Almost Christmas Break! :)

Sorry I haven't updated in a while...it seems I remember to update the Facebook page but not the blog. =)

SMB chapter 5 was due Friday, December 3....so you should all have that turned in. Chapter 6 will be started in class next week, and will be due Monday the 13th. Chapter 7 will be due after break, and the SCRAPBOOK is due JANUARY 17. If you haven't thought about your scrapbook yet...now is the time to start! You must have some kind of binder or cover, pictures, stickers/drawings/decorations for your pages, a table of contents, and all 7 chapters. See me BEFORE break if you have questions or need help getting your supplies.

Enjoy your weekend! See you soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick reminder that SMB chapter 4 (Back Where I Come From) is due Tuesday before you leave for Thanksgiving break.

SMB chapter 5 will be done in class on 11/29 (blocks 3 and 7) or 11/30 (blocks 1, 2, 6, and 8).

Vocab quiz for lesson 15 words will be 12/2 (blocks 3 and 7) or 12/3 (blocks 1, 2, 6, and 8).

Enjoy your long holiday weekend!

Transition!

We have finally finished our unit on Dante's Inferno, and will be moving on to Sophocles' Oedipus the King next. Be sure to bring your literature textbook to class each day!

Our next vocabulary test will be Thursday, November 11 (for blocks 1, 3, 7, & 8) or Friday (for blocks 2 & 6). This is for the unit 14 words.

Senior Memory Book chapter 4 is due before the students leave for Thanksgiving Break. Please note that if you are taking all of Thanksgiving week off, this means you must turn in your chapter by the Friday before break. If you will be at school through Tuesday, then you may turn in your chapter on Tuesday. As always, electronic copies may be sent to my school email at kvanderhoek@coopersville.k12.mi.us.

If you are planning to go hunting next week, please be sure to check on homework assignments (there will be some!) and get any handouts and notes you miss (there will be lots!).

Have a great week!

Conference Week

It's conference week! All high school teachers will be available Tuesday (2:45-5:15 pm and 6-8:30 pm) and Wednesday (5-8pm) in the cafeteria to meet with parents regarding first semester progress. Report cards will be handed out at that time. If you are unable to attend during the above times but would like to schedule a conference, please call and leave message at 997-3551.

Students in blocks 3 & 7 will have vocab test 13 on Monday. Lesson 14 assignment will be handed out and is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday. We will continue with our movie, What Dreams May Come, on Thursday.

Students in blocks 1, 2, 6 & 8 will have their test on Tuesday. Vocab lesson 14 will be due on their next class day, as will the conclusion of the movie.

NOVEMBER!!!

I can't believe it's already November!! Only 7 weeks 'til Christmas!! =)

This week is the final week of the first marking period. All missing work, tests, and quizzes must be completed by the end of the school day Friday, Nov. 5 in order to be graded in time for report cards.

This week, groups will prepare final presentations for their Inferno Circles. Presentations will be made in class on Wednesday (blocks 3, 7) or Thursday (blocks 1, 2, 6, 8). I will be at a Strategic Planning meeting on Thursday in the Administration Building, but the subsititute will listen to presenatations. After presentations, we will watch the movie What Dreams May Come starring Robin Williams. It is about a man who makes a journey through Hell to find his true love. Sound familiar? :)

Vocab quiz for unit 13 will be next week! Have a great day!

This Week's Schedule

Hard to believe it's already the end of October---but it sure feels like spring today with the warm southerly breeze! Enjoy it---I'm sure it will be snowing soon!!

This week's schedule is as follows:

Monday: All classes (blocks 1, 3, 7 & 8) will fill out a survery for the counseling office and work on part 3/4 of the Inferno project.

Tuesday: Blocks 2 & 6 will do the survey and work on the Inferno project.

**The Inferno Project part 3/4 is due on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1 for all blocks!

Tuesday: Blocks 3 & 7 will have a vocabulary quiz (list 10 & 11) and will do vocab lesson 13.
Wednesday: Blocks 1, 2, 6, & 8 will have a vocabulary quiz (list 10 & 11) and will do vocab lesson 13.

