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Class Times My email: rswinter(at)jeffco.k12.co.us |
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Since I’ll have different rooms, this will count as your white/chalk board. Check this everyday for prizes, news, etc.
Step 1 Clean area (all students)
Due by 10 minutes after class starts: Clean your area. You will be graded on the area around your seat as well as your group's area. Send me an email when the group is done cleaning. I will grade anytime between now and the beginning of the next class.
Step 2 Final.
Finish your chapters (this is 50% of the final) and must be done before step 3. Continue on to step 3 only if you finish the chapters. Print out our assignment sheet again and circle the items you did for your final. Write final on the top and your name and put it in the inbox.
Step 3 Final.
Click on the class below to download the final for your class and follow the instructions. Print this out and mark it as you complete each step. Put this in the inbox for your class when done.
Double-points day. Positive as well as negative!
I wasn't selected to sit in the juror's box for yesterday's jury. The trial was for a lady charged with drunk driving. I thought the process was interesting. There were about 60 of us there (they eventually chose 6). They asked the people in the box a lot of questions like what is your job, what kind of education do you have, do you have friends or relatives in the police, do you think she's guilty (without any evidence shown yet), and is it OK to drink and drive.
Notes for the last few days:
Remember, it is possible that I won't be here the rest of the week because of jury duty starting tomorrow. If I don't see you, it was great having you in class. Please read the whiteboard each day for special instructions.
Note: If you want me to grade your assignments with you to make sure my list of items that you've done for the whole course matches what you think you've done, add this to your email early in the period. If you think you are completely done, make sure you send me an email too so I can let you know if I have everything listed.
Extra Note: On Friday I'm going to have a grade for how neat this room is when I see it after classes. This will be a group grade. All chairs should be pushed in. All books placed on the bookshelves on either side of the room and stacked according to the class (all same books together). No trash anywhere -- that includes in drawers under computers, on the floor, behind the computers, along the window sills, etc. I will give a grade for the entire class and for each work area.
Make-up notes: I possibly won't be here Wed-Fri because of jury duty.
Although she had some grammar errors (I corrected them for you), this is what I wanted. Her first sentence is a good topic sentence. Notice she talks about teamwork (we had to work together) and tells me where this happened (McDonald's) and that this was her old job. Her last sentence was a good concluding sentence. She mentioned teamwork (what I was looking for) and how important it was in the job. She also didn't just repeat the topic sentence (used work together in the first sentence and teamwork in the last sentence). She says some specifics on what the job of each person and describes a team well. Although it is assumed that she was a team member and did the things she said, she should have touted what she did in a specific instance to make her "application" even stronger. So in her case, she caught my attention by describing a good team. I would have added another sentence or a second paragraph to say specifically what she did as her part of the team. For example, I would have added something like this as a second paragraph:
So here are the points I'll give 25 points total:
9th and 10th graders: Tell me how you think you'll do on the CSAPs in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science (10th graders). Copy each and write Advanced, Proficient, Partially Proficient, or Unsatisfactory. Tell me why you think you did that way.
For Seniors and Juniors tell me how you did in 10th grade and how well you think Jefferson Academy prepares you for the test. If you weren't at JA, let me know what school(s) you did have in 7-10th grade.
On-going assessments
Today, send me an email only if you want candy. Tell me how you say printer in Spanish.
Note: On this weekend I'm going to count your Goals & Effort workbook as your third Math grade in this class (each quarter I'm required to have at least 3 math and 3 English grades). I will count how "full" your workbook is. If you don't know what you did on a day, say "I don't know" for at least half credit on those days. The purpose of the Goals & Effort workbook is to introduce you to time and project management. This is going to count as much as a chapter (100 points). If you have been filling this out daily, you should have no problems. If you haven't, you'll have to make estimates.
Grading on Goals & Effort: 100 points total 1 point off for each blank where you should have something - on all sheets. 10 points off if any words are found in the spell check (in other words, spell check now and on Friday).
Schedule Monday & Tuesday
8:00-9:30 CSAP
9:35-10:42 Block A
10:45-11:05 Block B
11:05-11:43 Lunch
11:48-12:35 Block B
12:38-1:45 Block C
1:48-3:00 Block D
Wednesday & Thursday
8-11:05 CSAP
11:05-11:43 Lunch
11:48-12:33 Block A
12:37-1:22 Block B
1:26-2:11 Block C
2:15-3:00 Block D
Schedule Monday & Tuesday
8:00-9:30 CSAP
9:35-10:42 Block A
10:45-11:05 Block B
11:05-11:43 Lunch
11:48-12:35 Block B
12:38-1:45 Block C
1:48-3:00 Block D
Wednesday & Thursday
8-11:05 CSAP
11:05-11:43 Lunch
11:48-12:33 Block A
12:37-1:22 Block B
1:26-2:11 Block C
2:15-3:00 Block D
You seem to work better when there is a whiteboard. There are more than the usual number of students not getting their full minute points. I wonder why that is.
Note from one of my former Flash students:
No whiteboard. Work, work, work.
Freshman, Sophomores -- we're counting on you to show us what you have.
Juniors -- enjoy the colleges.
Seniors -- enjoy being lazy.
Schedule Today - Thursday
A 11:48-12:33
B 12:37-1:22
C 1:26-2:11
D 2:15-3:00
Please note: This week is 'Amnesty week' in the library - please encourage your students to return ALL library books (no matter how overdue!) by Friday and there will be NO fines! (could you write this on your white boards??) THANKS!
Tony grading:
From Megan Kash, a teacher in Brandon, Mississippi:
"In my Algebra 2 class, when teaching students the quadratic formula, I teach my class how to remember the quadratic formula by using the tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel":
x equals negative b
plus or minus the square root
of b squared minus four a c
all over 2 a.
Here's the quadratic formula if you don't recognize it:
x = [-b +/- square root (b^2 - 4ac)]/[2a]
It has now caught on to all of the teachers in our whole school, and students come back years later still remembering the quadratic formula and the song! A HUGE hit!
Tony Grading:
No whiteboard today.
I want to support all of you in your goals. Sometimes I feel like I don't push my students enough or am too forgiving if you make a mistake. I also try to lay out the consequences Please answer the following questions:
The time is going to fly by until the end of the quarter. Even though it seems longer, we have six days of CSAP testing between now and the end of the quarter, so don't let that Mar 21st deadline fool you. On some CSAP days we'll have shorten classes. On other days, we won't have other classes. This quarter is about 50 days instead of the normal 44 days because of the CSAP/ACT etc. schedule. Some of you are doing awesome, I hope you keep it up. Remember, a 93% by the end of the quarter means that you don't have to take the final.
Assignment
Tony: I'll need you to keep a spreadsheet with all items (1, 1a, 1b, ... through 6d). See separate email. Highlight the same colors with where students say they are. Copy words in the cells if there are only words. Grade the assignment as follows:
At the end of the period, print out your Assignments sheet of your Goals & Effort workbook. Don't forget you get 3 points off your progress grade if you don't have your Doc ID.
I talked about phishing in yesterday's whiteboard. This is stealing your identity on the Internet. There is a new twist now. The phishers are trying to get high school students' identity and then use this because you haven't established credit yet and you often won't check your credit for years until you buy a house or try to get a credit card. By the time you try to get credit, your rating is totally messed up and it could take months or even years to straighten out. During that time you might not be able to buy a car or anything else on credit.
