BCHS English III--Mrs. Morris

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Welcome to American Literature!

Updated 08/20/2008

WELCOME BACK!

Although it's always tough to see summer come to an end, I am looking forward to a great year. I am planning some changes to my classes this year. I also have a ton of new technology in my room that I can't wait to put to use.

I hope you all had a great break!

ENGLISH III

Like all general English courses, English III focuses on reading comprehension and analysis, communication skills, and mastering various writing forms. We will cover American works including The Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, works by Edgar Allan Poe, The Great Gatsby and many other works. We will write many shorter essays along with a 7-10 page Research Paper.

I hope to add many fun new projects this year using the new equipment BCHS received as part of a large technology grant. Students will be working on computers to do research, create PowerPoint presentations, and complete many written and visual projects.

2007-08 should be a great year, and I look forward to getting started.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH III

Like English III, AP focuses on rhetorical, analytical, and practical communication skills. A large part of advanced English is challenging the way students think, read, and write. To that end, we cover works including Billy Budd, The Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, works by Edgar Allan Poe, Ethan Frome, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and Hamlet. Weekly advanced vocabulary is a large part of AP, along with regular writing assignments.

We also spend a great amount of time in class discussion and working in small groups on individual projects. Students will be expected to complete two independent readings during the year and then teach that work to the rest of the class. Finally, the big project of the year is the 8-10 page Research Paper.

SUMMER READINGS: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn(Day 1), A Streetcar Names Desire (Day 2), and The Grapes of Wrath (Day 3). I will also be handing out a selection of poems to read. Students will get these the first week of school and a printable copy will be available on the Handouts page of this site. Titles are listed on the Assignments page.

AP is a fun yet challenging class where students get out of it just what they put into it. I can't wait to get started.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Back!

BCHS Blood Drive 10/29

Supplies Students Need for English III

Pencils

Pens

Paper

Pocket & Clasp Folder

Brain Bender!!

Find that Word

A common three letter word can be added to all the following words to make a new word. WHAT IS IT?

HAT

DOORS

PING

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Last week's winner:

In the News

10 Best-Paying Jobs for Associate Degrees

By Laura Morsch
Higher education is often synonymous with more professional opportunities. There's also a strong correlation between more formal schooling and lower unemployment, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In March 2006, high school graduates had a nationwide unemployment rate of 4.6 percent -- a rate that plummeted to 3.9 percent for associate degree holders and 2.2 percent for those with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Not surprisingly, investing in post-high school education can also have a strong impact on salary. While high school graduates with no college education collect an average weekly salary of $583, according to Current Population Survey data, that figure jumps nearly 15 percent to $670 for associate degree holders.

About 44 percent of all students are enrolled at two-year colleges, in part for their pocketbook-friendly tuition rates, according to the College Board. The organization estimates this year's average public two-year college tuition to be $2,191 -- or roughly equal to the average individual tax refund, according to the IRS.

By comparison, public four-year schools command annual tuitions of nearly $5,500 and private four-year university tuitions average more than $21,200.

A four-year education is not always the ticket to a swollen bank account, however. The following jobs -- ranked by the BLS as the highest-paying jobs typically held by those with associate degrees -- pay more than many jobs that require bachelor's degrees.

1. Computer specialist -- $59,480: Depending on the employer, computer specialists perform a variety of functions, ranging from technical support to coordinating network security. Hiring managers prefer graduates with an associate degree in a computer-related field.

2. Nuclear technician -- $59,200: Nuclear technicians monitor radiation and operate nuclear test and research equipment. They may also assist nuclear engineers and nuclear physicists with their research projects. An associate degree program in an applied science or specific technology should provide good training.

3. Dental hygienist -- $58,350: One of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, dental hygienists provide routine dental services including cleaning teeth, taking X-rays and preventative care. Candidates must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass a written and clinical exam.

4. Radiation therapist -- $57,700: Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients afflicted with tumors or cancer. Employers generally require an associate degree from a radiation therapy program.

5. Nuclear medicine technologist -- $55,840: Nuclear medicine technologists administer diagnostic tests that involve using radioactive materials to monitor organ functions. An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology is standard, and many employers also require licensure.

6. Fashion designer -- $55,840: Fashion designers study current fashion trends, sketch out new clothing designs, select the colors and fabrics and oversee the production of their items. Designers often hold associate degrees in fashion design or fine arts.

7. Aerospace engineering and operations technician -- $52,500: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians construct, test and maintain aircraft and space vehicles. An associate degree in engineering technology is standard, and certification can be a competitive edge for job seekers.

8. Diagnostic medical sonographer -- $52,490: Diagnostic medical sonographers -- also known as ultrasonographers -- administer diagnostic imagining technology used during pregnancy and to diagnose some diseases. Many community colleges offer associate degrees in diagnostic medical sonography, and some employers prefer candidates registered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

9. Registered nurse -- $52,330: Registered nurses treat sick, injured and convalescent patients, and provide education on post-treatment care. RNs must have at least an associate degree in nursing and pass a national licensing examination.

10. Engineering technician -- $49,440: Engineering technicians perform a variety of research- and development-related tasks, including building and setting up equipment, conducting experiments, collecting data and recording results. Employers prefer associate degrees in engineering technology, which are widely available at technical institutes.

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RETURN TO THE BCHS HOME PAGE

http://bentonhighschool.org/index.htm

10 Best-Paying Jobs for Associate Degrees

By Laura MorschHigher education is often synonymous with more professional opportunities. There's also a strong correlation between more formal schooling and lower unemployment, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In March 2006, high school graduates had a nationwide unemployment rate of 4.6 percent -- a rate that plummeted to 3.9 percent for associate degree holders and 2.2 percent for those with a bachelor's degree or higher.

By comparison, public four-year schools command annual tuitions of nearly $5,500 and private four-year university tuitions average more than $21,200.

A four-year education is not always the ticket to a swollen bank account, however. The following jobs -- ranked by the BLS as the highest-paying jobs typically held by those with associate degrees -- pay more than many jobs that require bachelor's degrees.

1. Computer specialist -- $59,480: Depending on the employer, computer specialists perform a variety of functions, ranging from technical support to coordinating network security. Hiring managers prefer graduates with an associate degree in a computer-related field.

4. Radiation therapist -- $57,700: Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients afflicted with tumors or cancer. Employers generally require an associate degree from a radiation therapy program.

5. Nuclear medicine technologist -- $55,840: Nuclear medicine technologists administer diagnostic tests that involve using radioactive materials to monitor organ functions. An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology is standard, and many employers also require licensure.

6. Fashion designer -- $55,840: Fashion designers study current fashion trends, sketch out new clothing designs, select the colors and fabrics and oversee the production of their items. Designers often hold associate degrees in fashion design or fine arts.

7. Aerospace engineering and operations technician -- $52,500: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians construct, test and maintain aircraft and space vehicles. An associate degree in engineering technology is standard, and certification can be a competitive edge for job seekers.

9. Registered nurse -- $52,330: Registered nurses treat sick, injured and convalescent patients, and provide education on post-treatment care. RNs must have at least an associate degree in nursing and pass a national licensing examination.

By Laura Morsch
Higher education is often synonymous with more professional opportunities. There's also a strong correlation between more formal schooling and lower unemployment, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.