Holiday Break News

To all my students:

The break is from December 20 - January 4th.
First day back is January 5th!

Over the break you can make-up Reading Plus sessions if you missed any weeks this nine weeks.  If you are up to date on your sessions then you do not have to complete Reading Plus over the break.
Please take advantage of this opportunity because when we return from the break the nine weeks ends on January 15th.

Please be safe and enjoy time with your friends and family.

Research Paper -- Body Paragraphs

1. INSERT A TOPIC SENTENCE:

The main idea of your paragraph. When creating a topic sentence, ask yourself what’s going on in your paragraph. Why you chose to include the information you have? Why is the paragraph important in the context of your argument or thesis statement? What point are you trying to make?

2. EXPLAIN YOUR TOPIC SENTENCE:

Does your topic sentence require further explanation? If so, add another 1-2 sentences

explaining your topic sentence here.

3. INTRODUCE YOUR EVIDENCE:

Most academic papers require students to integrate evidence (often quotes, but it can

also include statistics, figures, common sense examples, etc.) to support the claim(s)

made in the paragraph and/or the paper as a whole. When including evidence, make

sure it is integrated smoothly into the text of the paper. Readers should be able to

move from your words to your evidence without feeling a logical or mechanical jolt.

4. INSERT YOUR EVIDENCE:

Insert/drop-in your supporting evidence (often quotes but again, evidence can also be in

the form of personal examples, facts, statistics, etc.).

5. UNPACK YOUR EVIDENCE:

Explain what the quote means and why it’s important to your argument. The author

should agree with how you sum up the quotation—this will help you establish credibility,

by demonstrating that you do know what the author is saying even if you don’t agree.

Often 1-2 sentences tops (unless you evidence is particularly long or complicated that

is).

6. EXPLAIN YOUR EVIDENCE:

No matter how good your evidence is, it won’t help your argument much if your reader doesn't know why it’s important. Ask yourself: how does this evidence prove the point

you are trying to make in this paragraph and/or your paper as a whole? Can be opinion

based and is often at least 1-3 sentences.

7. INSERT A CONCLUDING SENTENCE:

End your paragraph with a concluding sentence or sentences that reasserts how your paragraph contributes to the development of your argument as a whole. 

Holiday Song Project

With the holiday break right around the corner here is a chance to boost your grade:

1. You will select a holiday song.
2. You will present the following information on a Powerpoint--
A. The history of the song (make sure to include who wrote it, when it was first recorded, who first sang it, how many times it has been remade)
B. What is the meaning of the song? Find the deeper meaning not just the literal meaning.
3. Your Powerpoint must include the lyrics of the song and include images associated with the song.

Remember to have fun, but do a good job!

It is due December 16th (Periods 2,4,6) and December 17th (Periods 1,3,5) 
Worth 10 points x 2

Research Paper: Introduction Paragraph

To all my students:

You have started to write your actual research paper.  When it comes to the Introduction Paragraph this can either make or break your paper.  If you are not excited or passionate about your topic it will show in your introduction.

Remember the following:
1. Use a good attention grabber.  You can start with a quote that is related to your topic.  You can write a scenario or story that illustrates your topic.  You can start with a question or statistic that is dealing with your topic.
2.  Do not use first person.  You must remain neutral.  If you start using "I", "me", "myself" it will lead you to sound more biased and that is something you do not want in a research paper.
3.  Do not include too many details or get into your actual information.  Your introduction should be general information regarding your topic.  Leave the details for the body paragraphs.
4.  Your last sentence should be where you make it clear what you will be arguing in your paper.  You should pick a side.

Introduction paragraphs will be due TYPED, 12 point font, double spaced on
November 19th for Periods 1,3,5
November 20th for Periods 2,4,6

*Save your work on your computer or USB so that you do not have to retype it later for the final draft.

Extra Credit Opportunity

Since we are doing sonnets, I thought I would make the extra credit related to sonnets.

1.  Memorize a sonnet.  You can either recite it to the class or recite it to me during lunch or after school.
2.  Write your own sonnet.  You can either follow the Petrachan format or the Shakespearean format.  Please do not go online and print someone else's sonnet.  (If I find your sonnet to be plagiarized we are going to have problems.)

Or if you bring in an item for the Thanksgiving Baskets I will give you extra credit.
Only bring items from the list below:
•         2 cans of green beans

•         2 cans of corn

•         2 cans of black beans

•         Bag of rice

•         Box of mashed potatoes

•         Can of yams/sweet potatoes (large)

•         Bag of marshmallows

•         Box of stuffing

•         2 jars of gravy

•         Apple juice (family size, 64 oz.)

•         Pumpkin pie crust

•         Pumpkin pie filling

•         Chicken broth

•         Holiday paper goods and utensils for 8

You will have until November 21st to submit either one of the options for the sonnets or a Thanksgiving basket item.

Sonnet Assignment

Periods 1,2,3,5,6:

In class you selected a number, which represents one of Shakespeare's sonnets.
You can find your sonnet at the following website  http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/
 or you can just use google.

1.  You can either print out your sonnet or write it out.
2.  You need to break down the structure of the sonnet like you did in class.  (Label the quatrains and couplet, label the rhyme scheme)
3.  Using the imagery from your poem create a collage.  (The pictures can be drawn by hand, printed out or cut out from magazines.)

Due: November 12 for Periods 2 & 6,  
November 13 for Periods 1,3,5

Happy Halloween!

