Moody's Memos

Scholarship Opportunities!!

2009-12-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Listed below as follows:
Scholarship
Amount
Guidance Deadline
Requirements

1. 2010 Journalism Contest: "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce"
Tuition & Fees
1/19/10
For more information: www.journalism.scvrd.net; Must be a high school junior or senior, age 16-19 and do NOT have to have disability.

2. 2009-2010 SunTrust Off to College Sweepstakes
$1,000
5/14/10
High school seniors can win a $1,000 scholarship for their first year expenses at a college or private career school. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October 30, 2009 through May 14, 2010. Enter online at offtocollege.info beginning September 14, 2009. FREE TO ENTER

3. C-SPAN's Student Cam 2010
Varies
1/20/2010
Student Cam is C-SPAN's annual student documentary competition. Open to students in grades 6-12. Create a short documentary including C-SPAN footage on either one of our country's greatest strengths or a challenge this country is facing. For complete details, see http://www.studentcam.org/.

4. Principal's Leadership Award
$12,000
12/4/2009
NOMINATION, see your guidance counselor if you wish to be considered. More information can be found at www.principals.org/PLA

5. The Gates Millenium Scholars
Varies
1/11/2010
The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential. Students are eligible to be considered if they: Are African American, Asian American or Hispanic American, are a citizen of the United States, have attainted a 3.3 GPA, have demonstrated leadership abilities through community service, extracurricular or other activities, meet the Federal Pell Grant criteria and have all forms submitted by the deadline. See www.gmsp.org for more information.

6. The Sam Walton Community Scholarship
$3,000
None given
Available to graduating seniors with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a demonstrated financial need. Applications available online beginning November 2 at www.walmartstores.com/communitygiving

7. Dr. Seuss's, Oh, The Places You'll Go! Scholarship
$5,000
2/15/2010
Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! College Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award. Requires a 500 word essay about what kinds of opportunities and challenges you think your education will present in the future. Visit www.seussville.com/ohtheplaces for more information.

8. KFC Colonel Scholars Program
Up to $20,000
2/10/2010
High School Senior with a minimum GPA of 2.75, plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at a public, in-state college or university and have demonstrated financial need. Applications will be available beginning December 1 and can be found at http://www.kfcscholars.org/.

9. Harry Hampton Scholarship
$2,500
1/31/2010
The fund consists of $2,500 annually for up to four consecutive years. The recipient must be a senior and major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science. Must have a 2.5 GPA. Essay required. Applications available online at www.hamptonwildlifefund.homestead.com/scholarship

10. Wallace F. Pate Scholarship
$1,500
1/31/2020
This is a one time award. The recipient must be a senior and major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science. Must have a 2.5 GPA. Essay required. Applications available online at www.hamptonwildlifefund.homestead.com/scholarship
11. James O. Thomason Scholarship
$1,000
1/31/2010
This scholarship consists of $1,000 annually for up to four years to help a student further their education in print or photo journalism, advertising, public relations or mass communications. Must be a senior with at least at 2.5 GPA. 1200 Word essay required on the following topic: "Oil exploration off the South Carolina coast...how might it affect the state and it's wildlife." Applications available online at www.hamptonwildlifefund.homestead.com/scholarship

12. Next Step Magazine Contest
$1,000
None given
Register online to win free college tuition or $1,000 in a monthly drawing. Visit www.nextstepmag.com to enter.

13. AXA Achievement Scholarship
$10,000
2/15/2010
Are you active in your community? Have you led a project that benefits others? Have you overcome personal challenges? You may qualify for an AXA Achievement Scholarhsip. Learn more and download an application at http://www.axa-achievement.com/

14. SC National Teenager Scholarship Organization
Varies
2/27/2010
The SC National Teenager Pageant is accepting applications for the pageant to be held March 27, 2010. Academic perfomance is part of the scoring process and there is NO swimsuit or talent competion. Visit www.ncscnationalteen.com for more info.

15. Kroger Earning Plus Learning Scholarhsip
$1,000
2/1/2010
High School senior, 3.0 GPA, must have taken the SAT or ACT, Include a submission of creative expression of the 2009-2010 theme “Active! Mind. Body. Community.” Visit www.krogerearningpluslearning.com/seniors for applications and more information.

16. Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation Scholarship
Varies
2/1/2010
High school senior who will be an incoming college freshman. Must meet one of the following: 3.0 GPA, 22 ACT, 1030 SAT. Applications may be downloaded from the website at www.esaintl.com/esaf

17. MG James Ursano Scholarship Program
Varies
3/2/2010
Must have a 2.0 GPA, be dependents of a soldier on federal active duty, a retiree or a deceased active or retired soldier. Applications are available at http://www.aerhq.org/

18. Spartanburg Methodist College Full Tuition
Full tuition
6/30/2010
SMC offers any student that GRADUATES from a SC high school with a 3.0 GPA (or higher) FULL TUITION. Financial Aid package (no loans). Visit www.smcsc.edu for more information.

19. Irmo Chapin Education Association
$1,000
4/15/2010
Seniors from Irmo, Dutch Fork and Chapin High schools going to college and majoring in Education. Applications available in the Spring. See David Dubois for more info.

20. Marist College NSF Scholarship
Full tuition, room and board
2/15/2010
Marist College (located in Poughkeepsie, NY) through a joint effort with the National Science Foundation is awarding 12 full scholarships to highly talented students majoring in Computer Science or Information Technology. Apply online at www.marist.edu/admission (on the application, check the box labeled "National Science Foundation Scholarship Program".

21. Big Sun Scholarship
$500
6/24/2010
The successful applicant will be a high school senior and currently involved in a sport at their school. Must write a short essay answering the question, "How has your participation in sports affected the person you are becoming?" Visit www.bigsunathletics.com to apply.

22. Burger King Scholars
$1,000
2/1/2010
Sponsored by the Burger King Have It Your Way Foundation. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, work part-time for a minimum of 10 hours per week, be actively involved in community service activities, demonstrate financial need and plan to enroll in a two-year or four-year college. Visit www.haveityourwayfoundation.org for more info

23. Nashville Auto-Diesel College Scholarship
$1,000
6/30/2010
Nomination, see Allison Johnson if you wish to be considered. Must have a strong technical aptitude to pursue a career in the transportation technology field. Awarded students must enter NADC by October 30, 2010.

24. P.E.O. Star Scholarship for Women
$2,500
11/15/2009
The P.E.O. Star Scholarhship provides scholarships to high school senior women planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution. Must have a min. 3.0 GPA and complete an essay on your future career goals. See Allison Johnson for more information.

25. The American Legion 2010 High School Oratorical Scholoarship Program
$3,500
1/31/2010
Each contestant must present a prepared oration of not less than eight nor more than ten minutes on some phase of the Constitution of the United States which will give emphasis to the attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. Visit www.scarolinalegion.org under Legion Programs- High School Oratorical Contest

26. SC Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship Program
None Given
1/4/2010
High School Senior, 2.75 GPA, Must have a competitive or recreational interest in golf, attend a four-year college in the Fall of 2010. Apply online at http://www.scholarshipprograms.org/

27. Kittie Moss Fairey Educational Fund Scholarship Program
None Given
1/4/2010
High school senior, 3.0 GPA, must have a combined SAT score of 1800 or 26 ACT, applicant's parents must have a household income not exceeding $40,000, plan to attend a two-year or four-year college in the Fall of 2010. Apply online at http://www.wachoviascholars.com/

28. 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Keeper Scholarship
None Given
1/8/2010
Nominee must be a student 18 years or younger with at least a 2.0 GPA and a minimum of one year documented community service. Winners will be announced at the Martin Luther King Day Celebration on January 18. Applications available online at www.columbiasc.net/parksandrec/210

29. Hampden-Sydney College Davis Fellowship program
Full tuition, room and board
12/15/2009
Must apply for admission to the college and then be nominated by counselor. See Allison Johnson for information on being nominated.

30. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
$1,500 over 4 years
2/1/2010
Must score a minimum of 1300 on the SAT or 29 ACT, have at least a 3.5 GPA. See Allison Johnson to be nominated

31. Lexington Medical Center Medhurst/Norton/Telfer Scholarship
$2,000
3/15/2010
Students seeking a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. To be eligible students must be accepted into a nursing program and must include a letter of acceptance from the institution they plan to attend. Applications are available from Allison Johnson in the main office

32. Lexington Medical Center Ann Bethea Scholarship
$1,000
3/15/2010
Students planning to major in Nursing in a two year associate degree program. To be eligible students must be accepted into a nursing program and must include a letter of acceptance from the institution they plan to attend. Applications are available from Allison Johnson in the main office

