EXTRA CREDIT

Take the following 21 question quiz about how you learn. When you are done with the quiz, it will give you an analysis based on your responses from the questions. To receive the extra credit, post a comment that gives me a brief explanation of your top two learning styles. Does the learning style selected surprise you? Why or why not?

This offer ends at 11:59 on Monday, October 4.

Cyberbullying

CNN.com

Cyberbullying is a new phenomenon in which kids are being bullyied via text messaging, email, or through social networking. The damage remains even though kids are not involved in the traditional face-to-face confrontation.

13-Year Old Bullied to Death?

Report from Anderson Cooper - CNN
September 29, 2010

Anderson Cooper interviews the parents of 13-year old Asher Brown who killed himself after constant bullying. Very sad story. It just seems that important issues that continue to happen on a daily basis only surface when a tragedy strikes.

American Government 9/30/10

In Class - WHIP presentations. Continue to discuss education reform and various other topics.

Homework - Continue to update your blog. QOW posting due by Friday at 11:59 pm.

World History 9/30/10

In Class - Continue with movie "Amazing Grace." While you watch the video, take note of examples of the Enlightenment in the movie and the meaning behind that example of how it relates to the Enlightenment.

Homework - Watch the news.

Governor Christie Challenges New Jersey Education Establishment

Are you on Facebook? Check out this article to see how Facebook relates to education reform.

What Makes a Good Teacher

Tom Brokaw interviews three teachers along with Bill Gates about the traits needed to be a good teacher.

Education Nation

The summit in New York City that discusses the problem of the American educational system. This is a great comprehensive website. Take a look at the videos.

Are Schools Embracing Technology Enough?

Discusses the role of technology in education.

Following Finland

MSNBC

A look at Finland's education system, which is ranked first world wide.

American Government 9/29/10

In Class - Hand out grade sheets. Discuss grades. Hand out article "Real Education" by Dennis Praeger. Discuss his arguments as a class.

Homework - Share this article with someone. QOW due by Friday. Keep updating your blog!!!

World History 9/29/10

In Class - Discuss grades. Continue notes on the Enlightenment and the slave trade. Introduction to "Amazing Grace."

Homework - Watch the news.

American Government 9/28/10

In Class - Discuss the documentary "The Torture Question." Turn in writing assignment from Monday. WHIP Presentations. Discuss new topic of education reform.

Homework - QOW due by Friday. Keep updating your blog!

World History 9/28/10

In Class - Turn in classwork/homework from Monday (Chapter 2, Sections 2 and 3 Quiz; Primary Sources). Short Quiz over Chapter 2. Turn in. Continue class notes on the Enlightenment.

Homework - Watch the news.

The Word - Easy A

Stephen Colbert - Colbert Report, June 11, 2007.

No Child Left Behind: Good overview of the act.

Childrens Do Learn

Jon Stewart - The Daily Show, September 27, 2007.

President George W. Bush addressing school children about education. This is funny.

What Teachers Make

youtube.com

Taylor Mali, slam poet, gives his mind on what teachers make.

"Waiting for Superman"

CNN News

In a recent documentary discussing American education, "Waiting for Superman" is an extrinsic look at the public educational system of the United States. The arguments criticizing teacher unions and bureaucracy have reinstilled the debate concerning education reform in our country.

Education Reform

Inland News Today
September 27, 2010

President Obama sat down with Matt Lauer in the Green Room at the White House. The topic was education reform. According to Mr. Obama, the United States cannot simply spend its way to improved success in public schools. In fact, the president stated that the country needs to extend the school year to compete in the global economy.

American Government 9/27/10

In Class - Complete documentary. For homework, write two to three solid paragraphs concerning the prompt: Given what you have seen and observed concerning the issue of alternative forms of interrogation, should the US do whatever it takes to extract information from suspected terrorists in order to protect the national security of the US? Provide evidence to support your argument.

Homework - Written reaction to documentary due at the beginning of class tomorrow.

