Optima Dies . . . Prima Fugit

The Greatest

2011-11-19T18:12:00.007-05:00

So, why is William Shakespeare always touted as the greatest writer in the English language? Well, there are many reasons. Here are just a few:

1. His understanding of human nature is so keen. His plays are full of universal themes and recognizable characters who still speak to us today, 400 years after he wrote them! In A Midsummer Night's Dream: the supernatural world vs. the natural, and of course the tragedy and comedy of being in love with someone who does not love you back. In Hamlet: questioning existence and one's place in the world, and dysfunctional families. In Macbeth: revenge and ambition. In Julius Caesar: manipulation and leadership. In Romeo and Juliet: infatuation vs. love, and teenagers who are misunderstood by their parents.

2. His masterful use of language still challenges us with its meanings. Word play and wit abound on every page; his double and triple meanings still today keep us shaking our heads at Shakespeare's seemingly effortless understanding of the power of words. Even without any stage directions, we understand so much about what happens in each play and about his characterization through the words his characters speak. Dogberry is a bumbling idiot who messes up nearly half of the words he chooses. Romeo speaks in high poetic verse when he is speaking to Juliet. The country bumpkin actors in A Midsummer Night's Dream are clearly uneducated and slow-witted; and the juxtaposition of Bottom and Titania is a classic match-up of a fool and a lady, all illustrated only through the words they speak. Some of the most commonly quoted lines are from Shakespeare's plays or poems: "To be or not to be, that is the question." "Beware the ides of March." "What fools these mortals be." "What's in a name?" All of these and more are recognizable to most English speakers.

3. His invention of words and phrases outshines any single other human being. According to Robert McCrum in The Story of English, fully 1700 words were coined by Shakespeare, but in addition to these, he changed words and used them in new ways as well. He used nouns as verbs and verbs as nouns. And let's not forget the many phrases that he invented as well. "Into thin air," "green-eyed jealousy," and "suspect foul play," all come directly from Shakespeare. He loved to play with language, and because his words were immediately performed on stage, they entered the English lexicon more quickly and forcefully than other writers' words.

4. His plots, although not all entirely original, have become the standard and recognizable plots for modern stories and films. Particularly the romantic comedy genre owes much to Shakespeare's standard plot sequence of: guy and girl meet; guy and girl have a misunderstanding; all is fixed through a series of arguments and obstacles; guy and girl get married and live happily ever after. His ability to tell stories is magical, and writers are still today copying his style and plots.

Read a play or a poem by Shakespeare. Better yet: attend a play. After your experience you too will likely agree that Shakespeare deserves the title of greatest writer in the English language!

Jane Eyre: A Film Review

2011-10-17T20:55:00.006-05:00

If you would like MAJOR extra credit in English class, please complete the following assignment, due at 7:43 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2011:

1) Watch one of the following 2-hour films:

Emma (1996), starring Gwyneth Paltrow
Sense & Sensibility (1995), starring Emma Thompson
Mansfield Park (1999), starring Francis O'Connor
Persuasion (1995), starring Amanda Root

2) Read the review below.

3) Write your own, similar review. (Typed, double spaced)

Jane Eyre: A Film Review

An orphaned governess. An aloof and mysterious employer. A lonely, rambling estate. The wild and alluring moors of England. These are the ingredients for a thrilling tale, set in the Romantic-era English countryside. One of my favorite books of all time, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, has been made into countless films, mostly shown on PBS or the BBC as a mini-series. But most recently it was made into a feature film by Focus Films in 2011 starring the effervescent Mia Wasikowska.

Because I have basically endured several of the film adaptations of this fabulous book, I was not particularly expecting to enjoy this latest version. But I was pleasantly surprised by this superbly cast and brilliantly edited movie. Mia Wasikowska was born to play the lead, and now that I have seen her truly inhabit Jane Eyre, it is difficult to imagine any other actress in the role. She matches wits with the appropriately gruff and by turns distant and magnetic Michael Fassbender as Lord Edward Fairfax Rochester. The two spar as intended, and Wasikowska masterfully portrays Jane's growing attachment to Rochester even as she believes they can never be together. Fassbender, for his part, blusters his way into her heart and finds himself unable to do without her. This, of course, leads to the fateful chapel scene where all falls apart, and although it is played rather hastily, I found the action to be quite true to the book.

The supporting characters, although they are clearly only subordinate to the two central characters, were all chosen perfectly for their roles. Dame Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax, the wise and helpful housekeeper, was a particularly great choice (although really, what role can Judi Dench not play perfectly?), and Jamie Bell as St. John Rivers also seemed a sublime selection. Every character, from Blanche Ingram, to Mrs. Reed, to Adele, to Helen Burns, was exactly as I had visualized for so many years of rereading this favorite classic.

In conjunction with the casting selections, the editing and directing choices support the original storyline, even in its abridged, two-hour format. In any feature film adaptation of a book, the loyal reader must lose something of value in the story, but in this case, there are no gaping holes in the plot or even seemingly insignificant details overlooked. Although the pace of the story is sped up, there are no significant moments or characters from Brontë's original plot that are left out. Even the intense symbolism of the tree under which Rochester proclaims his love and proposes, which is hewn in half by a bolt of lightning later, is not neglected, although it is reduced to a background shot with classy subtlety.

The tone of the book could be described as bleak, lonely, dark, mysterious, and emotional. Of course these adjectives are appropriate for a Romantic period novel, and they all translate directly to the screen in this film version. Eerie mist in the woods when Jane and Rochester first meet; wide shots of lonely moors as Jane runs away; Rochester's voice calling to Jane; the moment in the red bedroom when Jane, as a child, is terrified by the wind in the chimney: all are in perfect accordance with the effect of Bronte's prose.

Lest this review seem too glowing, I did notice that Pilot, Rochester's dog, is not nearly as critical to him as he seems in the novel. And the fact that the Rivers siblings are actually related to Jane doesn't make it into the film at all. However, this is not crucial to the story, and in fact is a plot point that has been criticized for years by those who feel that it wraps up all the loose endings rather too neatly.

This is a must-see film for Brontë aficianados, but will be enjoyed by a wider audience as well. Anyone who appreciates a good suspense story and a classic love story will embrace Fukunaga's brilliant version of Jane Eyre.

Tips for Your Essay Test

2011-09-12T14:19:00.003-05:00

Here are some ideas for ways to prepare for your essay test.

1. Write out sample versions of your essays in advance. Have a friend (or your teacher) read through them and give you pointers.

2. Make sure you include an introduction and conclusion for each answer, even if the answer is relatively short.

3. Include as many specific details as you can to support your thesis. Authors, titles, character names, relevant dates, plot points, etc. can all be helpful in making your point.

4. HAVE A THESIS. In an essay exam, you can often reword part of the question into your thesis statement. But, always make sure you have specific details to support your opinion.

