Assistant Principal's Blog

I'm Back - Introducing Joe Lafayette

2010-01-03T18:13:00.005-05:00

For those of you who did not hear the news, Joseph Paul Lafayette was born on October 21, 2009. He was 8lbs 3 oz at birth, and at last check, he was about 14 lbs.

He is a happy baby and my husband and I could not be more in love with him.

Motherhood has definitely been a learning experience, and I am very lucky to have friends and family close by who have been so helpful.

Things I have learned over the past 10 weeks:
1. I do not need as much sleep as I think I do.
2. Patience is a virtue.
3. Babies do in fact grow up very quickly.
4. Procrastination is no longer an option.

I am very excited to return to work. I cannot wait to talk with the students again and find out how their year has been. I feel like I have missed a ton of stuff. I look forward to hearing about college acceptances, classes, projects, homework, teams, dances and all the stuff that make up a school year.

Thank You

2009-10-14T20:16:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone for their kind good byes and well wishes today.

I will certainly miss NHS while I am on my maternity leave, even though I know I will be extremely busy with a newborn. However, I will make sure to update my blog and comment on other blogs from time to time, so I can stay connected to the Norton community.

Feel free to comment on the blog and let me know what I am missing.

Work hard and be good!

Thanks,

Mrs. Lafayette

Teacher Team Building

2009-09-27T17:08:00.002-04:00

Had a great time at teacher team building this weekend. The LC kids did a great job leading the activities and working with the teachers to solve the different challenges. Although Baby Laf and I could not participate in all the activities - no Human Knot for example. I had fun working through each challenge. What impressed me the most about both groups of teachers and students was their perseverance. There were a couple challenges that took some time, and each group was given the option to stop and start all over again, but they did not. Each group decided to keep trying and in each case the group found success!

All in all, it was a nice was to spend a Sat. morning. I was nice to see everyone outside of the school building and outside of the traditional teacher - student roles.

What did everyone else think??

Freshman Advisory

2009-09-15T09:57:00.002-04:00

Freshman Advisory is one of my favorite things here at high school. I was never an athletic student, so I always found myself involved with clubs and different organizations that worked to make school more interesting. I think that is why I like freshman advisory so much. I think it is a nice "break" to the regular school day. I like leaving my office and talking with students about their concerns and finding out what they think of NHS.

I know it is still new to many of our freshmen, and I know that some even thought the first day was "boring." I hope, however, that everyone will give it a chance and not be afraid to open up a little and try to have fun during advisory.

I would love to hear your opinions.

What do you think of advisory? How can it be improved?

First Day of School....

2009-09-07T20:36:00.002-04:00

So it has finally arrived: the first day of school. I am ready. It is almost 9:00 pm and I have packed my lunch and ironed my clothes, and run through the day in my head, I can't think of anything that I have missed. It is definitely different this year thinking of the first day of school as an administrator rather than as a teacher. I have not had to think of seating charts, make photocopies or create lesson plans. Instead I have been thinking about the school as a whole. I have to think about teachers and returning students and students who have enrolled over the summer. I have to be sure that I have done everything necessary so that their first day runs smoothly.

But I am ready. Are you?

Introductions... Sort of

2009-08-27T12:08:00.005-04:00

For my first post of the 09-10 school year, I figured that I would introduce myself. Although I have worked at the Norton High School for six years as an English teacher, I realize that people probably do not know much about me.

Some facts about me:

1. I am a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross (a trend around here). I earned my Master's Degree from Endicott College, and I am currently working on a second Master's Degree from Worcester State College.

2. I grew up in Millville, MA. It is a very small town on the RI border that few people have even ever heard of. Now I am back in my hometown. Just last year, my husband and I bought a house and we are still renovating.

3. My husband and I are expecting our first child in October and we have one dog, a bullmastiff. (she is the one sitting up in the picture)

4. I spend my time outside of school hanging out with friends and family, reading, watching movies, and running (right now I stick to walking).

