I LOVE Christmas!

With Christmas being just around the corner, I am just about as excited as my children!  I LOVE this holiday.  I love the lights, the trees, the red shirts, the gift wrap, even the shopping.  Most of all, I love the time I get to spend with my family.  When I think of Christmas, I always think of two things that are my fondest memories:  my grandmother (who does Christmas BIG) and my family tradition of sharing one room with my siblings on Christmas Eve.  Let me explain...My grandmother probably loves Christmas more than anyone.  She decorates everything--seriously!  It's like walking into a little winter wonderland of Santas and nutcrackers.  As a child, we knew Santa came to her house, too, and we could hardly wait to get to her house to see the tons of presents she had stacked around her tree.  To this day, my sister, cousins, and I fight to see who gets the spot on the couch in the Christmas tree room (years ago, we all fit--but we're a bit bigger now).  Being at Grandmother's for breakfast will always be one of my favorite memories.  I also will never forget a tradition (one I hope my kids will eventually grow into).  On Christmas Eve, my siblings and I would put on our matching Christmas pj's--that my wonderful grandmother had given us--and would all 4 pile into one room to sleep.  My poor brother always had to sleep in the floor!  But we would laugh and giggle half the night--till Mom or Daddy came in for about the 100th time reminding us Santa would not visit if we were awake.  Then, we'd all wake up around 5:00 (if we even slept that late), send my brother to see if there was any loot under the tree, then run wake up Mom and Daddy.  However, we'd always have to wait to open presents:  my parents' rule was they got coffee first--the perfect example of parental torture!  It was always the greatest morning!  I know God has blessed us all with wonderful Christmas memories and will continue to do so--even when our families drive us nuts!

Now, post your own favorite Christmas memory for a wee bit of extra credit.  The deadline for posting is Friday, Dec. 10.  You must write in complete sentences with adherence to proper English grammar.  I look forward to reading your fantastic stories!

What a Week!

It's food drive week, AND the cougars are playing for the 3A state championship--it doesn't get much better than this!  I encourage all of you to help the less fortunate by getting cans.  Also, join us at Tennessee Tech to watch the cougars pull off the upset of the decade when they beat Alcoa!

Discussion Topic for Extra Credit!

It's that time of year again. . . time for us to gather around the table with family (some of you probably still sit at the kid table, right?) and stuff ourselves with far too much food then watch football till we're senseless. . . only to get up when it's still dark to shop for those great deals on Black Friday (maybe I'm the only one who does that!).  So, before the madness begins, I want you to slow down and reflect:  think about why you are thankful right now in your life. . . what has God given you for which you should be thankful?  To receive extra credit, you must post a comment of at least 4 GOOD SENTENCES no later than NOVEMBER 18.  If you don't do it right, you will not be thankful for Mrs. Boyd because I will not give you credit for your post!  Ready, set, GO!

Lots of Reading!

Each class is either wrapping up a major piece of literature or beginning a new one.  DE Comp is about finished with Hamlet while DE lit is taking the Macbeth test this week.  Lit guys, don't forget you need to be reading Pride and Prejudice!  English III students are beginning The Scarlet Letter this week.  Remember, reading is crucial to your grade since I will check study guide questions and give you a reading quiz each time chapter assignments are due.  DON'T BE A SLACKER!

Good Luck to All this Week!

What a crazy week--again!  Good luck to our football team as they face CPA--again--in the first round of the state playoffs Friday night.  It's gonna be a cold night, so dress accordingly!  Also, good luck to our band as they compete in the state competition this weekend.  Go Cougars!

Happy Halloween!

As you all celebrate this festive holiday, I pray you are safe and nice!  Enjoy hanging out with your friends and eating candy!

Look at Your New Syllabus!

Each class now has a syllabus for the next few weeks.  Dual enrollment students, your syllabus covers the rest of the semester!  ALL of you should use your syllabus for absences and planning purposes.  Keep up with it!  If you are absent, you can look at the syllabus to see what you missed and can email me with arrangements to make up tests/quizzes.  Be responsible!

We Survived!