Just a few reminders for next week:

1.  Remember to put your clocks back an hour this Saturday night.
2.  Tuesday, November 4th is no school.  If you are registered to vote -- Go Vote!
3.  You need to continue to gather sources for your research paper.
You need a minimum of 5 sources.  Here is the process you should follow when taking notes on your sources:

• Write the title of your source/article at the top of your paper.
• Write a paragraph summary of your article.
• Write 5 quotes from your article that you would be able to use in your research paper.
• Explain how your article would strengthen your research paper.  (For example, would it make your argument stronger or give examples of the point you are trying to make in your paper.)

4.  Extra Credit -- Show registration for SAT or ACT test.  
Show passing score on the SAT (Reading 440) or ACT (Reading 19)
5.  No School on Tuesday, November 11th -- Veteran's Day

Have a safe Halloween!

Second Nine Weeks News

Monday starts the second nine weeks, which means everyone starts with a clean slate.  If you messed up the first nine weeks the second nine weeks is your opportunity to improve your grade.  If you did well then continue to do well.

As I mentioned in class, the second nine weeks grade will depend a lot on your research paper.  Your first assignment will start next week when you must bring in a copy of at least one of your sources.  You will read it in class and highlight parts that you might include in your actual research paper.
Have your copy ready by Wednesday, October 29th!

Remember that your research topic may change as you start doing your actual research.

Here is a video that you can refer to regarding writing research papers:

Mrs. Manfra just read...

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks

If you liked The Notebook you are going to love this novel.
Nicholas Sparks has a way of bringing love stories to life and this book is no exception.
In this book, Sparks tells us the stories of two different couples -- Ira and Ruth (older couple) Luke and Sophia (younger couple).  These two couples have completely different stories going on with their lives and yet Sparks is able to connect their stories at the very end in a twist of fate ending.
Throughout the book Sparks is able to paint the picture of how loving someone can be difficult and yet beautiful at the same time.  As I read this novel it reminded me of the Courtly Love assignment I gave to all of you.  I have to admit that this novel had me crying at times.  The older couple reminded me so much of the couple from The Notebook.
If you are a hopeless romantic then this novel is for you.

Have you read anything good lately?  Let me know.

Spirit Week!

Your Homecoming Spirit Week starts next week.  Here are the days:

Monday -- Camouflage Day
Tuesday -- College Day
Wednesday -- Wayback (Blast from the Past) Day
Thursday -- Super Hero Day

Next Friday is a Teacher Work Day so there is no school and it is your Homecoming Dance that night.

Looking forward to seeing you all dressed up and spirited next week.
Show the underclassmen how spirited the class of 2015 is!

Chivalry Assignment

The code that guided knightly behavior was called chivalry or the chivalric code.

The Knight's Code of Chivalry was a moral system that stated all knights should protect others who can not protect themselves. It also included such values as: strength, discipline, loyalty, generosity and faith.

Part 1:
In your own words, answer the question: What is chivalry? or Do you think chivalry is dead?
Be honest with yourself and give some personal examples to back up your answer.

Part 2:
Interview five people by asking them the same question: What is chivalry?  or Do you think chivalry is dead? You have to ask at least one family member, one teacher/coach/administrator, and three people of your choice. Make sure to include their name, age and who they are.  Please write down their answer exactly as they tell you (whether they are right or wrong).

Due Thursday, October 16 (Periods 2,4,6) and Friday, October 17 (Periods 1,3,5)

Reading Plus Update

Dear students:

As of this week, starting with October 6th, you will not be required to do the IB portion of Reading Plus.  You are still to complete 2 RA and 2 SR (with 80% or higher comprehension) to get full credit.
Please come and see me if you have any questions.

Courtly Love Assignment

We have finished reading "The Wife of Bath" from the Canterbury Tales and we are also reading Federigo's Falcon, which are both stories that deal with the idea of courtly love.
If you remember from your Cornell Notes on the Medieval Period, courtly love was a concept that basically explained how men and women should treat each other.  There were actual rules that were written and people were supposed to follow them.
In class you picked a number, which corresponds to one of the rules below:

Andreas Capellanus’s Rules for Love

1. Marriage is no real excuse for not loving.

2. He who is not jealous cannot love.

3. No one can be bound by a double love.

4. It is well known that love is always increasing or decreasing.

5. That which a lover takes against the will of his beloved has no relish.

6. Boys do not love until they arrive at the age of maturity.

7. When one lover dies, a widowhood of two years is required of the survivor.

8. No one should be deprived of love without the very best of reasons.

9. No one can love unless he is impelled by the persuasion of love.

10. Love is always a stranger in the home of avarice.

11. It is not proper to love any woman whom one should be ashamed to seek to marry.

12. A true lover does not desire to embrace in love anyone except his beloved.

13. When made public, love rarely endures.

14. The easy attainment of love makes it of little value; difficulty of attainment makes it prized.

15. Every lover regularly turns pale in the presence of his beloved.

16. When a lover suddenly catches sight of his beloved, his heart palpitates.

17. A new love puts to flight an old one.

18. Good character alone makes any man worthy of love.

19. If love diminishes, it quickly fails and rarely revives.

20. A man in love is always apprehensive.

21. Real jealousy always increases the feeling of love.

22. Jealousy, and therefore love, are increased when one suspects his beloved.

23. He whom the thought of love vexes, eats and sleeps very little.

24. Every act of a lover ends with the thought of his beloved.

25. A true lover considers nothing good except what he thinks will please his beloved.

26. Love can deny nothing to love.

27. A lover can never have enough of the solaces of his beloved.

28. A slight presumption causes a lover to suspect his beloved.

29. A man who is vexed by too much passion usually does not love.

30. A true lover is constantly and without permission possessed by the thought of his beloved.

Your assignment is as follows:
1. Write down your rule and explain it in your own words.
2. Give a modern day example using your rule.  In other words, give me a scenario or anecdote using your rule.
3. In your opinion, is your rule true?  Explain in at least a paragraph whether your rule applies in today's world.

