parents, not your friends, and not me. This is your 2010. Remember if you do the things you need to do, when you need to do them, someday you can do the things you want to do, when you want to do them!

Jim Tressel, the Ohio State football coach says, "The first step in creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it.

.Vision will ignite the fire of passion, which fuels our commitment to
do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

.Vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into reality of
achievement through human action.

.Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our vision is what
we become in life."

Now for the business of class - please check Aeries so you know where you are grade wise in this class. We have three more weeks then finals, and you will have one in this class. You should probably have a new SSR book. If you missed Friday you have a test to make up - please be here Monday by 7:30 am.

Monday 1/4
1. Review Tests
2. Do Vocabulary 5 and 6 (homework)
3. Antigone Packet (homework)
4. Practice dialogue

Tuesday 1/5
1. Read Antigone and quiz
2. Practice dialogue
3. Finish Vocabulary (homework)
4. Work on Antigone Packet (homework)

Wednesday 1/6
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Practice dialogue
3. Read and discuss Antigone and quiz
4. Finish Antigone Packet (homework)

Thursday 1/7
1. Vocab Bingo and Pretest
2. Test - Antigone
3. Review Antigone Packet
4. Practice for Presentation (homework)

Friday 1/8
1. Vocabulary Test (100 points)
2. Finish Reviewing Packet
3. Read and discuss Antigone
4. Practice dialogue

Finish Strong!

Activities for week fifteen 12/14 - 12/18 - 2009

2009-12-12T14:29:00.001-08:00

We are moving from the future of Fahrenheit 451 to the past of Sophocles' Antigone. As you read can you connect this quote to the drama? "In prosperity our friends know us. In adversity we know our friends."

Also as we move to Christmas - "do you know it is a party? It is a birthday party ... birthdays are meant to be celebrated. It's why we say 'Merry Christmas!'" stated Rick Warren. Let's work hard and enjoy this last week of school before vacation, then you can celebrate all the rest of this year.

Please check Aeries and know your grade in our class if you are not passing or have a 'D' you need to see me so we can find a way for you to improve. Finally make sure you have a dialogue and partner that I have approved for your class presentation of Antigone.

Monday 12/14
1. Fahrenheit 451 Essay due (200 points)
2. Fahrenheit 451 Final
3. Vocabulary 3 and 4 do exercise 2 and 3 (homework)
4. Drama - Read pages 1014 - 1021 (homework)

Tuesday 12/15
1. Glossary Test
2. Review Tests
3. Lecture: Drama Goals and Objectives
4. Read Antigone Pages 1022 –1025 (homework)
5. Finish Vocabulary (homework)

Wednesday 12/16
1. Review Vocabulary (70 points)
2. Read and discuss Antigone
3. Find Partner and Part for Dialogue Presentation
4. Read Drama and Greek Handouts (homework)

Thursday 12/17
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review Glossary Test
3. Read and Discuss Antigone
4. Read Antigone pages 1022 – 1031 (homework)

Friday 12/18
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test
2. See Antigone “Prologue”
3. Write out dialogue (cards)
4. Practice your Dialogue (homework)

Bless Be Your Christmas!

Activities for week fourteen 12/7 - 12/11 - 2009

2009-12-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm." Ronnie Lott said of football's Joe Montana, "You can't measure the size of his heart with a tape measure or a stopwatch." This prove that it takes more than talent or brains to create success. It takes passion. This is what I have been trying to get across to you. With passion you can do well in this and every class. Please check Aeries; if there is a problem see me.