33. SCLEOF Scholarship Award
Up to $5,000
2/12/2010
SC Law Enforcement Officers' Foundation scholarship. Prepare an essay of 1,000 words on the following topic: There has been much debate and discussions as to what the legal drinking age should be in SC. What is your opinion? Applications available from Allison Johnson in the main office

34. Palmetto Girl's State and Boy's State Scholarships
Varies
Various
Several colleges offer scholarships to participates in Palmetto Boy's Stateand Girl's State. See Allison Johnson for a complete list.
SAMMY Scholarship
$7,500
3/5/2010
2010 Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Must excel at academics, athletics and community service. Essay required. Winners receive $7,500 scholarship, a trip to Disney World and a spot in a national ad. Apply online at www.bodybymilk.com
James F. Byrnes Scholarship
$3,250
2/15/2010
Established to help young South Carolinians who have lost one or both parents. Eligibility criteria: have one or both parents deceased, be a SC resident, plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at a 4 year college/university, have a satisfactory academic record, demonstrate excellence in character and have need for financial assistance to attend college. Applications are available at www.byrnesscholars.org
Archibald Rutledge Scholarship
$2,500
2/5/2010
Offers 12th grade students the opportunity to compete for a scholarship worh approximately $2,500 in creative writing, dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Students should submit one original composition and/or a process folio. See Allison Johnson in the main office for an application.

Unit Two

2009-12-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

Classic text:
The Crucible (new book pg. 1120)

Unit will also include:
Authentic documents from the witch trials of 1692
Contemporary Literary Criticism
Excerpts from A Raisin in the Sun
Scenes from the movie The Crucible

Essential Questions:
How does literature shape or reflect society?
How can people use their writing to make a point about a social issue?
What are some factors to consider when choosing between preserving one’s self or preserving one’s values?

SC Standards:
E3-2.1 theses within informational texts
E3-1.4 Evaluate the relationship among character, plot, conflict, and theme
E3-1.5 Analyze author’s craft (writing style)
E3-1.7 Evaluate author’s use of genre to convey a theme
E3-3.2 Analyze meaning of words using Greek and Latin roots and affixes (vocabulary)
E3-5.4 Create a persuasive piece of writing
E3-5.6 Compose effective pieces of writing to respond to prompts
E3-4 Conventions of grammar – nouns, verbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions
E3-4 Mechanics of editing – Comma usage
E3-6.2 Use direct quotations, paraphrasing, or summaries to incorporate into written, oral, auditory, or visual works the information gathered from a variety of research sources.
E3-6.3 Use a standardized system of documentation to properly credit the work of others.

Important Literary Terminology: (all found on pages 1116 and 1117)
Author’s purpose melodrama
Dialogue tragicomedy
Plot modern realistic drama
Acts political drama
Scenes suspension of disbelief
Stage directions soliloquy
Comedy aside
Tragedy, tragic hero, tragic flaw passage of time
History play

Busy bees (or rather yellow jackets!)...

2009-11-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to update everyone about the exciting projects we have going on in our classroom at the moment...

1. If you're reading this right now, then you obviously realize that this blog exists. However, the exciting part is the student postings. I certainly haven't reached them all, but many students have taken interest and ownership in their education. I am writing about things that I deem important in the English classroom, and my students are posting their reactions to my comments....lovely academic conversations!

2. Because of a blog posting, I received a donation from a community donor to the IHSEF for the book clubs we have been doing in our classroom. The donation will go toward some book titles in which the students have shown interest. IHSEF says that they may match the donation in the Spring...fingers crossed! The book clubs have been a hit!! You should hear their discussions...so adult-like !!

3. I sent letters out to the Columbia community and asked people to write our classroom telling us how they use English in their everyday jobs. We've had a huge response. (If you are reading this and are intersted in helping out, email me at amoody.lex5.k12.sc.us. The letters are flooding in, and I'm reading them as often as possible in class. We had two speakers last week, and we will continue to have them each month for the rest of the year. The students took an interest in job shadowing some of these people, and Allison Johnson is helping make those arrangements.

4. After having mentors themselves through Mr. Wise's mentor program, I thought it would be a neat experience to have those same students give back to the community by being mentors to some of Columbia's youth. Therefore, three of my classes have become pen pals with a few local second and third grade classrooms. I was blown away by the heart felt letters, not to mention the proper grammar, and sincere interest they've displayed in their letters.