*Make sure you are doing the correct number.  For example, if you picked number 1 in class you have to do the assignment using rule number 1.  If you do another number you will not get credit.

You need to type up your assignment and be ready to present it in class.

Due Thursday, October 9 (Periods 1,3,5) and Friday, October 10 (Periods 2,4,6)

Prepositions

Here is a list of Prepositions: about above according to across after against along along with among apart from around as as for at because of before behind below beneath beside between beyond but* by by means of

concerning despite down during except except for excepting for from in in addition to in back of in case of in front of in place of inside in spite of instead of into like near next of off on

onto on top of out out of outside over past regarding round since through throughout till to toward under underneath unlike until up upon up to with within without

Warnings and Reminders

Dear students:

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your absence excused in the main office.  Remember if you have more than 10 unexcused absences during the school year your credits will be held and you will not be able to graduate on time.
I also want you to understand that if your absence is not excused I do not have to accept your make-up work.

When you do get your absence excused you have a week to turn in your make-up work.  If it takes you longer than a week I will deduct points from the assignment.

If you are present in class and I have collected an assignment, unless you have spoken to me, you are not allowed to turn in the assignment later on.  You made the choice not to turn it in on time and therefore will receive a zero.

Many of you did not pay attention when I warned you about not turning in SAT/ACT questions and not completing Reading Plus sessions for the week.  As a result, you are accumulating zeros and your grade is suffering as a result.  Do not assume you will be allowed to make-up everything at the end of the nine weeks.

Reminders:
*SAT registration deadline is October 9th.
*The end of the nine weeks is October 23rd so you have three weeks left to improve your grade or maintain your grade.
*Remember Research Paper topics are due to your Social Studies teachers this week.

Word of the Day Opportunity

To my students that need to boost up their grade (that is only students that have a D or F in my class):

You need to come and speak to me first so that I can issue you three (3) Words of the Day that you will then complete the following assignment--
1. Write the word in big font at the top of the paper.
2. Write the complete definition below it.
3.  Write a high school level sentence with the word.
4.  Include a picture or drawing using the word.

Example:

FAMILY

Definition: products or a line of products made by the same company

Sentence:  The company Johnson and Johnson is a family company that makes more than just baby products.



You will have until October 10th to turn in your work.

Pilgrimage Project

Modern Day Pilgrimage Locations:

          1.       Kumano Ancient Trail Japan

          2.       Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

          3.       Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet

          4.       Camino de Santiago, Spain

          5.       Croagh Patrick, Ireland

          6.       Char Dham, India

          7.       The Ganges River

          8.       Mount Athos, Greece

          9.       Western Wall, Jerusalem

         10.   Mecca, Saudi Arabia

         11.   Bodh Gaya, India

         12.   St. Paul Trail, Turkey

         13.   Route of Saints, Poland

         14.   Eleanor Crosses, England

         15.   Lourdes, France

         16.   Vatican City, Rome

         17.   Mt. Sinai, Egypt

         18.   The Way of St. James, France

         19.   Stonehenge, England

         20.   Kumano Kodo, Japan

         21.   The Lagoons of Huaringas, Peru

         22.   Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

You can select your own location as well, however, you need to include an explanation as to why it would be considered a place where people go on a pilgrimage.

You will be creating a pamphlet based on your location.  The pamphlet must include the following:

A.      Front cover – Picture(s) of location, name, and country where located

B.      Inside – Explanation of why people visit, history behind it, 3 quotes with source (not Wikipedia), additional picture(s)

C.      Back cover – Would you recommend visiting this location?  Please explain why.  Include your name and period.

Assignment will be due September 29^th for Periods 1,3,5 and September 30^th Periods 2 & 6 (4th period optional)

Worth 10 points

Period 4 Project

            To close our unit on the Anglo-Saxons and Beowulf you will be picking one of the following projects and completing it on your own by September 19th.               

             1.  Create a diorama of a scene from Beowulf.  Make sure on the back or bottom you include a description of what your scene is showing and how it reflects the EPIC tradition.

             2.  Wiglaf was the only Geat soldier to stay by Beowulf’s side.  Write an EPIC poem or story based on his life.  (Poem should be 30-40 lines or the story should be 2 pages.) Both options must be typed.

             3.  Write a journal from the point of view of someone who was alive during the time of Beowulf.  Your journal should contain at least 5 entries including details of events that took place during the story of Beowulf.  Must be typed.

           

              If you have any other creative ideas or you would like to work with a partner please make sure to come and speak to me first before you start working on it.

              **Students in my other periods (periods 1,2,3,5,6): If you would like to complete one of these projects for extra credit you can.  Please come and see me first.

Mrs. Manfra read...

So I figured I would start something new this year:

Whenever I finish a book I am going to share it with all of you.  As you all upload your summer reading books here is the latest book I just finished reading this past week.

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

           In this novel the main character, Shea, is a major football fan.  Growing up with her best friend Lucy, whose father happens to be the head coach at Walker University, explains her passion for the game.  As the novel opens, Lucy's mother has passed away after fighting cancer and it makes Shea start thinking about her life and the choices she has made.  

           Lucy's father, Coach Carr, actually recommends that she look into a job as a sports writer for a local newspaper and she ends up interviewing for the job and gets it.  However, trying to be unbiased proves to be more difficult then she thought.

