Secondary English Weekly #2
VOLUME THREE, ISSUE TWO /September 14-18, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the novels in the StudySync 9-12 novel-based units and in the 6-8 novel studies are not offered as full texts inside the StudySync library. Do I have digital access to the full texts of these novels?
-Some of the novels are available in the StudySync library. These are ones that McGraw Hill either has copyrights to or are in the public domain. You can search for these in the StudySync library. Click the library tab, then select texts, then filter for "Full-text."
-Other novels can be found inside the COURSE FOLDER for your course found on the ELA 6-12 Webpage at the curriculum Quick Links (Curriculum/Instructional Resources 6-8, Curriculum/Instructional Resources 9-12). Once inside your COURSE FOLDER, you will see folders for novels and novel guides. Several of the novels suggested by StudySync in the novel-based units and the novel studies can be found there in PDF format. To share these with your students, you will need to make your own copy and save it to your drive or download them, then link them through the customization tool when assigning a novel-based unit or novel study in StudySync or share them via Google Classroom. Do not give students a direct link to the PDFs that are inside the COURSE FOLDER. That access is for teachers only.
-You will also find novels linked inside the Curriculum Maps, at the beginning of each unit of the Scope and Sequence, if we were able to procure them. To share these with your students, you will need to make your own copy and save it to your drive or download them, then link them through the customization tool when assigning a novel-based unit or novel study in StudySync or share them via Google Classroom. Do not give students a direct link to the PDFs that are inside the Curriculum Maps. That access is for teachers only.
When are the testing windows?
Since this information originates in the testing department, I won't have this answer until it is shared with me. You can see the information I do have below in the "Assessment Information" section. When I am given the official testing calendar, I will share the dates.
Why are there so many classes in StudySync and how can I tell them apart inside StudySync when I am choosing a target class for an assignment?
After you click the McGraw Hill SSO Icon in Clever, and before you launch the StudySync App, you will see classes from this year and last year. The classes from last year will be there through part of September because 4th quarter from last year has to be kept open in IC due to the extension of SY19-20. This year's classes are marked with X and Y. The X classes are for first semester and are the ones you should be using now. The Y classes are for second semester. After you launch any of the classes to get onto StudySync, you may notice that the classes all have the same name when you are trying to choose a "target" class when assigning a lesson, reading, blast, etc. This can be very confusing. Follow this guide to change the names of your classes so that they will show up differently inside StudySync to make choosing a "target" for your assignments easier: StudySync-How to Change Course Names
How do I link my Google Classroom in StudySync?
Use this video to understand the process for full integration of Google Classroom and StudySync: Google Integration Video. Students can use this student-facing tutorial: Linking Your StudySync Account with Google Classroom.
Why does it say I don't have access to the Curriculum Folders and Docs on the ELA 6-12 Website?
Due to proprietary items from our adopted resources this year, you will need to be logged into your CCS-credentialed Google account to open any of the curriculum maps, course folders, and course introduction pages that are in the newsletter and on the ELA 6-12 Webpage at the curriculum Quick Links: Curriculum/Instructional Resources 6-8, Curriculum/Instructional Resources 9-12.
How come I could launch StudySync/Launchpad yesterday, but today, I click and nothing happens?
The easy fix is to go to your browser and clear your cache. Also, you may need to allow pop-ups.
- StudySync Webinar: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Plan with Confidence: Design Instruction for Any Hybrid or Online Scenario Register Now
THURBER HOUSE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOP: How to Break Through Writer's Block Learn More About/Register for Thurber's Adult Writing Workshops HERE
Tuesday, September 15th
- StudySync Webinar: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Supporting Students with IEPs Remotely Register Now
- StudySync Ask an Expert Opportunities (open office hours) ADMINISTRATOR Session
- THURBER HOUSE YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO (GRADES 9-12) 6:30–8:30 pm ET on Zoom
- *ONLINE* | An Evening with Soul Writer Kahlil Carter SEP 15, 2020 at 7pm Kahlil Carter specializes in writing poetry, short stories, and screenplays. Drawing lifelong inspiration from being named after author Kahlil Gibran, Kahlil has always found the written word of others instrumental to his development as a person and a writer. Kahlil gravitates toward writings that explore great personal depth in a manner that challenges others to do the same. At age 14, Kahlil participated in the Ella Baker Academy for Non-Violence and Social Change. As part of his undergraduate studies at Howard University, he was fortunate to study under E.R. Braithwaite during his time as a visiting professor. Kahlil was also a part of a film internship in New York under Keith Beauchamp, the creator of the documentary The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till. The recipient of an Editor’s Choice Award from Poetry.com, Kahlil is published as part of the anthology The Shining Light.