Thursday and Friday, all classes will be in the computer lab doing an EDP update on Career Cruising.

Have a great week!!

Inferno and Beyond!

So...the Inferno project parts 1 & 2 is due TODAY at the end of the school day for all blocks. By the time you see this, hopefully you will have already turned it in to me. =)

The next thing due is Chapter 2 (School Bells) of the Senior Memory Book. (Monday for blocks 1, 3, 7, 8 and Tuesday for blocks 2 and 6). The following class day, you have a vocabulary quiz over the list labeled 10 & 11. The end of the week, we will again be in the computer lab; this time it's for the final EDP update.

Please note that the end of the first marking period is FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5. All missing tests or quizzes and absent work must be completed by that time in order to be considered part of the marking period grade. Check the whiteboard in my classroom for missing quizzes, and check the portal (or ask me!) for missing work.

Flash Cards

Many students have asked me for a good website to use for making flashcards for vocabulary words. Thank you Jessica Longoria for sharing this with me!

www.kitzkitz.com/flashcards/

It's a FREE site you can use for this class or any class. Just input your information and print. I hope you find it useful.

If you have any other good websites you use for studying, share them and I will post the information here for your classmates.

Taking us through to October 22 !!

The Inferno project was explained in class this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone should have selected a section to read and a partner (if desired). We have THREE consecutive days in the computer lab....So starting with Friday, October 15, find your next 3 classes and plan on being in the computer lab to work on Inferno "stuff" those days. We will have our vocabulary quiz over list 10 & 11 after work is completed, possibly the end of next week. Check the whiteboard for exact dates.

SENIOR MEMORY BOOK CHAPTER 2 is due on 10/25 for blocks 1, 3, 7, 8 and on 10/26 for blocks 2 & 6.

INFERNO PROJECT PARTS 1 & 2 due 10/21 for blocks 3 & 7 and on 10/22 for blocks 1, 2, 6, & 8.

If you have questions, be sure to ask! The end of the marking period is FAST approaching!!

Week of October 11-15

Monday and Tuesday ... Mrs. Wurm will be in our classes to continue with the EDP unit which began with the Alumni Fishbowl on Friday. In fact, I will be asking you for some feedback if you participated in the Fishbowl. I hope you found it helpful! On these two days, I will also go over the Inferno Project with any classes which have not yet received that information.

VOCAB QUIZ: Wednesday (for blocks 3 & 7) or Thursday (for blocks 1, 2, 6, & 8)

The end of the week, we will be in the computer lab to work on Inferno projects, and another SMB chapter will be assigned. I have enjoyed reading them this weekend, although I did take a break for some GREAT college football this weekend (GO GREEN!).

Have a great week!!

Next' Weeks Agenda ~ October 4-8

OK---Here are the dates and information to know for next week:

MONDAY (A day): All blocks should expect a reading quiz over The Inferno through Canto 5.

TUESDAY (B day): Block 6 should expect a reading quiz over The Inferno through Canto 5.
Block 2 will work on a symbolism lesson in which we discuss morality then
draw a symbolic representation of Hell.
Blocks 3 and 7 will have a vocabulary quiz!!

WEDNESDAY (C day): Blocks 1, 2, 6, 8 will have a vocabulary quiz!!

THURSDAY (A day): Senior Memory Book chapter 1 is due for blocks 1, 3, 7, 8

FRIDAY (B day): Senior Memory Book chapter 1 is due for blocks 2, 6

***Friday will be our annual ALUMNI FISHBOWL!!!

SeNioR MeMoRY BooKS !!!

So....Senior Memory Books have been explained...requirements have been given...chapter topics have been described. It's time to start WRITING!! :)

This week Thursday (blocks 3 & 7) and Friday (all blocks) we will work on Chapter 1 (Suddenly, I Became ME!) in the computer lab. REMEMBER: Most chapters will be done as homework, but as this is the first chapter, we are working on it at school. This chapter will be due next week Thursday (A day-blocks 1, 3, 7, 8) or Friday (B day-blocks 2, 6).