QOW - EDUCATION

By Friday, I want you to reflect on your educational experience. First of all, how would you rate your education on a scale from 1-10, with ten being high? What examples do you have to support your rating? Positive? Negative? Put the following people in order (according to your beleifs) on which person is the most important in the educational experience: parent, teacher, student. Do you think your education has prepared you for your next stage in life? Why or why not?

Take some time and completely and honestly respond to this question. This is due posted on this blog by Friday, October 1 by 11:59 pm.

World History 9/27/10

In Class - Either by yourself or with a partner, work on the handout (Chapter 2, Sections 2 and 3 quiz; primary sources. Whatever you do not complete in class will be homework due tomorrow.

Homework - Complete handout. THERE WILL BE A SHORT QUIZ TOMORROW OVER THE MATERIAL IN SECTIONS 1-3. STAY FOCUSED!!!

American Government 9/24/10

In Class - WHIP Presentation. Continue to watch the documentary "The Torture Question." Observe any significant people, events, or arguments concerning the legality of the issue.

Homework - Blog reflection from Wednesday's discussion is due on your blog by 11:59 tonight.

World History 9/24/10

In Class - FRIZ: What is the Enlightenment? What influenced this era of history? What people, places, or events impacted this movement? Tell me what you know. Turn in. Continue class notes on the Enlightenment.

Homework - Watch the news. Enjoy your weekend.

American Government 9/23/10

In Class - Review of yesterday's discussion. Congratulations 1st period. You have won the discussion competition. WHIP Presentations. In between topic: The Torture Question. Begin documentary concerning this topic. Should the United States be involved in alternative interrogation techniques in order to protect the national security of the United States?

Homework - Blog reflection from Wednesday's class discussion is due tomorrow by 11:59 pm.

World History 9/23/10

In Class - Discuss homework (packet: Ch. 2, Sec. 1 Quiz, Standards Check, Primary Source). Correct your answers in class as we discuss.

Homework - FRIZZ tomorrow (Enlightenment handouts/class notes). SMART Goal due tomorrow as well (handed out on Monday).

American Government 9/22/10

In Class - Class discussion: Arizona SB 1070. Participation is mandatory. No participation, no points. Before you leave, turn in your talking points (homework due today).

Homework - Blog Reflection concerning today's discussion. You need to post this on your own personal blog. If I do not have your blog URL, then you need to get this to me ASAP. This is due by Friday, September 24 by 11:59 pm.

Good conversation today. Three classes, three different discussions.

World History 9/22/10

In Class - Quiz (similar to yesterday's) over Chapter 2, Section 1. Turn in. Continue class notes on the Enlightenment.

Homework - Packet over the Enlightenment due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

American Government 9/21/10

In Class - WHIP Presentation. Work Day: Start preparing for tomorrow's class discussion. After tomorrow's discussion, you are to turn in a list of your talking points, arguments, counter-arguments, and other viable information for the discussion.

Homework - Talking points (due tomorrow at the end of the discussion). Prepare!!!

World History 9/21/10

In Class - Quiz, Chapter 2, Section 1: Philosophy of the Age of Reason. Discuss questions and answers. Brief introduction to the Enlightenment. Handout packet: Chapter 2, Sec. 1 Quiz/Primary Source (Views on Education) and Standards Check. This is due on Thursday.

Homework - Quiz tomorrow (similar to today's) at the beginning of class. Packet due on Thursday. SMART Goal due on Friday.

American Government 9/20/10

In Class - WHIP Presentation. Short video clips: The Announcements of Stewart and Colbert. After watching these clips, highlight the main arguments and write a solid paragraph reaction to what you have seen or heard. Turn this in before you leave. Also, turn in your political cartoon analysis from Friday.

1st Period: Along with the reaction, political cartoon analysis, turn in the double web entry journal. Staple together.

2nd/4th Periods: Along with the reaction, political cartoon analysis, turn in Immigration Opinion Chart. Staple together.

Homework - Class Discussion: SB 1070 on Wednesday. Remember, you cannot make these up, so attendance is mandatory. Start preparing your arguments. Continue to update your blog.

