English Department Chair Shares Thoughts on Summer Reading

Ms. Bengtson realizes the summer reading program is not perfect and she wants to make changes to the program. “I think summer reading is very important and we want our students to be reading over the summer,” she said. “However, I’m afraid that they aren’t reading the books we are assigning them because they aren’t interested in them. I think we need to look at ways to better encourage them to read.”

She is trying to find different ways to make summer reading more enjoyable for everyone. “I think there are a lot of things that we can do, like maybe give them a list of books to choose from. And then they can pick the three books that they want from that list.”

Ms. Bengtson also discussed the assessment given at the beginning of the semester. “Maybe a multiple choice scantron test is not the best way. We can also have a lot more discussion in class.”

To gather the opinions and ideas of students, Ms. Bengtson had the English teachers administer a survey in early September. “I want to collect data first to see if the students are reading the books, how much they are reading, and how much they are enjoying them,” she said. “And also to give the students a chance to have a voice to have their thoughts heard about summer reading.”

Once the data have been collected and reviewed, the members of the English Department will have further discussions about what changes need to be made, if any.

“We will be discussing this upcoming week at our department meeting ways to improve summer reading by making students more connected to the reading and by making it a more beneficial, valuable experience for them,” Ms. Bengtson said.

Even though the English department knows that many students want summer reading to abolished, Ms. Bengtson said, “I don’t think doing away with summer reading altogether is even an option for us because we want students to be reading over the summer. We just want to look for ways to improve it.”

Summer Reading Torture

It’s the last week of summer, the sun is out, the beach is calling your name, but you are stuck inside frantically trying to read all three of your summer reading books. This is what has happened to many Pres girls this summer and every summer since 1982.

Even though we are supposed to read our summer reading books at the beginning of the summer, most of us do not. And it’s not because we’re lazy. The few of us who decide to get a head start on reading usually forget most of the content by the time of the test. It teaches us that procrastination is something that we have to do in order to do well on it. This forces us to try to cram our three books into the last few weeks—or sometimes days—of summer.

Many Pres girls just end up going on websites like Sparknotes instead of reading because they are not able to finish reading all three books. We try any way possible to get around reading, instead of actually reading the books like the teachers want us to do. As a result, summer reading does not help with our reading literacy like the English teachers want to happen. Thus, summer reading does not help us at all.

This cramming before school starts adds to our already stressed out lives. Summer is supposed to be a time to relax and rejuvenate before school starts. We should therefore not have to stress about finishing three books and doing well on the test about them. All summer long there is a constant nagging in the back of our brain to finish reading. This makes complete relaxation almost impossible.

Our brother school, Bellarmine, acknowledged this added stress and decided to stop making their boys read books over the summer two years ago. It has improved their students’ summers and made them more productive. “It frees up more time to do more other things academically, like focusing on the SAT’s,” said Greg Kenter, a senior at Bellarmine. “As a football player, it really helps me focus on my football and what I have to do to make my team better and get better personally.”

Presentation needs to follow Bellarmine’s lead and stop forcing us to read summer reading books that adults choose for us. We are just as smart as Bellarmine and so we need to recognize that they had a brilliant idea when they decided to stop summer reading.

Teachers may argue that reading in the summer is a good thing because they want to make sure our reading skills do not diminish in the summer, but we should be able to read what we want. “As a student I didn’t actually really like summer reading,” admits teacher and Presentation alum Mrs. Rosenthal. “And it wasn’t so much that I didn’t like reading, it was the books being chosen for me. Fahrenheit 451 I remember was a book that I struggled though. They weren’t books that I typically enjoyed.”

Most of us are really busy during the school year and are not able to relax with a good book that we actually want to read. The summer is the perfect time for us to read different things that we are interested in and enjoy. Our dreams of reading whatever we want are cut short by the dreaded book list that the English department sends us.

Jennifer DeMedeiros, a junior at Presentation said, “I would rather read other books that I decide to read like more interesting books that appeal to me.”

Bellarmine students are able to read whatever they want and they take advantage of that. Kenter said, “It freed up my time a little bit more, but I kept on reading on my own. I read a book called The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Even worse, when school starts the teachers announce the date that everyone has been waiting for—the summer reading test.

There are always loads of moans and groans throughout the classrooms because every Pres girl knows that the teachers only test their memories for irrelevant details instead of themes and ideas.

