Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Today will be a catch-up day. We will review this week's classwork and senior project assignments, ask questions, get answers, and create a plan for next week's work.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. create a list of guiding questions to begin their research.
2. contribute opinions and thoughts to the class.
3. define plagiarism and sign a contract.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: What is plagiarism? We will then have a brief discussion of this topic.
2. Notes: What is a guiding question? A guiding question is meant to help you conduct your research. You will need 10 guiding questions for a complete senior project. A GQ is any question you have about your topic, no matter how far fetched it may sound.
Example: My topic is Students' Rights. My guiding questions are:
a. Do students really have rights?
b. What was life like for students in the past?
c. Are students' rights provided in the US Constitution?
d. Do we really have rights or do we just think we do?
e. What are some famous cases involving students' rights?
f. Are their students today whose rights have been taken away?
g. Who can help students stand up for their rights?
h. What kinds of things get students in trouble?
i. Why don't young people seem to have the same rights as adults?
j. Is the Supreme Court involved in any way?
l. What is my personal experience with students' rights?
Students will brainstorm their list of guiding questions in class. This list of guiding questions will become their research proposal - we will discuss the format of the research proposal by Tuesday, October 9, 2007.
Pass-Around Activity: After completing their list of 10 questions, students will do a pass-around activity with their lists. Each student in class will add one question to every other students' sheet. In this way, the class will work to help each other collect ideas and questions.
3. Plagiarism Contract: Students will write the following contract into their notebooks: From class discussions, I understand that plagiarism means __________ (write your definition here). I understand that there is a serious penalty for plagiarizing my senior project. If I need help, I will ask ____________ (any teacher that can help you). Signature
Students will type up this plagiarism contract to include with their research proposals.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. create a list of guiding questions to begin their research.
2. contribute opinions and thoughts to the class.
3. define plagiarism and sign a contract.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: What is plagiarism? We will then have a brief discussion of this topic.
2. Notes: What is a guiding question? A guiding question is meant to help you conduct your research. You will need 10 guiding questions for a complete senior project. A GQ is any question you have about your topic, no matter how far fetched it may sound.
Example: My topic is Students' Rights. My guiding questions are:
a. Do students really have rights?
b. What was life like for students in the past?
c. Are students' rights provided in the US Constitution?
d. Do we really have rights or do we just think we do?
e. What are some famous cases involving students' rights?
f. Are their students today whose rights have been taken away?
g. Who can help students stand up for their rights?
h. What kinds of things get students in trouble?
i. Why don't young people seem to have the same rights as adults?
j. Is the Supreme Court involved in any way?
l. What is my personal experience with students' rights?
Students will brainstorm their list of guiding questions in class. This list of guiding questions will become their research proposal - we will discuss the format of the research proposal by Tuesday, October 9, 2007.
Pass-Around Activity: After completing their list of 10 questions, students will do a pass-around activity with their lists. Each student in class will add one question to every other students' sheet. In this way, the class will work to help each other collect ideas and questions.
3. Plagiarism Contract: Students will write the following contract into their notebooks: From class discussions, I understand that plagiarism means __________ (write your definition here). I understand that there is a serious penalty for plagiarizing my senior project. If I need help, I will ask ____________ (any teacher that can help you). Signature
Students will type up this plagiarism contract to include with their research proposals.
Homework: There is no homework assigned for this class tonight.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. brainstorm a list of topics for their senior project and choose a preliminary final selected topic.
2. describe the prewriting process.
3. define audience and purpose in relation to their senior project.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should correct the following sentence (spelling, grammar, syntax):
I need to stay focus this month so I can compleet my senior project and theres drama at my house so this will be hard.
2. Notes: In their notebooks, students should write the following information:
Prewriting Process:
a. Identify your purpose and audience.
b. Choose a topic and appropriate form.
c. Formulate your thesis, or main idea, about the topic.
d. Gather information on the topic.
e. Organize information in a preliminary plan.
3. Vocabulary: In their notebooks, students should write the following information:
a. Purpose: The reason that you are writing; the purpose of the senior project is to write an informative research paper on a topic related to finance and society.
b. Audience: The people who will be reading your writing; the audience for your research paper consists of teachers and classmates.