5. Go back through your textbook to make sure that you have covered all of the important information in your answer.

Reading

2011-08-23T07:52:00.002-05:00

Making reading choices can be challenging but fun. The words that we read and the images those words create can stay with us forever. So, selecting books that are going to help us become better people in some way should be important when we are thinking about the time we will spend on a book. Here are some relevant quotes about reading. For extra credit in English class, write out each quote in purple and find who said it. Turn it in by Friday, August 26, at 7:43 a.m.

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.

The more you read, the more things you'll know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

Once you learn to read, you'll be forever free.

A book is the most effective weapon against intolerance and ignorance.

A man is known by the books he reads.

You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

Welcome Back!

2011-08-15T10:57:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to school! We are going to be learning a lot this year, and hopefully by the end of the year you will all be better communicators in our beautiful language of English. This week we are looking over the syllabus and requirements for this course. One of the important things we talk about is how to be successful in school. What is the responsibility of the student? I find that students often forget that it is their own responsibility to be successful, particularly in making up work after an absence.

Remember, even when you aren't in class, learning is still taking place, and it is your job to make sure that you have made up your missing work from those absences, even when they are excused! I've used this poem as an illustration before, but I think that it is the perfect way to start off the school year. Tom Wayman wrote this poem as a mock dialogue between a teacher and student after a student's absence. I guess you could say that the point of the poem is that we should not ask "Did I Miss Anything?" because of course the answer is yes!!! Instead, a student who misses a day of school could ask, "What did I miss?"

To receive extra credit in English class, please write out in your own handwriting the following poem in PINK (either ink, or colored pencil, or crayon) AND write out the paragraph regarding excused absences from your syllabus in PINK. This is due by 7:43 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011.

Did I miss anything?

Nothing. When we realized you weren't here
we sat with our hands folded on our desks
in silence, for the full two hours

Everything. I gave an exam worth
40 percent of the grade for this term
and assigned some reading due today
on which I'm about to hand out a quiz
worth 50 percent

Nothing. None of the content of this course
has value or meaning
Take as many days off as you like:
any activities we undertake as a class
I assure you will not matter either to you or me
and are without purpose

Everything. A few minutes after we began last time
a shaft of light suddenly descended and an angel
or other heavenly being appeared
and revealed to us what each woman or man must do
to attain divine wisdom in this life and
the hereafter
This is the last time the class will meet
before we disperse to bring the good news to all people
on earth

Nothing. When you are not present
how could something significant occur?

Everything. Contained in this classroom
is a microcosm of human experience
assembled for you to query and examine and ponder
This is not the only place such an opportunity has been
gathered

but it was one place

And you weren't here.

by Tom Wayman

What is your favorite book?

2011-03-21T20:49:00.005-05:00

I have so many favorite books. It is hard to choose from among them! However, spring always makes me long for my favorite literary character, Anne of Green Gables. Springtime on Prince Edward Island (although it arrives later there than here) is such a beautiful time, and Lucy Maud Montgomery does an amazing job of capturing the essence of the season throughout the eight Anne books. It is an annual tradition for me to re-read these books to celebrate the coming of spring. (After all, C.S. Lewis said: "It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.")

If you would like extra credit in English class, make a poster for your favorite book. Make sure you include some pictures, the bibliographical information, a quote from the book, and an explanation for why you love this book. Why do you read it over and over? You may use my sample below as an example. This will be due on April 1, 2011 at 7:50 a.m.

Craving for Spring

2011-03-09T13:29:00.003-05:00

Spring is almost here! In the meantime, we have the end-of-winter dreary weather with frequent rain and clouds (to help the trees and flowers in their growth).

Anyone who writes out this portion of the poem "Craving for Spring" by D. H. Lawrence in green ink and turns it in by Friday, March 11, at 7:50 a.m. will receive extra credit in English.

Craving for Spring
by D.H. Lawrence

I wish it were spring in the world.

Let it be spring!
Come, bubbling, surging tide of sap!
Come, rush of creation!
Come, life! surge through this mass of mortification!
Come, sweep away these exquisite, ghastly first-flowers,
which are rather last-flowers!
Come, thaw down their cool portentousness, dissolve them:
snowdrops, straight, death-veined exhalations of white and purple crocuses,
flowers of the penumbra, issue of corruption, nourished in mortification,
jets of exquisite finality;
Come, spring, make havoc of them! . . .

I wish that spring
would start the thundering traffic of feet
new feet on the earth, beating with impatience. . . .

Ah come, come quickly, spring!
come and lift us towards our culmination, we myriads;
we who have never flowered, like patient cactuses.
Come and lift us to our end, to blossom, bring us to our summer
we who are winter-weary in the winter of the of the world.
Come making the chaffinch nests hollow and cosy,
come and soften the willow buds till they are puffed and furred,
then blow them over with gold.
Coma and cajole the gawky colt’s-foot flowers. . . .

Oh, if it be true, and the living darkness of the blood of man is purpling with violets,
if the violets are coming out from under the rack of men, winter-rotten and fallen,
we shall have spring.
Pray not to die on this Pisgah blossoming with violets.
Pray to live through.
If you catch a whiff of violets from the darkness of the shadow of man
it will be spring in the world,
it will be spring in the world of the living;
wonderment organising itself, heralding itself with the violets,
stirring of new seasons.

The Voice of a Poet

2011-02-14T18:05:00.006-05:00

Hearing a poet read his or her own words is a moving experience. It is very special to hear how the poet pauses, adds inflection, and pronounces words. Although we cannot hear the voices of poets from long ago, there is a fantastic collection of modern poets reading their work on the internet. The following two links are particularly interesting if you want to listen to the voice of a poet.

Robert Frost recites "Stopping By Woods."

The Listening Booth: a collection of many poets, including Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, and others.

Image Source: Roberts, Natalie. "Magnetic poetry." 13 Feb. 2005.

American Poets

2011-01-17T09:59:00.004-05:00

The American Literature class will be writing an in-depth research paper on American poets in the upcoming weeks. There are so many amazing authors in our country's rich, albeit short, history, and each junior will get to choose one poet to highlight. My personal favorite is Robert Frost. Frost's blend of the traditional and the modern fits my sensibilities, and his words seem simple yet they are fraught with layers of meaning. He is the quintessential American poet: celebrating nature, hard work, and the simple life. The juniors memorized my favorite of his poems, "Stopping by Woods," for first semester, but probably his most famous poem is "The Road Not Taken."

To receive extra credit in English class, write out the words to this poem in green ink and then write one paragraph explaining what it means to you, and turn it in by February 1, 2011 at 7:50 a.m.

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Holiday Poetry

2010-11-23T10:23:00.006-05:00

The holiday season is one of great reflection and thanksgiving. God has given us an abundance of blessings.

If you would like extra credit for English class, please write out these words to the beautiful Thanksgiving hymn in red ink and turn it in on Tuesday, November 30 by 7:50 a.m.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Why Myths?