Even though I had several students who were dragging this morning, I am thrilled with how everyone contributed to the success of float week in preparation for the rest of the homecoming activities tonight.  Some of the students were even a bit delirious with their tiredness!  I loved the parade and pep rally today; even my shy guy Brett was over with his buddies going bananas--that's saying a lot about Cougar spirit!  May you all get some rest this weekend :)

Hang in There!

I spent my first official time at floats last night and was quite impressed with how much you juniors worked together!  I love being part of a school where students of all sorts of backgrounds get together to accomplish one task.  Poor Peyton never said a word as she was stuck between Hoyt and Robert who talked about cars for several minutes!  You only have a couple more nights of grueling work--hang in there!  Things were looking great!

Let the CRAZINESS begin!

Tonight is the first night of float week.  Even though I'm new to Goodpasture as a full-time teacher, I know how crazy this week will be!  Having said that, I will do my best to give as little homework as possible this week, but students will have at least a little bit of homework.  So, budget your time and use your free time constructively!

Fall Break--Yippee!

I pray each of you has a wonderful, relaxing fall break!  I know it's short compared to everyone else's, but you can certainly find some time to enjoy the scenery God has provided to to recharge for the second nine weeks.

Fall is Finally Here!

If you have not enjoyed the weather this weekend, I must say I think something is wrong with you!  It was beautiful--we finally got to wear sweatshirts and jeans--comfortably!  What a great weekend for God to bless us with fantastic weather:  an awesome win over White House on Friday night and a great Cougar Day.  As a first-time participant, I was impressed with Cougar Day.  My kids had a lot of fun (thanks Macy and Cassey)!  Special thanks to all of you who worked in the concession stand at the chorus room--you were great!  Don't forget to check your page to see when your class is having its nine weeks exam this week.  Fall break is almost here. . .!

Can You Believe It?

With the wonderful drop in the temperatures, can you believe that the nine weeks ends next week?  It seems as though we just began school a few days ago.  Maybe time flies because we've been having fun!  English III students, remember you will have a nine weeks test next week on either Wednesday (3rd) or Thursday (5th and7th).  That also means fall break begins next week!!

Don't Forget You Have a Syllabus!

All students need to remember you have a syllabus with details about what we will do in class and what is assigned for homework.  Be sure you look at it when you forget or when you are absent.  This is especially important for those of you who are involved in trips and sports that cause you to miss class.  You MUST stay on top of your assignments!  Use the syllabus to help you do this!

What a Day!

Today's pep rally was awesome!  You guys did a great job showing your Cougar PRIDE while FOX news was present with their cameras!  The neon colors and the enthusiasm were great!  I hope all of that continues today with the volleyball game against Macon County and the football game against Lipscomb.  My 3 munchkins are VERY excited about these events.  I hope to see you all tonight--GO COUGARS!

More Kinks Worked Out!

Now that I'm figuring out how to blog, I've set up this page to make it more user-friendly.  Just click on the tab at the top for your class to see what is going on.  Remember, you all have a syllabus for your class--use it!  If you need help, email me (ask Cassey C if you need my email address!).

It's finally working!

After nearly two weeks of not being able to access the blogger site, I can now get back to posting daily updates!  So, here goes. . .


1st Period:  Today we did revising/proofreading.  Your homework for Monday is to study for DLP quiz and type a second rough draft.  You will be able to sign up for conference times with me to look at the second rough draft.  Remember, bring a copy of Hamlet to class after fall break--there are copies available at the Cougar Corner.

2nd Period:  Today we resumed our discussion of the General Prologue of the Canterbury Tales.  For Monday, study for DLP quiz 4 and read both "The Nun's Priest's Tale" and "The Pardoner's Tale."  Get copies of these tales from me.  If you forget, you can probably read a translation online somewhere.
It's also time to start planning your children's story for our upcoming pilgrimage!

3rd Period:  For Monday, study for DLP quiz 5.  If you signed up for a conference time, be sure you are prompt!  The list will be in my room if you forget.  On Monday we will finish "nobody loses all the time" and will do a review of the Dreams of Success unit.

other classes:  5th and 7th periods should come to class on Friday with a typed, double-spaced rough draft. BE SURE TO FOLLOW YOUR OUTLINE!  8th period will work on rough draft 2 in the library on Friday.