World History 9/20/10

In Class - Hand back and discuss tests. Discuss SMART goals and its components. Hand out SMART Goal Sheet. By Friday, you are to revisit and reflect on your previous goals you wrote at the beginning of the semester and write one goal for World History. Complete the sheet in its entirety. Take your time on this and be honest with yourself. Your grade depends on how well you utilize the SMART components and write a specific goal.

Homework - Read Chapter 2, Section 1. There will be a quiz tomorrow. SMART goal due on Friday.

****NOTE**** Test corrections will be tomorrow morning before school. If you are not satisfied with your score, then show up tomorrow. No later than 6:45.

March to Keep Fear Alive - Stephen Colbert

Colbert announces his March to Keep Fear Alive Rally in response to Jon Stewart. This is the full episode from Thursday, September 16.

Restore Sanity - Jon Stewart

This is the full episode from Thursday, September 16 in which Stewart cleverly announces his rally. Watch this episode if you get a chance. Also, interview with former President Bill Clinton.

Stewart and Colbert Up to No Good

Jon Stewart announced his "Rally to Restore Sanity" on October 30. Not to be outdone, Stephen Colbert also announced his "Restore Truthiness" rally that will be held on the same day on the mall in Washington D.C. This article refers to how young voters may be influenced by these two political satirists.

American Government 9/17/10

In Class - 1st Period: Continue group work on Political Cartoons (from yesterday). Discuss political cartoons. Hang onto your homework for Monday (Double Web Entry Journal: SB 1070).

Homework - Double Web Entry Journal due Monday. Political cartoon analysis: complete this for Monday. QOW due by 11:59 tonight.

2nd and 4th Period - WHIP Presentation. Discuss political cartoons and their relationship to immigration reform and SB 1070.

Homework - QOW due by 11:59 tonight. Immigration Reform Opinion and Political Cartoon Analysis due on Monday.

World History 9/17/10

In Class - Mental Health Day. Turn in documentary reaction before you leave.

Homework - Watch the news. Find out what's happening in the world.

American Government 9/16/10

In Class - 1st Period: Group Work - Political Cartoons: Analyze PC's and answer the following questions: 1) Who/What do you recognize (people, symbols, groups)? 2) What is the cartoonist's message? 3) Do you agree? Why or why not? 4) What is the political message? 5) Using the information from questions 1-4, write a brief explanation of the PC. Discuss blog postings (QOW). If you have not created a blog as of yet, then you need to do this before tomorrow.

Homework - Double Entry Web Journal: SB 1070 due tomorrow. QOW due by 11:59 on Friday.

2nd and 4th Periods - WHIP presentation. Short video clip. Continue to discuss SB 1070 and the documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." Hand out Political Cartoons (hang onto this for tomorrow).

Homework - Immigration Reform Opinons (due on Monday). QOW due by 11:59 on Friday.

NOTE - 2nd Board of Education meeting tonight @ 7 pm.

World History 9/16/10

In Class - Continue watching documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." Discuss the implications and specific nature of the bill.

Homework - Complete reaction to the documentary for tomorrow.

Why Republicans Cannot Get Along With President Obama

Top Ten Notorious Mexican Drug Lords

The arrest of a series of Mexican criminal kingpins, including Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez last month and Sergio "El Grande" Villarreal, offers small encouragement as Mexico tries to rein in the powerful drug cartels that have wreaked havoc across the country. TIME looks at 10 prominent gangsters who have so far evaded justice, despite rewards offered for their arrest on both sides of the border.

American Government 9/15/10

In Class - Continue watching documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." Continue to write down key people, events, political battles, questions, and arguments as you watch.

Homework - 1st Period: Double Web Journal Entry: SB 1070. Complete this handout while researching. Be sure to follow directions, include full MLA citations (see handout with syllabus), and a complete synthesis of your research (on the back). Also, I highly recommend you utilize the library's online databases (see handout with syllabus for login information). This is due on Friday. Also, QOW is due on Friday (see post from 8/13: this is where you will post your comment). Make sure you are updating your blog with daily research.

2nd and 4th Periods: WHIP Presentation/discussion. Continue to watch and discuss "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." As you watch, write down key people, events, political battles, questions, and arguments as you watch. Hand out homework (due on Monday): Immigration Reform Opinions. Research different points of view. Be sure to include a works cited for all of your information. Also, be sure to complete the questions on the back of handout.