2010-09-09T10:45:00.012-05:00

(photo copyright Perseus.edu)

The study of world myths is an interesting one. By examining the myths of a particular culture, we can discover a lot about the values and beliefs of that society. Sometimes myths are based on real stories, but a myth does not have to be true to contain truth.

In studying the literature of ancient Greece, we quickly notice that their gods and goddesses and many of the heroes of their society had risen to the mythical level: seemingly larger than life and certainly teaching us much about their values. Achilles, Hercules, and other fabled characters exemplify the ancient Greek worship of physical perfection as well as military prowess.

Who are some of the heroes of our own society? What does it say about us as a culture that we spend most of our time looking at, watching, and talking about actors, musicians, and athletes? Why are these individuals called "stars?" A student in class mentioned that one hero is Jesus. Is He really our hero? A large percentage of Americans consider themselves Christian, but is Jesus elevated to the status that He truly deserves? If not, how can we change that?

How to Be A Student

2010-08-16T10:21:00.009-05:00

Welcome back to school! The juniors and seniors will be reading an article this week that talks about how to be a student. Or, more specifically, how to be a great, successful student. The truth is, it all starts with YOU.

YOU are the one who has to make a decision to learn.
YOU are the one who decides how to prioritize your time.
YOU are the one who will benefit from your school experience.
YOU are responsible for your actions.

We live in a culture that has become very litigious and unaccountable. One of our goals here at HVA is to train our students to learn accountability; to take ownership of their actions. Your teachers, your parents, and even your friends can help you navigate the road to success, but you are the one who must decide that it is important, and then you are the one who must travel it.

This poem by Tom Wayman highlights the moment when a student has missed class and asks, rather passively, "Did I Miss Anything?" The answer is always: YES!! You missed important learning moments. You missed the group discussion. You missed valuable assignments. Wayman chooses to answer sarcastically, making his point more memorable.

So, HVA students, a more responsible question when returning from an absence would be: "What did I miss, and what can I do to make it up?"

For extra credit in English class, write out this poem in GREEN INK and turn it in to Mrs. Payne by 7:50 am, Monday, August 23, 2010.

Did I Miss Anything?
Tom Wayman

Nothing. When we realized you weren’t here
we sat with our hands folded on our desks
in silence, for the full two hours

Everything. I gave an exam worth
40 percent of the grade for this term
and assigned some reading due today
on which I’m about to hand out a quiz
worth 50 percent

Nothing. None of the content of this course
has value or meaning
Take as many days off as you like:
any activities we undertake as a class
I assure you will not matter either to you or me
and are without purpose

Everything. A few minutes after we began last time
a shaft of light suddenly descended and an angel
or other heavenly being appeared
and revealed to us what each woman or man must do
to attain divine wisdom in this life and
the hereafter
This is the last time the class will meet
before we disperse to bring the good news to all people
on earth.

Nothing. When you are not present
how could something significant occur?

Everything. Contained in this classroom
is a microcosm of human experience
assembled for you to query and examine and ponder
This is not the only place such an opportunity has been
gathered

but it was one place

And you weren’t here

From Did I Miss Anything? Selected Poems 1973-1993, 1993
Harbour Publishing

Copyright 1993 Tom Wayman.

All the world's a stage . . .

2009-10-07T15:46:00.004-05:00

The seniors are beginning their study of William Shakespeare's comedy classic, Much Ado About Nothing. They will be attending a performance of this play at the Blackfriars Theater in Staunton, Virginia on November 12.

Shakespeare contributed so much to our language. Did you know that he coined the words eyeball? Zany? Bedroom? Did you know that he was the first to use the phrase "vanished into thin air"? We will be enjoying his language for the next few weeks as we look closely at his sonnets and this play.

The bulletin board in my classroom has 16 quotes from various Shakespeare plays. For extra credit, write out each quote and find its reference (for example: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1, scene i, line 35). Due: Wednesday, October 14 at 7:50 a.m.

Fall is Here

2009-08-17T12:29:00.004-05:00

Welcome back to school! It's time to get back into the academic mode and hit the books. I'm very excited about many events this school year. I'm really looking forward to Honors English IV, in which we are going to have some very interesting discussions and presentations. I'm excited to keep teaching the inquisitive sophomores, the class I sponsor. I love American Literature, and introducing this year's juniors to some of my favorite classics will be very satisfying. I also love getting to know the new freshmen each year with their "I Am . . ." poems. Of course there are other, personal, things in my life that seem to overshadow school right now, but the coming of autumn will always bring to mind my favorite activity of all: the beginning of school.

A song first written and performed by the White Stripes, then made famous by Jack Johnson describes my feelings and memories about my many years in school and teaching school.

We're Going to Be Friends

Fall is here, hear the yell
back to school, ring the bell
brand new shoes, walking blues
climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we're going to be friends

Walk with me, Suzy Lee
through the park and by the tree
we will rest upon the ground
and look at all the bugs we found
then safely walk to school
without a sound

Well here we are, no one else
we walked to school all by ourselves
there's dirt on our uniforms
from chasing all the ants and worms
we clean up and now it's time to learn

Numbers, letters, learn to spell
nouns, and books, and show and tell
at playtime we will throw the ball
back to class, through the hall
teacher marks our height
against the wall

And we don't notice any time pass
we don't notice anything
we sit side by side in every class
teacher thinks that I sound funny
but she likes the way you sing

Tonight I'll dream while I'm in bed
when silly thoughts go through my head
about the bugs and alphabet
and when I wake tomorrow I'll bet
that you and I will walk together again
cause I can tell that we're going to be friends

Honors English IV Summer Reading

2009-05-31T11:42:00.004-05:00

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." --Mark Twain

I have selected four books for you to read over the summer as preparation for Honors English IV. I have chosen these books because I believe that they are interesting and will introduce you to information that is highly relevant for an English class. I think that you will enjoy them. You will be tested over these books during the first week of school. The tests will involve some objective information (names, events, etc.) and a possible essay question.

If you want to purchase these books, any Borders or Barnes and Noble bookstore will carry them. However, you could probably find them for cheaper on amazon.com. If you'd rather not spend money on them, I encourage you to use your local public library. Or, you could buy them (at least the older ones) for a very low cost at a used book store like Wonder Book and Video.

Bauerlein, Mark. The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future. New York: Tarcher, 2008.

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. any edition is fine.

Bryson, Bill. Shakespeare: The World as Stage. New York: Harper Collins, 2007.

Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. any edition is fine.

Those of you who are NOT taking Honors English IV could still read the books for your outside reading requirement, if they sound interesting to you. If you got the assignment done during the summer, then you wouldn't have to worry about it during the school year! First semester is a non-fiction reading requirement(you could choose either the Bauerlein or the Bryson book) and second semester is supposed to be a classic (either the Dickens or the Bradbury).