4. Choosing a topic: Students will take time in class to brainstorm ideas for their research paper. Students should choose a preliminary topic at this time.
Homework: Students should type and email their career goals essays to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, October 3, 2008.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. brainstorm a list of topics for their senior project and choose a preliminary final selected topic.
2. describe the prewriting process.
3. define audience and purpose in relation to their senior project.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should correct the following sentence (spelling, grammar, syntax):
I need to stay focus this month so I can compleet my senior project and theres drama at my house so this will be hard.
2. Notes: In their notebooks, students should write the following information:
Prewriting Process:
a. Identify your purpose and audience.
b. Choose a topic and appropriate form.
c. Formulate your thesis, or main idea, about the topic.
d. Gather information on the topic.
e. Organize information in a preliminary plan.
3. Vocabulary: In their notebooks, students should write the following information:
a. Purpose: The reason that you are writing; the purpose of the senior project is to write an informative research paper on a topic related to finance and society.
b. Audience: The people who will be reading your writing; the audience for your research paper consists of teachers and classmates.
4. Choosing a topic: Students will take time in class to brainstorm ideas for their research paper. Students should choose a preliminary topic at this time.
Homework: Students should type and email their career goals essays to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, October 3, 2008.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. compare and contrast adult versus children's lives.
2. write formal letters to teachers to request a recommendation.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: What are adult responsibilities? List 4. Do children have responsibilities? Why or why not? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for their answers.
2. Discussion: Letters of Recommendation aka “I need a reference!”
a. You will need two LORs for your senior portfolio as well as your college applications.
b. You should choose teachers who like you and whose class you did well in.
c. Brainstorm: List 4 teachers you can ask for a recommendation.
3. Writing of Request Letters: Students will write the following letter to two teachers requesting a recommendation for their senior portfolio:
(30 points for each letter, two required, each additional worth extra credit)
September 16, 2008
Dear _________________:
I am writing to request a special favor. As you know, I need two recommendations for my senior project. Would you please write one for me by October 31, 2008? Three words I would use to describe myself are…. My plans after Overbrook are…. I believe you are the best teacher to write me a recommendation because….
Sincerely, YOUR NAME AND BOOK #
Homework: Begin typing your Career Goals essay and email it to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, October 3, 2008.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. compare and contrast adult versus children's lives.
2. write formal letters to teachers to request a recommendation.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: What are adult responsibilities? List 4. Do children have responsibilities? Why or why not? Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for their answers.
2. Discussion: Letters of Recommendation aka “I need a reference!”
a. You will need two LORs for your senior portfolio as well as your college applications.
b. You should choose teachers who like you and whose class you did well in.
c. Brainstorm: List 4 teachers you can ask for a recommendation.
3. Writing of Request Letters: Students will write the following letter to two teachers requesting a recommendation for their senior portfolio:
(30 points for each letter, two required, each additional worth extra credit)
September 16, 2008
Dear _________________:
I am writing to request a special favor. As you know, I need two recommendations for my senior project. Would you please write one for me by October 31, 2008? Three words I would use to describe myself are…. My plans after Overbrook are…. I believe you are the best teacher to write me a recommendation because….
Sincerely, YOUR NAME AND BOOK #
Homework: Begin typing your Career Goals essay and email it to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, October 3, 2008.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. imagine life in the future.
2. put their college goals in writing.
3. create an essay based on personal experience and future expectations.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up part one: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: Project yourself a year into the future. What is your life like? Are you in college? What is it like? If you aren’t in college, where are you and what are you doing? ½ page. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from students.
2. Warm-up part two: What do you know about college? List at least five things. When you are done your list, come up front and sign our college poster. The idea is that when students put something in writing, a goal, an intention, it becomes more real. It has a certain power than just saying they want to do something. We will hang these posters up so the kids can see what they have committed to in the future.
3. Students will continue to work on their Career Goals essays. They will have an opportunity to share their essays in front of the class for extra credit and feedback.
Homework: Students should type their mission statements and email them to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, September 26, 2008.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. imagine life in the future.
2. put their college goals in writing.
3. create an essay based on personal experience and future expectations.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up part one: In their notebooks, students should answer the following questions: Project yourself a year into the future. What is your life like? Are you in college? What is it like? If you aren’t in college, where are you and what are you doing? ½ page. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit answers from students.
