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Secondary English Weekly #10

VOLUME THREE, ISSUE TEN /November 9-13, 2020

Secondary EnglishWeekly #10VOLUME THREE, ISSUE TEN /November 9-13, 2020
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TWO MLK SPEAKING CONTESTS

The information for the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest was finally released last week. This is the contest for central Ohio run by the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods. The great news is that the topic (The Fierce Urgency of Now) is very similar to the MLK Breakfast Speaker Contest (Now is The Time). This means our students would be able to prepare one speech and compete in both contests. Here is the information about BOTH contests.



1. MLK BREAKFAST SPEAKER (CCS-Only Contest)

CCS will select one student speaker to represent the district at the 2021 Martin Luther King Breakfast, held virtually on January 18, 2021. The competition to become that speaker is open to all students in Grades 6-12. The CCS Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon will introduce our student speaker at the event. Once chosen, our student will be professionally photographed and recorded during the week of December 7th for the event.

HOW TO ENTER

Students should write their speeches, then send/share/message a recording (link to the recording) of themselves delivering the speech to Carla Mae Phillips (740-228-1509 or cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us). Students/teachers may alternatively make a request for Carla Mae Phillips to record the speeches via her Zoom room and that will be scheduled.

DETAILS
Please put “MLK Breakfast” in the Subject Line when sending/sharing recording link and include the student's name, school, grade, student & parent contact information,

and the teacher’s email & phone number.


NOTE: It is possible for CCS to have two speakers at the MLK Breakfast. The winner of the MLK Breakfast Speaker Contest (open to CCS students only) will automatically be one of the speakers. If a CCS student wins the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest, they will also speak at the breakfast. The MLK Breakfast in Columbus is the largest MLK Breakfast in the nation.


2. MLK YOUTH ORATORICAL (City-Wide Contest)

2020 Registration MLK Oratorical

2020 Rules and Regulations MLK Oratorical

The City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest will be held SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 STARTING AT 9:00 A.M. All contestants will perform their oration in person at the Columbus City Schools Central Enrollment Center on Fort Hayes Campus located at 430 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. To keep students and families safe, each student will receive a specific time to arrive and perform. Please note that students will be permitted 1 and only 1 person (parent, coach or family member) to accompany them. Under no circumstances can we allow additional people. The orations will be LIVE streamed on the Department of Neighborhoods Facebook page. Winners of the City of Columbus Youth Oratorical Contest will have the opportunity to present at the MLK Jr. Breakfast and City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. evening program. They will also have the opportunity to compete in the Statewide MLK Youth Oratorical Contest in April 2021.

There are two ways to submit your completed registration form and copy of your oration:

  1. via email (PDF format), JLCarter@columbus.gov
  2. by mail to the Department of Neighborhoods office: City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods c/o Julia Carter 1111 East Broad Street, Suite 302, Columbus, OH 43205

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ORATION IS NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020. QUESTIONS: JLCarter@columbus.gov

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SEMESTER EXAMS ARE OPTIONAL

As you know the district began semesterization this school year. This has brought up the question as to whether Semester Exams will be required. The answer is no. Teachers do have the choice to offer a semester exam if they want. For English 6-12, the exam could be one of the tests in the StudySync Assessment Suite. Some good choices from that suite would be a Benchmark Assessment (Grades 6-8), a State Test Preparation Assessment, or an End of Unit Test. Since the Benchmarks are used for the BOY, MOY, and EOY in Grades 9-12, they should not be used as the semester exam at those grade levels.


Here is the official word about semester exams from the district.

-Based on BOE Policy #5421 approved on April 15, 2015, semesterization is permitted with teachers having the OPTION to give final exams.

-Below is a guide for teachers to use to calculate final grade WITH or WITHOUT semester exams. For those teachers, especially Science and Social Studies, who are interested in creating semester exams, Mastery Connect could be a good tool to use. Math and ELA teachers have the option of using the assessment tools in their McGraw Hill resources.


