Double Blocks for all Tomorrow-All Homework due on DUE DATES

P5 will NOT meet with me tomorrow, as Ms. Moore needs more time with you then for prep on upcoming Test. However, P2 and P7 will meet with me, while P3, P5 and P8 meet with Ms. Moore.


All Homework, including reading at least 45 minutes every day, including weekends and holidays, is due on exact days assigned, whether I teach you that day or not.

Mon. Nov. 1 -Info Searches on Thomas Jefferson, Phillis Wheatley, Benjamin Franklin and Sally Hemmings.

Wed. Nov. 3 Religious Debates Write-ups (complete with Rubrics, in-class Worksheets as 18-source Bibliography). Be sure to put an (*) next to your OWN six sources used.

Write-ups must include results of debates, cited quotes you used and the responses to all the other questions on the handout. = (100 points)

Thurs. Nov. 4 - Flashcards for 12 Slave Narrative Vocab (12 points)

Friday, Nov. 5 - Second Draft "Crucible" Essays = 100 points

Be sure to have red Peer Edit sheets, proof of conferences with peer
First Draft behind P.E. sheets
Bibliography
Footer-Page #s plus full MLA format

Fri- have The Classic Slave Narratives, reading 45 minutes - one hour per day, including weekends and holidays. Annotate. Create at least three Windows per week (Facts, Feelings, Questions and Themes/Ideas)

And the WINNER IS.........

Another busy week: Great Abortion Debates in P3 and Gay Rights/Marriage Debates in P2, P5, P7 and P8. After reviewing the videos, it’s clear which side took better notes during the debates, answering questions and trying to move on to greater points of contention.

Winners:
Best Opening Statements with the absolute best eye contact = Svitlana
Best Closing Statements = Jahziel and Priyanka
Best waving of “source” aka hotlines = Robert


Please get copies of Jahziel’s, Priyanka’s Closing, and Svitlana’s Opening to learn how to write a passionate, informative and persuasive essay!
Honorable Mentions = Delorian, Renee, Laura’s closing, Hana, John, Alex and Mike

Others:
P2 Gay Rights WInner = Pro
P3 Abortion Winner = Con (Amazing cohesion, hammering away at stats, cited quotes, outstanding prep)
P5 Gay Rights WInner = Pro (Amazing data, cited quotes, outstanding prep)
P7 Gay Rights WInner = Pro
P8 Gay Rights WInner = Pro (While Con had amazing data, cited quotes, specific Religious stats, quotes.....Kayla's personal accounts, Priyanka's Closing and Sabrina's facts along with other team members' input put the Pro side over the edge.)

I know I had prematurely awarded the Con side the win but, after reviewing the videos, it was clear that the Pro side eeked out the win.

Be sure to use these great quotes, statistics and ideas when revising your "Crucible" Essays, especially with referring to modern-day Othering, Scapegoats or other lines of arguments.

Amazing turn-out!
Additionally, Renee, Aidan, Asha, Krystal H., Haewon, Fernando, Yomiuri, Naurin, Mike, Stephanie, Priyanka, Mikhail, Alexus, Elfrin, Brenda, Shakif, Debbie, Rokeya, Jennifer, Lisbeth, Rinchen and Anisah’s folks or guardians made it out. Hope to see three dozen more tomorrow! Great seeing 23 scholars’ parents or guardians!

Slave Narratives Unit Oct. 29 - Dec. 20 Learning Goals Tools

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLAVE NARRATIVES
ENGLISH 11 OCT. 29 – DEC 20, 2010
MR. CARSON-ROOM 569


In exploring the unique Slave Narrative Genre, will work through Constitutional documents, attempting to better understand the motivating forces behind those “judging” and determining the fates of an entire race through defining “humanity”. From Thomas Jefferson’s “Notes on the Sate of Virginia”, to full autobiographies of Mary Prince and Fredrick Douglass, to poetry from Phillis Wheatley and essays and speeches from Historian and scholar, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., scholars will scrutinize “Equality”.


Correlating Quotes
“As long as I have any choice, I will stay only in a country where political liberty, toleration, and equality of all citizens before the law are the rule.”
Albert Einstein

“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.”
Fredrick Douglass

“When we abolish the slavery of half of humanity, together with the whole system of hypocrisy it implies, then the "division" of humanity will reveal its genuine significance and the human couple will find its true form.”
Simone de Beauvoir

Essential Questions
What was essentially at stake, with the Phillis Wheatley Trials?