2. Warm-up part two: What do you know about college? List at least five things. When you are done your list, come up front and sign our college poster. The idea is that when students put something in writing, a goal, an intention, it becomes more real. It has a certain power than just saying they want to do something. We will hang these posters up so the kids can see what they have committed to in the future.
3. Students will continue to work on their Career Goals essays. They will have an opportunity to share their essays in front of the class for extra credit and feedback.
Homework: Students should type their mission statements and email them to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net by Friday, September 26, 2008.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. share personal thoughts/writing in front of a group.
2. write an organized essay with teacher support.
3. develop essay content of their own.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer this very simple question in their notebooks: Happy Friday! What are your plans for this weekend? Write 1-2 sentences. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for answers. This simple warm-up is designed to get students more comfortable speaking in front of the class by answering a non-threatening question about themselves.
2. Photo Freewrite Sharing Activity in follow-up to yesterday's class.
3. Today students will begin to write the rough draft of their Career Goals Essay for their Senior project.
a. Length: 1 full typed page = 2 full handwritten pages
b. Purpose: Describe what you want to be when you grow up and how you will get there.
c. Format: Write 6 paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with the following lines:
- When I was growing up, I always thought that I would be...
- Since then, my goal is to become...
- The colleges I am considering are...
- The classes I will take are...
- My dream career would be to...
- In order to reach my goals and dreams, I...
Students will write as much as they can in class today. We will continue this assignment in class on Monday. Have a great weekend!
After this class, students will be able to:
1. share personal thoughts/writing in front of a group.
2. write an organized essay with teacher support.
3. develop essay content of their own.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: Students should answer this very simple question in their notebooks: Happy Friday! What are your plans for this weekend? Write 1-2 sentences. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit students for answers. This simple warm-up is designed to get students more comfortable speaking in front of the class by answering a non-threatening question about themselves.
2. Photo Freewrite Sharing Activity in follow-up to yesterday's class.
3. Today students will begin to write the rough draft of their Career Goals Essay for their Senior project.
a. Length: 1 full typed page = 2 full handwritten pages
b. Purpose: Describe what you want to be when you grow up and how you will get there.
c. Format: Write 6 paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with the following lines:
- When I was growing up, I always thought that I would be...
- Since then, my goal is to become...
- The colleges I am considering are...
- The classes I will take are...
- My dream career would be to...
- In order to reach my goals and dreams, I...
Students will write as much as they can in class today. We will continue this assignment in class on Monday. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. compare and contrast between types of disasters.
2. make an evaluation on the world's worst disaster.
3. critically view and analyze a series of 9/11 photographs.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: There are two types of disasters, natural and man-made. In your opinion, which type is worse and why? Write 4-5 sentences. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
2. Warm-Up Part 2: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: In your opinion, what was the worst disaster in history? Why? Write 2-3 sentences, then make a list of 5 facts that you know about this disaster. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
3. Reflection, Writing, and Sharing: Describe what happened to you on 9/11/01. Use your senses - sight, sound, taste, smell, touch. Write 1/2 page. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
4. Photo Freewrite: Students will critically view and analyze a series of seven 9/11 photographs. As they view each photo, they should write a list of descriptions, thoughts, feelings, questions, etc., anything that comes to their minds. The end result of this writing activity will look like a poem. (Photos for this activity will be posted in another entry.)
Homework:
1. Set up an email account through http://www.gmail.com. Send an email to ms.kingsbury @verizon.net letting me know your email address. You will receive 50 points for this assignment.
2. Complete the rough draft of your mission statement in your notebook. Ms. Kingsbury will check these during class tomorrow. You will receive 30 points for this assignment.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. compare and contrast between types of disasters.
2. make an evaluation on the world's worst disaster.
3. critically view and analyze a series of 9/11 photographs.
Agenda:
1. Warm-Up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: There are two types of disasters, natural and man-made. In your opinion, which type is worse and why? Write 4-5 sentences. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
2. Warm-Up Part 2: In their notebooks, students should answer the following question: In your opinion, what was the worst disaster in history? Why? Write 2-3 sentences, then make a list of 5 facts that you know about this disaster. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
3. Reflection, Writing, and Sharing: Describe what happened to you on 9/11/01. Use your senses - sight, sound, taste, smell, touch. Write 1/2 page. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit student answers.
