Episode 95: Fantasy Sports Midterm ReviewRunning Time: 26:35 This Week's Guests: Mr. John Meehan and the 5th period students of  Honors American LiteratureTom Brady or Tom Sawyer? Eli Manning or Ethan Frome? What happens when we take the same principles of Fantasy Football and bring them to life in a literature classroom? Welcome to fantasy sports, O'Connell High School English Department style! This week's episode goes inside one of DJO's Honors American Literature classrooms to watch how students are transforming midterm reviews into a full-contact brain game that is anything but a spectator sport! Come cheer for your favorite fictional characters and learn how students are rooting for their literary heroes to help prepare for this year's exams. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 94: A Christmas Carol Radio Show (Re-Gift Edition)! Charles Dickens (1843) Running Time: 1:02:21 Original Air Date: 12/11/15 Directed By:  Co-Director (student) Kathryn Baker  Starring: The Narrator (student) Laura McLellan  Scrooge - Fr. Gregory Thompson, Chaplain Fred - Mr. Trent Jones, Art Fred’s Wife - Mrs. Jill Williams, Science Poole - Sister Tracey, Science & Math  The Party Guests: Young Scrooge 2 - Mr. Sam Pell, Science & Latin Belle - Ms. Lisa Monyihan, History Mr. Fezziwig Mr. Joe Crivella, Art  Mrs. Fezziwig Ms. Kathryn Hogan, Christian Service The Cratchit Family: Bob Cratchit - Mr. John Meehan, English Mrs. Cratchit - Ms. Allison Lattie, Religion Tiny Tim - Mr. Jim Shirey, DJO Faculty  The Ghosts: Marley - Dr. Joe LeBlanc, History Christmas Past - Mrs. Michelle Taylor, English Christmas Present - "Coach" David Owens, Religion Christmas Future - Mr. Frank Roque, Dean of Student Life Student Ensemble: Young Scrooge 1 - Peter Lucas Fan - Ale Rocha Tom - Andrew Oliveros Martha Cratchit - Isabel Fernandez Peter Cratchit - Aly Speier Business Man 1 - Liam Behan Business Man 2 - Thomas Guiseppe Joe - Miranda Smith Maid - Aidan Mulcahy With a Special Appearance By: "Town Girl" & Co-Director - Ms. Sara Zimmerman, Drama It's the holiday season! And Christmas is once again in the air at Bishop O'Connell High School. This week, DJO was proud to stage our second annual production of the "radio play" adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring a cast of teachers, students, and faculty members from all corners of the Bishop O'Connell family! Regrettably, it appears that The Grinch stole our audio input of this year's show during the live broadcast, and so our recording of last night's production has been swept away to the Island of Misfit Toys.  But it's Christmas, and there's no point in crying over spilled (cookies and) milk! So we'd like to send a special thanks to everyone who took part in this year's production -- which included highlights like Mr. Pell singing Italian arias, Ms. Moynihan choreographing a team of teachers Jingle Bell Rocking to the Christmas Macarena, Father Thompson taking an onstage #ScroogeSelfie, and a cameo appearance from our very own Counseling department's Ricky Tanis in the role of the beloved Tiny Tim. Thanks to the magic of the DJO drama program, this year's rendition of A Christmas Carol proved that much like snowflakes, every adaptation of this winter tale is wonderfully unique in its own way. Included here as our Christmas present to you is the audio from last year's production. We apologize again for the last-minute re-gift -- but we promise, it's a real treat. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 93: The Podcast About PodcastsRunning Time: 27:00 This Week's Guests: Mrs. Courtney Lewicki Mr. John MeehanThis week, the Bishop O'Connell English department hits the road for the annual Virginia Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development's annual conference in Williamsburg, Va., where our very own Mrs. Courtney Lewicki will be delivering a breakout session to educators from all over the state in which she'll be discussing -- what else! -- the awesome teaching and learning potential of enhancing traditional instruction with your very own school, department, or classroom podcast. Join our off-site podcasting duo of Mrs. Lewicki and Mr. Meehan (likewise on the road at a conference this week from Seattle, Washington) brought together through the magic of the internet this week as we talk about the educational advantages and college- and career-ready skills that podcasting can provide. This week's episode offers a valuable insight into the awesome work that our teachers and students are doing each and every day at O'Connell High School -- and you won't even have to drive all the way down to Williamsburg to hear the cool things that podcasts can do! Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 92: What are You Thankful for, DJO?Running Time: 16:40 This Week's Guests: Dr. Joseph Vorbach, Head of School Mrs. Diane Cerniglia Ms. Allison Gibeily Natalie Leiva, Class of 2018 Roisin Bergeron, Class of 2018 Mrs. Courtney Lewicki Mr. John MeehanJust in time for the holidays, O'Connell High School is serving up a special Thanksgiving episode of our weekly English Department Round Table Podcast. This week, we're celebrating the spirit of the season by asking members of the O'Connell community "what are you thankful for, DJO?" As you're enjoying a plate of turkey and a slice (or two) of pumpkin pie with your own family this Thanksgiving holiday, tune in to this week's episode for a thoughtful side dish of holiday insight from the O'Connell family of administrators, faculty, and -- of course -- our amazing students, as we reflect on this season of gratitude, community, and thanks. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 91: Student Battle Raps and Rhetoric REMIX!Running Time: 23:40 This Week's Guests: Sabena Chadda as Jacob Black Elysse Anderson as Edward Cullen Serena Davis as Walt Disney  Vanessa Nkurunziza as Dr. Seuss Alec Quiroga as Cristiano Rinaldo Seth Viani as Tom Brady Bishan Shourie as Darth Vader Christopher Ho as Vladimir Putin #1 Tyler Dittmer as Ronald Reagan and  Daniel Danenberg as Vladimir Putin #2 It's a second installment of the O'Connell English Department Battle Rap Showdown! Featuring Honors American Literature students assuming the personae of a star-studded lineup of figures from history, literature and pop culture, this week's episode is a second showcase of our students' high-energy display of rhetorical techniques and verse poetry in action. This week, we've got literary monsters trading lyrical barbs, icons of sports squaring off for rhetorical supremacy, and beloved children's cartoonists getting up close and personal with their lyrical smack talk. Join us for a look inside life in our Honors American Literature classroom, full of excitement, humor, and creativity. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 90: Student Battle Raps and RhetoricRunning Time: 20:12 This Week's Guests: Will Whitt as The Burger King Katie Geraghty as Inspector Javert Katherine Gardinier as Maximilien Robespierre Sophia Stalnaker as Cleopatra Abi Dinegar as Mary Queen of Scots Clara Cobb as Elvis Presley Hannah Pin as Michael Jackson Hugh Bothwell as the T Rex Kyley Van Doorn as the Brachiosaurus and  Bart Whelan as Spongebob Squarepants What happens when DJO students go toe-to-toe trading verses of rhyme and rhetoric to flex their poetic prowess? It's the first ever O'Connell English Department Battle Rap Showdown! And if you've never listened to a DJO English Department Round Table Podcast before, you are in for a real treat. Featuring Honors American Literature students assuming the personae of a star-studded lineup of figures from history, literature and pop culture, this week's episode is a high-energy showcase of rhetorical techniques and verse poetry forms in action. From smack talking dinosaurs to shade throwing historical icons, this week's student showcase is an awesome look at life in our Honors American Literature classroom, full of excitement, humor, and creativity. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 89: The Declaration of IndependenceRunning Time: 17:57 Thomas Jefferson (1776) This Week's Guests: Elysse Anderson Sofia Cardenas Sabena Chadda Katharine Colclough Thomas Cook Natalie Leiva Frank Lucchetti Vanessa Nkurunziza Hoang Pham Pio Soliven Our election season is drawing to a close, and so the DJO English Department Round Table podcast decided to kick it "old school" this week with an in-depth conversation about the founding document that made our democracy possible in the first place. This week, join Mr. Meehan and a super-sized student panel to hammer out the finer points of a new nation as we explore the rhetoric, power, and poetry of The Declaration of Independence. Tune in for a spirited conversation regarding the age-old principles that helped shape our country, and learn how 21st century students are finding new life and modern relevance in their study of this watershed text of literature and historical significance. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 88: A Student Club's Take on Edgar Allan PoetryRunning Time: 20:44 Edgar Allan Poe (1849) This Week's Guests: Thomas Bascom Jinlee Colucci Cameron Feeley Victoria Gordon Caileigh Keegan Just in time for Halloween, Bishop O'Connell's newest student organization -- the Poetry Club -- joins together for their first official meeting to dissect a seminal, seasonal, and spooky favorite of Gothic literature: the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. Join Mr. Meehan and the founding members of the DJO Poetry Club as we take a haunted sleighride through Edgar Allan Poe's "The Bells" and pay special attention to all the things that go bump in the night along the way. This digital conversation is a great chance to get a feel for what the Poetry Club is all about. So grab some candy corn and join us for a scare, won't you? Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 87: Students Sound Off on Hamilton: An American MusicalRunning Time: 17:32 Lin-Manuel Miranda (2015) This Week's Guests: Mr. Meehan Erika Williams Tonight at part of their Great Performances series, PBS will air Hamilton's America -- an in-depth documentary about the making of the smash Broadway musical written by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda in the title role of "The Ten Dollar Founding Father," Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton. First Lady Michelle Obama has called Hamilton "the best piece of art in any form that I have ever seen in my life," and critics and audiences alike have been similarly impressed by this revolutionary fusion of hip hop and history. Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for drama, a 2016 MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant, and 11 Tony Awards -- Hamilton has garnered unprecedented levels of academic and popular acclaim. So what makes this show work? Check out this week's episode to hear insight from both an educator and a student's perspective as we explore this latest supplement to the O'Connell High School American history and literature curriculum. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 86: Students Sound Off on Ethan FromeRunning Time: 19:16 Edith Wharton (1911) This Week's Guests: Elysse Anderson Roisin Bergeron  Ryley Howard Vanessa Nkurunziza Sofia Cardenas As the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder, Ethan Frome feels like a perfect book to discuss how a story's setting can influence the lives of its characters. So is there any joy to be found in the bleak, frosty landscape of Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome? Even if the characters in this novella don't fare so well, it doesn't stop O'Connell students from enjoying a spirited, energetic conversation regarding the story's themes, setting, and broader character arcs. Check out this week's episode for another spirited look at life and literature through the eyes of students at O'Connell High School. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 85: Students Sound Off on "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Running Time: 18:37 This Week's Guests: Katharine Colclough Serena Davis Zacharias Muleta Nikolas Rocha Jessica Seager Our greatest hits of Ernest Hemingway continue this week, as Mr. Meehan welcomes five students from the eleventh grade Honors American Literature course to discuss Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls. So many questions to tackle in this week's episode: Is there heroism in fighting a losing battle? What does it mean to be a hero? And is "Papa Hemingway" a misogynist? Check out this week's episode for another spirited look at life and literature through the eyes of students at O'Connell High School. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 84: More Students Sound Off on "In Another Country" Running Time: 19:36 This Week's Guests: Christopher Chehade Thomas Cook Christopher Ho Wake Wildman What happens when you get another room full of high school guys together in a room to talk about one of the all-time "man's men" of American Literature? More students sounding off on Ernest Hemingway! This week, Mr. Meehan welcomes four of O'Connell's fine young men for a second round of philosophy and literature analysis as we discuss Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country." Check out this week's episode for another spirited look at life and literature through the eyes of the fine young men of O'Connell High School. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 83: Students Sound Off on "In Another Country" Running Time: 18:43 This Week's Guests: Daniel Danenberg Keenan Murphy Christopher Niland Michael Santos Seth Viani What happens when you get a room full of high school guys together in a room to talk about one of the all-time "man's men" of American Literature? Episode 83 of the DJO English Round Table podcast, of course. This week, Mr. Meehan welcomes five guys from the Honors American Literature class to the podcast studio for the ultimate "bro-down" as we wax philosophical on the finer points of manliness as depicted in Ernest Hemingway's "In Another Country." Check out this week's episode for a spirited look at life and literature through the eyes of the fine young men of O'Connell High School. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 82: Students Sound Off On The Moviegoer Walker Percy (1963) Running Time: 22:56 This Week's Guests: Abigail Dinegar Jennifer Joseph Kirsten Knauf Hannah Pin Sophia Stalnaker Eighty two episodes in and counting, and O'Connell's English Department Round Table continues to be a real hit with our student body! So this week, we're turning the microphone over to small groups of real, live DJO students as we wax philosophical and try to make deeper sense of Walker Percy's The Moviegoer, the 1962 winner of the National Book Award. Part expert panel and part 21st century study guide (with a splash of Catechism thrown in for good measure!), these special episodes are a fascinating, spirited look at life, faith, and literature from the perspective of an O'Connell student. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 81: Collaborative Learning Running Time: 21:35 This Week's Guests: Mrs. Lewicki Mr. Meehan Mrs. RimesTeamwork makes the dream work! And in the information age, this old adage has never been more true. Twenty first century classrooms, colleges, and employers are embracing the power of idea-sharing and small group collaboration -- and teachers at Bishop O'Connell High School are providing increased opportunities for students to learn from one another as they take increased ownership of their education. Join Mr. Meehan and our expert "team" of English teachers in this week's podcast as we discuss a handful of strategies you can use to take full advantage of opportunities for student-centered dialogue. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 80: Annotation 101 Running Time: 18:52 This Week's Guests: Mr. Meehan Mrs. Swaim Mrs. WentzelTaking notes while your reading is a time-tested strategy, but it can be pretty overwhelming to establish a meaningful system of note-taking that works for you. So what does it mean when teachers ask students to "annotate a text?" And how can you develop an annotation strategy of your own? Join Mr. Meehan and Mrs. Wentzel as they welcome Mrs. Swaim to our DJO English Department Podcast family for the first episode of the new school year! Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 79: Get to Know MyDJO! Running Time: 20:13 This Week's Guests: Mrs. Lewicki Mr. MeehanHave you heard the news about MyDJO? Teachers, coaches, counselors and school administrators are taking online learning to the next level thanks to all the cool features and functionality "MyDJO" has to offer (like Edmodo, but infinitely more awesome) -- which is transforming our school's website into a one-stop shop for personalized user content. Completely new and optimized for mobile access, MyDJO automatically collects and filters all content posted anywhere on the school’s website and spits out personalized calendars and news feeds based on your enrollment. That means one login will get student's customized access to classes, clubs, extracurricular activities, and athletics. So when you log in to the site, you’ll see everything you’ll need (assignment due dates, electronic handouts, club meetings, team schedules, etc.) in one place. MyDJO is a game-changer! Be among the first to hear what all the buzz is about in this week's podcast. Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 78: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Summer Reading Strategies) Robert Louis Stevenson (1886) Running Time: 12:25 This Week's Topics: Guiding questions Close reading strategies Gothic novels Original Air Date: 8/7/15 Students are often told to "take notes" as they make their way through the summer reading, but sometimes it can be tricky to determine just what we should take notes on (and why!) in each new book. This week, Mr. Meehan puts a "Five Minute Focus" -- which is actually more like ten minutes -- on The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This episode is packed with sample note-taking strategies, close-reading techniques, and the types of questions that will help you make sense of a book that deliberately blurs the lines between where exactly the world of monsters begins. Pro-tip: listen to this podcast and the Senior Summer Reading episode before you start reading! These recordings are loaded with tips and strategies on how to make clearer sense of the book and boost your comprehension as you read. (It's like extra credit in advance!) Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 77: Frankenstein (Summer Reading Strategies) Mary Shelley (1818) Running Time: 12:25 This Week's Topics: Multiple narrators Close reading strategies Frame narrative Original Air Date: 7/31/15 After a two week summer hiatus, The DJO English Round Table Podcast is back! Students are often told to "take notes" as they make their way through the summer reading, but sometimes it can be tricky to determine just what we should take notes on (and why!) in each new book. This week, Mr. Meehan puts a "Five Minute Focus" -- which is actually more like ten minutes -- on Frankenstein. This episode is packed with sample note-taking strategies, close-reading techniques, and the types of questions that will help you make sense of a book that deliberately blurs the lines between facts and fiction. Pro-tip: listen to this podcast and the Senior Summer Reading episode before you start reading! These recordings are loaded with tips and strategies on how to make clearer sense of the book and boost your comprehension as you read. (It's like extra credit in advance!) Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.

Episode 76: A Farewell to Arms (Summer Reading Strategies) Ernest Hemingway (1929) Running Time: 9:11 This Week's Topics: Guiding questions Close reading strategies The Iceberg Technique Original Air Date: 7/24/15 Students are often told to "take notes" as they make their way through the summer reading, but sometimes it can be tricky to determine just what we should take notes on (and why!) in each new book. This week, Mr. Meehan puts a "Five Minute Focus" -- which is actually more like ten minutes -- on A Farewell to Arms. This episode is packed with sample note-taking strategies, close-reading techniques, and the types of questions that will help you make sense of Ernest Hemingway's unique "Iceberg" approach to writing. Pro-tip: listen to this podcast and the Junior Summer Reading episode before you start reading! These recordings are loaded with tips and strategies on how to make clearer sense of the book and boost your comprehension as you read. (It's like extra credit in advance!) Your browser does not support this audio Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! And we'll see you again next week.