How is “America” a grand paradox?

Who were the key players in shaping the definitions of Equality?

How has slavery and thirst for emancipation defined the nation?

How did the Founding Fathers view the “Other”?


Materials: “Notes on the State of Virginia”, by Thomas Jefferson (excerpts XIV)
Selected poems by Phillis Wheatley
The Trials of Phillis Wheatley, by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The Classic Slave Narratives, by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. ISBN =9780451528247
“The History of Mary Prince” and “Narrative of the Life od Fredrick Douglass”
Excerpts of “The Life of Olaudah Equiano” and “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”

Themes: Equality, legal racism, reason, rationale, identity, naming, escape, Othering, Rhetoric

Time frame 6-7 weeks

At the end of this unit I will be able to:

1. Writing for SELF

a—Begin to assert scholar’s own unique voice
b—utilize greater understanding of terms, vocabulary and themes
c—explore creative voice through original “slave narratives”

2. Continued work on effectively producing Thesis Statements from SRFs

a—understanding where they belong
b—what must be within one


3. Understand Greater importance of Reading

a—For content—new uniquely American genre
b—building stamina (up to an hour every night, including weekends and holidays)
c— building vocabulary, for practical use


4. Understand two of four Reading Strategies (1-2)

a—scanning
b—annotating
c—Post-Its
d—Window Journals = (WJs) (cross-connect to Note-Taking) = Cornel Notes

5. Continue to utilize five of eight methods of Time Management (College Readiness)

a— study groups
b— bi-weekly visits with Guidance Counselors
c— communicating concerns and strengths
d—delegating and compromising
e—re-organizing
f— PRIORITIZING
g— dissect the 24-hour day into manageable hours of production, rest, relaxation and extras

6. Begin to navigate technologies using:

a—continued perusal of www.mygradebook.com , www.goodreads.com , www.freerice.com , www.easybib.com—to create the flawless bibliography; www.easywhois.com —to learn whom own a domain.

b—www.bigwords.com, www.textbooks.com or www.half.com — to order books and other
materials—CHEAPER

c—better utilizing BOOLEANS, KEYWORDS and other tools for Safe Searching every
topic—always

d. —e-mail to send ATTACHMENTS of written work, PowerPoints and photos
to fellow classmates, team members and teacher for edits, feedback and credit.

e. — Saving everying in three places: laptop, Flash and e-mailing everything as RichText, Word 1997 or similar documents that MHSHS computers recognize and can open.

f—visiting Ms. Tartaglione (Librarian) for more information, books and magazines for IRBs


Vocabulary
elegy, philanthropy, apostrophize, rabble, ode, encomium, panegyric, trope, chiasmas, synecdoche, rhetoric, indict, sadism, explicate, verisimilitude, shrewdly, requisite, extemporaneous, attestations, condolence, incurred, ambidextrous, oestrum, impugned, incisive, incidious, impetus, vexed, mulatto, vendue,

Anticipate your learning
Based on my prior knowledge and review of this sheet, what am I most interested in learning about in this unit?



Knowledge Inventory = K-W-W-L
In the two areas provided, list what you already know about [UNIT SUBJECT] and what you would like to know regarding [UNIT SUBJECT] in the other.
What do I know about UNIT already?


What would I like to learn more about regarding UNIT?


Why is it important to understand or learn about this unit?

Self Assessment = L or the traditional K-W-W-L
How well do you think you are learning this material? What we have learned can be divided into two (2) categories; the facts and concepts that make up this unit, and the skills and habits that are required to be a good learner in college. Your teacher will ask you to complete this approximately half way through the unit and at the end.


I will fill out a chart on large Poster Paper as many aspects of this unit that I can recall starting with A, B, C, D—through Z.

What do the numbers mean?
1= Really don’t understand this material or skill at all. Can’t do much without a lot of help from the teacher.

2= I can do some of this myself, but I need help from the teacher/peer study group or other proficient guide to get all of it.

3= I get mostly everything! Not everything, but 85% of this I understand and I can replicate next week; next year, forever!.


4= I own it! Move aside teacher, I can teach this next year to your class. I really get this stuff completely.

What is an action plan?
If you think you need to keep on working with this material, what are you going to do to improve your grade? Those steps are your action plan. An action plan can be going to SOS, Lunch and Learn, speaking to your teacher, doing Castle Learning questions, etc.




