Mrs. Vowell Board Report May, 2009

7^th and 8^th Grade English/Literature

We did our three week Poetry unit and got some amazing work from students! We are binding each student’s book of poetry and then a composite book for the class. Each student also memorized and recited a poem from a published author and created a mini-book for National Poem in My Pocket Day (April 30). We are finishing up by reading some famous poems and discussing the creative process in creating poetry.

English I (9^th)

We have been reading Homer’s The Odyssey, an epic poem from about 800 BC about Odysseus (Ulysses in Roman mythology). His adventures include fighting the Cyclops and sea monsters, avoiding the Sirens, and finally returning home after 20 years of fighting the Trojan War and wandering at the mercy of the gods. We will finish up by watching the film (1997).

English IV (12^th)

Students are working on organizing all their portfolio documents and completing the NM mandatory Next Step Plans. We are finishing up Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

7^th –8^th Literacy/Math Block

Seventh and eighth graders are using the PLATO one day a week and doing reading and writing enrichment activities the other three days.

Journalism

We are still working on yearbook pages and documenting the year in photos.

Class Ink Publishing

Jr. Gomez’s book sold out in one day, so he ordered 100 more! We have about one-third of that done, but hope to finish the remainder within the week. We have also had orders for business cards and brochures.

Student Council

Our trip to White Sands went well. We had perfect weather and enjoyed the time together!