Happy Summer Reading to you!

Careers!

2009-05-07T21:55:00.007-05:00

The seniors have been researching different careers, and in this process we have had many guest speakers come to share their careers. Special thanks to:

Sasha Ross, ADRA International
Andrew Nichols, Attorney-at-law
Pastor Rick Remmers, Hagerstown SDA Church
Pastor Franke Zollman, Williamsport SDA Church
Rose Gamblin, radio production and broadcasting
Dennis Altman, law enforcement
Dr. Mario Ochoa, Vice President, ADRA International
Jennifer Nichols, Speech Language Pathologist

Guest Poet

2009-05-07T21:48:00.005-05:00

On Monday, April 27, the English II class had a special treat: a guest poet. Ms. Julia Kudravetz, a poet and teacher at Johns Hopkins University, came to class for a special lesson in Ekphrastic poetry (poetry inspired by art). She led a very interesting discussion about Winslow Homer's painting The Veteran in a New Field. We also discussed Edward Hopper's House by the Railroad. The students created some powerful poetry in response to these paintings. The Highland View Academy English Department was blessed to receive a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council to make this exciting opportunity possible.

My Walk to Work

2009-05-07T21:40:00.006-05:00

Isn't my walk to school beautiful? It makes me think of Anne of Green Gables walking through the gorgeous springs of Prince Edward Island on her way to her little school house. It makes me think of Robert Frost's way of celebrating nature. It makes me happy to be alive and thankful for where I live and the job that I love.

A Prayer in Spring
by Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

Final Extra Credit

2009-05-07T21:30:00.003-05:00

Grammar errors annoy me, especially in places where they should have been edited by a number of different people before becoming public (books, brochures, websites, signs, etc.). So, I've decided to start taking pictures of these grammar errors when I find them, so that I can use them for extra credit opportunities.

On my way to the airport for my trip to Ireland, I encountered this sign. For extra credit in English class, please do the following:

1) Write out the text of the sign as it appears
2) Rewrite the text, with the grammar correct
3) Turn it in by Friday, May 15, 2009

Where in the world . . . ?

2009-04-03T12:09:00.010-05:00

English I Research Paper

What would it be like to live in a different country? What would the language, food, economy, climate, terrain, cultural opportunities, or government be like? The freshmen will be exploring these questions and more as they work on their research paper, due May 5.

The following websites will be helpful resources as they find information about other places in the world.

The CIA World Factbook

The BBC News: Country Profiles

The World Health Organization

U.S. Department of State

The Library of Congress: Country Studies

NEW! BY SPECIAL REQUEST -- A CITY WEBSITE:

The World Travel Guide: Cities

William Shakespeare is a Star!

2009-03-15T17:55:00.010-05:00

It has been Shakespeare time in the Highland View Academy English department. The freshmen just ended their study of Romeo and Juliet (pictures to be posted soon), the sophomores are finishing Julius Caesar, and the seniors have completed A Midsummer Night's Dream. I was able to take the seniors to a local performance of the play at the Blackfriar's Theater in Staunton, Virginia. The production was excellent, and we all had a fantastic time. The seniors wrote play reviews of their experience, and I thought I would publish one of the best, by Ashley Butler, as an example of a proper review. Perhaps you'll enjoy hearing her perspective on our field trip.

For further information about the play itself and the company, visit the American Shakespeare Center website.

A particular favorite among the cast was John Harrell, who played Bottom the weaver.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Play Review by Ashley Butler

Original is just one of the adjectives a person could use to describe the American Shakespeare Center’s May fifth performance of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Having enjoyed the actual script, it was refreshing to finally be able to see it performed by such capable professionals. Shakespeare’s beloved talk of feuding fairies and mixed up love translated gloriously to the stage with the assistance of a modern wardrobe and a cast of comedic geniuses.

Without outside direction, this troupe choreographs and stages every element of the show from start to finish. Their timing is impeccable, and the audience never has time to be distracted between laughs. There is no official costumer, so the cast must make wardrobe decisions according to how they feel the character should be dressed. The clothing was not period appropriate, but it incorporated the spirit of the original characters while adding a bit of comedy for modern audiences. Hermia, played by Miriam Donald, was dressed sweetly in a light pink gown, while Helena, played by Sarah Fallon, was dressed in a distasteful floral frock, making her seem more like the needy, unwanted character that she was.

The talent of the play company is unmatched compared to any other production that I have ever seen. One standout performance was that of John Harrell, who portrayed Bottom the Weaver. His exaggerated movement and over-the-top personality so personified the character of Bottom that I will be unable to imagine anyone but him if I ever get the chance to see the play at some other venue. More great characterizations were Demetrius and Lysander (Chris Johnston and Gregory Jon Phelps). They made excellent sparring partners, fighting first for the love of Hermia, then Helena. The character doublings were seamless, and any actor playing two characters gave them both a distinct personality.

The meager set allowed for full character development and did not distract from the script’s riveting content. The entire performance depended on the actors and was not cheapened by extraneous props or overstated scenery. The natural acoustics of the theater were excellent. Without amplification, the audience never missed a word (this was partially aided by the exceptional volume and enunciation of the actors). The soft lighting felt natural and the seating made the entire show feel very intimate. With actual seating on the stage, the audience was a part of the play.

Before and after the show and during intermission, cast-produced music kept the mood light. The script has a few songs for which there is no scoring. These songs were reproduced with modern instruments, and done very well. At the pivotal “sudden love” sequence, modern music sent waves of hilarity down into the theater.

There are many ways that this particular comedy could have been interpreted. I believe that this cast picked one of the most entertaining. If I ever get a chance to return to the Blackfriar’s Playhouse I will definitely take it. There is nothing much more satisfying in this life than a thoughtfully produced, well acted, and beautifully presented classic.

The Presidential Inauguration

2009-01-22T11:39:00.003-05:00

For extra credit in English class, copy out the words to this poem in red and blue ink and turn it in by 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem

"Praise Song for the Day"

Each day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others' eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din, each one of our ancestors on our tongues. Someone is stitching up a hem, darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire, repairing the things in need of repair.

Someone is trying to make music somewhere with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

A woman and her son wait for the bus.

A farmer considers the changing sky; A teacher says, "Take out your pencils. Begin."

We encounter each other in words, words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed; words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others who said, "I need to see what's on the other side; I know there's something better down the road."

We need to find a place where we are safe; We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Say it plain, that many have died for this day. Sing the names of the dead who brought us here, who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges, picked the cotton and the lettuce, built brick by brick the glittering edifices they would then keep clean and work inside of.

Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables.

Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."

Others by "first do no harm," or "take no more than you need."

What if the mightiest word is love, love beyond marital, filial national. Love that casts a widening pool of light. Love with no need to preempt grievance.

In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun.

On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp — praise song for walking forward in that light.

