Common Questions
What materials should I bring to class each day?
The simple answer is, "Bring everything." Unless I specify otherwise, I absolutely require you to bring your text book, notebook, outside reading book, and pen(s) every day. If you're in doubt bring everything, not nothing!Back to Top
A journal - Please purchase a Mead (or comparable) Composition Notebook, which is slightly smaller than the regular spiral bound notebooks and is sewn together; this will serve as your journal, reading log, and idea book.Back to Top
The "English" section of your Freshman Binder is where you will keep all handouts, tests, study-guides, this sheet, and anything else you may need to keep track of throughout the course of the school year. You will want to organize sub-dividers to provide sections for vocabulary, class notes, handouts, homework, etc. It is your responsibility to keep track of everything each semester. Handouts will not be reposted or reissued at exam time.Back to Top
You will be notified at the beginning of the school year as to whether your teacher requires you to keep a portfolio.Back to Top
Various colored pens, highlighters, etc. should always be handy. "Special pens" will not be accepted for homework submissions, however. Also, from time to time, you will be asked to work on creative assignments that require magic markers, crayons, glue, scissors, etc. You will be notified several days in advance of these assignments.Back to Top
Black or dark blue pens for tests/quizzes and homework. Any work to be turned in must be written in these color inks on loose-leaf paper or word- processed in 10- or 12- point plain fonts. Any work submitted otherwise may be penalized or not graded.Back to Top
A writing handbook: WRITERS INC. is available for purchase at the front office. This serves as an all-purpose grammar, usage, resource, etc. reference for all four years at AHS. Cost is $16 new, $9 used.Back to Top
Will I have to buy any other books?
Traditionally, AHS has tried to supply students with all the texts, novels, dictionanries, etc., students may need. However, students are brutal on supplementary books and our supplies rarely last beyond the second year. Since most of the novels we read are available for less than $10 in paperback, we sometimes ask that students provide their own. This gives the added advantage of allowing students to write margin notes as aids in paper writing and test study. Spare copies are often available if students have difficulty obtaining their own.Back to Top
Which books will I have to buy?
It depends on which class you're taking. Check with your instructor at the beginning of each quarter.Back to Top
Books for Honors American Literature & Composition (10th)
AHS supplies the following books for students but the instructor recommends purchasing your own copy in each case. Check with instructor for specific editions. 1. The Crucible (Miller) 2. The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne) 3. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (check for correct edition) 4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Twain) AHS does not have a supply of the following books. Check with instructor for specific editionis. (If you have trouble obtaining these books, talk with instructor.) 5. Black Elk Speaks (Neihardt) 6. The Way to Rainy Mountain (Momaday) 7. Little Big Man (Berger)Back to Top
Books for Advanced Composition (12th CP)
You must purchase and read the following books over the summer. You may be tested on them at the start of the year and/or unit. I will post the specific editions I use in class ASAP. 1. All Quiet on the Western Front (Remarque) 2. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Hurston) 3. The Hobbit (Tolkien) 4. The Maltese Falcon (Hammett)Back to Top