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June 5, 2013

Dear Student,

 Congratulations and welcome to AP English 11. This course will focus on communication via the different modes of writing. This is a course of rigorous academic study, and a basic understanding of grammar, syntax, and usage/mechanics is required. There will be an extensive amount of preparation work for classes as we develop and hone your writing skills. The overall goal of the students, as well as the instructors, is to use available materials in the effort to elevate the student’s writing abilities across multiple modes, prepare the student for college level writing, and finally prepare for the AP Language and Composition Exam. Along the way, we will attempt to develop personal style and the ability to write for multiple purposes as well as audiences. We look forward to the year, and should you have any questions, please e-mail which ever teacher you are scheduled for at Robin.Lusk@vbschools.com, or Sarah.See@vbschools.com. 

Sincerely, Mrs. Stancil and Mrs. (See) Varner AP English 11 Instructors


 * Summer Assignments: (Pace yourself through the summer) **


 * Part 1 **

http://salem11ap.wikispaces.com/ (Make sure to join the Wikispace)
 * 1) This summer, students will be split up by last name for the two novels. Since you will not know which instructor you have until August, this will help everyone to be prepared for discussion and projects at the beginning of the year.
 * 2) Last names beginning with A-L will read __In Cold Blood__ by Truman Capote. Last names beginning with M-Z will read __The Color of Water__ by James McBride. You can find copies of the book through Virginia Beach Public Library or purchase a copy from a variety of sources (Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Half.com, etc). Buying a used book reduces the price and Walmart.com offers free shipping to the store nearest to you. You may also download an electronic copy of the book on to your e-reader, just be aware that you will need to bring it to school for the first few weeks to complete the project in groups.
 * 3) While you read the novel, it is encouraged that you jot down notes, key quotes/passages, and keep a reading log that helps you to reference specific parts of the novel when reviewing.
 * 4) There will be between 1-5 questions regarding the novel that you will need to __email responses to your teacher when you receive your schedule in August.__ The responses will be used in group work the first week of school. **The questions will be posted on the Wikispace:**


 * Part 2 and 3 of the Summer Assignment **


 * 1) Read the notes posted on the Wikispace under the tab “Autobiographical Essay”.


 * 1) Using the information explored in the notes, you are to create a 2-3 page (double-spaced, Times New Roman) autobiographical story. This should center on one specific event in your life.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">You will submit your story by doing one of the following: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">1) Post on Wikispace under discussion board (Autobiographical Essay tab) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">2) Email to teacher. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">3) Bring a hard copy to class the first day of school.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">We will be available to meet with students to assist with the summer assignments or help students to prepare for AP English next year on the following dates/times:
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Summer Hours __**

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mrs. Lusk- July 22nd from 12:30 pm-2:00 pm <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> August 9th from 12:30 pm-2:00 pm

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mrs. (See) Varner- July 22nd from 10:30 am-12:00 pm <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> August 9th from 10:30 am-12:00 pm

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">When you come for summer hours, please stop by the main office to check-in and request the room number. Salem High will be hosting summer school programs, so room information is not available at this time.