Everyone Has a Story

Here is the link to the other video that is similar to the one we watched. Just a little something to take with you into life, the idea that we never know what those around us are experiencing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl2_knlv_xw

Letters

You will get the instructions for the senior letter in class on Thursday. In addition to that, I also want you to write a thank you letter to a teacher. I will be sending these to the teachers, so include as much identifying info as possible. If it's someone outside the CCS system, put it in a stamped envelope and put their first and last name and address. If you can't find an address, maybe pick someone else. This matters, people. It will make a hard time of year much more pleasant for these teachers.

The Things They Carried

I am really disappointed that the schedule worked out where you are starting this book without me. I am especially disappointed because I think this book deserves an incredible and passionate introduction, not someone who isn't me dropping copies on your desks. This book is phenomenal. It is well-written, it is an incredible documentation of history, it allows the reader and writer to involve themselves in the most intricate of dances, and it's beautiful poetry. There is a lot of profanity, which is why we are only reading certain chapters, but if that sort of thing doesn't bother you, I would read more than the assigned chapters. We will work on this book starting on Monday of next week, so have it finished! Also, make sure that you have your Flurry of Frenetic Focus to turn in!

Here is a PDF of the whole book. However, we have copies for most/all of you.
http://savanna.auhsd.us/view/26051.pdf

You aren't reading the whole book UNLESS YOU WANT TO, which I highly recommend. :) I'll list the chapters below for you to read.

Love, pg 26
On the Rainy River, pg 39
The Dentist, pg 86
Stockings, pg 117
Church, pg 119
Ambush, pg 131
Style, pg 135
Notes, pg 155
In the Field, pg 162
Good Form, pg 179
Field Trip, pg 181
The Lives of the Dead, pg 225

AP Lit Poetry Guides

http://www.aplitguide.com/the-essay/poetry-devices-types-and-strategies/

http://teachers.sduhsd.net/sfarris/Files/AP%20Lit%20Files/Poetry/Poetry%20Terms%20-%20Technical%20StuffPDF.pdf

A Few Things...

We are in that frantic place where there aren't as many days left as there are words to say and things feel chaotic and plans get adjusted and the end is coming and it's happening and there is nothing I can do to stop it and there is so much more to read and to write and to say and to impart and .... AUGH! :)

That's a little look into my mind. I did just want to clarify a few things here.

1. Tuesday, 5/2, will be a day of periods 2, 3, and 1, so we won't have this class until the last period of the day. In addition, all of you will be with me for the entire two hours. We will be doing some last minute centering and I will have something for you. (The Flurry of Frenetic Focus mentioned on your to do list will be part of tomorrow.)

2. Wednesday, 5/3, is the test. You will report to Raider Arena Room 12. PLEASE eat a good breakfast, get plenty of sleep the night before, have writing utensils (pencil and pen), think clearly, take it seriously, remember your training, etc, etc, etc..

3. Thursday, 5/4, your to do list mentions teacher letters being due. Don't worry about those in advance. You will do them in class on Thursday.

4. I am taking personal days Thursday and Friday, May 4 and 5. You will have things to do in class on those days (Friday I am not sure if you will be here for all of class or not). On Thursday, your class will meet in the room beside Coach Renshaw's room.

5. We have one more work to read and we are only reading excerpts from it. It will be a nice way to round out the year, I think. I will give it to you this week and we will work with it the week of May 8.

6. Tuesday, May 9, is our AP Movie night at my house. I think we will meet for dinner around 7, then start the movie at 8. It's an hour and a half, so we should finish by 9:30, 9:45 or so. I will have dinner for you (probably hamburgers or hot dogs) if you all just want to bring drinks and chips and desserts.

7. Your final project is due on Friday, May 12. The full explanation of it is on the blog. It will serve as your final exam grade and so you need to DAZZLE me.

8. Your last journals are due Friday, May 12 as well. Thanks for a great year of getting to know you through these journals!

It's almost over, guys! It makes me sad to say that, but it's almost over.

AP Final Project

AP English

Final Exam/Project

Develop a one sentence theme that you can trace through the entire curriculum.

Using that theme, write a 1-2 page paper that explains how that theme is proven in at least three of the works we have read. The paper needs to be an AP-caliber thesis.

Finally, do a visual representation of that theme, correlating it to the works you mention in your paper (from this year). This does not have to be literal, but can be figurative and artistic. You will present it (BRIEFLY) on Friday, May 12.