Thursday and Friday Homework

Finally, a long weekend is upon us!  While we celebrate Reece's birthday with a "hopping" frog party (he REALLY thinks frogs are cool), I hope you guys have fun of your own.  Here are the assignments due next week:

5th and 7th periods:  For class on Tuesday, do your " ____ is my favorite season" commentary practice.  Make sure you do 2 chunks (CD:CM2 + CD:CM2).  Also, be ready for DLP quiz 3 on Tuesday.

8th Period:  For Tuesday, finish your "evil in disguise" re-write.  Be sure you focus on the elements of good writing (clever title, hook, interesting intro, 3Ts in topic sentences, strong commentary, clincher sentences, transitions, and an interesting conclusion).  Remember to do an informal outline that maps out your CD and CM.  Also, study for DLP quiz 3.

1st Period:  For Wednesday, study for DLP 3 quiz.  We will hopefully finish up Episode I on Wednesday.

2nd Period:  For Wednesday, study for Beowulf big test and DLP quiz 3.  We will pick up with more Canterbury Tales on Wednesday.

3rd Period:  For Wednesday, read "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" which starts on page 489.  Then, answer questions 1, 2, 3, and 6 on page 497.  Also, study for DLP quiz 3.

See you next week!

Wednesday Work (1st, 2nd, 3rd Periods)

What a busy day!  Everyone did something different, then we had a great time with FCA at Moss Wright Park.  Great job to those of you who helped organize the event!

1st Period:  On Wednesday, we reviewed commentary and talked about your evil in disguise re-writes--those are due on Friday.  Then, we began the much-anticipated Star Wars saga with a discussion about the whole series and a character description of Episode 1 The Phantom Menace.  Don't forget as you watch the movie in class, pay special attention to Qui-Gon Jinn; your first "big" essay will be one that compares and contrasts Qui-Gon to someone you know personally.  

2nd Period:  Great discussion today!  We began to wrap up Beowulf by talking about how committed (or not) people are when things get difficult.  For Friday, be sure your finish your WANTED poster.  The idea is to create a poster that advertises the need for a Hero (think of the song we heard via YouTube).  PUt a picture and a description of what type hero our society needs today.  We will finish Beowulf on Friday.

3rd Period:  Even though it was a bit rough, we made it through round one of commentary practice today!  Some of you did an excellent job, and most all of you seem to be grasping the concept.  We just need to keep practicing.  For Friday, write another "chunk" with the topic ____ is my favorite season.  You need one CD and two CMs to go with that topic.  Don't forget to bring your literature book to class on Friday.

Not-So-Terrific Tuesday!

Today, 5th and 7th periods got a dose of commentary while 8th period had the "joy" of sharing their attempts to write commentary.  Remember, the only way it gets easier is to keep doing it!  Here are the assignments due Thursday:

5th:  study for a quiz over the writing process and parts of the essay.  Be sure you pay attention to your notes! Also, you will have to define CD and CM and must know the ratio.  Also, write a CD and 2 CM sentences for the topic "The walls in this classroom are dull and boring."

7th:  study for a quiz--see the note for 5th period for details.  For class, be sure you do page 57 and the top of page 59 in the handouts I gave today.  Remember, you can change the "mall" to another place if you choose.

8th:  For Thursday, do your next round of CM practice (your topic is "my favorite season is __" then you do 3 chunks which is CD:CM2 three times).  Begin working on your "evil in disguise" essay rewrite.  It's due on Monday.  Remember to focus on title, good hook, interesting intro, clear thesis, topic sentence(s) with 3 Ts, and--of course--good CM!  This will be a 100 point major grade; I will grade it like a good rough draft.

Manic Monday!

What a whirlwind of activity today with more writing stuff and more Beowulf.  Here is the run-down:
1st Period:  DLP 2 quiz was today.  Then, I checked your CM homework as you guys did a trade and comment round.  Homework is to write 2 chunks about your favorite season as the topic sentence content.  By Friday, have your evil in disguise essay re-done for a 100 point major grade.  Remember, focus on good writing as we've discussed the past week.  Be sure you type the essay and follow all MLA guidelines.

