FRQs are.............DONE!!!

Woohoo! I have no grading tonight, and I was anticipating a late one...

Overall, I am impressed. A few people are still struggling with summary vs. analysis, but that number is dwindling. I was especially impressed with the number of CDs that you are using to support your well-structured essays. Some of you are using more CDs than others, but the overall trend is definitely in the right direction. Bueno.

With that said, I am looking forward to the Napoleon and French Revolution essays. You guys have a LOT of information to draw on and are really rolling with your writing. Just a reminder that I need the essays typed. Your VQ&Ds should all be typed by this point of the year as well. NO CRISIS PASSES PAST DECEMBER 20th FOR THE CHAPTER 19 VQ&D!!! Crisis passes are meant to delay deadlines by a day, or when strategically used, a weekend. Allowing for two extra weeks to complete the essay/VQ&D is too much time, though. Besides, these valuable exercises should not be put off until the end.

Participation grades: Some of you are too quiet (or too loud at the wrong time!) If your participation score is lower than you would like, speak up during discussions and watch your talking during other times. I look at a number of things when compiling participation scores: um, participation, use of work time (long bathroom trips, off-topic discussion, etc), speed at which people follow directions (ISNs, notes, etc...) and other minor things. If you need more individual feedback, email me or stop by.

Final note: If you are struggling in any way, shape or form, TALK TO ME! I am hearing through third parties that a few people are having a tough time. This is a college course. It is difficult for all of us, including me some days. If you do not talk to me directly, and instead rely on parents, friends and counselors to express your frustrations, I can't help you. If my students think anything of me, it is that I will always help when asked. This is one of the most useful skills I can teach you. College profs love it when students come in to talk to them.

I'm sure word has spread, but there will be no work sent home over break, other than:

• test corrections
• read over all note cards two times

That is all. Have great breaks and come back ready to tackle the second half of the course. Yes, we are halfway through!