Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on their personal qualities and synthesize that information into a personal mission statement.
2. demonstrate time management skills.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: What do you know about the Senior Project? What have you heard from other students? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from the class.
2. Senior Project FAQs:
a. What is the Senior Project? It is a state-mandated requirement that all seniors demonstrate knowledge of research and writing. In English class, you will be guided through the Senior Project and receive assistance and support from your teachers and academy coordinator. It is Ms. Kingsbury's job to make sure you complete the Senior Project and meet the requirements for graduation.
b. Is the Senior Project easy? In a word, NO. It is meant to take 60 hours of work. Some of this work will be done in class. Much of it will be done outside of school. Your entire project MUST be typed. Please make sure you have regular access to a computer. See your Academy Coordinator ASAP if this is a problem for you.
c. When are the due dates for each part of the Senior Project? The due dates are:
9/26 mission statements
10/3 career goals essays
10/10 research proposals
10/17 research paper outline
10/24 job search materials
11/7 first rough draft of the research paper due
11/28 second rough draft due
12/19 third rough draft due
1/9 set up portfolio
1/16 portfolios due!
There are other components as well which we will complete along the way. It is your responsibility to make sure you meet each deadline. Failure to complete each component of the Senior Project may jeopardize your graduation!
d. What about the PowerPoint presentation? After your portfolio is graded in January, we will begin to work on your PowerPoint presentations. The presentation is a synthesis of your research paper, so if your research stinks, then your PowerPoint is going to stink. You may begin working on your presentation at anytime, but be mindful that there are certain requirements that must be met for a passing PowerPoint presentation.
e. So really, how do I pass the Senior Project? Based on Ms. Kingsbury's grading system for the Senior Project, you must score at least 75% in your entire portfolio. You will receive the rubric when we set our portfolios up in January.
f. Can we get started now? YES! We are getting started today!
3. Personal Mission Statement: This is the first component of your Senior Project. It is due, typed, on Friday, September 26, 2008. In your mission statement, you are describing the kind of person that you are and the kind of person that you would like to become. You analyze how you will develop into that person. This essay requires you to reflect on your personal attributes. DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR CAREER PLANS OR WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP! THAT IS FOR ANOTHER ESSAY. You essay should be 1/2 page typed. We will write the rough draft in our notebooks during class today.
NOTE: If you waste any class time given to work on your Senior Project, all future work will be done outside of class!
Sample Mission Statement:
My name is Madelaine Kingsbury, and if you asked me to describe that kind of person that I am, I could tell you, without doubt, that I am a dedicated, compassionate, and fun-loving individual. I am a devoted mother to a charming but hot-headed three year old; despite her challenging behavior, I would do anything for her. I am also devoted to the students that I teach at Overbrook High School; their behavior is challenging sometimes too, but there isn't anything that I wouldn't do to help them be successful. I care for everyone that I know - my family, my friends, my boyfriend, my pets, my students, my coworkers - sometimes to a fault, but I can't be any other way. I show my compassion for others through my humor and light-heartedness. I do whatever I can to make a person smile. Even though I think I am pretty awesome, I would still love to become a better person, more patient and more calm. With the guidance and support of my friends and family, I know I will become the best person that I can be.
Now it's your turn! In your notebooks, write the rough draft of your own personal mission statement. It should be at least two handwritten pages (or one page front and back). I will monitor your progress in class.
Today's Vocabulary: time management, components, attributes, personal mission statement
Homework:
a. Complete your handwritten mission statement for homework. Be prepared to share it with a partner tomorrow.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. provide a writing sample.
2. draw on previous grammar and punctuation knowledge.
3. create a set of personal and academic goals for this school year.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should write their answer to the following questions: On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, rate your writing skills. Why do you give yourself this rating? What are your strengths in writing? What are your weaknesses?
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class today.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. provide a writing sample.
2. draw on previous grammar and punctuation knowledge.
3. create a set of personal and academic goals for this school year.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should write their answer to the following questions: On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, rate your writing skills. Why do you give yourself this rating? What are your strengths in writing? What are your weaknesses?
2. Writing Inventory: In order for Ms. K to figure out what writing skills she needs to teach this year, students will complete the following inventory. Worth 100 points and due at the end of class. IF YOU ARE ABSENT, YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT FOR HOMEWORK AND EMAIL IT TO ms.kingsbury@verizon.net BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007.
- Write a two-page essay (5 short paragraphs) describing three things that you learned this summer.
- Make a list of all the punctuation that you know and explain what it is used for. Try for 8.
- Make a list of all the parts of speech that you know and give three examples for each one. Try for 7.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class today.
Ms. Kingsbury's English 4 Syllabus for 2008-2009
Syllabus for English 4
Overbrook High School
Ms. Kingsbury
School Year 2008-2009
Introduction
Welcome to your final year of English class at Overbrook High School! This year should prove to be your most challenging one, yet it will be rewarding, productive, and, hopefully, tons of fun. My goal as your English teacher is to make sure you successfully complete English 4 this year in order to meet the requirements for graduation in June. This document will outline my expectations for your behavior and performance, the literature we will read, and the projects we will complete.
My Expectations for Your Behavior and Performance
You will come to class prepared every day with a notebook and pen/pencil.
You will always be on your best behavior.
You will show respect to your teacher and classmates.
You will see me before or after school only to discuss make-up work and personal issues.
You will always produce your own, best work, with serious penalty for cheating or plagiarism.
The Senior Project
The culminating activity of your high school experience will be the Senior Project (SP). The SP requires you to write a formal research paper and make a PowerPoint presentation. The SP portfolio will be due on or around January 16, 2009. This date is far off in the future, but we will begin working on it by mid-September. Each senior in the state of Pennsylvania must complete an SP, and this work is taken very seriously and counts heavily in your grade for English this year.
Required Reading
English 4 has a core curriculum which we are required to complete. This year, students should expect to read the following literature; this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change:
Selections from Elements of Literature (primary textbook)
1984 by George Orwell
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
English 4 is a writing-intensive class, and so the reading required will be less than previous years. Students should expect to be tested on any reading done in and outside of class.
Notebooks
You will be required to maintain a notebook during this year. If you think you might lose your notebook, you may request to have it stored in our classroom for your daily use. Your notebook will be your life-line; most quizzes and tests will allow you to use your notebook as an answer resource. I will perform periodic notebook checks which will count towards your grade as well. It will be clear when you will need to take notes and do classwork in your notebook. Either a spiral-bound notebook or three-ring binder will be sufficient.
Our Class Website
In order to facilitate the development of students’ technology skills, I have set up a website for each academy. On the site, you will find information and assignments which you will be asked to read and complete. My goal this year is to limit the amount of paper I collect from you. Therefore, most of your classwork and homework assignments will be completed on-line. If you do not have a computer at home, there are many computers throughout the high school which you may use. On a first-come-first-served basis, you may use my laptop as well during your lunch period and/or before school.
The addresses for the class websites are:
Health Academy
http://english4healthacademy.blogspot.com
Finance Academy
http://english4financeacademy.blogspot.com
It is highly recommended you visit our class website once a day for information and assignments.
Grading
I calculate grades on a point system. The more points you earn for successfully completing your work, the higher your grade. Daily classwork is worth approximately 10-20 points; quizzes are worth 30-40 points; tests are worth 100 - 200 points; and larger projects are worth 200+ points. Cumulative grades are calculated on a weekly basis, and you will always have access to your grade in this class; please ask to see it anytime. I use the following formula to determine your grade:
Total Points Earned by Student / Total Possible Points x 100% = Student’s % Grade
Contact Information
I encourage you and your parents to speak with me at any time throughout the year about your performance and behavior, as well as ask questions about our reading and projects. I am available every day before school at 7:30 a.m., after school until 3:15 p.m., by phone at (215) 581-5507, and by email at ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Overbrook High School
Ms. Kingsbury
School Year 2008-2009
Introduction
Welcome to your final year of English class at Overbrook High School! This year should prove to be your most challenging one, yet it will be rewarding, productive, and, hopefully, tons of fun. My goal as your English teacher is to make sure you successfully complete English 4 this year in order to meet the requirements for graduation in June. This document will outline my expectations for your behavior and performance, the literature we will read, and the projects we will complete.
My Expectations for Your Behavior and Performance
You will come to class prepared every day with a notebook and pen/pencil.
You will always be on your best behavior.
You will show respect to your teacher and classmates.
You will see me before or after school only to discuss make-up work and personal issues.
You will always produce your own, best work, with serious penalty for cheating or plagiarism.
The Senior Project
The culminating activity of your high school experience will be the Senior Project (SP). The SP requires you to write a formal research paper and make a PowerPoint presentation. The SP portfolio will be due on or around January 16, 2009. This date is far off in the future, but we will begin working on it by mid-September. Each senior in the state of Pennsylvania must complete an SP, and this work is taken very seriously and counts heavily in your grade for English this year.
Required Reading
English 4 has a core curriculum which we are required to complete. This year, students should expect to read the following literature; this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change:
Selections from Elements of Literature (primary textbook)
1984 by George Orwell
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
English 4 is a writing-intensive class, and so the reading required will be less than previous years. Students should expect to be tested on any reading done in and outside of class.
Notebooks
You will be required to maintain a notebook during this year. If you think you might lose your notebook, you may request to have it stored in our classroom for your daily use. Your notebook will be your life-line; most quizzes and tests will allow you to use your notebook as an answer resource. I will perform periodic notebook checks which will count towards your grade as well. It will be clear when you will need to take notes and do classwork in your notebook. Either a spiral-bound notebook or three-ring binder will be sufficient.
Our Class Website
In order to facilitate the development of students’ technology skills, I have set up a website for each academy. On the site, you will find information and assignments which you will be asked to read and complete. My goal this year is to limit the amount of paper I collect from you. Therefore, most of your classwork and homework assignments will be completed on-line. If you do not have a computer at home, there are many computers throughout the high school which you may use. On a first-come-first-served basis, you may use my laptop as well during your lunch period and/or before school.
The addresses for the class websites are:
Health Academy
http://english4healthacademy.blogspot.com
Finance Academy
http://english4financeacademy.blogspot.com
It is highly recommended you visit our class website once a day for information and assignments.
