The Spring Collection

                                                                             https://pixabay.com/photos/path-trees-wisteria-flowers-way-4284677/

Our year has come to an end as this is our last collection of writers for the 2023-2024 school year. I truly hope that you have enjoyed our writing blog.  We have 14 pieces this month of abstracts, personal narratives and quite a few flash fiction.  Please read the entire collection. Click on Older Posts at the end of pages to find the submissions, or you can navigate the Tool Bar on the left to the whole list. This group has waited all year to write.  They have read and commented on all of your original pieces.  Please give them the time and respect this month.  I know we are tired and have just a few weeks left of school.  Prom is here!  AP exams are around the corner and Grad Nite and Graduation are within reach.  Let's finish strong!

Please submit your comments for at least three submissions on the Discussion Board by Friday, May 10.

Seniors,

As you all know 2024 marks my final year in my teaching career.  My time in the high school classroom has come to an end, but surely it is not the end for me.  Like you, I am heading down a new  and exciting path.  I will continue to work with, support, help, and inspire young people to thrive.  I have had this beautiful opportunity to connect with my students' passions, interests, fears, goals, families and friends on this blog!  And I am grateful!

Although the blog will no longer be updated, it will remain here as an archive. This archive will forever be a collection of our time we spent together over this past year. Come to this blog and visit every once in a while when you may need to remember or just enjoy a respite.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

Class of 2024, you hold a special place in my heart. Until we meet again, and many of us will, I wish you blissful happinesses, manageable tough days and sadness (because, yes, you will have those and you need those--don't forget that!), successes and triumphs.

Remember to BREATHE. CREATE. WRITE. LIVE. And always FEED YOUR SOUL!

All my love,

Mrs. Solano

And the March goes on...

 

The March Collection

Welcome back from Spring Break and hello to the countdown to graduation!  

This month we feature our March Writers.  There are 14 pieces in this collection.

Please make sure to read ALL of them.  We only have one more round of writers before the end of the year. 

Once you have read through the collection, select at least 3 of them and write your comments and feedback. Publish your comments to the Canvas Discussion Board by Monday, April 15.

Remember that this is a positive safe space for our peers. Be kind, helpful and courteous with your responses. Make sure to commend the writer, describe what you liked or found intriguing.

If you are a March writer and leave comments you will receive extra credit.

Have a great week and I will see you all in class.

Peace and Hugs,

Mrs. Solano

February Collection

Hello, it's February!!!

Welcome back to our blog.  We are slowly rounding out the 2023-2024 school year with only two months left of writer submissions.

This month we have eleven students writers. Please make sure to read ALL of the posts. Then choose 3 of them and write your feedback and comments.  The Canvas Discussion Board is open until Friday, March 8.

Remember that this is safe space for reading, commenting and reflecting. Make sure to explain what you like or enjoy about the post. Let the reader know that you took the time to read their piece.

Have fun with these. We have quite a few abstracts ideas this month that I think many of you will enjoy.

Spring Break is around the corner!

I will see you in class :)

As always love and hugs,

Mrs. Solano 

January Collection

 

Our January Collection has arrived!

In this month's collection we have a total of 11 original pieces written by our students writers.  Please read all!  Choose three to leave kind, helpful, constructive feedback.  Your comments are due Monday, February 12.  Leave your comments on the Canvas Discussion Board.

Make sure to respond thoughtfully to the pieces.

Have a great week.   

I will see you in class!

Hugs,

Mrs. Solano

Winter is Coming!!!!

 

Hello 2024 and Welcome Back!!

It sure is cold out these days. Yet, it is perfect weather to cozy up these next couple of months to enjoy reading our Winter Collections of Writers.

For this month we have 12 submissions.  We have quite a few Abstract Ideas, a Book Review and a Flash Fiction for your reading pleasure.

Make sure to read ALL!  Choose the ones you wish to leave feedback.  Remember that this Blog space is a safe space. Be kind, loving and comforting with your comments.

If you are a writer, you do not have to complete the assignment.

Your comments are due to our Canvas Discussion Board by Monday, January 22nd.

We will meet up here later in the month for the January Collection.

