Word-of-the-Day: commencement (n) a beginning; a start; a ceremony at which degrees are awarded. Gaby's 8th grace commencement speech was so inspired that a book editor offered her a contract to write about high school life.

Five minutes, write about Great America. Checked writer's notebooks. Last check. Good for up to 15 points.

Worked on rough draft of graduation speech. Due Tuesday, BOP. Ready to peer edit, in class.

Final draft due Thursday. For one more peer edit.