Grading
I calculate grades on a point system. The more points you earn for successfully completing your work, the higher your grade. Daily classwork is worth approximately 10-20 points; quizzes are worth 30-40 points; tests are worth 100 - 200 points; and larger projects are worth 200+ points. Cumulative grades are calculated on a weekly basis, and you will always have access to your grade in this class; please ask to see it anytime. I use the following formula to determine your grade:
Total Points Earned by Student / Total Possible Points x 100% = Student’s % Grade
Contact Information
I encourage you and your parents to speak with me at any time throughout the year about your performance and behavior, as well as ask questions about our reading and projects. I am available every day before school at 7:30 a.m., after school until 3:15 p.m., by phone at (215) 581-5507, and by email at ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. follow classroom procedures to complete daily objectives and activities.
2. listen to others and share their own thoughts.
3. reflect on prior knowledge and communicate what they know.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following question in their notebooks: Did you do your homework last night? If yes, how long did it take you to complete? If not, why not? How does doing your homework on the first day of school (or not doing it) set the tone for the rest of the school year? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from students to the warm-up and to the homework assignment.
2. Ms. Kingsbury will review this year's syllabus with the class.
3. Today's Classwork: 30 points - Ms. Kingsbury will continue to collect personal information related to skills and scholarship from the students. Students will answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and turn in at the end of class:
a. When it come to technology, I know...5+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
b. When it comes to research and writing, I know...3+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
c. When it comes to work in groups, I feel...3 sentences. This year, I would like to work with...list 3 people. I definitely do not want to work with...
Homework: Students will get their syllabi signed b their parents or guardian and return on Monday for 30 points. THIS IS MANDATORY.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. follow classroom procedures to complete daily objectives and activities.
2. listen to others and share their own thoughts.
3. reflect on prior knowledge and communicate what they know.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following question in their notebooks: Did you do your homework last night? If yes, how long did it take you to complete? If not, why not? How does doing your homework on the first day of school (or not doing it) set the tone for the rest of the school year? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from students to the warm-up and to the homework assignment.
2. Ms. Kingsbury will review this year's syllabus with the class.
3. Today's Classwork: 30 points - Ms. Kingsbury will continue to collect personal information related to skills and scholarship from the students. Students will answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper and turn in at the end of class:
a. When it come to technology, I know...5+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
b. When it comes to research and writing, I know...3+ things. This year, I would like to learn...3+ things.
c. When it comes to work in groups, I feel...3 sentences. This year, I would like to work with...list 3 people. I definitely do not want to work with...
Homework: Students will get their syllabi signed b their parents or guardian and return on Monday for 30 points. THIS IS MANDATORY.
Contest Alert - "A Teen Girl's Guide to Managing Wealth"
If you are interested in receiving a free copy of this book, please click on the title of this post for instructions to enter.
From the article:
"Every month I randomly select readers to receive the recommended book, donated by the publisher. This month I want to do something a little different. I'd like to limit the giveaway to teen girls who submit a brief essay -- 200 words or less -- on why it's important to save. If you're an educator or community leader who works with girls, this would be a great project. The entries for a free copy of "The Teen Girl's Gotta-Have-It Guide to Money" should be sent to colorofmoney@washpost.com. All e-mails should include the teen's name, age and mailing address. With a parent's permission, I may also print some of the answers."
Good Luck! Please let me know if you enter!
Contest Alert - "A Teen Girl's Guide to Managing Wealth"
If you are interested in receiving a free copy of this book, please click on the title of this post for instructions to enter.
From the article:
"Every month I randomly select readers to receive the recommended book, donated by the publisher. This month I want to do something a little different. I'd like to limit the giveaway to teen girls who submit a brief essay -- 200 words or less -- on why it's important to save. If you're an educator or community leader who works with girls, this would be a great project. The entries for a free copy of "The Teen Girl's Gotta-Have-It Guide to Money" should be sent to colorofmoney@washpost.com. All e-mails should include the teen's name, age and mailing address. With a parent's permission, I may also print some of the answers."
Good Luck! Please let me know if you enter!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Scholarship Alert: National Education Association
Click on the title of this post to learn more about scholarship opportunities for African-American and minority students. It's never too soon to be planning for college!
http://www.nea.org/grants/minorscholar.html
http://www.nea.org/grants/minorscholar.html
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Scholarship Alert!
http://www.apt.org/BB-changed-my-life/
From the site:
"The goal of the Alliance for Public Technology's national Broadband Changed My Life! campaign is to raise awareness of the benefits of advanced broadband and encourage its universal deployment and adoption.
The initial Broadband Changed My Life! Contest generated overwhelming interest with over 400 contestants. Winners received awards of $1,000, $500, and $250.
From the site:
"The goal of the Alliance for Public Technology's national Broadband Changed My Life! campaign is to raise awareness of the benefits of advanced broadband and encourage its universal deployment and adoption.
 |
| Sorraine Hot, 2007 Winner |
Now you can enter the new Tell the Next President Contest! Stories should be 50-300 words ideally, although they can be longer. The focus is to share the story of how high-speed internet access has changed your life and your family members' lives, or how you would like to see broadband used to change the lives of others.
The deadline for entries is October 1, 2008. Three winners will be announced in late October and the prizes will be $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. A panel of APT Board members and staff will judge the entries. Early next year, a memorandum with the best contest entries will be sent to the new President and the first place winner will receive a trip to Washington and a ticket to an Inaugural ball.
In addition to the nationwide contest, the campaign's initiatives include briefings for Members of Congress and their staffs, a series of brown bag lunches devoted to the life-changing impact of broadband access for various constituencies and other educational outreach efforts."
Click on the title of this post for a direct link to enter. Good luck!
Thursday, September 4, 2008 - WELCOME TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. submit an inventory of personal and professional data.
2. share their thoughts in front of a group.
3. create a list of questions about Senior English.
Agenda:
1. Personal Introduction: My name is Ms. Kingsbury, and this is my fifth year teaching at Overbrook High School. I specialize in teaching seniors and guiding them through the requirements of their senior projects. At OHS, I'm a member of the Distributed Leadership team sponsored by a grant from the University of Pennsylvania. I am also a new teacher mentor. I received my BA from UPenn as well in December 2000 and my teaching license in 2003 from West Chester University. I will soon be attending Drexel University for my MS in Learning Technologies. Personally, I love to read, write, and take pictures. I have a personal website for my writing, one for my photography, as well as a MySpace page. I live with my 4 year old daughter, my boyfriend, and my 4 cats. This is a very big year for me, because I will be attempting to achieve National Board Certification as an English teacher. You will learn more about this project soon.
2. Students' turn! Students will complete a personal inventory as part of the data collection and information-gathering required by the NBPTS. Students will receive 50 points for their effort. This inventory includes the following questions and is completely confidential:
Ms. Kingsbury
Getting To Know You! Survey
School Year 2008-2009
The Basics:
Your Full Name:
Preferred to be called:
Parents’ Names:
Home Address:
Your Parents’ Phone #:
Your Cell Phone #:
Your Email Address:
Your Website:
Your Birthday:
Your Home/Work Life:
Who do you live with?
What is your annual household income?
What is your ethnic heritage and/or culture?
How do you get to school?
Do you have a mentor? If so, who?
Do you have a job? If so, where? If not, why not?
Your Educational Background:
What has been your favorite class in the past and why?
What has been your worst class in the past and why?
Do you consider yourself an excellent student, average student, and poor student? Explain your choice.
Describe your thoughts and concerns about English class with Ms. Kingsbury this year:
Your Future Goals:
Are you planning to go to college? If so, where? If not, what are your plans?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Has anyone else in your family been to college before?
Where do you plan to live when you grow up?
Do you have any dream goals?
Your Interests:
What are your 5 favorite things in the world?
Who do you most admire and why?
What 5 things drive you crazy?
What do you think of politics?
Do you like to read? To write? Why or why not?
What else should I know about you?
3. Group Share: In order for Ms. Kingsbury to quickly learn students' names and interests, we will have an inventory group share. Students will each introduce themselves and give one piece of information from their inventories.
4. Questions About Senior English: Students will receive their syllabus for Senior English tomorrow. They will take 5 minutes to generate as many questions as possible that they have about Senior English, both general questions and specific. Ms. Kingsbury will answer these questions on the class website.
5. Blast from the Past: Reading the thoughts of previous Senior English student: Students will have an opportunity to read letters written especially for them from Ms. Kingsbury's past Senior English students.
HOMEWORK: You didn't think you'd get away without homework on the first day of class, did you? Tonight, students should:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. submit an inventory of personal and professional data.
2. share their thoughts in front of a group.
3. create a list of questions about Senior English.
Agenda:
1. Personal Introduction: My name is Ms. Kingsbury, and this is my fifth year teaching at Overbrook High School. I specialize in teaching seniors and guiding them through the requirements of their senior projects. At OHS, I'm a member of the Distributed Leadership team sponsored by a grant from the University of Pennsylvania. I am also a new teacher mentor. I received my BA from UPenn as well in December 2000 and my teaching license in 2003 from West Chester University. I will soon be attending Drexel University for my MS in Learning Technologies. Personally, I love to read, write, and take pictures. I have a personal website for my writing, one for my photography, as well as a MySpace page. I live with my 4 year old daughter, my boyfriend, and my 4 cats. This is a very big year for me, because I will be attempting to achieve National Board Certification as an English teacher. You will learn more about this project soon.
2. Students' turn! Students will complete a personal inventory as part of the data collection and information-gathering required by the NBPTS. Students will receive 50 points for their effort. This inventory includes the following questions and is completely confidential:
Ms. Kingsbury
Getting To Know You! Survey
School Year 2008-2009
The Basics:
Your Full Name:
Preferred to be called:
Parents’ Names:
Home Address:
Your Parents’ Phone #:
Your Cell Phone #:
Your Email Address:
Your Website:
Your Birthday:
Your Home/Work Life:
Who do you live with?
What is your annual household income?
What is your ethnic heritage and/or culture?
How do you get to school?
Do you have a mentor? If so, who?
Do you have a job? If so, where? If not, why not?
