potluck party! Mon. March 9

Here's the sign up sheet:

Alissa potato latkes!

Joe apple sauce/sour cream

Rina brownies

Zach guac and nuts

Lauren tortilla chips

Liam salsa

Rachel F. caesar (really) salad, and pesto

Jeff pasta (w/ Rachel's pesto?)

Melanie plates, napkins

Jessica and Sandy: dumplings, fried rice

Jenny "juice"

Ms. Becker something wonderful vegetarian thing. Maybe Indian?
****
Costumes welcome but optional.
See you Monday!
RB

homework, sula, p. 30-48

In tonight's reading you'll meet Sula and her family. In addition to any questions you have about what you read (we'll try to answer them in class), respond to a character in Sula's family (Sula, Eva, Hannah, or Plum) you're interested in. How do you think this character fits into the social landscape of Medallion, and so what? (Same format, though post it if you're interested in what others have to say). I'll check back later to see what you come with.

first Sula response

Read p. 1-29, then, in a 1/2-1 page typed, double spaced response:

What are your first impressions of this novel? Of the community Morrison describes? What sticks out to you? (1-2 passages) What questions do you have about the novel so far? Why do you think Morrison might begin the novel the way she does?

happy reading. :-)

TESS on TV

Hi:
So, I just realized that the new *Tess* is very much on television (I thought the BBC adaptation wouldn't reach this country for a while) on GBH (44). I'll tape both installments (that's right. On video cassette). But you should all try to watch it: it's in two parts, one tonight, and the other on Jan. 11. Let's see if they can do better than Roman Polanski did. :-)
Wheeee!
RB

Bring work to class on Monday

I'm not optimistic that anyone will read this posting, but I'd like you to bring work (essays, analytical paragraphs, etc) from the year so far to class on Monday. (I know some of you keep stuff on file at home, which is why I'm posting). One of the most frequently asked questions I encounter (from students and parents) is 'what can I/my child' do to improve my/his/her writing?)

So, on Monday, we'll see if we can answer that question, but you'll need some of your writing from this year to do it. Also, bring highlighters if you have them, preferably a couple of different colors.
See you then...hope everyone had a restful break.
RB

Tea party!

Don't forget to bring something for our English tea tomorrow!

Book letters

Usually I do grading on Saturday, and planning on Sunday, and I've been reading your book letters this afternoon. I really love them...for lots of reasons: they're personal, detailed, and thoughtful.
I have my own theories about why they're so great, but wondered what your own were, and if you
would you be interested in doing a similar assignment later this year?
RB
PS Expect blog related homework sometime in the next week or two.