D. Brosius’ Virtual Classroom

For those who came to the AP review – Good job on waking up early, on a Saturday, just to get one more practice in. I hope you feel more confident about the timing and the rigor of the test. Gertrude enjoyed meeting you all- not that she told me; pigs don’t talk- not even mine! But I can tell by the pictures that  she enjoyed herself.

For ALL my wonderful students remember to treat your mom extra special today and tomorrow; she deserves it!!! She obviously raised great kids and that takes a lot of HARD work!!  See you all on Monday.

Seniors did I mention I am terrified of heights- I hope you’re not!

Juniors two more days and its time to show what you know!!!! Get excited!!!

Gonna be a beautiful weekend ENJOY!!!

Progress reports were posted last Thursday.  I hope your efforts were fairly represented on your final update for this school year. If you are not pleased with your current grade than push harder, there are 100 pnts left for the school year- a project,  quizzes and a final’ enough points to push your grade up slightly and enough points to drop you slightly- BE CAREFUL- Stay organized, complete all assignments and give 100% for the next 20 days.

Seniors- Our schedule will be a little crazy this week. However, we will still work hard and play school Last week you read another short story by F Scott Fitzgerald, Monday we will take the unit test and move onto our final project for the school year.  Check out the calendar and the scrapbook guidelines  link in the sidebar. It is HUGELY important to your grade to keep up with the due dates- NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.. Keep in mind- although I absolutely love and adore you, YOU WILL GET THE GRADE YOU HAVE EARNED IN THE END!!!

The schedule for this week is as follows:

Monday- regular school day

Tuesday- regular school day

Wednesday- regular school day

Thursday- CST testing- seniors’  1st period starts at 10:20

Friday-  CST testing- seniors’ 1^st period starts at 10:20

Juniors- I am as anxious as you are to be done with testing. Take a deep breath!! The most important AP test is next Wednesday , gear up for it!!!!!! All your hard work is going to pay off. Be positive, review your notes, remind yourself of how brilliant you are, and think positively. Sleep well and stay healthy. No homework all week, the week will be stress free. You have all the knowledge, skills, and “hot tips” to succeed on your upcoming test … Get excited to show what you know!!!

The  schedule for the week is as follows:

Monday- regular school day

Tuesday- regular school day

Wednesday- regular school day

Thursday- CST report to assigned room at 8:20

Friday- CST report to assigned room at 8:20

Saturday- AP practice exam room 760 from 9:00 to 12:00(ish)

The year is quickly coming to an end, with only six weeks left of the school year. I can’t impress upon you enough the importance of finishing strong. We will play school to the very end. The good news is there is plenty of time to improve your grade! The bad news is there is plenty of time to fall behind- SO DON’T!! Continue to turn all your work in, no late work will be accepted. Stay organized, and finish strong.

Seniors

We finished up Breakfast at Tiffany’s and jumped right into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Bernice Bobs Her Hair”. After a very close read of the short story you should notice the meticulous details an author uses to pen their stories. I look forward to your director notes that will be turned in Monday- NO EXCEPTIONS.  After a close examination of the story you will enjoy seeing what you thought to be critical details come to life in the short film. We will continue to study works by F. Scott Fitzgerald as we read another short story that focuses on dating rituals of the 1920’s. Continue working hard and playing school all to soon this year will be over and your high school years a part of your past…no regrets!! Each weekly update is important but the last 5 will be very informative (creepy laugh)

Juniors

We are in countdown mode for the AP Language and Composition test, (17 school days and counting). You have all worked tremendously hard and the payoff is right around the corner. We will be using the next two weeks to patch holes and review. This week we will focus on synthesis and rhetorical analysis essays We will write in class using a timed essay format and we will review our writing using the AP grading commentary. We will also continue to conquer the AP multiple choice test by practicing and reviewing several more test. Take time throughout the week to review rhetorical terms, writing strategies, logical fallacies, and literary tropes. Remember the training is what will prepare you for success so train hard and stay positive.

This NOT safe, Not healthy and Not a good choice!! But it is CUTE!!!!

