may 30

(Huh. Just noticed this got stuck in Draft mode and didn't publish.  So I'm publishing it now. -dp)

I won't be in class today.  I just called into class and Ms. Anderson told me someone is already presenting.

Nice work: this is now officially a self-sustained learning community.  I am proud to be part of it.

Please take notes and curate the moment on your blogs.

And please turn in your journals.  I have a lot of reading to do this week.  If you completed a notebook already and you have it at home, please bring it with you tomorrow.

mla sample

Request granted.  Check out the sample HERE.  Please comment with any questions.

may 31

You know who you are.

You know what to do.

After today's presentations we'll talk a little about MLA style.

The paper is due on Friday.

That's 48 hours.

masterpiece academy day 5/ period 4

Sometimes the most powerful questions are about things that we see every day and take for granted.  Trevor asked us: Why do we operate on a seven-day week?

He traced the development of the calendar back through the ages, from cultural traditions to spiritual texts.  He shared a chart with the names of each weekday and the names of corresponding ancient Gods.  And he showed us this video:


For more, please visit Trevor's blog.

Adan took the stage next and talked about why we believe (or don't) in the existence of extraterrestrial life.  Check out his presentation here.

Why Are There People Who Dont Believe in Extraterestial Life by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Adan also showed us a video.  At first I thought it was a joke.  Then I realized that there are really, truly stupid* (*literally, intentionally resistant to new or dissonant information) people who live in the world. I can't bear to embed it here.  You'll have to ask Adan.  It's a near-perfect example of painfully unbelievable ethos mixed with misdirected pathos and totally flawed logos.  Yuck.

may 25

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today's the day.  But... the day for what?  Explain your answer.

--or--

You find a scorpion in your shoe.  The hard way.  Describe in detail.

--or--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy

3
Vivian (10)
Katie (15)
Elizabeth (10)
Nicol (10)

4
Kaylee
Angelina

5
Yamile (10)
Elyssa (10)
Amy (5)
Victoria (10)

6
Maira (10)
Elizabet (10)
Maria (10)
Daniel (10)

apologies to period 6

I have to leave campus unexpectedly to attend to a family matter.  I don't know if the school has found a substitute.  I will be back tomorrow, and I will work with today's presenters to find times for them to show us what they got.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

may 24

JOURNAL TOPIC:
"Good luck."  What a bunch of crap.  We know better.  Since the 1600s we've had sayings like, "The harder I work, the better luck I have" and "Chance favors the prepared mind."  So why do so many of us ignore the obvious and just hope for the best without taking the right-minded action that will more likely create the results we desire?  Why leave your fate to... well, fate?  What can you do today to improve your luck?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy


3
Emily (10)
Chris (10)
Isaias (6)

4
Trevor (10)
Adan (9)

5
Andrea (13)
Sofia (15)

6
David (10)
Johanna (10)
Esperanza (10)
Jesus (10)

may 23

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Write a short story that includes the following ingredients: an alligator, a cafeteria worker, a magic lamp, and an allusion.

--or--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy:

3
Jocelyn (10)
Victor (10)
Emily (10)
Alex (10)

4
Blake (10)
Erik

5
Carlos (15)

6
Joe (10)
Gladdis (10)
Axel (10)
Junior (10)

may 22

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Please reflect on the Masterpiece Academy presentations you've seen so far.  What have you learned?


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 4

3
Robert (10)
Richard (20)
Ofelia (10)
Eli (12)

4
Leo (9)
Ana (5)
Jacky (8)
Giselle (10)

5
Uri (8)
Adamari (8)
Jesus O. (15)
Jesus L. (15)

6
Angel (10)
Maddi (10)

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 6

Regina tackled a truly Big Question: Was religion invented to control people?

You can see her presentation below.  (Spoiler: the short answer seems to be Yes.)

Was Religion Invented to Control People by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 5

His challenges with taboo language and spelling aside, Ricky gave us an important weather report.

Short version: the weather is cranky and getting worse, and it's probably our fault.  Here is his presentation:

Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Mario followed up with a compelling presentation on vegetarianism.  Mario is one of the most compelling speakers we've seen so far-- he started by asking us to take out our ear buds and turn off our electronics, because this is a topic that is important to him.  As a speaker, this guy is off the charts.  He told us that some of his images were graphic, and invited squeamish classmates to look away-- but he also reminded us that, "If factory farming isn't good enough for your eyes, how can it be good enough for your stomach?"