Homework - Update your blog!!! QOW post due by Friday. Immigration Reform Opinions due on Monday.

World History 9/15/10

In Class - I have not even looked at your tests, and there are a few that need to make arrangements with me to complete that before school. This must be done by Friday or it goes as a zero in my gradebook. Begin watching the documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." As you watch, look for important arguments, people, places, events, and politics. For homework tomorrow, write a brief reaction to what you have seen. What interested you? Surpised you? Perhaps scared you? What questions do you still have? This is due at the beginning of class tomorrow. If you were absent today, then the link to the video is below.

"The Moral Case Against SB 1070" : http://tucsoncitizen.com/three-sonorans/2010/07/28/the-moral-case-against-sb1070-video/

Homework - Paragraph reaction.

American Government 9/14/10

In Class - First Period: Discuss blog updates and research. KQWLA - Research process. Begin watching documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." Take down some notes of particular people, events, situations, or questions that you might have regarding this topic. We will continue with this tomorrow.

2nd and 4th Period: WHIP Presentations. Begin watching documentary "The Moral Case Against SB 1070." Take down some notes of particular people, events, or questions that you might have regarding this topic. We will continue this tomorrow.

Homework - QOW due on Friday. Update your blog on a daily basis.

World History 9/14/10

In Class - Test, Chapter 1.

Homework - None.

American Government 9/13/10

In Class - 1st Period - Turn in signed syllabus. Library. Work on creating your blog. Your blog URL is due to me via email today.

2nd and 4th Period - Library work day. Some of you need to be updating your blogs. Many of you have done nothing with your blog until this point, and this is unacceptable. Beginning tonight, I will check everyone's blog and give you a score based on completion. Those of you that have not been updating your blog, I will know. You need to post an article, video, editorial, picture, political cartoon, or anything else that relates to our study of AZ SB 1070 on a daily basis!!!!! Get into a habit of doing this. Also, turn in the summarized articles from Friday.

Homework - Update your blog with research concerning SB 1070.

QOW - due by Friday, September 17 by 11:59 pm.

Considering the research you have done concerning SB 1070, I want you to develop two original arguments: one argument stating evidence that supports the passing of SB 1070 and the other argument that provides evidence not supporting this proposed illegal immigration law. Provide specific details to support your argument. Include citations and a works cited, MLA format.

World History 9/13/10

In Class - Finish discussing sections 3, 4, and 5 from Chapter 1. Discuss homework from Friday in class. Hand back papers. Hand out review sheet for tomorrow's test.

Homework - Study for Chapter 1 Test Tomorrow.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - After school today and before school tomorrow, there will be a test review. Just show up.

Sunday: The Day of Supposed Rest

So, it's Sunday: the day of supposed rest. Just got home to an empty house. The dog is getting a bath and mani/peti (you guys may not get this), so I thought I would just type some of my thoughts while I have the house to myself. And then I will watch football all day.

So far, it's been a good weekend. I'll be honest, I didn't watch much news. I know, I'm such a hypocrite. Here I tell you that you should be informed citizens, and I am not following my own advice. But I knew that yesterday was an emotional time for me in my life and honestly, I didn't want to revisit those emotions.

First of all, yesterday was Patriot Day. A day of remembrance for the fallen on September 11, 2001. It is hard to believe that it has been nine years. I still remember that Tuesday very vividly. I was in college attending Baker University, the Harvard of the Midwest as it is also known. I was sitting in a classroom at Lawrence High School observing the class for the course Teaching Social Studies in the Secondary Classroom. I remember driving my green, 98 Saturn that morning listening to my CD player, which was connected through the tape deck. I didn't listen to much news or really have a greater sense of the world around me at that time. I was just living day to day trying to get by.

