The Williams Word
Updates for Ms. Williams' English Classes--September 3, 2015
Contact Ms. Williams!
Email: lindsay.williams@london.k12.oh.us
Website: mswilliamsenglishclassroom.weebly.com
Location: 336 Elm Street, London, OH, United States
Phone: 740-852-5705
Twitter: @mswilliamslhs
Beginning of the year successes
What are we learning?
English 9
English 9 students just finished a week with Ms. Kim Davis, the London City Schools Library Media Specialist, learning the ins and outs of the LHS Library! Ms. Davis received her Bachelors Degree from Rio Grande University in Communications and Education. She also obtained a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Supervision from Wright State University. She was an English teacher at Springfield South High School in Springfield, Ohio for 21 years before coming to London. 2015 marks her eighth year as the librarian (and education superstar) for London City Schools.
What we learned from Ms. Davis...
Ms. Davis taught the English 9 students quite a bit in just six short days! Many of the skills, databases, and resources that students were introduced to are going to transcend the English classroom; most subject areas at LHS will require students to utilize and apply the information they were taught this past week throughout their four years at London High School. So, what new and exciting concepts did students acquire?
1. Students completed the TRAILS literacy assessment, a knowledge assessment with multiple-choice questions targeting a variety of information literacy skills based on 9th and 12th grade standards. TRAILS is a web-based system that was developed to provide an easily accessible and flexible tool for school librarians and teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses in the information-seeking skills of their students.
2. Students set up accounts for and learned how to use NoodleTools, a comprehensive platform used for the academic research process. NoodleTools supports the research process with a platform of integrated tools for note-taking, outlining, citation, document archiving/annotation, and collaborative research and writing.
3. Students set up accounts for, and learned how to use, InfOhio, a state-funded research database which includes World Book Online, Literary Reference Center, Science Online, Learning Express Library, and other scholarly/credible resources. InfOhio allows students to access an online digital library that allows them to problem solve, critically think, and research--extremely important skills students need to succeed beyond high school.
4. Students completed interactive tutorials on plagiarism, the practice of taking someone else's work and passing it off as one's own. The tutorials students completed came from both Rutgers University and Vaughan Memorial Library, Acadia University.
English 12
English 12 started off the year with quite a bit of viewing, critical thinking, creating, and applying!
Digital Portfolios
Lord of the Flies
After examining the elements of fiction (setting, characterization, and conflict) in Tom Hanks' film Cast Away, students worked on learning the eleven sentence paragraph format. Students wrote an eleven sentence paragraph for each of the elements they viewed in the film and then were given the opportunity to choose which of the three paragraphs they felt best reflected their professional writing style. Students then submitted this paragraph for a final grade.
Students are now beginning to read William Golding's classic novella, Lord of the Flies. We are about three chapters in and already, so much has happened! Students have been working on learning, using, and applying college-level vocabulary from the novel, analyzing a literary text, and participating in teacher-led and collaborative group discussions.
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, please expect students to have homework assignments on a nightly basis. The assignments that students will be completing are used as enrichment, as well as additional support, for what we are working on in the classroom. English 12 students are held to a higher standard than lower level classes. As such, they are expected to show up to class prepared, having read any assigned chapters, and with their work completed. By following guidelines and completing work in a timely manner, students will continue to prepare for college-level courses and expectations!
Upcoming Events
Check out these upcoming events for LHS students and parents!
Friday, Sept. 4: LHS Varsity FB vs. Greenon HS (Home) Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 07: Labor Day – No School
Tuesday, Sept. 08: Josten’s Representative. at LHS for Class Ring Orders and Senior Cap & Gown Orders
Friday, Sept. 11: LHS Varsity FB vs. Bishop Ready HS (Away); Kick-off at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18: Interim Reports to Mailed to Parents/Guardians
Friday, Sept. 18: LHS Varsity FB vs. Madison-Plains HS (Home); Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19: LHS Men's and Women's Saturday Night Soccer game vs. Washington Courthouse; Men at 6 p.m., Women at 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22-24: Farm Science Review
Friday, Sept. 25: Two-Hour Early Release Day for Students
Saturday, Sept. 26: LHS Homecoming Dance (7:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 29: County-wide Operation Street Smartz Program (7:00 p.m. in LHS Auditorium)