Classes Granting Fewer Than One (1) Credit

-For a class granting less than one (1) credit for which a final exam is not given, the final grade shall be calculated by adding the quality points for each quarter's grade. The total shall then be divided by four (4). The final grade shall be determined by applying the resulting quality points to the Final Grade Calculation Scale.

-For a class granting less than one (1) credit for which a final exam is given at the discretion of the teacher, the final grade shall be calculated by first doubling and adding the quality points for each quarter's grade, and then adding those quality points and the quality points for the exam grade. The total shall then be divided by five (5). The final grade shall be determined by applying the resulting quality points to the Final Grade Calculation Scale.

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Master Teacher and National Board Certified Teacher Informational Meeting


There will be an informational meeting regarding both the Master Teacher Designation and National Board Certified Teacher on November 17th from 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 875 7732 3168, Passcode: Master

https://ccsoh-us.zoom.us/j/87577323168 pwd=YUoxd1BJY1lVRWE2VmRHNllrY1MxZz09


Master Teacher Designation details: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/2292.

National Board Certified Teacher program: https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/2293; https://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/.

Teachers pursuing NBCT, who meet all guidelines, will have all NBCT components paid by CCS (except a $75 registration fee). In addition, NBCTs who follow all stipend guidelines are eligible to receive a $1,500 yearly stipend. Attendance at this meeting is NOT necessary to pursue either designation. However, if you decide to pursue NBCT, please let Karmen McCaslin know so you may be updated on support session dates, which are part of the requirements for the district to pay the cost of the components. The first support session will be held on December 1st from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. online. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Karmen McCaslin at kmccasli@columbus.k12.oh.us.

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STUDYSYNC & COLUMBUS CITY SCHOOLS DESIGNATED OFFICE HOURS-Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm

Continuing this week are the CCS-only StudySync Ask-an-Expert Sessions.

Use THIS Link for the Weekly Ask-an-Expert CCS-Only Zoom Office Hours every Thursday from 3:30pm-4:30pm.


Topic: Columbus City StudySync Office Hours

Time: Every week on Thursday from 3:30-4:30 PM

  • Nov 12, 2020 03:30 PM
  • Nov 19, 2020 03:30 PM
  • Dec 3, 2020 03:30 PM
  • Dec 10, 2020 03:30 PM
  • Dec 17, 2020 03:30 PM

Ask-an-Expert CCS-Only Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 986 1877 2336; Passcode: 203836; Add to Calendar (.ics).


This is in addition to the Ask-an-Expert Sessions that are open to any school using StudySync and in addition to the designated email/phone numbers for CCS Support (614.328.4805; CbusTeacherSupport@mheducation.com). Remember, you also have access to the robust Help Center (Help Center in StudySync) and previous Trainings and helpful Tutorials.

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TUESDAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO VOTE FOR THE 2020 BUCKEYE CHILDREN'S AND TEENS BOOK AWARDS

VOTE FOR THE 2020 BUCKEYE CHILDREN'S AND TEENS BOOK AWARDS

Voting is now open for your favorite book from the nominees below. Voting ends November 10th. You can also make your nominations for the 2021 Buckeye Children's & Teens Book Awards!

For Grades 6-8

  • Supernova (Amulet book 8) by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Front Desk by Kelly Yang
  • Grenade by Alan Gratz
  • Guts by Raina Telgemeier
  • Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

The Teen Buckeye Book Award Nominees (for grades 9-12)

  • On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
  • Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña
  • Supernova (Renegades book 3) by Marissa Meyer
  • The Toll (Arc of a Scythe book 3) by Neal Shusterman
  • War Storm (Red Queen Book 4) by Victoria Aveyard

questions and answers

-What are the iReady Standards Mastery Assessments (SMA) being talked about in middle school? They are not on the testing calendar. Do they take the place of the BOY, MOY, and EOY? Are they mandatory or optional?

