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=**Make sure to check out, join, and add optional posts on the Creative Writing Club page!**= =AP tutoring August 13th 2:00-3:30 at Salem High School today!=

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 student, as well as the instructor, 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 me at Robin.Lusk@vbschools.com. Sincerely, Mrs. Stancil AP English 11 Instructor http://lusklodge.wikispaces.com (Make sure to join the Wikispace) You will have a reading quiz on this novel the first day of class.
 * Summer Assignments: (Pace yourself through the summer)**
 * Part 1**
 * 1) All students will read __In Cold Blood__ by Truman Capote. 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 fow the first few weeks to complete the project in groups.
 * 2) 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.
 * 3) There will be between questions regarding the novel that you will need to __email responses to your teacher.__ The responses will be used in group work the first week of school. **The questions will be posted on the Wikispace:** These questions are going to be a quiz grade. The answers should be complete and use examples and explanations from the text in order to receive credit.

Part 2 and 3 of the Summer Assignment


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


 * 2. 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.**


 * You will submit your story by doing one of the following:**
 * 1) Post on Wikispace under discussion board (Autobiographical Essay tab)**
 * 2) Email to teacher.**
 * 3) Bring a hard copy to class the first day of school.**

__Summer Hours__** I 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:
 * This essay will be a rough draft (and will be graded as such) that we will work with the first week of school and will eventually become the first article in your end of the year portfolio. Please see the Wikispace for a copy of the grading rubric.**

When you come for summer hours, please stop by the main office to check-in and request the room number; room information is not available at this time.