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Yes, folks, I've just finished reading portfolios from our young writers, and watching them work in class on Shakespeare and Hawthorne.

Oops - did I just spot students being CrEaTiVe???? ====**American Literature** students participated in a 4-day //Scarlet Letter// conference, in room 209, where they selected a series of small group discussions and activities to attend. They discussed biblical connections, relevance to modern life, young adult books that deal with similar themes, and significant and confusing passages. They created drawings, produced soundtrack compilations, and even composed an original musical piece.==== Writing portfolios were submitted which included very thoughtful and insightful reflections about their writing and learning this year. The students were honest and introspective in their comments about the writing process, and set new goals for themselves based on their assessment of their current strengths and weaknesses. They have become more confident readers and writers this semester.

====**Freshmen** concluded their reading of //Romeo and Juliet// by taking turns as teachers of the class during the last scenes, then forming acting companies and performing selections from the play. An important aspect of the groups was their self-assessment and the feedback they received from other students about their adaptations. It was wonderful for me to see how involved everyone became in the evaluations.====

====**Sophomores** contributed new ideas to and mid-year evaluation of our plans to keep integrating technology in the class; they presented scenes from //Twelfth Night,// and compiled writing portfolios that showcased their semester's work, and reflected on their progress.====

...New Question - to reply, go to the discussion tab above or media type="custom" key="12180484"
==What is the purpose of K-12 education? (Why schools? Is it money? financial success? intellectual growth? a well-rounded human being, and engaged citizen? Is it "being transformed by the renewing your mind"?)== Feel free to focus on high school education if you like.

Is it fair to start the ball rolling with an idea about creativity?
According to retired Massachusetts School superintendent Dennis Richards "our future depends on how creative, imaginative, how innovative adults will be in the future. And that depends on what we expect, value and support in schools." What do you think should be valued in our school(s)?