Monday 12/7
1. Review Tests
2. Lecture: Symbolism
3. Edit Essays and revise (homework)
4. Do Vocabulary 3 and 4 (homework)

Tuesday 12/8
1. Review Vocabulary 3 and 4 exercises 2 and 3 (60 points)
2. Lecture: Ideas about the Novel
3. Finish Vocabulary and Study Glossary Terms

Wednesday 12/9
1. Finish Lecture
2. Review Assessment Test
3. Review Vocabulary
4. Work on Essay (homework)

Thursday 12/10
1. Notes Test on Fahrenheit 451
2. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
3. Study and Read S.S.R. Book, and Essay (homework)

Friday 12/11
1. Vocabulary 3 and 4 Test
2. See Fahrenheit 451
3. Read S.S.R. Book
4. Study Glossary Terms and Final copy of Essay due Monday

Fahrenheit 451 final (Monday)
Glossary Test (Tuesday)

Activities for week thirteen 11/30 - 12/4 - 2009

2009-11-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

We are finishing Fahrenheit 451 in the next two weeks, and Robert Strauss stated, "Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." For you this means you need to put two good weeks in on Fahrenheit 451 if you want success in this unit. Most of you did not pick up extra credit last week, but for you that did all extra credit is due by next Thursday. Also please check your S.S.Reading Points, you have until Thursday to make up any Reading Points. (You should have read 660 pages of you pleasure reading books.)

Monday 11/30
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Lecture: Realism versus Romanticism
3. Vocabulary Packet 1 and 2 (homework)

Tuesday 12/1
1. Commentary Packet due
1. Discuss Fahrenheit 451 Essay
2. Lecture: Symbolism
3. Finish Vocabulary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 12/2
1. Discuss Conclusion Handout
2. Discuss questions on essay
3. Finish Symbolism Lecture
4. Review and study (homework)

Thursday 12/3
1. Fahrenheit 451 Test (200 points)
2. Review Vocabulary Packet
3. Work on Essay (homework)

Friday 12/4
1. Vocabulary 1 and 2 Test (100 points)
2. Review Brainstorm and Outline
3. Write First Draft (Due Tuesday)

Activities for week twelve 11/23 - 11/25 - 2009

2009-11-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

This is a special time of the year as we move into the holiday season; I hope you have the ability to see real treasure and true value. Please check your grade on Aeries then you may see me for an extra credit reading for Thanksgiving vacation (you must know your grade). You must read aloud "A Thanksgiving Fable for You and Your Family" in a family situation and bring back a note from one of your parents. See me for the rest of the details. There is also a Fahrenheit 451 extra credit project for vacation. Please take advantage of your opportunities to bring your grade up during your time off from school.

Monday 11/23
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Review Fahrenheit 451 Test and Worksheets
3. Work on Notebook (is everything developed?)
4. Read, Read, Read, and finish anything not done (homework)

Tuesday 11/24
1. Lecture: Anticommunism and The McCarthy Era
2. Review Commentary Packet
3. Personal Commentary Packet (homework)

Wednesday 11/25
1. Read and discuss Thanksgiving Comics
2. Do Word Search
3. Finish all worksheets and finish Fahrenheit 451, and study Glossary Terms
(Come back ready to wrap up Fahrenheit 451 and take a Glossary Terms Test)

***Extra Credit***
See the beginning

Activities for week eleven 11/16 - 11/20 - 2009

2009-11-14T20:35:00.000-08:00

My childhood idol Willie Mays said, "What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all." As we approach the holidays let's remember all we have and use all of our opportunities to get the most out of ourselves, and help those we can. If your grade is still not what you want you need to see me, so that I can help you earn what you want.

Monday 11/16
1. Review Commentary
2. Quick Write: “Integrity”
3. Strategies for Unlocking Word Meaning (homework)

Tuesday 11/17
Idiom Test Weeks 1 - 6
1. Review Vocabulary Final
2. Lecture: Title
3. Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets due

Wednesday 11/18
1. Part Three Reading Guide (homework)
2. Fahrenheit 451 Test
3. Review Packet
4. Review Glossary Terms (homework)

Thursday 11/19
1. LA 2 Assessment Test
2. Review Unlocking Words
3. Lecture: Anticommunism and The McCarthy Era
4. Commentary Practice (homework)

Friday 11/20
1. Vocabulary Test
2. See Fahrenheit 451
3. Finish Commentary Packet (homework)

***Extra Credit***
Can Food Drive
Thursday Deadline

Activities for week ten 11/9 - 11/13 - 2009

2009-11-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

One quarter down and three to go. We now start the second quarter and your grade continues until the end of the first semester. Many of you have a grade to be proud of, please continue with what you are doing. For those of you who want a better grade - work and work with me and you can improve your grade. Remember I will be here every morning to answer any questions and help you with anything you do not understand or want me to check over for you. Wayne Gretzky said, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." So this quarter let's be prepared, so that your grade is a true reflection of who you really are.