Just five months ago, Mario was a huge meat-eater.  But then he learned some things that completely changed his perspective on issues from protein/health to economics to the environment (animal agriculture --> 18% of greenhouse gas/ more than transportation? Jeez!!!) to animal cruelty.  Check out his Prezi, below.  I may finally have to order from the other side of the menu. 

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 4

Most students can't imagine what their lives would be like without smart phones.  Daniel tried.  Here is his presentation:

Big Question Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Then Cesar gave us some winning strategies for going beyond our limits:

My Big Question by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Importantly, he also showed us what happens when we try to fool ourselves without proper commitment, sacrifice, and preparation:

masterpiece academy day 3 / period 3

Thanks Jason for the presentation on reselling sneakers for profit!

Go figure.  Who knew there were "sneaker mobs" on Twitter?


After Jason's business advice, we got a real treat.  Jaime shared his love for food and taught us how to make lasagna.  You can see his presentation here:

How to Make Lasagna by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Speaking of recipes, our last presenter Adrian gave us his recipe for success.  He reminded us that anyone can be successful, no matter how humble our beginnings or how difficult our path.  Adrian talked about sacrifice, discipline, and hard work.

Adrian said, "When I get ready to do something, I look back and ask myself: 'What brought me here?'"

may 19

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Choose your own.  Or write about how it is that a 52 year-old successful rock star can be so (?) that he takes his own life.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 3

PRESENTATIONS

3
Jaime (11)
Elvis (10)
Jason (10)
Adrian (10)

4
Daniel (5)
Cesar (10)
Erik (5)

5
Mario (20)
Jose (10)
Ricky (10)
Andrew (8)

6
Regina (10)
Jish (10) 

may 18

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Since you didn't get to choose your own journal topic yesterday...

Choose your own journal topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM -- if you haven't yet presented, work to make it the best ever; if you have already presented, help a friend who hasn't, and/or go through the course blog to find information for your paper (you can also take the time to look into MLA Style).  Whatever you do, blog about it.

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 6

"Yasmin, what are you doing to us?!?" cried the class after the opening video of Yasmin's presentation on sleep paralysis.  If you dare, check out the video and the rest here:

Sleep Paralysis Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 5

Alvaro brought us into the world of video games and showed us some video of his exploits.

For the non-gamers in the room, the experience was a window into a world of challenge, complex storytelling, and increasingly advanced technology and business models.
 
Alex brought us back to the real world.  Some 18 year-olds create million-dollar businesses or use million-dollar high-tech weaponry to kill.  Other 18 year-olds can't manage to do their own laundry. Or vote.  So, it's a good question:

Why Are We Considered Adults at the Age 18 by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Edmundo gave us some powerful ideas to consider about racism and labels.  I'd be personally grateful if you would spend some time considering his presentation-- and watching the video he embedded in it-- and considering how the ways we've been trained to think are changeable.  Thanks Edmundo, this is good stuff.  We can all do better.



Frank made the point that racism and nationalism aren't only powerful psychological and cultural influencers-- they are also American policy.  This was a powerful wake-up call.  Frank began by saying he loves America; it's every patriot's duty to ask the tough questions.  We need the courage to take a clear-eyed view of ourselves and make the world a better place for every human being.

Frank P.5 by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 3

First up, Angel presented on Real Life Cops v. Video Game Cops.

It was an interesting conversation about the word "cop" and the current reputation of law enforcement officers.  Most everyone thinks the police are unreasonably authoritative and often violent.  There is a lot of fear and anger around the topic.  Here is Angel's slide presentation:

English Project Cops and Video Game Cops by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Next, Jose gave a talk on the reasons that people can't seem to get along better. (Hmm, there was a theme in these first two presentations!)  He talked about some of the personal and cultural factors that lead to bias and not listening to each other.  Although it was challenging to find a mentor in this field (maybe in future Jose will become a mediator), Jose pointed us to leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Gandhi.  Here is his presentation:

English Presentation by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Then Luis changed our thinking with his presentation on thrift stores and clothing.  He showed us how celebrities and everyday people update their looks with vintage clothes that are great values.