5. And last for right now, I am hosting a parent workshop, this Wednesday and Thursday night in the IHS library, to empower parents to help their children become better and more confident readers and writers. The parent response has been awesome, and I cannot wait!!

We're past the grammar...

2009-10-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let parents know what we have been learning now that we've moved past summer reading, get to know yous, and grammar reviews. Take a peek...

Unit One: Personal Narratives – Memoir and Autobiography

Contemporary texts: excerpts from
A Million Little Pieces
Life in Prison
Stick Figure
A Child Called It

Classic texts: excerpts from
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (p. 168)
A Narrative of the Captivity (old book 40)

Essential Questions:
How does literature shape or reflect society?
How can people use their personal stories to change the opinions of society in terms of a certain issue?
How does society shape its individual members (Equiano? Rowlandson?)

SC Standards:
E3-1.2 Evaluate impact of point of view
E3-2.1 theses within informational texts
E3-1.5 Analyze author’s craft (writing style)
E3-1.7 Evaluate author’s use of genre to convey a theme
E3-2.3 Analyze informational texts for author bias
E3-3.2 Analyze meaning of words using Greek and Latin roots and affixes (vocabulary)
E3-4 Conventions of grammar – nouns, verbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions
E3-4 Mechanics of editing – Comma usage!!!

Important Literary Terminology:
Slave narrative – book pg. 168
Point of view – handout pg. 6
Author’s purpose
Imagery, descriptive language - handout pg. 4
Memoir – handout
Diction – handout pg. 3
Allusion – handout pg. 1
Voice – handout
Tone – handout
Author bias – handout pg. 2

Pay attention to writing style:
Equiano: descriptive imagery, long sentences, diction (word choice)
Rowlandson: Biblical allusions, imagery, diction
***You will be expected to recreate (emulate) some aspect of their writing style in your own. For example, you may include an allusion to something in popular culture, use a specific dialect in terms of diction, or use imagery or long sentences in your personal narrative.

Minor writing: We will write a small literary analysis of one of the above classics. (1 page)
Major Writing: You will write a personal narrative/memoir about an event in your life. (2 pages)

Upcoming: PARENT WORKSHOP!!!

2009-10-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

You are invited!!
When: Wednesday, November 4 or Thursday, November 5
Where: IHS library
Time: 6:30-8 (or whatever part of that you can fit in)

I am excited to announce the upcoming opportunity of a Parent Workshop. I am hosting parents on Wednesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 5 from 6:30 to 8pm (or as long as you can stay) in the Irmo library. I will be giving helpful handouts and lessons on how to encourage, inspire, and assist your child in your home in terms of English III. Believe me, you don't have to be an English scholar to help your child with high school English...you just need the right tools and tricks of the trade. This workshop is meant to help your child improve in the Language Arts areas of reading, writing, and even standardized test taking. Please join me on whichever night works best for you! Also, I would love for you to bring your son or daughter (my student) along with you so that as I give you helpful strategies, you can practice them with your teen.

(If you are worried about childcare for another child (not my student), bring them along if you think they can sit quietly and color or entertain themselves.)

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email me at amoody@lex5.k12.sc.us and be sure to include which night you will be attending, to which student you belong (parent or guardian), and whatever questions you may have. If you do not have email, you may call me at 476-3058 and leave me a message.

Thank you for your interest and support,
Aston Moody

Got opinions??

2009-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Got thoughts?

So I know that not everyone out there is super acquainted with the world of blogging!! Believe me, until about a year ago when my friends started having babies and using a blog as their way to post pictures and stay in touch, I had no idea what this realm entailed either. My original hope was that students would read my thoughts on what we are doing in our classroom and then respond to my posts. However, not all too many have caught on. I soon realized that the blog would not only be a great way to hear students and to get them reading outside of the classroom and outside of a leather-bound, reading-in-the-traditional sense book type of way, but it would also be an excellent portal for parent and community feedback.