- LIVE! on Zoom: Gramercy Books Owner Linda Kass Launches A Ritchie Boy, in Conversation with Historian Robin Judd. Join Gramercy Books owner Linda Kass in conversation with distinguished historian Robin Judd, for the official book launch of her eagerly awaited second novel, A Ritchie Boy, the poignant, compelling tale of one young immigrant’s triumph over adversity as he journeys from Europe to America, and from boyhood to manhood, while taking part in the US Army’s Military Intelligence operations during World War II. The novel is set during the dawn of World War II and the disruptive decade that follows. TICKETS
What is Young Writers' Studio? Students in Grades 9-12 meet every other week for two hours with author and English professor Robert Loss. They kick off the first hour with quality writing prompts and activities. They wrap up the last hour with the chance to workshop pieces that you or others share. It's a safe, low-key, fun opportunity to enjoy writing and meet others! Register HERE
Wednesday, September 16th
- Middle and High School English Chair Meeting: 3:30-5:30. Zoom link will be sent in an email to the chairs.
- StudySync Webinar: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Basic Training for New Accounts Register Now
- TeachingBooks Webinar: Differentiate with Multi-leveled Lessons Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10am Explore titles on TeachingBooks that have lessons designed to scaffold instruction and build connections to text in your differentiated classroom. Flexible enough to use for a whole-class read, read aloud titles, book groups, or independent reading. Register
Thursday, September 17
- StudySync Ask an Expert Opportunities (open office hours) TEACHER Session
- StudySync Webinar: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Keep Students Interacting with Peer Review Register Now
- StudySync Webinar: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM StudySync StartUp Solutions Register Now
Friday, September 18
- CCS TECH Office Hour: 9-10am; These office hours facilitated by Jesse Ireland are meant to support district personnel in implementing instructional technology to have the highest impact on teaching and learning. Waiting Room is enabled to assist in controlling the flow of people in breakout rooms. https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/95949814314?pwd=OGllcUwvR3Nsa2R2UGpsOFFYdTIrUT09
Saturday, September 19
- Mindfulness Writing Session 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register (See more information in the "Teacher Opportunities" section of this newsletter.)
The CCS ELA 6-12 WEBPAGE
This is the main site for CCS Secondary English teachers. By using the links at this site, teachers can access each of the following: CCS Instructional/Curriculum Resources including Curriculum Maps, Course Folder, & Novel Guides; Ohio’s Learning Standards with Clear Learning Targets; Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Language Strand Resources; Text and Novel Access; Course Descriptions; Standardized Test Information & Preparation Resources; Secondary English Weekly Newsletters; Discipline Literacy & Career Connections Resources; Google Tools & Blended Learning Guides; Plagiarism & Style Guides; Read 20 Toolkit; and Principal and Parent Resources. Use it as your one-stop-shop to everything Secondary English.
NOTE: To access many items on this page, you must be logged into Google using your CCS credentials and not a personal account.
THE CURRICULUM MAPS/COURSE FOLDERS
Here are some short videos to acclimate you to the new Curriculum Maps and show the correlation between the maps and the adopted digital resources.
- Video Orientation to Curriculum Docs/Folders
- Video-Using the Curriculum Maps with StudySync
- Video-Using the Honors Curriculum Maps with Launchpad
- Video-Using AP Pacing Guides with Launchpad
Here are links for the Curriculum Maps and Course Folders/Introduction Pages for your courses. Remember, you find these on the ELA 6-12 Webpage at the curriculum Quick Links (Curriculum/Instructional Resources 6-8, Curriculum/Instructional Resources 9-12).
- Curriculum Map-English 6
- English 6 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 6 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-English 7
- English 7 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 7 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-English 8
- English 8 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 8 COURSE FOLDER
- HUMANITIES LANGUAGE ARTS 8 COURSE FOLDER
- Humanities Language Arts 8 Course Introduction Page
- Curriculum Map-English 9
- English 9 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 9 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-English 10
- English 10 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 10 COURSE FOLDER
- HUMANITIES ENGLISH 9 COURSE FOLDER
- Humanities English 9 Course Introduction Page
- HUMANITIES ENGLISH 10 COURSE FOLDER
- Humanities English 10 Course Introduction Page
- Curriculum Map-Honors English 9
- Honors English 9 Course Introduction Page
- HONORS ENGLISH 9 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-Honors English 10
- Honors English 10 Course Introduction Page
- HONORS ENGLISH 10 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-English 11
- English 11 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 11 COURSE FOLDER
- Curriculum Map-English 12
- English 12 Course Introduction Page
- ENGLISH 12 COURSE FOLDER
- AP English Language Course Introduction Page
- AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE FOLDER
- AP English Literature Course Introduction Page
- AP ENGLISH LITERATURE COURSE FOLDER
- African American Literature Course Introduction Page
- AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE COURSE FOLDER
- Major British Writers Seminar Course Introduction Page
- MAJOR BRITISH WRITERS SEMINAR COURSE FOLDER
-What you find in the Curriculum Maps for English 6-12 from the district follows the thematic CORE ELA units in StudySync, but takes out a few of the readings in the Integrated Reading and Writing pathway to give you more time on the Extended Writing Projects.