Love and Hugs,

Mrs. Solano

Fall Leaves and Cool Breeze

 

Cozy up with our November collection 2023!

We have 13 original pieces this month for you to read.

So grab a cup of tea or coffee or for those who prefer boba, a warm cozy blanket and enjoy all of the abstract ideas and a few flash fiction.

Make sure to read the entire collection before you choose your favorites.

Leave helpful, kind feedback for the writers this month.

Your comments are due December 13.

Please leave your comments on the Canvas Discussion board.

If you are a November writer you do not have to write comments.

October Writers!!!!!!

 

We have a new collection of submissions to share for this month.

There are 10 pieces. Please make sure to read ALL of them.  Use the navigation bar to the left to see all of the posts.

Once you have read the submissions, select 3 or more of your favorites and leave helpful, positive comments and feedback.

Complete this portion of the assignment on Canvas. Go to Discussions and submit to the discussion board. Comments are due on Monday, November 13 at 8:30 AM.  

As always have fun with this assignment.  Take the time to be thoughtful in your feedback.  Remember that this a writing safe space for all of us!!!!

If you wrote this month, you don't have to complete the assignment.  Only if you wish and I'll give you some extra credit.

I'll see you all in class!

xo,

Mrs. Solano

Welcome Class of 2024!!!!

 A New School Year!

A New Batch of Writers!

Welcome Class of 2024!  There is a brand new collection this month featuring our AP English students.  Each month a new batch of writing will be updated to our Blog.  As a student in the class your assignment is to read ALL of the pieces written by your fellow classmates.  Once you have done that, you will select a minimum of three (3) that you will write helpful feedback and constructive comments.  Leave your comments on our Canvas Discussion Board before it closes.

This is a safe and comfortable space for young writers. For many this is the first time they have written an original piece that is published.  Be kind and supportive here.  Make sure to explain WHY you are writing the comments.  Just don't say that you like it or think the piece is awesome.  Express WHY you think this way.

September Writers' comments are due by Tuesday, October 17 by 8:30 AM.

If you are a writer for the month you DO NOT have to provide comments or participate in the Discussion Board-only if you want.

Have fun with this assignment. It counts for a grade.

Be Well!!!!

Mrs. Solano

xo

Our Final Collection of the 2022-2023 School Year!!!!

 

HELLO SPRING!!!!!

We have arrived to the end of the school year with Prom behind us and Grad Nite and Graduation on the horizon.  We are in the midst of AP exams and finalizing some big decisions.  But, before we do all that we have our last collection of writers to read.

I have combined the last two groups for this month and there is a lot of submissions.  PLEASE, read ALL 16 in the collection.  Choose 5 this time!!! Yes, you read that correctly...5.  These can be your favorites or ones you find unusual and/or intriguing.  Leave your comments either here on the BLOG or on Canvas on the Discussion Board.  You have until Wednesday, May 17 to complete ALL of your comments.

If you are a writer for either March or April, you only have to complete comments for 3 submissions.  If you want to do more, you may.  You do not have choose from your month. You may pick from either one.

Class of 2023,

I want to take a moment to THANK all of you for your contribution to our class Blog. Many of you took risks in your writing. Some took on the challenge of writing about your passions and topics of interest. A lot of you shared your talented How To's and yummy recipes, and some of you shared your favorite books with us.  Your "you" is here on the Blog and will stay here for you to visit when you need to FEED YOUR SOUL.

I have enjoyed OUR time together in this class.  I hope you have as well. Thank you for sharing YOU with me and all of us--your "goodies", your pictures, your hopes and dreams, your beliefs, your plans for the weekend, your plans for the future, your sonnets, your found poems, your laughter, your hellos and goodbyes, your smiles and frowns, your serious side and your silly side. You have added another year to my career. You give me my PURPOSE and my WHY.

Remember self care. You are an ever evolving human. Take care of YOU. Be KIND to YOU.  Always.

Don't be a stranger.  Our paths may cross again in the future.  Until then, enjoy these last few weeks of your senior year. Finish strong.

Be Still. Breathe. Live. Create.

All my love,

Mrs. Solano

xo

February Finds xoxo

 

https://www.pexels.com/search/february/

Welcome Back!!!!

