I just want to say that I am amazed by how talented this class is.  I have enjoyed my time with all of you and am looking forward to seeing where you all go! Thank you Ms. Serensky for all you've taught us, you have really made an impact on all of our lives.  Congrats everyone!

Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

All my time is froze in motion
Can't I stay an hour or two or more
Don't let me let you go
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well


Here's To the Night by EVE 6


As we go on
We remember
All the times we
Had together
And as our lives change
From whatever
We will still be
Friends Forever


Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now?
Can we survive it out there?
Can we make it somehow?
I guess I thought that this would never end
And suddenly it's like we're women and men
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us 'round?
Will these memories fade when I leave this town
I keep, keep thinking that it's not goodbye
Keep on thinking it's a time to fly


Graduation by Vitamin C


Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on... 


100 Years by Five for Fighting

Singing forever young, singing songs underneath that sun
Lets rejoice in the beautiful game,
And together at the end of the day.
We all say

When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag

Waving Flag by K'Naan

So give it up, throw your hats in the air
And change just as they land
You’re saying, "We'll get out of here"
Something tells me that you’re too scared to go

Give it Up by the Format

It's a shame how the time goes past 
Movin so fast 
Its like im movin at lightspeed 
Slow down 
You need to slow down 
Every once in a while sometimes 
You'll see how the world goes round 

Lightspeed by Grieves

Farewell Blog

Dear AP English 12,

                It is madness that we only have a few short days left.  Despite all the late nights and tiresome work, the years did, as many warned, fly by.  It is a bittersweet feeling to know all the excitement waiting ahead of us but how this chapter of our lives is forever closing.  Although we have learned a lot of information, I think the most important thing to acknowledge is how it has shaped us as people.  In reality, English, and school in general, is not necessarily about the information.  You will not always remember the audience and purpose of a poetry paper, or the grade you received on an essay, but you will remember the how the work changed you.  Whether it be learning to speak up in a discussion or how to preserve through an in class essay, something will stick with you.  It is hard in the midst of the hectic school year to always keep in perspective what truly matters.  Sometimes we put too much emphasis on the grades we get on assignments rather than appreciating what we accomplished or how we improved.  I think that English has taught us that success comes in more ways than one.  As long as we give everything our best effort, take each challenge one step at a time and to keep working till the bell, we will reach our goals.  This is a class which we will remember years from now and see that all the hard work paid off in ways we cannot imagine now.  Just in two short years we have transformed from naïve, frightened juniors to intelligent, confident seniors.  We have been prepared and have acquired the skills needed to leave Chagrin and succeed, although I would really appreciate a couple more days.

See you in class,

Kathryn

Why AP English?

10. To overcome the fear of a graded discussion.  Sophomore year English classes try it out a couple of times but you will not understand a true graded discussion until you get to AP English.  Frightening at first but you become accustomed to them and learn to actually learn enjoy them.

9.  Eleventh grade final exam.  Reading a choice book and creating a movie about it is extremely enjoyable.  While other classes review and study for a final, you will instead enjoy your time making absurd videos.

8.  Receiving a sticker.  Getting a paper passed back and seeing a sticker on it is one of the best feelings.  You know that you worked one hundred percent for it and deserve it.

7.  The multiple choice game.  A fun and competitive day where your group works together to win extra credit points.  You will develop extreme hatred for some people during it but it only adds to the fun.

6.  Quote sheets.  You will look forward to them at the end of every quarter.  Usually the quotes capture the students’ stupidity but they are hilarious.  

5. Data sheets.  I hate to say it but completing a data sheet is a reason in itself to take AP English.  The feeling of accomplishment when turning them in makes it worth it.  Then when it comes time for the AP test seeing that there is a point to them and all the hard work was worth it.

4.  You enjoy writing essays and shouting out random quotes.

3.   It consumes people’s lives.  People who do not take AP English state that it is like a cult.  We constantly talk about it and think about it all the time.  You do not want to be on the outside of the elite cult. 

2.  You become smarter.  It happens.

1.  Simply, Ms. Serensky

The AP Test

McMurphy-“I’ll be d***** if I ever saw anything so slow” (249).

Jack-“I fear there can be no possible doubt about the matter” (48).

Rodney- “Why is it a problem?  I don’t understand” (132).

McMurphy- “The day’s half gone already” (105).

Jack-“It is a terrible bore” (9)

Rodney-“I don’t understand why it’s important that we talk about what’s going on” (135).

McMurphy- [Looking an answers] “Come on now, what is this crap?” (118).

Jack-“There’s a sensible, intellectual girl!” (18). “You never talk anything but nonsense” (19).

McMurphy-[Pointing out an answer] “Oh, I’m a thinker all right” (107).

Jack-“Your vanity is ridiculous” (30).

Rodney-[Addressing McMurphy] “Actually…I don’t think that’s true at all” (128). 

Jack-[Laughing] “What a…sad, sad blow”(26)

McMurphy-“I’m tired of looking at you bunch of old ladies…I’m gonna nail the door shut behind me.  You guys better stay behind” (122).

Rodney- “I’m also not as stupid as you think” (129)

Jack-“I know nothing” (12).