-What you find in the Curriculum Maps for Honors follows the chapters in the adopted texts, but does a careful selection of readings/activities in the thematic or genre chapters to fit the time allotted in the grading periods and meet the rigor of an advanced course.
-The Curriculum Maps, as always, are a suggested pathway. You still have lots of autonomy and choice and may choose to substitute a reading or two in the Maps for a different one. You have complete choice when it comes to when to use novel studies. The suggestion for middle school is to read 3-4 novels each year and 4-5 per year in high school. StudySync provides guides for 2 different novels for each unit in middle school (12 total) and three per unit in high school (18 total), plus many more in the StudySync library. Bedford suggests several novels you can choose from for each of its thematic or genre-based chapters. For the novels in StudySync and Bedford that are aligned to the units, you will have most of them digitally, either in StudySync or in your Course Folder. You also still have access to novels in your buildings, warehouse, and curriculum office
Columbus City Schools Resources for Secondary English
With the adoptions of StudySync and Bedford, many of the resources for Secondary English from past years were no longer needed and were not renewed. Others have been given to us for free this school year. You can see all of the Secondary English Resources with descriptions and access information here:
CCS Adopted, Supplemental, and Intervention Resources List
Don't forget, you still have access to all of the Google for Education Suite items, including Google Classroom.
CLEVER INTEGRATION & COURSE NAMING
The Integration of StudySync and Launchpad with Clever for SY 2020-21 is complete if your classes have been loaded into Infinite Campus by your buildings. You will see classes from last year until later in September. This year's classes are marked with X and Y. The X classes are for first semester and are the ones you should be using now. The Y classes are for second semester. If you want to change the names of your classes in StudySync, follow this guide: StudySync-How to Change Course Names
-You will access StudySync via the Clever icon or http://clever.com/in/columbuscity and click on the McGraw Hill icon. Then, you will launch the StudySync App.
-To get to Launchpad (honors and AP) through Clever, click the Launchpad icon and click on the name of class/textbook.
-Using Chrome as your browser is suggested. Questions about the syncing and using Clever should be directed to Tim Wangler.
Here is the demo code for StudySync in case you have a co-teacher, building coach, or admin that wants to see the platform and they do not have a class aligned in Clever/IC.
DEMO: my.mheducation.com
UN: StudySync2021
PW: study2021
NOTE: HMH's Into Reading/Ed Your Friend is a K-5 product and should not be used for Grades 6-12. iReady is a testing tool for Grades 6-8 and is not to be used for curriculum.
TEACHER FEATURE: PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
- Learn how teaching StudySync’s Core Units transformed Elizabeth’s benchmark scores, and why she never loses sleep over standards. Elizabeth's Pathway to Success
TOP TIP: 3 WAYS TO BLAST
- What does it look like to teach Blasts virtually? From synchronous 30-minute lessons to student-paced alternatives, here are 3 ways to Blast from a distance. Make it a Blast
StudySync Tutorials
There is a tutorial for everything! When you are in StudySync, you can get to the Help Center by clicking on your name at the top, right. In the dropdown menu, you select "Help Center." Then type in what you want to know about and it will populate the tutorials. Also, the speech icon in the lower, right gets you access to a live help desk during office hours.
Some of the most popular tutorials and supporting documents are linked below.
Student-Facing Tutorials
- How to Use Scaffolds with StudySync
- Linking Your StudySync Account with Google Classroom
- StudySync Mobile App - How to Find Your App Key & Set up the App
- How to Find a Text in the Library
Teacher-Facing Tutorials
- StudySync Walkthrough PDF
- Google Integration Video
- How to Change Course Names (relabeling your course in StudySync for clarity)
- Sub-Groups & Differentiation (video)
- Navigating a Student Account (video)
- Mimic a Student (video)
- Distance Learning: The Basics PDF
- Top 5 Ways to Engage Students Through Remote Learning PDF
- Tips for Creating Instructional Videos
- Small-Group Discussion Planning Document
- Facilitation Strategies for an Online Discussion
- Design a Three-Part Flipped Lesson
- Create and Customize an Assignment from a Core Unit (video)
- Create an Assignment from the Library (video)
- Create an Assignment for multiple classes (video)
- Edit an Assignment (video)
- Preview an Assignment (video)
- Deactivate an Assignment (video)
- Search for an Assignment (video)
- Copy an Assignment (video)
- View Inactive Assignments (video)
- View a Report of Student Work (video)
- Grade Student Work (video)
- StudySync Gradebook & Data Analysis (video)
- Navigating Digital Library (video)
- Culturally Relevant Instruction (video)
- Blasts in Detail (video)
- Create a Blast (video)
- Teaching a Blast – HS (video)
- Teaching a Blast – MS (video)
- Show a Blast with Live Data (video)
Parent-Facing Supports
StudySync Webinars, Office Hours, PD, and Tutorial Pages
Tutorials/Webinars/Office Hours/Upcoming PD
- STUDYSYNC SYNCUP SYMPOSIUM: CREATING INCLUSIVE VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS WITH DR. CATLIN TUCKER AND DR. MICHELLE MARTIN Coming up on Saturday, September 26th from 11:45am-3:15pm, you have a chance to participate in sessions on remote learning, teacher presence, social and emotional learning, and more from StudySync. Here are the REGISTRATION DETAILS.