This is something I just learned about on Friday. Earlier in the week, I was asked by my director to name two standards that were in the first CORE ELA units for StudySync that are power standards on the OST. I told him RL/RI.1 and RL/RI.4. I did not understand the reason for the question. On Friday that I found out that there will be OPTIONAL iReady Standards Mastery Assessment (15 minutes) on those selected standards. Buildings can choose to do them or not choose to do them. It is not on the testing calendar and it does not take the place of the BOY, MOY, and EOY from iReady. It also has nothing to do with the i-Ready learning paths being used at the elementary level. I believe this is another issue with using a testing product (iReady) that overlaps elementary and middle and is not part of secondary curriculum. StudySync, the adopted curriculum resource for Grades 6-12, has continual up-to-date information in the grade book concerning standard mastery and therefore, there is not a need for a SMA from iReady at the middle school level. StudySync also has its own suite of Assessments aligned to the standards. Here is video showing you how to view your StudySync grade book by Standard. This is where you will always be able to track your students' most up-to-date progress. StudySync Gradebook & Data Analysis (video) (The most relevant information starts at around 54 seconds.)

Sunday, November 8th

  • Thurber House Pen and Tell It (GRADES 6-8) : 3:30-4:30 PM Classified Information Register Here
Monday, November 9th

Tuesday, November 10th

  • StudySync Webinar: 4-4:30 PM How to Create and Modify Assignments Register
  • THURBER HOUSE YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO (GRADES 9-12) 6:30–8:30 pm ET on Zoom Register HERE
  • Final Day to VOTE FOR THE 2020 BUCKEYE CHILDREN'S AND TEENS BOOK AWARDS
Wednesday, November 11th
  • English Chair Meeting 3:30-5:30pm
  • StudySync Webinar: 4-5 PM Basic Training for New Accounts Register
Thursday, November 12th
  • STUDYSYNC ASK-AN-EXPERT CCS-ONLY SESSION: 3:30-4:30 PM Zoom Link
  • StudySync Webinar: 4-4:30 PM 5 Tips for Remote and Hybrid Lesson Planning Register
  • Bedford AP Webinar-American Literature & Rhetoric: Engaging with the Past, Framing the Present 6:00 PM Register

  • TEACHING STAMPED BY JASON REYNOLDS AND IBRAM X. KENDI SESSION 2 More Information Here I Registration Here

Sunday, November 15th

  • Thurber House Pen and Tell It (GRADES 6-8) : 3:30-4:30 PM A Questionable Activity Register Here

All Week

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What are the secondary english curriculum resources?

CCS Adopted, Supplemental, and Intervention Resources List

  • Tier I Instructional Resources are StudySync (English 6-12) and the Bedford Texts/Launchpad (Honors and AP English)
  • Tier II Intervention Resource is Achieve3000
  • Supplemental Resources (in general) are TeachingBooks and DBQ

ELA 6-12 Webpage (One Site for Secondary English Curriculum/Resources)

NOTE: To access many curricular and district, you must be logged into Google using your CCS credentials and not a personal account.

StudySync: Tier One Instructional Resource for English

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studysync usage

StudySync should be used in the same manner as any adopted "textbook." It is the place where the CORE ELA Units for Grades 6-12 are housed (print-student consumable; digital-StudySync online). It is where students access grade-level complex texts that they will read, write about, and have discussions around. It is the resource that offers scaffolding at point of use for students to access complex texts. It is the place where standards are mastered using reading, writing, and skill lessons. It is the place where you have a up-to-date information on how your students are mastering standards because the StudySync grade book has a Standards view that allows you to see every assignment a student has done aligned to a standard and offers ideas for remediation. It is NOT a literacy intervention tool like Achieve3000 that has programmatic goals for students. It is important to make this distinction because teachers need to take ownership of using StudySync as their Tier 1 Instructional resource. The bulk of your curriculum should come from StudySync. Teachers are still free to add and take away from the units, just as you might have a textbook in the past. However, it is not ok to just use StudySync for testing and blasts. If you have been doing that, please make the change to using StudySync's CORE ELA Units. The first read, skill, close read routine found there is exactly what our students need to master standards using complex text. It is also important to note that StudySync is not a supplemental product, like TeachingBooks or DBQ Online. Those are available for your use but should not be the place you go to for the bulk of your curriculum.
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STUDYSYNC ACCESS

-You AND your students access StudySync via the Clever icon or http://clever.com/in/columbuscity. Click on the McGraw Hill icon. Then, launch the StudySync App.

