Student Corner

English Department

Summer Reading Assignment 2023

9th-10th Grade Task

Read and analyze the following literary works. Each literary work includes a direct link for the E-text.  For each literary piece, complete a minimum of 5 annotations per 50 pages. In other words, a 300 page book would include 30 annotations.  Annotations should be typed into a google doc. Expect to submit your annotations and complete a formal essay exam based on the Summer Reading within the first week of school. 

9th Grade:       Of Mice and Men-John Steinbeck 

      E-Text: Of Mice and Men E-Text 

             Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora Neale Hurston

      E-Text: THEIR EYES WERE...CLICK HERE FOR E-TEXT    

10th Grade:          Animal Farm - George Orwell: E-text and Audiobook

          The Giver - Lois Lowry: E-text and Audiobook 

How to complete an annotation: Each annotation should include the direct line from the text and page # (rising 10th graders should apply MLA citation) and answer one of the following prompts…

• A reaction to something you read
• Question or wondering
• A connection to the text (text-text, text-self, text-world) 
• Analysis of a writing strategy (characterization, conflict, setting, symbolism, plot, foreshadowing, flashback, theme, etc.)
• Analysis of an important scene that helps develop or advance the plot.

11th Grade Task

1. For the Love of Facts
   1. Watch the videos in the TED Talks playlist and take notes on each in the provided note-catcher (please make your own copy of the doc). See the links for details.
2. NY Times Argumentative Writing Prompts
   1. Choose one of the topics and respond to the accompanying prompts (listed at the end of each article in bullet points) in the provided note-catcher (please make your own copy of the doc). You may respond to each prompt individually or write a single response that addresses all of the prompts within it. Be sure to align your response to the rubric at the bottom of the note-catcher.

12th Grade Task

Write a well-developed vision statement that answers one of the following writing prompts. Complete a typed draft with proof of revision, and measure your work against this rubric. Your vision statement should be 500-600 words in length. It is imperative that you take this assignment seriously, as this is a required component of the college application process. 

The 2023-24 Common Application Essay Prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Refer to the following resources for guidance and inspiration:

• NY Times: "How to Write a Good College Application Essay"
• Khan Academy: "Writing a Strong College Admissions Essay"
• Johns Hopkins University: "Essays That Worked"
• College Board Big Future: "8 Tips for Crafting Your Best College Essay"

Classroom Supply Wish List! 

We kindly ask for the following classroom materials (in order of importance) if you are able to bring any of them:

• Tissues
• Printer paper
• Loose leaf paper
• Clorox wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Below is a list of the clubs running this year. 

Listen to the announcements for updates and check this page.  Email the teacher who runs the club for more information: 

• American Sign Language Club - Ms. Devine
• Anime Club - Ms. Zuritis
• Art Portfolio Development Club - Mr. Ratel
• A/V Squad - Ms. Sloan-Ward
• Chess & Games Club - Mr. Sorochkin
• Club 360 - Ms. Gonzalez
• Creative Writing Club - Ms. Devine
• Debate Club - Ms. Devine
• EAT (Equality for All Teens) - Mr. Scarpa
• Film Club - Mr. Feliciano
• Girls Speak - Ms. Reingold
• Girls Who Code - Mr. Miano
• Guitar/Music Club - Mr. Rocco
• Hispanic Heritage Club - Ms. Martinez
• McCown Muslim-and Arab-American Culture Club - Ms. Reingold
• Mural Making Club - Mr. Ratel
• National Honor Society (NHS) - Ms. Sloan-Ward
• School Musical - Ms. Sloan-Ward & Mr. Scarpa
• School Newspaper - Ms. Devine
• Student Government - Mr. Feliciano

Course grades are issued on the third report card of each semester (distributed in early February for Fall term and late June for Spring term) and reflect all exams, projects, homework, classwork, and other work for the entire semester (September through January for Fall term and February through June for Spring term).

Crew Advisories & Physical Education Classes

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