September 27, 2019

ENG I
During your son's time at CBA, he will be asked to read a few books independently.  We call this Outside Reading.  Your son's first Outside Reading book choice is Revolver by Marcus Segdwick.  My freshmen last year really enjoyed this book.  There is a link to the book on Powerschool Learning.  You can buy the book, get it from the library, or get an digital version.  They do not have to bring this book to class.  The test for this book choice will be at the end of October, so they have plenty of time to read it.  But, you might want to make sure they do not leave this until the last minute!

ENG II
We have been working on Grammar this week -- their favorite thing!  Ha ha.  But, they have been very good sports about it.  In fact, I told them that I lose sleep over the fact that I wish they would put in 10-15 more minutes to study grammar and I think they didn't want me to lose sleep, so they must have studied because their quiz grades were much better than I expected.

I was a little disappointed by how many of my Sophomores did not have Notecards today in class.  Please help your son get a pack of Notecards from the Dollar Store, AC Moore, Target, Rite Aid, etc.  It was listed under "Materials needed for class" and I showed you all what they look like at Back To School Night-- NOT index cards, but blank notecards with envelopes!  I really hate making things like this be about getting or losing points (it should not have to do with their grade at all), but I may have to resort to that in order to encourage them to be better prepared for class. 

Thank you to all of you that have helped your son find someone who immigrated to the U.S to interview for their first essay assignment.  They have to have 20 questions from the interview for class on Wednesday, October 2nd.  I am very excited to hear all the interesting things that they learn from the people that they interview.  I really do hope that this is a meaningful experience for them.

                                              

September 20, 2019

ENG I:
Great week reading short stories with your sons!

This week we read "The Lottery" and "The Necklace."  Both stories have surprise endings and I can tell you that none of your boys want to win the lottery that occurred in the story by Shirley Jackson.  Ask your sons why!  You can also ask them how they feel about appearances vs. reality and things that are real vs. things that are fake.  They will give you some good insight on these issues.

They need to bring their Note Cards on Monday so we can use a few minutes of class time to show some gratitude or participate in and execute a Random Act of Kindness (RAOK).  If you did not get a chance to get note cards, but have 1 lying around the house in your stationery drawer (doesn't everyone have one of those?), that is fine to send in! Also, it does not matter what is one them:  dogs, donuts, leaves, flags, thank you, hello, stripes, polka dots, etc.

Enjoy the weekend! 

ENG II:

This week we, I gave your sons the Interview of An Immigrant to the United States assignment.  So, they might need some help finding someone to interview.  It can be someone in your family, a family friend, a neighbor, someone you grew up with, went to school with, etc.  Please let me know is you do not know anyone who has immigrated to the United States.

The Assignment is on PowerSchool Learning!  Feel free to take a look at it to help your son.  They can conduct the interview in person, over the phone, on Skype, or by email.  It is our hope that this is a meaningful experience for your sons even if it takes a few of them out of their comfort zones.

                                                   

Sept 13, 2019-- First Full Week of School! And It's Friday the 13th!

ENG I:    Wow!  I am still completely in a such an energized mood after meeting you all Thursday night.  Thanks again for coming out in the rain.  I am looking forward to a productive year full of growing and learning.  Always remember, just like all of our kids walked and talked at different times, the adjustment to the expectations of Christian Brothers Academy will be different for everyone.  But I am here to help with the process!

Summer Reading Tests were taken on Friday.  So that is now behind us.  From past experience, I know that while most of the boys are reading, they might not be understanding or able to make meaning of what they read.  But again, that's what I am here for, and I promise you, there will be a significant difference in their approach to reading and writing by June!

It seems like they all enjoyed Freshman Day!

One thing I forgot to mention last night is that I grade using a points based system, so please NEVER look at percentages.  Your son did not get a 50%, he got a 5 out of 10.  There will be about 400-500 points each marking period, so the goal is to accumulate as many points as you can, and not lose that many along the way.


ENG II:  A big thanks to all of you who came to Back to School Night Thursday!  I am getting such a fabulous vibe from your sons and am so excited about teaching them this year.  Summer Reading Tests are now behind us!  YAY!  I am so glad your sons read Unbroken even though it was a challenging read for some of our guys because it was very long... I really want to tell you how proud I am of all of them for reading it.

I will review the Interview/Essay of an immigrant to this country next week with your sons!  They may need some help with contacting someone to interview, so I thank you in advance for your support with this assignment.


HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS LOVELY WEEKEND!  The rain made for one dreary week.  But, let's remember that we need the rain for the flowers to grow.  Or the apples and the pumpkins!