           She also breaks up with her boyfriend and meets up with the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys who she happens to know because they went to school together.  He is recently divorced, but they decide to start dating and they get along great since both of them love football so much.

I don't want to ruin the ending, but there are some plot twists that may surprise you.

           I definitely would recommend this novel to girls who enjoy football and feel sometimes like they are misunderstood by girls who have no clue about the sport.
It might leave you questioning your own life:
"Are you truly happy?  Are you living up to your potential?"

Week of September 2-5

This week we covered the following:
1.  Groups presented their sections of the Beowulf Epic.
2.  Reviewed pronouns -- rules and lists (singular, plural, indefinite, first-person, second-person, and third-person pronouns.  Make sure you review your notes.  There will be a review quiz this coming week.
3.  Beowulf Vocabulary
4.  Summer Reading turned in by midnight, September 5th
5.  Reading Plus sessions begin next week for a grade

Reminders--
Assignments must be turned in on time.  Only exceptions are if you are absent and it is an excused absence then you can turn in your work or get the make-up work.  However, you need to turn in the work within a week or it will go in as a 0.

SAT/ACT Registration -- If you have registered for one or both of these tests you can receive extra credit for my class, but you must bring me proof by showing me your admission ticket.

Summer Reading

Use the following link to get the list of books and the explanation for the assignment:

http://hghsgladiators.net/docs/SummerReading2014.pdf

Essays must be uploaded to turnitin.com by September 5th.
Please refer to the posting regarding setting up an account with turnitin.com

My Hero Assignment for Period 1

Listen to the following song -- I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler




I hope Bonnie's song gives you some inspiration regarding heroes because now it is your turn to analyze what makes a hero.

We are discussing heroes in class.  From your class hero to Beowulf, the world has been fascinated by heroes since the beginning of human history.  Beowulf is defined as an EPIC hero, but the definition of a hero can be very different for each individual.  I want you to address the following ideas in this assignment:

1. Define, in your own words, what a hero is to you.
2. Pick someone and explain why they are a hero to you. (It can be someone from your personal life, a famous person, a character from a story, etc.)
3.  Answer whether the hero you picked meets any of the EPIC hero qualities.  Refer to the following characteristics:
*being of noble birth or high position, and often of great historical or legendary importance
*exhibiting character traits, or qualities, that reflect important ideals of society
*performing courageous, sometimes superhuman, deeds that reflect the values of the era
*performing actions that often determine the fate of a nation or group of people

The assignment must be typed.  Please refer to the post from August 20th on Paper Formatting.

Due date:  Tuesday, September 2nd
Worth: 10 points

Reading Plus

I will begin grading all my students for 2 sessions of Reading Plus starting the week of September 8th.
If you have not taken the placement test by that date then it is your responsibility to complete it on your own.
I am trying my best to get as many students tested in the classroom during class time, but that is to be helpful -- it is not my obligation.

This year you must sign onto Reading Plus through your student portal.  When you sign into your portal you will click on the link for "Apps" and then scroll down to find Reading Plus.

**To receive full credit for the assignment you must complete two passages with 80% or higher comprehension, complete two vocabulary activities and two eye balance activities.

No excuses!  The first Reading Plus grade will go into the gradebook on September 15th.

Formatting for Typed Papers

Here is the formatting that all Hialeah Gardens Senior students are being asked to use:

1. Times New Roman
2. Size 12 font
3. 1 inch margins
4. Do not use bold
5. Use italics only when writing the titles of articles
6. Do not use word art
7. Do not justify the margins
8. Do not use borders
9. Do not print on front and back
10. Only use white paper

Your heading will go in the top right-hand corner of the paper.
Include Name (first and last), Date, Period, and Title of assignment

Set up your Turnitin.com account

You will receive a completion grade for creating your Turnitin.com account.
Your account needs to be completed by Friday, August 29th.  No excuses.
Here are the steps to login:
1. Go to www.turnitin.com
2. In the upper-right hand corner click on Create Account or Log In if you already have an account
3. Type in your email address and the class password is manfra1
4. The class code is English IV 8378504

You must have a Turnitin account because by September 5th you will be submitting your summer reading assignment.
You will also be using the Turnitin site for your research paper during the second nine weeks.

Please come and see me if you have any issues or problems setting up your account.
You can also try the following link from their help center that has step-by-step instructions:
http://turnitin.com/en_us/support/help-center

Robin Williams clip

I shared with all of my classes the clip from Dead Poet Society where Robin Williams asks his students:
"What will your verse be?"




I would like to give whoever is interested an opportunity to share one of your favorite Robin Williams clips.

In order to make it fair, I need you to post a comment to this post with the link to the clip and an explanation to how it ties to English class or school in general.

I will select the best explanation and show that clip on Friday (for periods 1,3,5) and Monday (for periods 2,4,6).
Looking forward to some great clips and explanations.

Reminders

To my first period students:
Please remember to bring in your paperwork -- Emergency Contact, Phone number disclosure form, lunch application

All my classes:
Remember to bring your "What will your verse be?" assignment.  This will be your first grade in English IV so you want to start off on the right foot.

To my periods 2,3,5,6:
Remember to bring in your weekly SAT and ACT question.  It can be written on paper, printed out, or email it.
Example:
SAT Question of the Day
Question
Your answer
ACT Question of the Day
Question
Your answer

SAT/ACT Test Schedule

You can register for the SAT and ACT at the following websites:

SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-us-dates

ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

Welcome class of 2015!