- Monthly Webinars Topics include: Mirrors, Windows, & Doors: Equity & Diversity in the StudySync Library; Planning Assessments for Back-to-School; Supporting Students with IEPs Through Remote Learning)
- StudySync Ask an Expert Opportunities (open office hours for admins and teachers)
- StudySync Tutorial Videos, Docs, Webinars, Remote Teaching Resources, Google Integration, etc. (page with many, many tutorials and Webinar information)
- StudySync Flyer for Teacher Use (page with how-to teaching videos)
Teacher Sessions: 9/17, 9,22, 10/1
Admin Sessions: 9/15, 9/24, 9/29
StudySync Recorded Trainings from This Summer
- McGraw Hill Education Columbus City Schools – Summer Activation Trainings from July – StudySync Access Password: 2n&04X1+
- Here is a link to Task Cards for self-paced exploration of StudySync: https://bit.ly/2BmI3YO
- High School Training – Aug 25, 2020 https://mcgrawhill.zoom.us/rec/share/_ZEsdKva0UNIXq_B8kv4QZ48GqrYeaa8gCFL_aJYn0puBzcHjXd-ZFQdTYky79Hm Passcode: 0Ujs&87=
- Middle School Training – Aug 25, 2020 https://mcgrawhill.zoom.us/rec/share/65FXIenc00NOa9Lg4mr9XosnIp_oX6a803JP-aALmhrdo48PL6RcrnxfUztJFUZp Passcode: t7B*Hjw8
BEDFORD OVERVIEWS AND TRAINING/Tutorial LINKS
Overview Pages and Slideshows
- Course Tours Landing Page (Honors and AP)
- Foundations of Language and Literature (Honors 9)
- Advanced Language & Literature (Honors 10)
- The Language of Composition (AP Lang. 11)
- Literature and Composition (AP Lit. 12)
Recorded Trainings/Slides and Follow-Up Letter from Summer
- Launchpad Training (July 16)
- AP English Language Arts Recorded PD (August 24) Passcode: #2v#*ySf
- AP English Language Arts Slides (August 24)
- AP English Literature Recorded PD (August 25
- AP English Literature Slides (August 25)
- Letter from Renee Shea for all AP Teachers
- Honors English 9 Recorded PD (August 24)
- Honors English 9 Slides (August 24)
- Honors English 9 PD Handouts (August 24)
- Honors English 10 Recorded PD (August 25)
- Honors English 10 Slides (August 25)
- Honors English 10 PD Handout (August 25)
MORE Launchpad Trainings
- Recorded LaunchPad Training (65 minutes)
Welcome Screen Functionality (<4min)
How to turn off Welcome Screen (<2min)
Accessing your downloadable eBook & creating account (<4min)
Functionality of downloadable eBook (<18min)
What is LearningCurve? How do I assign it?:
For English Teachers (<9min)
How to create an online assessment?
For English Teachers (12min)
Gradebook functionality (<4min)
Grading online tests/assignments (<2min)
Calendar function (1min)
How to view as a student (1min)
How to create groups in a course (<2min)
TEACHINGBOOKS TUTORIAL
StudySync Teacher Editions
Honors and AP Teacher Editions
Student Editions
-StudySync: In Grades 6-10, students have one consumable (Reading and Writing Companion) for the year with all 6 units included. In Grades 11-12, students have two consumables (Reading and Writing Companion). Volume 1 is for Units 1-3 and Volume 2 is for Units 4-6.
-Bedford: Students have a hardback text and may have a workbook for Honors 9 and 10.
Honors 9: Foundations of Language and Literature
Honors10: Advanced Language & Literature
AP Language: The Language of Composition, 3rd Edition
AP Literature: Literature and Composition, 2nd Edition
English DEPARTMENT CHAIR LIST and MEETING DATES FOR 20-21
THE FIRST MEETING HAPPENS THIS WEDNESDAY AT 3:30PM.
The 2020-21 Department Chair Meetings will happen on the 2nd Wednesday of each month with the exception of September’s meeting which will happen on the 3rd Wednesday due to the delayed opening of school.
