Sunday, December 9, 2012

English Teacher Book Published in December

English Teacher Andrew Jones’ book, “Two Seasons in the Bubble: Living and Coaching Basketball in Bulgaria“ will be published by Granny Publishing.  I’m very excited about getting my copy.  Check out the publisher’s website here: http://grannypublishing.com/bookswriters/twoseasonsinthebubble.html

And check out Andy’s Facebook page for his book here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-W-Jones/179308838879165.   

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Central Senior Chosen as Columnist!

Emma Harrison holds her recent column in The Doings called "Being the Tie-Breaker in the Election."   This isn't Emma's only claim to fame.  She's also the Editor-in-Chief of this year's El Diablo yearbook staff.

Check out the funny and smart column here:  http://oakbrook.suntimes.com/opinions/15842950-598/being-the-tie-breaker-in-the-election.html

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

English 1 PLC examines data on student achievement to tweak curriculum

The English 1 Team met this morning to examine student assessment data about students gathering, assessing, and presenting information -- a key Common Core skill.  

"Creating a Community of Readers"

 Hinsdale Central teachers have been selected to present at the NCTE national education conference. This photo shows English teachers and librarian collaborating as they put together their presentation for the National Council of Teachers of English national convention in Las Vegas in November.  From left, English teachers Stephanie Hiffman, Heather Fehrman, Kate Saunders, librarian Kerrin Riley, and English teacher Lauren Otahal.  The proposal that was accepted by NCTE involves 

Here's the information that NCTE publicized.  (NCTE publicized separately for each teacher, so this one is just about Kate)

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is pleased to announce that Kathrynne Saunders will be speaking at the 2012 Annual Convention.

Saunders, of Hinsdale Central High School, Illinois, will be presenting during the Panel, "CREATING A COMMUNITY OF READERS." An excerpt from the description of this session in the Convention Program reads:
Each year, it becomes a little more difficult to inspire students to read. Between an overload at school and technological distractions, picking up a book becomes less and less of a priority for teenagers. However, creating a community of readers is still possible.
The session will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
Each year, the NCTE Annual Convention draws thousands of K-12 teachers, college faculty, administrators, and other educational professionals from around the world. They gather to hear award-winning speakers, attend idea-packed sessions, share best practices, participate in workshops, and test the latest teaching materials. The 2012 Annual Convention will be held November 15-18, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For more information, or to register for the Convention, visit http://www.ncte.org/annual.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

New Devils' Advocate out today!

The issue includes a feature article by Kathryn Cua and Chetna Mahajan with the intriguing subtitle, "Not all stduents need SADD's warning posters, some are choosing not to drink at all."  English teacher Kate Saunders is quoted in an article by Libby Morris called "Welcome to the blog-o-sphere" which details how students are building an online presence by creating blogs in and out of classes.  Lots of other great stuff, too!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Scooping the Doings...follow DA on Twitter!

Devils Advocate Online is on Facebook and Twitter, so you don't have to wait until tomorrow to get the new posts.  Get them immediately by following them on Twitter at

@hcdevilsadvo


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Devil's Advocate Online is LIVE!

Check out the Devils' Advocate Online.  It's hip, it's stunning, and it's updated daily with new features and stories.  This story about this year's homecoming court showed in this image was posted almost immediately after the pep rally occurred!

Check out the excellent reporting (and excellent writing) on "From the Mideast to the Midwest" by Katherine Kiang and "14 and Coding" by Jeff Lauer.  And check out the video interview about our new air conditioning!  How cool!

Check it out here:  http://www.hcdevilsadvocate.com/

Congratulations to all the student editors and staff members on Devils' Advocate Online and English teacher and Advocate Sponsor Sue Grady!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Junior Student Published in "Sail" Magazine.

Jessica Reid, junior at HC, has recently published an article "Lost in a Daydream" in Sail magazine.  Currently a student in English teacher Michael Palmquist's AP Language and Composition class, Jessica originally wrote the published piece for an assignment for Christine Hicks' English 2 Honors class last year.  Congratulations, Jessica!

Sun-Times article about HC grad and English Teacher

Read a great story about Kevin Mori (HC 2008) and Christine Hicks by Sara Clarkson in The Doings.

Here's the opener:

Just about the last place you may expect to find an English teacher would be a Silicon Valley luncheon with an elite group of engineers whose main study, obsession even, is math and science.
But that is exactly where Hinsdale Central English teacher and drama club coach Christine Hicks found herself on April 14. She was the lunch guest of Kevin Mori, a 2008 Hinsdale Central graduate, former student and former backstage drama club member, who is a senior at Stanford University’s engineering school.
See photos at my earlier posting here.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Two HC Students are finalists for Illinois Musical Theatre Award!


 Jayne Jaeger and Tyler Leahy have just been notified that they are two of the 24 finalists for the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award!  Both Jayne and Tyler submitted dvd footage (is that the right word?) of moments of their performances in Les Mis this past March.  Based on that as well as recommendations and application material, they have advanced to the finalist stage.  The next step is to compete downtown on Monday, May 7th, with other finalists in the area.  Two winners will advance in the competition: they will be flown to New York with other regional winners to perform on Broadway!

We’re very proud of both Jayne and Tyler!

Blog post written by Drama Director and English teacher Chris Hicks

Monday, April 16, 2012

English Teacher wins Stanford Honor


Stanford University senior, Kevin Mori (HC Class of 2008), pictured above with English teacher Christine Hicks, was recently selected as a recipient of the Frederick Emmons Terman Engineering Scholastic Award for distinguished academic performance at Stanford. Terman Awards are presented for the top five percent of each year's senior engineering class.

The very cool thing about the Terman award is that it allows the winners to invite to the luncheon the secondary school teacher who was most influential in guiding them during the formative stages of their academic career.

Kevin identified English teacher Christine Hicks who introduced Kevin at the awards ceremony at Stanford this past weekend.

Congratulations to Kevin and Christine!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

English Department Student of the Quarter: Lillian Leung


Junior Lillian Leung, shown here with HC English teacher Kim Williams, is the English Department Student of the Third Quarter. Ms. Williams nominated Lillian and introduced her at the Student of the Quarter breakfast today. Ms. Williams celebrated Lillian adaptability and incredible improvement. Congratulations, Lillian!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

English Department Student of the Quarter: Lauren Fuller



Freshman Lauren Fuller, shown here with her parents, is the English Department Student of the Quarter. English teacher Mr. Andy Jones nominated Lauren and introduced her at the Student of the Quarter breakfast today. Mr. Jones, celebrated Lauren's exuberance and positive attitude. Congratulations, Lauren!