5. I am a terrible speller. (I know English teacher that couldn't spell, go figure.)

6. I am very excited to begin my first year as an administrator in Norton and I look foward to working with teachers and students to make this year fun, educational, and memorable.

Frankenstein Questions

2009-04-22T18:02:00.003-04:00

In the first 4 chapters of Frankenstein, how does Mary Shelley foreshadow the conflict Victor Frankenstein will endure throughout the novel?

Throughout the novel what evidence is there of the struggle between science/advancement and humanity/morality?

Please post using your first name and last initial.

Macbeth in Just Over 2 Minutes!

2009-02-09T20:46:00.001-05:00

Again, just for fun! Watch and leave your opinion!

Macbeth Rap

2009-02-09T20:44:00.001-05:00

Just for fun!

Check it out and leave your opinion.

Lady Macbeth - Judi Dench

2009-02-09T20:38:00.001-05:00

Evaluate this portrayal of Lady Macbeth. Note: the staging is intentionally empty, what affect does it have on you?

Thesis Statement

2008-10-06T12:03:00.002-04:00

Post your Thesis Statement here!

Make sure to check the comments... I replied to your thesis statements.

Animaniacs on Hamlet

2008-10-02T21:51:00.001-04:00

Just for fun!

Post a comment and tell me what you think. Is it important for young students to be exposed to the ideas of classic literature in this way? Why/Why not?

Laurence Olivier in Hamlet

2008-09-25T17:23:00.001-04:00

Third clip for your consideration.

Hamlet Act3, Scene1 Soliloquy

2008-09-25T17:13:00.001-04:00

Hamlet - Act III, scene I (Kevin Kline) To be or not to be

2008-09-25T17:11:00.001-04:00

Compare the different portrayals of Hamlet's famous "to be or not to be" speech. Which one is better? How do the directors' interpretations of Hamlet's character differ?

Please post one original comment and one response to a classmate.

Finally .... A New Entry

2008-09-24T17:08:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone,

So I am finally blogging again after a long and enjoyable summer. This summer was fantastic. My husband and I bought our first home, and we kept busy fixing it up all summer. I plan on posting a couple pictures soon.

Until then, if you are still out there reading my blog, tell me about the best thing you did this summer.

Thanks,

Mrs. Lafayette

Julius Caesar the Highly Condensed Version

2008-05-19T16:15:00.001-04:00

Watch and leave a comment... what do you think?

Dr. Enelow Raps the Canterbury Tales

2008-05-08T22:14:00.001-04:00

One Book One School

2008-02-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

Finished reading the Lance book. I spent all day Sat. of vacation reading and finished the novel in one day. So, if you have not picked it up yet, get going! You have plenty of time.

Happy Vacation!

AP Seniors

2008-02-19T20:55:00.001-05:00

Claim your research topic! What would you like to study in depth?

Senior Research Paper

2008-02-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

Claim your topic.... We will work in class to create your thesis statements. What are you interested in studying in depth?

AP Bonus Blog

2008-01-15T10:12:00.000-05:00

Lewis Weeks, Jr. claimed in 1980 that "although subject, setting, point of view, characterization, dialog, irony, and compression all make 'Hills Like White Elephants' one of Hemingway's most brilliant short stories, the symbolism implicit in the title and developed in the story contributes more than any other single quality to the powerful impact." Agree with any part of this statement in detail, quoting relevant phrases from the story as needed.

Seniors Period F

2008-01-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

Seniors,

Please visit the link below to watch Frontline's "The Return of the Taliban" (60 min.). Please note that each segment contains multiple chapters. Take notes.
Consider any parallels between the reality of the Taliban and Hosseini's depiction of the Taliban in The Kite Runner.

You must post your comment by 1/22/08

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/taliban/view/

Wish I was there....

2008-01-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

I was updating my blog and I came across this picture from my last vacation in the Dominican Republic. Wow, it was beautiful... I know it has been a mild week, but I cannot wait for the warm weather to come back for good.

Feel free to post about your favorite vacations, or what you long for when you are stuck in a New England winter.