Your Educational Background:
What has been your favorite class in the past and why?
What has been your worst class in the past and why?
Do you consider yourself an excellent student, average student, and poor student? Explain your choice.
Describe your thoughts and concerns about English class with Ms. Kingsbury this year:
Your Future Goals:
Are you planning to go to college? If so, where? If not, what are your plans?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Has anyone else in your family been to college before?
Where do you plan to live when you grow up?
Do you have any dream goals?
Your Interests:
What are your 5 favorite things in the world?
Who do you most admire and why?
What 5 things drive you crazy?
What do you think of politics?
Do you like to read? To write? Why or why not?
What else should I know about you?
3. Group Share: In order for Ms. Kingsbury to quickly learn students' names and interests, we will have an inventory group share. Students will each introduce themselves and give one piece of information from their inventories.
4. Questions About Senior English: Students will receive their syllabus for Senior English tomorrow. They will take 5 minutes to generate as many questions as possible that they have about Senior English, both general questions and specific. Ms. Kingsbury will answer these questions on the class website.
5. Blast from the Past: Reading the thoughts of previous Senior English student: Students will have an opportunity to read letters written especially for them from Ms. Kingsbury's past Senior English students.
HOMEWORK: You didn't think you'd get away without homework on the first day of class, did you? Tonight, students should:
- get a notebook.
- On the first page of that notebook, write a one-page entry about your initial thoughts on the first day of school. Which classes are you excited about? Which classes seem intimidating to you? Was there anyone you were happy to see? What are your personal goals for this school year? What are your fears? How can Ms. Kingsbury help you be successful this year?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today's Classwork: 100 points - Length: Student Choice
Today students will write a letter to their future selves. The choice of content and length is theirs. Ideas for content include:
-what life is like in 2008
-what their dreams for the future are
-what they hope life will be like for them
-goals for the future
Students will seal their letters into self-addressed envelopes and write the date they want Ms. Kingsbury to mail their letters.
Homework: There is no homework assignmend for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today's Classwork: 100 points - Length: Student Choice
Today students will write a letter to their future selves. The choice of content and length is theirs. Ideas for content include:
-what life is like in 2008
-what their dreams for the future are
-what they hope life will be like for them
-goals for the future
Students will seal their letters into self-addressed envelopes and write the date they want Ms. Kingsbury to mail their letters.
Homework: There is no homework assignmend for this class tonight.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today’s Classwork: 100 points Length: 1 page
Write a letter of appreciation to the teacher you most appreciate. What has this person done for you? What have you learned from this person? What qualities do you most admire in this person? How has being with this person helped you grow? What one wish, related to school, do you have for this person?
50 points for each additional letter.
Ms. Kingsbury will deliver these today!
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today’s Classwork: 100 points Length: 1 page
Write a letter of appreciation to the teacher you most appreciate. What has this person done for you? What have you learned from this person? What qualities do you most admire in this person? How has being with this person helped you grow? What one wish, related to school, do you have for this person?
50 points for each additional letter.
Ms. Kingsbury will deliver these today!
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today's Letter Writing Activity:
Write a letter to Ms. Young. You should include one paragraph on each topic:
a. how she has done as a principal over the last four years
b. the three best things about OHS
c. the one thing that needs to be improved at OHS
d. the one key to help all seniors graduate
e. the one thing that you will always remember about OHS
f. your plans after graduation
Ms. Kingsbury will give your letters to Ms. Young after class ends for the year, so don’t censor yourself!
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. write coherently and appropriately for an identified audience.
Today's Letter Writing Activity:
Write a letter to Ms. Young. You should include one paragraph on each topic:
a. how she has done as a principal over the last four years
b. the three best things about OHS
c. the one thing that needs to be improved at OHS
d. the one key to help all seniors graduate
e. the one thing that you will always remember about OHS
f. your plans after graduation
Ms. Kingsbury will give your letters to Ms. Young after class ends for the year, so don’t censor yourself!
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 - IT'S THE PROM!!!
Enjoy your night!!!! Only two more weeks of class to go!!!
Monday, May 12 - Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Students will finish up their PowerPoint Presentations in class. No presentations will be accepted by Ms. Kingsbury after this date. Students will be required to present to their Academy Leader after this date.
Monday's Class Work and Discussion (8th period): Has anyone close to you, under the age of 18, passed away? What were the circumstances - accident, illness, homicide? How did this effect you? When a student passes away, how can the school community be a source of support? What do you think is the philosophical reason that people die young (i.e., it's God's work, karma, bad luck, etc.)? Write 1/2 page.
Monday's Class Work and Discussion (8th period): Has anyone close to you, under the age of 18, passed away? What were the circumstances - accident, illness, homicide? How did this effect you? When a student passes away, how can the school community be a source of support? What do you think is the philosophical reason that people die young (i.e., it's God's work, karma, bad luck, etc.)? Write 1/2 page.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9, 2008
Students will continue their practice PowerPoint presentations. See entry on Thursday, April 17, 2008, for scoring rubric. Ms. Ellis' English class will join our class as well to view and practice presentations. Extra points given for an extra-large audience!
The final day for presentations is Thursday, MAY 15, 2008!!!
The final day for presentations is Thursday, MAY 15, 2008!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Should teachers be banned from being on MySpace?
Click on the title of this post to read an article from the Washington Post about controversy surrounding teachers with public MySpace and Facebook profiles. What do you think? Should teachers be punished for having racy or offensive profiles on MySpace? 20 points extra credit for your well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences - post it here in the comments section or email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2, 2008
Students will continue their practice PowerPoint presentations. See entry on Thursday, April 17, 2008, for scoring rubric. Ms. Ellis' English class will join our class as well to view and practice presentations. Extra points given for an extra-large audience!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Is life a little less fun these days?
Please read this article from the Lew Rockwell website about the demise of fun in our lives:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig9/trench3.html
What do you think? Is the article right? Is life less fun than it used to be? 20 points EC for your well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences posted in the comments section here or emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig9/trench3.html
What do you think? Is the article right? Is life less fun than it used to be? 20 points EC for your well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences posted in the comments section here or emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Want to be a teenage millionaire?
Please read this article about teen millionaires:
http://www.mmhabits.com/teenage-millionaires/
What do you think? Could you be a millionaire before you turn 20? Do you have a million dollar idea? Share you well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences for 20 points EC via the comments section here or by email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
http://www.mmhabits.com/teenage-millionaires/
What do you think? Could you be a millionaire before you turn 20? Do you have a million dollar idea? Share you well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences for 20 points EC via the comments section here or by email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
What makes a great teacher?
Please read this article from the Arizona Republic about the number one quality of a great teacher:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0424edteacher0424.html#
What do you think? Is the number one quality of a great teacher her/his unconditional love of students or is it something else? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0424edteacher0424.html#
What do you think? Is the number one quality of a great teacher her/his unconditional love of students or is it something else? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
Monday, April 21 - Friday, April 25, 2008
Students will continue their practice PowerPoint presentations. See entry on Thursday, April 17, 2008, for scoring rubric. Ms. Ellis' English class will join our class as well to view and practice presentations. Extra points given for an extra-large audience!
Friday, April 18, 20008
Students will continue their practice PowerPoint presentations. See entry on Thursday, April 17, 2008, for scoring rubric.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Students will begin their practice PowerPoint presentations for their Senior Project. Presentations will be graded on the following score sheet and criteria:
Name:
Date:
Topic:
Prepared and ready to go on assigned day? (50 pts for showing up!)
Length of presentation (20 pts for each minute)
5 questions answered after presentation (10 pts for each)
How many slides are present (15 minimum, 10 pts each)?
Do you elaborate on the information you present on each slide?
Do you provide informative details?
Is your presentation well organized?
Do you talk clearly and loudly?
FINAL SCORE out of 400 pts.
On a scale of 1 to 10, higher being better, your presentation scores:
Comments and Concerns:
Please have Academy Leader initial this form after you complete your formal and official PowerPoint in order to get another 200 points!
Name:
Date:
Topic:
Prepared and ready to go on assigned day? (50 pts for showing up!)
Length of presentation (20 pts for each minute)
5 questions answered after presentation (10 pts for each)
How many slides are present (15 minimum, 10 pts each)?
Do you elaborate on the information you present on each slide?
Do you provide informative details?
Is your presentation well organized?
Do you talk clearly and loudly?
FINAL SCORE out of 400 pts.
On a scale of 1 to 10, higher being better, your presentation scores:
Comments and Concerns:
Please have Academy Leader initial this form after you complete your formal and official PowerPoint in order to get another 200 points!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
All the things you can become once you're a grown up!
Read this satire from the CS Monitor:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0418/p20s03-lign.html
What do you think? Does adulthood sound fun? Do you get the joke? 20 points EC for your opinion emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or posted here in the comments section.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0418/p20s03-lign.html
What do you think? Does adulthood sound fun? Do you get the joke? 20 points EC for your opinion emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or posted here in the comments section.
Are Americans Afraid?
Please read this article from the Washington Post about America's fear that everything is harmful:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/18/AR2008041803172.html
What do you think? 20 points EC for a well-thought opinion of 5 sentences on this topic, emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or posted here in the comments section!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/18/AR2008041803172.html
What do you think? 20 points EC for a well-thought opinion of 5 sentences on this topic, emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or posted here in the comments section!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Students will spend one more day in the computer lab putting the finishing touches on their senior project PPPs. In-class practice sessions begin tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Due to today's DAY OF EXCELLENCE assembly, we will spend today doing make-up work from the past week.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. schedule a personal deadline.
c. analyze an educational issue.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Report cards come out tomorrow. How do you think that you did? What will you do over the next two months to make sure you pass all of your classes?
2. Reading and Issue Analysis:
"Baltimore to Open Schools for Grades 6-12"
Questions to answer and for discussion:
a. When you see the title of this article, do you think this is a good idea or bad idea? Why?
b. What is the name of this new type of school with grades 6-12?
c. In what grades do most students drop out?
d. What does the word "retain" mean in this article?
e. What is the main advantage of putting grades 6-12 in one school, according to the article?
f. What does the word "factory-size" mean in relation to school?
g. What do you think of putting grades 6-12 together? Could it work? What are the benefits? Drawbacks?