We also have a vocabulary quiz scheduled next week -- It will be Tuesday (B) for blocks 3 & 7, and Wednesday (C) for blocks 1, 2, 6, & 8.

Block 2 will also work on the Dante's Inferno Symbolism drawing next week (already completed by the other blocks, but a little behind schedule due to my absences last week). This will be explained on Tuesday and due Wednesday. :) More on that later...

Busy Busy!!

Sorry for not updating sooner...I promise to be better!

Monday 9/27 : Vocab quiz for blocks 3 & 7.
Tuesday 9/28: Vocab quiz for blocks 1, 2, 6, & 8. *Dante symbolism drawing due*
Wednesday 9/29: Dante symbolism drawing due for blocks 3 & 7.

We will start the SENIOR MEMORY BOOK this week!!! =)
Another vocab quiz will happen next week.

Back to work!

We're only two weeks in to school, but it kind of feels like we never left last spring, does it?! :) That's how quickly we've gotten back in our routine.

Vocab quizzes this Thursday (blocks 3 and 7) and Friday (blocks 1, 2, 6, 8) with another quiz coming the end of next week.

I will be in GR at a conference Monday and Tuesday of next week with Mr. Bush, Mrs. Plank, and Ms. Nutter. My sub is Ms. Jayne Holman, a certified English teacher! Plan on working on The Inferno with her. We will start the Senior Memory Book next week as well!

Welcome back!

I will update my blog at least once a week. You may use this page as a way to check on assignments, due dates, and other important information.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you over the next couple weeks and all year.

Almost that time!

Summer is almost over....it's time to think about going back to school! I have been busy getting my classroom ready and doing some tech training. Looking forward to seeing you in September!

Enjoy your summer everyone!
Good luck to all of you in whatever it is that you will be doing in the next phase of your life.

If you have any questions about your grades, please e-mail me at kseeks24@yahoo.com.

Stay in touch!!
Love,
Mrs. V.

We're winding down!!! Only 12 school days left as of today, May 12....

Here are the important dates for the remainder of the school year:

May 12/13 -- Vocabulary quiz, lesson 29
Work time -- finish reading through chapter 9 of Their Eyes Were Watching God
Work on study guides for chapters 1-6 and Dialectical Journal worksheet

May 14 -- Senior Memory Book chapter 15 -- At Last, I'm a Senior! due at 2:15 for ALL classes.

May 17 - 21 -- We will READ our novel in class each day. Please use your time wisely!!!

May 24 -- Senior Memory Book due (Scrapbook with all second semester chapters)

May 26 -- Exams for blocks 3 and 7
May 27 -- Exams for blocks 2 and 6
May 28 -- Exams for blocks 1, 5, and 8

June 2 -- 8am MANDATORY Graduation practice. You must attend this practice if you plan to participate in the graduation ceremony!

June 3 -- 7 pm Graduation!! YEAH!! =)

It's been a while....

Sorry it has taken me a week to update... =)

We have finished The Count of Monte Cristo have taken the final book test. Grades are updated in the portal...and I have noticed that many students (ahem!) have missing assignments! Now is not the time to slack off! We have about 30 days of school remaining. Keep working hard! Meet your deadlines and complete assignments. This reminds me of a sign Mr. Hunter from the middle school had hanging next to the clock in his classroom. It read, "Time is passing. Are you?" It's a light-hearted reminder to everyone to stay focused! ;)

OK....enough of that! =)

We will be working on RESUMES and COVER LETTERS the week of April 19. In addition, the next SENIOR MEMORY BOOK CHAPTER, A Memorable Vacation, will be due next week. There will be plenty of class time spent in the media center computer lab next week for all students to complete a chapter for the SMB and a resume. Please make sure to get these things done.

As a final reminder, the Senior Memory Book Scrapbook will be due one week before exams---that's about May 21. That really isn't that far off! :) Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your pages!

Enjoy the sunshine!!

SPRING BREAK!!!!!