Th Riff Ting by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Not only did Luis walk the walk, he talked the talk-- he's already created his own online thrift store!  Check out his website HERE.

masterpiece academy day 2 / period 4

Eric got us started with a presentation on photography.  Since everyone with a phone is a digital photographer, Eric's tips should help make life look a little better.  Check out his Prezi:



If you're going to take pictures, you should take pictures of something adorable-- no, Internet, I'm not talking about cats.  DOGS.  Man's best friend.  The animal that doesn't judge you, who is always happy to see you, who doesn't give you a bunch of crappy excuses about why they couldn't do that project by the date you agreed on... DOGS.  Awesome.  For more, check out Patti's presentation:

Man’s Best Friend by dpreston1441 on Scribd

Cynthia ended the period by giving us some auditory to complement the visual.  She talked about the power of music.  Songs inspire us, help us concentrate, and sometimes even move us to tears.  These emotional responses are created by the dopamine that our brain releases in response to the music.  Visit her blog to trade favorite songs and ideas!

may 17

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Hotel California" by The Eagles; "California Dreaming" by The Mamas and The Papas; "California Love" by 2Pac]

Why do you think California so legendary for so many people around the world?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy Day 2


3
Jose (11)
Luis (12)
Jay (10)
Angel (11)

4
Eriberto (5)
Patty (10)
Cynthia (15)

5
Alex (10)
Edmundo (10)
Frank (12)
Alvaro (10)

6
?

masterpiece academy day 1 / period 6

Many thanks to Jorge for the actors' workshop!

Jorge started out by taking us all out of our comfort zone (Confession: I don't actually have a comfort zone. But it sure looked like others had fun stepping over the edge!) and getting us actively involved.

Jorge made many good points.  And he was such a good speaker that I forgot to take notes all the way through.  So here are some highlights:

• Table reading and working with a script
• Delivery
• Connecting with a character
• Relationships in the industry

Below this paragraph you can see Jorge's Prezi. But really, you shoulda been there.  His enthusiasm and passion for his topic, combined with his extensive knowledge, was beyond informative and inspiring.  The dude gave a performance of a lifetime, and I have the feeling that someday we'll be watching him on a screen saying things like, "I knew that dude back when..."

masterpiece academy day 1/ period 5

 Thanks David for the brilliant presentation on digital art! 

Highlights:

• I love art-- especially digital art
• Got my inspiration from Van Gogh and Monet
• I just wanted to draw a picture
• As the video progresses I went from a sky and flowers to something different-- I didn't like what I did in the beginning, and I'm never satisfied with the end 
• Anyone can do this if they're motivated
• Haircuts are art. Engineering is art. Everything is art and everyone is an artist.
• I decided to make this short because I didn't want my talking to be the focus, I wanted my art to speak for itself
• My art is different from yours
• Art doesn't define you, it's what you create that defines you
• My hope is this (here David points to the finished work on the screen)
• (Video used screen o matic)

Here's the video:




And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, Alexis gave a presentation on how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.   He talked about nutrition, exercise, and a healthy mental outlook-- here's the PowerPoint:

Alexis on Healthy Lifestyle by dpreston1441 on Scribd

masterpiece academy day 1/ period 4

Thanks Roxanna for the great presentation on makeup!  Apart from the how-to advice (which I doubt I'll ever use :), it was interesting to hear your perspective on how we present ourselves.  Some people have insecurities and imperfections that they cover up.

Someone asked the question, "How much makeup is too much?"  When it becomes the focus instead of the person wearing it.

History: during Queen Elizabeth's time, white skin was associated with a wealthy lifestyle.  In ancient Egypt they were into the dark eyeliner.

class photographers?

I was just reviewing my first Masterpiece Academy presentation post, and my pictures suck.  As you take pictures or video for your posts, if you get a really good one would you please email it to me so I can post it here too?  Mahalo.

masterpiece academy day 1 / period 3

Thanks for a great kick-off!

Satchel set the tone by presenting ways we can improve the American system of education.  He started with a team exercise in which members had to help each other solve a riddle (The horse's name was Friday!).