One of my students told me about another event that is happening with phishing. He logged on to MySpace and clicked one of the ads. They told him he had to login again so he did and so they stole his MySpace ID and password. They then changed his orientation to gay and swinger. You can imagine the explaining he had to do to his girlfriend. This was a prank, but much worse things could have been done when someone poses as you and breaks the law. The Internet is a great tool, but "with great power comes great responsibility."
 Warning: Potentially Dangerous Web Site Detected! You have been redirected to this Web page by the McAfee AntiPhishing Filter. The Web site you requested is in our list of Web sites that are potentially trying to obtain unauthorized confidential information. If you proceed to this site, you may be at risk, especially if you have clicked on this link from an e-mail. Remember: Financial institutions will never ask you to confirm personal information through the Internet. |
Block B -- If I can hear announcements (everyone is quiet each day) I will add 5 minute points for all students.
I hope many of you are watching the calendar for the next deadline. I'm trying to help you determine what you need to do, but I can't do the work for you. Some of you need to come in outside of class hours, but few of you are making any arrangements with me so I know when to plan to be here or I can tell you if that time is not available. This kind of homework is new for many of you, so I want you to be informed.
I'm still deciding what to do for my sister. I'm sure I'll call her tonight.
No whiteboard today. If you want candy, give Billy a piece of paper with your name. He'll collect them all by 12:15.
The sub was impressed with most of you. Nice job. I'm almost all recovered :). I heard some of you were sick too :(. I hope you're better.
The next deadline is 2/26. Have a wonderful weekend. See you Tuesday. Click this link if you need to see the deadlines for 2/26: http://www.rickwinter.com/MyClasses/Technology/Common/2006-7Syllabus.htm#Deadlines.
Note: Remember those minute points? Many of you are still doing a great job of working the whole period. Some others.. well, let's just say I'm taking more minute points off than I used to. If you are going to talk, make sure you do so quietly. I was having a problem concentrating during block B. You see the trick to earning all your minute points is to not distract the teacher or the people around you and have stuff related to Office, Flash, etc. on your screen when I look up. The other trick is to be here and on time which almost all of you have mastered. Wahoo!
The following is an email that was forwarded to all the teachers yesterday. Answer the questions below the box.
From: Jeffco Service Desk
Sent: Tue
2/13/2007 10:21 AM
To: DL All Principals Secretaries; DL All Financials; DL All
Principals; DL All Assistant Principals; DL All School Technicians; DL
Department Secretaries; DL All Central Administrators; DL ESC All Floors; DL
Quail Building 1; DL Quail Building 4
Cc: DL IT All Staff
Subject: Internet Performance and Site Access Problems
What’s the issue?
This morning, the district’s Internet access is at 100% capacity. During this time you may experience extremely slow Internet access or “page cannot be displayed” errors.
What can you do?
The following activities also consume large amounts of bandwidth and should not be conducted on District computers:
To clarify: You are “streaming” video, radio or TV when you are logged onto a website and receiving a steady “stream” of sound or video from that website. In other words if you are listening to the radio through your computer, you are streaming radio. The radio show is being passed through our Jeffco infrastructure, using the Jeffco bandwidth, to be delivered to you.
Here is what Pat Jordan from the Broncos said about your emails:
We all appreciate the kind words from your students. I hope we have enlightened and educated your students. We enjoyed your visit and are open for any future tours.
If you need a free 3-ring binder let, me know today. I just got 10 boxes from my client, Wells Fargo.
Guess what if you didn't know, let me be the first to tell you -- no school this Friday and next Monday.
Please write a thank you email to Invesco Field and the Broncos. I'll forward the emails to Pat Jordan, one of the people that gave us the tour. In your email, don't forget good spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Put this in Word first and spell check it. We want Jefferson Academy to have a good reputation. Who knows, one of you might want a job there some day. All you need is a couple of sentences -- maybe say one thing you liked and then some sort of thank you.
Field trip will gather at 9:00 in my room. Block A will work for an hour. My Block C will go to library when we get back (I have a school board event). We should be back around 1:00.
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Do you like to shop? I asked Cortney if she would be willing to help lead a "shopping" group. Basically, we have $30,000 to spend on computer stuff, library furniture, etc. All the items are picked out, we just need a group that would be willing to find the best prices. If you are interested, give Cortney your name or send me an email (subject Shopping!). We'll probably have to do this one or two days after school next week. |
I'm concerned about you all. You are going into a very competitive world -- much more so than when I graduated from high school. There are first year Indian engineers willing to earn $7,500 per year just as qualified as our $45,000 first year engineers (see The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman). They can easily do the work over the Internet that our engineers can do. This is true for many, many different industries and is even getting to places like McDonalds where people are taking orders in a different location and doing it quicker and more accurately than local workers. No one is going to give you a job on a silver tray. You are going to need to be creative, think hard, and work hard. Most of the responses to yesterday's whiteboard were very timid and didn't stress what you all can do. Many of you have great backgrounds and great skills. Learn how to sell yourself. Take some pride in who you are. Show me and show your other teachers the talent you have. Here was the best example from yesterday's whiteboard. Your assignment for today is to tell me what is in this email that made me want to hire this teenager or admit her to my university.
What makes a good leader is the fact that they’re able to win the respect of those around them to make them cooperate. Leaders are able to teach other people how to do things instead of just knowing how. They’re able to encourage and help push a team to success. When it comes to communication, leaders have to be the best at doing so, since they are the ones making the calls and explaining what the plan is. They have to be organized, strong in will and determination, strong in communication, strong with a team, and strong in teaching.
A boss creates fear, a leader creates respect.
I have been in girl scouts since I was in the first grade and I am working on getting my gold award, which is a leadership achievement. I’m also in CAP, a 1st Class Cadet Airman already, and planning my Mitchel award with them. CAP (Civil Air Patrol) is based on teaching leadership, as well as aerospace education.
All my jobs in the past have required some amount of leadership. At the moment I am working with The Wooden Shoe, which is a child’s daycare center. It requires leadership and respect to work with younger kids. As my other job I am an assistant guitar teacher at Chodosh Guitar, teacher ages 6 and up. It’s a job that means I have to relay information to those that I am working with so they can do it on their own.
I’m also a very organized person, who may not appear organized, but I have systems that keep me able to focus at all times and to get done what I need done. Computer classes in the past have helped me meet deadlines and work hard on projects, which is also a very important skill. Playing on a softball team, as well as a competitive video game squad helps me to relay the information needed to help things move slowly and to help the team win. Paintball would also be a good example of working as a team.
The leader is merely a figure head of the team, because a leader is nothing without the people behind them. A good leader doesn’t simply take charge, they incorporate the team with the leading.
Premio Ocultado - Escriba "quiero dulce" en su email. El primero en cada clase puede tomar del bolso grande.
I just wanted to tell you all again how much I enjoy teaching each of you. Sometimes I get frustrated with or worried about you, and may not always be what you expect of me, but that's part of being human (both you and me).
P.S. Thanks for all the feedback on yesterday's Teen Brain whiteboard. Most students chose to answer the question "am I being strict enough?" and most said that my level was OK. One said that if I didn't give deadlines, many students wouldn't do the work until the last week of class. Many liked that I'm flexible enough to make up work. Another interesting response to me was that if I was really strict, students may do less work. However, a couple students said I'm not being strict enough or giving enough assignments because the work is too easy. My instinct is that for the majority of students the work load is OK, and for some is quite challenging. Let me know if you think I'm not giving enough work.
Most of those that responded about the Chapter Notes liked the idea of colors, but a few thought it isn't necessary.
