A Note to Freshmen

As we finish To Kill a Mockingbird this week, I want to impress upon you the importance of your grades RIGHT NOW.

Everything you do upon entering high school counts. Every grade. Every activity. Every action. Post-secondary schools look at these things when determining whether or not they should accept you as a student.

If you decide not to do your homework because you "don't feel like it," that choice will have consequences. Maybe they won't be powerful consequences, but a zero will affect your grade somewhat. If you decide not to do your homework time and time again for one reason or another, however, you should not be surprised when your grade drops. For some of you, the grade has plummeted into the "F" range.

Let me remind you that if you fail this class, you will have to take it again. I am the only freshman English teacher, so you will be in my classroom again. You will also be reading the same novels and completing the same work. Why not just do it now and move on?

You have much more freedom at the high school level, but as you know, along with freedom comes responsibility. I only hope that you can learn this now while it's an easy lesson to learn.

Finally, if you need help, seek it out. There are so many people and resources waiting for you at the high school. But it is up to YOU. These are YOUR grades. This is YOUR education, and YOUR future depends on what YOU do right now.

Rescheduling of P/T Conferences Prompts Mrs. Germain to Write Inspirational Blog

Because of the snow last Thursday, conferences have been rescheduled for Thursday, March 12, from 4-8 p.m.

Please encourage your parents to come. If they are unable to make it, you are more than welcome to come in and talk to me about your grade/work!

(Actually, you are always welcome to talk to me about your grade/work.)

In fact, I would encourage you to check in with me once in a while regarding your work or something that is difficult for you. It's best to do that before or after school, as I am usually focused on class matters during class time.

You are at an age when you are able to make more and more decisions for yourself. Please DECIDE to be concerned about your school work. If you get in the habit of keeping track of your grades and homework, you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.

(If nothing else, your parents won't nag you about your grades if your grades are high!)

One last thing, and I'll put the e-podium away...

Remember: the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.

New Term; New Classes

Welcome, English 9 and AP Comp. Students!

As the semester unfolds, I'll be writing more, but for now, check out the "Helpful Links" on the right-hand side.

--Mrs. G.

English 9 Deadline Extended!

Cold enough for ya?

Because of the "Cold" Day on Thursday, Jan. 15, and the Late Start on Friday, Jan. 16, I will extend the research paper deadline for my English 9 classes.

They will now need to be turned in BY Wednesday, January 21, at 9:40 a.m. (the start of 2nd Block.) Fortunately, I was able to sign up for another block in the Business Lab for each class. Block 1 will be in there on Wed., Jan. 21. Block 4 will be in there on Tues., Jan. 20.

For extra incentive, I will award papers that are turned in EARLY with 5 points of extra credit.

This is the end of the semester, folks! There can be no leeway in terms of due dates, so please make sure you are getting your work in on time.

--Mrs. G.

Research!

All of my students are currently doing research papers or projects. I have added Purdue University's OWL (Online Writing Lab) website so that you can quickly reference MLA citations and formatting.

The semester is almost over--don't slack off now! As tired as you are, keep plugging away. Do your best work, and make sure you TURN IT IN!

I wish you all success in these last few weeks of the semester.

--Mrs. G.

PS: If you're having trouble with Perseverance these last few weeks, check out this video for some inspiration: Larry Loco and Perseverance

Welcome, American Lit. Students!

(I'll give you your own section, OK?) In the coming weeks, we'll be incorporating research with poetry. Look on the right-hand side for some helpful links for MLA Research Citations as well as poetry. Let's make these last four weeks great ones!

--Mrs. G.

2X Romeo and Juliet

It's Sunday afternoon, and rather than taking a day of rest, I'm mentally gearing up for a fast-paced week ahead. We are going to have to finish Romeo and Juliet this week, so be prepared for quite a bit of outside reading. I'm going to try to give you as much class time as possible in which to practice your acting.

Check out the new links under "Romeo and Juliet Help." There is a link to definitions of Shakespearean terms, and it may be helpful for you to read with this website close at hand. Also, there are quite a few helpful ideas for acting under the "Promptbook/Acting" link. You will be performing in class on Friday for a grade, so please do all you can in order to prepare yourselves for this grade. If you need help, PLEASE ASK ME. I want you all to receive the best grade possible!

Let's have a fantastic week ahead, and keep in mind that a much-deserved break is just around the corner!

--Mrs. G.