The only problem with this notion is that some parents, students, and community members are just as clueless as I once was….SO here is a small tutorial, a step-by-step lesson on how to respond to my writing:
--Go to my blog at astonmoody.blogspot.com (Obviously, you’ve mastered step one if you are reading this. Congrats; you’re half way there!)
--Read my post. My posts remain on the blog from most recent (the one you see first) to the older ones, which you can view by scrolling down. If you find yourself unable to view old posts, there is a tab at the very bottom that says, “older posts.” Click it.
--At the bottom of each post (writing), you will see a tab that says,
“Posted by Aston Hetrick Moody at 10:45 AM 4 comments.” Click on the part that says, “# comments.”
--You may read the comments or simply scroll to the bottom where it says, “post a comment.” --In that box, write whatever you would like. You may respond to previous comments, or you may speak what’s on your mind.
--When you are finished, you will see a part below it that asks, “Comment as?” If it is your first time commenting, then you will need to click on “subscribe by email.” That will let you sign in to be a follower according to your email address.
--Then click post comment.
***If none of this works, then do not fret. I would still LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear your feedback, opinions, suggestions, or ideas, and you can email them to me at amoody@lex5.k12.sc.us

Therefore, I ask again: Got opinions??

It's all about the Benjamins baby!!!

2009-09-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

My fists are up, and I’m ready to win a good fight. Meet my opponent Lovin’ Literacy! I’ve been challenged by those three little words, the ones every English teacher dreads yet fully expects: “I don’t read!” And I think to myself, “Oh, it’s on now!...You will read, and you will LOVE it!” And I don’t fight unless I know I can win! (Okay, obviously I don’t literally fight at all. It’s not lady-like. It’s stupid, and it’s tacky. But that’s a whole ‘nother blog entry, one from which many students could benefit…save it for next time…)

I would say that this year and its students proved to be no different than all those to come before, but that would not be true. I’ve actually been quite surprised to see that the numbers have been increasing in the last couple years in terms of students who genuinely enjoy reading. However, in the midst of those positive numbers, there lurk the ever present non-readers.

Non-readers come in all shapes, sizes, and IQs…and in the eleventh grade, they come out of the wood works! Why? Because the eleventh grade is the prime place for freedom in ways that don’t always include a flashy cover and an enticing storyline. Eleventh grade is one of the first years when students are old enough to be distracted by jobs, dating, and most importantly…the oh so coveted permit!

The Profile(s) of a Non-Reader:
1. You’ve got your athletes and your outdoorsmen who are naturally active and for whom the thought of sitting down somewhere reading is simply impossible because they’d much prefer to be outside (Example: This used to be my husband, the hunter/fisher/golfer/boater, but alas I won him over as well).
2. You’ve got your worker bees who claim they have no time to read since they get in at 11 from their after school shift, and it’s all they can do to master a little homework before they fall asleep, pencil in hand! Now this excuse would have flown with me before but not anymore. They now have time to read in class during the ten minutes I provide daily and during the new time our school provides after their news show finishes.
3. You’ve got your girls who are way too into the real life drama of their own life to invest time in a fictional story.
4. You’ve got the students whose reading comprehension, lexile scores are low, and they cannot understand a lot of what they read…
5. And on the opposite end, I’m also confronted with the brainstar students whose IQs are so high that they are worn out from studying and burnt out on books, and the last thing they want to do is crack open a book.

BLAH BLAH BLAH…I’ve heard it all! All this really means to me is NO ONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU THE RIGHT BOOK FOR YOU! Once you find a book about something you are interested, I guarantee you’ll love it. Think back to first grade (I know this from my own experience as well as from the tales my elementary school teacher best friends tell). Students love reading in first through third grade. They’re mesmerized by story time on the carpet. They gather close to their teacher, whom they still love because she hung the moon, and they stare, starry eyed, up at the colorful illustrations. They are so proud of themselves when they finish a book “all by themselves.” And so the fairytale continues (so it seems to a high school teacher) until BAM!!...the higher grades start hitting them with required reading, computer testing, less and less student choice, a lack of novels in which they are interested, etc etc etc…And the love for reading that once burned bright has been stifled and blow clean out!

And then they enter my classroom. And they become my personal project. We did book review passes during which they were exposed to 100+ titles. They gave book talks on their summer reading books to expose their classmates to the books they chose. The librarians gave book parties with title descriptions and book displays. After being exposed to numerous suggestions, they made a list of the titles they thought sounded most interesting. The students took surveys in which I asked them all about their interests outside of school and most importantly --- most telling --- what movies they like. All of this led me to gander, guess, and suggest what titles might suit which students best.