4. Photo Freewrite: Students will critically view and analyze a series of seven 9/11 photographs. As they view each photo, they should write a list of descriptions, thoughts, feelings, questions, etc., anything that comes to their minds. The end result of this writing activity will look like a poem. (Photos for this activity will be posted in another entry.)
Homework:
1. Set up an email account through http://www.gmail.com. Send an email to ms.kingsbury @verizon.net letting me know your email address. You will receive 50 points for this assignment.
2. Complete the rough draft of your mission statement in your notebook. Ms. Kingsbury will check these during class tomorrow. You will receive 30 points for this assignment.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Getting Paid For Grades?
Please read this article about the benefits and drawbacks of paying students to earn good grades. You can access this article by clicking on the title of this post or cut-and-pasting the website below:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-09-10-pay-for-grades_N.htm
Thoughts? 10 points of extra credit for posting a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences in the COMMENTS section...
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-09-10-pay-for-grades_N.htm
Thoughts? 10 points of extra credit for posting a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences in the COMMENTS section...
Extra Credit Opportunity: Changing the Rules of Spelling and Grammar
Click on the title of this post to read an opinion piece about the changing and evolving world of spelling and grammar rules. You may also cut and paste the site from below:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/mick_hume/article4709620.ece
What do you think? 10 points extra credit for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic posted to the COMMENTS section...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/mick_hume/article4709620.ece
What do you think? 10 points extra credit for a well thought-out opinion of 5 sentences on this topic posted to the COMMENTS section...
Monday, September 8, 2008
Personality Traits List - To Help You In Writing Your Mission Statement!
Personality Traits:
If nice describes you, you might also try: accurate, agreeable, appealing, charming, choosy, considerate, cordial, correct, courteous, dainty, decent, decorous, delicate, delightful, demure, difficult, discerning, discriminating, elegant, enjoyable, exact, exacting, exquisite, fastidious, finished, friendly, fussy, genteel, gentle, good, gratifying, helpful, likable, lovely, neat, particular, peachy, picky, pleasant, pleasing, polite, precious, precise, profligate, proper, punctilious, queasy, refined, respectable, scrupulous, skillful, squeamish, subtle, swell, wanton, warmhearted.
If smart describes you, you might also try: alert, apt, astute, bright, brilliant, clever, cognizant, discerning, exceptional, ingenious, knowing, logical, quick, sensible, wise.
If generous describes you, you might also try: abundant, altruistic, ample, beneficent, benevolent, bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, chivalrous, considerate, copious, fertile, freehanded, gracious, helpful, humanitarian, indulgent, ingenuous, kindhearted, lavish, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, noble, open-hearted, openhanded, overflowing, philanthropic, plenteous, plentiful, prodigal, profuse, spirited, thoughtful, ungrudging, unselfish, warmhearted.
If open-minded describes you, you might also try: fair, flexible, just, liberal, objective, tolerant, unbiased.
If loyal describes you, you might also try: abiding, adhering, allegiant, constant, dependable, devoted, dutiful, faithful, firm, liege, obedient, patriotic, reliable, slavish, stanch, staunch, steadfast, tenacious, true, true blue, trustworthy, unswerving, unwavering.
If trustworthy describes you, you might also try: authentic, believable, confidential, credible, dependable, ethical, faithful, honest, loyal, reliable, responsible, safe, solid, sound, straight, tried, true, trusty, upright
If bold describes you, you might also try: abrupt, acclivitous, adventuresome, adventurous, arrogant, assured, audacious, bardy, bodacious, brash, brassy, brave, brazen, bright, cheeky, chivalrous, colorful, confident, conspicuous, courageous, daring, dashing, dauntless, defiant, doughty, enterprising, fearless, fierce, forward, fresh, hardy, haughty, heroic, immodest, imprudent, impudent, insolent, intrepid, jagged, large, malapert, manly, massive, pert, powerful, precipitous, presumptuous, prominent, resolute, salient, saucy, shameless, spunky, steep, stout, striking, strong, unabashed, unafraid, undaunted, vainglorious, valiant, wise.