To all my seniors:
I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer because we are starting the year off running.
There is a lot I want to cover this year to prepare you for the next stage of your life.
Many of you may still not even know what the next step in your life is so we have some work to do to make sure you figure it out.
SAT and ACT deadlines are right around the corner and college applications are fast approaching as well.
Preparation needs to begin NOW!

I am looking forward to having an amazing 2014-15 school year.

Graduation Celebration

Dear students,

Just a friendly reminder to those of you that are going to bring items to the celebration on Tuesday.
Please don't forget to bring your items!
Have a safe weekend and see you for the last time before graduation on Tuesday.

Resume Assignment

Your resume must be typed and submitted to me by Friday, May 23rd!
If you have it before Friday you can turn it in earlier.
Refer to the video below for tips and strategies.

Senior Grades

I must have grades done by Friday, May 23rd.  This means that if by 8:00am on May 23rd you have not submitted an assignment it is going in as a ZERO.  
The following students are in danger of not getting credit for English IV:
Aric Martinez
Rebecca Ortega
Michael Caballero
Yesenia Mir
Wilmer Paezfajardo
Christian Suarez
Andrew Fabre
Alexis Nazario
Jonathan Santana
Joshua Perez-Gonzalez
Miguel Castro
Stephanie Rodriguez

It is extremely important that you turn in any missing assignments you may have as well as completing the current assignments before Friday.
Failure to do so may cause you to not be cleared for graduation.

Senior Exit Survey

The following students need to complete their exit survey:

Jose Acosta
Yureisy Hernandez
Jose Machado
Aric Martinez
Valentina Montenegro
Rebecca Ortega
Shadai Siguenas
Eddie Valdes
Xavier Vega

Please complete survey as soon as possible and let me know.

Reminders

Senior Exit Survey through student portal needs to be completed.  When you go to dadeschools.net it is the second picture tab (scrolling images in the middle of the page).  You can click on that tab and begin the survey.  You must complete the survey before graduation!

Don't forget May 20th is Open Mic Day!  Remember you can read a poem, sing, dance, do a drama skit, etc.  I need to know by May 14th what you will be doing.

Advice presentations need to be completed by May 23rd!

Extra credit -- Miami Rescue mission is collecting clothes, toothpaste, shoes, toothbrushes, socks, blankets, perfume/cologne, soap, shampoo, etc.  You can also bring your school uniforms to donate. (Make sure they are in good condition please.)
Items are due by May 13th!

10 Things you should know

So with the end of your high school years right around the corner I came across these articles that I believe come in very handy.

1. With this first article I want you to read the 10 points that they believe are things you should know before you graduate.  Once you have read all 10 points I want you to select the three that you think you will use most in your life and why.
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/ten-things-high-school-graduates-need-10463.html

2. With this second article there are five points that they share to open up high school student's eyes.  Pick two of the points they mention and explain whether you agree or disagree with their ideas.
http://voices.yahoo.com/5-things-people-honestly-tell-high-school-12068169.html?cat=9

This assignment is due by Friday, May 16th.

To this day...

Inspiration for Stand4Change Day --

Open Mic Day 2014

We have a day -- May 20th!  This is a 1,3,5 day so my students in periods 2,4,6 will need an indoor fieldtrip form in order to participate for their grade.  I will provide those forms the day before the event.

In the meantime, you need to start thinking about what you will be doing for our event --
Do you want to read a poem?  Do you want to share a talent such as playing an instrument, dancing or singing?

I want us to put together an entertaining show to wrap up the school year.

Stand4Change Assignment

This Friday, May 2nd is the third annual Stand4Change day here at HGHS.
Your assignment will be to complete one of the following:

A.  T-shirt design

T-Shirt Design Contest: Criteria

Design and decorate your own T-shirt for a chance to win a prize at the Lunch at the Lawn STAND4Change Festival, May 2nd.  Write your name bellow and answer the questions to describe briefly the design of your T-shirt. Look at the criteria below so that you get an idea how your T-shirt will be judged.

Bring this form completed to the contest; without it you will be disqualified.

Student’s Name:­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­                                                   ­­­­­­­­­          .

Describe briefly your T-shirt Design:

What does it say?____________________________________________________                                                                                                                                                                        

What materials did you use?___________________________________________

Describe the image_______________________________________                                                                           

Criteria:                                                                                   Points

Shows Creativity                                     1 2 3 4 5

All together T-shirt Design IDEA is innovative,

makes you go WOW!

Use of Materials                                      1 2 3 4 5

Went out of his/her way in selecting materials to use.

Any material that works on t-shirt is fine.  NO PRINTING.

Skills & Details                                         1 2 3 4 5

The student showed off his/her skills,  

and invested much time in details.

Message Delivered                                 1 2 3 4 5

The Message is Powerful, appropriate,

 and relevant to the theme: STAND4Change/anti-bullying/discrimination.

or

B. Stand4Change Poster  -- Should be related to standing up to bullying.

or

C.  A short essay of how you have dealt with bullying or if you were bullied and how it made you feel.

Teacher Appreciation Week Assignment

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week (May 5-9) you will complete one of the following and turn it into me before Friday, May 9:

 

1. Create a card for a favorite teacher here at Hialeah Gardens Senior.  The teacher can be from any grade level and subject.  I want you to include the following on your card--

a. On the front of the card you need a quote that deals with teachers.
For example: "A good teacher is like a candle -- it consumes itself to light the way for others." ~Unknown
b. On the inside of the card write a personal message to the teacher. Include favorite moments from their class or something that makes them stand out. (Be Specific!)
3. On the back of the card make sure to put your name (first and last).
4. Decorate your card. Include pictures, clipart or images that reflect what teachers do or things that remind you of that teacher.
For example: If you are sending a card to your science teacher then you might want to include images of microscopes or beakers.

