SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS

The 2009 Summer Reading Assignments are now available:
English 9
English 10 and 10 Honors
English 11
English 11 Honors
English 12

If you have any questions about the assignment, be sure to contact the guidance office at 356-8320, or Mrs. Cutting, English Administrator, at 356-8345.

HERE ARE THE LISTS!

The Summer Reading Lists are now available--check them out by grade:
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade

Remember that these lists are suggestions only. We know you like to pick your own books, so feel free to pick something comparable. If you need help choosing, have a look at some of these sites:
HS Book Archive
College Bound Reading List
101 Great Books
Booklists for Teens
Fantastic Fiction
YA Series and Sequels
Booklists and awards

If in doubt, ask me! You can contact me during the summer at eokeeffe@mohonasen.org.
And remember, you WILL be able to check books out over the summer.

MAY 10 IS MOTHER'S DAY!

Although some version of the holiday is celebrated in many countries, the American version was the notion of Julia Ward Howe (author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") who declared a Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870, believing that if mothers got together, such carnage as had just occurred during the Civil War, could be avoided. Find out more at About.com.

CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo is to Mexicans what St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish--quite different when it is celebrated here in America! In this country, it is a time for parades, parties, and fun, but the holiday had very serious origins in Mexico's fight for independence. Learn more about it from the University of California and The History Channel.

EARTH DAY!

Since it's foundation in 1970, the annual celebration of Earth Day has grown into the "largest secular civic event in the world" (according to Earth Day Network), with more than a billion people participating in events and actions all over the world. Check out the Network website to find out what's happening today, how you can get involved on a community level, or in one of their terrific programs (like how to create "green schools" within a generation). With everything we are learning about global warming these days, it is more important than ever to become part of the solution. Do you know what your ecological footprint is? Find out by taking the footprint quiz.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a "complex developmental disability" that is "defined by a certain set of behaviors." It is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Increased awareness of this disability is important for all of us in the Mohonasen community. The more we know, the better we can be. Learn more at the Autism Society of America, and check out the special library window display (created for us by the Peer Network Support Group).

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

American poet Robert Frost called poetry "a way of taking life by the throat." Take life by the throat this month! April is National Poetry Month, and we want to CELEBRATE!

Find "30 Ways to Celebrate" at The Academy of American Poets. Ever wondered what a dactyl is? Or an alexandrine? What’s hyperbole? Find out with FactMonster’s Glossary of Poetry Terms. Click on Infoplease to find a variety of resources on poets, poetry terms, poetry sites, and more.

Budding poets should click on Poetry Magic for writing tips and techniques that will help you get your creative juices flowing.