Th 11/19/09

Last Thursday of the semester! Post to the blog and tell us what you learned this semester in Night School. Make a list and be specific. :)

Tues., Nov. 3

The Usual & Unusual Vocabulary Word List:

Look at your vocabulary word list for Usual and Unusual words. Write 10 original sentences that use each of your vocabulary words and post them here.

Th 10/29/09

Only three more weeks of English Night School! 

          If you have time to make up, get in to make it up so you can pass! You will need to find Mrs. Norcross or Ms. Hays to get your assignments and then report to Mr. Lopez so he can record your time. Early Release Wednesdays and Saturday mornings are perfect opportunities to make up those missing hours. 

Video:

*Finish viewing horror video.

*Discuss gender stereotypes (helpless females vs. protective males)

Creative Writing:

*Write about a time YOU were most afraid. Be sure to include descriptive details that appeal to all five senses.

Vocabulary:

*Review Unit 5 packets and flashcards.

*Quiz today.

Novel:

*Read and discuss Big Mouth & Ugly Girl

Computer Lab B226

*Work on Compass Testing.

*Blog: Post your "most afraid" story.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Th 10/15/09

Creative Writing:

*Brainstorm responses to the following starters:

      * Fear is . . .

      * Beauty is . . .

* Turn your thoughts into a poem. Include a title for your piece. Remember, titles of poems belong in quotation marks. (for example: "Title")

Vocabulary:

*Review Unit 4 packets and flashcards.

*Quiz today.

Computer Lab B226

*Blog: Post your poem.

*Work on Compass Testing.

You'll see Mrs. Norcross on Tuesday Oct. 20 and Tuesday Oct. 27. 

No meeting with Ms. Hays on Thursday Oct. 22 (SLC), so I'll see you Thursday Oct. 29!

Th 10/08/09

Vocabulary:

*Finish Unit 4 packets and flashcards.

*(Quiz on Tuesday)

Novel:

* Read Pgs. 149-169 in Big Mouth & Ugly Girl

Computer Lab B226

*Work on Compass Testing.

*Blog: Answer the following questions about Big Mouth & Ugly Girl.

(Remember to use complete sentences and use the question stem to begin your answer).

1. When Matt's parents decide to sue the school for defamation of character, the school and city communities react with animosity (resentment and hostility). Matt and his parents are ostracized (excluded) by almost everyone. Who is having more difficulty being ostracized -- Matt or his parents -- and why? 

2. As the story continues, we continue learning more about Ursula and her family. What has Lisa been doing at dinner that causes Ursula to worry about her? Why might Ursula's concern be real?

3. Matt and Ursula share a significant moment in the forest preserve that bonds them forever. How does this change their relationship?

Th 9/24

Vocabulary:

*Finish Unit 3 packets and flashcards.

*(Quiz on Tuesday)

Novel:

* Read Pgs. 84-106 in Big Mouth & Ugly Girl

Computer Lab B226

*Work on Compass Testing.

*Blog: Answer the following questions about Big Mouth & Ugly Girl.

(Remember to use complete sentences and use the question stem to begin your answer).

1. Matt is interrogated at police headquarters. Why does Matt begin to understand how people crack under interrogation and admit to things that they didn't actually do?

2. Explain a time in your life when you were accused of something you didn't do. Did you ever feel like admitting to the accusation to get the accuser(s) off of your back? Explain your answer.

3. Why do Ursela's parents not want her to get involved in testifying on Matt's behalf regarding his innocence?

4. This experience has profoundly affected Matt. He overhears his mother say, "He isn't a boy any longer. He has changed." How would a conversation with Matt now be different than before the rumors about him became gossip?

TU 9/22

Vocabulary
* Finish your packet and flashcards for Unit 2.
* Take Unit 2 Quiz.

*Begin Unit 3 packet and flashcards.

Novel
* Read pages 57-82 in Big Mouth Ugly Girl.

Th 09/17/09

Vocabulary
* Make your flash cards for Unit 2, and then finish the packet. Please turn it in so we can grade it.
* Quiz next Tuesday after you review with Mrs. Norcross.


SSR
* Read your SSR book and fill out a reading log for the day.


CompassLearning Odyssey
* Work on improving your reading, writing, and listening skills by completing the assignments in your personal folder.

Tu 09/15/09

Blog Posting

 * After reading to page 56 in Big Mouth and Ugly Girl, think about the following questions, and then post your responses. Use the best grammar skills you have, and keep it school appropriate.

     1. Consider the situation in the school when Matt was first accused of threatening to blow it up. Do you think Mr. Parrish (the principal) was right to call the police? Why or why not?

     

     2. What perpetuated (or stimulated or made worse) the gossip and how do you think the adults involved could have handled the situation better? 

     

     3. Do you think something like this could happen in your school? Why or why not?

Th 09/10/09

SSR
 * Read your personal SSR book and then write an entry on your SSR log. Remember to answer a question in the space provided.


Computer Lab
 * Open CompassLearning Odyssey, and work on the English I assignment folder.


Novel
 * We started reading Big Mouth and Ugly Girl by Joyce Carol Oates and ended on page 28.

Tu 09/01/09

Vocab

Unit 1

1. archaic
2. argot
3. connotation
4. denotation
5. idiom
6. jargon
7. semantics
8. slang
9. standard
10. vernacular

• Start Unit 1 packet. (end on page 4) *Follow directions for each section of the packet.
• Make flash cards.
• Test next Tues. 09/08/09.

SSR

• Bring your SSR book and SSR log to the Tuesday AND Thursday sessions. (You may leave them in the crate if you don't want to work on them at home.)

Computer Lab

• Work on CompassLearning Odyssey. Mrs. Norcross added assignments that you need to complete.

Th 09/03/09

Vocab

• Finish Unit 1 packet. *Follow directions for each section of the packet.
• Finish making flash cards. Write the word 3x each on back of card to practice spelling.
• Review words and their definitions.
• Test next Tues. 09/08/09.

SSR

• Bring your SSR book and SSR log to the Tuesday and Thursday sessions. (You may leave them in the crate if you don't want to work on them at home.)

Computer Lab

• Assignment: respond to the first question on our blog, and post it for credit. (You will need a Gmail or AIM account to log in easily.)
• Work on CompassLearning Odyssey. Mrs. Norcross added assignments that you need to complete.

Let's have a great semester!

Welcome to the fall semester of Night School!

Mrs. Norcross and Ms. Hays are looking forward to working with you. We hope you'll keep an open mind and engage your brain as we offer you multiple opportunities to improve your English and Reading skills.

Please respond to this post by telling us why YOU are taking this class.