-Your classes are marked with X and Y. The X classes are for first semester and are the ones you should be using now. The Y classes are for second semester. If you want to change the names of your classes in StudySync, follow this guide: StudySync-How to Change Course Names

-Here is information about liking StudySync to Google Classroom.

Webinar: StudySync Google Integrations

Teachers: Linking Your Account with Google Classroom

Students: Linking Your Account with Google Classroom

-Here is the demo code for StudySync in case you have a co-teacher, building coach, or admin that wants to see the platform and they do not have a class aligned in Clever/IC.

DEMO: my.mheducation.com

UN: StudySync2021

PW: study2021

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STUDYSYNC SUPPORT

Help Center

Finding the Help Center in StudySync (video)

-Remember, if you have a question that deals with CCS infrastructure as it relates to StudySync (Clever, rostering, IC, etc.), those questions would be for Tim Wangler.


Tutorials, Trainings, and Webinars


Ask-an-Expert Sessions


Remote Teaching Documents


Resources/Bit.ly Links from StudySync Training Presenters

Teacher Resources from StudySync: https://bit.ly/3iZJigI

Administration Resources from StudySync: https://bit.ly/3jsuLua


Here are the finalized/updated support emails/numbers for McGraw Hill.

Teacher Support McGraw Hill

Administrator Support McGraw Hill

Student/Parent Support McGraw Hill

Bedford/Launchpad: Tier One Instructional Resource for Honors and AP English

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BEDFORD access and support

Access

To get to Launchpad through Clever http://clever.com/in/columbuscity, click the Launchpad icon and click on the name of class/textbook. Student texts were sent to the buildings. All students have a hardback text, Honors students should also have a workbook.

Support

HELP CENTER FORM: https://macmillan.force.com/bfwhighschool/s/

Trainings and Tutorials
Bedford Overviews, Slideshows, Trainings, and Tutorials

Webinars

  • American Literature & Rhetoric: Engaging with the Past, Framing the Present

Thurs, November 12 at 6:00 PM ET

Presented by Robin Aufses, Kate Cordes, Renée Shea, & Larry Scanlon

Whether through remote learning or in-person classes in 2021, this generation of students will need to be prepared to address critical social, economic, and cultural issues, as well as define their role as active citizens who shape them. In this webinar, BFW English authors Renée Shea, Robin Aufses, Kate Cordes, and Larry Scanlon will discuss how American Literature & Rhetoric offers opportunities to engage with the past in order to frame—and more deeply understand—the present. Register

TeachingBooks: Supplemental Resource

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TeachingBooks

ACCESS

You AND your students access TeachingBooks via the Clever icon or http://clever.com/in/columbuscity. Click on the TeachingBooks icon.

UPCOMING PD

TUTORIALS/TRAININGS

-TeachingBooks is the tool that houses the lists of books we have in the warehouse and in the Secondary English Curriculum Office. Use this TeachingBooks Tutorial to learn how to access the CCS book lists.

- TeachingBooks also is a place to get additional novel and author resources. These Overview videos/trainings from TeachingBooks can help you understand the resources: Introduction video I Slide Presentation and Training Script.

-October 16th PD Session: Virtual and Blending Learning Recording

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTED CONTENT

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MLK Breakfast Speaker Contest: CCS Student-Only Contest



CONTEST INFORMATION

CCS will select one student speaker to represent the district at the 2021 Martin Luther King Breakfast, held virtually on January 18, 2021. The competition to become that speaker is open to all students in Grades 6-12. The CCS Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon will introduce our student speaker at the event. Once chosen, our student will be professionally photographed and recorded during the week of December 7th for the event.