Midway Assessment
Number-Unit Content:
Number-College Skills:
Notes/Action Plan:

BLACK ROCK FOREST OUTDOOR—CABIN WEEKEND NOV. 12-14 —$125

BLACK ROCK FOREST OUTDOOR WEEKEND

Friday November 12——Sunday November 14
http://www.blackrockforest.org/docs/teacher-student-resources/HousingResources/ForestLodge.html

The outdoor club is pleased to invite you to join us for our first outdoor trip of the year to Black Rock Forest. Black Rock is a beautiful forest/ecology research center located about an hour and half drive north of the city. Students will leave after school on Friday and spend Friday and Saturday nights in the lodge building. During the day we will explore the forest with hikes and other fun activities. Students will be sleeping in rooms of 6 to 8 students each, and we will be cooking our own meals in the lodge’s kitchen.

WHEN: We will leave after school (3:30pm) on Friday and return Sunday early afternoon.

WHERE: Black Rock Forest, Cornwall New York

HOW MUCH: The weekend will cost $125, which covers two nights in the lodge, food and transportation.

WHAT TO BRING: The lodge will provide you with clean sheets, blankets and towels. You need to bring only your clothes and toiletries.

If you are interested speak to your parents, and complete the consent form and bring in your money. Money must be in by Friday October 29.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Can I bring cell phones and other electronic devices?
All students will be attending a regular day of school on Friday, November 12. We will leave after school is over. Accordingly, you must come to school in uniform. We will however be downstairs during scanning, and collect your cell phones and other devices. These will be returned to you when you are on the bus.

What will be doing at Black Rock?
On Friday night we will be running a series of mini-clubs followed by a movie with hot chocolate and marshmallows. On Saturday we will go out for a long hike in the woods. We will a climb a few small mountains, have lunch and return to the lodge. After a short break we will go to the lab building and do some activities on the environment and prepare for our star gazing session later that night. We will take a night hike and then go star gazing. When we return to the lodge we will have snack, mini-clubs and then another movie. On Sunday we will be having some last fun activities at the lodge and then return home. To sum it up: a great mix of outdoor hiking, and fun.

What should I bring? What shouldn’t I bring?
Once you have paid you will get a detailed packing list. Of course no illegal substances of any kind will be tolerated. Your bags are subject to search by the teachers at all times.

How do the sleeping arrangements work?
We will be assigned several rooms. Each room has between 6 and 8 beds. We will allow you to pick your own roommates, subject to teacher approval. Of course, boys and girls will not be allowed to share rooms. When curfew is called (around 11pm) everyone must return to their rooms. No one is allowed out of their room for any reason (other than emergency) after curfew. Students found outside of their rooms will be sent home at their parents expense the next day.
For parents who would be more comfortable with different arrangements, if necessary, one room will be designated as a teacher supervised room, and a teacher of the same gender will be sleeping in that room.

How does the food work?
We will be bring with us all of our food. One of the most fun things about Black Rock is that we are responsible for cooking our meals and cleaning up. At the beginning we will break up into squads. Each squad is responsible for setting up the dinning room, cooking the food, and cleaning up at different meals. If you have any food allergies or religious restrictions on what you can eat, please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.

What has been past student reactions to Black Rock?
In past years students have told us that the Black Rock trip was the best thing that they did in high school! We can’t guarantee this, but past experience tells us that this should be a great weekend. A chance to spend time outdoors with friends in a beautiful setting (and even a little education)—it should be a great experience. Several students even used their Black Rock weekend in their college essays.


For more information
http://www.blackrockforest.org/docs/teacher-student-resources/HousingResources/ForestLodge.html
Or see Mr. Eisenstadt.

NEW YORK CARES DAY--19 Volunteers helping out in Staten Island

A special shout out to Jahziel, Garyah, Samantha, Brenda, Yomiuri, Jasmine C-P, Gael, Maya, Ernest, Sheniece, Laura, Naurin, Keith, Valentin, Allison, Camile Cato, Teresa, Seamus and Michael Hughes for helping out at PS 13 M. L. Lindenmeyer School.

Be sure to see Mr. Shaw or I for signatures on your volunteer sheet. Remember, make copies of these, keep one and leave one with your Guidance Counselor for your permanent files.

Others who need more detailed write-ups, stop by and I'll print up something for other applications, references et cetera.

