ANSWERING SOME PARENT QUESTIONS

Q: I am concerned that my student's grade will be affected by his team's effort.

A: We are in 3 teams, simulating the conflict in Verona resulting from the enmity between the Capulets and Montagues. We will have several "conflicts" in town, all of them simulated with specific "challenges."

All parts of the simulation competition are for extra credit.

Q: My son spent a lot of time on the banner and I am concerned that no one else on his team helped. He understands this will be a big part of his grade. This doesn't seem fair.

The banner challenge was voluntary and taken on by one volunteer from each team. The person is called the artist or project manager. The volunteer can enlist as much help as desired, but no help from anyone is required. Also, no team is required to turn in a banner for the competition. This is not a graded activity but can potentially earn 20 points for the winning team.

In the end these points are divided. The most points any one student could earn from this activity is 4 points.

Each of the 5 classes will vote for the best banner for each "House." The winning banner will garner 20 extra credit points for the winning team. These points will be divided amongst the team members at the end of the unit.

Q. Please explain your Romeo and Juliet team competition. \

A: For an explanation of the project you can access our website

Last year's competition results

Q. Why don't students get more time to complete the banner challenge?

A: The examples up in the room were all done within 24 hours. Last year the students recommended the entire unit as it was but advised that the banner project get 48 hours instead of 24, hence the change. The reason I liked the 24 was that students get so competitive that they put all their effort into something only potentially worth a few extra credit points. As a matter of fact, since voting strategy is in play, because all teams and all classes are in competition, it is not a sure thing that the best banner will even win.

The website page for the competition was explained to each class on an overhead

Q: Why do you have teams and this competition?

A: No matter what happens, students end up living RJ, enjoying and appreciating Shakespeare and remembering this unit for years to come. It helps break down a lot of barriers to understanding S's language, convoluted plots and universal themes. Focusing on participation with massive bonus point opportunities takes away the pressure that other aspects of the unit might promote.

Simulating the battles in Verona with competitive challenges in the classroom sets the stage for personal and team investment. It helps everyone care A LOT about the chaos in town and how unfair, ruthless and competitive things can get as well as how ridiculous and irrational the sacrifices are.

Q: Is there anything in the Romeo and Juliet Unit that is an individual grade?

A: Individual and Team assignments will be duly noted on the assignment log. There will be 2-6 individual assignments counting towards a student's grade most weeks. The individual grade will be what is posted for a grade until the end of the unit. At that time the bonus points will be figured and entered.