Dates and Times*
- September 16, 2020; 3:30-5:30pm
- October 14, 2020; 3:30-5:30pm
- November 11, 2020; 3:30-5:30pm
- December 9, 2020; 3:30-5:30pm
- January 13, 2021; 3:30-5:30pm
- February 10, 2021; 3:30-5:30pm
- March 10, 2021; 3:30-5:30pm
- April 14, 2021; 3:30-5:30pm
- May 12, 2021; 3:30-5:30pm
*Time may change for chair meetings that include chairs from K-8 buildings when the district makes the switch from virtual to face-to-face environments.
According to the contract language, each grade level band (6-8 and 9-12) within a building is eligible to have a chair. The employee chosen for Department Chair would need to be part of CEA. This Activity Form needs to be completed by the employee and signed by the building principal, disregarding Part II on the form because there are no certifications required for Department Chair. The form gets sent to tcox1@columbus.k12.oh.us.
UPDATING SECONDARY ENGLISH MAILING LIST
Description: These office hours are meant to support district personnel in implementing instructional technology to have the highest impact on teaching and learning. Waiting Room is enabled to assist in controlling the flow of people in breakout rooms.
Meeting Times/Dates: This meeting will occur each Friday from 9:00 - 10:00 am starting September 11th and running through December 18th and will be facilitated by Jesse Ireland.
Meeting Link:
https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/95949814314?pwd=OGllcUwvR3Nsa2R2UGpsOFFYdTIrUT09
Assessment Information for Columbus City Schools SY20-21
-In Grades 9-12, the Benchmark Assessments* in StudySync (three per grade level) are going to replace NWEA MAP/Reading Inventory testing for the BOY, MOY, and EOY. Teachers in Grades 6-8 will use iReady to replace NWEA MAP, but are free to use the Benchmark Assessments for their own classroom information. NOTE: iReady is NOT a curriculum tool for middle school. It is only being used for testing. The adopted curriculum resource is for middle school is StudySync.
-BOY, MOY, and EOY specific information will come from the testing department. When I am given that information, I will share it with you. I have heard that the testing calendar may also include two practice tests from the ODE testing portal and hope to provide clear information when I have it.
-All Teachers in Grades 6-12 may use the StudySync Readiness Screener and Reading Comprehension Diagnostic at the beginning for the year. StudySync also has End-of-Unit Assessments in regular and EL forms, and offers SAT/ACT/State Test Preparation Assessments. Here is the entire suite of assessments that you have available to you in StudySync with a description of what they measure:
- Readiness Screener for Each Grade Level
- Readiness Screeners assess students’ preparedness on the previous grade-level’s standards-aligned skills and content. Teachers can use this assessment to determine student strengths as well as reteaching and remediation needs.
- Reading Comprehension Diagnostic for Each Grade Level
- The Reading Comprehension Diagnostic assesses students’ basic reading comprehension skills. Students are presented with two grade-level appropriate passages, each accompanied by 5 items focused on assessing text understanding.
- Benchmarks for Each Grade Level (3 Forms at each grade level) * BOY, MOY, & EOY (9-12)
- There are three Benchmark Assessments for each grade level. They have around 35 questions each and look like the OST. They contain literary and informational readings and paired readings with standard-aligned multiple choice, multi select, Part A/Part B, and drag and drop items. They can be assigned electronically and scored immediately.
- Benchmark Assessments measure students’ progress toward standards mastery throughout the school year. Three assessment forms – to be delivered at the beginning of the school year, after the completion of Unit 2, and again after the completion of Unit 4 – provide a valid and reliable measure of students’ advancement. There are six units total in the program; each lasts 30-days. All of the ELA standards are taught by the end of Unit Four and that is why they are scheduled as noted above. However, since CCS is using them for the BOY, MOY, and EOY for 9-12th grade, they should be given during the windows set by the testing department.
- State Test Preparation (3 Forms for Reading and 3 Forms Writing at each grade level)
- The State Test Preparation assessments can be administered to students throughout the year, leading up to end-of year testing. Students’ growing mastery of the curriculum should result in increasing scores at each administration and determine student readiness for high-stakes testing.
- End of Unit (6 for each grade level) / EL End of Unit (4 levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced High for 6 units at each grade level)
- The End-of-Unit Assessment reports on the outcome of student learning. As students complete each unit of the reading program, they will be assessed on their understanding of key instructional content as well as their ability to write in response to prompts across a series of genres.
- ACT English & ACT Reading (6 Forms)
- The ACT Test Preparation assessments can be administered to students throughout the year, leading up to the high-stakes test. Students can use the results of this assessment to gain insight into their strengths and needs for further practice.
- SAT (2 Forms)
- The SAT Test Preparation assessments can be administered to students throughout the year, leading up to the high-stakes test. Students can use the results of this assessment to gain insight into their strengths and needs for further practice.