Mrs. Rosenthal agreed, “The stress came a week or two before school starts because I’m not a procrastinator so I typically would have tried to read the books between June and the beginning of July. And then I got to August and had to come back to school and I couldn’t remember a lot of details about the books. So even though I did read them, it might’ve appeared as if I hadn’t read them as thoroughly as I actually had because I couldn’t remember things.”

After the test is done, most teachers never do anything interesting with the books so the point of reading them is just to make Presentation look like it is a college prep school. We do not actually learn anything except all the ways to try to get out of reading these books during the summer.

Presentation needs to recognize this issue and stop making us read summer reading books that they choose for us. Summer will be a more enjoyable and relaxing time for everyone and students will read more when this extra stress is gone.

Summer Trends

Cat Eye Sunglasses

Sick of seeing RayBans on everyone’s faces for the past year? Cat eye sunglasses, reminiscent of those of the 1950s, are a good way to break from the crowd and bring back some classic feline femininity without looking like your grandma. Check out places like Forever 21, where you can get them for a good price–sunglasses are usually one of the first things to get lost at the beach during the summer, and you don’t want to invest in them unless you’re really in love with them.

Footwear

The 70s are back, with espadrilles, platforms and clog-like sandals as the featured footwear of runway models. If these don’t quite fit your foot fancy, look to some kitten heels for more special occasions or kick back in the always-comfortable flat sandals or flip flops. When buying new sandals, beware of straps that can cause blisters. Also, try to wear them as much as possible for as long as possible in the store to be sure they fit you right. Otherwise, you won’t be able to return them, since most retailers won’t accept returns on shoes after they’ve been worn outside.

Nail Colors

White, soft pink, soft blue, yellow and earth tones make for solid foundations. Keep your nails mellow and go for the bold color statements  in your clothes themselves. To spice up the neutral colors, try adding pearlescent top coats and fun shrinking top coats! Don’t break the bank on buying nail polish, though; it’s best to splurge only on polish that you know you’ll wear often, like base and top coats (especially since they don’t usually have color). Brands like OPI and Revlon have great colors and reasonable prices for their quality. Sally Hansen is the best for experimenting with new colors at a good price whose quality won’t tear apart your nails and leave a lasting finish.

Tassels

Looming in the background of the trends of the past year are tassels. We’ve seen them adorned on moccasins, loafers, fringes of flapper revival dresses and, most recently, the beautiful purple earrings of Natalie Portman’s Oscar dress. Tassels are expected to make their way to belts, swim suits and handbags this summer.

Refreshing Recipes

 

Cucumber sandwiches

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese

1 pkg. Italian seasoning

Cucumber slices

Dill weed

Mix cream cheese, chopped up Dill weed, and Italian seasoning. Spread the cheese mix on a slice of white or wheat bread. Place two layers of thinly sliced cucumbers on top. Then cut into quarters. Makes 2-3 dozen.

Frozen Grapes

Place a pack of red seedless grapes in the freezer and you will have little sherbet bites in a couple hours.

Watermelon Blasters

3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon

1 1/2 cups strawberries

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 cup ice cubes

Sugar, to taste

Put watermelon, strawberries, lime juice, ice, and sugar if desired into the pitcher of a blender, and blend for 15 seconds on high speed. (Always put the top on the container before processing.) Stop machine, and stir ingredients with a long wooden spoon. Blend for 15 seconds more on high speed.

Fruit Flavored Popsicles

Popsicle molds, or any small cup

1 pkg. (3 oz.) Jello, any flavor

1/2 c. sugar

2 c. boiling water

2 c. cold water

1. Dissolve Jello and sugar in boiling wa­ter. Add cold water and keep stirring fre­quently.

2. Pour into the molds or small cups and freeze at least 8 hours. If your containers do not have handles, add sticks when the popsicles are partially frozen. Makes 8 or 9 large pops.

Zesty Summer Lemon Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

2 eggs

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons lemon zest

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, spices and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

3. Add in the lemon juice and zest. Gradu­ally blend in the dry ingredients. Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.

4. Bake 25-30 minutes until lightly colored on top. Cool in pan on wire rack. May be drizzled with a simple confectioners’ sugar icing. Cut into large or small bars.

