NYS ELA Exam

Be ready for the NYS ELA Exam on Monday, April 26 & Tuesday, April 27.

1. Get enough sleep


2. Eat a good breakfast


3. Have two or more #2 pencils


4. Don't stress - read the directions & questions carefully


5. Use details from the text to fully support your answers


6. Bring in an independent reading book to read after the test


7. Leave all electronic devices home - no cellphones, IPODs, etc...

Poetry Vacation Homework Packets

The poetry homework vacation packets are due the day we come back to school.

Remember that the next independent reading check is that day as well. Goal: 20 books read and recorded.

AFTERNOON PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Due to the snow last month, we are holding another Parent Teacher Conference this TUESDAY, MARCH 23rd from 1PM - 3PM.

All extra credit assignments are due Wednesday, March 17th:

• Film critique of "I Robot"
• Film critique of "Star Trek"

POETRY Unit Begins Next Week

Our poetry unit begins next week. Feel free to bring in some copies of your favorite poems and/or poets to share with the class.

YOUR SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORY IS YOUR TICKET INTO TOMORROW'S FILM

To mark the completion of our science fiction narrative unit, we will celebrate with a movie Friday, March 12th during our two ELA periods. We will be viewing Star Trek (2010). Feel free to bring a snack.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES - New Date & Time

The EVENING Parent/Teacher Conferences were postponed to THURSDAY, MARCH 4th from 6PM to 8:30PM. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Thank you for your continued support.

Vacation Homework - Reminder...

Due Tuesday, February 23, 2010:

1. This was due Thurs 2/12, but extended due to the poor weather. On looseleaf, respond to the following writing prompt (2 - 5 paragraphs): In Ender's Universe, the government seeks talented children to serve in its millitary. What advantages might children have over adults to fulfill this need of its government? Imagine you are a speechwriter for Colonel Graff. Prepare a speech for him in which he explains the recruitment of children for the International Fleet and tries to reassure parents about the testing of their children.

2. Midwinter Recess Essay

3. Independent Reading

ONLINE BOOK CLUB

This book club is entirely online.

No need to come in early or stay late.

You just keep up with the reading and blog twice a week to be involved.

Remember you receive extra credit for participation.

Sign up with Ms. Russell now. Books are limited. First come. First serve.

http://is145scififanbookclub.blogspot.com/

Searching for Strange New Worlds

We've just launched the science fiction unit this past week. If you'd like more information or some interesting activities to go along with the unit, check out these sites:

Science Fiction Webquest: The Power of Dreams
http://www.my-english-courses.com/projetseleves/scienceFi/total2.htm

"List of Fictional Robots and Androids"
Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_robots

"Welcome to the world of sci-fi science" from: BBC News magazine
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8310420.stm

World War II Film Recommendations

If you remembered we discussed changing one's viewpoint and WW II and the concentration camps were brought up as an example. I recommended Schindler's List as a good film. You might also want to look for:

• Devil's Arithmetic
• Woman at War
• The Pianist

Does anyone else have any other recommendations?

VACATION HOMEWORK DUE TOMORROW

• Independent Reading (reading log if you have not been making your monthly goals)
• One choiceboard assignment from the vacation homework packet
• Finish one Walter Dean Myers literature circle book
• Write an Annotated Bibliography of the finished Walter Dean Myers literature circle book on looseleaf
• Annotated Bibliography check on Tuesday, December 5th - GOAL 11 books total