Romeo and Juliet

2009-01-14T13:51:00.013-05:00

What is true love? What is infatuation? Is "love at first sight" possible? We'll be exploring these questions and more as we read through William Shakespeare's beloved play, Romeo and Juliet in English I. Here are some famous quotes from that play:

"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow."

"Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? Deny thy father, and refuse thy name."

"My only love sprung from my only hate; too early unknown and known too late."

"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the sun."

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet."

"When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."

"O, swear not by the moon, the fickle moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circle orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."

"Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous; and it pricks like thorn."

Extra Credit will be given to any English I student who writes out all of these quotes in red ink and finds each Act, Scene and Line number from the play. (For example: Act I, Scene 1, Lines 1-2). This must be turned in by Monday, January 19 at 12:30 p.m. to receive extra credit.

e.e.cummings extra credit

2009-01-14T13:33:00.004-05:00

To receive extra credit in English class, write out this poem by e.e. cummings and the brief bio in purple ink and turn it in by 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19.

my mind is
a big hunk of irrevocable nothing which touch and
taste and smell and hearing and sight keep hitting and
chipping with sharp fatal tools
in an agony of sensual chisels i perform squirms of
chrome and execute strides of cobalt
nevertheless i
feel that i cleverly am being altered that i slightly am
becoming something a little different, in fact
myself
Hereupon helpless i utter lilac shrieks and scarlet bellowings.

According to Wikipedia, "Edward Estlin Cummings (October 14, 1894 – September 3, 1962), popularly known as e. e. Cummings, was an American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. His body of work encompasses approximately 900 poems, an autobiographical novel, four plays and several essays, as well as numerous drawings and paintings. He is remembered as a preeminent voice of 20th century poetry, as well as one of the most popular."

The Modern Era

2009-01-04T11:34:00.004-05:00

In January the American Literature class will begin exploring the Modern Age. A painting by Mark Rothko and a poem by e.e. cummings demonstrate the kind of material that we will be covering.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
                                  i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Christmas Hymns and Extra Credit

2008-12-04T22:53:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things at Christmastime is watching my kitty sit underneath the Christmas tree. She loves it!

For some extra special Christmastime extra credit, write out all the verses to your favorite Christmas hymn in red ink and turn it in by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12.

I'm Thankful for HVA

2008-11-24T11:16:00.003-05:00

During this season of thankfulness, I am so happy to have a family and friends who love me. But, I'd like to focus on the blessings I receive daily from my job.

1. I'm so thankful that we can openly praise God together! I particularly love singing during Prayer & Praise.

2. I love the setting of our campus: it is beautiful and rural, with deer and other woodland creatures roaming free!

3. I love the friendly students; they are open and accepting of each other and friendly and respectful toward faculty.

4. I'm thankful for my professional colleagues who make working here more enjoyable.

5. I am always happy to see the smiling faces of the energetic freshmen.

6. The sophomores have a natural inquisitiveness that is very special.

7. I enjoy teaching the juniors, who are very intellectual, deep thinkers, and very creative.

8. The seniors are always ready to have a good time, and they always make me smile.

9. I enjoy getting to know students outside of class at sporting events, music or drama performances, or just hanging out.

10. Our students are always the best behaved when we take them off campus, and I know that I can be proud of them.

Highland View Academy is definitely God's school, and I am blessed to be able to work here.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-16T20:49:00.009-05:00

God has blessed us in so many ways! This hymn's words remind us of His bountiful harvest of blessings.

Lord Of The Harvest, Once Again
by Joseph Anstice

Lord of the harvest, once again,
We thank Thee for the ripened grain;
For crops safe carried, sent to cheer
Thy servants through another year;
For all sweet holy thoughts supplied
By seed time, and by harvest tide.

The bare dead grain, in autumn sown,
Its robe of vernal green it puts on;
Glad from its wintry grave it springs,
Fresh garnished by the King of kings;
So, Lord, to those who sleep in Thee
Shall new and glorious bodies be.

Nor vainly of Thy Word we ask
A lesson from the reaper’s task:
So shall Thine angels issue forth:
The tares be burnt; the just of earth,
To wind and storm exposed no more,
Be gathered to their Father’s store.

Daily, O Lord, our prayers be said,
As Thou hast taught, for daily bread;
But not alone our bodies feed,
Supply our fainting spirits’ need:
O Bread of life, from day to day
Be Thou their Comfort, Food, and Stay.

For extra credit in English, write out the words to this Thanksgiving hymn in red ink and turn it in by 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 20.

CUC Writers' Conference

2008-11-06T20:36:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, October 26, 12 students had the wonderful opportunity to go to the annual CUC Writers' Conference.

Pride and Prejudice Movie Review

2008-09-08T18:50:00.002-05:00

In an effort to show my sophomores how to use the 5-paragraph essay form as a media review, I hastily threw together this rather formulaic (on purpose) analysis of one of my favorite movies. Hopefully they are understanding the point of topic sentences and using specific examples: the main focus of this particular assignment. Enjoy!

Jane Austen's well-loved novel Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813, but today its readers still find relevance in its social commentary and love stories. In the two hundred years since it first appeared, scholars and readers alike have devoured the book, enjoying Austen's well-drawn characters and sharp wit. The story of the five Bennet sisters, all searching for love and husbands with money (since their home will be taken over by their nearest male cousin), is unquestionably a classic tale of family problems interfering with social mobility. Several movie adaptations have been made, including the BBC's six-hour long critically acclaimed mini-series. But Focus Features got involved in 2005, producing a two-hour, greatly abridged version of the famous story. Although some critics were appalled at the important events which were neglected in this shorter retelling, the 2005 film virtually shimmers with romance and humor, creating a version that I believe Jane Austen would have greatly enjoyed. Its dramatic cinematography, brilliant casting, and stirring musical score combine to give Pride and Prejudice a place on my list of all-time favorite movies.

Instead of being shot in close quartered, small houses (like the narrative of Austen's book), the cinematic choices in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice are sweeping and broad, providing a beautiful backdrop for one of the most powerful love stories of all time. Elizabeth Bennet, the fresh-faced Keira Knightley, strides through the muddy countryside, stands in the rain, and absorbs the wind atop a high cliff in a few of the gorgeous outdoor scenes in this film. The colors are vibrant, the houses divine, and the balls are whirring spectacles: all filmed in a way that draws you in and makes you feel that you are truly there, witnessing early-nineteenth-century Britain. This version dramatically contrasts the still, claustrophobic BBC version. Although some Austen enthusiasts find the BBC version to be more in line with the limited descriptions of the outdoors found in the book, I think this newer version more closely captures the spirit of Austen's story: one of interior dramas set within a beautiful backdrop.