As I walked into the classroom of Mr. Mike, I can't remember his last name, nothing was out of the ordinary. I was looking sharp in my khaki pants and red, short sleeve polo shirt. They were most likely wrinkled, but I was in college and lucky they were clean. A short time after, a friend of mine (Jerry Hunsaker) taking the same course as I walked into the room. He had this look on his face like as something was up. Before he could even sit down, he asked me if I had heard about the twin towers? I did not know. He immediately informed me that a plane had crashed into the twin towers in New York City. Mr. Mike was on his computer, and again this is in 2001, so high speed Internet was not around. It took several minutes for online stories to come up. Then, an announcement. It was the principal of the school, and he gave a brief description of what was going on. "It is unconfirmed, but it appears the United States is under terrorist attack." The time was approximately 7:30 pacific time, 10:30 eastern time. By then, all three planes had reached their target and a fourth went down in a field in Pennsylvania. What was going on?

This is all what was talked about throughout the day. By the time I had left around noon, I was numb. I had so many questions. Most obvious, why? Why was this happening? Classes at Baker were cancelled on Wednesday, and I remember talking to history professor and social science department chair Dr. Karen Exon that same day. I could tell she was quite shocked as well. Really didn't have many answers to my questions, and if she did, I don't remember them. I do remember crying. Almost sobbing. This was a big wake-up call to our nation. We had been attacked for the first time in almost seventy years. But this was different. Or so I thought.

I used this time as an opportunity to question, research, critically think, synthesize, analyze, and find the answers to my questions. I became a believer in being an informed citizen. It was our obligation to know what is going on in the world around us. We seem to be consumed and sometimes overwhelmed with our own daily lives that we sometimes lose touch of reality. True, most of the news in this country is not good. Occasionally, you get a story that brings up something good that was done to benefit the lives of others. However, this is few and far between. But, if we have passion, motivation, dedication, a will to take action, and truly invoke change in our country, then this is the purpose of being informed. Change is a necessary component of our world, but the results of that change depends on today's citizen.

In close, it is important to know what's going on in the world. If the topic in class doesn't turn you on, then you need to find some aspect of the topic that does. You owe it to yourself and to this country to be informed. Yesterday was a day of national service to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Ask yourself one question: What will I do today to benefit the lives of others? Thanks for reading. If you read this and post a comment, I will give you extra credit.

BLOG URL

There are a few people that I still need to get blog URL's from. If you have already emailed me this information and your name is on this list, then I do apologize. However, for those of you that have not, then this is your opportunity. Please email me sometime this weekend as I would like to update your grades in my class. Enjoy the weekend!!!

Second Period - Alex A.; Breanna A.; Chris A.; Jessica B.; Stephen B.; Amber D.; Juan G.; Maria G.; James P.; Krystal R.; James R.; Viviana S.; Martina V.

Fourth Period - Manuel C.; Fernando C.; Manuel D.; Carrick D.; Masie D.; Ryan D.; Raul G.; Talia G.; Henry H.; Daniel L.; Augustin L.; Anton S.; Brianna S.; Kyle S.

American Government 9/10/10

In Class (Periods 2 and 4) - HWIP Presentation. Continue to discuss current events: Mid-Term elections and politics in the United States. Hand out articles: "Obama's Four Disasters" and "Obama's Moral Cowardice: The president needs to find his principles."

Homework - On Monday, I will check your blogs to see if you have been updating these on a daily basis. Starting on Monday and any day I see fit, I will continue to check your blogs for updates. Start getting into the habit of researching our current topic on a daily basis. Read the articles and write a short summary/reaction to them for Monday, September 13.

Period 1 - Hand out and discuss syllabus.

Homework - Create a blog and email me your URL by Monday, September 13. Also, read through the syllabus and have your parents sign. This is also due on Monday.

HWIP Presentations 9/13-9/17
2nd Period: 9/13 - Rae Lena; 9/14 - Amber; 9/15 - Patricia; 9/16 - Jesse; 9/17 - Gloria
4th Period: 9/13 - Chad; 9/14 - Reuben; 9/15 - Brianna; 9/16 - Tracie; 9/17 - Emily

World History 9/10/10

In Class - Finish group work from yesterday. Discuss important concepts, ideas, and people from Chapter 1, Sections 3-5. We will complete this on Monday.

Homework - Standards Check handout (Judeo-Christian). This is due on Monday.