2nd period:  DLP 2 quiz was today.  We read more Beowulf after taking a quiz.  For Wednesday, finish reading the Beowulf excerpt and be ready for a quiz.

3rd Period:  DLP 2 quiz was today.  After a writing review, we began discussing the concept of commentary.  For Wednesday, do the commentary practice exercise on page 57 and the top of page 59 handouts I gave in class.  Also, study for a quiz that covers the writing process and parts of the essay, including the questions I told you about commentary (what is concrete detail?  what is commentary? and what is the ratio of CD to CM?).

ATTENTION DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS!

DON'T FORGET:  Wednesday, Sept. 1 is the deadline for applying to Lipscomb and for applying for the Tennessee Dual Enrollment grant.  If you don't apply to Lipscomb, you will have to take a different English class--YOU CANNOT STAY IN DUAL ENROLLMENT!  If you don't file the grant application, you will receive a bill for $300 from Lipscomb.  Remember, this is out of our hands at Goodpasture!

Go to this link for the grant application:  http://www.tn.gov/CollegePays/mon_college/dual_enroll_grant_rules.htm

B Classes Homework Due Tuesday, Aug. 31

It's been another whirlwind day as we've all tried to wrap our brains around ways to write better essays.  Keep paying attention and keep trying to improve!  Here are the assignments due Tuesday, Aug. 31.

5th and 7th periods:  Study for your DLP 2 quiz and write 3 thesis statements that follow the formula we discussed in class today (see your notes).  Topic one is your favorite song with 3 reasons; topic two is your favorite holiday with 3 reasons; topic three is the importance of studying with 3 reasons.  So, you should come to class with 3 separate thesis statements that follow the formula.  You are NOT writing a full paragraph nor an essay!

8th period:  Study for your DLP 2 quiz and do your CM practice.  You should write 2 chunks for the Harry Potter topic (or your own book) and write 2 chunks for either the baseball/football topic or the Edward Cullen/Jacob Black topic.  This is due on Tuesday.  Good luck!

Beowulf and Writing Madness--Thursday update

While the DE Comp and English III classes are getting a crash course in essay writing with a dose of commentary tossed in, the DE lit class started reading the epic Beowulf in class today.  Oh, the joys of a mead hall environment as we read something bloody and ruthless!  Here are the assignments:

1st period:  Write 2 commentary chunks for the Harry Potter option (or a book of your choice) then write 2 chunks for either the baseball option or the Edward Cullen/Jacob Black option.  Do your best!  Don't forget your DLP quiz on Monday.

2nd period:  Read through page 29 of Beowulf, study for DLP quiz on Monday, and be ready for a reading quiz.

3rd period:  You got off the hook today since it took us longer to go over types of intro. paragraphs. Your only homework is to study for DLP quiz 2 for Monday.  Review your writing notes, too--there could be a pop quiz in your future!

What a Busy Day (or Two)!--Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 24-25

It's been a whirlwind couple of days as I've tried to cram a writing process review and essay parts review into a short class period.  The good news is most everyone has kept up!  Here are the specific homework assignments for each class.
First Period:  You need to read the first 2 1/2 pages of the Commentary handouts for class on Thursday.  You do NOT need to do the practice--yet!

Second Period: Be ready for a lit. terms quiz on Thursday and finish your resume of activities for Thursday.  We will begin the epic Beowulf in class--yippee!

Third Period:  Be sure you have your diagnostic essay typed and ready to hand in on Thursday.  Focus on the title, the hook, and the intro since we discussed them on Tuesday.

Fifth and Seventh Periods:  You need to type a new intro paragraph for the goals essay.  Focus on a catchy title, use an interesting hook, use a clever funnel paragraph, and end with the thesis statement.

Eighth Period:  Read the first 2 1/2 pages of the Commentary handouts for class on Friday.  You do NOT need to do the practice--yet!

What's on the Agenda for the Week?

By now everyone has finished the summer reading tests--everyone except Mrs. Boyd who now gets to grade them all! 