Summer Green

Summer is just around the corner and students cannot wait to get out of school. This vacation is a time to kick back, relax and not have responsibilities. But the truth is, we all have a year-around responsibility to our Earth. It provides us with the sum­mer sun we love to tan in, and we provide it with a beautiful, clean ecosystem. Inevi­tably, this is not the first thing teens think when summer break begins. Therefore, The Voice is giving you some easy tips to help keep your summer of 2010 green!

Farmer’s Markets

Though going to the grocery store may be convenient, waiting to buy local produce on Sundays is much more fun. Farmer’s markets are held in many areas including Campbell, Willow Glen and San­tana Row. By going to these markets, you will not only be getting some time in the sun, but supporting local farmers, many of whom grow all their food organically. The produce is fresh, healthy and cheaper than the organic produce sold in the grocery store. Farmer’s markets are always lively events, so grab a few friends and hit the streets.

Reusable Clothing

When reused clothing first comes to mind, many girls may think it is gross. In reality, recycled clothing stores hold some of the most unique and high quality cloth­ing around, and for cheap prices. When someone does not want a piece of clothing anymore, they sell it to such stores (after cleaning the clothes, of course!). One of the best recycled clothing stores is called Crossroads and is located in San Jose on W. San Carlos St. This store carries vin­tage, brand name and even designer cloth­ing for amazing prices. Check one of these stores out and save the money, material and energy that goes in to making new clothes!

Soda Cans

A recent study indicates that one third of teenagers drink three cans of soda daily. What do you do with all these cans? Reuse them of course! There are many crafts that you can make out of old soda cans. A short search on Google will bring up hundreds of ideas to morph your cans. Some ideas include turning the cans into drink coast­ers, jewelry or cups to hold pens. The de­signs on the cans are sometimes very intri­cate and exciting; this is perfect for making your morphed soda really stand out. For some more idea on soda can art, visit

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/recy­cled-soda-bottle-crafts.htm

No matter what your plans are for summer, remember that the environment will always be around you. Treat it will love and care and give it the respect it de­serves. New ideas to green our Earth are invented every day. Take them into consid­eration and have fun with them. In the end, your summer will be brighter, cleaner and of course greener!

Summer Reading

Fiction

The Bronx Masquerade:Nikki Grimes-

An excellent book, even for those of you out there who are not big fans of reading. A quick collection of poems written poetry-slam style and short narrations by the characters, it tells an excellent story of high school kids in hard situations opening up to show what lies beyond the masquerade. Something anyone could enjoy.

The Book Thief:Marcus Zusak-

A book about a book lover for book lovers. Fascinatingly narrated by “death” herself, this book centers on a young girl in WWII Germany, who, with the help of her foster father, steals books and secrets away illegal books to learn to read and then share with a runaway Jew her family shelters.

Uglies:Scott Westerfield-

An excellent and easy read about a future in which the old “Rusty” society has passed away. At sixteen the “Uglies” undergo an operation involving lots of plastic surgery to make them into “Pretties,” who live across the river in what they think is a utopia. Parties every night, freedom, the ability to change your appearance through a plastic surgery operation whenever you like… what more could you ask for? But when people discover that not only is the appearance being changed, but also the mind in the “Pretty” operations, they realize that this is not as much of a utopia as was thought.

Fantasy

Harry Potter: J. K. Rowling-

It’s a classic. And you’ll understand now when your friends reference it.

Lord of the Rings:J. R. R. Tolkien-

Long, yes, but a fantastic and well-written story. Know the story behind the movies! The movies were impressive, but as in almost all cases the book is still much better and definitely worth a read.

Alanna: the First Adventure: Tamora Pierce-

For those of you wishing to be whisked away into a alternate world of swords, sorcery, adventure, and a girl disguising herself a boy to train as a knight, this is the book for you. The first of a quartet, this is a great, quick and fun read.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:C.S. Lewis-

If you liked the movie, you will like this book (or the whole series) even more. Get the whole story, not just the bits that Hollywood liked. Also a classic, and definitely worth a read.

Ender’s Game:Orson Scott Card-

This is the kind of book you read now and will still remember years later. Many years into the future of earth, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin is an amazing child genius who is drafted into Battle School in space, to fight a future invasion by an alien race. He and his cronies who play games in Battle School and his siblings back on earth are in a position to change the world. Definitely worth a read. And if you like this, author Orson Scott Card tells the rest of the story in the many sequels.

