Tuesday, May 31st

Today I gave you a couple of things to help you review.
Active/passive voice

http://www.englishforeveryone.org/Topics/Active%20passive%20voice.htm

Indirect/Direct Objects

http://www.cardinalhayes.org/ourpages/auto/2006/8/22/1156300618492/Direct%20and%20Indirect%20Objects%20Worksheets.pdf

 

I will not be in tomorrow because I have to attend my aunt's funeral.  Mr. Padesky will be there to do the following:

1. Collect your 3x5 card.  THIS MUST BE HANDED IN.  Failure to hand it in means you will not be able to use one on the test.  Remember: IN YOUR OWN HANDWRITING and NO VOCABULARY WORDS from the VOCAB BOOK!
2. Correct/Collect these worksheets from you.
3. Monitor a study hall for the remainder of the class period.  Bring study guides/books/whatever you need to study for English or any class you choose.  Mr. P. will be carefully noting students who do not take this academic time seriously.  Your grade will take a hit if you are not studious.  

Thank you in advance for being well-behaved and excellent students while I am gone.  I appreciate knowing that I can be with my family during this time knowing you are all getting ready to stomp those finals!

See you Thursday!

Contact me via email if you have any questions!

Wednesday, MAY 25th

Today we corrected the last assignment of the verb packet and I collected all of your work.

Next I told you that on the final exam your vocabulary questions would be pulled from Units 4, 5, & 6.
With that I assigned some vocabulary review to help get you started on your quest to review for the exam!

However, I am at home typing this entry and realized I did not bring my book home.  If you have a question about the page numbers I assigned, call and ask a friend!  The vocabulary is due tomorrow!

I have correctly re-posted an UPDATED version of the final exam review.  You can make a 3x5 card with information on it BUT YOU MAY NOT write anything related to the Vocabulary words from the Vocabulary Book.

May 24th----TUESDAY!

Today we corrected page 44 Vocabulary and Active/Passive Verbs from Monday.

Next you read/took notes on Subject/Verb agreements.

Homework:
S/V Agreement Part I: (exe. 1 & 2 answers only, exe. 3 rewrite the new sentence---only use correct once)
S/V Agreement Part 2: (exe. 1 answers only, exe. 2 rewrite the new sentence---only use correct once)
Vocabulary Page 173 rewrite new sentence ( only use correct once)

P.S.  I posted the Final Exam Review on EDLINE!! :)

Monday, May 23rd

Today we corrected the Intransitive/transitive verb work.  I also collected your chart from last Tuesday.

Next you read about active and passive verbs and took some notes.  We discussed the notes and did a few examples together.

Homework (DUE TOMORROW):
4.3 Active and Passive Verbs (Exe. 1 answers only, exe. 2 rewrite the new sentence)
Vocabulary Page 44---run-ons and fragments

Wednesday, May 18th

Today we corrected the vocabulary and the worksheet from Monday.
Next you took notes on transitive and intransitive verbs.  We did a few together.


Homework:

• Page 366 Exercise 1 & 2 (not #3 or 14 in exercise 2).  DUE MONDAY
• Graph from Tuesday is DUE MONDAY
• Vocabulary Unit 8 TEST THURSDAY (TOMORROW!)

Tuesday, May 17th

Today we began by taking a tour of the chart website listed under "Helpful and Important Links" to the right.  This is a great FREE resource that you can use now and in the future.  The assignment was to look up a topic of your choice.  Find information about the topic that you could graph.  Finally, compose a visually pleasing graph with the information.  Remember the advice I gave to you concerning layout!  You will be marked down if you do not use this advice.


Homework:

• Finish Vocab Unit 8 Workbook (we are correcting it tomorrow and taking a test on Thursday)
• The final Chart is due MONDAY!

Monday, May 16th

Today we began by correcting vocabulary.  Next we read a couple of articles out of Upfront (New York Times Magazine for students).  The articles dealt with the power of images and "the digital divide."  The Digital Divide article had work along with it, including a powerful bar graph showing internet speeds around the world.

We will go over the answers to the worksheet tomorrow.  Afterward we will be going to the LRC so you can find information on a subject that interests you and create your own chart!

Homework:

• Think of what information you may want to research to graph
• Vocabulary Parts 4-6 DUE WEDNESDAY!  Test is on THURSDAY!

Field Day Friday!

Today we listened the remaining snip-its from the research paper.

For the remaining 15 minutes you had a study hall.

Homework:
Vocabulary Unit 8 Parts 1-3

Thursday, May 12th

Today we took Unit 7 Vocabulary Test in our shortened class.  We will hear final speeches tomorrow.

Homework:

• Final copy of resume and essay due TOMORROW!
• Vocabulary Unit 8 Parts 1-3 DUE MONDAY!

If we finish speeches early tomorrow, you may bring a book or magazine to read or use the time as a quiet study hall.


FIELD DAY REMINDER: Dress accordingly!  Remember: you will most likely get messy!  Also remember you ATTEND A CATHOLIC SCHOOL! :-)

Wednesday, May 11

Today we corrected the remainder of the Vocabulary for Unit 7.  Afterward we discussed editing resumes and how that would be a bit different than editing an essay.

You then had 35 minutes to edit with at least two peers of your choice.

Homework:

• Final drafts of resumes and essays due FRIDAY!
• Vocabulary Unit 7 Test TOMORROW (Thursday).  Make sure you bring your completed Vocabulary Work for Unit 7 as well.

Monday, May 9th

Resume Writing

Directions: Analyze the 4 resumes I posted on Edline.  Look carefully at the categories of information as well as the way the writer has used things like color, bold, italics, parenthesis, bullets, etc. to organize the information.

Your resume can list items from 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade.

