Lahaise's Lair

Kudos to all of you who have already made your first post!

A couple of questions have come up that I want to clarify:

1. I will post the discussion topic on Friday. You have until the following Friday to respond. (Remember you can miss up to 5).

2. The idea is that you should be DISCUSSING the topic. So please don’t post and then never come back. I guess I should have made it mandatory for each person to make a post and respond to one other person (live and learn). I am hoping that “you” will take it upon yourself to do so. Notice that the theme I have chosen allows you to reply to a specific person’s comment.

Remember the bottom line is this is for YOUR benefit. Please take advantage of it!

Have a happy and safe 4^th.

Okay Advanced Comp students I came up with an easy solution for the summer reading discussions. I’ve added a blog onto this site. I will post topics and you can simply “reply” to the topic. It should be seamless. So remember to check the calendar if you are confused about chapters and due dates. And go to the blog to post your comments.

Remember this discussion is mandatory and part of being in the class. I will “forgive” 5 missed posts (I think that is overly fair and generous), however remember these discussions are for your benefit and I hope that you take advantage of the process.

Count of Monte Cristo blog

If you have problems or questions let me know. Remember I will only be answering e-mails and posting in the discussions on Fridays.

If you are a new student to my class please email me and I will send you instructions for signing up to post in the summer reading discussion.

Also, everyone who is in Advanced Comp in the fall you are now in “period one” so be sure and check that tab (up top) for your calender, etc.

Don’t worry if you are confused, I’ll walk you through things. Contrary to what I said in an earlier post, I will check my e-mail this week so that we can get things up and running. From then on I will only check on Fridays.

As we prepare to turn the lights out for summer in room 503, some final end of the year thoughts from me to “you”…

This has been a rough year for me. Professionally, personally, health wise, and emotion wise. My mental health and stability seemed to be challenged on a daily basis. I was not the best teacher I could be. Despite everything I dealt with I did my very best to keep afloat and make this a positive and productive year for all of my students. Luckily in a few cases I was successful. And for those that feel I was not, I am sorry for that.

What I would like to say to all of my students is thank you! You honestly gave me a reason to get up each day, even when I was in terrible physical pain. It’s because of all of you that I made it through, relatively sane. LOL. I truly have the best group of kids any teacher could ask for!

Because I was not able to spread myself around in my normal fashion I felt it most important to focus on “teaching” rather than “grading”. I’m not sure if that was the most perfect decision, but it’s what I believed would be best for all of you. Hopefully some of you agree. I thank each of you for being so very patient with that decision. I know that grades and feedback are of utmost importance to you all and your patience in that area has been well appreciated. Really and truly!

Seniors…I’ll miss you all, but most especially those of you whom I’ve known and watched grow these last two years. I wish you all the success. And if any of you are ever rich and famous, well, don’t forget little olé me. LOL.

Juniors…I’ll be seeing many of you in the same seats come September and for that I’m excited. You will truly see and experience the great teacher you deserve. For those of you who will not be returning to room 503, don’t forget I am your teacher for life and you are always welcome.

One final note of “business”…because I need the summer to rest and recoup I’ll only be checking my e-mail once per week on Fridays (when I will also check in on the Count forum discussion). If for some reason you need to contact me and it cannot wait until the following Friday, scroll to the bottom of this page and leave me a voicemail.

Be good, be safe, I love you all.

Final Blog Post

Next week instead of your normal bi-weekly reader I would like you to write a final reflection.

Reflect upon your year (or two) in room 503. Some things to consider:

What kind of reader were you when you entered this class? What kind of reader are you now? Have you changed? How have you changed? What conditions are responsible for the changes in your reading?

What kind of writer were you when you entered this class? What kind of writer are you now? Have you changed? How have you changed? What conditions are responsible for the changes in your writing?

What have been some of your favorite (or least favorite) learning units this year (or two)? Describe your favorite assignments/books/etc. What did you like, and why?

As you prepare to leave, what kind of student do you perceive yourself to be? What kind of person do you perceive yourself to be? How have you grown and what have you learned about yourself as a result of taking being in this class?

I would also appreciate your including your experience with the blogs and the online community.

What advice would you give next year’s students who will be taking an English class in room 503?

Remember, critiquing is okay, but make sure it is constructive and not destructive.

Let me know before the end of the day on June 18  if you want to: 1. keep your blog up and running; 2. want the zip file of all your posts so that you can transfer it to a WordPress.com account; 3. if you might have my class (AP Lang) next year and we need to “hide” your blog until you find out.