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We Wear the Mask
This week in class, we’re reading “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an influential African American poet, the son of freed slaves, and friend of Frederick Douglass. In “We Wear the Mask,” Dunbar introduces the idea of hiding behind a metaphorical mask. As we read, we will be…
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Winston Churchill’s ‘Never Give In’ Speech
This week in class, we’re reading “Winston Churchill’s ‘Never Give In’ Speech” by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill’s speech “Never Give In,” discusses the recent successes of the United Kingdom in World War II. As we read, we will be discussing the theme of Resilience & Success as it relates to the text. We…
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Parent Guide: Cell One
This week in class, we’re reading “Cell One” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story “Cell One,” a girl’s brother is arrested and is changed by the injustices he witnesses in prison. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Growing Up, Justice, Freedom & Equality, and Morality as they…
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Parent Guide: The Value of Being Confused
This week in class, we’re reading “The Value of Being Confused” by Barrett Smith. In the informational text “The Value of Being Confused,” Barret Smith discusses the benefits of allowing yourself to be confused. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Education & Knowledge, Identity, and Social Change & Revolution as they…
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Parent Guide: The Bet
This week in class, we’re reading “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov. A young lawyer and a banker make a fifteen year, two million dollar bet to determine which is more humane, capital punishment or solitary confinement for life. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Loneliness & Isolation and Power & Greed as they relate to…
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Parent Guide: The Danger of a Single Story
This week in class, we’re reading “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses the importance of not allowing one story to construct your understanding of the world. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Identity and Prejudice & Discrimination as they relate…
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Parent Guide: The Monkey’s Paw
This week in class, we’re reading “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs. In “The Monkey’s Paw,” a man ignores the warnings of an old friend and makes a wish that brings misery upon his family. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Death and Fate & Free Will as they relate to the text. We are…
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Parent Guide: Two Kinds
This week in class, we’re reading “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan. In “Two Kinds,” a woman reminisces about the misunderstandings and conflicts that contributed to her challenging relationship with her mother. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Growing Up, and Identity as they relate to the text. We…
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Parent Guide: The Lottery
This week in class, we’re reading “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. In Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery,” an entire town participates in a ritual that turns surprisingly sinister. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Justice, Freedom & Equality, Morality, and Social Pressure as they relate to the text. We are…
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Parent Guide: The Gift of the Magi
This week in class, we’re reading “The Gift of The Magi” by O. Henry. “The Gift of a Magi” is a classic Christmas story about love, sacrifice, and generosity. As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Friendship & Family, Love, and Power & Greed as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these…