Requirements: You must have the following items on your resume:

1.      Your full name, address, phone number and email address

2.      Your 8^th grade course schedule.  You may list your schedule as a full year or by semesters.

3.      You must provide at least 3 categories of information.  Some categories to consider: Awards, Honors, Employment, Volunteer Work, Community Service, Extra-curricular Activities, Hobbies or Leadership.  These are simply suggestions.  As you see in the 4 models on Edline, some students have chosen to combine categories where it made sense.

4.      You must qualify and quantify items you list.  Again, you can list things from 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade.  Remember Mrs. Piazzon said it is important to not just make a laundry list of items.  Giving a brief description to the items you list will allow the reader to truly understand what you have accomplished.  It is also important give the year or grade you were in when you completed/accomplished said item.  When listing volunteer work/employment, giving the hours per week or semester is also a good idea.

5.      Use color, bold, italics, parenthesis, bullets, etc. to organize your work.  Use the 4 models to give you ideas.  Remember Mrs. Piazzon said it is good to be “unique” but do not make the layout ridiculous.  Stand out without overdoing it!  If you want my feedback, I can help!

If you are using color and want it to show up when you hand it in, you must print it out at home.

"Looking Toward the Future" Essay
Word Count 500-700 words (POST WORD COUNT at the END OF YOUR DOCUMENT)

     After you have written your resume, review it.  Consider the following questions to answer in your essay.  These are merely suggestions.

• Discuss the areas of your strengths and weaknesses.  
• What area(s) in your resume stands out; what will you continue to do in high school?  What area(s) do you need to work on; how will you change it (them)?  
• What are your goals for high school?  How will you accomplish your goals?  In what ways will you push yourself?  
• (If you have ideas for the next question, consider including an answer to this:  How do you envision this playing out into your college career?)
• After listening to Mrs. Piazzon’s lecture, what piece(s) of advice stood out to you the most?  Why?  
• What advice would you leave to an in-coming 7^th grader?

We will have today and tomorrow in the computer lab.  

Both your resume and essay rough drafts will be due on Wednesday 

and the finals due on Friday, May 13th.

Looking Ahead:

Monday: See above / Computer Lab

Tuesday: Correct Vocabulary Unit 7 Parts 1-3; Continue working on the assignments above 

HWK: Vocabulary Unit 7 Parts 4-6 & bring in typed rough versions of the assignments above

Wednesday: Correct Vocabulary Unit 7 Parts 4-6.  TEST TOMORROW.  Class edit both resume essay.

Thursday: MASS schedule; Vocabulary Unit 7 Test

Friday: Turn in final draft of resume and essay

Thursday, May 5th

Today we continued hearing snip-its from research papers.

Here are the remaining answers to the vocabulary---
Antonyms:
16. diligent
17. superfluous
18. prim
19. impoverished
20. incessant
Choosing the Right Word
1. incessant
2. superfluous
3. hampered
4. hew
5. bondage
6. doleful
7. lucid
8. sardonic
9. intricate
10. prim
11. tenaciously
12. credible
13. defray
14. diligent
15. atone
16. impoverished
17. supplanted
18. taunts
19. ghastly
20. posthumously
Vocabulary in Context
1. d, 2. c, 3. a, 4. a, 5. c, 6. a

TOMORROW:

• VOCABULARY TEST!
• 10 more students need to deliver their snip-its of their research papers.
• With any time remaining you may get caught up and/or begin thinking about YOUR resume.  We will begin these on Monday!

Wednesday, May 4th

Today Mrs. Piazzon came in to discuss student resumes and their impact on applying for college.  She gave some great resume models.  She was also on hand to answer any high school or college questions you might have had.  Next Monday we will go to the Computer Lab and create a resume so you have experience before high school.  This will put you one step ahead of the rest next year!

Tomorrow (Shortened class period):

• we will check the remainder of Vocabulary Unit 6 (Test is FRIDAY!)
• Continue to listen to "Snip-Its of Research Papers"

Friday:

• Take the Vocabulary 6 Test
• Listen to any remaining speeches

Tuesday, May 3rd

Today we began right away with sharing "snip-its" of the research papers.  We were unable to get through everyone today, so we will continue on Thursday.

At the end of the hour, everyone turned in their conclusions to the research paper.

Homework:
Finish Vocabulary Unit 6 Parts 4-6 for Thursday.  On Thursday I will give you the answers and you will have your vocabulary test on Friday.

TOMORROW:
Mrs. Piazzon who works in college/career services in the high school will be talking to us tomorrow about the benefits of a great resume.  This will gear us up for another assignment at the end of the week as you will work on your own resume!

Vocabulary Answers for:
Completing the Sentences

1. hamper
2. impoverished
3. diligent
4. hew
5. bondage
6. taunts
7. ghastly
8. lucid
9. superfluous
10. credible
11. prim
12. tenacious
13. doleful
14. posthumous
15. sardonic
16. intricate
17. incessant
18. supplant
19. atone
20. defray

Synonyms

1. hamper
2. ghastly
3. defray
4. bondage
5. intricate
6. posthumous
7. sardoni
8. lucid
9. tenacious
10. supplanted
11. hews
12. doleful
13. credible
14. atoned
15. taunts

Monday, May 2nd

Today you took your Vocabulary Unit 5 Test.  When you were finished, you brought up your test, answer sheet, workbook and conclusion rough draft.

After you were given points for a completed workbook and conclusion rough draft, you had the chance to edit at least 2 conclusions from fellow classmates.

Homework:

• Tomorrow you will present a "snip-it" from your research paper.  Your snip-it should last 2-3 minutes.  I suggest using one of the following portions of your paper: your luring introduction, a portion/all of your interview, or your conclusion.  Think of the section that will most keep your audience's attention and that you are the most comfortable reading.  Practice reading it this evening so you will be able to look at your audience from time to time.
• Vocabulary Unit 6 Parts 1-3 DUE TOMORROW 
• Final Conclusion DUE TOMORROW

Friday, April 29th!