Newest Resources from the Ohio Department of Education
Novel Conversations Season 7 is Here!
As the world hovers over a “new normal” … the meaning of dystopia has taken on a new life. Orwellians everywhere might say Facebook censorship and “fact-checking” is the new Thought Police… and as slogans like “We are alone, together” are trumpeting throughout the mainstream message, across our television screens and on billboards… is that really doublethink in 2020?! Terms, ideas and prophecies from George Orwell’s celebrated novel, 1984, seem more prescient than ever…
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
- George Orwell, 1984
Novel Conversations, a fan-favorite podcast about classic literature, is returning for its seventh season! And they are kicking it off with a dystopian theme. Get ready for Big Brother, battles with Morlocks, and some apprehensive book burning. Join them every other Tuesday for eight brand new episodes, featuring titles like Fahrenheit 541 and 1984. See below for all eight books and release dates, or follow us for updates on their Twitter and Facebook pages. Enjoy! Listen Now
Episodes
Ep 1: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) LISTEN NOW
Ep 2: The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895) Sep 22
Ep 3: Advise and Consent by Allen Drury (1959) Oct 6
Ep 4: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell (1996) Oct 20
Ep 5: The Tenth Man by Graham Greene (1985) Nov 3
Ep 6: The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy by Sterne (1759) Nov 17
Ep 7: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Twain (1889) Dec 1
Ep 8: 1984 by George Orwell (1949) Dec 15
It can be hard to stay in the now these days. We long for a time not long ago when our colleagues’ faces weren’t covered by masks and for a future day when our classrooms return to normalcy. This series will help teachers find calm and balance in the present.
In each session, participants will be invited to do a guided meditation and then an activity that combines writing with mindfulness, including loving-kindness meditation, yoga for hands, bowing to difficulty, and moment writing. As part of these restorative writing experiences, we will discuss mindfulness strategies for detachment, compassion for self and other, and openness to possibility. By writing in the moment, we can relax into the present and into ourselves. Please note: This series is NOT sequential. Feel free to join one, two, or all three sessions—whatever works with your schedule. Each date will be a unique time to get together and meet you where you are.
*Active membership in NCTE is required for participation. Not yet a member? Join us! www.join.ncte.org
Saturday, September 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register
Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register
Saturday, September 26 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Register
TEACHINGBOOKS WEBINARS IN SEPTEMBER
Differentiate with Multi-leveled Lessons Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 9CT
Explore titles on TeachingBooks that have lessons designed to scaffold instruction and build connections to text in your differentiated classroom. Flexible enough to use for a whole-class read, read aloud titles, book groups, or independent reading. Register
Find the Perfect TeachingBooks Resource Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020 9CT
Enjoy browsing and searching on TeachingBooks while discovering the perfect resources to meet your needs. We'll share advanced search techniques and locate resources in a variety of formats to reach students with different learning styles. Register
Enhance Independent Reading with TeachingBooks Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 9CT
Engage readers with resources to preview titles. Add to your reader's advisory bag of tricks. Register
THURBER HOUSE AUTHOR VISITS FOR SEPTEMBER
*ONLINE* | An Evening with Soul Writer Kahlil Carter SEP 15, 2020
Kahlil Carter specializes in writing poetry, short stories, and screenplays. Drawing lifelong inspiration from being named after author Kahlil Gibran, Kahlil has always found the written word of others instrumental to his development as a person and a writer. Kahlil gravitates toward writings that explore great personal depth in a manner that challenges others to do the same. At age 14, Kahlil participated in the Ella Baker Academy for Non-Violence and Social Change. As part of his undergraduate studies at Howard University, he was fortunate to study under E.R. Braithwaite during his time as a visiting professor. Kahlil was also a part of a film internship in New York under Keith Beauchamp, the creator of the documentary The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till. The recipient of an Editor’s Choice Award from Poetry.com, Kahlil is published as part of the anthology The Shining Light.
Excelsior! Danny Fingeroth, longtime writer and editor at Marvel Comics who worked with Stan Lee for over four decades, presents A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee—the definitive biography of the beloved (and often controversial) co-creator of legendary superheroes and the powerhouse behind the pop culture phenomenon known as the Marvel Universe. Danny Fingeroth’s A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee stems from exclusive interviews with Lee himself, as well as colleagues, relatives, friends―and detractors. Fingeroth makes a remarkable case for Lee’s achievements, while not ignoring the controversies that dogged him his entire life―and even past his death. With unique access to Lee’s personal archives at the University of Wyoming, Fingeroth explores never-before-examined aspects of Lee’s life and career, and digs under the surface of what people thought they knew about him.
Saturday, September 26th, 11:45am-3:15pm; Participate in sessions on remote learning, teacher presence, social and emotional learning, and more. REGISTRATION DETAILS
BANNED BOOK WEEK IDEAS (SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3)
Here are some virtual ideas for Banned Books Week coming up later this month.