THE VERDICT’S IN…most students found out that they actually really enjoy reading…who knew?? They just needed to have the right book and enough time to get through chapter one. Now instead of hearing the dreaded, “I hate to read!” I hear music to my ears… “Mrs. Moody, can we pllllleeeeeeeeaaaassseee have a little more time? Uhhh, I’m at such a good spot.” I secretly love when I have to say, “Put that book away. I’m talking,” or “you’ll get some time later. I promise. Just put it away for now.” I can hear the angels singing.

Now that this love for reading (for almost everyone…I’m no miracle worker. Although sometimes you have to be to encourage 17-year-olds) has taken off, I have decided to implement book clubs. The students are old enough to have real, adult discussions about books that interest them, on topics that concern them, with people who understand them. What better way to encourage active reading, critcal thinking and reading for pleasure than to initiate book clubs? And so we have….

Thus far the students have practiced using short stories. Yes, with this age group, you have to practice being on-topic, saying meaningful things, reading with purpose, etc. They have chosen their groups, and the groups have chosen their novels. The only problem, a huge problem, is that the library doesn’t necessarily have enough copies of all the books that they’d like in just the right amounts for the groups. I tell ya…I get the motivation level up, the engine’s roarin’, and then we’ve got a flat tire on lap one!! Soooo, like any good teacher, I look to whatever resources still exist in our floundering economy! I put in for a grant…

See the letter below:
Dear IHSEF Foundation,

I lead a student centered class in that the students are given a lot of choice in our activities (as long as they are meeting the standards). This year the students and I are excited to bring the adult world of book clubs into the teenage classroom. They have discussed genres, participated in book passes to scout titles, written book reviews for their classmates to read, listened to the librarians’ book talks, and they have begun their independent reading. This week they went ahead and chose partners for their book clubs. Unfortunately, partnering had to be limited to two or three people per group because we all knew that the chances were slim that our library would have three available copies of any title. The students were so excited about their groups, their chosen titles, and the prospect of this project that they agreed to go to the county library or to a book store to check out or buy their choice of book. I have gone over the project with Mrs. Head and Mrs. Tisdale, and although they are so excited about book clubs, they fear that they will never be able to meet the demands of the titles simply because so many books are checked out.

Statistics have proven that independent reading / reading for pleasure increases success on reading comprehension in standardized testing and increases the students’ love for reading in general. The addition of book clubs encourages the students to be independent thinkers, to question their reading, to analyze the story, to become leaders amongst their peers in a classroom setting, to work with others, and to not only think critically but speak eloquently about what they are reading.

I have 140 students this year (with the numbers changing daily). That number of students could be divided into 35 groups of four. I am requesting 35 different young adult literature and classic titles to provide my students with a meaningful literary experience to enhance their year in English III as well as their lifelong love of reading. The English department has agreed to buy one set of books, 4 books, which totals approximately $36 (for the going rate of a paperback copy - $8.99). Therefore, I am asking you for $1,200 to fund the remainder of the purchase. I realize that this is a large request, so any funding that you could contribute would be greatly appreciated! My students are excited about reading, and it would break this English teacher’s heart to let them down! This excitement about reading is a rare occurrence but hopefully a growing trend amongst seventeen-year-old students. Please consider the needs of the eleventh grade Advanced and Grade Level students of Irmo High School. If we receive the money, we would love to publish a public thank you to the IHSEF and continually update you all and the community as to how our new and exciting project goes.

Thank you so much for your consideration,
Aston Moody and the English III students of IHS

And so fellow blog readers, book lovers, student supporters, please keep our class in your thoughts and prayers that this money comes through. There is only so much a teacher can do on her lowly salary and a $275 classroom stipend. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on other grant money or donors who are out there, please please let me know. As for right now, I shall count my many blessings to the tune of 132 students, books in hands, wide awake, eagerly turning pages, begging for "just a few more minutes"….

2009-09-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

I don’t know exactly what phenomenon has taken place over the summer, but I’m not questioning it. I’ll just “go with it.” For some reason, this year my students are more friendly, more polite, more conscientious, more interested, and more respectful than ever before. Thus far I have only had real issues with one student…and one out of 150 “ain’t” bad. (Even an English teacher knows that sometimes you can use slang for emphasis if not just for fun! Grandma would be appalled!) It is extremely encouraging to enter a classroom each period and look at students who are ready and willing to learn. I’m certainly not bashing all of the wonderful darlings who have come before these; I’m just saying there is a noticeable difference!!