Once again, thank you and we'll see you at some of the upcoming Soup Kitchen events at St. Lucy's in Harlem and St. Lucy's in the Bronx.

Great work!!

Stand Books Field Trip Thurs. Oct. 21, 2010

Upcoming Events:

1. Join me at Strand Books, this Thursday, Oct. 21, leaving at 3 p.m. to pick up books, on the cheap!


2. ESSAY #2 “The Crucible”, by Arthur Miller = 100 points

Only essays (Draft #1) in MLA format, proof read, complete with proper Bibliography (www.easybib.com), will be accepted Monday, Oct. 25 and Tues. Oct. 26

1st Draft Due
P2, P5 and P7 Monday Oct. 25, 2010
P3 and P8 Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010

Religion Essay Topics:

A. Othering within Miller’s Allegorical “Pressure Cooker”——
Address topical examples of Othering from within “The Crucible” and today.

i. Define “Othering”

ii. Using Miller’s play, explain how and why certain characters were “Othered”

iii. Who do some of these characters represent in real time (1950s)?

iv. Why has Miller chosen to illustrate these people in such a way?

v. looking at today’s political “pressure cookers”, who is being othered, why, by whom?

B. Characterization and Hierarchy—The Struggle for Power——
Address topical examples of Hierarchal Power Plays within Miller’s play’s setting (1692), 1953 and now.

i. Scrutinize the personal and professional worlds of Puritan Massachusetts:

ii. Who was on top? In the middle? The lowest?

iii. Compare those power struggles with those of 1953

iv. What are some of the similar Power Plays happening in today’s political or religious
worlds?

v. Who are the players? What do they want?

C. Scapegoats: Then and Now——
Address topical examples of Scapegoats from within “The Crucible”, 1953 and today.


i. fear and paranoia drive certain people to doing outlandish things


ii. DO NOT define “scapegoat”, simply dive right in, analyzing how and why they were
used and by whom?

iii. be sure to have Safe Search articles complete with source, author(s) and date and where published


iv. use class discussion notes, recent prep for Religious Debates (fear and paranoia within Abortion or Gay Rights Issues) and other materials


D. Paradoxical Natures: In Search of a Perfect Religion——
Address topical examples of contradictory behaviors and actions within religious
“organizations” from within “The Crucible” and today.

i. be sure to utilize your wonderful in-class write-ups from Madonna, West and Native Elder

ii. notes from class discussions, Window notes, and your own personal perspectives

iii. DO NOT define paradox, simply DIVE right in to analyze what the particular absurdities are with citations.


I will not read 2nd Draft, due at a later date, that does not follow prescribed format, does not come with completed Peer Edit Sheets, and comments by peer on 1st Draft.




3. Religious Debates Wed. and Thurs. Oct. 27 and 28th during Doubles (P2, P5, P7 and P8 Gay Rights/ P3 =Abortion)



4. Parent Teacher Night--Thurs. Oct. 28 6-8:15 and Friday, Oct. 29--12:30-2 p.m.



5. As part of our mid-November Slave Narrative Unit, scholars must buy a copy of The Classic Slave Narratives with The Life of Olaudah Equiano, The History of Mary Prince, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

ISBN # 9780451528247

Other places to buy on-line for CHEAP
www.bigwords.com
www.textbooks.com
www.half.com

Or simply join me this Thursday to Strand Books.

6. Noon Sat. Oct. 30
Three more books on Goodreads = 100 points

7. Wednesday Nov. 3 = 100 points
Religious Debate Response write-ups: MLA and complete with bibliographies


i. Answer all prompts from Debate sheet

ii. add cited quotes

iii. staple in-class worksheet to MLA write-up

iv. include all roles of partners and a portion of their work

v. proof read and checked for grammatical errors


8. Grades for Term 1 CLOSE on Monday, Nov. 8, as they are due in for Report Cards Monday, Nov. 15. There are several chances for many to improve grade between now and then with these big-ticket items, approximately 500 points including daily participation, HW, as well as those on Goodreads.

All work assigned after Nov. 8th will go towards Term #2.

9. Building Clean-up Sat. Oct. 23, see Mr. Shaw or I for further details.

Safe Search Booleans = "Keyword #1" & "Name" & "Date" & "keyword #4"

For instance: "Arthur Miller" & "1953" & "The Crucible" in GOOGLE or the other three search engines Ms. Tartaglione taught us about a month ago should lead you right to the political events that Miller was alluding to in his play. Additionally, re-read pages 32-36 to learn exactly from where Miller got the motivation for this particular text.