3. Students will schedule their practice powerpoint presentations to be done in front of the class before going to present them to their Academy Leaders. 300 points - must be brought in on a flash or floppy drive.
Homework: There is no homework in this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. schedule a personal deadline.
c. analyze an educational issue.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Report cards come out tomorrow. How do you think that you did? What will you do over the next two months to make sure you pass all of your classes?
2. Reading and Issue Analysis:
"Baltimore to Open Schools for Grades 6-12"
Questions to answer and for discussion:
a. When you see the title of this article, do you think this is a good idea or bad idea? Why?
b. What is the name of this new type of school with grades 6-12?
c. In what grades do most students drop out?
d. What does the word "retain" mean in this article?
e. What is the main advantage of putting grades 6-12 in one school, according to the article?
f. What does the word "factory-size" mean in relation to school?
g. What do you think of putting grades 6-12 together? Could it work? What are the benefits? Drawbacks?
3. Students will schedule their practice powerpoint presentations to be done in front of the class before going to present them to their Academy Leaders. 300 points - must be brought in on a flash or floppy drive.
Homework: There is no homework in this class tonight.
Thursday, April 10 - Friday, April 11, 2008
Students will spend time in the computer lab working on their senior project powerpoint presentations.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. locate a visual representation of love.
c. create a piece of creative writing.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Textbook - page 1060 - Is it better to be a part of a couple or to be alone as a single? Students will write the answer in their notebook and then share answers for EC.
2. Scavenger Hunt - students will search their textbook for a picture which represents love to them. In their notebooks, they should write down: name of the picture, page #, what is in the picture, and what it means to you.
3. Creative Writing Assignment: Students should write one of the following:
a. a dialogue between two people who love each other
b. a monologue entitled "Why I Don't Love You Anymore"
c. a love poem
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior project powerpoint presentations.
After this class, students will be able to:
a. reflect on personal experiences.
b. locate a visual representation of love.
c. create a piece of creative writing.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Textbook - page 1060 - Is it better to be a part of a couple or to be alone as a single? Students will write the answer in their notebook and then share answers for EC.
2. Scavenger Hunt - students will search their textbook for a picture which represents love to them. In their notebooks, they should write down: name of the picture, page #, what is in the picture, and what it means to you.
3. Creative Writing Assignment: Students should write one of the following:
a. a dialogue between two people who love each other
b. a monologue entitled "Why I Don't Love You Anymore"
c. a love poem
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior project powerpoint presentations.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Grades 6-12 under one roof?
Please read this article about a plan in Baltimore to put grades 6-12 under one roof:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/04/09/32baltimore.h27.html?tmp=1881955185
What do you think? Good idea or not? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/04/09/32baltimore.h27.html?tmp=1881955185
What do you think? Good idea or not? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
More children or less?
Read this article from Science Daily about declining fertility rates:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122203051.htm
What do you think? It is better to have fewer children or more? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080122203051.htm
What do you think? It is better to have fewer children or more? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic. Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
Would you want to be adopted by a celebrity?
Read this article from Science Daily about the "Madonna-effect" in foreign adoptions:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409101313.htm
What do you think of this issue? Would you want to be adopted by a celebrity? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic.... Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409101313.htm
What do you think of this issue? Would you want to be adopted by a celebrity? 20 points EC for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic.... Email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net or post a comment here!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
EC Opportunity: What is a Man?
Read this article about the new definition of a man from Ode Magazine:
http://www.odemagazine.com/blogs/readers_blog/1568/what_is_a_man
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? For 20 points EC, write a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic in the comments section or by email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net...
http://www.odemagazine.com/blogs/readers_blog/1568/what_is_a_man
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? For 20 points EC, write a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic in the comments section or by email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net...
EC Opportunity: Which kid would you be?
Read this article from Ode Magazine about teenagers & consumerism:
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/52/childhood-unplugged/all
What do you think? Which kid would you be? Write a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic and email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net...
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/52/childhood-unplugged/all
What do you think? Which kid would you be? Write a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic and email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
GUIDELINES FOR THE SENIOR PROJECT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION (PPP):
1. Your PPP must be at least 16 slides long (1 intro slide, 2-3 slides per chapter, 1 conclusion slide).
2. Your first slide = Title of your research paper, your name, and your book #
3. All other slides = 7 lines of text and 1 graphic
4. Put only the most important points of your research paper into your PPP. You should include statistics if you have any.
5. When you make your oral presentation in front of the class, it should be at least 10 minutes long. You will read from the slides plus elaborate on what the slides say.
6. After you give your presentation, you will answer 5 questions from Ms. Kingsbury.
7. Your presentation is also scored on content (do you provide enough details), organization, and speaking loud and clear.
8. You must be present on the day you sign up to present your PPP in front of the class - NO MAKE-UPS!
9. Your PPP must be saved on a disk (flash or floppy).
IMPORTANT DATES!
a. Your Senior Project is due NOW!
b. April 8, 10, and 14: Computer lab to work on PPP
c. April 16 to 22: PPP in front of the class (sign-up sheet available next week)
c. April 28 to May 24: Present your PPP to your Academy Leader
d. May 27 to 30: FINALS!
Today, you will begin working on your PPP in the computer lab. We will be back in the lab on Thursday and hopefully on Monday. If you need to finish your senior project work still before you start your PPP, please do that!!
If you already have your PPP complete or are working on it at home, you will be given extra credit work to do in class.
1. Your PPP must be at least 16 slides long (1 intro slide, 2-3 slides per chapter, 1 conclusion slide).
2. Your first slide = Title of your research paper, your name, and your book #
3. All other slides = 7 lines of text and 1 graphic
4. Put only the most important points of your research paper into your PPP. You should include statistics if you have any.
5. When you make your oral presentation in front of the class, it should be at least 10 minutes long. You will read from the slides plus elaborate on what the slides say.
6. After you give your presentation, you will answer 5 questions from Ms. Kingsbury.
7. Your presentation is also scored on content (do you provide enough details), organization, and speaking loud and clear.
8. You must be present on the day you sign up to present your PPP in front of the class - NO MAKE-UPS!
9. Your PPP must be saved on a disk (flash or floppy).
IMPORTANT DATES!
a. Your Senior Project is due NOW!
b. April 8, 10, and 14: Computer lab to work on PPP
c. April 16 to 22: PPP in front of the class (sign-up sheet available next week)
c. April 28 to May 24: Present your PPP to your Academy Leader
d. May 27 to 30: FINALS!
Today, you will begin working on your PPP in the computer lab. We will be back in the lab on Thursday and hopefully on Monday. If you need to finish your senior project work still before you start your PPP, please do that!!
If you already have your PPP complete or are working on it at home, you will be given extra credit work to do in class.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn and apply new vocabulary.
2. read and analyze literature.
3. compare and contrast an old tale with a modern retelling.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following question from the Quickwrite on page 177 in their textbooks: What is the thing that women most desire? In anticipation of reading The Wife of Bath, we will discuss the answer to this question.
2. Vocabulary Development: From page 177, students should write down the following words and definitions into their notebooks: extort, contemptuous, prowess, temporal, pestilence. As practice, students will write a sentence using each of these words.
3. Review: Code of Chivalry in the Middle Ages
4. Students will listen to the modern version of The Wife of Bath from http://thefinned1.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c22521073e8e1d00cd9705a0814cd5.html. They will summarize the main points of the story.
5. Talking Points/Discussion:
a. Why is it ironic that the knight is forced to find the answer to what women want after being found guilty for rape?
b. Do you think it's fair that the knight is given a chance to save his life after he has broken the code of chivalry?
c. Why is it ironic that an older woman tells him his answer?
d. Do you think that the payment she requests for giving him the answer is just? What would you have taken as payment for saving his life?
e. Is there a stigma attached to widows? What about widowers?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their senior projects.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn and apply new vocabulary.
2. read and analyze literature.
3. compare and contrast an old tale with a modern retelling.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students will answer the following question from the Quickwrite on page 177 in their textbooks: What is the thing that women most desire? In anticipation of reading The Wife of Bath, we will discuss the answer to this question.
2. Vocabulary Development: From page 177, students should write down the following words and definitions into their notebooks: extort, contemptuous, prowess, temporal, pestilence. As practice, students will write a sentence using each of these words.
3. Review: Code of Chivalry in the Middle Ages
4. Students will listen to the modern version of The Wife of Bath from http://thefinned1.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c22521073e8e1d00cd9705a0814cd5.html. They will summarize the main points of the story.
5. Talking Points/Discussion:
a. Why is it ironic that the knight is forced to find the answer to what women want after being found guilty for rape?
b. Do you think it's fair that the knight is given a chance to save his life after he has broken the code of chivalry?
c. Why is it ironic that an older woman tells him his answer?
d. Do you think that the payment she requests for giving him the answer is just? What would you have taken as payment for saving his life?
e. Is there a stigma attached to widows? What about widowers?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their senior projects.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Objectives:
After this lesson, students will be able to:
1. activate prior knowledge.
2. analyze stereotypes about men and women.
3. adjust to a new class dynamic.
Agenda:
1. As our current unit from the PST is focused on the plight of women, students will experience a new seating arrangement - males on one side of the classroom, and females on the other side. Students will not be given any prior notice of this new arrangement and will thereby experience a disequilibrium as they enter the room and sit in their new seats.
2. Warm-up: How do you feel about this new seating arrangement? Why do you think that Ms. Kingsbury has organized the class in this fashion? Describe in detail the people you see sitting across the room from you now. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from the students and offer her explanation as to why males and females have been segregated from each other.
3. Brainstorm and Discussion: Complete these statements:
a. Men are always good at....
b. Women are always good at...
c. The best jobs and work for men are...
d. The best jobs and work for women are...
e. Men are the worst at....
f. Women are the worst at...
We will have a class discussion about these statements and see what stereotypes they generate among the students.
4. Brainstorm and Discussion: Students will complete the following statements:
a. Religious institutions are for/against women because....
b. Religious institutions are for/against men because....
5. Discussion: We will discuss how race factors into the gender issue., i.e., is it easier to be a black female versus a black male or harder?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their Senior Project - DUE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!!!