Based on his research, his suggestions included:

• Teachers should get out of students' way
• Students should focus on skills -- like teamwork and collaboration -- that will help them later in life
• Numbers and grades don't help students get better
• Teachers and mentors should evaluate students with portfolios
• Team members should evaluate each other based on strengths and weaknesses
• Update learner-centered models-- Satchel went to Montessori and he sees way we can apply those methods in the Information Age 
• Learning environments shouldn't suck; decades-old "portables" and fluorescent lights don't inspire

Satchel received some valuable feedback from the audience, most especially that they were persuaded by his thoughts and they believed he will make school better for future learners!


After Satchel got us started, Etzell gave a presentation on success.  She talked about being responsible, disciplined, and motivated.

• (I missed the first and second steps, can someone please add those in a comment?)
• Third step: be creative, be imaginative, be yourself!
• Video: get over negative self-talk ("I don't know how to do that" or "I don't have that" or "I'm not like those successful people") and DON'T STOP

may 16

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Today the thinking is all about your thinking.  What are you thinking about?  Why are you thinking about it?  How is your thinking influenced by your feelings and your memories, your fears and hopes and expectations and rumblings in your tummy?  What can you do in this very moment to change your thinking in ways you think will help you think better?  Will this improve your life?  Ya think? ;)

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Complete sign-ups
3. Masterpiece Academy Day 1: Satchel, Etzell, Roxanna, & David
4. Notes/ MGOM

masterpiece academy lineup

Below is the first draft schedule (with presenters' time estimates in parentheses/ example 5/15).  If you haven't yet requested a date, please do so by Monday May 15).   Please remember to include your period number in the comments. I look forward to taking your micro-courses!

May 15

3
Dr. Preston (10)


4



5


6



May 16

3
Satchel (15)
Etzell (10)

4
Roxy (20)

5
David Bautista (7)

6
Jorge (20)


May 17

3
Jose (11)
Luis (12)
Jay (10)
Angel (11)

4
Eriberto (5)
Patty (10)
Cynthia (15)

5
Alex (10)
Edmundo (10)
Frank (12)

6
Yasmin (15)

May 19

3
Jaime (11)
Elvis (10)
Jason (10)
Adrian (10)

4
Daniel (5)
Cesar (10)
Erik (5)

5
Mario (20)
Jose (10)
Ricky (10)
Andrew (8)

6
Regina (10)
Jish (10)

May 22

3
Robert (10)
Richard (20)
Ofelia (10)
Eli (12)

4
Kaylee (10)
Leo (9)
Ana (5)
Jacky (8)
Giselle (10)

5
Uri (8)
Adamari (8)
Jesus O. (15)
Jesus L. (15)

6
Angel (10)
Maddi (10)


May 23


3
Jocelyn (10)
Victor (10)
Emily (10)
Alex (10)

4
Blake (10)
Erik

5
Carlos (15)

6
Joe (10)
Gladdis (10)
Axel (10)
Junior (10

May 24


3
Chris (10)
Isaias (6)

4
Trevor (10)
Adan (9)

5
Andrea (13)
Sofia (15)

6
David (10)
Johanna (10)
Esperanza (10)
Jesus (10)


May 25

3
Vivian (10)
Katie (15)
Elizabeth (10)
Nicol (10)

4
Kaylee
Angelina

5
Yamile (10)
Elyssa (10)
Amy (5)
Victoria (10)

6
Maira (10)
Elizabet (10)
Maria (10)
Daniel (10)


May 30



3
Carlos (10)
Klieff (10)
Giovanni (10)
Marcos (10)

4
Sokratis (9)
Michelle (10)


5
Jesus (10)
Noelia (10)
Tanya (7)

6
Angel (10)
Lionel (10)
Edgar (10)
Polo (10)




May 31

3
Alin (10)

4
Isaac (10)

5
Beatrice (10)

6
Arielle (10)
Daniella (10)
Leo (10)

June 1 


3


4

5

6
Demi
Lesley
Neri

June 2


3


4
Araceli (5)
Alicia (8)

5

6
Paola (10)
Jose (10)
Anahi (10)

may 15

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "When You Wish Upon A Star" by Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards)]

Wave your mental magic wand and imagine the next three weeks as valuable, unforgettable learning.  What do you expect from the Masterpiece Academy and how can you contribute to making it the experience you envision?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy: logistics and (maybe?) a kick-off presentation on this short day

HW:

Applied Self-determination Theory, as expressed through your masterpiece work and/or literary exploration.

masterpiece academy final question

When the last presentation has been given, this is the question I will ask you to write on for your final reflection.  Please start a post or notes that will help you remember what's important.
______________________________________________________________________________

For the next few weeks the Masterpiece Academy will be your showcase.  As you reflect on this experience, and your overall experience in this course throughout the year, please address the following questions in a traditional MLA-style essay.  Then post about it to your blog in any medium (music, pictures, video, animation, [?]) that brings your thesis to life.  (You may embed the original paper if you can't think of a better way to communicate.)