Today we corrected the remainder of Vocabulary Unit 5.  We will take the test on Monday, so adequately prepare this weekend.

Next we spent the remaining time in the LRC.  You had the chance to fully type your conclusion.  On Monday following the Vocabulary test, you will have time to peer edit your conclusion.  Your final conclusion will be due on Tuesday.

If you find yourself finished with both your Business Letter (due today by the end of the hour) AND your conclusion draft, you may indulge in the following educational websites.  However, you may ONLY go to these particular sites.  You MAY NOT go anywhere else.  If you do, you will be asked to leave the LRC.

Educational Games:
http://freerice.com/ ----fun vocabulary website
http://www.theproblemsite.com/ --- a neat site for those of you who like math/mind puzzles
http://quizhub.com/quiz/quizhub.cfm --- quizzes for a variety of subjects
http://www.chesskid.com/ --- chess for beginners and advanced
http://www.typingtest.com/games/keyman.asp?keys=abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz&Submit=Start+Game
   -----typing PacMan game and I am telling you, it is harder than it looks.
http://games.yahoo.com/game/text-twist -- Yahoo!s Text Twist

Thursday, April 29th

Here are the items we covered today:

(MASS/shortened period---25 min):

• • Correct Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 1-3
  • Went to the LRC with the rest of our time.  Used to finalize your business letter or begin writing your conclusion.
  • Business Letter due FRIDAY! 
  
  
  LOOKING AHEAD:
  
  Friday (full class period):
  
  • Correct Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 4-6 (TEST MONDAY)
  • Turn in your Business Letter 
  • Continue writing/editing your conclusion 
  • Conclusion due Tuesday
  
  Monday
  
  • Take Vocabulary Unit 5 quiz
  • Peer Edit your conclusions
  
  Tuesday
  
  • Turn in your Conclusions
  • During class you will either read aloud/present your "Purpose" (Narrative) or your "Interview" from your research paper.  You will tell us what career you chose to research and read the excerpt you chose to read from your paper.  
  
  Wednesday
  
  • Mrs. Piazzon from the High School will be coming in to speak about high school courses, resumes, and colleges. 
  
  
  
  
  
   

April 27th---------------- Wednesday

Today you had an opportunity to edit your business letters.  You also had spare time to continue with your vocabulary unit 5 work.

Next we discussed the Research Paper Conclusion.  Here is the handout I gave you:

Research Paper Conclusion

What were your overall impressions after writing the paper? Here are some questions to answer in your conclusions. These are merely suggestions. DO NOT answer these questions in bullet points, but rather in essay form. 600-800 words. The word count requirement is firm . You MAY NOT write any less; a great way to prove your thoughtful, descriptive abilities! You MAY NOT go over; a great way to prove your editing skills. You can answer all or as many as you would like. Organize your response, be thoughtful, use intelligent word choices, and make sure to EDIT well.

• After researching the career, what is the impression you are walking away with? Are you still considering it? If so, why? What emotions are you feeling about it? Excited? Overwhelmed? Describe.

• If you are not considering it, why? What has turned you off?

• Are you still unsure? Why? What are the pros and cons?

• Do you have an ideal college in mind? If so, describe the college program. What kinds of classes would you have to take? Would you live on campus/off campus? In Michigan/out-of-state? Does your college offer scholarships for the program you wish to pursue?

• If college is not needed, what type of technical education or learning beyond high school is required? Where would you live? Are there scholarships for this form of study?

• Was the interview portion of the paper particularly helpful? If so, in what ways? Be descriptive.

• Did the person you talk with give you any insight/inspiration?

• Are you happy with the day-to-day life of a ________? In what ways? Salary? Is the number of people needed in your field rising or declining?

• Do you feel this career with be fulfilling? In what ways?

• You may also choose to write about the writing process itself. Comment on gathering research, writing and editing the paper, use of parenthetical references, quotes, works cited page, etc.

If you have another idea, please clear it with me first!

Homework:

• Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 1-3 (we will correct this tomorrow)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Thursday (MASS/shortened period---25 min):
• Correct Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 1-3
• Go to the LRC with the rest of our time.  You can use it to finalize your business letter or begin writing your conclusion.
• Business Letter due FRIDAY!
• Friday (full class period):
• Correct Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 4-6 (TEST MONDAY!)
• Turn in your Business Letter
• Continue writing/editing your conclusion
• Conclusion due Monday

Welcome Back from Spring Break!

I hope you all had a restful Spring Break!  Now it is time to get back to work!

As I am just beginning to grade research papers, I realize we need more practice understanding what we are reading and synthesizing the material in our own words.  Simply put: we need to paraphrase and summarize ideas better.

Here is the task for the next assignment:

Read "But I'm Not Tired!" Think about the ideas the author presents in this article. What changes should schools make to adjust to students' sleep patterns? Write a letter to Mrs. Erken recommending changes that could be made at Shrine to adjust to students' sleep patterns. Be sure to include specific information from the article to support your recommendations. Do not 

merely summarize the article. Remember that your response will be evaluated in two ways:

on your understanding of the article and on the quality of your writing.  

