Common Questions
- What materials should I bring to class each day?
- Journal
- Binder
- Portfolio
- Special Pens
- Writing Instruments
- WRITERS INC.
- Will I have to buy any other books?
- Which books will I have to buy?
- Books for Honors American Literature & Composition (10th)
- Books for Advanced Composition (12th CP)
What materials should I bring to class each day?
The simple answer is, "Bring everything." Unless I specify otherwise, I
absolutely require you to bring your text book, notebook, outside reading
book, and pen(s) every day. If you're in doubt bring everything, not
nothing!
Journal
A journal - Please purchase a Mead (or comparable) Composition Notebook,
which is slightly smaller than the regular spiral bound notebooks and is
sewn together; this will serve as your journal, reading log, and idea book.
Binder
The "English" section of your Freshman Binder is where you will keep all
handouts, tests, study-guides, this sheet, and anything else you may need to
keep track of throughout the course of the school year.
You will want to organize sub-dividers to provide sections for vocabulary,
class notes, handouts, homework, etc.
It is your responsibility to keep track of everything each semester.
Handouts will not be reposted or reissued at exam time.
Portfolio
You will be notified at the beginning of the school year as to whether your
teacher requires you to keep a portfolio.
Special Pens
Various colored pens, highlighters, etc. should always be handy. "Special
pens" will not be accepted for homework submissions, however.
Also, from time to time, you will be asked to work on creative assignments
that require magic markers, crayons, glue, scissors, etc. You will be
notified several days in advance of these assignments.
Writing Instruments
Black or dark blue pens for tests/quizzes and homework. Any work to be
turned in must be written in these color inks on loose-leaf paper or word-
processed in 10- or 12- point plain fonts. Any work submitted otherwise may
be penalized or not graded.
WRITERS INC.
A writing handbook: WRITERS INC. is available for purchase at the front
office. This serves as an all-purpose grammar, usage, resource, etc.
reference for all four years at AHS. Cost is $16 new, $9 used.
Will I have to buy any other books?
Traditionally, AHS has tried to supply students with all the texts, novels,
dictionanries, etc., students may need. However, students are brutal on
supplementary books and our supplies rarely last beyond the second year.
Since most of the novels we read are available for less than $10 in
paperback, we sometimes ask that students provide their own. This gives
the added advantage of allowing students to write margin notes as aids in
paper writing and test study.
Spare copies are often available if students have difficulty obtaining their
own.
Which books will I have to buy?
It depends on which class you're taking. Check with your instructor at the
beginning of each quarter.
Books for Honors American Literature & Composition (10th)
AHS supplies the following books for students but the instructor recommends
purchasing your own copy in each case. Check with instructor for specific
editions.
1. The Crucible (Miller)
2. The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne)
3. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (check for correct edition)
4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Twain)
AHS does not have a supply of the following books. Check with instructor
for specific editionis. (If you have trouble obtaining these books, talk
with instructor.)
5. Black Elk Speaks (Neihardt)
6. The Way to Rainy Mountain (Momaday)
7. Little Big Man (Berger)
Books for Advanced Composition (12th CP)
You must purchase and read the following books over the summer. You may be
tested on them at the start of the year and/or unit. I will post the
specific editions I use in class ASAP.
1. All Quiet on the Western Front (Remarque)
2. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston)
3. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
4. The Maltese Falcon (Hammett)