 

or

 

Create a certificate/award for that special teacher.  The certificate should include the following:

a. The teacher's name

b. Title of the award

c. Your name and signature (usually found in the lower right corner)

Earth Day 2014 assignment

For this assignment you can pick one of the following items to turn in:
1. Write in 2-3 paragraphs about what you are currently doing or could do to preserve/save the Earth.
2.  Take a picture of yourself recycling, picking up trash, planting, or some other activity that helps the Earth.  Explain in one paragraph below the picture what you are doing and why it is important.
3.  Watch a movie or show that teaches about the Earth, animals or is related to Earth Day in some way.  Write a summary about the movie and what you learned from it.  Examples:  Black Fish (documentary), Oceans (the movie), Bears (coming out this April), shows on Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel.

Revised Nine Week Assignments

Week of April 14 – 17 (Thursday is Early Release and Friday is Teacher Work Day)

I am extending the deadline for the Advice Presentation so you have until May 23rd to complete it for a grade.
Advice Presentations (20 points)

Week of April 21 – 25

Grades: Earth Day assignment (10 points)

Week of April 28 – May 2

Grades: Open Mic Day (10 points)

Week of May 5 – 9

Grades: Teacher Appreciation Week assignment (10 points)

Week of May 12 -- 16

Grades: Article assignments (10 points)

Week of May 19 – 23

Grades: Resume assignment (10 points)

Week of May 27 – 30
Graduation May 29th

Shhhhh ... April 8th is my birthday

2014 Youth Fair Creative Writing Winners

I want to congratulate the following students for their creative writing awards they received from the 2014 Miami Dade County Youth Fair!  I am proud of all of you!

Tania Cruz -- Second place for her poem "Superman"
Jose Machado -- Second place for his Sept. 11th piece
Valentina Montenegro -- Second place for her Sept. 11th piece
Mariah Prado -- Second place for her Sept. 11th piece
Samuel Betancourt -- Third place for his poem "Never Forget"
Jayla Conde -- Third place for her poem "Sonnet of Thanks"
Giancarlo Dominguez -- Third place for his poem "Dazed"
Astrid Sanchez -- Third place for her poem "Forever in our Hearts"

Underclassmen Advice Presentations

In this last nine weeks of your high school career it is time for you to share what you have learned with the underclassmen.

1. The first step is letting me know who you will be working with or if you will be working by yourself.  There is a limit of two people.  No exceptions.

2. The next step is telling me the name of the teacher's class that you will be presenting to.  Make sure that you get approval from that teacher beforehand.

3. Then you need to figure out a topic that you will be presenting and getting my approval of it.

Requirements for the presentation:
1. It must be on a Powerpoint or Prezi.  That will make the overall presentation easier because you will give the teacher your USB drive and they can put your presentation on the board for the whole class to see.
2.  It needs to be at least 5 minutes long.
3. Make sure that your presentation is informative while also being interesting.  You want to make sure the class you are presenting to is engaged in your presentation (not falling asleep).

I will provide you with a rubric to give to the teacher so that they can provide me with feedback on your presentation.
You will have from April 14-17 to present.

Potential presentation topics:
SAT/ACT Preparation, Applying to college, Budgeting Senior Year, Senioritis, Dealing with High School drama, Requirements for graduation, etc.

Piano Slam Poetry Assignment

Listen to the following song:
"Seis cantos de los campos for two pianos"



After listening to the song, respond to the song and how it made you feel in poem format.
Your poem does not have to rhyme or follow a pattern.  However, you should include musical vocabulary.
Examples:
songs, beat, tunes, rhythm, percussion, sounds, minor, major, acoustic, harmony, rap, rock, soul, Jazz, hip-hop, playlist, lyric, melody, hymn, vocal, anthem, etc.

Poems are due by April 11th (All Periods)

For additional information go to the contest website-- http://www.pianoslam.org/

Fourth Nine Weeks Grades

Week of March 31 – April 4

Grades:  Outline Notes pgs. 895-903 due by April 4^th (10 points)

Week of April 7 – 11

Grades: Piano Slam Poem due by April 11^th (10 points)

Week of April 14 – 17 (Thursday is Early Release and Friday is Teacher Work Day)

Grades: Advice Presentations (20 points)

Week of April 21 – 25

Grades: Earth Day assignment (10 points)

Week of April 28 – May 2

Grades: Open Mic Day (10 points)

Week of May 5 – 9

Grades: Teacher Appreciation Week assignment (10 points)

Week of May 12 -- 16

Grades: Mother’s Day assignment (10 points)

Week of May 19 – 23

Grades: Resume assignment (10 points)

Week of May 27 – 30

Graduation May 29th

Also, to replace the weekly SAT/ACT question you will be turning into me a weekly "Thing I Learned" (TIL).  In a paragraph you will basically share with me something you learned about life or knowledge in general.  It could be as technical as a new concept you learned in one of your classes or something about life such as how to deal with getting pulled over by a cop.  Through this assignment I just want you to be aware that everyday is a chance to learn something new and that you should always be learning.

You can turn in assignments early.  This is especially a good idea if you know you will be out for Grad Bash, AP and/or AICE testing, etc.

I will be posting the details about each of the above assignments so you can get a head start.

Looking forward to finishing off the year strong!