Period F - Kite Runner - Amir

2007-12-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

What is you opinion of Amir? Is he a likable character? Is he a reliable narrator (is he honest with himself and with the reader?) You must state your opinion and then provide a quote from the novel to support your opinion.

Seniors Period F

2007-12-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

As you read Kite Runner, you will be required to post on the class blog. For this first post please report your initial reaction to the novel. Do you like the book thus far? Why or why not.

Also, please discuss how your pre-reading research has helped your understanding of the novel.

While you are here, check out this link http://www.khaledhosseini.com/

Cann Challenge Bike Ride

2007-10-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

Good luck to coach Simms on his Cann Challenge Bike Ride from Orlando, FL to Norton, MA.

Check out his blog, it is inspirational...

http://challengebikeride.blogspot.com/

AP English Orwell Assigment

2007-10-18T21:57:00.000-04:00

Please read Professor Esch's analysis of Orwell's "Politics and the English Language." You must first quote a passage (a few sentences) from the essay that you agree with, disagree with, or that you find striking in some way. Then you must also respond directly to one of your classmates observations of the piece.

So - you will have 2 comments total.

To receive credit, you must comment by Tuesday's class

HAMLET ON THE STREET - Monologue by Craig Bazan in Camden NJ

2007-10-11T18:46:00.001-04:00

Watch this monologue - comment on the quality of his performance. Could you produce something like this for your Hamlet project?

hamlet by The Simpsons

2007-10-11T18:39:00.001-04:00

Ealuate The Simpsons' interpretation of Hamlet. Are there too many inaccuracies? Does this 5 minute clip have any value? Are The Simpsons' simply doing what they always do? Please post your reaction to this clip.

Donnie Darko

2007-10-02T21:54:00.000-04:00

Let me just say wow, what a strange, strange movie, and honestly, I enjoy strange movies. I think I enjoyed this one; yet, it definately needs a second viewing.

Next, let me admit that for the past few years, students have been suggesting that I watch this film (I teach Film as Literature) and I have always put it off. The first reason I had no interest in this film was because of the title. Donnie Darko, it sounded too much like a superhero/sci fi thing. Then a student physically handed me the DVD, so I figured I really had no excuse....so thank you Olivia.

That said, I am not even sure that I truly understand this movie, it involves a protagonist who may or may not be a paranoid schizophrenic who is interested in time travel.

So if you have seen this movie, please post a comment...
Or suggest another great/strange film.

SENIORS ASSIGNMENT - The Yellow Wallpaper

2007-09-13T20:07:00.001-04:00

HW Please comment on this video. How does it change your opinion of the short story?

AP Essays Summer Reading

2007-09-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

Any questions on your assignment for tomorrow? Let me know!

First Day .... almost

2007-09-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

Back to school. Actually it is a phrase I have always secretly enjoyed. I always feel that September is filled with hope for the new year. So, I have to admit that while most of my students are wishing that the summer could just last a little longer, I am ready and excited to start a new school year.

See you on the 5th!

Good Books

2007-08-13T21:04:00.001-04:00

Ok Kids, Lets hear it. I hope you read some non-required summer reading over the past three months.
What did you read that you liked?

For me, I read Manchild in the Promised Land by Claude Brown - a suggestion from a student in a study hall. - My thoughts, it is an interesting and troubling look at life in the inner city.

I also finally got around to reading My Sister's Keeper - cover to cover - and found it kept my interest from start to finish and that the change in narration was well done throughout.

Of course I read the final Harry Potter book - I will, however, keep my thoughts to myself - just in case someone is in the middle of it.

I also read a bunch of education books - but you will hear about those when we start class in September.

Currently, I am in the middle of Cat's Cradle and finding it facinating.

AP SUMMER READING

2007-08-12T22:08:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder
All AP summer reading responses are due by August 15th!

Finish them early and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Summer Reading

2007-08-08T21:45:00.001-04:00

So Students,

Let's hear it.

What did you think about March by Geraldine Brooks? Please be sure to tell me why you felt this way.

Thanks,

M. Lafayette