Directions:

• Read the following article, "But I'm Not Tired!": http://my.hrw.com/support/hos/hostpdf/host_text_101.pdf
• Please follow the model for business letters at the address below.  Not only will it show you how to properly format everything including spacing, addresses, dates, etc, it also gives EXCELLENT directions in case you should forget anything from our class lecture. 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://businessletterformat.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/business_letter_format_block_form.jpg&imgrefurl=http://businessletterformat.org/&h=1061&w=825&sz=277&tbnid=Ldjc_JCAyPOoVM:&tbnh=255&tbnw=198&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbusiness%2Bletter%2Bformat%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=business+letter+format&hl=en&usg=__wsVkgylV9OqRHU6S1mCPQ4l4WA4=&sa=X&ei=XiC2TZGMGcWdgQfXw914&sqi=2&ved=0CBoQ9QEwAA

• For Mrs. Erken's informaion type the following:

            Mrs. Gabrielle Erken

            Principal, Shrine Catholic Academy and High School

            3500 W. 13 Mile Road

            Royal Oak, MI 48073

•  In the first paragraph introduce yourself to the recipient.  Briefly state your purpose for writing, but do not give away any specifics.  In the body paragraph, adequately address the issue(s) specifically.  Give your reasons and support it with the information you learned from the article.  You may even mention you read the article by giving the title and author's name.  In the closing paragraph, summarize in a sentence or two and thank her for her time.  Do not forget a closing and your name.

• When using support from the article you must PARAPHRASE the information.  You must make an argument and support it with evidence.  You may choose ONE DIRECT quote in the letter if you would like; however, you do not need to use one.

  Homework:

• Draft your business letter by tomorrow.  Make sure you double space the intro, body and conclusion to give your editor room to make comments tomorrow.
• Vocabulary Unit 5 Parts 1-3 due Thursday, parts 4-6 due Friday and test on Monday
• Bring a hard copy of your research paper in if you would like to reference it to write the conclusion/reflection.  You do not HAVE to, but if you want it, print it off!

Friday---SPRING BREAK!!

Today we finished the movie "What About Bob?" in class.

Before doing so I listed the names of students who turned in papers to www.turnitin.com and those who had not.  I advised you, yet again: turn in papers while you are in school.  If you have problems in school I can help you solve them!  If you have problems at home I WILL not accept late excuses.  UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, a LATE paper is a LATE paper!

I also tried to catch as many people without Works Cited pages or parenthetical references included their papers.  These two things are CRUCIAL to research papers.  Whatever you cite on your Works Cited page you MUST have parenthetical references that match in the paper and vice verse!!

HOMEWORK OVER BREAK:

ENJOY YOUR RESTFUL TIME OFF! 

Thursday, April 14th

Today we continued watching "What About Bob?".  Remember: your papers are DUE TOMORROW! 

Advice: Submit your papers while you are in school.  This way, if I needed, I can help you resolve the situation.  I will not accept any excuses for late submissions.  Yes, I will still grade it if it is late, but there will be a grade deduction for it.

Tomorrow we will finish "What About Bob?" and I will give you the opportunity to use the LRC or our classroom computer to submit your paper.  If we finish the movie before the bell rings, you may bring other work to complete or a book to read.

The Fried Chicken Scene

Wednesday, April 13th

Today you were allowed to go to the LRC or use a computer in class if you needed to. 

We started "What About Bob?"  We will watch this tomorrow and on Friday.

Homework:

• Finish your career research paper.
• Submit the paper by 11:59 P.M. on Friday.

I would try to submit the paper ASAP; 

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!  

NO LATE EXCEPTIONS!

TUESDAY April 12th (SPirng BReak is almost HEre!)

Today we discussed the Works Cited Page.  Next we traveled to the LRC to type it as well as anything else that needed fixing.

I talked with those who have not yet received word back from the one they are interviewing.  Some need to be persistent!  Use the telephone!  Send email reminders!

Homework:
YOUR FINAL DRAFT OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPER!
They are due, without exception, Friday by 11:59 P.M. to www.turnitin.com.

Tomorrow: I will be showing "What About Bob?" with Bill Murray.  If you can name one other Bill Murray you have seen, you will earn a free prize! :)

Monday, April 11th

Today you were able to have a few peer editing sessions.  Before we broke into partners, we discussed what things you would be editing for.

Homework for Tonight:

• Making corrections to your draft
• Beginning your Works Cited Page
• Send "gentle reminder" emails if you have not received your interview questions back.  Tell them you are grateful for their time and let them know your report is due this Friday.  Tell them you will lose point on your assignment if you do not receive their response.  I would also get one or two more people.  Send out more emails!  You are responsible for this portion of your assignment.  Be nice, but be persistent.

Looking Ahead This Week

• Tuesday: Discussing the Works Cited page and spending the 2nd half of the hour in the LRC.
• Wednesday, Thursday (shortened period) & Friday: Watching "What About Bob?" and using LRC sparingly if corrections need to be made or to submit your FINAL DRAFT on TURNITIN.COM

YOUR FINAL DRAFT IS DUE TO TURNITIN.COM no later than Friday at 11:59 p.m.

Thursday, April 7th

Today we spent the entire day in the computer lab.  Some of you used your time very wisely, while others did not.  Either way--good or bad--this will show in the quality of your final draft!

Homework and Looking Ahead:
FRIDAY: I will collect your source card information (either on notecards or the piece of paper with 4 squares).  I was answering questions and failed to collect them today.  We will be in the lab on Friday, again working on your paper and finalizing things.  Your rough draft of your notable person is due MONDAY!
MONDAY: We will be peer editing all day in class.  YOU MUST HAVE YOUR NOTABLE PERSON portion in class at the very least.  However, as I have suggested, I feel it would be in your best interest to have the other corrected versions of the other sections you have completed.  This way you get at least two sets of eyes looking at it before you hand it in.
TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY: we will spend in the LRC.  You will fine tune your paper to get it prepared to turn in to www.turnitin.com by Friday.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY: As a reward for working so hard on your paper we will be watching "What About Bob?"  You may bring in a small snack if you'd like.  In addition to watching the movie, you can use the LRC to submit your paper on line if you wish.  Again, the paper is due in it's entirety no later than 11:59 PM Friday.

