SENIORS: We started the rough draft of the query letter.  Please note: Even though the next two days will be different because of CSTs and I might not see you on Wednesday or Thursday, the final draft of the query letter is due this Friday.

SOPHOMORES: We did an On Demand writing assignment which consisted of writing a short essay connecting the poem "The Hangman" with Night.  The essay was turned in at the end of the period.  In the meantime, continue with your work on the synthesis essay (Due Friday or over the weekend through email).

SENIORS: Now that your children's book is finished, it's time to publish!  Even if you don't intend to publish your book, you will need to learn how to write a professional query letter.  Your homework is to find an agent and a publisher; I provided websites for your search during class.  Have those names and addresses for tomorrow.

SOPHOMORES: We started on the conclusion of your synthesis paper.  This week will be dedicated to working your rough draft into final draft form, which will be due on Friday (or over the weekend).  This is a hard deadline, as we need to begin the poetry unit on Monday (one week from today).

SENIORS: Your children's book is due today!  If you can't give it to me in person, take it to the office and have someone put your book in my mailbox.

SOPHOMORES: You started writing your synthesis essay on the Netbooks.  Make sure you have  the rough draft of your introductory paragraph and your body paragraphs done for Monday.  Also, I asked you to write down your 6 sources as an exit slip.

ALL STUDENTS: Please read the previous blog.  See you all tomorrow!

SENIORS: Hope you had fun today!  Work on your children's book at home because it is still due this Friday, April 26, at the end of the period.

SOPHOMORES: We worked on identifying the THESIS, CDs, and CMs of another mentor text, Searching for an Identity in a Society Full of Labels.  That THESIS is to go in your notebook under the title THESIS.  Also, by this time, you should know which 6 sources you're going to use for your synthesis essay.  Four sources must be from things we've done in class, and two sources are your own.  We began working on the introductory paragraph of your essay.  The goal is to have the introductory paragraph and body paragraphs done by Monday, April 29; so if you're absent until then, work on those things.

SENIORS:  Work your  children's book; the completed project is due this Friday at the end of the period.

SOPHOMORES: I collected the homework (Atomic Arrows), you voted for ASB officers, and we began writing the synthesis paper by establishing the thesis and identifying the articles that will help with the support of the thesis.  Have this ready to go for tomorrow.

SENIORS: Now is the time to start the actual building of your children's book.  Think of the following: How big is my book (based on the age group you're writing for--remember, little hands can't manipulate big books), what am I making it out of (computer paper, colored computer paper from Kinkos, construction paper, something fancy from Michael's), powerpoint (an email book)?  I strongly recommend that you type your text, as most of you have a hot mess for handwriting. The due date for your book is Friday, April 26.

SOPHOMORES: You were given a mentor text, Atomic Arrows, which we annotated for structure, concrete details, author's commentary, examples of synthesis, and other devices such as rhetorical questions, repetition, strong language, etc.  You were also asked to determine the thesis of the essay.  You will start writing YOUR synthesis essay on Monday.  Think about what your thesis will be; remember the overlying questions of What is the Nature of Man?  Also think about what texts you can use to support your thesis.