After this lesson, students will be able to:
1. activate prior knowledge.
2. analyze stereotypes about men and women.
3. adjust to a new class dynamic.
Agenda:
1. As our current unit from the PST is focused on the plight of women, students will experience a new seating arrangement - males on one side of the classroom, and females on the other side. Students will not be given any prior notice of this new arrangement and will thereby experience a disequilibrium as they enter the room and sit in their new seats.
2. Warm-up: How do you feel about this new seating arrangement? Why do you think that Ms. Kingsbury has organized the class in this fashion? Describe in detail the people you see sitting across the room from you now. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from the students and offer her explanation as to why males and females have been segregated from each other.
3. Brainstorm and Discussion: Complete these statements:
a. Men are always good at....
b. Women are always good at...
c. The best jobs and work for men are...
d. The best jobs and work for women are...
e. Men are the worst at....
f. Women are the worst at...
We will have a class discussion about these statements and see what stereotypes they generate among the students.
4. Brainstorm and Discussion: Students will complete the following statements:
a. Religious institutions are for/against women because....
b. Religious institutions are for/against men because....
5. Discussion: We will discuss how race factors into the gender issue., i.e., is it easier to be a black female versus a black male or harder?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their Senior Project - DUE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!!!
Should we change the school starting time?
Please read this article about teenage sleep patterns and the school starting time:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/opinion/14kalish.html?th&emc=th
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/opinion/14kalish.html?th&emc=th
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
Steroid use in hip hop?
Please read this article about alleged use of steroids by big-time hip hop entertainers like 50 Cent, Timbaland, and Mary J. Blige:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/arts/music/15hiph.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
Do you believe it? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/arts/music/15hiph.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
Do you believe it? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
Monday, January 21, 2008 - NO SCHOOL!
HAPPY M.L.K. DAY! ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF! THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD...
Monday, January 21, 2008 - NO SCHOOL!
HAPPY M.L.K. DAY! ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF! THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. synthesize an opinion based on information from media and peers.
2. speak in front of the class.
3. listen to others.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will write their answer to the following questions in their notebooks and should be prepared to share their answers: Think about the girl from WPHS who got jumped and slashed up because someone was 'jealous' of her. What do you think of this situation? Could this happen to you? How can these things be prevented? How can you be prepared for a situation like this? Would you ever do something like this to some one else?
STUDENTS WILL LEAD THEIR OWN DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC WITH MS. KINGSBURY AS MODERATOR.
2. Sound-Off Activity: School - what's irking you? What's going good? Write five sentences then be prepared to share your thoughts.
STUDENTS WILL LEAD THEIR OWN DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC WITH MS. KINGSBURY AS MODERATOR.
Homework: Students will continue to work on their senior projects. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. synthesize an opinion based on information from media and peers.
2. speak in front of the class.
3. listen to others.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will write their answer to the following questions in their notebooks and should be prepared to share their answers: Think about the girl from WPHS who got jumped and slashed up because someone was 'jealous' of her. What do you think of this situation? Could this happen to you? How can these things be prevented? How can you be prepared for a situation like this? Would you ever do something like this to some one else?
STUDENTS WILL LEAD THEIR OWN DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC WITH MS. KINGSBURY AS MODERATOR.
2. Sound-Off Activity: School - what's irking you? What's going good? Write five sentences then be prepared to share your thoughts.
STUDENTS WILL LEAD THEIR OWN DISCUSSION ON THIS TOPIC WITH MS. KINGSBURY AS MODERATOR.
Homework: Students will continue to work on their senior projects. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Objectives:
After this lesson, students will be able to:
a. critically analyze media.
b. reflect on personal experiences.
c. analyze poetry.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: American Idol in Philly: Did you watch it last night? What did you think? If you didn't watch it, why?
2. Word of the Day: Hypothesis - making an educated guess about something and then testing to see if it's true
3. Today's Vocabulary: Statistic - a number with meaning, helpful in proving a hypothesis
4. Today's Classwork:
a. page 726: Quickwrite - 5 sentences
b. Write the definition of couplet in your notebook.
c. Write your own couplet about the senior project.
Example: This project rules my fate; without it, I can't graduate.
d. page 727: Read "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A. Housman
e. Question to answer: What does this poem mean to you? (3 sentences)
f. page 729: #8
Homework: Continue work on the senior project. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
After this lesson, students will be able to:
a. critically analyze media.
b. reflect on personal experiences.
c. analyze poetry.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following questions in their notebooks: American Idol in Philly: Did you watch it last night? What did you think? If you didn't watch it, why?
2. Word of the Day: Hypothesis - making an educated guess about something and then testing to see if it's true
3. Today's Vocabulary: Statistic - a number with meaning, helpful in proving a hypothesis
4. Today's Classwork:
a. page 726: Quickwrite - 5 sentences
b. Write the definition of couplet in your notebook.
c. Write your own couplet about the senior project.
Example: This project rules my fate; without it, I can't graduate.
d. page 727: Read "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A. Housman
e. Question to answer: What does this poem mean to you? (3 sentences)
f. page 729: #8
Homework: Continue work on the senior project. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. describe the criteria for a proficient senior portfolio.
2. define new vocabulary.
3. learn and apply organizational skills.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following question in their notebooks: What did you think of the STD presentation and testing yesterday? If you were absent, why?
2. Word of the Day - Inquiry: asking questions and finding answers
(This word is applicable to the students' year-long work on their senior projects, as this is exactly the process in which they have been engaging.)
3. Senior Project Scoring Discussion:
a. Each part is scored 0-5 on the following criteria:
Content - what you actually wrote
Focus - staying on topic
Organization - logical order
Conventions - grammar, spelling, punctuation, format
b. Project is worth 300 points. You must get 210 to pass (70% or better).
c. You must have a cover - photos, drawings, collages, writing, any kind of personal expression.
d. You must include bonus materials - awards, report cards, pictures, writing, anything which you are proud of.
4. Review Table of Contents for the Senior Project. Students requiring this information should send an email request to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Homework: Continue working on your senior project. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. describe the criteria for a proficient senior portfolio.
2. define new vocabulary.
3. learn and apply organizational skills.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students will answer the following question in their notebooks: What did you think of the STD presentation and testing yesterday? If you were absent, why?
2. Word of the Day - Inquiry: asking questions and finding answers
(This word is applicable to the students' year-long work on their senior projects, as this is exactly the process in which they have been engaging.)
3. Senior Project Scoring Discussion:
a. Each part is scored 0-5 on the following criteria:
Content - what you actually wrote
Focus - staying on topic
Organization - logical order
Conventions - grammar, spelling, punctuation, format
b. Project is worth 300 points. You must get 210 to pass (70% or better).
c. You must have a cover - photos, drawings, collages, writing, any kind of personal expression.
d. You must include bonus materials - awards, report cards, pictures, writing, anything which you are proud of.
4. Review Table of Contents for the Senior Project. Students requiring this information should send an email request to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Homework: Continue working on your senior project. DUE DATE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008!
Your thoughts on the Google Generation?
Please read this article about today's so-called Google Generation:
http://www.bl.uk/news/2008/pressrelease20080116.html
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
http://www.bl.uk/news/2008/pressrelease20080116.html
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
How you can be happier...
Please read this article on boosting your overall happiness levels:
http://articles.mercola.com:80/sites/articles/archive/2008/1/19/simple-secrets-of-how-to-be-happy.aspx
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic?
http://articles.mercola.com:80/sites/articles/archive/2008/1/19/simple-secrets-of-how-to-be-happy.aspx
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic?
How text messages can change a relationship
Please read this article about Islamic law and text messaging:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/18/AR2008011803628.html?wpisrc=newsletter
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/18/AR2008011803628.html?wpisrc=newsletter
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
The origin of STDs -
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080114213238.htm
Does this surprise you? 20 points for your well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic.
Does this surprise you? 20 points for your well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Students will participate in the STD presentation and testing from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008 - EARLY DISMISSAL!
Students will complete any EC work to be counted for this marking period and submit their make-up work.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ms. Kingsbury will be out for a doctor's appointment today. EC work will be left for the students to complete.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn and apply new vocabulary.
2. write and give a speech.
3. listen to others.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should write the following WORD OF THE DAY into their notebooks: Hedonist: a person who devotes their life to the pursuit of pleasure and fun above all else.
2. Question - Vocabulary Application - Name a person who you consider to be a hedonist, either someone you know personally or a celebrity. What kinds of things does this person do?
3. Students will finish writing their EC speeches and, if there is time, present them in front of the class.
Homework: SP! SP! SP!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn and apply new vocabulary.
2. write and give a speech.
3. listen to others.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should write the following WORD OF THE DAY into their notebooks: Hedonist: a person who devotes their life to the pursuit of pleasure and fun above all else.
2. Question - Vocabulary Application - Name a person who you consider to be a hedonist, either someone you know personally or a celebrity. What kinds of things does this person do?
3. Students will finish writing their EC speeches and, if there is time, present them in front of the class.
Homework: SP! SP! SP!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. determine a work schedule for the upcoming week.
2. reflect on their past academic experiences.
3. craft a speech.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: Which extra credit opportunities have you taken advantage this marking period? If you haven't done any, why?
2. Extra Credit Blitz: Students should write and perform a STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH.
a. 100 points for writing the speech.
b. 100 points for freestyling the speech.
c. 200 points for writing and reading the speech.
3. Students will receive their make-up work slips. Work is due to Ms. Kingsbury by Friday, 1/11/08 , at noon! Nothing accepted after that point!
4. Students will have a semester test on Wednesday 1/9/08. As an assembly is scheduled for that day and might possibly run into our class time, we may take this test on Friday instead.
Homework: Senior Project, as usual!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. determine a work schedule for the upcoming week.
2. reflect on their past academic experiences.
3. craft a speech.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: Which extra credit opportunities have you taken advantage this marking period? If you haven't done any, why?
2. Extra Credit Blitz: Students should write and perform a STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH.
a. 100 points for writing the speech.
b. 100 points for freestyling the speech.
c. 200 points for writing and reading the speech.
