Being in Honors English- Claire Riley

If I hadn't done anything, I'd be in CP English. Not that I didn't like that class, it was fine. But how do I explain that I don't feel smart.
How do I explain that when I was there, after fighting a year as a freshman, as the leader of every presentation group, I was still held back?
How do I explain that after getting "outstanding!" written on my paper over and over, I was still held back?
How do I explain that after working harder than I've ever worked in that class only to be labeled as a "try hard," I was STILL held back?

Being in this honors class has meant the world. I know it doesn't seem like much. It's a high school course, and kids including me complain ALL THE TIME about work. But just the idea of getting to sit where others who genuinely care about their grade is awesome. Getting to feel like I'm actually improving in my work and getting a quality education is awesome. Writing has been the only academic I've never stopped enjoying, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon.

Being in this class means that I've earned it. It means that I'm seen as above average at something that I've worked hard on to improve. I feel on top of the world when I sit down in my seat and get asked by peers what I wrote. Why am I the example? Aren't you guys the geniuses? 

Being in this class I've read the most interesting books. What's better? I found people just as interested in reading as me. Mrs. Kopp's recommended books never failed to intrigue me, and I've had so much fun talking about them.

Being in this class makes me feel smart. I feel like I have something colleges can finally look at and say, "oh, so she likes to write huh?"

In my next two years, I hope to go into some AP English classes. English has always been a bigger part of my school life than the rest of my academics, and I'm happy to say I excel at something that I could get a job in later on.

I'm so happy the school board and the English department has let me into this class, even after I almost gave up hope. I'm so grateful that Mrs. Valleau put up with my crap about wanting to go higher, even without the recommendation or the grades. I'm so happy I was able to spend my time in this class this year, have so many valuable lessons, and enjoy my time feeling like the smartest kid in the world...or at least for 45 minutes. :)

" 'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' ... What's the hype about?" By Liz Ukstins

During one of our weekly book chats, Mrs. Kopp began describing a book entitled I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. Immediately, hands shot into the air calling "dibs" on the next copy. Countless students wanted a copy of this book, including myself. But what's the hype about? Why is this book so appealing? What is it about and what makes it special?

I'm Thinking of Ending Things bounces between a fading love story and excerpts from a conversation over a suicide. A man and his girlfriend go on a road trip to a farm after being together for a short period of time. The girlfriend becomes paranoid and starts to question the position she was in. She wonders, "Is there any escape?" "Am I going to die?" The development of this story left me (and other readers) with chills and an inexplicable eerie feeling. Reid took such a unique take on the saying, "I'm thinking of ending things", which is was what appealed to me. The book was so interesting and scary. I had numerous questions about the end. Other readers say that the twist at the end was so unexpected that this book required a second read in order to full understand it.  In order to preserve the masterpiece that this novel is, I cannot say much about it, but what I can say is this:

Read it.

 

Collected Opinions (Other than my own) from http://afterthingsend.com/

 

Shadow Divers Book Review By: Joseph Dempsey

For my summer reading book, I chose to read Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson. Because I really enjoyed it, I decided to talk about it.


Not many secrets remain about World War II. However, in 1991 Bob Nagle and John Chatterton discover an unknown sunken U-Boat 60-miles off the coast of New Jersey. This book takes you on their and their team's adventure of giving the U-Boat a name. However this was easier said than done for many reasons. One of these is there was no record of a U-Boat sunken there.

I am not going to say anymore because I don't want to ruin anything.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgjlbQtlT6Q

Above is a video of a dive on the U-Boat. I recommend having the volume off because they say the U-Boat's name.

The Pedal Desk - Is It Really Effective? By Grace Becker

As we all know, technology is reaching new heights in the classroom. From online textbooks to handing all assignments in online, there are so many ways that things are developing to become more advanced. However, this doesn't just apply to the educational aspect of the classroom. The Pedal Desk is a new, enhanced way of learning while exercising at the same time! Students can pedal away while sitting in an elevated seat and desk to not only keep their body moving, but their brains moving as well. It is a great way to stay active but remain focused while doing work. There are a few down sides to this however. This pedal desk may not be for everyone especially for some students that may find it distracting. Another disadvantage is that the desk may be uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time, due to the fact the seat is shaped like a typical bike seat. There are still many positive aspects of the pedal desk. This includes the fact that it is good exercise, provides a good source of energy by keeping the body moving, increases attitude, and makes learning fun. What do you think? Is it a waste or can it help increase the positivity AND learning in the classroom?