Week of November 14, 2011

Hello,

I apologize for the late update. 

The C-1 Sophomore classes have moved on to John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men.  We have finished the first two chapters and taken a quiz on them already.  Students will have read chapter three by the end of this week.

Honors Sophomores have moved on to The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.  We have finished the first third of the novel and have had a quiz on it.  Students have moved on to reading the second third of the novel.

Freshmen have finished the Star Wars films and are preparing to write a comparison essay on Odysseus and Luke Skywalker.

The rush towards the holidays has begun.  I wish the best for your families this Thanksgiving.  I know I have much to be thankful for personally.

Mr. Hacker

Week of October 31, 2011

Well, welcome to November!  After a weekend without power, I returned to school today.  Students are testing on Beowulf or The Odyssey today (or tomorrow for A-Block) and we will begin new units tomorrow.

Sophomore Honors will embark on a journey to find The Alchemist with Spanish shepherd boy Santiago in Paulo Coehlo's best selling novel.  The C-1 Sophomores will follow George and Lennie on their path to find the American Dream in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. 

The Freshmen will embark on the second of their three part course on the hero, following George Lucas' hero Luke Skywalker in the director's classic Star Wars films.

It will be an exciting few weeks before Thanksgiving as we work our way toward the holidays.  Here's hoping you all have a wonderful introduction to this festive season and that happiness and peace surround you.

As always, email with comments or questions.

Thanks,

Mr. Hacker

Week of October 24, 2011

Hello,

This week, both Freshmen and Sophomores have been presenting their Kamishibai projects to their respective classes.  After a lesson on deadlines and what it means to meet them, the students have been doing a fairly good job presenting.  At the end of this week, we will be reviewing for our tests in each class, to be given Monday, October 31.

A reminder that the first quarter ends November 10.

Mr. Hacker

Week of October 17, 2011

Tonight, October 17, is the last Open House for this year.  It will be held from 7-9pm at the high school. 

Sophomores will continue work on their group Beowulf Kamishibai projects this week in class.  Beginning next Monday, October 24, groups will begin presenting their projects to their respective classes.

Freshmen will also continue working on their group Odyssey Kamishibai projects in class in preparation for their presentations beginning next Monday.

All grades have been posted to Edline.  Please check for your grade there.

As always, please email with any questions or concerns.

Mr. Hacker

Week of October 10, 2011

Hello,

This week we will be having the first of two parent nights on Thursday, October 13, from 7-9pm.  I encourage parents to attend one of the two sessions.  Next week's session is Monday, October 17, 7-9pm.

Sophomores have finished up readingon Beowulf.  Beginning next week, students will be placed in groups to complete the "Beowulf Kamishibai" project.  Please click on the link to the right to find out more about the Japanese art of kamishibai.

Freshmen completed reading The Odyssey this week and will also be working on their own Odyssey Kamishibai. 

For the kamishibai projects, students should be bringing in old boxes or recycled cardboard or card stock to create their emakimono for their projects.

Any questions, please email me!

Thanks!

Welcome Back - Week of September 26, 2011

Hello Everyone,

Now that we have been back to school for a few weeks, I wanted to welcome you all officially.  On this blog, you may find weekly assignments for your child's class.  Feel free to email me with any questions.

Sophomores have been working on the classic epic poem Beowulf.  We will be having a quiz on part two of the poem this Wednesday.

Freshmen are working on the classic epic poem The Odyssey.  They are having a quiz today and will continue Odysseus' journey with tonight's reading of chapter 9.

Mr. Hacker

Happy Summer!

With Final Exams commencing today, I want to wish all my classes good luck and a happy summer.  Thanks for a great year!  See you in the fall!

Mr. Hacker