Wednesday, April 6th

Today I gave you the directions for the notable person portion of your paper.  You can find the sample I showed you on our edline page at the bottom of the page under "Calendar."  Remember to begin this portion of your paper with a clear introduction and a thesis; what are you trying to prove your person did for the profession you are researching.  Again, read my sample to help you if you need it!

With the remainder of the class time we headed to the computer lab to sign up for Turnitin.com  This site will be very useful!  It will help us to become paperless as you will submit your research online.  I will also be able to write better comments as the site has a place for me to electronically make them.  Furthermore this site is used at our own Shrine High School and most colleges only accept electronic documents using this site or sites like this one.  They help diminish plagiarism and help students learn how to quote/paraphrase/cite properly.

Homework:

• Make sure you EMAIL YOUR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS!  Again, I cannot stress to you the importance of this.  I will not accept any excuses for missing interviews.  I will automatically deduct the points if you don't have one.
• Begin drafting your notable person section.  You will have all day Thursday and Friday in the lab.  The rough draft will be due on Monday, April 11th.  On Monday we will have the entire class devoted to peer editing!
• Go to Turnitin.com and submit the "Rough Draft---first time using Turnitin" assignment.  This is to ensure I am receiving your documents.  You can turn in ANY part of your rough draft you wish.  I am not grading any part of it.  I AM ONLY GRADING THE FACT YOU WERE ABLE TO SEND SOMETHING TO ME.  Again, I don't care how little/or how much you have.  It is simply a measuring if I am able to connect with all of you electronically.

DIRECTIONS FOR TURNITIN.COM

Directions on How To Sign-Up For TurnItIn.com 8th Grade English B Period

Go to http://www.turnitin.com/ in a new window.  (The link is also found in the list of links on blog).

1. Go to “CREATE NEW ACCOUNT” and select “STUDENT”
2. Under CLASS ID type in “3788964”, Under CLASS ENROLLMENT PASSWORD type “ehle” (it is case sensitive)
3. Enter Your first name and Your last name and Your email address
4. Enter a password of your choice (in both spots).
5. Choose a security question and create the answer
6. Select your proper age
7. Click “I Agree”
8. Click on “8th Grade English B Period”
9. In the next window you will see the option to submit your paper. Click it when you are ready
10. Make sure it says “Single File Upload”
11. Make sure your name is accurate
12. In the title box, put the title you are using on your actual Career Paper. (DO NOT call it “Career Paper”).
13. Browse for your document.
a. Make sure you are looking in the correct drive (your P Drive, your USB, etc.)
14. Select your document once you find it and UPLOAD.
15. On the next page, confirm it is your document by selecting UPLOAD. (It looks like it has taken away the spacing, but do not worry, I WILL SEE the correct version).

Tuesday, April 5th

Today we had a study hall because we went to see "Beauty and The Beast."  You had valuable time to ask questions and receive advice on your papers if you wished.  Some of you took this opportunity and asked excellent questions!  Nice work!

Tomorrow:
We have a shortened hour due to Reconciliation Mass.  Please bring any research you have on your notable person.  I will be giving a brief explanation of the assignment and we will spend 15 minutes in the computer lab and get you connected with a TurnItIn.com account.

We will continue working in the computer lab all of Thursday and all of Friday.  Your rough draft will be due on Monday so you can peer edit in class.

Marvolous Monday, April 4th

Today we spent the hour discussing Citing Sources on your Works Cited Page and in the text of your research paper.  You have done this in previous 7th grade classes and more this year with our paper on our novel as well as papers in Mrs. Knudson's literature class.

First I walked you through the MLA Documentation Book.  PLEASE follow the citations as they are outlined in the book for each particular type of source (i.e. books, magazines, internet sources, etc.). 

Next, in the MLA Documentation Book, we read about "Avoiding Plagiarism."  I cannot stress the importance properly citing paraphrases/summaries and direct quotes!  Do not set yourself up to be zapped for plagiarizing!!  I will call you out on it!  If you are ever in doubt if you are doing things properly, ASK ME!  I am here to help.

Finally I showed you a sample paper.  This sample paper can be found on our edline page under "Calendar."  You can also find the directions/rubric page for the assignment here as well.


HOMEWORK:

• SOURCE CARDS: Design on a sheet of paper 4 boxes to represent notecards/source cards for your paper, 2 boxes on the front of the page and 2 on the back.  Make them fairly large.  Using your MLA Documentation Book, cite one source per card.  If you have more than 4 sources for your paper that is great, but you only need to do four for this assignment.  It is due Wednesday.  I want to make sure you are not making any critical errors.

• GET A HOLD OF YOUR INTERVIEWEE!  Make sure you call or email the person you are interviewing ASAP!  It will be a quick 25 points deduction for not having it included in your paper!!

• Reseach your NOTABLE PERSON!  We will be starting to write these in class on Wednesday!

Thursday, March 31st

Today you had a chance to peer edit your work with at least 2 other students. I also came around to check your sources to make sure you had all 4 (1 book and 3 others; see blog entry below). Some of you did an excellent job, while others failed to complete the assignment.

• FAILURE TO HAVE CITATIONS IN YOUR RESEARCH PAPER WILL RESULT IN A ZERO ON YOUR PAPER!  I would truly hate to give you a zero.  

TO BE PREPARED FOR MONDAY'S CLASS:

• BRING ONE NOTECARD FOR EVERY SOURCE YOU HAVE!  Bring your MLA citation book & the handout Mrs. Knudson gave you on citing sources for literature class.
• Bring your sources!  I will be demo-ing how to create a Works Cited page!  If you have your sources, you can use yours and ask questions as you write!
• Research your notable person this weekend!  Next week we will be writing this portion of the paper! 
• Don't forget to email your contact in the field!  Give them as much time as possible to email you back.  If you email them April 13th, do not expect to get a response by April 15th when the paper is due!