It's been cold, rainy, and snowy here in California, but our Blog is up and ready to go with a whole new set of "finds" for you to read and enjoy.

You all know the drill:

• Read the posts.  We have 11 for this month.
• Choose your favorites (3 or more) and write your thoughtful, helpful comments for our writers. Be mindful of your tone. This Blog is safe space for ALL writers in our class.  Be courteous and encouraging in your feedback.  Explain your WHY for responding to the piece.
• Submit either here on the website OR on Canvas.
• Due Wednesday, March 8.

This month has flown by, but hopefully you are practicing your self-care and finding time to center yourself and being good to YOU!

I will see you in class and as always,

FEED YOUR SOUL,

Mrs. Solano

xo

Frost, Snow and Cuddles

 

January 2023!!!!!

https://pixabay.com/photos/winter-outlook-flow-forest-snow-5179176/

Welcome Back!!!!

It seems like forever since we've communicated on our Blog. It is the start of a new year and we have  A LOT of original submissions this month.  I combined our December and January Writers into one collection for this month.  There is a total of 16 pieces with a lot of variety and I know you will enjoy taking the time to read and comment on your favorites.

Choose 3 or more for your comments!!!!!

Remember to write HELPFUL, KIND AND CONSTRUCTIVE feedback for our writers. You are always welcome to include your insight and connections to the pieces.  Be mindful of your CONTENT  and TONE.  This Blog is a safe space for ALL writers in our class.  Be COURTEOUS AND ENCOURAGING. Give reason(s) and explanation as to WHY you have chosen the selected piece.  Why is this a fave?  What did you find intriguing? Suspenseful? Silly? Horrifying?  Explain YOUR WHY.

Your comments are due Monday, February 6th by 8:30AM.  The Canvas Discussion Board is open, too for those of you who have trouble commenting here on the Blog.

If you are a writer for the month, you DO NOT have to leave comments and feedback on the other pieces, only if you want.

Don't forget that you have a SONNET/VILLANELLE   due this week!!

Hope you are having a great week and start to your Spring Semester. The months will go by fast, but my wish is that you will find some comfort and relaxation when you read your peers creative submissions. 

 So grab your coffee, cha, or cocoa, and a cozy blanket.  Cuddle up and enjoy your reading.

FEED YOUR SOUL,

Mrs. Solano

xo

The Warmth and Thankfulness of Fall

 

Welcome to this month's November edition of submissions.  We have 9 pieces that range from recipes, to a couple of short stories and a book review.

Please read ALL of the pieces and choose your favorite 3.  Leave helpful, constructive and kind feedback for our writers.

Your comments are due Wednesday, December 7. The Canvas Discussion Board is open as well for you to leave comments.

When leaving comments be mindful of your CONTENT and TONE.  This blog is a safe space for ALL writers in our class.  Be kind, courteous, helpful and encouraging.  Give reason(s) and explanation as to WHY you have chosen to leave feedback.  Why is this a favorite piece?  What did you find intriguing? Suspenseful?  Silly?  Horrifying?  You get the picture.  Do not merely comment that you like the piece.  Explain WHY.

If you are a writer for the month, you DO NOT have to leave comments and feedback on the pieces, only if you wish to do so.

How to leave comments:

1. Write you comment in the text box provided at the bottom of the submission.  

2. SIGN YOUR NAME

3. Make sure you are logged in with your GAFE account (school account).

4.  If you are not using your GAFE account,  it is IMPERATIVE you sign your name after EACH comment. Choose ANONYMOUS and sign your name.

5. DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS USING YOUR PHONE.  THEY WILL NOT GO THROUGH.

Have fun reading and commenting.

Get some rest AFTER November 30th (for those of you who still need to submit your Cal State and UC applications).

I'll see you in class.

All my love and always remember to Feed Your Soul,

Mrs. Solano

xoxo

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!

Hallow' There 2022

Dreamstime.com

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year at Etiwanda High School.

We are excited to wake up our classroom blog and can't wait to share new, original pieces written by our very own brilliant and talented students.

