• Welcome to Sophomore English at Galena High School

    Note: This content is based on 22 quick-write texts authored by students on Wednesday, August 28, and consolidated into web content by Claude 3.5 Sonnet. The prompt for the student texts is at the end of this web page.

    Unleashing Your Potential as a Galena Grizzly

    Welcome to Mr. Wilkinson's Sophomore English class, where we embark on an exciting journey of literary exploration, critical thinking, and personal growth. As Galena Grizzlies, we're committed to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares you for success in high school and beyond.

    Our Mission: Engage, Explore, Excel

    At Galena High School, student engagement is our top priority. In Sophomore English, we're dedicated to:

    1. Developing essential skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking
    2. Exploring diverse literature that challenges and inspires
    3. Fostering a supportive community of learners
    4. Preparing you for college, career, and lifelong learning

    What to Expect in Sophomore English

    Exciting Curriculum

    This year, we're excited to dive into a variety of engaging texts and topics:

    • Short stories like Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the Slaughter" and Richard Matheson's "Button, Button"
    • Novels including "Feed" by M.T. Anderson and "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
    • Classic works such as Elie Wiesel's "Night"
    • Episodes of "The Twilight Zone" to analyze storytelling techniques and themes

    We're also exploring our brand-new textbook, which offers fresh perspectives and contemporary works to complement our classic readings.

    Skill Development

    Our class focuses on five key areas:

    1. Reading: Enhance your comprehension and analysis skills through close reading of diverse texts.
    2. Writing: Develop your voice through various writing projects, including essays, creative pieces, and research papers.
    3. Speaking: Gain confidence in expressing your ideas through class discussions, presentations, and debates.
    4. Listening: Improve your ability to absorb and critically evaluate information.
    5. Critical Thinking: Learn to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate complex ideas and arguments.

    A Typical Day in Sophomore English

    1. Begin class by securing your phone in the designated pocket and retrieving your assigned laptop.
    2. Sign in to the attendance kiosk.
    3. Review the day's agenda on Canvas.
    4. Engage in a variety of activities, which may include:
      • Taking notes on lectures or readings
      • Participating in class discussions
      • Working on writing assignments
      • Collaborating on group projects
      • Analyzing texts or media

    Technology in the Classroom

    We utilize technology to enhance your learning experience:

    • Canvas: Our primary platform for assignments, resources, and communication.
    • Writable: An online tool for writing assignments and peer reviews.
    • AI Tools: We explore the responsible use of AI to support your learning and creativity.

    Remember, while technology is a valuable tool, we prioritize handwritten notes for better retention and understanding.

    Keys to Success

    1. Stay Engaged: Participate actively in class discussions and activities.
    2. Take Effective Notes: Follow the Guide to Notetaking Mastery for best practices.
    3. Manage Your Time: Complete assignments on time and avoid late penalties.
    4. Collaborate: Work effectively with your peers and seek help when needed.
    5. Think Critically: Challenge yourself to analyze texts deeply and form well-supported arguments.

    Student Perspectives on Success

    Our students have shared some valuable insights on how to thrive in Sophomore English:

    One student advises, "Make sure to get to class on time, and always try your best, in this class and your other classes, too."

    Another emphasizes the importance of note-taking: "Taking notes in this class is very highly recommended because notes are a great way to remember things and stay sharp."

    Important Policies

    Late Work Policy

    • 5% deduction per day late, up to 5 days
    • Maximum score of 60% for assignments submitted more than 5 days late
    • No work accepted after the posted hard quarterly deadline

    No-Phone Policy

    To maintain a focused learning environment, phones must be stored in the designated pockets during class time. This policy is strictly enforced.

    Support and Resources

    Parent Involvement

    Parents play a crucial role in your success. They can support you by:

    • Reviewing Canvas regularly to track assignments and grades
    • Encouraging daily reading and writing practice
    • Discussing the books and topics we're exploring in class
    • Ensuring you have a quiet space for homework and studying

    Join the Grizzly Pride!

    Sophomore English is more than just a class—it's a community where every Galena Grizzly can grow, challenge themselves, and discover their potential. We're excited to embark on this journey of learning and discovery with you.

    Student Experiences

    Our students have shared some of their favorite moments and insights from the class:

    One student reflects on our reading of "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl: "I like this story because it has an interesting story line, with some creepiness and suspense. I also like it because it shows how your partner can be very devoted to you, and it's important that you are as equally devoted to them, otherwise it could end badly for you."

    Another student appreciates the class atmosphere: "Mr. Wilkinson is a really nice and fun teacher, and your classmates will be the same throughout all of your high school life, so it is probably a good idea to make friends with all of your teachers and classmates."

    The variety of activities keeps our students engaged: "We watch TV shows and movies, including The Twilight Zone for their English principles." This approach helps bring literature to life and allows students to analyze storytelling techniques across different media.

    One student sums up the class experience beautifully: "This class is a balance of plenty of work and fun... This is a good class for people that really want to learn about how to get work done and we have already done a lot and learned about taking notes in a good way."

    A Day in the Life of a Sophomore English Student

    Here's a glimpse into a typical day, as shared by one of our students:

    "We Walk in, and we all take our seats and computers and open canvas, and we do our assignments for the class. After that we start our lesson and take out our notes, jotting down whatever notes we have on any lecture or story we're assigned. Then, end the day is suppose. A pretty normal day all things considered."

    This structure provides a consistent and productive learning environment, allowing students to focus on developing their skills and engaging with the material.

    Are you ready to roar with Grizzly pride and unleash your potential? Let's make this year of Sophomore English an unforgettable adventure in learning!

    Remember, as one of our students said, "This class is an experience worth having, and I am honored to have taken Mr. Paul Wilkinson's Sophomore English class." We can't wait to welcome you to our Grizzly family and embark on this exciting journey together!

     

    Prompt

    Imagine you're talking to a new student and their family about our Sophomore English class. Write a welcoming and informative piece that covers:

    1. What exciting topics, books, or projects we're exploring this year (you can use the standards and frameworks documents you have, the information on Canvas, things you've heard in class, your notes, and any other sources)
    2. How our class helps improve reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills
    3. A typical day or week in our class - what activities do we do?
    4. How technology (like Canvas) is used in our learning
    5. Tips for success in the class and how families can support their student
    6. A brief personal story about a favorite moment or valuable lesson from our class so far