Enjoy your time off to relax and rejuvinate---we will be on the final stretch when you return to school on April 12.

If you have not done so already, be sure to finish The Count of Monte Cristo and all the study guide questions from chapter 54 to the end of the book. These must be turned in on the first day back to class. Also, you should have turned in SMB chapter 12: High School, the Early Years before the end of the school day on Thursday, April 1 (no foolin'!).

Enjoy your time off! See you on the 12th!

Is it spring break yet? =)

Here is what you can expect in English class this week:

Monday (C day): Senior Memory Book chapter 11 "I'm Really in Love This Time, Mom"
Mondego worksheet and study guides for ch. 45-53 due.

Tuesday (A day): Reading day -- chapters 54-61

Wednesday (B day): Reading day -- chapters 54-61 (blocks 2 and 6)
Vocabulary quiz over lesson 26 (block 7) *SMB chapter 11 due*

Thursday (C day): Vocabulary quiz over lesson 26 *SMB chapter 11 due *

Friday (A day): More Count of Monte Cristo ... TBD

Keep reading!! The goal is to finish The Count of Monte Cristo before spring break. If time allows, we will watch the movie before break and have the test when we return to school. If you have questions or don't understand something in the novel, please ask for help! ;)

Hang on---Spring Break is almost here!! =)

Just a few important details for the week:

Wednesday (St. Patrick's Day!) : Vocab quiz for lesson 25. Lesson 26 assigned and due your next class day.

Thursday (A day) and Friday (B day): Count of Monte Cristo character motivation/skeletons in the closet graphic organizer. This activity will be done in class and is the beginning of our review of the novel. This handout will help you organize important information about character motivation for Dantes/Count and his enemies. Save this in your folder for later use. We will be adding information to it over the next couple weeks.

Friday (block 7) and Monday (all blocks): Senior Memory Book chapter 11, "I'm Really in Love This Time, Mom" -- due the end of the week (3/26).

ACT week!

I hope you are enjoying your day off...as I am here administering the ACT to the junior class. You sure got a nice, sunny day. It's a great day, in fact, to sit by a sunny window and read The Count of Monte Cristo!! =)

As far as The Count is concerned...since we are on the subject...you should read chapters 32-44 (that's through page 322) by Monday, March 15. We will have reading time on Friday, March 12.

Don't forget that chapter 10 of your SMB is due either Wednesday or Thursday of this week (depending on what day you have Senior English class). We will do two more chapters before spring break! That will leave three for April and May. Whew. The end of the year is fast approaching!!

Keep reading!! See you in class....

Next week will be a weird week schedule-wise....but here is what you can expect to do the next several days in Senior English:

Vocabulary quiz for lesson 22 is Friday (blocks 1, 5, 7, 8) or Monday (blocks 2, 6). You should continue reading The Count, chapters 32-36. I will collect the study guides for these chapters (and more!) the end of next week.

Senior Memory Book chapter 10 (Favorite movies, TV shows, etc.) is due next week Wednesday (blocks 1, 5, 6, 8) or Thursday (blocks 2, 7). These are the testing days....so all eight classes will meet once over the course of the two days. Friday is a regular "C" day.

Also, for those of you looking for another resource to study the characters from The Count, try this site: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Count_of_Monte_Cristo.

March Madness!

Spring is coming! (I promise---it has to right? Just ignore the snow piles!) =)

This week's schedule is as follows:

The Count of Monte Cristo quiz through chapter 31 is on Tuesday (blocks 1, 5, 7, 8) or Wednesday (blocks 2, 6). Study guides for chapters 26-31 are due the same day as your quiz.

Vocabulary Lesson 23 quizzes are Friday (blocks 1, 5, 7, 8) or Monday, March 8 (blocks 2, 6).

We will continue reading Count this week, and you should be working on your next Senior Memory Book chapter, chapter 10 (Let's Go Out to the Movies!).

Have a great week!

Conference Week!!

Hard to believe it's already the last week of February. Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, 2:45-5:15 and 6:00-8:30 pm. No school on Friday---enjoy your day off!