Monday 11/9
1. Review Tests
2. Review Grade and clean backpacks
3. Finish Fahrenheit 451

Tuesday 11/10
1. Review Glossary Terms
2. Review and Discuss Fahrenheit 451
3. Work on Worksheet

Thursday 11/12
1. Vocabulary Bee
2. Lecture: Commentary
3. Review Fahrenheit 451
4. Finish 451 Packet

Friday 11/13
1. Vocabulary Final (200 points)
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Read, Read, Read!

***extra credit***
1/2 point a can for the can food drive

Activities for week nine 11/2 - 11/6 - 2009

2009-10-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

As we finish the First Quarter most of you have done a nice job. So, finish this quarter strong understanding this truth: spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation. There are no standing ovations for studying or doing homework, just self-respect, and higher scores. Finally please make sure you check your grade on Aeries, and if you are not sure about something please see me.

Monday 11/2
1. Review Tests
2. Grade Notebooks (absolute deadline)
3. Finish Reading Guides (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 11/3
1. Review and Grade Vocabulary Cards
2. Discuss Reading Guides in Groups
3. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)
4. Study

Wednesday 11/4
1. Review and Grade Reading Guides
2. Setting, Inference, Conflict Worksheets (homework)
3. Review and Study

Thursday 11/5
1. Fahrenheit 451 Test
2. Vocabulary Pretest and Bingo
3. Work on Setting, Inference, Conflict worksheets (homework)

Friday 11/6
1. Vocabulary Seven Test
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Finish Worksheets (homework)

"Men are alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ."

Activities for week eight 10/26 - 10/30 - 2009

2009-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Self-discipline - the only kind that lasts - is action oriented. It doesn't procrastinate, and it doesn't makes excuses. "Setting a goal is not the main thing," said Tom Landry, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan. The key is discipline." As we move to the end of the first quarter I hope you are disciplined and have your notebook current, all your vocabulary cards, and are caught up with your reading. What grade do you want from this class? Are you doing the things that will produce that grade? Remember I am here to help you reach your goal.

Monday 10/26
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Lecture: "How to Mark a Book" Adler's Strategies
3. Work on Worksheets
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 10/27
1. Review all Vocabulary
2. Review Worksheets
3. Read and discuss Fahrenheit 451
4. Part One Reading Guide (homework)

Wednesday 10/28
1. Fahrenheit 451 quiz
2. Lecture: Genre and The Novel
3. Read “The Sieve and the Sand”

Thursday 10/29
1. Practice Vocabulary Test and Bingo
2. Lecture: Science Fiction
3. Part Two Reading Guide Worksheet (homework)

Friday 10/30
1. Vocabulary Six Test
2. Finish Lecture
3. Finish Reading Guide (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

***Check your S.S.Reading points - do you have them all?***

Week Seven's Activities 10/19 - 23 - 2009

2009-10-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Having the right expectations going into anything is half the battle. John C. Norcross, a clinical psychologist, has studied people and their goals, and he has found a characteristic that distinguishes those who reach their goals from those who do not:EXPECTATIONS. I hope you expect to pass this class; if you are not passing right now you need to see me to find out what you can do to raise your grade.

