Please deliver this important message to: ______________________________________________________________________________
You are receiving this because you are enrolled in Advanced Language Arts 10 next year. In order to be prepared for the rigor of the
class, we are asking you to carefully read and thoroughly understand the information on this handout.
Advanced Language Arts 10: Introductory course information
Congratulations on challenging yourself in an advanced class. We expect that you are enrolled in the course because you have a solid
work ethic, an interest in literature, a desire to improve your writing skills, and ambitious plans for your academic future. In ALA10
we will prepare you to progress successfully through all the Advanced and AP Language Arts courses with a continuum of skill
building.
What to Expect in ALA10
 A lot of writing: This is an advanced class and we intend to challenge you. In order to prepare you for writing at the next
level (ALA11, AP, college) we will be writing regularly—academic essays, not creative stories.
 In-depth, meaningful assignments: Although we may not assign daily homework that is regularly checked, there will be longterm assignments that you are expected to be working on daily. This may involve reading, writing, or researching.
 A teacher who does not like excuses: This is an advanced class. Be accountable for your work and your responsibilities. Talk
to us if you are having problems, but know that we expect all work to be turned in on time.
 A teacher who wants to help you learn and grow as a student. Please feel free to meet with us outside of class whenever you
have any questions or would like additional help. We can’t help if you don’t ask.
Recommended Summer Reading
If you would like to get a jump start on some of the course material, we highly recommend that you read one of the book titles listed
below and complete the journal assignment before school starts. We will be assigning this work during the first week of school and it
will be due by the end of October. This will be an independent assignment,, in addition to the regular class work, so having a novel
read before school starts will ease the amount of work that you will be doing in September and October. Please note that our first
unit of study will also require you to read a poetry anthology outside of class.
1.
Choose one of these six books to read:
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
One Second After by William R. Forstchen
2.
The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Complete the following 100 point assignment:
While reading, keep a reading journal where you document evidence to answer the following question: What moral or
ethical dilemmas do the characters face throughout the development of the plot? Document specific evidence which
proves how multiple characters struggle with difficult decisions and how these decisions affect their lives. Your journal
should include significant quotes and analysis, as well as show reflective thought and understanding of the material.
We recommend purchasing your own copy so you can mark significant passages as you read, but do have copies available. If
you would like to check one out, please stop by Room 131 before the end of the year. If you are using one of the school’s
copies, post-it notes work well for marking the material.
IMPORTANT: Using Spark Notes (or any other print or Internet equivalent) and/or watching a film version is NOT an acceptable
substitute for reading the literature—either now or during the school year. Suspicion of any such will result in an automatic failing
grade on the assignment. If you are unwilling or unable to complete the work on your own, then you do not belong in an
advanced class. Please see your counselor if you feel you are incorrectly enrolled in this course for next year.
Best wishes for a great summer. I look forward to meeting you and working with you in the fall. Students: Please discuss this with your
parents, sign below, have your parents sign below, and bring it to class on the first day of school. Parents: Please read over the
expectations for this class, sign below, and help your son/daughter strive to meet the course requirements. Please contact us as soon as any
problems or situations arise—either during the summer or the school year.
Printed Student Name: _____________________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Mrs. Kristin Kreuser Room 131
920-391-2408 ext. 41334 (Voicemail)
kckreuser@gbaps.org
Date: ____________________
Mr. Mike Schuh
(920) 391-2400
mjschuh@gbaps.org