May 20 - 24

You did it! I know there was widespread hand cramping afterwards, but it sounds like everyone felt pretty good about the AP exam. No matter what the scores are, you guys wrote like crazy, and worked very hard this year! I'm proud of all of you.

I'm also grateful that during the difficult issues that came up last week, this class had constructive discussions and handled the two-hour lockdown with patience, even when it looked like we'd be using the makeshift classroom toilet (!)  I'm excited about the prospect of a much more boring and uneventful week next week. :-)

On Monday, we're beginning the last unit of the year: the college essay. The final assignment (which is the Final with a capital "F") is a good draft of the college essay. If you already have a draft going, consider using the time to write other prompts and get a jump on the summer/fall semester of senior year.  

NOTE: Last day to turn in make-up work for partial credit: Friday, May 31!

MONDAY: Journal warm-up - compare answers for free response questions (which are now published online). Fill out questionnaire about plans for after high school. "Speed-dating" activity to fill out brainstorming sheet. Go over your own sheet and answer questions in notebook.

Due: n/a

Homework: Think about your answers and how they might match up with your own unique strengths and personality, as well as any "holes" in your overall application.

WEDNESDAY: Journal warm-up. Go over UC prompts, Common Application prompts, Coalition prompts, and the alternate assignment. Hear actual college essay samples and critique them. Choose the prompt(s) you will write for the final assignment. 

Due: Think about your answers and how they might match up with your own unique strengths and personality, as well as any "holes" in your overall application.

Homework: Choose the prompt(s) you'll write for the final assignment.

FRIDAY (minimum day): Journal warm-up. Hear actual college essay samples and critique them. Time on Chromebooks to begin typing.

Due: Complete at least a paragraph of the college essay draft in class.

Homework: Think about the unique, vivid details you can add to your draft in progress. Keep track of your ideas for next class. 

No school on Monday for 

Memorial Day Weekend.

Enjoy the three-day holiday!