THURBER HOUSE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOPS (SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER)
- 9/14 – How to Break Through Writer's Block
- 9/21 – Mining Memories: Making Stories
- 9/28 – Going Rogue: Garden Edition
- 10/5 – True Inflammatory Poems
- 10/12 – Writing Places and Spaces
- 10/17 – Here There Be Dragons (Master Class)
- 10/19 – Capturing Joy Through Poetry
- 10/26 – Going Rogue: Holiday Edition
Learn More About/Register for Thurber's Adult Writing Workshops HERE
GRAMERCY BOOKS AUTHOR EVENTS (SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER)
At Gramercy Books on Main Street in Bexley, they share our love of books and the arts through a broad range of programming and events that bring the community together. There’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out Gramercy's calendar of events, and discover something new.
ILA (INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSOCIATION) NEXT-OCTOBER 3-29
ILA Next (October 3–29) is a new professional learning experience for literacy educators across the globe. Digital by design, ILA Next offers a blend of live and on-demand learning anchored by a weekly workshop series. You bring the device; they'll bring the PD!
They've zeroed in on the most important issues in literacy instruction, recognizing the challenges facing teachers right now, such as the following:
- Distance and hybrid learning
- Equity and access
- Social-emotional development
- Trauma responsive instruction
Each week, you'll have access to multiple hours of live presentations plus additional hours of on-demand content. Informal Office Hours sessions give you the chance to interact with select speakers and fellow participants. REGISTER NOW
2020 OHIOANA AWARDS MOVES ONLINE (OCTOBER 21)
The 2020 Ohioana Awards, originally scheduled for October 15 at the Ohio Statehouse, will now be presented online on Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m. The event will feature the presentation of awards to our winners:
- Fiction: Salvatore Scibona, The Volunteer
- Nonfiction: Jeannie Vanasco, Things We Didn’t Talk About When I Was a Girl
- About Ohio or an Ohioan: David McCullough, The Pioneers
- Poetry: Hanif Abdurraqib, A Fortune for Your Disaster
- Middle Grade/Young Adult Literature: Jasmine Warga, Other Words for Home
- Juvenile Literature: Oge Mora, Saturday
- Readers’ Choice: Kenn Kaufman, Season on the Wind
- Walter Ramsey Marvin Grant: Brendan Curtinrich
There will no admission charge for the 2020 Ohioana Awards - it is being presented as a free event, open to all Ohioans as a celebration of books and reading. While the event is free, registration is required at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-ohioana-awards-tickets-120406794965
—NOTE: If you missed the Virtual Ohioana Book Festival, the entire festival program is now completely online. You can heck out the panels, discussions, outreach programs, and media interviews, along with drawing and story times for kids, individual author readings, and more. If you did attend the festival, this is your chance to catch something you might've missed - or revisit a program you enjoyed for a second or third time. Go to the schedule page below - click on the title of any linked program and it will take you right there: http://www.ohioana.org/prog…/ohioana-book-festival/schedule/.
You can still purchase books featured at the festival by going online to the official bookseller for Ohioana, The Book Loft of German Village:https://www.bookloft.com
AMLE (ASSOCIATION FOR MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION) 2020 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE-OCTOBER 23-25
Class is virtually in session! Just as this is no ordinary year, this is no ordinary conference. You are invited into the #AMLE20 virtual middle school classroom! It’s a space to play, innovate, and be creative. It’s a space to connect with colleagues. It’s a space to contribute and collect tools and resources to meet the needs of your students and your school community. INFORMATION HERE I REGISTRATION HERE
COLLEGE BOARD FORUM VIRTUAL CONFERENCE (OCTOBER 26–28, 2020)
Now, more than ever, educators need to connect and support one another on how to navigate unprecedented challenges due to covid-19. Don't miss the opportunity to join your higher ed and K–12 colleagues at the College Board Virtual Forum, October 26–28.
Attend keynote and panel discussions, colloquia, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking events, and participate in the annual Forum College Fair. Conference topics will include: Trends in higher education in 2020, Keeping students on track, Addressing the digital divide, Best practices for leaders during covid-19, and Realizing social justice in our work. Register Now I View the Preliminary Program
NCTE (NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH) 2020 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE-NOVEMBER 19-22
NCTE’s Convention is the most historic annual literacy convening for teachers and educators. Now celebrating its 110th consecutive year, the historic event connects educators to the most passionate and energetic minds in literacy. Attendees can expect to hear from leading education voices as well as nearly 300 national authors, all engaging together around the pressing topics of the field. Join them to establish new allies in the work of excellent teaching, new connections with luminaries and authors, and enough new books to fill entire shelves in classroom libraries. INFORMATION HERE I REGISTRATION HERE (WILL BE LIVE SOON)
BONNIE CHAMBERS GRANT FOR 6TH GRADE TEACHERS
Recognizing the extraordinary challenges teachers face in the upcoming academic year 2020-21, a one-time $5,000.00 grant will be awarded to purchase books for K-6 students in an Ohio public school building. This Bonnie Chambers Grant is designed to help teachers who strongly promote the use of quality literature in their classrooms. Teachers will use the grant money to select and purchase their own book choices (fiction or non-fiction) dealing with understanding and coping with COVID, racism and equality issues, and/or mental health issues for children and their families.