Please Note: Everything on the traditional paper assignment counts.  Please proofread and/or ask a friend or relative to help with organization, flow, and mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, MLA style, e.g.)


Masterpiece Academy Question

Montaigne ended his essay "Of The Education of Children" this way:

To return to my subject, there is nothing like alluring the appetite and affections; otherwise you make nothing but so many asses laden with books; by dint of the lash, you give them their pocketful of learning to keep; whereas, to do well you should not only lodge it with them, but make them espouse it. (1580)

The word espouse originally meant "to marry" and took on connotations like "embrace," "love," and "advocate."  Have you espoused learning?  Explain your growth in this course via a narrative that portrays you as the dynamic protagonist in your own Bildungsroman.  Please include the following elements.

ELEMENT 1: You have been treated as colleagues and you have been given a great deal of choice in this course; this represents a high level of trust.  Did you and the others deserve it?  Earn it?  Honor it? 

ELEMENT 2: Fiction has been called "the lie that tells the truth."  Which works, authors, or characters did you read this year that rang true enough to make you feel like they described parts of you and/or your journey? (Please mention at least three.  It makes them sad when we forget them.)

ELEMENT 3: Have you re/connected with a passion that drives you?  If so, how will you continue your learning?  If not, how will you proceed?

ELEMENT 4: [Something about literature or this course that made you laugh out loud.]

ELEMENT 5: [A unifying theme that runs through a minimum of five (5) presentations; a quality of the content, or the speakers, or their communication techniques that strikes you as something important that we have in common.]  Please illustrate/support your point with specific examples from the presentations.

ELEMENT 6: Evaluate whether you completed the hero's journey.  Are you a hero?  To what extent did you respond to the call of adventure?  Did you find a mentor, conquer a challenge, and return enlightened?

ELEMENT 7: For old time's sake, sneak in a literary technique.  Don't make a big deal out of it.  I'll know it's there.

because sometimes technology

I just caught a glitch in the schedule platform I used on Friday, and realized that today's schedule-- the first day of the Masterpiece Academy-- didn't make it online.  So, on one hand, the people I selected as our first faculty members don't know who they are.  On the other hand, everyone is supposed to be ready today, and you've all had ample notice (we've only been talking about your Big Questions since last August).  So: when class begins today I will take volunteers. Looking forward!

may 12

I'm off campus today, so:

1. Write about whatever is on your mind and remember to leave your journal;

and

2. Use the time to gather/organize your information, develop your presentation, bounce ideas off your colleagues and get ready to kick off our Masterpiece Academy on Monday.

I will post our tentative schedule and our expectations / tools for evaluation later today.

Have a great day!

because the internet

Link HERE (thanks BoingBoing!)

may 11

JOURNAL TOPIC:
What makes you want to listen to someone and/or trust what s/he says?  What makes you less likely to listen to someone and trust what s/he says?  Describe at least two examples.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece Academy schedule (draft)
3. Rubric
4. Blog analytics

stanford study hack

(Want to go from a B to an A?  Yes, you do.)

In breaking news, a Stanford postgrad has "discovered" what we've known about learning for a long, long time... here's THE LINK so you can read about it and take someone else's word beside mine. :)

may 10

JOURNAL TOPIC:
In school we say, "Do your own thinking/use your own words/don't look at your neighbor's paper."  At work we say, "Be a team player/share your thinking/anything you say or type on company hardware belongs to the company."  When are our thoughts private and when aren't they?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Discussion/ MGOM

masterpiece presentations (II): expectations & logistics

Here are the observations you made in class yesterday:

EXPECTATIONS

Do:

