Student Corner

English Department

Summer Reading Assignment 2021

9th-10th Grade Task

Read and analyze the following literary works. Each literary work includes a direct link for the E-text.  For each literary piece, complete a minimum of 5 annotations per 50 pages. In other words, a 300 page book would include 30 annotations.  Annotations should be typed into a google doc. Expect to submit your annotations and complete a formal essay exam based on the Summer Reading within the first week of school. 

9th Grade:       Speak-Laurie Halse Anderson

      E-Text: SPEAK E-TEXT CLICK HERE

             Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora Neale Hurston

      E-Text: THEIR EYES WERE...CLICK HERE FOR E-TEXT    

10th Grade:         Diary of a Young Girl (click here for etext) – Anne Frank

          The Help (click here for etext) – Kathryn Stockett

How to complete an annotation: Each annotation should include the direct line from the text and page # (rising 10th graders should apply MLA citation) and answer one of the following prompts…

• A reaction to something you read
• Question or wondering
• A connection to the text (text-text, text-self, text-world) 
• Analysis of a writing strategy (characterization, conflict, setting, symbolism, plot, foreshadowing, flashback, theme, etc.)
• Analysis of an important scene that helps develop or advance the plot.

11th Grade Task

1. For the Love of Facts
   1. Watch the videos in the TED Talks playlist and take notes on each in the provided note-catcher. See the links for details.
2. NY Times Argumentative Writing Prompts
   1. Choose one of the topics and respond to the accompanying prompts (listed at the end of each article in bullet points) in the provided note-catcher. You may respond to each prompt individually or write a single response that addresses all of the prompts within it. Be sure to align your response to the rubric at the bottom of the note-catcher.

12th Grade Task

Write a well-developed vision statement that answers one of the following writing prompts. Complete three typed drafts with proof of revision, and measure your work against this rubric. Your vision statement should be 500-600 words in length. It is imperative that you take this assignment seriously, as this is a required component of the college application process. 

The 2021 Common Application Essay Prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Refer to the following resources for guidance and inspiration:

• NY Times: "How to Write a Good College Application Essay"
• Khan Academy: "Writing a Strong College Admissions Essay"
• Johns Hopkins University: "Essays That Worked"
• College Board Big Future: "8 Tips for Crafting Your Best College Essay"

Course grades are issued on the third report card of each semester (distributed in early February for Fall term and late June for Spring term) and reflect all exams, projects, homework, classwork, and other work for the entire semester (September through January for Fall term and February through June for Spring term).

Regular Courses

Crew Advisories

Here is a list of our currently existing clubs running remotely and the staff member to contact if you want to join: 

• Art Club - Be creative at together at home!  Art supplies provided - Ms. Armao
• Debate Team - Mr. Cammilleri
• Creative Writing Club - Ms. Devine - Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30-3:30.  Email - Jdevine@gaynormccownels.org if you are interested.
• Cultural Consciousness Society - Dedicated to creating a safe space to share ideas and aspects of our cultures in order to empower ourselves and others - Ms. Ment - Fridays @ 1:16pm
• Government Club - A place for Political Discourse - Mr. Errichiello - Thursdays @ 2pm
• Key Club - Make the world a better place through service to the community  - Mr. Feliciano - Tuesdays 1:30 - 2:30
• LION Club - LGBTQ Alliance - Ms. Coffey - Friday's at 2:30pm
• Math / Hack Club - Visit the Hack Club Website for more information!  Ms. Gibbons - Mondays @ 2pm
• Murder @ McCown - True crime podcast listening & discussion - Ms. Tang - Wednesdays @ 2pm
• National Honor Society - Ms. Mavaro & Ms. Sloan-Ward - Wednesdays @ 1:15pm (by invitation)
• Pre-Med Society -  Ms. Brand - Thursdays @ 1:15pm
• Tutoring - Ms. Mavaro & Ms. Sloan-Ward - Mondays and Wednesdays 1:15 - 2:15 

Email Athletic Directors Ms. Mangiero (Kmangie@schools.nyc.gov) and/or Ms. Fontanez (Jfontanez3@schools.nyc.gov) with questions about playing sports at McCown.