Application Criteria
- This grant is open to any* Ohio public school teacher(s) in grades K-6 who demonstrates a need for money in the purchasing of classroom books for their elementary building.
- If a group of teachers apply, one teacher will apply on behalf of the building and serve as the contact teacher.
- Need can be demonstrated through free-lunch ratios, recent school-levy results, extraordinary events, etc.
Applications are available and due by December 31, 2020.
Online Application I Print Application
Visit the Bonnie Chambers Grant page for more information: https://www.octela.org/awards/bonnie-chambers/
FREE NEW YORK TIMES SUBSCRIPTIONS.
This could be a great resource for our Publications in Newspaper classes. HERE are the details.
OHIO LITERARY TRAIL
The Ohioana Library is delighted to introduce the Ohio Literary Trail, a new program that will shine the spotlight on Ohio’s unique role in shaping culture and literature worldwide. Ohioana compiled the trail map with more than 70 sites across the Buckeye state, paying tribute to the authors, poets, illustrators, libraries, and creative influencers of the written word who have called Ohio home. The Ohio Literary Trail celebrates Ohio’s diversity through an eclectic range of literary greats who influenced feminism and women’s rights, Black history, religion, LGBTQ+ rights, and American culture through literature. Tourists planning a literary-themed outing, as well as Ohioans who want to discover literary treasures they never knew existed in their own backyard, will find it here: http://www.ohioana.org/resources/the-ohio-literary-trail/
BULK BOOKSTORE GIVEAWAY
On the Bulk Bookstore Facebook page, they are giving away free copies of this fun book The Chocolate Touch. You could be one of six winners of 5 free paperback copies on September 30th.
TEACHINGBOOKS BLOG-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS
HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways for September 2020.
WE ARE TEACHERS-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS
HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways.
THURBER HOUSE YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO (GRADES 9-12)
- Tuesday, September 15
- Tuesday, September 29
- Tuesday, October 13
- Tuesday, October 27
- Tuesday, November 10
- Tuesday, November 24
6:30–8:30 pm ET on Zoom
What is Young Writers' Studio? Students in Grades 9-12 meet every other week for two hours with author and English professor Robert Loss. They kick off the first hour with quality writing prompts and activities. They wrap up the last hour with the chance to workshop pieces that you or others share. It's a safe, low-key, fun opportunity to enjoy writing and meet others! Register HERE
-A limited number of scholarships are available for this program. Email megbrown@thurberhouse.org for more information.
POETRY OUT LOUD 2020-2021
Poetry Out Loud (POL) encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary heritage and contemporary life. Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is administered in partnership with the State Arts Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Teachers, librarians, or administrators register their high schools each year with the Ohio Arts Council and organize contests with one class, several classes, or a whole school. Contests, workshops, and multi-media program materials, including curricula, are free. Poetry Out Loud is aligned with Common Core and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards.
REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL HERE. I Get more information here.
VOTE FOR THE 2020 BUCKEYE CHILDRENS AND TEENS BOOK AWARDS
Voting is now open for your favorite book from the nominees below. You can also make your nominations for the 2021 Buckeye Childrens & Teens Book Awards!
For Grades 6-8
- Supernova (Amulet book 8) by Kazu Kibuishi
- Front Desk by Kelly Yang
- Grenade by Alan Gratz
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier
- Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
The Teen Buckeye Book Award Nominees (for grades 9-12)
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
- Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña
- Supernova (Renegades book 3) by Marissa Meyer
- The Toll (Arc of a Scythe book 3) by Neal Shusterman
- War Storm (Red Queen Book 4) by Victoria Aveyard
Weekly Stress-Break Video: YOU MADE IT THROUGH WEEK ONE-"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
did you miss earlier issues of the secondary english weekly newsletter?
Each week, this Secondary English Weekly Newsletter will be linked in an email sent to ELA and ELA-related teachers in Grades 6-12 and posted on the CCS English Language Arts 6-12 Page (https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12). It will contain all of the latest information that could prove useful to you and your students. If you know of anyone who needs to be added to the mailing list, please send their name(s) to cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh. Happy Educating!
Carla Mae Phillips
Southland Center, Suite 125
Email: cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA
Phone: (380) 997-0463