Some scholar HW today was sub-par, with unclear or incomplete sources. Many had bullet-pointed information which does NOT qualify as an article. Others had incomplete sources (CNN) is NOT a complete online source, when you think of how many articles, photos, videos and other pieces of information that are attributed to CNN, your source must be far more comprehensive in order to fully understand the author's or publication's motives or intentions. Remember, nearly EVERYTHING we read and see has a BIAS of some sort. PROGANDA abounds, and we must fully grasp from where our information is being gathered. This includes TV or radio broadcasts: Biblios = Time and date of broadcast: title of particular show, guests' names and topic or theme for that segment.

Again, refer to www.easybib.com for proper formating of these visual or auditory sources.

Also, VISIT her and check out books!

It's great to see most of you on Goodreads.com, updating your currently finished novels, plays and other books.

For those looking for that "JUST RIGHT" novel, go down and visit Ms. T. to get your favorite books without the hassle.

The Library is open
Mondays and Fridays 7:40 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. - 4:20

Wednesdays 8:05 - 3:15

Please, when trying to research anything, remember all those hints Ms. Tartaglione taught you over a month ago in the Library.

Take advantage of a relatively large on-campus library!

Religious Debates + Recap of Week "The Crucible"

All classes, save P3 choose Gay Rights/Marriage as their topic for Wed. and Thurs. Oct 27th and 28th Religious Debates.

P3’s Topic Abortion
Be sure to:

1. Communicate with your team members at least once every other day.

2. Get at least six (6) Safe Search articles analyzing both pro and con sides.
a. Be prepared to answer questions or comments from Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Sihkh, Buddhist, Taoist or other religious views and attitudes toward gay issues

3. Interview others from other religious groups

4. Watch “The Daily Show”, “The Colbert Report”, PBS’s BBC World News, CNN, Fox News, as well as other outlets to get their takes on these topical debates.

5. Get source details from ALL your articles, shows, radio programs and materials

6. Learn your teammates' roles: remember how 10 scholars couldn’t make it last time due to heavy rains and delayed or cancelled trains. KNOW EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR TEAM’s ROLES. If anyone arrives late, it is their responsibility to be aggressive and get in there and DEBATE their side.

7. Talk to adults

8. Conduct surveys

9. Keep a bibliography of all sources found, used and quoted

10. Be ready to write a Persuasive Response-Essay after the actual Debate.

In Class: After deciding these new debate topics, we defined "OTHERING"

(P8) “Othering” = discriminating, or separating due to differences; race, sex, orientation, age, religion, beliefs, disabilities. It arises from ignorance, in order to make others feel inferior.

(P7) “Othering” = Separating people by little differences in order to feel better or superior.
Comparing yourself to others, usually they are put lower, even if it’s not necessarily true.
EX: Racism, Sexism, ageism, social status/hierarchy

(P5) “Othering” = Outcast, segregated, isolation based on race, gender, orientation, religion, sect, belief, creed in order to feel better or superior.

(P3) Othering; separating people because of religion, race, sect, color, culture, beliefs. Ostracizing those who are different in order to feel superior.

(P2) Othering = treating another sect, group, race, people like outcasts. Disrespecting others because of differences and one’s need to BE superior.
EX: Racism, sexism, ageism,


Then we went through pages 6-7(top), to better understand the three-four paradoxes within the seemingly “perfect” theocracy which was Puritan Salem, Massachusetts, 1692.


Monday’s HW
Sleep at least 9 hours every night
Eat well
Exercise before going to bed
Eat a hearty breakfast every morning

½ hour reading –focusing upon Archetypes, Characters’ Interactions creating Hierarchies, Othering
—Look up social, political events happening in US at the time Miller published “The Crucible”
—Who were the “players”?
—What were the conflicts?
—How were Americans “Othering” each other?
—How does this relate to the paradox within “The Crucible”?
—What other novel, recently read, used these same “people” as a scapegoat? = Othering them?

Write this up in one-two ¶s. If typed = MLA Format. If handwritten, edited and clean copy, DO NOT bother turning in any FROGGIE work.

P3, P8—by Tuesday, when we first meet, you should have annotated at least HALF of your articles for the debate. Your sources should be CLEARLY visible.