The cast sparkles in this film, making it a true gem. Matthew MacFayden, relatively unknown outside of Britain, was an inspired choice to play the brooding Mr. Darcy, and he rarely allows a glimpse into the character's churning thoughts until the end when his stuttered confession of love to Elizabeth reveals the depth of his feeling; masterfully played by MacFayden. Knightley in turn plays Elizabeth Bennet with all the spunk and courage Austen has given the character. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and they are perfectly matched. Mrs. Bennet, played by Brenda Blethyn, and Jane Bennet, played by Rosamund Pike, are both ideally portrayed; I even prefer them to their critically acclaimed BBC counterparts. The casting director made some surprising choices, but ultimately each character was played to such perfection that I fell in love with the film.

All of these great decisions, however, would have meant little without the heart-stopping musical score written and engineered by Jean-Yves Thibaudet. His sweepingly beautiful music, whether played with full orchestra or gracelessly pounded out on the pianoforte by Mary Bennet, stirs the soul and pulls together the romance and beauty of the picture. A particularly moving piece, "Your Hands Are Cold," functions as the climax of the story as Elizabeth and Darcy meet in a dew-misted field as the sun rises behind them. The touch of the music is perfection, and Thibaudet certainly made his mark on film history with this must-have score.

Jane Austen must receive the proper credit for a brilliant story, written two hundred years ago; but the producers and director (Joe Wright) brought it to life in this magical adaptation. Picturing the characters out in nature, as they should be, selecting the right actors for the roles, and pulling it together with the most graceful score of the year were all decisions that led to many awards for this film. Pride and Prejudice remains one of my favorite movies of all time, and it is bound to top the list of modern classics.

Scandinavia Tour 2008

2008-03-31T17:49:00.007-05:00

If you would like to look at pictures of our amazing trip to Scandinavia, feel free to look at my Scandinavia Tour blog.

Class of 2008 Senior Play

2008-03-19T18:16:00.005-05:00

"Nothing But the Truth" was a fun experience! The seniors did a great job. Check out our amazing set!

Romeo and Juliet Performances

2008-02-28T18:53:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos from our recent Romeo and Juliet performances. We had a wonderful time, and the students did a fantastic job!

Romeo and Juliet

2008-02-26T15:43:00.003-05:00

The English I classes have been enjoying reading Shakespeare's classic text, Romeo and Juliet. For their final project, they are performing scenes from the play complete with memorized lines, costumes, and props. They have done a fantastic job and are now looking forward to our field trip on March 13, when we will see a local performance of the play.

Pride and Prejudice

2008-01-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

The seniors are watching the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's most well-known and well-loved book, Pride and Prejudice.

Oh...there are so many things to learn from my *possibly* favorite book of all time.

1. Don't base your entire opinion of a person on your first impression.
2. EVERYONE has an embarrassing family member.
3. Love must be shown if it is to be returned.
4. Holding out for what you believe in is admirable.
5. Shyness can easily be mistaken for conceit.

Some favorite quotes from the movie:

Elizabeth: "I could more easily forgive his vanity had he not wounded mine."

Mr. Bennet [to Mrs. Bennet]: "I have the utmost respect for your nerves. They've been my constant companion these twenty years."

Caroline Bingley [at the ball]: "I can't help thinking that at some point someone is going to produce a piglet and we'll all have to chase it."

Mr. Bennet: "Well, if Jane does die, it will be a comfort to know she was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley."

Charlotte: "We are all fools in love."

Mr. Bennet: "Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins... And I will never see you again if you do."

Charlotte: "Not all of us can afford to be romantic, Lizzie."

Elizabeth: "From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize that you were the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry."

Mr. Darcy: "You must know... surely, you must know it was all for you. . . . you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on."

American Literature Field Trip

2008-01-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

On Friday, December 14, the American Literature class attended a series of 5 plays (dramatized from famous short stories such as Mark Twain's The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calveras County) at the Maryland Theater in Hagerstown. It was a great excursion!

The First Snowfall

2007-12-09T10:07:00.001-05:00

I will give extra credit to any student who writes out, in their own handwriting, the poem "The First Snowfall," by James Russell Lowell and turns it in by Monday, December 17, 2007. I hope you enjoyed our first snow, even though it has already melted!

The first stanza of the poem:

"The snow had begun in the gloaming,
And busily all the night
Had been heaping field and highway
With a silence deep and white..."

I'm Thankful

2007-11-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful for...

--a Savior who loves me even though He knows my every weakness
--a loving husband and family who put up with my weirdness
--sisters to giggle with and an adventuresome brother
--a warm, cozy home
--friendships with kindred spirits
--my dream job: teaching my favorite subject at the best school in the world
--students who bring me joy and wonder every day
--the most beautiful season of the year: autumn
--the anticipation of Christmas
--singing beautiful songs in harmony with other voices
--a safe, neighborly community with a Thanksgiving joke of the day delivered to my door
--reading and exploring the continually new depths of scripture
--a kitty who snuggles with me
--minty hot chocolate
--the walls lined with overflowing bookshelves
--Shakespeare
--food aplenty
--looking forward to traveling to new places in the new year
--all of God's blessings in this life, but most importantly: the promise of heaven

Senior Field Trip

2007-11-21T15:17:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, November 13 the seniors went to the National Archives, the Supreme Court, and to the Folger Shakespeare Theatre to see As You Like It (with a twist!). We had a great time!

Senior Recognition

2007-11-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the class of 2008 for making it this far in your schooling! I am so proud of you and your ENERGY! Remember to use your enthusiasm, neighborliness, esprit de corps, resourcefulness, gifts, and youth for Jesus!! I love you!

Shakespeare Field Trip

2007-11-06T21:44:00.001-05:00

The seniors have been reading William Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It, and on Tuesday, November 13 they will have the opportunity to see the play performed at the amazing Folger Shakespeare Theatre! We are traveling with Mr. Benton for Government class to Washington, DC, leaving HVA at 10:20 a.m. and returning by 11:00 p.m. It will be a long day, but a fun, educational, and cultural one!

CUC Writers' Conference

2007-11-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

On October 28-30 we attended the annual CUC Writers' Conference. We saw the play "Nothing Sacred" by George Walker and attended writing seminars. We also took a trip to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It was a great time, topped off by free tacos on our way home. Thanks everyone for a wonderful conference!

Playing our new favorite game: Apples to Apples

Andrew and Khelsea act in their skit

Jumi receives some bad news

Journalism at Work

2007-10-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday the English II class visited our local newspaper, the Hagerstown Herald-Mail, to tour the facilities and learn about journalism. We had a great trip and enjoyed learning about the journalistic process. The class has begun a pen-pal relationship with students at Rocky Knoll SDA Elementary School, and they will be sending the kids their newly produced sophomore English newspapers entitled The Tartan Times and The Daily Payne. They look forward to a great relationship with their new pen pals!

Celebrate Autumn with Poetry, Apples, and Caramel!

