Important English I Honors Information 3/24/2020

Good Afternoon, Freshman Family –  

Hello! Mrs. Syes and Mr. Tidyman hope that you enjoyed Spring Break, and that this e-mail finds you and your family happy and healthy!  

There’s no denying that the 4th Quarter of this school year has gotten off to an unusual start. As much as we would love to see your smiling faces in our classrooms, we understand that such a meeting would not be wise at this time. Here is an update about the plans we had made for Freshman English, as well as some recommendations (not assignments): 

Our main focus for the 4th Quarter is the Ancient Greeks, their stories and societies. To explore this civilization, and appreciate its lasting connection to our own modern world, we are going to look at 2 major texts: 

• Mythology by Edith Hamilton (here is a link, though this book has been such a high-school staple, there’s probably an old dog-eared copy somewhere on your bookcase). No, you are not required to purchase it, although the Audio Book is quite good and might make for an enjoyable listen. Mrs. Syes and Mr. Tidyman will try to make passages available on their respective websites, and communicate with you when they are available. 

• The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Robert Fitzgerald. Here is another link. This story, mightily abridged, is available in your English class textbook, and just like Mythology, you don’t have to buy it. It is an epic poem, and the unabridged tale is quite long. Mrs. Syes and Mr. Tidyman will have more information forthcoming about how to find, and where to find, the passages we would ordinarily assign in class. If you have your textbook at home, you’re in great shape! 

Some students have also e-mailed us asking about Membean vocabulary studying. We highly recommend you continue studying and learning new words! However, in acknowledgement of students’ access to the internet (or lack thereof), we will not be requiring studying sessions as graded work. Should this change, we will keep you informed. 

For This Week (3/23-3/27): If you are able to, please read the Introduction to Classical Mythology, and also Chapter 1: The Gods, both found in Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. Mrs. Syes and Mr. Tidyman are working out a recommended, non-required reading schedule, and plan to send out updates weekly. (The reading passages are linked here, for your convenience. If you are more interested in the Audiobook format, please click here for options.) 

In closing, we again note these interesting times, and we urge you to prioritize the health and safety of you and those you love. Please reach out and let us know if there’s anything we need to be aware of, but please allow us 24-48 hour to respond. We hope to see you again soon! 

• Mrs. Syes & Mr. Tidyman