Office 1 & 2 students -- start on Access. The rest of the students continue from where you left off yesterday.
At the END of period, open you Goals&Effort workbook, click on the Assignments tab, print this out. Don't forget that this needs the proper Document ID. Put this in the inbox for your block when you are done.
No email assignment today.
Notes:
I heard a few grumbles about the shortening of passing period and lunch. We're required by state law to meet a certain number of hours. Here were some options we looked at:
A. Add a school day at the end of the year (Senior's last day would be May 23
instead of May 22 and everyone else's last day would be Friday June 1 instead of
Thursday May 31).
B. Shorten spring break by one day.
C. Extend the school day (start at 7:51 or end at 3:09).
D. Shorten breaks and lunch.
Assignment:
Reminder: This Wednesday, January 31st is the deadline for first 1/3 of book
Here is the information I got from the Broncos (Invesco Field) on Friday:
Assignment:
Note about schedule from our principal:
Due to the blizzards and the loss of instructional time, we need to add hours to the rest of the year. We will do this by attending extra day and by adding 9 minutes to each day. We will need to change Monday, April 9, 2007 into an instructional day, instead of the previously arranged teacher in-service (the elementary will still take the day off). In addition, effective Monday, the following changes will be made to the bell schedule (shave off 2 minutes passing between A & B, and C & D blocks, along with a 5 minute shorter lunch period for HS only).
A Block - 8:00-9:32
B Block - 9:35-11:10
HS Lunch- 11:15-11:50
(JH Lunch and Read stay the same)
C Block - 11:55-1:27
D Block - 1:30-3:00
Reminders:
Email Subject: Sports Player
Just curious.
Flash students read this -- it could be fun (and lucrative)
-Online Video Contest!-
In partnership with The Idea Channel and YouTube, we are sponsoring an online
video contest titled "Challenge the Status Quo." Both teachers and students are
invited to participate. Win $1000-$5000 cash as well as a chance to work with us
as an associate producer! For more information, go to:
http://www.izzit.org/games
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Email Subject: Demo2
Above are the answers so far from the class to yesterday's question. I had to combine some answers together. For example, Little, Some, and Maybe were combined to Some. I still don't have answers from 13 students. Don't forget to answer if you didn't yesterday.
My personal mission is to help all students prepare for their future. I'm passionate about this, and I'm continuing to try to learn what I can do to help you. That includes finding out what you need from business and educational experts, but most importantly you. Pretend that you are my education advisor. Let's add another variable too. If I spend short amounts of time doing demonstrations, I would have less time for giving you feedback about assignments during class and less time to help with individual problems.
Email: Demonstrations
I've been thinking about doing some short demonstrations for classes, especially the Dreamweaver class since some seem to be having problems with the book. What it would consist of about 15 minutes of showing each class an overview of the chapter. Include the following in your email:
Don't forget that whiteboards count as 20 points for your minute grade if you don't do them.
I made a mistake last night. I sent your grades but there were some errors on the email merge. Your grades generally are higher than what was shown on the email. I tried to send a correction, but my mailbox jammed with so many emails. I'll be giving you a printed copy of your grades. Please check it carefully and let me know if you have any questions. Then give this to your parents with my apologies. My excuse was that the computer operator was being an idiot.
Because I made a mistake and I wasn't sure if I told every class, I'm changing the due date for the field trip forms to THIS Friday, January 26th. I will be counting them for credit. If you aren't going, send me an email so you still get the credit.
I'll be gone again tomorrow talking to other school board presidents about new education laws for the state.
Note: When you're writing emails, try not to use bad habits created from instant messaging. For example, about 1/3 of you are not capitalizing i (I). Other common mistakes are not putting a period at the end of a sentence, not capitalizing the first letter of a sentence, and not including apostrophes in words like won't, can't, you're, and wouldn't. Your notes about the two emails were right on.
Do you want to be a millionaire? Do the following:
Hints: See below. You will have to create formulas in the Interest column and Total column. You need to use the cell reference for Interest Rate and not type in .107. If you do not use my help (you can use each other) and get the correct spreadsheet, you will get 10 bonus minute points. If you are in Office 1, you will receive 20 bonus minute points. If you need help from me, I will start asking 15 minutes after class has started.
Email Subject: Millionaire
Here is what the first part of your workbook should look like:
| Interest Rate | 10.70% | |||
| Age | Year | Earnings | Interest | Total |
| Starting Amount: | 0.00 | |||
| 16 | 2007 | 2,000.00 | 0.00 | 2,000.00 |
| 17 | 2008 | 2,000.00 | 214.00 | 4,214.00 |
| 18 | 2009 | 2,000.00 | 450.90 | 6,664.90 |
| 19 | 2010 | 2,000.00 | 713.14 | 9,378.04 |
| 20 | 2011 | 1,003.45 | 10,381.49 | |
| 21 | 2012 | 1,110.82 | 11,492.31 | |
| 22 | 2013 | 1,229.68 | 12,721.99 | |
| 23 | 2014 | 1,361.25 | 14,083.24 | |
| 24 | 2015 | 1,506.91 | 15,590.15 | |
| 25 | 2016 | 1,668.15 | 17,258.30 |
This is the first part of the worksheet. It should go all the way to age 65 and use formulas in the Interest and Total column.
I'll check back in 50 years and see if you did it :).
You all are awesome. I'm blessed to work at a school like this and it is fun to watch you grow. Comment from sub: The day went very well! You have good classes.
The following are two emails from my students. Pretend that you were a teacher, college professor, co-worker, company, or a boss getting these two emails. What assumptions would you make about these two people? What reaction would and should you have? Should you care about the content or tone?
Mr.Winter,
I have attached my corrections for the ChapterNotes document and the
Goals&Effort document. Both have been revised and the filename has been
changed. I have filled in the blanks you showed to me on the Goals&Effort
document. Please be expecting my Chapter0 shortly. Thank you.
First and last name included
OK, i talked to my mom about this, and she said she didn't care, because i told her that I've dint that stupid test 3 times this year, and i know how everything goes. i dint feel i need to repeat myself anymore.
First and last name not included
I hope you have a good day without me :). A lot of you had good comments for and against the proposed changes to education I mentioned yesterday. It will be good for me to go into the meeting with your thoughts in my mind.
You all should have started your chapters by now. As you do each chapter, fill out columns 2 and 3 of your chapter notes. You only have to do 10 notes for each chapter. If you do more notes, it is extra credit. I would like to make sure you are on the right track. For you email assignment, do the following:
Note: If you want more directions on chapter notes, Click here for instructions to create the ChapterNotes document.
I will be at a meeting on Thursday and again next week discussing legislation about education with other school board presidents. For those of you that don't know, I'm the school board president of Clear Creek County. There is a proposal that is sparking a lot of interest among legislators and the new governor. If you are interested, click here to see some of my notes on my education blog. I would like to get your opinion before I go to these meetings. Here is part of the proposal as I understand it:
Do the following
I will be trying to meet with Mrs. Mellott today to get the classes changed. I have over half of the students that need to move to a different class in Infinite Campus. Hopefully, your grades will be in by tomorrow or Thursday.
If you are ready to start the chapters:
If you didn't finish Common assignments:
No email assignment today.