Extra Credit -- Beyond Credit cards

I have presented to you in class a brief video that went over the basics of credit cards and I went over a Powerpoint with the history, vocabulary terms and rules of how to establish good credit.
Now I want you to find a recent article (from 2010 to the present) that relates to credit cards or credit in general.  It needs to be from a well-known newspaper (i.e. The New York Times, Miami Herald, USA Today, etc.)  It doesn't have to be from the physical newspaper, you can get it from their online website.

Once you have selected an article you will:
A. Print it out
B. Write a summary about it (focusing on the aspects of credit and how it relates to that topic) and
C. Give me your overall opinion about whether this information is useful to you or not.

In order to receive the extra credit points you must present your article to your period on Tuesday, March 11 (periods 2,4,6) or Wednesday, March 12 (periods 1,3,5)!  You can not present during another period.

Updates

Here is some general info and reminders:

Don't forget to put your clocks 1 hour ahead on Sunday!  Spring ahead!


Tuesday, March 11th is Senior Panoramic picture day.

I will be entering the last grades for the nine weeks on Friday, March 14th.  The following week I will only be dealing with make-up work.  For those students submitting make-up work:  Do not expect an A or B for those assignments.  Unless you showed me an excused admit, were on a field trip or sport-related event and the assignment is no more than a week late you will not receive anything higher than a C.

Thursday, March 20th is the end of the nine weeks.

Friday, March 21st is a Teacher work day.

Spring Break is from March 24-28.

Bring in for week of March 3rd assignment

To all my students:

I need you to help me for next week's assignment by bringing in credit card applications and/or offers that your parents may receive at home in the mail.  (You can black out their name and address or I can do that for you.)

I need at least 6 per period.

You will be working in groups to compare and contrast the credit card offers.

After the activity you should have a better understanding of what to look for in credit card offers and applications, be able to understand the terms of a credit card and be able to make an educated choice between which card is giving you the better deal.

This is a skill you will need in your future and maybe will help you now or at least you can share with your parents and family what you learn.

Quote Assignment 3

"Where there's a will, there's a way."  ~Anonymous

This quote is pretty self-explanatory, but it is a quote I grew up with and feel it applies to many aspects in life.  I am really looking forward to the examples you use to explain this quote.
As always, it needs to be typed.  Make sure you include your meaning of the quote and an example.

Due February 27 (Periods 2,4,6) and February 28 (Periods 1,3,5)

A Modest Proposal -- Connecting beyond Swift's satire

After having read the excerpt from Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" I want you to consider the following topic:
Are you concerned about the future of the United States?

Just as Swift was concerned with the issues of poverty and overpopulation in his country of Ireland, I want you to share what, if anything, concerns you about your future in this country.

If you do have a concern or concerns, explain what concerns you the most and why?  Use evidence from a reliable source to back up your answer.
If you are not concerned, explain why you are not.  Use evidence from a reliable source to back up your answer.

Instead of collecting papers or having you email me your assignment you must post your answer to my blog (below this posting as a comment).
Your grade will be based on the following criteria:
1.  Post is up by the deadline.  All periods due by February 28th before midnight.
2.  Answering the topic appropriately and using relevant evidence.  Make sure to include where you found your evidence.
3.  Including your name and period at the beginning of your post.
4.  Follow proper grammar and punctuation.

I am looking for honest answers.  If you would like to answer using satire you are more than welcome to do so since it is in the spirit of Swift.

Worth 10 points

*I will give extra points on this assignment for people who respond to someone else's post.
**I will also give extra points to the period with the most participation.

President's Day Extra Credit

Okay, so this is for those of you who actually check my blog and want a few extra points.  In honor of President's Day, which is Monday, February 17th (the reason why there is no school) complete the following assignment:

1.  Go to the White House website http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents
2.  Pick a president
3. Write down three (3) facts about the president, two (2) interesting or surprising facts about them and one (1) famous quote from them.

Must be emailed to me by Monday, February 17th by midnight!

"Remember when..." Project

Over the next couple of weeks you will be creating new walls to reflect on the years you have been in school.  This "memory" wall (if you want to call it that) will include images and explanations of the significance of these images.

In class you will receive a topic:
1. Product
2. Historical Event
3. Book
4. Fashion
5. Sport
6. Music

Once you have received your topic you will find an image that relates to that topic.
A.  The image can include anything from when you were in elementary school through freshman year in that category.
Example:
Book -- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss


You can draw the image by hand or print it out.  It needs to be at least on a paper that is 8x10 size (printer paper size).

B.  On the back of the paper you will write a short description or summary of the image.  Also include the significance or importance of the image.
Example:
Green Eggs and Ham is about a character named Sam who wants the other character to try green eggs and ham.  He thinks he will really like them if he just gives them a try.  The other character keeps refusing Sam, but Sam is very persistent and when he finally tries them he does like them.
I really enjoyed this book when I was a child because it was so silly and enjoyed the way everything rhymed.  Now I realize that it also taught many lessons about life such as not being afraid to try new things.

C. You will present in class your image and explanation by March 3 (Periods 2,4,6) or March 4 (Periods 1,3,5)

Quote for week of February 10-14

In honor of Valentine's day, here is this weeks quote:

"Kisses are better fate than wisdom."  ~e.e. cummings

As usual, please explain the quote in your own words and give an example/scenario using the quote.
Assignments must be typed in order to receive complete credit.

Reading Plus

If you qualify for any of the following, you can take a break from Reading Plus for the remainder of the year:

1.  Have completed at least 30 sessions.  (30 sessions of IB, SR, and RA)
2.  Have passed FCAT and/or SAT/ACT with a passing score.
3.  Have reached level J or higher.

Anyone who has not met one of these must continue using Reading Plus until Spring Break.