Monday 10/19
1. Review in Groups: Spiral Notebooks, Idioms,and Vocabulary
2. Read Part I Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Tuesday 10/20
1. Read and discuss Fahrenheit 451
2. Review all vocabulary, idioms, and Parts of Speech (homework)
3. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Wednesday 10/21
1. Idioms Weeks 1 – 4 Test
2. See The Veldt
3. Glossary and Censor worksheets for Fahrenheit 451
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Thursday 10/22
1. Pretest Vocabulary and Word Roots Bingo
2. Groups - work on packets
3. Building Background worksheets (homework)
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

Friday 10/23
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Review Idioms Test
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

*** Extra Credit ***
I still have the Canning Hunger's
Boxes of Love

Activites for the 6th week 10/12 - 10/16 - 2009

2009-10-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Have you known people who should have risen to the top but didn't? They had all the talent they should ever need, but they still didn't succeed. Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Talent for talent's sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to a new power as a benefactor." I hope you are enjoying our class and are working to fully develop yourself to be your best and help our world to be its as well.

For extra credit you can bring something off the list for "Box of Love".
It is a Canning Hunger project to provide holiday dinners to needy families throughout the Los Angeles area during the holiday season.
See me and I will explain the project, and how you can make a difference.

Monday 10/12
1. Review Reading Test
2. Review Grade
3. Take Notes on “Attitude”
4. Read S.S.R. Book (20 pages) (homework)

Tuesday 10/13
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2.Read and discuss “Introduction” handout (essay)
3.Type an introduction – use “Connect to Your Life” page 86 (homework)

Wednesday 10/14
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss “The Pedestrian”
3. Word Roots # 2 – Make vocabulary cards (homework)

Thursday 10/15
1. Collective Learning Groups
2. Edit and Revise Introduction Paragraph
3.Read and Discuss “The Pedestrian”
4. Type New Introduction Paragraph

Friday 10/16
1. Introduction Paragraph due
2. Vocabulary Bee
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Start reading Fahrenheit 451 (homework)

*** extra credit ***
See me if you have a low grade. (Have your tests with you.)

Activities for week five 10/5 - 10/9 - 2009

2009-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

It is one thing to believe that you possess remarkable potential. It is another thing to have enough faith in yourself that you think you can fulfill it. Let's keep working together to tap into all you can be. I have seen good things from you and I hope to see much more. Please check our past blogs and see if there is something you can still do to earn points, that also includes S.S.R. Reading points.
Remember "Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
anonymous

Monday 10/5
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest
2. Review “Babylon” Packet
3. Read “Interview with Ray Bradbury” and “There will come Soft Rains”
Pages 84 - 93 (homework)

Tuesday 10/6
1. Vocabulary Test
2. Read and Discuss Homework
3. Make Cards for Word Roots # 1 (Test 10/14) (homework)

Wednesday 10/7
1. Idioms Test
2. Read and Discuss Story
3. S.S.R. Reading (homework - 20 pages)
4. Study Essay Terms (homework)

Thursday 10/8
1. Essay Terms Test
2. Quick Write in Notebook: “Struggle”
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Type Grammar in Context: Action Verbs – page 94 (homework - MLA format)

Friday 10/9
1. “There Will Come Soft Rains” Test
2. Review Tests
3. Read “The Pedestrian” pages 95 - 101 (homework)

Do not forget Fahrenheit 451 is worth 50 extra credit points.

Fourth week's Activities 9/28 - 10/2 - 2009

2009-09-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more important than relationships. As the school year moves on let us build our relationship. Wednesday night is back to school night and I would love to meet your parents and start a relationship with them. You can earn 25 extra credit points if they sign in Wednesday night during your period. Andrew Carnegie once said, "There is no use whatever trying to help people who do not help themselves. You cannot push anyone up a ladder unless he is willing to climb himself." I hope you want to climb the ladder of success - your success. Remember I will always be here in the mornings, break, and the beginning of lunch, or come to the tennis courts after school.