NOTE - Test over Chapter 1 will be on Tuesday, September 14.

American Government 9/9/10

In Class - Brief video clip concerning the burning of the Koran day in Florida. Discuss as a class. Turn in homework (Double Web Journal and article reaction for those who didn't bring their article yesterday).

Homework - Keep updating your blog with resources concerning SB 1070.

World History 9/9/10

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 1, Sections 3-5 Quiz/Primary Source/Standards Check). Group Work: We will divide sections 3-5 among the groups. On your paper, you are to write the standard along with any important information that relates to the standard.

Homework - Test over Chapter 1 will be on Tuesday, September 14.

American Government 9/8/10

In Class - Short video clip from Stephen Colbert: http://www.fancast.com/tv/The-Colbert-Report/94816/1563922426/The-Colbert-Report-8-10-2010/videos. This clip discusses the recent debate over the 14th Amendment and its correlation to the recent immigration issue in Arizona. Group Work: In groups of three, get out your current event (HW from yesterday). As a group, complete the Web Double Journal. Be sure to include a citation and write 2-3 paragraphs synthesizing the information from the different articles.

For those who forgot their article, read the article "Clinton condemns Quran burning plan." On the back of the article, write a two to three paragraph reaction to this article for homework.

Homework - Complete the Web Double Journal and for those who forgot their current event for today, you need to complete the Double Jornal and article reaction.

QOW - None for this week.

Video/Article to check out:
Profile: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the man behind the NYC Islamic center
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/08/imam.feisal.abdul.rauf.profile/index.html?hpt=C2
Eliott C. McLaughlin, CNN

Also, CNN's Soledad O'Brien has an exclusive interview with Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf on "Larry King Live" Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.

World History 9/8/10

In Class - Discuss and turn in homework (video discussion questions from last Friday). Class notes discussing Roman Law.

Homework - Chapter 1, Sections 3-5 Quiz and Primary Source is due tomorrow. Test is on Monday, September 13.

American Government 9/8/10

In Class - Short video clip regarding the massacre of 72 migrants in Mexico. As a class, brainstorm possible topics that correlate to Arizona SB 1070.

Homework - Bring a current event regarding one of the topics discussed today in class. We will you use these in class tomorrow. Also, be sure to update your blog daily concerning new sources/research concerning AZ SB 1070.

Articles to Check Out:

"How Barack Obama Became Mr. Unpopular" http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2015629,00.html
Michael Scherer - Time Magazine

Article traces the rise and fall of President Obama's popularity in the United States. Americans are frustrated that his policy and promise of change has not occurred and are wondering how he will fix our current economy.

World History 9/7/10

In Class - New seating arrangement. Hand back papers. Test over Chapter 1 is on Monday, September 13. I will have a review sheet for you on Friday. While papers are being handed out, work on your homework from the weekend (video questions (3)). Hand out packet: Chapter 1, Sections 3-5 Quiz and Primary Source. Remember that every primary source must be underlined or highlighted with the question number next to the evidence.

Homework - Packet due on Thursday, September 9.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY - I need Kleenex. Bring as many as you want, but you will only receive up to 20 points max. There is no due date on this.

American Government

In Class - HWIP Presentation. Continue to discuss world and current events. Assign HWIP presentations for next week. We discussed in class yesterday concerning our veterans returning home with symptoms of PTSD. Watch the documentary, "Wounded Platoon" about one battalion in Iraq and what it was like for them to come home.

Homework - None.

World History 9/3/10

In Class - Turn in Chapter 1, Section 2 Quiz, Primary Source, Guided Notes, and video notes with summary. Frizz: today's Frizz will be the video notes and discussion questions from the video Rome: Struggle for Power. You are to take notes during the video that respond to three of the five questions. You may also use your book to help you. This is due on Tuesday, September 7.

Homework - Finish take home video questions for Tuesday.