This is how it works:

Each month a new collection of submissions post on the blog.  As a student in the class, your job is to read all the submissions for that month.  Choose your favorites, at least three, and write comments on the pieces.  

Our blog is a safe space for us.  Comments are to be helpful, insightful, reflective, positive, loving and supportive.  You can leave your comments directly here on the blog.  You need to sign in using a personal gmail account.  Do not use cell phones or mobile devices to submit your comments as they will not post.  Please write your comments on a laptop, Chromebook or desktop computer.

You may also leave your comments on Canvas on the Monthly Blog Discussion Board.

When you are a monthly featured writer you do not have to leave comments for your fellow monthly writers.  You may if you wish.  Instead check out your page and read the comments that post.

And don't forget, this is a class assignment worth a grade. So, you want to make sure to participate.

All right, let's get started!!

This month we have eleven submissions.  Take your time and read ALL of them.  Choose at least three in which you want to leave the writer some feedback.  Some things to think about:

1.  Why have you selected the piece?

2. What do you find fascinating, interesting or cool about the piece?

3.  Are you able to make connections to the piece?  Explain.

4.  Has the piece brought you new insight or inspiration?

Comments are due Thursday, November 3.

Have fun with this activity.  The Blog allows your artistic and creative side to shine!

If you have questions, see me during class or send me an email or text.

Happy Haunting and Commenting :)

All my love,

Mrs. Solano 

Our Last Collection of 2022

 

Copyright: boboling

istockphoto.com

We have made it and the end is here.  With just a few more weeks of the school year upon us, we have our last collection of writers to view and comment.

There is a total of 8 pieces for this month.  You know what to do:

1.  Read ALL the submissions.

2.  Choose your favorites, at least 3.

3. Write positive and helpful feedback for the writer.

4.  You may leave your comments here on the Blog or on our Canvas Discussion Board.

5.  Use a chrome book, laptop, desktop computer.  Do not use your phone.

6. Comments and feedback due Monday, May 16th

Class of 2022,

I want to thank you for taking this class and contributing your creativity in your original pieces displayed here on the blog as well as in the classroom.  I reflect each year at this time and am filled with the bitter sweetness of May.  This is always a hard month for me because I see a plethora of emotions on your faces each day as Graduation approaches.  

I have enjoyed our time together, although a short time, it has been OUR time.  Thank you for sharing your found poems, your sonnets, your dance photos, your "goodies", your celebrations, your smiles, your tears and your YOU, with me and all of us!

Remember self care.  You are an ever evolving human.  Take care of YOU.  Always.

The blog is here for you to visit when you need to feed your SOUL!  Don't be a stranger.  Our paths may cross again in the future.  Until then, enjoy these last days of your senior year.  This is a most special time for you.  

Be Still. Breathe. Live. Create.

All my love,

Mrs. Solano

xo

Spring into March

Copyright: danielvfung

It is March and we have a new set of writers to enjoy!!!!

Please read ALL of the submissions for the month.  Choose three and write comments.  Remember to leave helpful and positive feedback.  State WHY you are leaving the comment.  Don't just say that you love the piece or that you relate to it. Explain your reason(s).  You may leave your comments here on the Blog or you may submit to Canvas under Discussion.  Comments are due Tuesday, April 5th.

If you are a March writer, you do not need to write comments (only if you wish).

Have a great rest of the week.  I will see you in class.

All my love,

Mrs. Solano

 

Love, Hugs and How to's--February Writers

 Hello February!!!!

We have a small batch this month of featured writers--7 to be exact!

You know what to do:

1.  Read ALL the submissions for the month

2.  Choose three (3)--your faves--and write helpful, encouraging and constructive comments for the writers.

***Remember, that our Blog is a safe space.  Be kind and courteous with your words***

If you are able to leave comments here on the Blog, please do so.  Otherwise you may leave your comments on Canvas.

February Writers,

You've done your work this month.  You do not need to leave comments.  You may, if you wish, respond to comments on your page.

Comments are due Monday, March 7.

Have a great week and I will see you in class!

Feed Your Soul,

Mrs. Solano xo

https://www.google.com/search?q=february+images+with+hearts&rlz=1C5CHFA_

Hello, January!!!!!!