2007-10-08T19:42:00.000-05:00

Today the American Literature class and the English IV class celebrated the season with an outdoor feast of apples and caramel along with some readings and creations of autumn poetry! The following is the English IV group poetry project (each group wrote two lines):

It's the season of fall
The leaves dance as they fall to the ground
Leaves as large as a wall
As they fall by the pound
Giving folks thousands of leaves to haul
Under your feet there's a crunching sound
It's autumn ya'll
But what makes the world go round
Is Autumn fashions at the mall
While birds fly south, homeward bound.
--Class of 2008

CUC Writers' Conference

2007-10-04T05:53:00.000-05:00

Do you like to write? Would you like to learn more about writing? Discuss your writing with others? Attend a play in Washington, DC? Then Writers' Conference is the place for you!!

If you would like to attend Writers' Conference, which takes place Sunday, October 28 - Tuesday, October 30, you must submit a creative poem explaining why you should get to go to Mrs. Payne by Friday, October 5, at noon.

Senior Survival

2007-09-23T16:13:00.001-05:00

It was a lovely weekend--great weather, fantastic company, positive attitudes, and teamwork! Thanks for a great trip, seniors!

Sight and Sound

2007-09-18T18:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks to some amazingly wonderful and generous parents, the junior class has the fantastic opportunity to attend the "In the Beginning" show at the Sight and Sound theater in Strasburg, PA next Tuesday, September 25. We will leave the school after the juniors eat lunch (quickly and first in line) at 1:00 and won't return until approximately 9:00 p.m. Sack suppers will be provided for all students. We coordinated this event with the ITED testing so the students won't have as much homework to worry about. We are very excited about this opportunity to experience the power of dramatic presentations combined with the amazing story of Creation! If you would like to know more about the presentation, you are welcome to visit the website: http://www.sight-sound.com

September Summer Fades into Autumn

2007-09-17T17:47:00.000-05:00

September

Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.

-- William Wordsworth

The Legend of King Arthur

2007-09-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

The seniors are studying medieval British literature and focusing right now on Le Morte d'Arthur, the classic tale compiled from French and English legend by Sir Thomas Mallory. It was originally published in 1485 by the British printer William Caxton. By reading this story we can gain a valuable glimpse into medieval life. The legend of King Arthur continues to live on in stories and cinema. What images come to your mind when you hear that name?

September

2007-08-28T19:28:00.000-05:00

September's Baccalaureate
A combination is Of Crickets -- Crows -- and Retrospects
And a dissembling Breeze
That hints without assuming --
An Innuendo sear
That makes the Heart put up its Fun
And turn Philosopher.
--Emily Dickinson

I will give 5 points extra credit to any student who writes out in green ink the poem "September" by John Updike and turns it in by Tuesday, September 4.

This painting is "School House on the Hill," by Diana Digonis, 2004.

Welcome Back to School!!!

2007-08-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome back students! It is the beginning of another exciting school year here at HVA. Don't forget your syllabus quiz on Thursday! Check back here for more announcements, pictures, and extra credit opportunities!

Happy Registration!!

2007-08-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

This new school year is going to fantastic!!

Picnic for Seniors

2007-08-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

The Class of 2008 will have a picnic and planning meeting at my house on Sunday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. Bring some food and your ideas for the school year!!

Class of 2008

2007-08-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hey Seniors!! You can go to my other webpage to view your t-shirt options: www.jasonandjenpayne.com.

You are invited to a picnic supper at my house on Sunday, August 12, at 6:00 p.m. We will have fun and games and food, but we will also do some planning for the school year!

For the picnic, if you could contribute by bringing something to eat, that would be great! If the last names Bagirimvano - Kawlni could bring chips, and the names Lee - Rice could bring a dish like potato salad, etc, and Shull - Zollman could bring soda, that would be really helpful!!

See you soon! Are you ready for an awesome year?!!!

What a Year!!!

2007-05-28T10:33:00.001-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the class of 2007 as they graduated last weekend. We will miss you! I hope that you all have a wonderful summer!!

The Pot of Gold

2007-04-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

FOR EXTRA CREDIT, DUE BY FRIDAY, MAY 4 at 12:30 p.m.

From what Bible verse do these words come:

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

From which Shakespeare play do these words come:

Therefore, to be possess'd with double pomp,
To guard a title that was rich before,
To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.

England and Scotland Educational Tour

2007-04-12T05:56:00.000-05:00

On Spring Break 2007 our group of 36 headed to the beautiful island of Albion (also known as Great Britain). We experienced gorgeous weather (except for the first day) and all kinds of amazing historical sites.
To view the full account of our trip, and many more pictures, please visit the official webpage of the trip at England and Scotland Tour.

Off to England!

2007-03-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

Today we head out with a group of 36 to tour England and Scotland for Spring Break. We will visit London, Newbold College, Salisbury and Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh, York, Coventry, and Nottingham while on the trip. Please keep us in your prayers and watch for an updated page with pictures after our return on April 9. Happy Spring to everyone!

Julius Caesar

2007-03-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

The Sophomores have finished reading William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. They did a fantastic job of acting it out! Next week we will have a test over the events and characters of the play.

Romeo and Juliet Performances

2007-03-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

Congratulations! The Class of 2010 has finished reading Romeo and Juliet. They successfully performed their lines! Here are some moments from the big event:

The Grand Canyon

2007-02-26T17:43:00.000-05:00

I finally had an opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona. What an amazing place! This canyon has been inspiring artists and writers for ages. It reminded me of a favorite Bible passage: "Does the eagle soar at your command and build his nest on high? He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is his stronghold." And of these words by my favorite author of the southwest, Willa Cather: "At first the golden light seemed to hang like a wave upon the rim of the canyon; the trees and bushes up there, which one scarcely noticed at noon, stood out magnified by the slanting rays. Long, thin streaks of light began to reach quiveringly down into the canyon. The red sun rose rapidly above the tops of the blazing pines, and its glow burst into the gulf." In which book does Cather pen these words? What is the text from the Bible? Here also are some artists' renditions of the canyon. Can you identify these artists? Also, listen to the music called "Cloudburst" at this link (inspired by the Grand Canyon) by Ferde Grofe and write a short description of what you hear. Do you like it? How might it be related to the Grand Canyon? Write down Cather's book, the Bible text, the two artists, and your response to the music on a piece of paper to turn in by Friday, March 2 for extra credit on your 3rd nine weeks grade!

Why Museums?

2007-02-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

What is the purpose of a museum?

According to the American Association of Museums, there are approximately 17,500 museums in the United States alone! Why are we so fascinated with artifacts from the past? Is it because seeing and touching those objects connects us with the mysteries of those who have gone before? Do we feel the thread of humanity running from the ancient to the modern by being in the presence of antiquities? For extra credit, make a comment on my blog about YOUR favorite museum experience. What did you see? What did you learn? How did you feel? This is a photo from my visit to the Louvre, in Paris, France.