• Prepare
• Organize
• Talk to us; don't just read off your paper or your slides
• Meet our eyes and share your enthusiasm & passion for your Big Question/idea/skill
• Give us at least one awesome thing to remember
• Be clear
• Manage your time
• Show your confidence
• Involve your audience

Don't:

• Bore us
• Wait until the last minute

LOGISTICS

• Each presentation should be >10 minutes
•  How are you presenting? 
• Do you need Internet connection or other online tools?
• Are you using PowerPoint or Prezi?
• Are you creating a video to show on YouTube, Vimeo, or another platform?
• What do you need?
• Materials
• Support

may 9

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Six hundred years after he stopped writing, we are still quoting Shakespeare-- often without knowing it.  Is there a lyricist or a rapper who will be remembered as having such an impact?  Who?  Why?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. The 7-step lesson plan: a classic model of teaching
3. MGOM/ checking in with everyone on timing

masterpiece presentations

Now it's time for the inmates to take over the asylum.

Each student will show how s/he has become a master.  Each of you will teach the rest of us:

• How you decided what you're passionate about;
• The value your topic/field/skill has for us;
• How you learned more about the topic/field/skill by:
• Finding resources
• Becoming fluent in the language of the practitioner
• Seeking out a mentor 
• Collaborating and getting feedback from peers/blog followers
• How this has enriched your life and your experience in this course.

Per our conversations in class, your presentation should include:

• Visuals and/or hands-on experiences that bring the audience into your world
• Enough craft so as to convince us you didn't just throw something together for a grade
• Handouts or main points you think we should remember.

Please note that there will be a final essay exam based on the curriculum you create, so be sure-- as both presenter and audience member-- that you are getting the maximum understanding and value from everyone's presentations.

We will discuss general expectations and logistics today in class.

on giving up

The post you can see HERE was put on the 2014-2015 American Lit course blog by a student.  Have a look: it's just as true now as it was then.

may 8

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Invent a magic spell.  Explain what it does, why you wrote it, and how it makes the world a better place. 

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Masterpiece expectations
3. Masterpiece logistics
4. Next steps

jostens scam

Read the full story HERE

may 5

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Author Guillermo Gutierrez has written that, "In America Cinco de Mayo is nothing more than a cynical excuse for gringos to buy and sell alcohol, wear sombreros, and exercise their First Amendment right to act like idiots in public."

Agree or disagree with this statement using what you have learned from traditional and online media, as well as personal experience.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM/ Individual conferences
3. Next steps

give markstone a hand

Hey everyone, SMHS tech guru Mr. Markstone has asked for our help.  Please go to THIS LINK and take the brief survey.  Mahalo.

may 4

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Huh.  A student and his family just did something so nice that I am actually speechless.  You know me: speechless is not normal.

Describe a time someone did something so nice for you that it actually shocked you.

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM
3. Individual conferences

BLOG POST:

Today please post to your blog (title: MGOM).  In this post, please:

• Explain what you are doing with your time this week in class, and how you experience the Monster Garage of the Mind;
• Provide a status report of your project that includes:
• how you've refined your topic
• how many people you have shared with, and 
• how you intend to present your work

may 3

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Sometimes I miss all the graffiti and designs from my old classroom.  One of my favorite quotes on the wall was from author Kurt Vonnegut (who we'd be reading if we had more time).  It said:

True terror is waking up one morning to discover your high school class is running the country.

In the not-to-distant future, you and your colleagues will take on increasing responsibility in your lives, your communities, your professions, and your country.  What makes you feel ready for this?  What more will you need to learn or prepare?

--OR--

Choose your own topic.


AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM (you may not yet be running the country, but you are starting to run this course)
3. Individual conferences

ap practicum/ boot camp

Please come to 645 at lunch any day this week if you want additional practice on the AP English Language & Composition timed writings or multiple choice.

may 2

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "I Melt With You" by Modern English; "Modern Love" by David Bowie; "Modern Man" by Bad Religion]

Agree or disagree with the following quote:

I have always had this view about the modern education system: we pay attention to brain development, but the development of warmheartedness we take for granted.
Dalai Lama

--OR--

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. MGOM
3. Individual planning conferences

this just in: facebook stalking insecure kids

Facebook is using covert surveillance methods to target high school-age kids who are "insecure, stressed out, overwhelmed" etc.  Full story HERE.