Open house is Thursday, April 5. I look forward to meeting your parents and letting them peruse the evidence of your HARD work this year. Please accompany your parent and show them around our classroom and your virtual notebook. Remind your parents that I will have a sign up sheet for conferences if in fact they would like to discuss your progress. The night is a positive time to share your work not a night to discuss grades or work effort. I always feel a bit uncomfortable for “that” student who has less then stellar progress and the parent wants to discuss the issues in front of the other parents that are present to check on the excellence in progress. I do look forward to seeing you ALL!!

Breaking News……

Gertrude regrets to inform you that she will not be making an appearance next week due to school liability issues. She feels really bad but completely understands there are risks in bringing a pig to a classroom- a swine flu epidemic would not be cool!! nor would a complete melt down of cuteness!! However,  she is looking forward to the day she sees you out and about in Rossmoor or Seal Beach- Until then Oink!!!

Now onto what’s vitally important…your education!!!

Spring break is coming up.. Hang in there just one more week. When you return from break  you will have less than 45 school days left- enough time to really push hard and finish strong.  Make sure you are sleeping well, eating well, and staying healthy.  Set goals for yourself to continue to work hard and stay organized.  Remember, you ALWAYS have control over the manner in which you choose to use your time in class. Get your best work turned in, on time, for credit. Put forth effort in all the work you do, in the end your test scores will reflect your effort.  I am always available for tutoring. You should not, ever, be confused about the work you are doing in my class…ASK questions for clarification…Take responsibility for your learning.

Seniors:

Last week was pretty straight forward, reading Breakfast at Tiffany’s, creating a visual character sketch of Holly, and answering study guide questions. Next week we will take a group test over the Breakfast…analysis started on Friday and a final test over the text. Leave off for spring break on a positive note- grade in tact and stress free. You obviously realize by now that grades reflect the effort you put into the work. I have continued to advise you to be very cautious regarding the temptation to slack early in the game, and some of you have some serious catch up to do- start now!!!.  The set up of my class is designed to consider the fact that you may not have the time nor take the time, once you are out of class, to do any more work than absolutely necessary.  Therefore, I encourage you to work hard for 55 minutes and then be homework free.  If you do choose to slack in class, you will not be able to keep up with the work load. You may feel like you are over school BUT school is not over…keep pushing hard. Next week we will finish our study of the novella and begin to juxtapose the text to the movie.

Juniors:

Outside reads, practice AP essays, argument analysis, Toulmin review, syllogism and enthymeme instruction, and last but not least pounding through a group proposal—shhhhhhheeeeezzzzzee! I am tired just looking at what was accomplished last week.  Next week, there will be a little less emphasis on the concept of argumentative writing and more practice actually completing an argument/ proposal.  Stay motivated to turn in your best work..  Once the proposals are finalized we will move into AP test taking strategies. You should be practicing the exams that are accessible on AP Central- click the link on the side bar and work through some of the exams. We have practiced several multiple choice tests and will continue with the task of breaking the AP exam code.

Seniors

Based on the quiz scores and answers to the study guide questions it is obvious that you are beginning to unravel the twist and turns Capote uses to keep the readers attention. Many are noticing the subtle hints of Holly’s tragic childhood.  At this point in the novella you should be questioning the relationship between the narrator and Holly- what was really going on with Fred. Next week we will continue a close study of plot and character. The theme of being true to one self should be evident as Holly continues to struggle to find her niche in life. Pay attention to the “camera angles”; if Capote zooms in on a something random it probably has a much deeper meaning- see if you can uncover the mysteries of the plot and infer what actually happens before it happens.  Good readers will question the text and look for connections from beginning to end, read closely and enjoy this great novella.

Juniors

You spent last week researching your proposal topics, gathering data and evidence to prove to your specific audience that your proposed solution is viable. A study of fallacies to avoid should be evident in your proposals.  I look forward to reviewing well thought out, fallacy free proposals.  I am looking forward to the proposals of change. Make sure you review chapter16 and 17 in EAA to assure the elements of proposal writing have been implemented in your proposal.  This week we will be devoted to proposal writing; finished products due the following Wednesday, at the end of class. As you juggle your proposal work you are also continuing to  work on your outside read- I expect reading logs to be turned in each Friday.  It is a busy week coming up….keep working hard.

