Out with the old, in with the new. (Guest blogger: Tyler Levinson)

      As this is an English blog, I will write about literature. Thoughout my school life, I have been forced to read many "classic" novels, such as Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, Animal Farm, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. While these novels do have modern appeal, they are not very relatable to today's youth (and if you can relate to Holden Caulfield, I pity you). I feel that novels that are considered "Modern Classics" would be more relatable to today's youth readers, and because they are more relatable, students will better understand the themes and emotions that are being conveyed.
      Now, I am not saying we should do away with timeless classics from such writers as Shakespeare, Steinbeck, and Hemingway, I am just saying that we could cut out some of the literary fat (i.e. Nothing but the Truth and Tangerine).
      If you were on the school board, what modern classic would pick to replace Nothing but the Truth or Tangerine and why? Remember, the book should be relatable for guys and girls and be school appropriate.

Tyler Levinson

A Time To Reflect

It's Thanksgiving.  (Duh.)


Usually, people take this time to list what they're a thankful for and express gratitude.  I'm sure you all have done that a million times in your educational careers.


Here's a twist.  

Most Thanksgivings are spent with family and friends; sometimes, it's with those we only see a few times a year.  When I was a young girl (way, way back...), I remember how older members of my family (and friends) would take this opportunity to give advice to the younger generation. Sometimes it was a simple piece of advice. When I was about 12, Lily, a family friend, told me, "Gina, start using Oil of Olay moisturizer everyday now. You will look young when all your friends look like old hags."  It was a fabulous piece of advice.  Sometimes the advice revolves around life lessons like the advice given by my parents, "It's important to manage your finances. Never borrow more than you can repay."

This Thanksgiving take the time to reflect on pieces of advice you have been given recently or in the past, and by whom. Include everything from the mundane to more abstract ideas about character, getting along with others, and so on.

Let's get a good list going. Part two coming soon.....