John Stossel Essay Contest

In class I showed you the video clip from John Stossel regarding government trying to control what people eat.  After watching that clip you are to answer the following question in essay format:

Should it be the government's job to try to keep people healthy?  Why or why not?

You will be working on the essay in class for the next week.  It needs to be at least 500 words, which is two pages long.  You also need to include at least one quote from the video clip in your essay.
*If you are interested in entering the contest the word limit is 500-1000 words and it must be typed.  You can bring me your essays on a USB if you would like me to enter it into the contest.  (There is prize money involved.)

Quote Assignment

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the goal."  ~Lombardi

We are going to start our weekly quote assignment again.  With the Super Bowl that just took place on Sunday, I thought I would select a quote from a famous football icon -- Vince Lombardi.
As usual, please explain the quote in your own words and give an example/scenario using the quote.

Assignments must be typed in order to receive complete credit.

Due by Thursday, February 6th for all periods!

Scholarship Search Assignment

Using the online database I showed you a couple weeks ago (the posting can be found under January 24th)
I want you to find FIVE scholarships that you can apply for.
Include:
1. Deadline date
2. Requirements
3. How much money is awarded
You will share your findings with the class, so find some good ones!

Due February 11 (Periods 1,3,5) and February 12 (Periods 2,4,6)

Worth  10 points (doubled)

Photography Contest for Black History Month

To my students:

If any of you happen to have your own Miami Dade County Public Library card and enjoy photography you might want to consider entering this contest--
http://www.mdpls.org/_docs/SW-1303%20BHM%20Photo%20Contest%202014.pdf

Check it out!  There are prizes involved.

Antony and Cleopatra Fieldtrip

Reminders for those of you coming on the fieldtrip with me this Tuesday, January 28th--

1.  You need to come in uniform.
2.  You will meet at the bus area at 8:00am so I can take attendance.
3.  In class you signed up for a bus.  If you did not I assigned you to one.  There will be no switching of buses.
4.  If you want to eat something when we return you need to bring money.  We can either order pizza or walk across to Taco Bell or Subway, but you must be with a chaperone.
5.  Keep in mind if you gave me your fieldtrip form, but end up not coming and are absent it will be an unexcused absence.
**If you have any questions for me regarding the fieldtrip please come and see me before Tuesday.

Here is a video I found with the director of the play that we are going to see.  Check it out:

Testing and Education Reference Center

Here is the login information in order to have access to the Testing and Education Reference Center website that was presented to you in class this past week.

1. Go to http://destiny.dadeschools.net
2.  Find Hialeah Gardens High School and click on it.
3.  If logging on from home the username is miamidade and the password is miamidade
4. Look for Online Resources and at the bottom of the list click on the link for Testing and Education Reference Center
5.  Once there you have access to practice tests, resume builder, scholarship search if you click on College Prep Tools at the top of the page.

HINT: In the coming weeks I will be giving you an assignment where you will need to use this resource to find scholarships that you can apply for so if you want to get a head start on it you can.

Antony and Cleopatra Field trip

The field trip to see the live play of Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 28th.
I have given the field trip forms to those of you who have an A or B in my class.  I only have 60 openings at this time so it is important that you turn in your field trip form as soon as possible to guarantee your seat.
That is a 2,4,6 day and we will be leaving around 8 in the morning and returning sometime before 2 in the afternoon.
We will be going in uniform so if anyone shows up without a uniform they will not be allowed to go.

If you are interested in having pizza when we return from the play then make sure to bring $2.50 to split half a pizza with someone else (either cheese or pepperoni) or $5 to have a whole pizza by yourself.
I will collect the money that morning and put in the order so the pizza will be here when we get back.

Antony & Cleopatra Project

You will be researching the historical background on which Shakespeare based his play of "Antony and Cleopatra."
In class you will select a topic.  You will be allowed to work individually or with a small group (no more than 4 people).
Once you have your topic you will be creating a Powerpoint presentation where you will include information including outside sources (books, magazines, websites) and images.  You must integrate your quotes properly and make sure to cite them correctly.
Example:
Slide one -- Title Slide
Slide two -- Basic biography or summary of topic
Slide three -- Connection to the play
Slide four -- Sources used
(Images should be included on all slides.)
Depending on how much information you have, you may need additional slides.

Presentations will be given on January 22nd (Periods 2,4,6) and January 23 (Periods 1,3,5)

This project is worth 20 points and will be the first major grade for the third nine weeks.

End of the Second Nine Weeks

The end of the nine weeks is January 16!
The last grades I am putting in are the Quote #5 assignment, SAT/ACT Question, Reading Plus sessions for the week and the questions for "Gifted" passage.

**If you are missing any assignments you need to speak to me first to see if you can make it up.
Make up assignments will basically only be allowed if you were excused absent or were on a school field trip or excused sport activity.

Very important--
You need to have 5 points for the first half of the year (first and second nine weeks) and 5 points in the second half of the year (third and fourth nine weeks) for an annual course.
Points are the following:
A = 4 x 2.5 = 10
B = 3 x 2.5 = 7.5
C = 2 x 2.5 = 5
D = 1 x 2.5 = 2.5
F = 0

Important Dates:
January 13-15 -- Cap and Gown Orders $22 Cash Only
January 17 -- No School!  Teacher work day
January 20 -- No School!  Martin Luther King Day
January 21 -- Third Nine weeks begins

Quote Assignment #5

"There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done.  One is called yesterday and the other is tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live."  ~Dalai Lama

Please type up your explanation and an example that illustrates this quote.

Due January 9 (Periods 1,3,5) and January 10 (Periods 2,4,6)