Maybe it is because I started the year just a little more strict than usual. I have quickly found that (former teacher) Grandma was right when she said, “You can always get nicer, but it’s mighty hard to crack down after everyone’s run-a-muck!” So true grams! I keep telling everyone that I’m loving this year’s students, and their response has been, “Yeah but it’s only week three…just wait…” But I don’t know – you doubting public! These students have not let me down yet, and certainly hope they don’t start anytime soon.

2009-08-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Teaching English is not just about the literature for me. Yes, yes, yes…I do LOVE to over analyze everything, beit a picture, story, movie, song, a friend’s social drama, etc, but the reason I love teaching English is because of WORDS! That’s right words!

Words are the reason that you are here in this school today: a long time ago someone declared (through words) it a privilege that everyone gets an equal education. Then, because some people decided not to take advantage of this privilege, someone else made this a law (words). Then your mom or dad (or whoever woke you up this morning) said (words), “You are going to school today...”

Politicians’ words influence US citizens vote for certain candidates. A boss’s words tell workers how to do the jobs that make our world go round. Words encourage (or discourage) people to play a sport, join a club, or enter a group of friends. Words teach students the ways of the world. Words make some people fall in love and others grow to hate. Words compliment and words degrade. Words seal a marriage, and words swear in a witness in court. By letter, email, Skype, and of course text, words travel the globe in seconds.

Words are everywhere, touch everyone, and influence every second of every day. And in what other subject area, do we get to study the significance, origination, power, and weight that these jumbles of letters hold?

I know that it drives some types of brains crazy that there is not one specific answer to most English topics. However, that is the beauty of it! We are here to discuss, ponder, question, and conclude what other people meant when they wrote.

And more importantly, while you are here this school year, I will ask you: What are you doing with your words? Do you choose them wisely? Do you have anything important to say…to a friend? To your parents? To this class? To our community? To the world? What will you leave behind? How will your words today effect any part of tomorrow? How will the words you read and write today effect you tomorrow, effect what you become in 10,000 tomorrows? Words, what you read, what you write, and what you say (especially how you speak), will determine your future….SO, DEPENDING ON YOUR WORDS, HOW BRIGHT AND SUCCESSFUL WILL YOUR FUTURE BE?

The ball is in your court. What will you do with the words you’ve just read?

Welcome to English III...

2009-07-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

Let's face facts, who really ever wants to leave the beautiful summer behind and head back inside? I am sad for the break to end, but I cannot wait to meet my "kids" for this year. I'm fully aware that you guys are not actually kids anymore, but out of habit, that is how I usually refer to you outside of school. I get so many disturbing looks as a result. Looks that say, "You have kids that age?," or "You have kids? I didn't realize," or "Your kids did what??" ... and then I politely inform them that this is just a term of endearment for my darling - two feet taller than I am - students!
I must be honest and up front with you by letting you know that I never planned to nor wanted to become a teacher. My grandmother was the star English teacher at her school for years, and even after hearing her heartfelt tales of the classroom, I thought teaching is just not for me! However, I went off to college bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and clueless about what the heck I wanted to do. After four changes in my major, I figured, okay I'll just major in English. I like it; I'm good at it....now what will I do with it? After ruling out law school, based on some of Dad's moans and groans, I decided to at least give a teaching practicum a try and see how I liked it. Turns out, I LOVE IT. Don't get me wrong, teaching is definitely a love/hate relationship based on a minute by minute waver, especially when you're working with unpredictable sixteen and seventeen-year-olds, but YOU GUYS ARE JUST SO DARN FUNNY that once I was in, there was no turning back. Who else gets front row seats to an improv, comedy routine every day? With that said, I am strict, very strict I've been told, but I do enjoy a good laugh, and you "kids" never seem to let me down!
After three years of teaching English a certain way, I am shaking it up a bit. I have been to mulitple professional development conferences this past year that suggested more choice, more writing, and more more more of your own opinions...We are going to be studying various selections of new and old American literature, analyzing it, and then you all will be writing your own pieces based on your observations of professionals' techniques. You'll be asked to write mulitple pieces about your own life, your struggles, strengths, opinions etc. You will also be asked to write on various social issues that just plain bug you or absolutely delight you...start pondering!
I cannot wait to meet you all. I am hoping for a fun, interactive, intelligent year. I am excited to have this blog, and I hope that you will check it, post on it, and enjoy it. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for the upcoming year.
With much anticipation,
Mrs. Moody