HOW TO ENTER

Students should write their speeches, then send/share/message a recording (link to the recording) of themselves delivering the speech to Carla Mae Phillips (740-228-1509 or cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us). Students/teachers may alternatively make a request for Carla Mae Phillips to record the speeches via her Zoom room and that will be scheduled.

DETAILS
Please put “MLK Breakfast” in the Subject Line when sending/sharing recording link and include the student's name, school, grade, student & parent contact information,

and the teacher’s email & phone number.

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NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH--CELEBRATE NANOWRIMO!

Have you started your novel? Are you celebrating NaNoWriMo in your classrooms? Here are a few resources to help you.

1. Middle School and High School Workbooks for NaNoWriMo can be found on the English 6-12 Webpage at the "ELA Strand Resources" Quick Link. Once on the Strand Resources page, you will find them in the Writing Resources list.

2. You can sign up to "officially" be part of NaNoWriMo at https://nanowrimo.org.

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THURBER HOUSE PEN AND TELL IT for GRADES 6-8

Pen and Tell It! are one day workshops that expose 6th-8th graders to different themes and topics in their writing. Below is a schedule and short description of the class offerings using the Zoom online format. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.thurberhouse.org/pen-tell-it. If students register for more than one class, they get 10% off each class!

6-8 Grade options *classes are 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Zoom; $20

  • Sunday, Nov. 8: Classified Information

Teacher: Frankie Diederich

TOP SECRET: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help create a secret society that will change the world as we know it forever. You’ll practice collaborative storytelling as we work together to design a headquarters, write a secret code, and establish our own rules. Do you have what it takes to be a secret agent? Only one way to find out! This message will self-destruct in 3…2…1… BOOM!

  • Sunday, Nov. 15: A Questionable Activity

Teacher: Justin Martin

Can you tell a story using only questions? What if I told you that Kelly Link did, in a fantastically weird short story called “The Cannon”? What if we tried to do the same thing, tried to write a bizarre interview in which so much is asked, only a little is said, and a lot of crazy stuff is implied? Could it help a writer not only be a better storyteller, but a better journalist—and a fantastic liar?

  • Sunday, Nov. 22: Memories and Music

Teacher: Claudia Owusu

Ever wondered why certain songs bring up specific memories? We’re going to spend time writing prose poetry about our favorite songs and the memories they bring up when we hear them. This session will end with free sharing and a curated fun class playlist.

MORE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

THURBER HOUSE YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO (GRADES 9-12)

  • Tuesday, November 10
  • Tuesday, November 24

6:30–8:30 pm ET on Zoom

What is Young Writers' Studio? Students in Grades 9-12 meet every other week for two hours with author and English professor Robert Loss. They kick off the first hour with quality writing prompts and activities. They wrap up the last hour with the chance to workshop pieces that you or others share. It's a safe, low-key, fun opportunity to enjoy writing and meet others! Register HERE

-A limited number of scholarships are available for this program. Email megbrown@thurberhouse.org for more information.


POETRY OUT LOUD 2020-2021

Poetry Out Loud (POL) encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary heritage and contemporary life. Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is administered in partnership with the State Arts Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Teachers, librarians, or administrators register their high schools each year with the Ohio Arts Council and organize contests with one class, several classes, or a whole school. Contests, workshops, and multi-media program materials, including curricula, are free. Poetry Out Loud is aligned with Common Core and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL HERE. I Get more information here.

POL Teacher's Guide I POL Virtual Competition Specifics


HUMANITIES STUDENT/CLASS SUBMISSIONS

Humanities Moments

Through the National Humanities Center’s Humanities Moments project, users submit short videos and essays recalling how an encounter with the humanities, whether through a book, film, document, performance, or something else, profoundly affected their lives.


VOTE FOR THE 2020 BUCKEYE CHILDRENS AND TEENS BOOK AWARDS

Voting is now open for your favorite book from the nominees below. Voting ends November 10th. You can also make your nominations for the 2021 Buckeye Children's & Teens Book Awards!