3. Students will receive their make-up work slips. Work is due to Ms. Kingsbury by Friday, 1/11/08 , at noon! Nothing accepted after that point!
4. Students will have a semester test on Wednesday 1/9/08. As an assembly is scheduled for that day and might possibly run into our class time, we may take this test on Friday instead.
Homework: Senior Project, as usual!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Does this surprise you?
Read this article about seat belt use and obesity:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102222805.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102222805.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
A Law Against Kissing In South Africa?
Read this article about the new law in South Africa which bans teenage kissing:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/05/AR2008010501678.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/05/AR2008010501678.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic....
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. see two sides of an issue.
2. reflect on personal skill and achievements.
3. write an essay introducing their senior project portfolios.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: What are three things that are really bothering you right now? What three things in your life are you loving right now?
2. Question to answer and discuss: With the marking period coming to a close, what grade do you think you deserve in English class? Why?
3. Questions to answer and discuss: How do you feel about speaking in front of the class? Why do you feel this way?
4. Model for the Portfolio Introduction: Students should write this in their notebooks:
My name is _____, and this is the introduction to my senior project. I began working on my senior project in September 2007. Initially, I felt ___ about the
senior project, because _____. Now I feel _____ about it, because _____. During the process of completing my senior project, I _____ (3 sentences). I received support from _____ to do my work. It was easy/difficult to do this project, because _____ (2 sentences). The part of the senior project that I am most proud of is _____, because _____ (2 sentences). On my cover, you see _____. Overall, when I think about the senior project, _____ 2 sentences). To next year's seniors, I would advise them to ____ with respect to the senior project.
This essay is due typed and emailed by 1/25/08.
Homework: Senior Project, people!!!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. see two sides of an issue.
2. reflect on personal skill and achievements.
3. write an essay introducing their senior project portfolios.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: What are three things that are really bothering you right now? What three things in your life are you loving right now?
2. Question to answer and discuss: With the marking period coming to a close, what grade do you think you deserve in English class? Why?
3. Questions to answer and discuss: How do you feel about speaking in front of the class? Why do you feel this way?
4. Model for the Portfolio Introduction: Students should write this in their notebooks:
My name is _____, and this is the introduction to my senior project. I began working on my senior project in September 2007. Initially, I felt ___ about the
senior project, because _____. Now I feel _____ about it, because _____. During the process of completing my senior project, I _____ (3 sentences). I received support from _____ to do my work. It was easy/difficult to do this project, because _____ (2 sentences). The part of the senior project that I am most proud of is _____, because _____ (2 sentences). On my cover, you see _____. Overall, when I think about the senior project, _____ 2 sentences). To next year's seniors, I would advise them to ____ with respect to the senior project.
This essay is due typed and emailed by 1/25/08.
Homework: Senior Project, people!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn new vocabulary words.
2. consider issues of social and moral importance.
3. write an essay reflecting on personal skill and quality.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Consider the following statement: People in positions of power and importance should be held to a higher standard of character and integrity that the average person. Do you agree? Write 1/2 page - students will be given an opportunity to share their answers for 30 points extra credit.
2. Today's vocabulary: From page 731 in the textbook, students should write down the following words and their definitions: genial, divinity, dispassionately, delusional, distraught.
3. Vocabulary Exercise: Students should consider the following people:
a. Ms. Kingsbury
b. Ms. Young
c. Oprah
d. George Bush
e. a drug addict
f. Paris Hilton
Match each person above with one of today's vocabulary words. Write one sentence explaining why you chose this word. Example: Ms. Kingsbury is distraught, because she has so many essays to grade.
4. Model for the Research Paper Self-Assessment (this is called the senior project self-assessment in your packet):
The topic of my research paper is _____. I chose this topic, because _____. The five things that I did in order to write my research paper are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
It was easy/hard for me to write my research paper, because _____. I feel that I deserve ____ on my research paper, because _____. The strengths in my paper are _____. The weaknesses in my paper are _____.
This essay is due typed and emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by 1/17/08.
Homework: THE USUAL! WORK ON THAT SENIOR PROJECT!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. learn new vocabulary words.
2. consider issues of social and moral importance.
3. write an essay reflecting on personal skill and quality.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Consider the following statement: People in positions of power and importance should be held to a higher standard of character and integrity that the average person. Do you agree? Write 1/2 page - students will be given an opportunity to share their answers for 30 points extra credit.
2. Today's vocabulary: From page 731 in the textbook, students should write down the following words and their definitions: genial, divinity, dispassionately, delusional, distraught.
3. Vocabulary Exercise: Students should consider the following people:
a. Ms. Kingsbury
b. Ms. Young
c. Oprah
d. George Bush
e. a drug addict
f. Paris Hilton
Match each person above with one of today's vocabulary words. Write one sentence explaining why you chose this word. Example: Ms. Kingsbury is distraught, because she has so many essays to grade.
4. Model for the Research Paper Self-Assessment (this is called the senior project self-assessment in your packet):
The topic of my research paper is _____. I chose this topic, because _____. The five things that I did in order to write my research paper are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
It was easy/hard for me to write my research paper, because _____. I feel that I deserve ____ on my research paper, because _____. The strengths in my paper are _____. The weaknesses in my paper are _____.
This essay is due typed and emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by 1/17/08.
Homework: THE USUAL! WORK ON THAT SENIOR PROJECT!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on personal experiences.
2. discuss issues of social relevance.
3. discuss issues of personal relevance.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Welcome back!! Make a list of five things that you did or that happened to you over the Winter Break.
2. Very Important Dates: Write these down!!
a. Semester test on Wednesday 01/09/08.
b. Make-up work due Friday 01/11/08. Grades go in that weekend. You will be given a make-up work sheet on Monday.
c. THE NEW DUE DATE FOR THE SENIOR PROJECT IS FRIDAY 02/01/08!!!
d. Report cards distributed to your parents in the evening on 02/05/08.
3. Brainstorm: Write 1/2 page - Guns on New Year's Eve... is this really a problem? What do you know about this issue? How can erratic firing be controlled? Students will reflect on how this issues affects their neighborhood and what can be done to correct it, if anything.
4. Brainstorm: Write two sentences for each: What can you do to make this year better for... a. yourself? b. your parents? c. your friends? d. your teachers?
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior project assignments.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on personal experiences.
2. discuss issues of social relevance.
3. discuss issues of personal relevance.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Welcome back!! Make a list of five things that you did or that happened to you over the Winter Break.
2. Very Important Dates: Write these down!!
a. Semester test on Wednesday 01/09/08.
b. Make-up work due Friday 01/11/08. Grades go in that weekend. You will be given a make-up work sheet on Monday.
c. THE NEW DUE DATE FOR THE SENIOR PROJECT IS FRIDAY 02/01/08!!!
d. Report cards distributed to your parents in the evening on 02/05/08.
3. Brainstorm: Write 1/2 page - Guns on New Year's Eve... is this really a problem? What do you know about this issue? How can erratic firing be controlled? Students will reflect on how this issues affects their neighborhood and what can be done to correct it, if anything.
4. Brainstorm: Write two sentences for each: What can you do to make this year better for... a. yourself? b. your parents? c. your friends? d. your teachers?
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior project assignments.
Good Riddance Day - Would you take part?
Read this article from the CS Monitor about Good Riddance Day:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1231/p01s03-usgn.html
Would you have taken part? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences....
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1231/p01s03-usgn.html
Would you have taken part? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences....
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
OMG - is it a profanity?
Read this article from the Washington Post about the prevalent use of the phrase "Oh my God!" -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/24/AR2007122401992.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/24/AR2007122401992.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Is your bad behavior making you sick?
Read this article from Science Daily about how getting sick is a
"payback" for bad behavior:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/08/990831075627.htm
Do you agree? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
"payback" for bad behavior:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/08/990831075627.htm
Do you agree? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Is it better to let kids be unsupervised?
Please read this article from Science Daily about how unsupervised kids are
healthier than other kids:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218192030.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
healthier than other kids:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218192030.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Do your parents know what kinds of risks you take?
Read this article from Science Daily about children's risk-taking:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071216140050.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071216140050.htm
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Can Teachers Keep You Healthy?
Please read this article from Science Daily:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071217141431.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071217141431.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences....
Monday, December 24, 2007
Thoughtful message or menace to society?
Read this article from the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/us/24shopdrop.html
What do you think about reverse shoplifting? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion on this topic....
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20 - Friday, December 21, 2007
Students will have their December notebook check (worth 200 points) and complete any make-up work for this year, i.e., 2007 Accomplishments essay, self-assessments for the Senior Project, etc.
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. synthesize personal experiences into a reflection essay.
2. examine personal essays.
3. write a self-assessment about their own writing.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: To be turned in at the end of class: 50 points - Write a 1 page (5 paragraph) essay about your 5 biggest/greatest accomplishments in 2007.
2. Write down the model for your Mission Statement Self-Assessment; due typed and emailed by December 31, 2007:
In my mission statement, I discuss the three personal qualities which describe the kind of person that I am. The three words that I use to describe myself are _____, _____, and _____. I believe that I deserve a _____ on my essay. The strengths in my essay are _____ and _____. The weaknesses in my essay are _____ and _____.
3. Write down the model for your Career Goals Self-Assessment; due typed and emailed by December 31, 2007:
In my career goals essay, I discuss my plans for my future - my college choice, my career choice, and how I will achieve my aspirations. I believe that I deserve a _____ on my essay. The strengths in my essay are _____ and _____. The weaknesses in my essay are _____ and _____.
Homework: Students should prepare for tomorrow's notebook check for December's classwork - worth 150 points.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. synthesize personal experiences into a reflection essay.
2. examine personal essays.
3. write a self-assessment about their own writing.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: To be turned in at the end of class: 50 points - Write a 1 page (5 paragraph) essay about your 5 biggest/greatest accomplishments in 2007.
2. Write down the model for your Mission Statement Self-Assessment; due typed and emailed by December 31, 2007:
In my mission statement, I discuss the three personal qualities which describe the kind of person that I am. The three words that I use to describe myself are _____, _____, and _____. I believe that I deserve a _____ on my essay. The strengths in my essay are _____ and _____. The weaknesses in my essay are _____ and _____.