For Tuesday's class:
1st period:  be ready for DLP quiz and to take lots of notes about essays
2nd period:  be ready for DLP quiz, have essays ready to turn in (your fave book), and be ready for some lit. review and early Anglo-Saxon stuff
3rd period:  be ready for DLP quiz and to take notes about essays.  You will finally be assigned the diagnostic essay that I've been skipping!

For Wednesday's class:
5th and 7th periods:  make sure you have all supplies in class for a grade
8th period:  you also have a supplies check for a grade-be ready to take lots of notes!

Assignments for Friday and the week of August 23

We're nearly finished with the first week--yippee!  I know many of us were dragging today, so I hope our energy levels will be better as we continue to adjust to getting up early!  Here is what you need to work on for the next few days:

1st period:  Your summer reading test is tomorrow (Friday).  You will have a DLP quiz on Tuesday of next week after we finish DLP in class tomorrow.  We will begin notes on how to write an essay for Mrs. Boyd next week:)

2nd period:  Your summer reading test is also tomorrow (Friday), and you will have a DLP quiz on Tuesday of next week.  Please be working on your resumes for college and scholarship apps; they are due on Thursday.  We will begin our excursion through British literature on Tuesday!

3rd period:  Your summer reading test is tomorrow (Friday), and your DLP quiz will be Tuesday of next week.  We will begin discussing the writing process and the parts to an essay review next week.  You will have to write a diagnostic essay over the weekend to turn in on Tuesday!

5th, 7th periods:  Your summer reading test is Monday along with your DLP quiz.  We will begin discussing the writing process and the parts to an essay next week.  

8th period:  Your summer reading test is Monday along with your DLP quiz.  We will begin taking notes on how to write an essay for Mrs. Boyd in class next week!

Assignments for 1st thru 8th periods for Wednesday or Thursday

1st period:  For Wed., be ready to discuss A Gathering of Old Men and remember summer reading test is Friday.

2nd period:  For Wed., finish your Dracula Facebook profile.  Your summer reading test will be Friday.

3rd Period:  For Wed., get your signatures and work on supplies--extra credit for items 1-8 if you bring them all on Wednesday.  Summer reading test is Friday.

5th & 7th Periods:  For Thursday, finish your diagnostic essays.  Type a 3 paragraph essay (well-developed please!) that explains your goals for this school year.  You cannot have only atheletic goals!  You must also find a Bible verse to tie into your essay somewhere.  This is an essay to show me where you are as a writer, so do your best, but don't stress about it!  Your summer reading test and DLP quiz 1 will both be on Monday.

8th period:  For Thursday, make a list of questions/concerns about A Gathering of Old Men.  Your summer reading test and DLP quiz 1 will both be Monday.

We're almost to the middle of the first week!

What a Day--our first full day!

For some of you, today was fairly boring, but for others, it was a "free" day.  In case you didn't hear, Mallory, my 4-year-old, suddenly passed out today as her class went into the gym.  So, I had to take her to the doctor to have several tests administered.  The good news is, so far, everything is fine.  The doctors think it was probably a fluke possibly related to the heat.  So, for second, third, and fifth period classes, I'm sorry you did get to see me today!  Below you will find the assignments for each class:
1st and 8th periods:  get your course description signed and type your rough draft that explains how evil disguises itself in your life.  Remember, this is a rough draft!  We will discuss summer reading books next week.  First period, your summer reading test is Friday, Aug. 20 while 8th period, your test is Monday, Aug. 23.

2nd period:  get your course description signed and be ready to discuss summer reading.  Summer reading test is Friday.

3rd period and 5th period:  We'll get caught up on Monday!  If your parent(s) came to parent night last night, read through the course description with them and bring it in signed on Monday or Tuesday.  Summer reading test will be Wednesday for 3rd period and Thursday for 5th period.

7th period:  Get your course description signed for Tuesday and finish summer reading.  We will take the summer reading test on Thursday, Aug. 19.

Remember, if you have any questions, please email me at bboyd@goodpasture.org.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome Back to School!

I know summer seemed short, but it's time to get back into the routine!  The plan is for you to use this site for homework updates and classroom announcements and for the syllabus.  It will take me ime to get into the habit of using this site, but I WILL do it!  Make sure you listen in class, too!