SnapGrades is here!

SnapGrades is up. I have uploaded all of my students into the system. Everyone has received his or her password. Parents will receive information about passwords as well so they can monitor their children's progress.

Alternative book projects

I've assigned Book Talk #6 for all of my classes to be turned in on Monday, December 8th. I have prepared a list of five alternative assignments to do *instead* of a book talk.

Book Review: Write a review of the book you have read in the style of a book review you might find in a magazine or newspaper. TeenInk.com has a lot of good ones.

Book Advertisement: Create a movie poster advertising the book you've finished. Include a (half-page typed, full-page handwritten) summary of the book.

Rap/Poem: Write a rap or a poem inspired by the book you read. It should discuss characters, plot, and setting.

Diorama: Create a three-dimensional diorama of a scene from the book. Include a paragraph summarizing the scene.

Character Journal: Write a (one-page typed, two-page handwritten) journal from the point of view of one of the characters in your book. Take a scene and write about it from a character's perspective.

If you do not wish to do any of these alternative projects, you may do a standard Book Talk instead.

In ALL of these assignments, you must include the title of the book, the author of the book, and YOUR NAME. I have many homework assignments with no name on them.

Spelling bee

I just witnessed and judged the spelling bee and I want to send congratulations to Jessica from 382 for winning second place! Aiyanna from 361 also participated and did very well. I'm proud of both of you.

Conferences and celebrations

I was pleased to see many parents last night at parent-teacher conferences. Thank you to those who came. If anyone would like to contact me about work, you may email me at trbasile@gmail.com.

I also would like to congratulate the students of the month for the month of October!:

382 - Jugens
383 - Andrew
361 - Coty

These students have a 100% homework turn-in rate, excellent behavior, and great classwork. Congratulations to you all. I will arrange your independent library periods soon. (Dunessa, I haven't forgotten about yours; I have to reschedule because I didn't want you to miss class today).

Renzulli update, parent/teacher conferences

My original goal was to take all three classes to the computer lab by Friday, November 21st, to set up their Renzulli accounts. Unfortunately, I will be missing two periods with 383 this week because of our half-day tomorrow. I will take 383 to the computer lab next week when we have a free period.

I hope to see all of my students' parents tomorrow at parent-teacher conferences. Remember, the two sessions take place during 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Shannon of 382 and Octavia from 361 to making the Bildersee chorus! I can't wait to hear you girls sing.

Marking Period 2

Dear students and parents,

The second marking period is upon us and I'm very excited about some of the changes and new programs that will be integrated into our ELA classes.

SnapGrades - SnapGrades is an online gradebook where students and parents can log in to view their progress in class. I will give you all your login accounts so you can check your progress any day of the week. I hope to accomplish this in the next few weeks.

Renzulli - Renzullilearning.com is an exciting website where students create a learning profile and find thousands of activities geared to their interests and needs. I will take each of my classes to the computer lab to sign up for this website. Every class should create a profile by Friday, November 21.

Book Talks - Book Talk #4 will be due on Monday for all classes. Students should follow the book talk format for this assignment. By the end of next week, I hope to create an independent menu of different book talks, where students can respond to their books creatively.

I look forward to the new marking period. Exciting changes are coming!