3. Write down the model for your Career Goals Self-Assessment; due typed and emailed by December 31, 2007:
In my career goals essay, I discuss my plans for my future - my college choice, my career choice, and how I will achieve my aspirations. I believe that I deserve a _____ on my essay. The strengths in my essay are _____ and _____. The weaknesses in my essay are _____ and _____.
Homework: Students should prepare for tomorrow's notebook check for December's classwork - worth 150 points.
Monday, December 17 - Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sorry, kids! Ms. Kingsbury was home sick! I know you were well behaved while I was out!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Could you live without a computer?
Read this article from USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-12-16-computer-free-students_N.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2007-12-16-computer-free-students_N.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Getting along with peers = better grades?
Please read this article from Science Daily about the relationship between getting along with peers and student achievement:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/09/980908073710.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/09/980908073710.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Do your teachers know what they are doing?
Please read this article from Science Daily about poorly performing math teachers:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071211233424.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071211233424.htm
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Abstinence Education - Good or Bad Idea?
Please read this article from the Washington Post about abstinence and sex education:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/15/AR2007121500773.html
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences about this topic....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/15/AR2007121500773.html
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences about this topic....
Appropriate for College Course Work?
Please read this article about college students at Dusquene University in Pittsburgh who corresponded with a serial killer as part of a college class:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07350/841430-298.stm?cmpid=HBEHTML#
What do you think about this? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07350/841430-298.stm?cmpid=HBEHTML#
What do you think about this? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Period 4/5 will do yesterday's work due a financial aid assembly which precluded such. Period 8 will not meet today due to today's early dismissal.
Have a nice weekend!
Have a nice weekend!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define words related to the Senior Project.
2. analyze personal documents.
3. synthesize information and write a formal essay.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: If you could give a gift to anyone in the whole entire world, and you have unlimited money to spend, what would you give, who would you give it to, and why? 4-5 sentences
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Job Materials Self-Assessment: When you analyze your resume, cover letter, thank you letter, and recommendations, and draw conclusions about these documents
b. Hireability: Based on your school work, job experience, and personal qualities, how easy or difficult it will be for you to get a job
3. Task: Write the rough draft of your job materials self-assessment using the following model: The components of the Job Materials section are my resume, cover and thank you letters, and my two recommendations. It was easy/hard for me to write my resume, because _______. In my resume, I talk about _____. It was easy/hard to write my cover and thank you letters, because _____. My recommendations were easy/hard to obtain, because _____. My recommendations are written by _____ and _____, and they say _____. After I graduate from high school and/or college, it will be easy/hard for me to be hired for a job, because ____. I have/have not held a job during high school, because _______. This has impacted me _________.
Homework: Finish typing transcript assessment and email it to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define words related to the Senior Project.
2. analyze personal documents.
3. synthesize information and write a formal essay.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions in their notebooks: If you could give a gift to anyone in the whole entire world, and you have unlimited money to spend, what would you give, who would you give it to, and why? 4-5 sentences
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Job Materials Self-Assessment: When you analyze your resume, cover letter, thank you letter, and recommendations, and draw conclusions about these documents
b. Hireability: Based on your school work, job experience, and personal qualities, how easy or difficult it will be for you to get a job
3. Task: Write the rough draft of your job materials self-assessment using the following model: The components of the Job Materials section are my resume, cover and thank you letters, and my two recommendations. It was easy/hard for me to write my resume, because _______. In my resume, I talk about _____. It was easy/hard to write my cover and thank you letters, because _____. My recommendations were easy/hard to obtain, because _____. My recommendations are written by _____ and _____, and they say _____. After I graduate from high school and/or college, it will be easy/hard for me to be hired for a job, because ____. I have/have not held a job during high school, because _______. This has impacted me _________.
Homework: Finish typing transcript assessment and email it to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define and apply new vocabulary words.
2. read and anlayze poetry.
3. connect literature to their own lives.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Take out a textbook and turn to page 1094. Please write the following words and definitions into your notebook: stupefying, oppressive, succumbed, ostentatious, dementedly. Then turn to page 1100 and complete the vocabulary development questions in your notebook.
2. Complete your NARRATIVE ----> Works Cited Page task from yesterday if you didn't already finish it - 50 points.
3. Read "The End and the Beginning" by Wislawa Szymborska on pages 1099 - 1099. Take a handout and complete the following questions in your notebook:
a. Why is it ironic that the poet uses the phrase "tidy up" to describe what happens after war?
b. What is the implication in the fourth stanza about the media's role in war coverage (lines 18-21)?
c. Who is the "someone" who is referred to repeatedly in the poem?
d. Lines 37-43 refer to the future generations after the war is over. Do you believe that those who don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it? Why or why not?
e. Who is the "someone" referred to in the last stanza? Is this a positive or negative image? Why?
4. Writing Task: Write your own "End and Beginning" poem. For example: When the school day ends and all the kids go home, what happens? When the grocery store closes up at night, what happens? When you turn the lights off at night, what happens outside in your neighborhood? When you step off the bus, what happens to the people that are left? Write a 12 line poem.
Questions and poem are worth a total of 50 points. Due at the end of class!
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior projects!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define and apply new vocabulary words.
2. read and anlayze poetry.
3. connect literature to their own lives.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: Take out a textbook and turn to page 1094. Please write the following words and definitions into your notebook: stupefying, oppressive, succumbed, ostentatious, dementedly. Then turn to page 1100 and complete the vocabulary development questions in your notebook.
2. Complete your NARRATIVE ----> Works Cited Page task from yesterday if you didn't already finish it - 50 points.
3. Read "The End and the Beginning" by Wislawa Szymborska on pages 1099 - 1099. Take a handout and complete the following questions in your notebook:
a. Why is it ironic that the poet uses the phrase "tidy up" to describe what happens after war?
b. What is the implication in the fourth stanza about the media's role in war coverage (lines 18-21)?
c. Who is the "someone" who is referred to repeatedly in the poem?
d. Lines 37-43 refer to the future generations after the war is over. Do you believe that those who don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it? Why or why not?
e. Who is the "someone" referred to in the last stanza? Is this a positive or negative image? Why?
4. Writing Task: Write your own "End and Beginning" poem. For example: When the school day ends and all the kids go home, what happens? When the grocery store closes up at night, what happens? When you turn the lights off at night, what happens outside in your neighborhood? When you step off the bus, what happens to the people that are left? Write a 12 line poem.
Questions and poem are worth a total of 50 points. Due at the end of class!
Homework: Students should continue to work on their senior projects!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on their knowledge about college.
2. describe the features of a works cited page.
3. create their own works cited page from a narrative.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions: Write a short paragraph in your notebook about what the academic work will be like in college, i.e., is it hard? What are the expectations? How is college different from high school? What can you do now to prepare yourself for the work in college? Ms. Kingsbury is asking these questions because many students say they want to go to college, but their current actions (or lack thereof) do not reflect their words.
2. Notes: Features of a Works Cited page: Write these all down into your notebook!
a. Begin your Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your research paper.
b. The entries on the Works Cited page should be in alphabetical order. Most entries will begin with the author’s last name. Sometimes the entry will begin with the title.
c. Format of a book entry: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. (Any pamphlets or brochures are also cited in this format.)
d. Format of a magazine/newspaper article entry: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical Day Month Year: pages.
e. Format of a website entry: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Online Publication. Date of Publication. Date of Access. (If there is no author, start the entry with the title.)
f. Format of an interview entry: Name of Person Interviewed. Personal Interview. Date of Interview.
g. Visit this site for more help: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/workscited/
3. Task: Turn this narrative into a Works Cited page - 50 points for your effort!
Class of 2008! I close my eyes, and I picture myself walking down the aisle and receiving my diploma and shaking Ms. Young’s hand and giving the finger to that teacher that forced me to go to summer school last year. I can’t wait to graduate, but first I need to write a research paper for the Senior Project.
I decide to do a paper on violence and hip hop. I go to the Free Library of Philadelphia at 19th and Vine, and I find a book called Hip Hop Kills. It is written by this guy named Michael Dyson, and it is published by the University of Pennsylvania Press right here in Philly. The book is two years old.
I find another book called The Myth of the Violent Rapper. It is written by my old head Queen Latifah. It’s also two years old, and it was published by Harcum Press out of NYC.
After browsing through the books, I hit the magazines. I find this article by Jesse Jackson in Ebony; it’s called, “Stop the Violence Against Ourselves.” The magazine is from November 17, 2007, and I think the volume is 15. I find the article on pages 25-30.
I find another article about TI; it’s in the NY Times, and it’s called, “TI: Did He Do It?” I think the volume is 181. It was written by this girl named Shakira Lawrence, and it’s on page 10. The newspaper is from October 31, 2007, the day before my birthday!
After the books and magazines and hit the computer. I go to Google, and I amazingly find the phone number for Atlantic Records. Should I call it? I pick up my Razor - why not, right? It rings, and next thing I know I somehow get transferred to Lil Kim!! Holy $!&%!!! I talk to her for ten minutes about her trial and perjury conviction. It’s December 15, 2007, and it’s a day I’ll never forget.
I do a few more searches on violence and hip hop music. I visit a site and read this jawn called, “Biggie, Tupac - Is 50 Next?” I don’t see any author, but the site is http://www.urbangrip.com/biggietupac50.html, and it was published on April 20, 2005. Then I find another jawn called, “Drop Your Weapons!” This jawn was written by DeShaun Green back on February 14, 2003, and I found it at http://www.cnn.com/us/violence/green/021403.html.
I went to Wikipedia too. My teacher says to NOT USE WIKIPEDIA as my main source of info, which is why I read all that other stuff. Did you know that people just like you and me actually write the stuff you read on Wikipedia? Seriously, that kid with the corny hoodie could get it in his head that he knows something about heart surgery and could write a Wikipedia article about it!
So now I have a whole bunch of stuff to read, and I need to turn all this into a Works Cited page.
Will you help me?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their research papers and transcript assessments. Both are due ASAP to Ms. Kingsbury!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on their knowledge about college.
2. describe the features of a works cited page.