Email Assignment Subject: Assignments to grade
To: heres.to.life.27(at)gmail.com
CC: me (rswinter(at)jeffco.k12.co.us)
Why am I picky about filenames, subjects, and document ID's? Click here to see a picture of my "To Grade" Inbox. I graded about 100 files yesterday and have 288 to go in my inbox. I have 63 students and each student will have 18 assignments over the 4 days this week. Answer the following three questions:
AT THE END OF CLASS DO THE FOLLOWING:
Note: You will receive your progress grade for the percent of common assignments you have finished. You can still make up the actual assignment grades by doing them outside of class (as homework or in the lab before school, after school, or at lunch).
More Notes:
Email Assignment Subject: Professionalism/Work Ethic
To: heres.to.life.27(at)gmail.com - Tony Martinez is my TA. He'll check for obvious spelling, grammar errors, name, subject on emails. Remember to replace (at) with @.
CC: me (rswinter(at)jeffco.k12.co.us) - FYI CC means "carbon copy".
There was a survey of 400 businesses on how well high school (and college) students are prepared for the working world. These business leaders said that 80% of high school students were deficient in written communication. That is one reason I'm focusing on proper email etiquette (subject, spelling, complete sentences, name). The business leaders also said that 70% of high school students were deficient in "Professionalism/Work Ethic." In one or two complete sentences, what do you think the business leaders meant by Professionalism/Work Ethic? Or, if you were in your future job, what behaviors do you think they would "count off" for under Professionalism/Work Ethic?
Notes:
Continue on with your common assignments. They are all due tomorrow including your parent syllabus form. Click here to go back to the Common Assignments list.
I was proud at how almost every one of you got to work so quickly. I also was happy to see how much you were helping each other. Nice job! Your first progress grade will be this Friday and as long as you have all 14 common assignments done by then, you will get 100% on this grade. If you don't get these done by Friday, you can do them as homework. You'll earn the grade for each assignment, but your progress grade will be where you are at the end of the day on Friday. I'll be double-checking your computer numbers and classes today.
Email Assignment:
After Email Assignment:
Note: About your grades. I started to enter your grades in an Excel spreadsheet. I can't enter grades in Infinite Campus until the end of the week because there is so much switching of classes and students going on for the next couple of days. Don't be worried if you don't see anything.
Below is the schedule for today. We're doing both 2nd and 3rd quarters.
Please come to the whiteboard every day. Look at the text above, especially items in yellow.
Today, you start by preparing for your class. This is organizing everything you need. Click here and read all the steps and follow the instructions to create the Common Assignments. These are due this Friday, January 12th. Since the Syllabus Parent Form is due Friday, you might want to print this out now (click here) and then have your parents sign this. The syllabus will be one of the assignments you do in the next couple of days.
Monday, Jan 8th: Teacher work day with vertical team meetings and a short faculty meeting. Teacher will report at 9:00 am
From 3:00pm to 5:00 pm there will be an informal Back to School Night so parents can meet teachers, ask questions and pick up a course syllabus. All teachers are expected to be in attendance.
Tuesday, Jan 9th: First day back for all students
High school students
Junior High School students
Since jr. high students take their core classes all year and took finals in elective classes before the snow storm, they will follow the same “time schedule” but will attend all second term classes, both Black and Gold
Wednesday, January 10th
Students will sign up to take finals, if they choose, on Tuesday, Jan. 9th during class. Finals will be given after school on the 9th and before and after school on January 10th and 11th only. A student’s grade will remain “as is” if s/he chooses not to take a final. For individual students who took finals early because of vacations or sports, if the score on the final lowers the student’s grade, it will be dropped. If the entire class took a final before the snow storm, it will be part of the final grade.
Please come to the whiteboard every day. Look at the text above, especially in yellow and orange.
Today, you start by preparing for your class. This is organizing everything you need. Click here and read all the steps and follow the instructions to create the Common Assignments. These are due this Thursday, October 26th.
Notice that went out to families from JA:
Attention JA families, there will be no school on Friday, December 22nd due to the snow storm. Secondary students will not have mandatory finals. For those students who think that they can raise their grades by taking a final, a group of teachers will be able to come in before school and after school on Jan. 10th, 11th, and 12th to proctor finals for those students. For all others, their grade stands "as is" . All work that would have been allowed to be turned in during these snow days will be accepted on Jan. 9th without a late penalty. Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 9th, 2007. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a happy and safe holiday...thank you.
Plan for January 9th.
We’re nearly finished! Hang in there for the rest of the week. While some are doing their darndest to complete their work, I see quite a few of you “checked out” already and not getting too much done. To help the people that have a lot of work to do including all the grading that I have to do, I’m adding the following SuperMinutes grade. Normally, each week of minutes grade equals one chapter. I’m going to multiply the percent of time you are working for today and tomorrow by a number from 2 to 5. If you all decide 5, then you can earn up to 500 minute points. I’ll average all students’ responses below to decide on the number. I’ll be stricter with the SuperMinutes grade than I have been with a normal minute grade. If you are out of your seat or turned away you’re your computer and chatting, I’ll take points off. If you are talking a lot or above a quiet level, I’ll take points off. If you are not working on what you mention in your email below, I’ll take points off. This will be a bit of a challenge for those that are done and have more than 93% because there is a potential for your grade to drop to a B. Make sure you are doing something productive and that doesn’t interrupt anyone in the room.
Because we had so many days with snow and without power, I’m going to give you even more incentive to work hard these two days. If you get a 95% on your SuperMinutes grade today and tomorrow, get all of your work done for the chapters, and return the note I give you signed by your parent or guardian, you do not have to be here for class on Final day. On Final day I will NOT be giving a regular final test. I will be allowing you to work in order to finish what ever assignments you need to do.
Copy the following and answer the questions: TYPE YOUR ANSWERS IN CAPS.
i. Chapters in any of the books in the room (this includes writing books). You need to have something you can turn in (notes, an Excel workbook, Word document, Flash diagram). Type which chapters.
ii. I want to work with one of the computer applications on my computer (PowerPoint, Paint). Type the program (or programs).
iii. I have assignments for other classes that I would like to work on or I would like to study for a test. You’ll have to create a document with some notes.
If you want a piece of candy, add the word “CANDY” below your name.
Email Subject: Test Taking2
Copy the list of TestTaking tips below from yesterday's Whiteboard and organize them in 3 or more categories or sections. You come up with the categories that make sense. Make a header for each category in Word (use a style). Then copy the tips that fit under the category. Do this for at least two more headers and tips. Save your word document as TestTaking2 with your long filename. Copy the document to your email and attach it too.
Final Schedule:
| Thursday, December 21 | A Block | 8-9:45 |
| C Block | 10-11:45 | |
| Friday, December 22 | B Block | 8-9:45 |
| D Block | 10-11:45 |
No whiteboard today
Email Subject: Test Taking
Many of you will be taking tests within the next week. Some people have problems with taking tests and some people do great. Please answer the following questions:
Note: Today after school I have a leadership meeting. The lab will not be open.
Final Schedule:
| Thursday, December 21 | A Block | 8-9:45 |
| C Block | 10-11:45 | |
| Friday, December 22 | B Block | 8-9:45 |
| D Block | 10-11:45 |
Email: Goal grade.
Copy these questions and put your answers in a different font and font color. If your email program doesn't allow different fonts and font colors, use Word and attach the document.
Thanks for doing the Decision Making whiteboards. Learning to use technology to aid you in your decisions is one of the key objectives that I'm supposed to go over and that I think will help you throughout your lives.
Email: Joy
150 Points Total for this 4 day assignment: 10 points for each step below. -1 point for each spelling, capitalization, or punctuation error.
Email Subject: Step 4 Decision Making
Include copy of text below and attach your DecisionMaking Word document. An example of what your document should look like is below.