 

Wild Web and Word Wednesday

Today we went to the computer lab to design a chart for your research paper.  After you learned how to create the chart in Word, you were able to surf sites with this information.  The sample below is of the example I showed you about the career of photography.

Your chart must have 

• a title
• the 4 categories I listed below: average salary, expected job number, degree & number of years in school and three potential colleges you are interested in

When you are finished with your chart, SAVE IT!  After we finish typing the remainder of the report, I will show you how to put it "into" the rest of your research paper document.

HOMEWORK:

• Bring in draft of the second part of your paper: DEFINE THE CAREER.  If you have the changes made to the first part, PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION, your editor(s) can look over both parts tomorrow!
• Bring in your 4 sources tomorrow.  
• For website information, you can simply bring in the websites typed on a sheet of paper and a 1-2 sentences telling me why you are using the site.  For example:
• http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/pediatrics/the_pediatrician/pages/index.aspx .  I went here because it gave me information on pediatricians, especially educational goals.
•  For the hard source, I would like you to have, at the very least, the page with the information needed for your works cited.  Generally, this is the title page.  If you have the entire book or magazine, you are covered!

Quick Bits: Information on Being A Photographer
Average Salary	$26,160
Expected Job Number	169,500 as of 2018
College Choices To Study Photography	Salt          CCS         Boston University
Degree Needed & Number of Years in School	Bachelor of Arts / 4 years of college

Terrific TUESDAY!

RESEARCH = BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

Today you took your last vocabulary test before Spring Break!

Next I passed out the revised version of the Career Paper Assignment Sheet.  The can also be found on our Edline page as I cannot attach word documents to this blog page.  Tentatively the reports will be due April 15th (the day before Spring Break).  Until then we will be hard at work on them.

We had a conversation after your test about "good" interview questions and "bad" interview questions.  Please adhere to the stipulations set forth on the Career Paper Assignment Sheet.

Here is the overhead we discussed.  And you can of course write your own questions.  Keep in mind the 5 questions you ask MUST RELATE TO UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAREER BETTER.  Stay away from trivial questions

It all depends on…

what you want to know?

More about earnings: 

• It is NOT POLITE to ask a person’s salary directly.   

More about schooling/training needed: 

• Where did you attend school? 
• What was your favorite class? 
• What class most helped you hone your skills in becoming _____? 
• What was college like? 

More about the job:

• What is your day-to-day like being a _______?
• Describe a day going to work from start to finish.
• What responsibilities do you have at work? 

Overall:

• What is one of your greatest accomplishments?
• What is one of things you are most proud of doing as a ______?
• If you could have done one thing different in high school, what would it be?
• What career would you have chosen if you were not a _____?  Why?

When should you email the questions?  AS SOON AS YOU HAVE THEM WRITTEN!  Do not delay!  If you do not do this portion of the report you will lose out on 25 of the 300 points right off the start.  You have plenty of time, but you must begin NOW!

Homework:

• Finalize your purpose/intro if you haven't already
• Your rough draft of Part II (Define the Career) is due Thursday.  We will peer edit Thursday.
• Come tomorrow to class prepared! If you have the items for the chart we discussed for tomorrow it would be helpful!  "College shop" tonite!  You will also need your MLA handbook for tomorrow as well!

Monday, March 28th

Today we began by discussing peer editing and what we would look for while editing someone's paper.  You then had (2) 15 minute sessions, allowing you to give and receive constructive criticism.

Then we discussed "Define the Career" (the second "leg" of your paper").  A good place to look for information on this is on the website I provided under the "Nature of the Work" section.  You need to describe what the responsibilities would be like for a person in the career and the working conditions.  The rough draft of this portion will be due THIS THURSDAY!  We have Mass on Thursday, so you will be able to use the entire 25 minutes editing and receiving feedback.

Homework:

• Finalize your introduction
• Begin your rough for "Define the Career"
• Study for your Vocab Unit 4 Test (test is tomorrow)

Tomorrow after the vocab test we will discuss interview questions.  If you do not yet know who you are going to interview talk with me ASAP!!!  I do not know your problems if you do not let me know!!

Vocabulary Answers

Here are the answers to Unit 4:
Completing the Sentences:         Synonyms              Choosing the Right Word    
1. anarchy                                     1.fated                       1.reprieve                          
2. absconded                                2.absconded              2. fated                                
3. reprieve                                    3.reviled                     3. daunt                              
4. hoodwink                                  4.access                    4. anarchy                          
5. arduous                                    5.larceny                     5. rectify                            
6. inanimate                                   6.intrepid                    6. disentangle                    
7. precipice                                   7.hoodwinked            7. auspicious
8. incinerated                                 8.reprieve                   8. precipice
9. access                                      9.rectify                      9. larceny
10. larceny                                    10.precipice               10. access
11. fated                                        11.incinerated             11. hoodwinked
12. auspicious                               12.anarchy                   12. biased
13. disentangling                            13.pliant                      13. pompous
14. intrepid                                    14.daunt                     14. absconding
15. reviled                                      15.disentangling          15. intrepid
16. pompous                                 Antonyms                  16. pliant
17. rectify                                      16. pompous               17. arduous
18. pilant                                         17. arduous                18. revile
19. biased                                       18. inanimate              19. inanimate
20. daunted                                   19. biased                     20. incinerate
                                                     20. auspicious

Thursday, March 24th

Today we spent our 25 minutes in the computer lab researching.  Your total of 4 sources (minimum; YES you may have more!) will be due next Thursday.  You must have one "hard source" (a source other than the internet such as a book, magazine, or pamphlet). 

Homework:

• Due Monday: your rough draft of your introduction/purpose.  Must be 300 words minimum, MLA format, typed.
• Tuesday: Vocab 4 Unit Test (Check here for the answers to the Unit on Friday).

