Happy New Year 2011!

The first half of the school year will be marked by midterm exam week which is currently scheduled for January 20 through January 25. Snow day cancellations may indicate a change of schedule. 

The midterm exam for English is a two-hour test which addresses all the assignments, lessons, and required readings from August through January.  I advise my students to begin reviewing all the notes and handouts given.  A good time to do this is during the December vacation period.  If you are out-of-town and unable to begin the review, dedicate a set number of minutes each day to do this as soon as school resumes.  Use your study hall wisely. Do not waste precious time socializing when you need to focus on refreshing your mind with the materials that you have learned this year. 

Using post-it notes or a page from your notebook, jot down any questions that you may have as you read.

I am always available after school unless a special meeting has been scheduled for me to attend.  

Your midterm will test both recall and recognition skills with a great emphasis on application skills. Your learning is the foundation for your academic career in high school and college, so it is very important that you are able to show that you can apply the skills that you have learned, not simply memorize and "regurgitate" facts.

I am confident that if each of my students reviews and takes time to think about how to apply the skills learned, the midterm test experience will prove to be a good experience with a successful outcome.

Best wishes to my students and their families for a very happy and healthy new year.