Here is an example of what the completed document should look like:
Where should I buy a house?
Cost - 4
Good schools - 4
Commute time - 2
Close by recreation - 2
Pretty house - 1
|
|
Idaho Springs |
Huntington Estates |
Downtown Denver |
|
Cost |
12 |
4 |
8 |
|
Good schools |
16 |
16 |
4 |
|
Commute time |
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
Close by recreation |
8 |
8 |
4 |
|
Pretty house |
3 |
4 |
3 |
|
Total |
41 |
36 |
27 |
The alternative with the highest score is Idaho Springs.
I didn’t need to adjust any of the points or ratings because the result makes sense to me.
To make a decision I described the problem, the alternatives, set points for each alternative and rated each alternative. I could use this process to decide where to get a PhD or where to go on vacation.
*Marzano, Robert J., Jennifer S. Norford, Diane E. Paynter, Debra J. Pickering, and Barbara B. Gaddy. A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works. 1st ed.. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001.
If anyone is having problems with tests in any subjects and wants some tips, let me know. Danny is failing most of his tests, but is doing well in projects and homework and classwork so he is scraping by, but I would like to give you some tips so it is good practice for me to help him.
Email Subject: Step 3 Decision Making
Email Subject: Step 2 Decision Making
This is a continuation of yesterday's assignment.
Office 1 start Excel. Office 2 start PowerPoint. All others continue where you are at.
Email Subject: Step 1 Decision Making
See the steps in the Process of Decision Making below. Create a Word document (named DM).
*Marzano, Robert J., Jennifer S. Norford, Diane E. Paynter, Debra J. Pickering, and Barbara B. Gaddy. A Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works. 1st ed.. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001.
Note for parents and educators: NETS Standard 6.1 Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
At the end of class today, print out your assignment sheet from Goals&Effort and put in in the inbox.
I missed you guys, but hopefully what I learned will benefit you eventually. There were some problems with the computers on Friday for some students and today is a field trip for some 10th graders. To be fair to all, I'm extending the deadline until tomorrow, Tuesday at 4 pm.
Email: Student learning research
Email Subject: Substitute
Sometime near the end of the period, give me feedback on how you think the substitute did. Send Bianca the email at banca89@msn.com. Answer the following questions. If there were two substitutes, make two sets of answers.
Send Bianca the email at banca89@msn.com. I will have her check for 3 complete sentences (capitals, punctuation), spelling, name, and subject.
Email Subject: My Favorite Things
Write about something that is your favorite. It can be a person, place, or thing. Write some good details so I can picture why this is your favorite.
Send Bianca the email at banca89@msn.com. I will have her check for 3 complete sentences (capitals, punctuation), spelling, name, and subject.
Email Subject: Employers Want These Skills
Send Bianca the email at banca89@msn.com.
Here were the skills most asked for from employers from Monday's assignment and Heather's definitions:
Give an example of how school prepares you in three out of four of the skills above. For analytic thinking, use something besides Factorization. Send Bianca the email at banca89@msn.com. I will have her check for 3 complete sentences (capitals, punctuation), spelling, name, and subject.
For extra credit answer the following:
Note: If you need to check out a book for the weekend, make sure you check it out today and bring it back each day to use in class (if I have enough books).
Email Subject: 1906, 2006, 2106
See the statistics for 1906 below.
What are the three statistics that surprised you the most?
Pick two more statistics of things that have changed over 100 years and extrapolate how they will change by 2106.
List one more statistic that you think will happen in 100 years and tell me why you think that will happen.
Here are some statistics for the Year 1906 :
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had no college education. Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as “substandard.”
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death were:
Pneumonia and influenza
Tuberculosis
Diarrhea
Heart disease
Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn’t been invented yet.
There was no Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn’t read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, “Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.”
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the entire USA.
From http://jodesmind.blogspot.com/2006_08_01_jodesmind_archive.html (I don't know if this was the original place or not).
Email subject: Video Games
Click here and read this article about video games and education. Answer the following in complete sentences. Do numbers 1-3 below and pick question 4 or 5. If you do all five, you will have extra credit (tell me if you want candy or minute points).
FYI -- Field trip update. I goofed. I have a conference to go to on Thursday and Friday. We won't be able to do the field trip this Friday :(. Because I also have a parent meeting today after school, this week the lab will not be open Monday, Thursday, and Friday after school.
FYI: I'm counting class minute points double this week since it is a short week. Most of Blocks A and C did an excellent job of staying on track. There was a majority of Block B that did well.
Email: Classes 2
Send to: Bianca (not me) at banca89@msn.com. Bianca will be compiling the results for me.
See the chart below. Choose from the classes on the x-axis below starting from Creative Writing and going to the left. List three classes in order that you would like to take. If you choose Foreign Language, include which language.
Note: All other classes got one vote each.
Hidden Prize (well, not so hidden) - Click here to take the Thanksgiving quiz and tell me which question was the most surprising or interesting to you. Make sure you have at least one complete sentence. If you want the credit or candy, you'll have to send a separate email to me because the regular whiteboard is to be sent to Bianca. The subject is Thanksgiving quiz.
Email: Thanks
What are you most thankful for?
FYI -- I have a meeting after school today and next Monday so the lab won't be open.
Email: Weekend
What are your plans for this weekend or next weekend (the long one for Thanksgiving)? Don't forget spelling and at least one complete sentence.
Premio Ocultado -- Escriba en palabras españolas (palabras -- no números) -- ¿Cuántos años usted tiene? Escriba tambien - dulce o puntos.
I'm amazed at how on task most of you all are. Kudos to you. Working independently with distractions, staying focused, and getting the job done is obviously a skill any employer wants to see. Your skills in this area will go a long way toward you being successful in whatever you choose.
On sort of a bummer note -- The room is getting trashy. My wife came this weekend and even complained. We have guests that look at the school and judge us by things like how you all do in policing yourselves. I'm also considering not having food again just because it is a pain for me to clean up after you. The corners of the room are the worst offenders. Please pick up all trash around your area, whether or not it is yours. Also, please also push your chairs in and stack your books so they look great. Thank you. The management.
Email: New classes
Mrs. Stringari, the Principal, gave us a task to see if there were any additional classes we would like to teach. I'm curious, what additional classes would you like to have? Make a list of three classes that we currently don't offer that you would like to take and put your top choice as number 1, second choice as number 2, and third choice as number 3.
Email: Joke.
Write me a joke. If I laugh uncontrollably or cry, you get extra credit.
After school today one of my student's parents has requested to meet with all teachers of the student. Therefore the lab will not be open after school.
Note: Office 1 starts on Word chapter 1 today. Office 2 starts on Excel chapter 4 today. If you didn't complete Access, do this as homework or before or after school or at lunch to get the credit.
Email: Factoring and Learning through Comics
Go to http://www.geneyang.com/factoring/
For the questions below, make sure you write a complete sentence and use spell check.
Rubric:
Extra Credit: What is the Prime Factorization of 1260?
Welcome back from the weekend. This Whiteboard is due at the end of class today. I have a staff meeting after school so you will be unable to stay after 3:00 today.
Quite a few students in block B misread the assignment yesterday and didn't do it. Remember you get 20 minutes off your minute points when you don't do the whiteboard. I'll still give you credit today if you do yesterday and today's assignment.
Subject: Veteran's Day
Note: Hints on Web citations:
Extra Credit or alternative assignment. This means if you do both you get extra credit. Or, you can do the Origin of Veteran's Day or the dialog. Make a few sentences of dialog between a veteran and his son or daughter talking about a war. Spelling and grammar will not be checked on the dialog. If you do both, tell me if you want candy or points.