Please look at the Google calendar at the top of the page for a tentative glance at due dates. 

Wednesday, March 23rd

Today Mrs. Trahan was in speaking on cyber bullying and proper cyber etiquette. 

Although I was not in today, it does not mean you do not have work to continue completing.
CONTINUE RESEARCHING your career!  Continue searching for someone to interview.  If you are having difficulties, feel free to email me at: ehle@shrineschools.com and let me know the occupation you are researching and I will help as best I can.  I warned you in the beginning to make smart career choices based upon the assignment and what I am requiring of you.  It is not acceptable to not complete a certain portion.   

Important due dates:
DUE THURSDAY:  Vocabulary Unit 4 COMPLETED
DUE MONDAY: Rough draft of your introduction/purpose (300 word min, MLA style, typed).  We will peer edit on Monday so you MUST have it!
Tomorrow we will be going into the computer lab for our shortened class.  (There is Mass tomorrow).

Tuesday, March 22nd

Today we spent the day in the computer lab.  Before leaving we discussed:

• You will need 4 total sources
• 1 source MUST be a book
• You may not use Wikipedia or any other wiki as a source

On the right side of my blog is the link to a governmental career site Career Research Link .  This site contains a plentiful amount of information on any career.  This is a great site to get you started and understand more about the career you are choosing, including the on-the-job responsibilities and statistical information like salary and projected job vacancies.

I also discussed trying to make a community contact with someone in the field if you don't already have an idea.  I have put out a few emails myself.  I usually go to various college websites or companies and find contact information.  I start my emails by explaining about our research project and politely asking if they would be interesting in answering 10 questions about their profession.  I leave my email as a way to respond.  You can choose to leave your email or you may leave my email ehle@shrineschools.com as a way to contact us at school.

Next week we will be preparing the questions in class, so continue the search.  If you have a contact get their information as soon as possible.  We will keep a running list on the board so if someone else also researching your career is having a hard time finding someone, we can share contacts.


Homework:
Just because we spent the hour in the lab does NOT mean you don't have homework.  CONTINUE RESEARCHING!!!  Also:
DUE THURSDAY:  Vocabulary Unit 4 COMPLETED
DUE MONDAY: Rough draft of your introduction/purpose (300 word min, MLA style, typed).  We will peer edit on Monday so you MUST have it!
DU

Monday, March 21st

FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

Today you began by turning in your "Prayer" assignments.
Next you took your Vocabulary Unit 3 Test.
Finally we discussed how to begin the opening to your essay.

• "Imagine" statements
• Powerful statistic or quote
• The time when you first thought about being a _____.  Use vivid description and details.
• Make sure the hook is luring!

Homework:

1. Rough Draft of Purpose/Introduction/Opening due Monday.  We will peer edit on 3/28
2. Vocabulary Unit 4 COMPLETED by Thursday.

A Map for This Week:
Monday: See above
Tuesday: Research in the LRC
Wednesday: Mrs. Trahan will be in (unrelated to English).  I will be at the Optimist Speech with the boys.
Thursday: Research in the LRC
Friday: NO SCHOOL
Monday: Peer Edit opening/Introduction/Purpose of your paper.

Thursday, March 17th (It's beginning to look more like Spring! YES!)

Today in class we corrected Vocabulary Unit 3 Parts 1-3 together.

Next I handed out your rubric for your pronoun exercises. Your exercises should be stapled together, IN ORDER, with your rubric on the top WHEN YOU ENTER CLASS TOMORROW! Mrs. Trahan will collect them at the beginning of the hour. A note of warning: I have been stressing that you need to be organized when you turn these in! DO NOT MAKE me have to guess where each section starts and ends. LABEL everything properly. You will not receive credit if you do not do this correctly!

Finally, I handed out a comprehensive sheet for your career exploration research paper. I went over it all briefly. DO NOT FREAK OUT! We will be doing each leg of the assignment as to NOT overwhelm you. If you complete each item as I ask, you will not have "too much" and I think you will be very pleased with the outcome!

TONIGHT'S HOMEWORK:

• Complete Vocab Parts 4-6.  Mrs. Trahan will go over the answers with you tomorrow.
• Your pronoun test is tomorrow.  Mrs. Trahan will be administering the test to you in my absence.  The test is ONLY 35 questions.  KNOW: pronouns person, gender, and #; DO, IO, OP in regards to object pronouns; which subject pronoun to use and when; the difference between possessive pronouns and adjectives; identify the antecedent to a pronoun in a sentence; proper use of indefinite pronouns

Weekend Homework:

• An index card with your name and 3 careers you are interested in researching for your paper.  Put the careers in order of your 1st choice, 2nd choice and then 3rd choice with your name on it.

• Your "Prayer for ______" assignment.  It is due on Monday.  
• Powerpoints: you may attach it to an email and send it to ehle@shrineschools.com or bring in your USB.  Make sure to have a title page and include your 100 word description/purpose for your prayer as the second slide in your show and include the music I would hear on the second slide as well.
• Videos: submit on a DVD or save it to youtube.com and email me (ehle@shrineschools.com) the site address to your video.  You must submit the 100 word description on a typed piece of paper using MLA heading.  At the very bottom of the page include the music I would hear while watching the movie.
• Storyboard: turn in your storyboard sketch, complete with descriptions of each scene.  Along with this, on a separate typed sheet with MLA heading include the 100 word description/purpose for the prayer (on the bottom of the sheet include the music I would hear). 

• Study for your Vocabulary Unit 3 Test.  It will be on Monday!

Wednesday, March 16th

Today Mrs. Trahan was in working with you while I was at the Optimist Speech.

She corrected the Pronoun Review with you. Then she gave you an opportunity to work on the "Prayer for_____" Project. (See yesterday's blog entry for the details).

