Parker School

65-1224 Lindsey Road | Kamuela, Hawaii | 96743

Jessie Marshall

English Department

May 2016

Dear Incoming English 10 Students and Parents,

In this letter, you will find information on the books to be used in class, the required summer reading assignment for English 10, and the optional Honors track.

Books:

Most of the reading for the year are available on the Kindle app and on iBooks to read and annotate on a device of your choosing.Paper copies are also acceptable (and, for some students, preferable). You will be receiving a list of all required books and apps.

Summer Reading:

1. Read the guidelines for Active Reading. Closely examine the examples given.

2.Next, read Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean(Author) and David Parkins(Illustrator). This book is not currently available as an e-book. Students should bring their highlighted and annotated copy to class on the first day, along with any separate notes they may have taken. Active reading will be checked on the first day of school as a required homework assignment. Students must be finished with the book and ready to discuss it on the first day back. (Students who enroll late will be allowed an extension; please contact Ms. Marshall at if this is the case for you.)

Description of Honors track:

The Honors track is highly recommended for students who received an A- or better in English 9 and is required for students who would like to have the option of taking the AP Language class in the junior year. It offers a more challenging experience and anHonors designation on the student’s transcript. An FAQ sheet is included to aid you in your decision-making. To receive the credit, the student must complete additional reading and writing assignments. Students will indicate their choice to take Honors a few weeks into the school year.

I wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you in August.

Aloha,

Jessie Marshall

enc:Honors track FAQ, Active Reading guidelines

English 10 Honors Track

FAQ

English 10 offers an optional honors track for high-achieving students who wish to improve their transcript by taking advantage of high-level course options. If you are considering the Honors track, please share this information with your parent(s) and/or guardian(s).

English Department policy: All students who intend to take AP Language in the junior year MUST do the Honors Track and receive the credit for the entire sophomore year while maintaining a minimum average of A- in the class.

How does the optional Honors track work?

Students opting for the Honors track will be required to complete high-quality assignments in addition to the regular English 10 workload. The Honors track is especially recommended for highly-motivated, high-achieving students who enjoy reading on their own. If you received an “A” or “A-“ in 9th grade English, the 10th grade Honors track is recommended.

Just how much more work are we talking about here?

Honors students will read two extra texts and complete two extra papers per trimester. Due dates will be indicated at the beginning of each trimester and are subject to change; work will generally be concurrent with other English 10 work, and it is up to students to pace themselves to the deadline.

Do Honors grades weigh more heavily in the calculation of my overall GPA?

No. AP grades are weighted; Honors grades are not. AP English is available to 11th and 12th grades, but not to 9th and 10th.

So, if my grades aren’t weighted, what is the benefit of my doing this extra work?

  • The Honors track gives you the option of taking AP in your junior year, as long as you maintain a 90% average overall for the year.
  • It will more fully prepare you for the rigors of the AP class.
  • Honors grades improve your transcript. If you wish to attend a college with more competitive admissions, every Honors class you take will strengthen your overall transcript in the eyes of admissions officers. However, the Honors designation looks the best when you follow the track for the entire year.
  • If you are a student who enjoys reading and writing and who appreciates the intellectual stimulation of a greater challenge, then Honors may provide you with the kind of learning experience you crave.

But if I could get an “A” in standard English 10 or a “B” or lower in Honors, wouldn’t it be better for me to skip Honors?

Honors assignments are graded on a credit/no credit basis. As long as you produce a level of work that is “B” or better and complete the Honors assignments, you will earn the Honors distinction without impact on your overall grade. The purpose of Honors is not to penalize students for challenging themselves, but to offer a higher level option for those students who desire it.

What happens if I commit to Honors, but I can’t keep up with the work load? Is there any way out?

Yes. Honors is an option, not a requirement. Any student who begins the Honors track and at any point feels that the workload is too difficult can drop the Honors track without penalty. The Honors designation would then be dropped from your transcript. That means you could get an Honors designation for first trimester, but move back to standard English 10 second trimester, or even drop the Honors track mid-trimester. However, motivated students are encouraged to stick with it if they can, because dropping Honors would disqualify them from the AP class.

I’m not interested in taking AP; can I still do the Honors track and get the Honors credit?

Absolutely.

I’m not sure if I will want to take AP; after all, it’s a whole year away! Should I take the Honors track?

If you want the option of taking AP, then you should take the Honors track.

When do I have to decide whether or not to take the Honors track?

You are strongly encouraged to decide on Honors enrollment by September 15th. Your first Honors assignment is due three weeks later, so this gives you some time to work on it (but not much time). All decisions must be made by October 6th, which is the due date for the first Honors assignment.

What if I have more questions?

Please feel free bring Ms. Marshall your questions. Questions about how the Honors designation helps in the college admissions process may also be directed to our college counselor, Auntie Joanie, and questions about 11th grade AP English can be directed to the instructor for that class, Mr. Najita.

| phone 808.885.7933 | fax 808.885.6233