Good
Afternoon, Freshman Family –
Hello!
Ms. 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. Ms. 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. Ms. 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. Ms. 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!
n Ms.
Syes & Mr. Tidyman
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