3. create their own works cited page from a narrative.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer the following questions: Write a short paragraph in your notebook about what the academic work will be like in college, i.e., is it hard? What are the expectations? How is college different from high school? What can you do now to prepare yourself for the work in college? Ms. Kingsbury is asking these questions because many students say they want to go to college, but their current actions (or lack thereof) do not reflect their words.
2. Notes: Features of a Works Cited page: Write these all down into your notebook!
a. Begin your Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your research paper.
b. The entries on the Works Cited page should be in alphabetical order. Most entries will begin with the author’s last name. Sometimes the entry will begin with the title.
c. Format of a book entry: Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. (Any pamphlets or brochures are also cited in this format.)
d. Format of a magazine/newspaper article entry: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Periodical Day Month Year: pages.
e. Format of a website entry: Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Online Publication. Date of Publication. Date of Access
f. Format of an interview entry: Name of Person Interviewed. Personal Interview. Date of Interview.
g. Visit this site for more help: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/workscited/
3. Task: Turn this narrative into a Works Cited page - 50 points for your effort!
Class of 2008! I close my eyes, and I picture myself walking down the aisle and receiving my diploma and shaking Ms. Young’s hand and giving the finger to that teacher that forced me to go to summer school last year. I can’t wait to graduate, but first I need to write a research paper for the Senior Project.
I decide to do a paper on violence and hip hop. I go to the Free Library of Philadelphia at 19th and Vine, and I find a book called Hip Hop Kills. It is written by this guy named Michael Dyson, and it is published by the University of Pennsylvania Press right here in Philly. The book is two years old.
I find another book called The Myth of the Violent Rapper. It is written by my old head Queen Latifah. It’s also two years old, and it was published by Harcum Press out of NYC.
After browsing through the books, I hit the magazines. I find this article by Jesse Jackson in Ebony; it’s called, “Stop the Violence Against Ourselves.” The magazine is from November 17, 2007, and I think the volume is 15. I find the article on pages 25-30.
I find another article about TI; it’s in the NY Times, and it’s called, “TI: Did He Do It?” I think the volume is 181. It was written by this girl named Shakira Lawrence, and it’s on page 10. The newspaper is from October 31, 2007, the day before my birthday!
After the books and magazines and hit the computer. I go to Google, and I amazingly find the phone number for Atlantic Records. Should I call it? I pick up my Razor - why not, right? It rings, and next thing I know I somehow get transferred to Lil Kim!! Holy $!&%!!! I talk to her for ten minutes about her trial and perjury conviction. It’s December 15, 2007, and it’s a day I’ll never forget.
I do a few more searches on violence and hip hop music. I visit a site and read this jawn called, “Biggie, Tupac - Is 50 Next?” I don’t see any author, but the site is http://www.urbangrip.com/biggietupac50.html, and it was published on April 20, 2005. Then I find another jawn called, “Drop Your Weapons!” This jawn was written by DeShaun Green back on February 14, 2003, and I found it at http://www.cnn.com/us/violence/green/021403.html.
I went to Wikipedia too. My teacher says to NOT USE WIKIPEDIA as my main source of info, which is why I read all that other stuff. Did you know that people just like you and me actually write the stuff you read on Wikipedia? Seriously, that kid with the corny hoodie could get it in his head that he knows something about heart surgery and could write a Wikipedia article about it!
So now I have a whole bunch of stuff to read, and I need to turn all this into a Works Cited page.
Will you help me?
Homework: Students will continue to work on their research papers and transcript assessments. Both are due ASAP to Ms. Kingsbury!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define vocabulary related to research.
2. analyze a sample research paper.
3. synthesize personal experiences into an essay.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: What do you know about the Hollywood writers' strike? Do you think that talk show hosts and actors need writers, or are they good enough speakers on their own? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for their answers.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Enthusiasm: expressing your excitement and passion which shows a love for your topic
b. Works Cited Page: also known as a bibliography, this is the list of books, articles, and websites that you read to learn about your research topic
c. Citation: when you write your research paper, you internally cite the places you found your information so you aren't caught plagiarizing. You do this by putting, in parentheses, the name of the author who wrote the information that you are referencing.
3. Textbook: pages 216-220: Review a sample research paper and works cited page.
Homework: Students should continue working on their research papers, first or second drafts. Students should also type their transcript assessments.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. define vocabulary related to research.
2. analyze a sample research paper.
3. synthesize personal experiences into an essay.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: What do you know about the Hollywood writers' strike? Do you think that talk show hosts and actors need writers, or are they good enough speakers on their own? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for their answers.
2. Today's Vocabulary:
a. Enthusiasm: expressing your excitement and passion which shows a love for your topic
b. Works Cited Page: also known as a bibliography, this is the list of books, articles, and websites that you read to learn about your research topic
c. Citation: when you write your research paper, you internally cite the places you found your information so you aren't caught plagiarizing. You do this by putting, in parentheses, the name of the author who wrote the information that you are referencing.
3. Textbook: pages 216-220: Review a sample research paper and works cited page.
Homework: Students should continue working on their research papers, first or second drafts. Students should also type their transcript assessments.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Are American kids really dumb?
Please read this article from the San Francisco Gate:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/10/24/notes102407.DTL&feed=rss.mmorford
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/10/24/notes102407.DTL&feed=rss.mmorford
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
A hot or cold house - which do you prefer?
Please read this article from the Telegraph on how a warm house can make you sick:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2007/12/03/noindex/hheat103.xml
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2007/12/03/noindex/hheat103.xml
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Teen Birth Rates On The Rise - Why?
Please read this article on the rise in teen birth rates:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/05/AR2007120501208.html?wpisrc=newsletter
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/05/AR2007120501208.html?wpisrc=newsletter
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic....
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on performance and behavior this past week.
2. reflect on performance and behavior over their entire high school career.
3. define words related to the senior project.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should complete the following phrase: During this past week, I... (1 page). Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for answers to find out what they have been doing in class while I was out.
2. Discussion of Senior Project Due Dates and Expectations
3. Today's Vocabulary: Transcript Assessment: When you take a look at all the grades you have gotten during high school and then reflect on your performance and behavior. You discuss the subjects that you did well in and why and the subjects that you didn't do well in and why. You discuss how looking at your grades makes you feel and why and what you would have done differently.
4. Today's Writing Assignments:
a. Write a paragraph about the status of your senior project. What have you completed? What remains to be done? What is your plan to get your senior project completed on time?
b. Write the rough draft of your transcript assessment in your notebook. Use this model:
When I look back on my high school performance, I see that my grades have been ______. I did well in _____, because _____. I didn't do well in _____, because _____. Seeing my grades on paper makes me feel _____, because _____. If I could do high school over again, I _____.
The typed version of your transcript assessment should be emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, December 14, 2007!
Homework: Finish writing and then type your transcript assessment.
The Great Debaters - Go see this movie over Winter Break for EXTRA CREDIT
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/education/05wiley.html?th&emc=th
There is a movie coming out on December 25 called The Great Debaters. It's a story about the debate team at Wiley College and is set in the 1930s. It chronicles the successes that the students at this historically black college had against all the great debate teams in an era when blacks were rarely acknowledged for their intellectual talents.
Bring me your ticket stub for major extra credit points!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Feed to hungry and improve your vocabulary - fun game for extra credit!
You all know how Ms. Kingsbury loves her vocabulary words. Here is a fun way to improve your vocabulary while feeding hungry folks the world over:
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
Give it a try! Let me know how much rice you donate!
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
Give it a try! Let me know how much rice you donate!
Would you risk your life for a roller coaster ride?
Read this article from the Washington Post about amusement park injuries:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/03/
AR2007120302091.html?wpisrc=newsletter
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentence....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/03/
AR2007120302091.html?wpisrc=newsletter
What do you think? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentence....
Should parents be forced to vaccinate their children?
Please read this article on the vaccinate-or-incarcerate scandal in Maryland:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/4/parents-told-to-get-
kids-vaccinated-or-go-to-jail.aspx
What do you think? Should parents be forced to get their children vaccinated? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic...
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/4/parents-told-to-get-
kids-vaccinated-or-go-to-jail.aspx
What do you think? Should parents be forced to get their children vaccinated? 20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic...
Monday, December 3, 2007
Global warming got you depressed?
Please read this article from the CS Monitor on how global warming talk is making kids depressed:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1203/p08s01-comv.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1203/p08s01-comv.html
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this topic....
Hot Topic: Forced Miscarriage Case -
Click below to read about a crazy criminal case of forced miscarriages:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/30/AR2007113000638.html
20 points for your well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this scandalous topic....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/30/AR2007113000638.html
20 points for your well thought-out opinion of five sentences on this scandalous topic....
Young = Impulsive & Reckless? You Decide...
Please read this article on USA Today about teenage behavior:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-12-02-teenbrains_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-12-02-teenbrains_N.htm?csp=DailyBriefing
20 points for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic...
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Tuesday, November 27 - Tuesday, December 4, 2007
While Ms. Kingsbury is out having surgery, students are expected to complete a short story packet containing 10 stories. This classwork is worth 400 points and is due upon her return on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. This work cannot be made up and is not extra credit. Please be sure to complete all questions related to each story. Send an email to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net if you have any questions about this work.
I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday! Don't forget to send me that Senior Project work, i.e., research papers, resumes, cover letters, thank you letters. The second marking period is a short one (I will end my second marking period grades on Friday, January 4), and we will be moving quickly once I return from my recovery.
19 days till Winter Break begins!
I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday! Don't forget to send me that Senior Project work, i.e., research papers, resumes, cover letters, thank you letters. The second marking period is a short one (I will end my second marking period grades on Friday, January 4), and we will be moving quickly once I return from my recovery.
19 days till Winter Break begins!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Students will submit their notebooks to be checked for November's classwork - worth 200 points. Ms. Kingsbury will also go over classwork expected to be complete while she is out having surgery. This classwork will be due upon her return and is worth 400 points.
Thursday, November 22 - Friday, November 23, 2007
No school due to Thanksgiving Break. Have a great holiday!
Tuesday, November 20 - Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Students will be given the opportunity to go to the computer lab to work on their Senior Projects. Typed research papers (first draft) should be emailed to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Wednesday, November 21, 2007! This task is worth 200 points!
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