Do one of the following:
Email subject: BCS Football
OR
Email subject: Celldweller
Note: Extra credit* (see above) is only for correct answers, spelling, punctuation grammar, etc (except for the lyrics to songs).
Don't forget to copy your work from the C: drive back My Documents.
FYI2 - Deadline is next Monday for the first 1/3 of your assignments. Click here to see the deadlines again and what is due.
Email Subject: Yesterday's elections
Copy the following questions and write the answer after each one (you don't have to write complete sentences).
FYI - It's i-SAFE Live! i-SAFE is launching a new student video contest for November and December 2006. Students can create two-minute comedic video skits with an Internet safety theme and submit them to i-SAFE. Winners will get their projects aired on i-DRiVE TV and our Web site. Please pass this on to your video production students. Check out the details at http://xblock.isafe.org/contests.php.
Subject for today's email: Observation
I was impressed with your knowledge of graphs. Almost everyone was able to read both the bar chart and the pie chart. A few of you didn't catch the note on the right of the chart that LogicSmart includes mathematical skills. However, the hard part for about 25% of the class was reading and writing carefully. Many of you just answered the questions without complete sentences. A significant number of you didn't put periods or capital letters in some sentences. In block B and C I even put in the Whiteboard to write in complete sentences twice and a number of you missed that. Part of my hidden prizes are to help you to be more careful observers. For some jobs such as police investigator, health inspector, forensics, medicine, and many other science careers, observation is one of the key parts of the job. You'll need to work hard to focus your attention so you can see details that others might miss. Your assignment today is to look around the room and find three things you've have never noticed before in the room. List them in one complete sentence.
If you want the extra credit (candy or points), add two more complete sentences and tell me about one of the jobs you are considering and why observation might be important to that job. Don't forget to add if you do want candy or points and the other things that go on an email.
Don't forget to check your class page before you start each chapter. This is especially true for saving queries in Access Chapter 2 (Office 1 folks). You are responsible for doing the items as I mention on my Web site. Click on the Class Page link at the top of the page.
The results of the Smart survey were interesting. If you didn't take it on Friday, click on the link for that date and also do today's whiteboard.
Email subject: Smart Charts. Don't forget your first and last name.
Go to the link and do the how are you smart survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=528822824090. You can see the results for everyone who has answered so far.
Goals&Effort workbook grade Monday:
Note: I'm going to start grading your daily and assignment tabs of your Goals&Effort workbook today. Make sure you are filling these out correctly.
Optional Whiteboard:
Lottery (def): A tax on people who are bad at math. -- Rick Winter
My meetings are taking a long time, especially to get the new folks used to naming, saving, reading, etc. Please continue do the steps for help on yesterday's whiteboard and sign up on the Help form if you really need my assistance.
All except Office 1 do the following:
Office 1 do the assignment above if you already know how or the following:
Individual Conferences & Sign up sheet for Help
I'm going to be meeting individually with each of you to go over your
assignments, your grade, and see what help you need. In order to accomplish
these meetings, I will need you to do the following when you need help.
I've been asked to announce the following:
There is a high school student (Zach Rust), who is on crutches. He has a
broken leg that has a metal plate in it but is not cast. Please be aware of this
student and avoid bumping him in the hallways. Further injury can occur if he is
bumped.
OPTIONAL WHITEBOARD: Email subject: Stress. In the message, give me three suggestion on how to deal with stress. Tell me whether you want extra credit points or candy. Note - when the whiteboard says it is optional, that means you don't have to do it.
Today Common Assignments are due. You should have received an email with your current grades. You will fill out an Excel file to check that you get all the points you can. Click here to download an Excel spreadsheet. Fill out the information for the files shown. Don't forget to save and add your proper document ID (View, Header and Footer, Custom Footer then type 3 lines - Name, Date, long Filename). Then print the document and put it in my inbox. Note - There isn't always a hidden prize every day, but there is one today. I think it is difficult to find.
No school today. Your common assignments are due Monday now, assuming that the heat and power will be back on. However, if you see this by Sunday, send me a message for 5 extra minute points. Subject is No School.
I've only received about 4 ELocker assignments and 4 syllabus parent forms. Please check these assignments below on Tuesday's 10/24 whiteboard.
No whiteboard again today for the reasons stated below.
I want to apologize to you all. I haven't done as well as I would have liked to this first week of the quarter. I have a huge backlog of your assignments and requests for candy. I whittled them down from about 350 to 260 after school, but I really want to give you immediate feedback -- whether it is from an assignment or the fun of finding a hidden prize. As I find your assignments I'm marking them down and when I find one of the hidden prizes I mark it on the sheet to give to you the next day. Let me know on Monday if you didn't get the candy you deserved. I'm going to spend this weekend catching up, so if you need an extra day for your common assignments, you have one. In other words, they aren't due until tomorrow (Friday).
I had a lot of grading to do after our staff meeting on Friday, I've had more problems with my computer than normal (a virus that seems to come and go), requests from other teachers to fix their computers, and a lot more students than last quarter. Last weekend, I tried to make some things more clear on the common assignments, and I think I made some worse. I guess I'm whining a little, but I want you to know that the computers don't always work for me either and I also get frustrated. However, I still need to get my work done and you all are my priority.
No whiteboard today. However, there is a hidden prize. Once you finish your common assignments, pick up your book and start with the first chapter on the Daily sheet of your Goals & Effort. As you read, you should be completing ChapterNotes. When you finish each assignment and each chapter, fill in Goals&Effort.
Please send an email when you are finished with the common assignments. Subject: Common Assignments Done. What goes on the bottom of all emails?
Below is a summary of what you are to do by Thursday. I'm asking about your progress on where you are now to make sure I have down what you've done (and I got your emails).
I thought about some of your comments yesterday. I'm exempting some of the requirements if you took my class last quarter and did well.
Send me an email with the subject: Common Assignment Progress
Write the class you are taking - one of the following: Office 1, Office 2, Flash, Game Flash, HTML, Dreamweaver, Flash Programming (Advanced Flash).
Write down your computer number.
Let me know if you think you’ll need to come in outside of class hours or do the assignments at home to finish the Common Assignments by Thursday. I need to schedule my time to be here when you need the lab.
Don’t forget first and last name at the bottom of the email.
Make three lists. Note: Returning students: The assignments are not officially exempt until you put them on the third list. The easy way is to copy the text in the box below into your email. Then cut and paste the assignments into each of the two or three lists.
These assignments I’ve finished:
These assignments I still have to do (or want to do for review or better grade even if I'm exempt):
These assignments I'm exempt from (you don't need this list if you didn't take a class from me):
Copy the assignments from below into one of your three lists:
- First Email (10 points)
- Who am I survey (new) or paragraph (returning) (10 points)
- Folders
- Email - attached Word document with images My Documents and C:\ folders (10 points)
- Name tag document (posted on cubicle) (10 points)
- Saving Documents - Filenames - EXEMPT if got A in my class last quarter
- ELocker email instructions how to do Elocker (20 points)
- DocID email with attachments which have proper name & doc id (30 points)
- Office1, Office2: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- All Flash classes: Word, Excel, Flash
- Dreamweaver, HTML: Word, Excel, Text (Notepad)
- Office 1, Office 2: Raise hand when done with Access
- Procedures quiz (10 points) - EXEMPT if got C or better in my class last quarter
- Download email (10 points)
- ChapterNotes document (10 points)
- Syllabus - EXEMPT if got C or better in my class last quarter
- Syllabus quiz (25 points) - Required if new or got lower than C last quarter
- Syllabus reminder email (10 points) - EXEMPT if turned in last quarter
- Signed parent form (20 points) - EXEMPT if turned in last quarter
- Goals and Effort workbook (30 points)
- Chapter0 document (25 points)
Continue with your Common Assignments. You can use the links above or the one from yesterday if you want. If you want candy, add to your subject -- "Candy Please."