If nice describes you, you might also try: accurate, agreeable, appealing, charming, choosy, considerate, cordial, correct, courteous, dainty, decent, decorous, delicate, delightful, demure, difficult, discerning, discriminating, elegant, enjoyable, exact, exacting, exquisite, fastidious, finished, friendly, fussy, genteel, gentle, good, gratifying, helpful, likable, lovely, neat, particular, peachy, picky, pleasant, pleasing, polite, precious, precise, profligate, proper, punctilious, queasy, refined, respectable, scrupulous, skillful, squeamish, subtle, swell, wanton, warmhearted.
If smart describes you, you might also try: alert, apt, astute, bright, brilliant, clever, cognizant, discerning, exceptional, ingenious, knowing, logical, quick, sensible, wise.
If generous describes you, you might also try: abundant, altruistic, ample, beneficent, benevolent, bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, chivalrous, considerate, copious, fertile, freehanded, gracious, helpful, humanitarian, indulgent, ingenuous, kindhearted, lavish, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, noble, open-hearted, openhanded, overflowing, philanthropic, plenteous, plentiful, prodigal, profuse, spirited, thoughtful, ungrudging, unselfish, warmhearted.
If open-minded describes you, you might also try: fair, flexible, just, liberal, objective, tolerant, unbiased.
If loyal describes you, you might also try: abiding, adhering, allegiant, constant, dependable, devoted, dutiful, faithful, firm, liege, obedient, patriotic, reliable, slavish, stanch, staunch, steadfast, tenacious, true, true blue, trustworthy, unswerving, unwavering.
If trustworthy describes you, you might also try: authentic, believable, confidential, credible, dependable, ethical, faithful, honest, loyal, reliable, responsible, safe, solid, sound, straight, tried, true, trusty, upright
If bold describes you, you might also try: abrupt, acclivitous, adventuresome, adventurous, arrogant, assured, audacious, bardy, bodacious, brash, brassy, brave, brazen, bright, cheeky, chivalrous, colorful, confident, conspicuous, courageous, daring, dashing, dauntless, defiant, doughty, enterprising, fearless, fierce, forward, fresh, hardy, haughty, heroic, immodest, imprudent, impudent, insolent, intrepid, jagged, large, malapert, manly, massive, pert, powerful, precipitous, presumptuous, prominent, resolute, salient, saucy, shameless, spunky, steep, stout, striking, strong, unabashed, unafraid, undaunted, vainglorious, valiant, wise.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Objectives:
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on future career plans.
2. perform a peer critique on another student's writing.
3. share their thoughts in front of a group.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following: What do you want to be when you grow up? Why? 4 sentences
2. Students were to complete the rough draft of their missions statements for homework. Students will perform a peer critique and read at least three other mission statements of their classmates. In their peer critique, they should: make a positive comment, make a criticism, correct the spelling of two words, fix one punctuation mark, initial the essay.
3. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit volunteers to read their mission statements in front of the class for 30 points extra credit.
Homework: Students are required to have an email account with which to communicate with Ms. Kingsbury. Please visit http://www.gmail.com and sign up for one. Your Gmail address should be: firstname.lastname@gmail.com. NO NICKNAMES, PLEASE! Yahoo email accounts ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE! Once you have signed up for a Gmail account, send a message to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net. You will receive 50 points for setting up your Gmail account.
After this class, students will be able to:
1. reflect on future career plans.
2. perform a peer critique on another student's writing.
3. share their thoughts in front of a group.
Agenda:
1. Warm-up: In their notebooks, students should answer the following: What do you want to be when you grow up? Why? 4 sentences
2. Students were to complete the rough draft of their missions statements for homework. Students will perform a peer critique and read at least three other mission statements of their classmates. In their peer critique, they should: make a positive comment, make a criticism, correct the spelling of two words, fix one punctuation mark, initial the essay.
3. Ms. Kingsbury will solicit volunteers to read their mission statements in front of the class for 30 points extra credit.
Homework: Students are required to have an email account with which to communicate with Ms. Kingsbury. Please visit http://www.gmail.com and sign up for one. Your Gmail address should be: firstname.lastname@gmail.com. NO NICKNAMES, PLEASE! Yahoo email accounts ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE! Once you have signed up for a Gmail account, send a message to ms.kingsbury@verizon.net. You will receive 50 points for setting up your Gmail account.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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.
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.
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!
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