For Grades 6-8

  • Supernova (Amulet book 8) by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Front Desk by Kelly Yang
  • Grenade by Alan Gratz
  • Guts by Raina Telgemeier
  • Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

The Teen Buckeye Book Award Nominees (for grades 9-12)

  • On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
  • Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña
  • Supernova (Renegades book 3) by Marissa Meyer
  • The Toll (Arc of a Scythe book 3) by Neal Shusterman
  • War Storm (Red Queen Book 4) by Victoria Aveyard

ACHIEVE THE CORE SELF-PACED CLASS

Registration is open for Achieve the Core Tackling the Text: Techniques to Help All Students Grow (Grades 3-12) fall virtual learning 12-hour course. The self-paced course can be taken anytime between October 6—November 16, 2020 and has a $20 enrollment fee. You'll receive a certificate showing 12 hours of professional learning upon successful completion.


HUMANITIES PDs

TEACHROCK is thrilled to announce its first ever virtual TeachRock course for educators, as part of the National Humanities Center’s Humanities in Class Online Courses. Titled From the Sixties to Now: Using Music to Explore Issues of Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Contemporary American History, this course draws upon materials from CNN: Soundtracks lesson collection to explore how issues of Race, Gender, and Sexuality can be approached in a classroom setting, and offers 35 professional development credit hours to teachers. The course dates are November 9–December 18, 2020. REGISTER NOW.

-You can also check out more Humanities In Class Online Courses at the National Humanities Center.


THURBER HOUSE AUTHOR VISITS FOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

*ONLINE* | Until I Could Be Sure: How I Stopped the Death Penalty in Illinois with Former Governor George Ryan NOV 9, 2020 7-8pm

Today, the push to reform the criminal justice system has never been stronger in America—a nation that incarcerates more men and women than any other country in the world and also wrongfully convicts hundreds of men and women. Although the number of executions carried out every year continues to drop in the U.S., the death penalty still exists in 31 states. Until I Could Be Sure: How I Stopped the Death Penalty in Illinois is the memoir of former Illinois governor George Ryan’s journey from death penalty proponent to death penalty opponent. He defied the political winds and endured the fury and agony of the families of the victims and the condemned, as well as politicians, prosecutors, and law enforcement. In January 2000, George Ryan declared a moratorium on executions—the first such action by any governor in the history of the United States. Despite a long history as a death penalty proponent, Ryan was emotionally moved after allowing an execution in 1999. He was also profoundly disturbed by the state’s history—12 men had been executed and 13 had been exonerated since the return of the death penalty in Illinois in 1977. More had been proven innocent than had been executed. Three years later, in 2003, Ryan pardoned four death row inmates based on their actual innocence and then commuted the death sentences of 167 men and women—the largest death row commutation in U.S. history. Ryan’s actions breathed new life into the movement to abolish the death penalty in the United States.

*ONLINE* | Historian Phillip Goodrich DEC 1, 2020 7-8pm

Toss all common beliefs aside that unfair taxation was the sole impetus for the American Revolution. Phillip Goodrich’s Somersett: Or Why and How Benjamin Franklin Orchestrated the American Revolution pieces together the methods and motivations of unlikely leaders who beat the odds against Great Britain by turning the practice of slavery into the call for revolution. The book advances the theory that Benjamin Franklin, using the freeing of a British slave as the catalyst, orchestrated a little-known yet elaborate scheme to spark revolt throughout the colonies and impassion America’s fight for independence from England.

In 1772, the British legal case of Somersett v. Steuart resulted in the first court-ordered freeing of a British slave, James Somersett. Goodrich’s book argues that Benjamin Franklin used Britain’s stance on the abolition of slavery—and his contacts, political acumen, and renown as a publisher and man of science—to work behind the scenes with his “inner circle” of confidantes to manipulate the American colonies into a fight for independence from Great Britain. In Somersett, Goodrich makes the case that Benjamin Franklin wrote letters to prominent colonists to spur the American colonies to fight for freedom to protect their own self-interest—both the northern colonies that supported abolition and the southern colonies that didn’t. By March 1773, colonial leaders, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Patrick Henry, determined that the livelihood and security of the South would be threatened if enslaved Africans were freed en masse. Independence from Britain, Goodrich asserts, was the only way to protect the American colonies from ruin.