10/23 Monday - Quarter 2 Day 1 - Welcome, Bienvendo, BienvenuPlease come to the whiteboard every day. Look at the text above, especially in yellow and orange.
Today, you start by preparing for your class. This is organizing everything you need. Click here and read all the steps and follow the instructions to create the Common Assignments. These are due this Thursday, October 26th.
It was so fun having you all here. You are unique individuals and I wish you great success in everything you do. I'll miss you. I'm glad you're all not leaving me and will be back next quarter because I would be too sad.
If you finish early -- you can study for any class, look at your email, surf the Web (no downloads or Internet games though because of Viruses), or play one of the games loaded on your computer (Solitaire, Minesweeper, etc). Turn off all sound before you start.
There is no talking during the final because this is to do on your own and other people might need to concentrate.
Finals
Office 1, Office 2, Office 3. You are graded on number of right answers, but only have three tries for each question:
Note: Hint from other classes. Read carefully and don't click unless it is part of the command.
Flash: Try to get as much done as possible... You'll be graded on quality and quantity.
Copy and then paste them into your document. Jonathan T. -- Click here for your final.
Please take the two class surveys on Tuesday's Whiteboard if you haven't yet. You're graded on the self-evaluation. You get a 20 if you did it. A 0 if you did not. For the class evaluation, I need this so I can improve.
No regular classes today. Testing and career day.
Even if you are done with all assignments, please continue to work on one of the following:
Mr. Johanni's class - if you want candy, send me the best joke you know.
Email Subject: Dream Life
Think of the best possible life you could have in ten years and tell me about it.
Notes to make sure you get every single point due you:
Excused from final Note:
I'm giving out notes today to excuse students from Thursday's final. If you feel like you should have a 93%, but I don't give you a letter, do the following during the first few minutes of class:
Email Subject: Friday the 13th
Research on the Internet why are we suspicious of Friday the 13th. Just give me a sentence or so and copy the URL (Web address of the page).
For candy or 5 extra points: Find a picture somewhere that illustrates something about Friday the 13th. Paste it in a Word document, and attach the document to your email.
If you're interested in an FBI scholarship, go to http://www.cksf.org/index.cfm?Page=FindScholarships&Subpage=FBIProgram.
Email Subject: Space Shuttle
Read enough of the following article until you find out at least one thing you didn't know. Continue if you find the article interesting: http://science.howstuffworks.com/space-shuttle.htm
Write three complete sentences:
Optional: Answer the following question in a complete sentence and put in parentheses (candy) or (5 minute bonus points):
For a complete assignment, sentences should:
Remember: I won't in my room after school today. I have a meeting with Mrs. Stringari. However, tomorrow I'll stay after school if you need to be here -- there already has been a few requests.
Email Subject: Final
Remember that the final is next Thursday (10/19). If you have a 93% by this Friday (10/13) and your parents agree, you don't have to be here for the final class for me. I'll print out the forms and give one to you on Monday for your parent's signature. For those of you that are doing the final, tell me which you prefer:
I'll make a decision based on your input, but I'll probably only have one kind of test for each class (Office 1, Office 2, etc.) so you might not get your choice.
For an extra 5 minute points or a piece of candy. Tell me why teachers give finals. If you answer this question, please tell me whether you want candy or points.
For those of you that didn't find the hidden prize yesterday. Look up in the orange above. The question was how many minute points do I deduct for not doing a whiteboard. The answer was 20 minute points (which was in yellow right above the orange).
No whiteboard today unless you find the hidden prize.
Note: One week from today is when everything is due! Testing/Career day is Oct 18, Final is Oct 19. I'll ask you what kind of final you want tomorrow. I will be in a meeting this Thursday after school, but I believe all other days until next Tuesday after school I'll be here. Let me know if you're planning on coming in so I can let you know if I'll be here.
Email Subject: Football Advice
Friday night my son's team played Platte Canyon. We had "EK" -- painted on our field, in honor of Emily Keyes, the girl that was killed a couple of weeks ago at their school. Platte Canyon whomped us 49-0. Danny plays on the varsity kickoff and is a Freshman so he only got the chance to play one down for the entire game. He was really frustrated when he got home. He thought it was good that Platte Canyon won because of what the school went through with the shootings, but he hoped that his team could have done better. He wanted to do more, but had to sit on the bench and watch. His parents (us), aunt and uncle, grandfather, and great-grandmother were at the game. He also watched one of the seniors bang his unhelmeted head on the board with names of our many years ago championship team. I tried the best I could to talk with Danny, but I certainly don't have the answers. In your email message, tell me what you think I should have said to Danny.
Let me know if you want bonus points or candy if you answer the following question:
One of the school boards in the South watched a similar frustration with a losing team (being continually wiped out by similar scores). They decided to cancel the season. I'm on the school board in the district where Danny goes to school. What is your opinion of what the other school board did in canceling the football season?
FYI - Your school spirit comments are now up on TeenToTeen.
Flash students: If you're interested in a contest, go to: http://globalsolutions.org/Flash_Contest/2006/finalistsite/home.html
Email Subject: Jag Day -- School Spirit
One of the things that has been shown to help students succeed is how "connected" they are to the school. What suggestions do you have to make students feel more attached to their school? If you give five or more ideas, let me know if you want candy or 5 bonus minute points.
Note: Great suggestions on classes the teachers should take. I think you have great insight. I'm starting a To Think About page for myself and anyone else that wants to look at it. If you're interested, click on this link.
Note2: I added some candy facts and school shooting items to the TeenToTeen page. Do you have a better name than TeenToTeen? Maybe JABlogging, TeenBlog, something else -- what do you think? Anyway, please verify if I included something that I shouldn't. Quite a few of you said they don't mind if I include your text, but not to include your name. Therefore I decided not to include names or even initials so you feel like you can speak freely. Please also note the new item in orange highlight above.
Email Subject: Teachers Go to School Too
1. Please let me know if it is OK or NOT OK to publish your whiteboard assignments.
2. Please go to the Website: https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/Sessions.asp. Let me know of one class that you think might help you if your teachers took it. If you want 5 extra credit minute points or a piece of candy, let me know why you think this class would be good for the teachers to take.
FYI - I have a meeting with the principal after school today and can only be here until 3:15.
Email Subject: School Shootings
Click here and read the article about 10 myths regarding school shootings. Which myth do you think most students believe? Note: Write a complete sentence and don't refer to a number, but to the text of the myth.
If you would like candy or 5 extra credit minute points, tell me how me if you think we're doing enough here to protect you. If not, let me know what you would like done. Please indicate if you want the candy or extra credit.
If you're wearing a Jersey, say I'm wearing a Jersey and want another piece of candy (or another 5 extra credit minute points).
Email Subject: Formal Day
Find a picture of your favorite tuxedo or prom dress and copy the link into your message. Candy or 5 bonus minute points for anyone that is obviously dressed formally (tie, jacket, long dress).