Biography

A Child Called“It”: Dave Pelzer-

If you’re looking for an intense read, this is it. It is written by the victim of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. He was beaten and starved, and many worse things, by his alcoholic and unstable mother. He didn’t even have a name: he was called “it.” Be prepared for an intense and evocative read, though very memorable and thought-provoking.

Science Fiction

The Host:Stephanie Meyer-

Hey all you Twilight fans: have you ever heard of this book by the same author? Technically written for adults rather than for teens, as Twilight was, this book delves into a world where the alien race of “souls” are taking over Earth by taking control of the minds and bodies of humans. But when one of the humans resists her “soul,” and forces her to search for her family, the alien “soul” is forced to learn and discover herself and reconsider whether she should be there.

Maximum Ride:James Patterson-

What would it be like to have wings and fly? Find out with Maximum Ride and her family, who were grown by an illegal scientist mixing bird and human genes. They escaped the brutal scientist, and now live running from him and struggling to have a normal life. A captivating read about an epic adventure.

Warped Tour!

At this point in the school year, everyone is looking forward to summer. As your friends discuss fun things that you can do, keep in mind that there is one event you shouldn’t miss. Warped Tour is a music festival that is held every summer in cities across the nation. The closest one to us this summer is at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on June 26 from 10 a.m. to around 7 p.m. There are around 50 bands, usually alternative rock, that play half-hour sets on one of the many stages.

Sum 41

One band that you’ll be able to spot at Warped Tour is Sum 41. If you haven’t yet heard of this popular Canadian band, they have a pop-punk sound mixed with alternative rock. In the past they’ve toured with bands like The Offspring and Blink-182. Lead Singer Derek Whibley has a distinctive voice that is deeper than most pop-punk singers. Their songs are varying enough for almost anyone to find something they like. Some of them, like “Still Waiting,” have moderate screaming, while others are bubbly and just fun to dance to like “In Too Deep.” Basically, if you like alternative rock, Sum 41 is a classic band that you should definitely take time to check out.

Mayday Parade

Another band that you should look for at Warped Tour is the lesser known Mayday Parade. Their sound is best described as pop-rock, comparable to bands such as All Time Low and Every Avenue. The majority of their songs have to do with romance, which makes sense considering that one of their CD’s is entitled “A Lesson in Romantics.” Some of their most popular songs that would give you a better idea of their music are “Kids in Love” and “Jamie All Over.” Although one of their songs is slow, the rest tend to have upbeat guitar rhythms and fun lyrics.

Hey Monday

Hey Monday is a moderately new band that you might want to see at Warped Tour. Their lead singer is female, so their sound is similar to Paramore. Although she has a high-pitched voice, it’s still easy to sing along to their songs. They’re generally considered pop-rock and if you were to just listen to the instruments, they sound a lot like Mayday Parade and All Time Low. Their songs are really bubbly and a few of the best ones to give you a taste of their sound are “Homecoming” and “How You Love Me Now.”

The All-American Rejects

Warped Tour is a great opportunity, and maybe your last, to see this catchy pop/rock band up close on a small stage. Its two remaining members, Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler, are “moving along” to bigger and more mainstream performances, but they’re leaving with a bang that you won’t want to miss. Fortunately, the band’s shortened tour (they’re only appearing from 6/24 to 7/18) allows them to grace the Bay Area with a performance at the Shoreline in Mountain View. Recently, the AAR have been making a splash in the music industry by performing at the Winter Olympics and Superbowl XLIV. Rumor has it that the duo is on a roll and may come out with a new album before 2010 comes to a close.

Motion City Soundtrack

After the January release of their latest album My Dinosaur Life, this pop punk band has been keeping busy, touring everywhere from Las Vegas to New York. The intense, power pop sound of their latest hits promises a high-energy performance this summer, and this band specializes in all-out live performances. They took a chance with the darker, more chaotic mood for their new album, but the guidance of Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus ensured a booming success. Like the All-American Rejects, the band is only involved in Warped Tour from 6/24 to 7/18, so make sure you purchase tickets for the Shoreline venue if you want to see this dynamic performance.