GRAMERCY BOOKS AUTHOR EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER

At Gramercy Books on Main Street in Bexley, they share our love of books and the arts through a broad range of programming and events that bring the community together. There’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out Gramercy's calendar of events, and discover something new. This month features the following:


WEBINAR FROM BEDFORD, FREEMAN, AND WORTH FOR HONORS AND AP TEACHERS

-American Literature & Rhetoric: Engaging with the Past, Framing the Present

Thurs, November 12 at 6:00 PM ET

Presented by Robin Aufses, Kate Cordes, Renée Shea, & Larry Scanlon

Whether through remote learning or in-person classes in 2021, this generation of students will need to be prepared to address critical social, economic, and cultural issues, as well as define their role as active citizens who shape them. In this webinar, BFW English authors Renée Shea, Robin Aufses, Kate Cordes, and Larry Scanlon will discuss how American Literature & Rhetoric offers opportunities to engage with the past in order to frame—and more deeply understand—the present.

Register


TEACHING STAMPED BY JASON REYNOLDS AND IBRAM X. KENDI SESSIONS/CONVERSATIONS

This summer librarians from four of our high schools (Africentric, Eastmoor, Fort Hayes, and Whetstone) received a Teacher's Dream Grant for the book Stamped by Jason Reynolds. Their work around this book in coordination with OSU and Otterbein faculty has culminated in a series of four educator sessions through NExT Hub at Otterbein on October 22nd, November 12, November 19, and December 10th. This network is for teachers who are going to teach/are teaching Stamped this year and have read the book. The sessions and conversation will focus on addressing teacher posionality in the classroom and address student needs in regards to the text. Through four sessions, educators will connect with each other, hear from Otterbein faculty, and work together to create materials for their classrooms.

More Information Here I Registration Here


NOVEL CONVERSATIONS (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER)

Novel Conversations, a fan-favorite podcast about classic literature, is returning for its seventh season! And they are kicking it off with a dystopian theme. Get ready for Big Brother, battles with Morlocks, and some apprehensive book burning. Join them every other Tuesday for eight brand new episodes, featuring titles like Fahrenheit 541 and 1984. See below for all eight books and release dates, or follow us for updates on their Twitter and Facebook pages. Enjoy! Listen Now

Older Episodes: LISTEN NOW

Ep 6: The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy by Sterne (1759) Nov 17

Ep 7: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Twain (1889) Dec 1

Ep 8: 1984 by George Orwell (1949) Dec 15


NCTE (NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH) 2020 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE-NOVEMBER 19-22

NCTE’s Convention is the most historic annual literacy convening for teachers and educators. Now celebrating its 110th consecutive year, the historic event connects educators to the most passionate and energetic minds in literacy. Attendees can expect to hear from leading education voices as well as nearly 300 national authors, all engaging together around the pressing topics of the field. Join them to establish new allies in the work of excellent teaching, new connections with luminaries and authors, and enough new books to fill entire shelves in classroom libraries. INFORMATION HERE I REGISTRATION HERE


MICROFICTION CHALLENGE 2020

The 250-word Microfiction Challenge 2020 kicks off November 20th and registration is now open! The 2nd annual competition challenges writers around the world to create short stories no longer than 250 words based on genre, action, and word assignments in 24 hours. Feedback from the judges is provided for every submission and there are thousands in cash and prizes for the winners. Learn more about the competition, register, and read winning stories from previous competitions at http://nycmidnight.co/250. Good luck and stay safe writers!


NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR FOR A LIFECHANGER OF THE YEAR AWARD BY DEC. 31

The LifeChanger of the Year Award, sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation, seeks to honor K-12 educators, teachers, administrators or school staff members who make a positive difference in the lives of students. LifeChanger awardees and their schools or districts receive prizes valued between $50 and $10,000. To be considered for a LifeChanger of the Year award, nominees must:

  • Make a positive impact in the lives of students;
  • Enhance the school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride;
  • Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level;
  • Possess a proven record of professional excellence;
  • Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning;
  • Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards.

Learn more about this award and submit nominations here.


BONNIE CHAMBERS GRANT FOR 6TH GRADE TEACHERS

Recognizing the extraordinary challenges teachers face in the upcoming academic year 2020-21, a one-time $5,000.00 grant will be awarded to purchase books for K-6 students in an Ohio public school building. This Bonnie Chambers Grant is designed to help teachers who strongly promote the use of quality literature in their classrooms. Teachers will use the grant money to select and purchase their own book choices (fiction or non-fiction) dealing with understanding and coping with COVID, racism and equality issues, and/or mental health issues for children and their families.

Application Criteria

  • This grant is open to any* Ohio public school teacher(s) in grades K-6 who demonstrates a need for money in the purchasing of classroom books for their elementary building.
  • If a group of teachers apply, one teacher will apply on behalf of the building and serve as the contact teacher.
  • Need can be demonstrated through free-lunch ratios, recent school-levy results, extraordinary events, etc.

Applications are available and due by December 31, 2020.

Online Application I Print Application

Visit the Bonnie Chambers Grant page for more information: https://www.octela.org/awards/bonnie-chambers/


OCTELA (OHIO COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS) CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 20-27

Due to the current pandemic, OCTELA 2021: Equity will be held virtually on February 20-27th. They hope that this format will satisfy your need for top-notch professional development while also being able to accommodate the various schedules that teachers have this year. This year’s OCTELA virtual conference will include four keynote sessions (Laurie Halse Anderson, David Bowles, Dr. Jocelyn A. Chadwick, and Dr. Peggy O'Brien) that will be live streamed on Saturdays. There will be a mixture of live breakout and pre-recorded sessions available to attendees throughout the week. Virtual seats in live breakout sessions are limited; however, recordings of live sessions will be available for a minimum of thirty (30) days after the conference. All pre-recorded sessions will be available for on-demand viewing for up to one (1) year after the conference. As always, CEUs and graduate credit will be available.

Go to https://www.octela.org/conference/ for more information.

2021 Registration Prices: Standard Registration: $73; Undergraduate registration $33

Submit a Proposal to Present

During the conference, they would like to highlight the work teachers are doing across the state to be inclusive, address social justice, ensure access, and center equity for all.

  • What best practices can be employed to be inclusive, center equity, ensure access, and address social justice?
  • In what ways are teachers utilizing texts and resources to increase access and equity in the classroom and beyond?
  • How can teachers reflect on curricula, teaching practices, and instructional contexts through the lens of equity?
  • How can assessments be developed and used to support equitable practices?
  • How can technology be leveraged to address issues of access, equity, social justice, and inclusivity?

Want to submit a proposal? You can find the form here! Submission Deadline: November 30, 2020 @ 11:59pm (EST)


BULK BOOKSTORE GIVEAWAY

HERE is the contest to win $500 in Books.


TEACHINGBOOKS BLOG-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS

HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways for November 2020.


WE ARE TEACHERS-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS

HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways.

Weekly Stress-Break Video

Isley Brothers ** It's Your Thing (LIVE)
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did you miss earlier issues of the secondary english weekly newsletter?

Each week, this Secondary English Weekly Newsletter will be linked in an email sent to ELA and ELA-related teachers in Grades 6-12 and posted on the CCS English Language Arts 6-12 Page (https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12). It will contain all of the latest information that could prove useful to you and your students. If you know of anyone who needs to be added to the mailing list, please send their name(s) to cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh. Happy Educating!


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Carla Mae Phillips

Lead Secondary English Curriculum Coordinator

Southland Center, Suite 125

Email: cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA
Phone: (380) 997-0463