P2, P5 and P7—by Monday, you should have gotten at least six articles printed up, ready to annotate for completed annotations by Wed. Oct. 20. Your sources should be CLEARLY visible.

Debate Dates: P2, P7 = Wed. Oct. 27, during Double Blocks
P3, P5 and P8 Thurs. Oct. 28 during Doubles


Earlier this week: Answered questions from Focus Questions Sheet: 3 and 5 as well as:
1. What are some of the major Themes of Miller’s “The Crucible”?
a. Fear
b. Betrayal
c. Paranoia
d. Witch-hunts

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Asthma Survey: Monday Oct. 25, 2010
Parent—Teacher Conferences = Thurs. Oct. 28 6-8:15 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 29th ½ day noon-2:15

Aim: Archetypes and Characters’ Interactions

Do Now: Re-read pages 3-12 for 20 minutes, focusing upon
1. Characters’ relationships in the development of Archetypes and Hierarchies
2. Current events that make this text relevant today.

3. At the heart of these events, what is the true enemy of Puritanism?
Heathenism
4. What paradox arises as the setting of “The Crucible”? (bottom) pg 6-7 5. What current day events or movements are similar to the “snitch” factor, referred to ¶s 2-3 on pages 7-8? (think of themes—FEAR and PARANOIA— to answer this question)


Girl's Volleyball Team = 6-1 as they beat today's opponents 25-11 and 25-15! They were too good for me....by the time I'd arrived, they were already leaving!
Set 'em up! Slam away!

http://www.majortests.com/sat/editing-in-context-test01

Take the challenge, set your timer, and do the best you can on some of these SAT Practice mini-tests. This one http://www.majortests.com/sat/editing-in-context-test01 is 12 minutes to do 12 questions after a brief reading.

Remember, many scholars do poorly in this section perhaps because many of you have grown up with Spell-Checking services. Begin to grow that great muscle! Pick up your pocket dictionary, look into that thesaurus to avoid being repetitive. Great BOLD, be creative, say it your own unique and special way.

Most of the scholars I talked with mentioned the Math sections were easier than the English portions. Condition yourself to read for content and analytical clarity are skills that are LEARNED over years.

Begin TODAY.

Read more than the prescribed time, dig deeper and get a better handle on necessary skills to be more successful.

Reading everyday improves:

1. reading stamina
2. increases and re-enforces vocabulary
3. ability to more readily assess materials
4. critical thinking
5. inferencing and making connections
So that you can become a proficient reader so the SATs won't kick your BUTT!


http://www.quizlet.com/

Now try some of these for a plethora of subjects, from Spanish to GRE and SAT prep!

81 Scholars on Goodreads

Congratulations to all those 81 scholars on Goodreads. Unfortunately, I teach 94 scholars. Thirteen of you have never "befriended" me. Without allowing me to view your updates, I cannot award you points you may have worked on back on Sept. 14 when I took every class to the Computer Lab. In order to be in a position to earn the next 100 points for Oct. 30th's assignment of three new books updated, please follow instructions and be sure I can SEE your "reads".

For all others, great work on getting books up that you plan to read, weekly updates on those you're "Currently-Reading" and writing comprehensive critiques, recommendations, "what I learned was..." and other analytical write-ups that range from 1-2 paragraphs. Those still writing barely two sentences, you can gain more credit with more effort. Simply read reviews from Leonela, Natalia, Mohammad F., Emily, Muyiwa, Robert, Crystal S., and Mike L.

Model your next reviews after these more expressive, complete write-ups.

Good Luck!

Historical Fiction Connections-1692 Salem Witch Trials to present 1950s Witch Hunts

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/SAL_ACCT.HTM


"O Christian Martyr Who for Truth could die
When all about thee Owned the hideous lie!
The world, redeemed from superstition's sway,
Is breathing freer for thy sake today."

--Words written by John Greenleaf Whittier and inscribed on a monument marking the grave of Rebecca Nurse, one of the condemned "witches" of Salem.


From June through September of 1692, nineteen men and women, all having been convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village, for hanging. Another man of over eighty years was pressed to death under heavy stones for refusing to submit to a trial on witchcraft charges. Hundreds of others faced accusations of witchcraft. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials. Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended.