The Cab

Having toured with some of the biggest names in Alternative rock today (Panic! At the Disco, Forever the Sickest Kids and Cobra Starship) this popular band flaunts one of the most unique sounds in the rock industry today. Combining upbeat pop with smoother R&B accents, their music is danceable, fun and impressive. Barely out of high school, the four members bring a vibrant energy to the stage and never fail to astound new listeners. Be sure to check them out if you’re not already a fan – they’re one of the dedicated bands playing the entire Warped Tour.

Summer Play in San Jose

Research papers. Last-minute projects. Finals. Then, at last, what we’ve all been anxiously anticipating– summer vacation, our long-deserved break from homework and projects. It’s the time when we can actually be lazy without a tedious assignment or stressful group project nagging at the corner of our minds. Say goodbye to stumbling around sleep-deprived and hello to blissfully sleeping in every day.

Relaxation is a good thing, but don’t let it get the best of you during the few precious months of vacation. You’ve got all the time in the world, so make the best of it and explore the many fun summer opportunities here in San Jose.

Want to plan a casual night out with a big group of friends? Make it possible by going to a local festival, Willow Glen’s 14th Annual Dancin’ On the Avenue, beginning at 5 p.m. on June 20. As one of the most highly attended street fairs of the summer, this event has much to offer with the variety of stores and restaurants on Lincoln Avenue. Be sure to stop by the newly relocated Bella James boutique, and don’t forget to check out Fleurish if you need a gift for a friend. Added in with a bunch of food booths and music (and that fact that it doesn’t end until 10 p.m.), this street fair is a definite must for any Pres girl looking for a night of food and fun. Admission is free but food prices will vary.

Plan a day at one of the many theme parks the San Jose area has to offer. Great America officially opens daily for the summer beginning May 23. Summer simply isn’t complete without at least a few trips to this thrilling amusement park. With rides like the Demon and Flight Deck (aka Top Gun), Great America guarantees an exceptionally thrilling experience. Additionally, this May, Great America plans to unveil Buccaneer Battle, a new pirate-themed water raft ride. This new attraction added alongside the other numerous rides is definitely sure to liven up your summer. One day at the park costs $46, but season passes are on sale now for $75.

Sometimes those summer days are hot enough to make even the most patient person irritable. One way to cool down is to take a trip to Raging Waters, which opens May 9. Admission is around $30 for one day, while season passes cost $50. The San Jose Raging Waters certainly has much to offer as one of the biggest water parks in California. With rides such as Shotgun Falls and Dragon’s Den, it’s definitely both an exhilarating and efficient way of combating the summer heat.

What could be more fun than spending a day in downtown San Jose and visiting the San Jose Museum of Modern Art? Admission is affordable, at only $5 per person. Here you are given the chance to experience unique, contemporary art. For example, one exhibit explores how artists use unconventional materials to create new techniques, from using ballpoint pens to snake bones.

One relatively new rock tour coming to San Jose is the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Kicking off its first ever tour last summer with renowned bands such as Disturbed, Underoath and Dragonforce, the Mayhem Fest has already gained a solid reputation among rock fans. Taking place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre on July 11, the tour will feature heavy metal legends Slayer, as well as Killswitch Engage, Behemoth, Trivium and more. Ticket prices vary from $35 to $60, depending on your seating preference. It’s sure to be a blast with such a lively line-up. Plus, if it follows last year’s footsteps, then there will be free energy drinks. Enough said.

Summer in San Jose just isn’t complete without attending Music in the Park. For over 20 years, people have enjoyed listening to a variety of music in downtown San Jose. Held each Thursday night beginning at 5 p.m. in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Music in the Park offers free concerts complete with food and beverages sold by local downtown restaurants. One night to keep open is Thursday, June 18, when the popular band Third Eye Blind will be headlining. Just be sure to bring a blanket or chair and you’re good to go.

Another one of the many musical events happening here in San Jose this summer is the American Idols tour. It will be held at the HP Pavilion on July 12. Again, prices vary from $40 to $70 depending on seating preference. With so many talented singers, this season’s American Idols tour is sure to be worth your money. Besides, who could pass up a chance to see Adam Lambert in person?

So summer vacation is finally here, and San Jose is full of plenty of opportunities and events. Go out and enjoy them. You’ll have more fun screaming away on Drop Zone or rocking out at a concert than sitting around the house all day.