 

https://www.1zoom.me/en/wallpaper/352202/z1537.5/

Welcome Back and Hello, January 2022!!!

After a Winter Holiday, it is back to business :)

This month's collection contains an array of different pieces.  We have quite a few "How to-s",  a couple of Book Reviews and a sprinkling of Flash Fiction and the Abstract.

Make sure to read ALL 11 submissions for this month.

Choose at least three pieces to leave comments.  You are always more than welcome to leave more :)

For those of you who are able to leave comments here on the Blog, please do so.  Otherwise the Discussion Board is open on Canvas.  You can leave your comments there, too.

Comments are due Tuesday, February 8.

I will see you in class. Remember to be kind to yourself and others.

And always Feed Your Soul.

XOXO,

Mrs. Solano

A Whimsical Winter Holiday

hdfreewallpaper.net

 I know many of you are still resting and enjoying your Winter Break.  Please continue to do so.  I have been trying to stay cozy and dry.

We have a few December submissions.  Please make sure to read ALL of them here on the Blog.  Choose your favorites, most interesting and/or intriguing and leave your comments for at least three.

Comments are due Monday, January 10th.

Remember that this is our safe space for our friends and peers.  Be mindful, kind, and respectful when writing feedback.

I miss you all and look forward to seeing you next week!!

Don't forget to read Jane Eyre through chapter 20!

Hugs,

Mrs. Solano

xoxo

The Harvest Collection--November Writers

November--the month of all the "-fuls"; grateful, bountiful, thankful, wonderful, beautiful.  I could go on, but we are here to share and celebrate our creativity and freedom in our writing.

This month's collection is "full" of fiction, how-tos, narratives and abstracts.

Read them ALL.

Choose your favorites.

Leave helpful, thoughtful, loving and kind comments.

If you are unable to leave comments here on the blog, the Canvas Discussion board is open as well.

Comments are due Wednesday, December 8.

 When leaving comments be mindful of your CONTENT and TONE.  This blog is a safe space for ALL writers in our class.  Be kind, courteous, helpful and encouraging.  Give reason(s) and explanation as to WHY you have chosen to leave feedback.  Why is this a favorite piece?  What did you find intriguing? Suspenseful?  Silly?  Horrifying?  You get the picture.  Do not merely comment that you like the piece.  Explain WHY.

If you are a writer for the month, you DO NOT have to leave comments and feedback on the pieces, only if you wish to do so.

How to leave comments:

1. Write you comment in the text box provided at the bottom of the submission.  

2. SIGN YOUR NAME

3. Make sure you are logged in with your GAFE account (school account).

4.  If you are not using your GAFE account,  it is IMPERATIVE you sign your name after EACH comment. Choose ANONYMOUS and sign your name.

5. DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS USING YOUR PHONE.  THEY WILL NOT GO THROUGH.

I will see you in class :)

Feed Your Soul,

Mrs. Solano

Our First Fall Batch of 2021

HAPPY FALL!!!!!

Welcome all to the 2021-2022 school year!!!

This month we have 10 featured writers on the blog. Our collection includes How-tos, the Abstract, Flash Fiction and Personal Narrative.

Writing for, commenting on the student submissions is a component for our class.

Here is the drill:

1.  Each month a new set of writers will update on the blog.

2.  Read ALL of the pieces.

3.  Choose your favorite three and write helpful, constructive, thoughtful and kind comments.  State what you like, or found interesting/intriguing about the piece.  Don't just say that you like the piece.

****Our blog is a safe space for our creative expression****

To leave comments:

1.  You can use a personal gmail account and log in.

2.  You can follow the blog.

3.  You can leave comments Anonymously.

YOU MUST SIGN YOUR NAME TO YOUR COMMENTS SO THAT YOU RECEIVE CREDIT.

****If you are a featured writer for the month, you DO NOT have to leave comments for the other pieces (only if you wish).  It is encouraged that you watch your page and see the comments posted during the commenting window.  If you want to respond to comments, you may do so.

The October comments are due by Friday, November 12.

Have fun with this assignment. It is a favorite among students.

Feed Your Soul,

Mrs. Solano