SSS minus the S

Second semester seniors without Sutherland?
     Surely none of us thought we'd end our year without our eccentric, unconventional mentor. I say mentor because to many, he was more than simply our English instructor. You don't often come across teachers of such open mindedness and respect for their students; I suppose would explain the recent calamity within the classroom. Which leads me to questions that probably will never be answered. What part of the corrupt curriculum was pernicious enough to make one just up and leave their job with no back-up plan? But more importantly, which wayward teacher is going to be assigned to instruct the material?

     Well it all depends on what period you have. I think one (or more) have Ms. Baxter, a former ELD teacher. While the rest of the classes were left to the care of AP English teacher, Ms. Roenicish (however you spell that). To the dismay of many students under the instruction of Ms. Roenisch, she has already devised a whole agenda replete with the typical senior curriculum. On the first day, we were told that in one semester, we will be reading 6 books as a class (consisting of a few plays and a Shakespeare). 6 books a semester is not a lot, but as a class? Meaning time to read, annotate, analyze, discuss, and report on, which could add up to be a lot of time. Also, we will be indulging in vocabulary units including being tested on them weekly. Oh the joy. First impression: A very by-the-book way of teaching with little room to budge. Like she even said verbatim, "I'm a rule follower,". It's not to say that she isn't a good teacher, but such a drastic transition in teaching styles could take a while to get used to.
     While in Ms. Baxter's class, from what I hear, she wants to keep the idea of blogging as being a part of the class. I'm definitely in the wrong period. But vocabulary?! Really?! We're seniors -______-' I mean, don't get me wrong, expanding your vernacular is a great way to get ahead in life but from years of personal experience, if students aren't actively willing to do it, the information will not retain in their minds. What we'll actually learn will be better ways to cheat, given that most of the Sadler-Oxford WS book answers are online. Lol, just ask anyone with Stein.
     I miss Sutherland and how currents events discussions would go off into a whole other tangent. I guess when life gives you a new tardy policy and Ms. Roenisch, the best you can do is to keep writing!