N.H.H.S.
Home of the Huskies
New Holstein High School
June 2010
Hey Gang:
You are receiving this letter because you have elected to participate in the Advanced Placement
English class during the 2010-2011 academic year. Congratulations on your decision!
I do understand that you are all very busy people, so I’m offering you the opportunity to get some
relatively easy background work done this summer. We will begin the semester with a unit
establishing literary literacy. Enclosed you will find a list of the most notable and classic pieces of
literature we will cover. Please read or view and summarize as many of these titles as possible. In
the summary, consider including themes, conflicts, characterizations, symbols, etc. Let me suggest
that you focus on one title from each category, then go back and double up within each category.
Our initial unit will require you to compare and contrast a contemporary piece of literature to a
classical piece with which you are familiar. Obviously, the more classics you know, the easier the
comparison. Enclosed you will find a packet of materials to assist you. The packet includes:
this letter of introduction and my contact information in case you are stressing
the classics reading list
a contemporary reading list
directions how to access my wiki-site for hand out information
directions how to access my blog to record your reactions as you’re reading
the literary literacy unit assignment rubric to help you understand the expectations
Summer reading is NOT MANDATORY—I only offer it as an opportunity to alleviate the
demands of an already busy senior year. You do not have to participate now, but you will be
required to do this reading by the end of the first quarter on your own.
This is your decision, and your participation or lack of participation in the summer will carry no
consequence. I promise! I want to make this very clear. It does not matter to me when you read,
just so long as you read.
I look forward to this opportunity to assist you in pursuing your academic goals. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 920-898-5367 or email me at dbheus@charter.net.
Have a great summer. Work a little. Play a little. Kick back and read a little.
See you in September,
Mrs. Donna Heus
New Holstein High School
Enc.
1715 Plymouth Street
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New Holstein, WI 53061-1292
4112
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Phone (920) 898-4256
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Fax (920) 898-