Get ready to transform!

Unit 1 is all about Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.”

We’ve spent the last week and a half getting to know each other and reviewing essential concepts like annotation, POVs, genres, subgenres, and classroom expectations.

Your students have actively shared information about themselves, like their preferred language, motivations for success, and future aspirations. Their participation has been instrumental in setting up an engaging and equitable space, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them.

Please note: Your scholar already has Skyward grades for my class. If you see a 0, I did not receive that assignment from the student.

Please click on the assignment to get the assignment descriptions. Students may absolutely make up the work they miss. My policy is that they must email me to let me know that it has been done so I can check it and update Skyward. Students have all been notified of this expectation, and we practiced writing emails in class in case they were unsure how to do it.

Unit1 | FigurativeLanguage,”TheMetamorphosis,”and the ApplyTexasEssay

Starting Monday, August 26th, we will officially jump into Unit 1. Unit 1 is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, and we’ll be working for the next five weeks on the following items:

“Bird by Bird”

First, we’ll read an excerpt from Anne Lamott’s classically funny essay about procrastination, “Bird by Bird.” This essay features a lot of figurative language, and we’ll work on defining and identifying devices like hyperbole, irony, metaphor, simile, personification, and more. Students will also be thinking and writing about their own relationship with procrastination.

“The Metamorphosis”

Our first novel study begins the second week of September with “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka. This is one of my absolute favorite short stories. Not only has it rightfully earned its place in the collective consciousness, but it’s also a wonderful tale of transformation, pressure, life choices, and family connections.

ApplyTexas

The second week of September also marks the beginning of our first writing project: the ApplyTexas college entrance essay. If your student is college-bound, they will have an essay written, edited, and polished to perfection by the end and ready to be used for their college applications. Ms. DeLeon of the CCMR department will also discuss ApplyTexas with students.

If your student is not college-bound, this is an excellent exercise in the writing process: how to brainstorm, draft, edit, and revise their writing.

To quote pop star Sabrina Carpenter “Please, please, please…” remind your students:

1. They must bring their Chromebook to class every day.
2. They must bring their notebook to class every day (if they don’t leave it with me)
3. They may NOT have their phones out in class.

All students have been notified of the no cellphone/no headphones or earbuds policy in every classroom on campus.

• They may not have their phone out in class, they may not use their phone in class, and they may not have earbuds in or headphones on in class.
• Failure to comply with this campus-wide rule will result in an admin coming to confiscate the device until the end of the day. The student must pay a $15 fine before they can retrieve it.
• If a second violation occurs, only a parent or guardian can retrieve the device, even if the student is 18.
• 3+ violations will result in all-day ISS and out-of-school suspension.
  

This serious policy has been in place since the first day of school and will be in place through the last day of school. Every teacher on campus has been tasked with upholding this policy.

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our principal, Dr. Hearne at jessika.hearne@manorisde.net.

Thanks!

MC