Reflection: Islamic Center Controversy

As I reflect upon this experience, my role in this class is different from conventional classes. As stated in the syllabus, this is a seminar style class that is influenced by the participation of the student. Although participation has been ok to this point, I feel there are many students in my classes that need to step it up. The way I see it, if you don't speak your mind, then you are being selfish by hiding a statement, response, or argument because you lack the self confidence to express your thoughts. I need more student participation from more people. It seems that every day, the same people express their thoughts. Not that this is a bad thing, but I believe the entire class would benefit from more student input. Face it, I can talk for days. I'd rather not. Let's get it started!

If your response to your lack of participation is that you are shy and don't like to speak in front of your peers, then my advice to you: deal with it. I work my butt off to make our class time together an enjoyable experience. I am constantly researching, reading, writing, analyzing, planning, grading, assessing, inspiring (hopefully), educating, and opening your eyes to the issues of our country. You owe it to this country to be an informed citizen. You owe it to yourself to take ownership of your education. I want you to want to learn. You have one senior year, and for some, this is a perfect time to learn something new about the world we live in. This is a perfect time for you to find answers to the questions you have. This is a perfect time to cherish the opportunities available to you in education. This is a perfect time for you to find interest in something. This is a perfect time for you to learn something about yourself as a student and individual. This is a perfect time for you to take action and make a difference in your community. This is a perfect time to set goals for yourself. This is a perfect time to embrace the notion that intelligence is a good thing.

I am excited about the possible potential I see in you guys. I see the research and the comments you post on your blog. I sometimes check out the articles. I want to learn as well. I need some of you to pick it up when it comes to utilizing the blog and meeting the expectations of this class. I expect that you update your blog daily. Starting with our next topic, you will need to post daily research on your blog (annotated works cited). For many of you, all you have done is created the blog. I expect you to use it otherwise I wouldn't have made it part of the class. I don't assign much homework, but I expect you to do some reading and research on your own.

In close, I work hard for you, and I expect the same in return. I know we all have are faults, and I am of no exception, but there is no excuse for not trying. Not interested in the topic? It is your job to find something that does interest you. You owe it to yourself to do your absolute best in everything you do. If at the end of the day you can answer this question with a yes, then it was a quality day: Did you use all of your abilities to their maximum potential to learn something new today? Remember, no regrets. No looking back at your only senior year thinking about what could have been. Take advantage of the opportunities you have. This is your time to take your education into your own hands.

Thanks for reading, I'll be here all week.
Mr. Palo

American Government 9/2/10

In Class - HWIP presentations (2) and continued class discussion (4th Period). 2nd Period - President Obama's Iraqi Freedom Address (9/1/10). Discusses the future of Iraq and the promise to honor those men and women who served their country by providing medical treatment and benefits to the returning soldiers that may have symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Homework - Your reflection concerning the class discussion on Tuesday is due by 11:59 tonight. Remember: POST THIS REFLECTION ON YOUR OWN PERSONAL BLOG. What did you learn? How did the discussion go? Any arguments that caught your attention? How knowledgeable was the class? Original arguments? What surprised you? Interested you? Do you have any unanswered questions? Any last minute thoughts?

NOTE***First Board of Education Meeting tonight at 7 pm at the District Office located on Tyler and Keller.

World History 9/2/10

In Class - Class Notes: Ancient Rome: The Beginning. Short quiz tomorrow over Chapter 1, Section 2. Review the handout and video notes. I will collect the video summary and handout (Chapter 1, Sec. 2 Quiz/Primary Source/Guided Notes) tomorrow.

Homework - Review for short quiz tomorrow.

World History 9/1/10

In Class - Complete video: Ancient Rome: Prosperity and Decline. Complete video handout. Hang onto your homework from yesterday.

Homework - Complete the summary from the video.

American Government 8/31/10

In Class - Class Discussion: Islamic Center controversy in New York City. You must participate in order to earn points. See your syllabus for what it is I will be listening for during the discussion.

Homework - By Thursday, post a reflection on your own personal blog about our discussion. What went well? What did you learn? Anything that interested you? Did your point of view change?

World History 8/31/10

In Class -In Class Writing: As homework yesterday, you were to watch the news to find out what is happening in the world. Write a solid paragraph summarizing the important content of the story you chose to write about. Turn in. When done, continue to work on the handout from yesterday over Ancient Rome.

Homework - Handout over Ancient Rome.