Snow Day Poetry

2007-01-31T09:08:00.000-05:00

I will give extra credit in English to any student who writes out the poem "Snow Day" by Billy Collins and turns it in by 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5.

Extra Credit Snow Poetry

2007-01-22T16:34:00.000-05:00

I will give extra credit in English to any student who writes out--in purple ink-- my favorite poem: "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. You must turn the poem in by 12:30 on Wednesday, January 24.

Homer's Home

2007-01-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

Homer, the ancient Greek poet, is known for creating perhaps the two most well known epic poems in the world: the Iliad and the Odyssey. In the Odyssey, the hero, Odysseus, lived on Ithaca, a Greek island whose actual location has been debated by historians and geographers. Scholars now believe they have identified this mysterious island. For more details, read this recent CNN article.

William Shakespeare

2007-01-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

This semester the English students will be introduced to the literary genius of William Shakespeare. The freshmen will be reading Romeo and Juliet, the sophomores will be reading Julius Caesar, and the seniors will read A Midsummer Night's Dream. We will also be exploring some of Shakespeare's most famous poetry. He is generally considered to be the greatest writer in the English language, and Shakespeare's great understanding of the human experience and his masterful language usage are powerfully represented in the three plays we will study this semester.

From January to July 2007, Washington DC is the home of an international Shakespeare Festival. From plays to ballet to concerts to exhibits, the next several months hold a fantastic number of forums to celebrate the life and works of William Shakespeare. If you are interested in any of these events, please visit the official website of the Shakespeare in Washington 2007 Festival.

Welcome to the New Semester!

2007-01-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

Starting out the semester fresh is great! No missing assignments...no late work...100% in your classes! Take this opportunity to plan how you are going to be a successful student this semester. You can begin by planning when and how you are going to complete your long-term projects, like your book reviews. Please feel free to come and visit me if you need help with long-term planning and organization!

Crest Lane Pen Pals

2006-12-12T21:11:00.000-05:00

The Senior Class of 2007 has been pen pals with the Crest Lane students for 3 years now. On Monday, December 11, they came to HVA to present their Christmas program. Their play was charming; the message was to remember the joy of Christmas and tell others of Emmanuel, "God With Us." After the play, we played a game, chatted with the students, and exchanged gifts. The seniors made these reindeer for Crest Lane, and the Crest Lane students made beautiful little boxes with their pictures in them for our seniors. We had a lovely time!

More Senior Projects

2006-11-29T19:06:00.000-05:00

Sade created a scrapbook illustrating the history and culture of a Kenyan tribe.
Julie shows one of Elora's fashion examples.

Elora fixes Lauren's costume during her ancient fashions runway extravaganza!

Chelsea recreated a Roman mosaic.
Maxine shows off her Roman aqueduct.

Outside Reading Book Reviews DUE

2006-11-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that your outside reading book reviews are due on December 12. Remember that this assignment is for you to review a book, not merely summarize the plot. If you need help, feel free to come see me or give me a call.

CUC Writers' Conference A Success!

2006-11-15T19:11:00.000-05:00

November 5-7 found 10 students from HVA attending the annual Writers' Conference at CUC. The students participated in writing seminars that focused on drama, poetry, journalism, and editing. Several HVA students attended the writing drama session which included a performance of short skits for the final assembly. We also attended the play Proof in Arlington, Virginia and spent Monday afternoon and evening at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Overall, we had a great time getting to know the CUC English department faculty and spending time with HVA alumni.

Roman Shipwreck Provides Clues to the Past

2006-11-14T07:04:00.000-05:00

Check out this cool story about the treasures discovered in a Roman shipwreck off the coast of southeast Spain! Read this story at CNN!

Extra Credit Poetry

2006-10-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

Any student who names the poet and writes out the entire poem from which these lines are taken (by Friday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.) will receive extra credit in English class!

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Walden Pond

2006-10-22T20:03:00.000-05:00

"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." --Walden, Henry David Thoreau

What a beautiful, peaceful place! Henry David Thoreau chose an inspired location to pen his famous Walden. Autumn is certainly a lovely time to reflect on his words:

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
To see more about this trip, check out the New England Tour webpage!

Composition Class Visits Local Newspaper

2006-10-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

On Friday, October 13, the Sophomore Composition class visited the Hagerstown Herald-Mail newspaper company to learn more about the journalistic process. They toured the press room and sales department and watched the papers run through the press. This culminates a unit on news writing in which the students have produced their own classroom newspaper.

Senior Projects

2006-10-16T13:58:00.000-05:00

Ashley Dunbar shows off her diorama of Ancient Troy.

Roberta Plantak and Chelsea Powell present an excerpt from "The Birds," an ancient Greek play by Aristophanes.

Celebrate Autumn!

2006-10-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday I took the American Lit and the English IV classes on a miniature picnic while we read autumn poetry and ate apples and caramel to celebrate fall! The leaves were beautiful and fell all around us as we enjoyed poets such as Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. What a beautiful time of year!

England & Scotland Educational Tour Information Meeting

2006-10-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

If you are planning to participate in the England & Scotland Educational Tour this Spring Break (March 29-April 9, 2007), please plan to attend an informational meeting for parents and students on Sunday, October 15 at 3:30 in the HVA Library. We will be kicking off our fund raising activities and discussing the planned itinerary. Please contact Jennifer Payne for details.

CUC Writers' Conference

2006-10-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

The CUC Writers' Conference is a three-day workshop on November 5-7, 2006 for academy students who are interested in writing! We usually attend a play, spend time in Baltimore, and participate in interesting seminars about poetry, short stories, journalism, theater, and other exciting writing experiences! If you are an HVA student who would like to participate in this experience, please write an essay/poem/short story/play to present to Mrs. Payne explaining why you would like to have this opportunity. You must turn in your response no later than Friday, October 13 to be considered as an attendee. To attend you must not be on the current down grades list.

Autumn

2006-10-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Extra Credit
Poetry and Art

Congratulations to the first 5 students who correctly identified the artist: Winslow Homer, and the poet: Robert Frost. Check back here for future extra credit opportunities!

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.

Nebraska Happiness

2006-09-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

As I looked about me I felt that the grass was the country, as the water is the sea. . . . That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. --Willa Cather, My Antonia
I took this picture on a road trip this summer with my sister Megan as we journeyed across beautiful Nebraska.

Love Your Life!

2006-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

Love your life! You may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poorhouse. The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the almshouse as brightly as from the rich man's abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. --Henry David Thoreau, Walden

This picture is from the Badlands on our road trip this summer!

The Joy of Reading

2006-09-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

If I could get them to like poetry and beautiful things in words, it would not only do them good, but would help them to see what is in the Bible, and therefore to love it more. To find God in other books enables us to see clearly that He is more in the Bible than in any other book, or all other books put together. -- George MacDonald