This week's schedule is as follows:

Monday: Blocks 2, 6: Read chapters 24-25. Do Justice/Revenge worksheet in class.
Block 7: Study guides for chapters 20-25 are due. Read chapters 26-31.

Tuesday: All blocks: Study guides for chapters 20-25 are due at the beginning of class. Read chapters 26-31.

Wedesday: Blocks 1, 5, 7, 8: Vocab quiz over unit 22.

Thursday: Blocks 2, 6: Vocab quiz over unit 22.
Block 7: Reading time! =)

Don't forget, we will have a quiz over Count through chapter 31 next week Tuesday! Make sure you are caught up in your reading. Have a great week!

Progress Reports are Coming!! Progress Reports are Coming!

Yes---It's that time again! Progress reports will be done this Friday, February 19. This is done in preparation for next Wednesday's Parent/Teacher Conferences.

Reminders: Senior Memory Book chapter 9 (Junior High) is due this week.
Read The Count of Monte Cristo through chapter 25 (XXV) for next week. The next reading quiz will take place following chapter 31 (XXXI).
Next vocabulary quiz (lesson 22) will be 2/24 or 2/25. Check the white board for the due date for your block.

Snow Day!!

I hope you all enjoyed your day off! =)

Because of the snow day, all due dates have been pushed back a day. Please update your planner as follows:

Vocabulary Lesson 21 Quiz: Friday 2/12 (block 7)
Monday 2/15 (blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8)

Senior Memory Book chapter 9: 2/17 (block 7)
2/18 (blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8)

There will be no additional reading assignment this weekend (enjoy!) but please take this opportunity to catch up on your reading and study guides if you are behind a bit.

This week...continue reading The Count of Monte Cristo! You should be through chapter 19 by Thursday. Study guides from chapters 13-19 are due Wednesday (for blocks 1, 5, 7, 8) or Thursday (for blocks 2, 6). We will be in the computer lab working on Senior Memory Book chapter 9: “Middle School” (Getting accustomed to “big kids’ school”: teachers, friends, activities, dances, successes, heartbreaks). The chapter will be due 2/16 (for block 7) or 2/17 (for blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8).

Don't forget about the vocabulary quiz this Thursday (block 7) or Friday (blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8) !!

Drive safely!

We made it to the weekend!

Happy Friday Seniors!

This weekend, you should continue reading The Count of Monte Cristo through chapter 19. Don't forget to complete your study guide questions while you read! Expect to have a reading quiz after chapter 19!!

The next vocab quiz will be Thursday (for block 7) or Friday (for blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, and 8). We will also tackle the next Senior Memory Book chapter this week. It's time to write about JUNIOR HIGH---everyone's favorite awkward years!!

See you Monday!

We made it to February! I wonder if the Groundhog will see his shadow in the morning? Will we have six more weeks of winter? My guess is YES! This is Michigan, after all...

We continue with The Count of Monte Cristo this week. By Wednesday (block 7) or Thursday (all other blocks), you should be finished reading through chapter 12. Your study guides for chapters 1-12 are due at the beginning of the block those days, and I will be giving you a quiz.

As for vocabulary, remember the quiz for lesson 20 is Tuesday (blocks 1, 5, 7, and 8) or Wednesday (blocks 2 and 6). We will work on lesson 21 after the quiz.

Remember, I will be gone at a conference on Friday the 5th....Mrs. Dorie Creager is my substitute for the day. Plan on working on Count activities that day in class. Have a great week!

Second Semester

Welcome to the last semester of your high school career!!!

It's hard to believe there are only 78 school days until the senior class is finished! Those 78 days will be very busy! We are currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. We will also read Macbeth and Their Eyes are Watching God this semester as well as continue the Senior Memory Book.

HOMEWORK for this weekend--due Monday, Februrary 1: Read chapters 2-9 and complete the study guide questions.

Don't forget...There is a vocabulary quiz over lesson 20 next week: Tuesday (A day classes) or Wednesday (B day classes)