Monday 9/28
1. Vocabulary Bingo and Pretest (prefixes and suffixes)
2. Review Reading Test
3. See the end of Planet of the Apes
4. Do Thesis worksheets (homework)

Tuesday 9/29
1. Prefix and Suffix Test
2. Review Thesis
3. Read and Discuss “By The Waters of Babylon” pages 42-55
4. Work on “Babylon” Packet (homework)

Wednesday 9/30
1. Read and Discuss “By the Waters of Babylon”
2. Make Suffix Cards (homework)
3. Finish “Babylon” Packet (homework)

Thursday 10/1
1. Thesis Quiz
2. Finish discussion of “Babylon”
3. Review “Babylon” Packet (should be done)
4. Review All Vocabulary and Read SSR Book (10 pages) (homework)

Friday 10/2
1. Reading Test - "By the Waters of Babylon"
2. Review “Babylon” Packet
3. Practice CAHSEE Test
4. Pleasure Read and Study (homework)

*** Extra Credit ***
Go to Aeries and print your grade, then have a parents write me a note on the printout that they understand your grade and have them print their name and sign it, for ten points extra credit. This is due Monday before the warning bell of class.
(Make sure I have added your SSR reading points to Aeries for the last two weeks.)

Activities for 3rd week 9/21 - 9/25 - 2009

2009-09-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Orator, attorney, and political leader William Jennings Bryan said, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." I hope you choose to work hard and work smart in our class. If you need help I will always be here. Remember when you are absent you need to make up your reading time and tests in the morning (7:25 am). Aeries should be set up by the end of the week - please use it to know where you are in our class.

This is the Bell Game Week and the Aloha Dance on Saturday. Enjoy and don't forget, high school is only once.

Monday 9/21
1. Prefix Cards, Portfolios due and Prefix Bingo and Quiz
2. Put Notebook together
3. Start Idioms (you will have four idioms a week to learn)
4. “Interlopers” Usage and Mechanics worksheet and Conflict worksheet and Test
(homework)

Tuesday 9/22
1. Prefix Test
2. Review “Interlopers” work
3. See “Harrison Bergeron”
4. Read Pages 20 – 29 “Harrison Bergeron" (homework)

Wednesday 9/23
1. Read and discuss “Harrison Bergeron”
2. Make new Prefix Cards (Test - 9/29) (homework)
3. Language Arts Reference Guide

Thursday 9/24
1. “Harrison” Reading Quiz
2. Lecture: Multi-paragraph Terms
3. Read “By The Waters of Babylon” pages 42 - 55 (homework)

Friday 9/25
1. Review Reading Quiz
2. Practice CAHSEE Test
3. Read and discuss “By The Waters of Babylon”
4. Read twenty pages of S.S.R. book (homework)

Go Hawks!

Week 2's Activities 9/14 - 9/18 - 2009

2009-09-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

I am glad you are in my class, and I enjoyed our week together last week. This week we want to get going and start working on our reading, vocabulary, and writing. Do you have all your materials for class (SSR book, spiral notebook)? Charles Schulz stated "Life is a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." This year let's see if both you and I can use all our gears. Remember - I will always be here in the mornings.

Monday 9/14
1. Read and edit “The Race” paper – Revise and type final draft
2. Read and discuss “15 Study Tricks”

Tuesday 9/15
1. Race paper due
2. “Literary Terms” Test (assessment)
3. Lecture: Literary Terms
4. Read SSR Book 30 min.

Wednesday 9/16
1. Finish “Literary Terms” lecture
2. Honesty Policy
3. Read "The Interlopers" pages 8 - 13

Thursday 9/17
1. Handout – Literary Terms
2. Review Reading
3. Study Prefixes --- quiz 9/22
4. Prefixes – make note cards and study (xv - xvi)

Friday 9/18
1. Portfolio Exchange
2. Pre-Writing Assessment
3. Read and discuss “Test Taking Tips”

Extra credit this week:

For fifteen points you can set up a ten minute meeting with me.

