“Breaking Away”

“Breaking Away”

Although this film was nominated for five Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay) and won for its screenplay, it was overshadowed by a host of box-office winners in 1979, including “All...
SIFF – An extra credit opportunity

SIFF – An extra credit opportunity

We are so privileged to have the nation’s largest film festival right here in our own backyard – SIFF. So, to encourage you to take part in this amazing three-week celebration of cinema, I’m offering you a special deal! You can attend any SIFF film (or event, seminar,...
Phillip Noyce’s “Rabbit-Proof Fence”

Phillip Noyce’s “Rabbit-Proof Fence”

“Rabbit-Proof Fence” A powerfully poignant film, Phillip Noyce’s “Rabbit-Proof Fence” would be compelling on its own, but it becomes even more devastating when you learn that it’s based largely on a true story. In order to best appreciate the film, it’s important to...
Feed and learn

Feed and learn

How would like to help feed people around the world who might otherwise go hungry? And how would you like to improve your English skills at the same time? Well, thanks to this innovative website from the United Nations, you can do both. That’s right, all you have to...
Sherman Alexie’s “True Diary”

Sherman Alexie’s “True Diary”

About the Novel & Unit Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” is an award-winning fictional (but clearly strongly autobiographical) novel that follows the life of Junior – a Spokane Indian – as he navigates the challenges life throws...
Socratic Seminar Preparation

Socratic Seminar Preparation

Here’s the information you’ll need to prepare for the upcoming (and future) Socratic Seminars. Remember that the key to any successful seminar is the degree to which each of you dig into the text and are prepared to discuss it and make meaning from it. Click on the...
Narrative Essay (College Application Essay)

Narrative Essay (College Application Essay)

College Application Essay (Narrative Essay) Assignment For the past several years, all students in English classes at MTHS have written a common essay – specifically, a narrative essay modeled after the essays that most universities require of their applicants. This...
Socratic Seminar Preparation

Independent Reading Project – Book No. 1

Part of your responsibilities as an English 9 Honors student is to do some serious reading outside the classroom. We’ve decided this year to have you read at least three books of your choosing from the College Board’s list of 101 books for college-bound students, or...