Acuity Assessments, Columbus Day and PSATs

Reminders:
Thursday, Oct. 7, scholars in P3 and P8 will take the first of this year's Acuity Assessments, which are great mini-practices for next Wed. Oct. 13's PSATs. These assessments help us learn where scholars need more concentration within each subject. So please come on time, with a #2 pencil and ready to read.

Please remember: NO SCHOOL Monday, Oct. 11 = Columbus Day
Wed. Oct. 13 = All Upper Classmen must come with ID, uniform, and prepared for PSATs All Underclassmen will be visiting The Museum of Natural History for their annual Science Field Trip.

"The Crucible" readings : approximately 10 pages/day began today, Oct. 6., with focuses upon Religion, Betrayal, Archetypes "Saint vs. the Sinner" or [Madonna vs. the sinner Madonna] and other relevant themes.

Get ample sleep the night before the PSATs, at least 8 solid hours, though 10 is preferable.
Get ample exercise the days before and eat well the day of and days prior. Fruit, vegetables, granola bars, cereals without too much sugar or salt.

Miller's Cast of Characters: "The Crucible"

“The Crucible” Characters:

Reverend Parris- Pastor of the church in Salem, Massachusetts. He is the father of Betty and the uncle of Abigail Williams.

Betty Parris- his daughter and Abigail Williams’ cousin. She is a weak girl.

Tituba-The Parris household servant. She is a native of Barbados.

Abigail Williams- Orphaned niece of Reverend Parris. She is the leader of the girls.

Susanna Walcott-One of the girls. She is initially sent between Parris and Dr. Griggs to determine the cause of Betty's ailment.

Ann Putnam-Thomas Putnam’s wife, Ruth’s mother. She is a very superstitious woman.

Thomas Putnam-He is a powerful man in the village with a long family line.

Mercy Lewis-The Putnam’s servant. She is a merciless girl who seems to delight in the girls' activities.

Mary Warren-The Proctor’s servant. Abigail uses her to effectively accuse Elizabeth.

John Proctor-Elizabeth’s husband.

Rebecca Nurse-Wife to Francis Nurse. She is a pious old woman who has often acted as a mid-wife for women of the town, including Ann Putnam.

Giles Corey-Martha’s husband. He inadvertently gives out information that is later used against his wife.

Reverend John Hale-He is considered to be, and considers himself, an expert on witchcraft.

Elizabeth Proctor- Wife of John Proctor.

Francis Nurse- Husband to Rebecca Nurse. He is a respected man in the community.

Ezekiel Cheever- He is the clerk of the court during the witchcraft trials. It is his job to deliver warrants for the arrest of the accused.

Marshal Herrick-Marshal of Salem.

Judge Hathorne- The judge presiding over the witch trials.

Deputy Governor Danforth- He seems to feel particularly strongly that the girls are honest. He is sensitive to the presence of the devil and reacts explosively to whatever evidence is presented.

Sarah Good- One of the accused.

Final Drafts of American Dream Essays Due Thurs. Oct. 7, 2010

Great job to all of you you have conferenced with your Second Drafts, made necessary edits and have turned in your Final Draft = 50 points. Many who have failed to do so by Oct. 7, will not receive a favorable grade.

Be sure to check your T.S. Paragraphs:
1. Does it contain both authors and titles?
2. Does it refer to three literary elements you will be addressing within the argument?
3. Does it answer the question: "Do the protagonists of Wright's Native Son, and Lahiri's The Namesake achieve their versions of the American Dream?"
4. Eliminate all GFEs = Gross Factual Errors = (-10) each

As to format:
1. Is the entire paper set up MLA Format?
2. 1" margins all around
3. Footer with "name" + Period ___ + "title"
4. Page numbers - lower right hand corner
5. Bibliography (C & P directly from www.easybib.com)

Be sure to check your cited quotes:
1. Do they help support your argument?
2. Are they quoted correctly? (If not these GFEs cost mega-points)
3. Have you explicated or analyzed them thoroughly?
4. Have you identified any Literary Elements within these or their explications?

Good Luck and Once again Salud! to those who have already completed this Final Draft!

The Great Immigration Debates Oct. 1, 2010

Congratulations to all those you made it through the downpouring rains and held their ground during this year's first English Debates. Those who were for the Human Rights and passionate towards those who have illegally or otherwise come to the US, won. In every class, the Pro sides, won. Congratulations to all. Remember to always prepare more than the bare minimum of information to convince or persuade others to seeing your side. The best way to do this: Solid facts, verifiable data from reputable people.