I am going to move the test originally planned for tomorrow to FRIDAY! Tomorrow I just realized we have Mass. I would like to afford you more time for the test than the 25 minutes we will have.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sierra Wangler (1st), Delany Benson (2nd), and Abby Rosler (3rd) in the Optimist Speeches today! These ladies really worked hard to perfect their speeches and did a FABULOUS job! KUDOS ladies!

Tuesday, March 15th

Today we corrected last night's homework.

Next, I assigned the review due tomorrow:
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.7 and 3.11 ANSWERS ONLY.  Mrs. Trahan will give you the answers tomorrow!  You will turn it in on Thursday when you take the test.

Rubric for Pronoun Assignment Exercises due THURSDAY (the day of the Pronoun test):

Exercises from the Pronouns Packet		Points Possible	Points Awarded
3.1 exercises 1 & 2		10
3.2 All exercises		10
3.3 All exercises		10
3.5 All exercises		10
3.7 All exercises		10
3.11 All exercises		10
Pronoun Review 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.7, 3.11		20
Total Points:	80

Pronouns Packet of Exercises

8^th Grade HONORS ENGLISH CLASS

Name ____________________________________

English _____ Period

**Points will be given for completion, neatness, & thoughtfulness, not necessarily the “correct answer.”  Your effort will carry you far!

Finally, in class, you watched my artist friend Steve's video entitled "Prayer for My City" http://vimeo.com/20685524 .  Afterwards we discussed your Prayer for _______ assignment DUE MONDAY.  You MAY choose to work in groups but NO MORE THAN 3 people per group.  Here are the package options you can choose from:

Prayer for _______ Assignment

1. Option # 1
• A 4 piece storyboard using this sheet http://edtech.guhsd.net/video/storyboard.pdf .  On the storyboard include a title for your video "A Prayer For ___________" (you fill in the blank).  For each slide on the storyboard, you must describe what is happening.  (This ensures that you do not have to have the best artistic ability as long as you TRY YOUR BEST and you describe it thoughtfully).  In addition, just as Steve wrote a nice summary of his prayer (why he created it and what he is trying to tell his audience) with his video (watch the video and his description is there to give you some ideas), you will also type a 100 word description of your own.  What should you write in your description?  Here are a few ideas to get you started:  Why did you use these images?  What is your prayer?  What inspired  you to create the prayer?  What are you trying to get across to your audience?  Finally, add what music we would hear while watching your video.
2. Option #2
• Make a powerpoint of the images instead of drawing a storyboard.  Your images may be original photographs or ones you have found on (for example) google images.  You still must write the 100 word description (see Option #1) and include the music we would hear if we were watching the video.  (If you are tech savvy, you can put the music on your powerpoint).
3. Option #3
• Create a video much like Steve did!  You still need a 100 word description and include the music we would hear (or actually run the music with the video!)
4. Option #4
• Something that is not listed here!  You can come up with your own creative endeavor, but you must clear it with me!  I am available anytime ehle@shrineschools.com.  I am fairly flexible as long as you give me a plan!  As always, you must have the 100 word write up and the music that would be heard!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Tomorrow (3/16)--Mrs. Trahan will be in (I will be at the Optimist Speeches).  She will correct the review with you!  Make sure it is done!
• Thursday (3/17)--Pronoun TEST & Vocab Parts 1-3 must be finished!  ALL Pronoun exercises due (see the rubric above)
• Friday (3/18)--I will be at a Technology Conference in Detroit & Mrs. Trahan will be in.
• Monday (3/21)--Your Prayer for _______ assignment is due.  You may email it to me or hand it to me, but I MUST have it!  Technical glitches will not get any sympathy with me!  TEST YOUR PROJECT to MAKE SURE I CAN RECEIVE IT!  For each day it is late, your grade will go down significantly.

MARCH 14th (SPringing FOrwARD!)

Today you took Unit 2 Vocabulary Test.

Next we discussed your weekend's homework: antecedents and indefinite pronouns.

Homework:

• Finish all problems in 3.7 and 3.11
• Vocabulary Unit 2 Parts 1-3 (due Thursday)

Looking Ahead:

• Pronouns Test Thursday
• Begin Research Papers next week

Friday, March 11th

Today we corrected the remaining portion of Unit 2 Vocabulary and 3.3 and 3.5 from the Pronouns unit.

Next I assigned you to read 3.7 and 3.11 and take notes over the weekend.  In addition, complete these TRY THIS Problems:
                 3.7 The first 2 problems from Exercises 1, 2, 3, & 4
                 3.11The first 2 problems from Exercises 1, 2 & 3

Monday you will have Vocabulary Unit 2 Test
Thursday will be your Pronoun test

Wednesday, March 10th (This month is flying BY!!!)

Today we discussed possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives.


Next we corrected 3.1-3.3.  I did not collect any work.  You will be handing in all of your exercises when you take the test.  I will give you a rubric for the unit exercises before the test to make sure you have everything together.

Homework:
Finish 3.3 exercises.  Answers only to everything EXCEPT exercise 3
Finish 3.5 ALL exercises, answers only to ALL exercises
Vocabulary Parts 4-6 are due tomorrrow.  (TEST MONDAY!)

Wednesday, March 9th (Pronouns!)

Today we corrected parts 1-3 of Vocab Unit 2.  Next we discussed the pronouns work that you tried yesterday.

You began to work on tonight's homework:

• Finish 3.1 Exercises 1 & 2
• Finish 3.2 Exercises 1, 2 & 3
• I passed out a new packet for you!  Take notes on Object Pronouns (3.3) and try these: Exercise 1 #1-3, Exercise #2 #1-3, Exe. 3 #1-2, Exe. 4 #1-2
• Vocabulary Parts 4-6 need to be finished by Friday!  (Tentative test Monday)