The first progress report has been posted, and we’re off to the second to last grading period of the year. As mentioned numerous times do NOT slack off now; the catch up will be brutal, overwhelming, and stressful (not cool). Continue with a steady pace; room to walk, or sprint when necessary. There is plenty of time to pick your grade up, adversely; there are plenty of points to pull you down if you, in fact, slack off now. I am always your biggest cheerleader and will continue to be available for those that may need strategies to push harder without running out of breath. Remember, you have to want to succeed more than I want it for you!! Make good things happen in these last 12 weeks of school.

Seniors-  We are delving into a unit that many past students consider their all time favorite, Breakfast as Tiffany’s.  I assure you the text will keep you interested read it; don’t skim it. The study guide will help you do well on the quizzes. The quizzes  will evaluate your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Truman Capote’s author study will be very beneficial to grasping the beauty of the text. Capote infused his personal rants about society, as well as his belief in the beauty of individuality, portrayed masterfully through his characters. Holly Golightly will be a refreshing change from the characters studied thus far- however, she too will reflect the disillusioned mind of the modern character. It is time to get organized for reading and recording your thoughts feeling and reactions to the text as we break it down into small chunks. Your study guide has been handed out and the calendar updated with due dates. Let’s move forward to what I believe will be a intriguing unit of study.

Juniors- The stage has been set for the proposal unit. Each group has hashed out various ideas to consider for their actual proposal and should have come to consensus on their mode of attack. Keeping Everything’s an Argument as our guide to understanding the critical components of proposal writing your group should begin accumulating data for evidence. Evidence will serve two purposes: 1. a problem exist  2. a probable solution has been established. We may not resolve the problems in the short amount of time we have for the actual unit BUT you will have a complete proposal written for the hypothetical manifestation of the solution. Critical things to consider- this is a GROUP assignment, however if you fail your group you will be fired from the group. All members are encouraged to pursue excellence from start to finish. Let stop complaining and do something about it!!!!

Typically March moves in slowly and feels like it creeps along as we await the much needed SPRING BREAK. However, this March is flying by… I am having a hard time keeping up with break neck speed of the curriculum!! The first progress report will be posted and then we will be moving into the second half of the semester. I encourage you to continue to work hard, and don’t slack off; the catch up will be brutal, overwhelming and stressful (not cool). Keep a steady pace with room to walk or sprint when necessary. There is still plenty of time to pick your grade up, I am available to those of you that may need strategies to push yourself harder without running out of breath. Remember, though, you have to want to succeed more than I want it for you!!

Seniors- Your grades reflect the effort you put into the work. I advise you to be very cautious regarding the temptation to slack at this point in the game.  The set up of my class is designed to consider the fact that you may not have the time nor take the time, once you are out of class, to do any more work than absolutely necessary.  Therefore, I encourage you to work hard for 55 minutes and then be homework free.  If you do choose to slack in class, you will not be able to keep up with the work load. You may feel like you are over school BUT school is not over…keep pushing hard. We will begin our week with a new author study- Truman Copote and then move into the text Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  The dark depressing tone that has been blanketed across the curriculum will be lifted as we begin taking note of Capote’s master craft of characterization.  Holly Golightly will be a refreshing change from the confessional poetry. Assuredly this character will live up to the iconic fame earned over the years. .  I am sure you will enjoy watching Audrey Hepburn breath life into Holly Golightly…soon enough!  In the mean time get organized for reading and recording your thoughts feeling and reactions to the text as we break it down into small chunks. A study guide will be posted and you will pass the various quizzes and tests as you put forth an honest effort toward understanding the text. 

Juniors-We are learning to complain the proper way, in hopes that a valid complaint can be negotiated to a more appropriate solution to an obvious problem.  Proposals will be approved and you will be moving forward on your tasks.  Keep in mind the importance of presenting yourself respectfully when communicating your topic to those that can provide valuable information. Your group should keep every prewrite, communication, survey, and responses in the group file. I want to see the contribution of ALL in your group folders.  The reading assignments and handout that will be given  is critical for the actual elements required in your proposal- Everything’s an Argument   Chapters 11, 16 and 17 will be assigned and I expect your proposal to reflect the requirements of argumentative writing as stated in the text.  No homework?? Don’t kid yourself… reading, studying, researching..are all required of you for this proposal assignment.  We will use a lot of class time, however, more outside research is required. Be a good team mate and work hard both in class and at home to make the very best of your time on the proposal unit..HEY!!! Don’t forget you are working on your outside read assignment as well!!!! Stay focused and stay organized!!