Welcome back to El Dorado week 1's lessons 9/8 - 11 - 09

2009-09-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to El Dorado, I look forward to working with you this year and watching you develop over the next four years. In They Call Me Coach, John Wooden defines the elusive quality of success as: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." This is what I will be looking for all year - "Your Best" - that is not a grade. I will always be here every morning at 7 am - 7:45 am to help you or answer any questions you might have. I will also be here at break, the beginning of lunch, and on the tennis courts after school if we do not have an away match. Let's work together and let's have fun together.

This week you can earn 25 extra credit points by getting a college rule, three section only, spiral notebook by Friday.

Tuesday 9/8
1. Introductions and phone numbers
2. Discuss and sign Guidelines and Literature List (homework)
3. Share your summer
4. Fill out Harvard Resume (homework)

Wednesday 9/9
1. Overview of class
2. Read “I Can!” and “Risk”
3. Read “MLA Format” and “The Race”
4. Write two paragraphs about a positive lesson. (homework)
Type and double space (MLA format)
Think about a time where you over came something. Who helped you and what did you learn? Describe the situation and what the lesson was. Use the five W’s :who, what, when, where, and when.

Thursday 9/10
1. Review and discuss Harvard Resume
2. Read and discuss “Bill Gates Speech”
3. Explain “Marvin” comic

Friday 9/11
1. Grammar Quiz, “Spell Checker”
2. “The Race” paper due (20 points)
3. Edit, revise and retype (homework)
4. Set up Reading Cards (10 points a day for book in class and reading)

Go Hawks!

This is it! - 6/8 - 6/11 - 2009

2009-06-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

In The Muppet Movie they say, "Life's like a movie, write your own ending." As we finish the school year you have a chance to write your own ending. First study hard for your final, that is in your own hands. Your final will be just vocabulary lessons 1 - 20. The parts of your final will be just like the workbook you have used all year: critical reading, sentence completion, and analogies. You will have 200 questions worth 800 points, and you will need a number two pencil. Monday 7:15 am you can take a Idiom Test for extra credit and a Literary Term Test also for extra credit or if you have a zero period you may take one at the beginning of break. Write you own ending to this semester.

Monday 6/8
1. Collect Books
2. Act IV and V Test

Final

"Our doubts are traitors
and make us lose the good we oft might win
by fearing to attempt."

-William Shakespeare-

4th 1/4 - week 18's lessons - 6/1 - 6/5 - 2009

2009-05-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." This is the last week before finals please make sure you are reviewing all your vocabulary, idioms, literary terms and Julius Caesar. Do you know where you stand in this class? I am still here everyday at 7 am, break, and the beginning of lunch to help you or answer any questions you may have.

Monday 6/1
1. Act IV Test
2. Review Act IV Packet
3. Read S.S.R. Book

Tuesday 6/2
1. Work on Act V Packet
2. Read S.S.R. Book

Wednesday 6/3
1. Review Act IV Test
2. Read and Discuss Act V
3. Read S.S.R. Book

Thursday 6/4
1. Review Act V Packet
2. Read S.S.R. Book

Friday 6/6
1. Act IV and V Test
2. See Julius Caesar Study for final

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."
- Booker T. Washington -

4th 1/4 - week 17's lessons - 5/26 - 5/29 - 2009

2009-05-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Michael Johnson says, "Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are given the opportunity to perform at our best." We are in the final lap and you should now be sprinting to the finish line. If you would like you may do one final extra credit project. The project is to answer the questions on page 799 and they are due Friday.

Tuesday 5/26
1. Vocabulary 23-24 Test
2. Review Act II and III Test
3. Read and discuss Act IV
4. Work on Act IV Packet (homework)

Wednesday 5/27
1. Idiom 17 - 21 Test
2. Read and discuss Act IV
3. Finish Act IV Packet (homework)
4. Read Act V (homework)

Thursday 5/28
1. Review Vocabulary Test
2. Read and discuss Act IV
3. Review Act IV Packet
4. Read S.S.R. Book (homework)

Friday 5/29
1. See Julius Caesar
2. Act IV Test Monday
3. Read Act V

"The secret is this: Strength lies solely in tenacity."
Louis Pasteur