Welcome Back! 
We return to school on Tuesday, September 1st. I have reduced my work hours to part-time and will see only some students in my English class on Mondays and Tuesdays. Even if you are not in my class, you are welcome to use information on this website. Just send me a message and let me know what else you'd like to have on this site for Independent Study.
I'm already making plans for the coming year that I hope prepare you for completing the requirements for your high school diploma.
Hurricane Katrina: 10 Years Later
Ten years ago, August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. and left some people and places in our country greatly changed. Click this link to read and watch/listen to videos about this historic event.
September Holidays & Observances
September 7th is Labor Day. Because this is federal holiday, there is NO SCHOOL. Labor Day is held on the first Monday of September each year. It was originally organized to celebrate various labor associations' strengths of and contributions to the United States economy. It is largely a day of rest in modern times. Many people mark Labor Day as the end of the summer season and a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. Click here to learn about how Labor Day is celebrated in America. There is also a link to Labor Day celebrations in other places around the world.
September 13th is National Grandparents Day.
Many families in the United States observe National Grandparents Day on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day. Click here to learn more about the history of this day and what people do to honor grandparents.
September 17th is Constitution and Citizenship Day, a combined event observed each year in the United States on this date to commemorate the signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. It also recognizes all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become US citizens. Because this is an observance and not a national holiday, there will be school on this day. Click here to learn more about this day and how people observe it.
September 14th is Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, which may last for two days. Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Remembrance. Click here to learn why and to learn about the symbols in the picture on the left.
September 23rd is the September Equinox, when the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are just about the same. In the northern hemisphere, where the U.S. is located, it is known as the Autumn Equinox which means it's the first day of Fall. Read more about equinoxes here.
September 23rd is Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday also known as the Day of Atonement. Many people of Jewish faith in the United States spend the day fasting and praying. Its theme centers on atonement and repentance. Learn more about how Yom Kippur is observed by Jews in the U.S. by clicking here.
September 24th is Eid al-Adha, observed by many Muslims in the United States and also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This festival marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Learn about how this festival is observed by Muslims in the U.S. by clicking here.