It appears that some students are abusing their computer privileges. They're interrupting teachers and other classes. I talked with Mrs. Stringari, the principal, on Friday and here is the message I sent out to all teachers:
Please advise students in all labs, library etc. not to interrupt other students. Also, students have figured another way around the Bess filter to get into MySpace as well. Please advise students to only use computers for school use per the agreement they signed. The following will happen if students are text messaging through the computer or in My Space here at school:
Please also remind students that the computer teachers and Mrs. Buechner have the ability to see what they are doing, even if the adult is not in the same room.
If someone else knows your password, you might want to come to me to reset it.
Email subject: Text Messaging and My Space
Copy the text in italics above and add at the bottom one of the two statements: "I understand the message above" or "I don't understand the message above. Can you explain it to me in more detail?"
Also, include in the message two complete sentences (capitals, punctuation, etc.) of why the school district may be blocking MySpace.
Grade rubric: 20 points
The answer to 3.14159265358979323846 was Pi (not pie) for the hidden prize of today.
Print out assignment sheet at end of class:
Marquee for today had a hidden prize on what yesterday's marquee said.
Yesterday's Whiteboard illustrates why you don't believe everything you read, especially on the Internet. The Math site is a joke if you read it further. Now that you know I'm going to try to fool you, be aware. Be very aware, but not today -- it would be too obvious. I'll get you later :).
Email Subject: Candy
Research candy on the Internet. Tell me one fact about candy and copy the Web page link you found this from. If you want 5 extra minute points or candy, use the Citation Machine (see link top right above) and create and paste a proper citation for the Web site into your email. Tell me whether you want the candy or points.
Marquee was about eating healthy.
Message about candy: We're starting to have wrappers left around on desks, etc. Remember our agreement? As long as the room is clean, we can keep up the rewards and prizes, but if it creates a long more work for me or any of the other staff (e.g., custodians -- no more).
Email: Support of Math Assignment 1
Fractions should be reduced to their lowest terms before you work with them. For example, 2/4 should be reduced to 1/2 (divide both sides by 2). 369/123 should be reduced to 3. Fractions are hard, but I found a Web site with a really easy way to reduce fractions. Go to http://www.oreillynet.com/onlamp/blog/2006/09/reducing_fractions_the_easy_wa.html.
In your message, what is the reduced fraction in lowest terms for the following fraction: 3124/3125? Explain how you came up with your answer. If you get the answer correct, would you like a piece of candy or 5 extra credit minute points?
FYI - The tux shirt/tie ensemble is to make up for the sweats yesterday. I figure the two will average out to normal.
Please fill out the homework survey and put in your class in-box.
My son, James, has strep throat. We went to the doctor and he's still contagious today and can't go to school again. Poor thing :). Hopefully, I won't get it. Make sure you wash your hands, eat right, and take care of yourselves. Sorry about the way I'm dressed today. I got to my workout this morning before school and noticed that I didn't bring any change of clothes. My sweats will have to do. Maybe my punishment should be that I have to teach a gym class :). It's a good thing I didn't do this on the parent-teacher conference days at the end of this week.
Email Subject: What's Up?
I missed you guys yesterday. Write a little about how your life is going. If you want a piece of candy, have I got new stuff! I went to a wholesale candy store on Saturday. If you want a piece of candy, put "candy please" in quotes in the subject after What's Up?.
Marquee: Be Healthy! Eat right (limit your candy), exercise, wash your hands, and enjoy your life.
Since my Web site was down part of the day on Friday, if you did not do Friday's assignment below, do it now. Only two people got the obvious hidden prize.
Marquee: In second sentence of voice part 2, students were to guess who wrote the work they were writing about.
Email Subject: Voice part 2
Your comments to Danny were great. He read them all and I could hear him laughing in the other room a couple of times. As I mentioned before, I'm trying to help your writing and support other classes with some of these whiteboards. Your assignment is similar to the writing assignment on 9/7/06. You will be looking at voice and writing a paragraph like you did before.
Your assignment today is to pick one of the examples that a student wrote (from B below). In your topic sentence include the sample number and a statement that you think it has good voice. The three supporting sentences should tell me why, using the information you'll find by clicking the link A below. For each supporting sentence, you'll need to write the reason from the rubric or paragraph in A below and supporting evidence from the student work. This link will review a description of what good voice is and illustrate two examples of good paragraphs that showed three supporting statements I was looking for.
Marquee: In second sentence of voice part 2, students were to guess who wrote the work they were writing about.
No whiteboard assignment unless you find and want the hidden prize today. "Check your work" is the hint.
Prize: There was a prize on the Check Assignments link above.
Email Subject: Pirates
Arg Mateys! -- I didn't know yesterday was International Talk Like a Pirate day (Cap'n Morgan -- Sorry I missed it). In honor of the day, go to the Web site http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html and send me an email with something about pirates. For those of you that want candy add "Candy please" in the subject. Don't forget however what goes in ALL emails.
We only had one person in all three classes find the hidden prize yesterday. Congratulations Chris! He chose a fan that displays messages. The answer to the national park I recently went to was Colorado National Monument. Look on the South wall above computer 10. Chris was observant. A lot guessed Mount Rushmore, but I haven't been there for over three years. There is a note on the bottom of the page that says, "Picture taken by Karen Winter, 6/8/03."
Email subject: Assignment Check
Most of the class was on task, despite some interruptions. Good job. Most of the students in all classes earned all their minute points, yesterday. Thank you for those of you who are staying focused on your work. Remember, the next progress check is a week from Thursday (September 29). For example, all 6 Word chapters are due on the 29th. If you are in Office 1 and aren't done with Word chapter 2 today, you should think about coming in outside of class time.
The hidden prize today tests your powers of observation and inference. Which national park do you think I like or have recently gone to? You can add the name of the national park in today's whiteboard email or send me a separate email with your answer. I won't count the hidden prizes any more if you don't do what is yellow above. The subject for this if you do a separate email is Hidden Prize 9/19/06. Tell me if you want the candy/prize or 5 extra minute points.
Note: I have after school duty this week and so the lab will be closed from 3:00-3:10. Let me know if you need to stay after school, and I'll get back here as soon as I can after 3:10.
Email Subject: Constitution
Copy and answer the following questions in your message. One of the sites you
can go to for answers is at
http://www.cal-webs.org/cday/.
Block B -- remind me about the survey if I don't give it to you after the announcements. Also, do you have any more E-book forms to turn in or want more blank forms?
Marquee Text: There was a hidden prize on the 6 traits page.
Email subject: Permission to post "Advice to Danny"
Thanks for all the great advice to Danny. I'm building an advice page, but many of you didn't put whether it was OK to have your name and whether I have permission to post your words. Please send me an email if I have permission to post your words if you didn't put it on the bottom of your note. Since some of the emails were so telling, I'm only going to post the message with the first initial of the person.
The following assignment is optional. If you do this, tell me if you want
candy or 5 minute extra credit points.
Email subject: Scavenger hunt 1 (you can add this to the email above)
Two new cubs were born in Denver. There names are Razi and Zuri. Tell me what
kind of animal they are, what days they were born on, what their names mean, and
what language their names are in.
Marquee Text: Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness. – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Email Subject: Advice to Danny
My oldest son, Danny, just turned 15. Of course as a parent, I love him very
much and want him to live long and be happy. As you know, sometimes a parent
can't be as effective as a friend, a peer, or even kids his own age. Keeping my
goals in mind, what advice would you give Danny if he were your kid about the
pressures of growing up? This can include advice about drinking and driving,
drugs, sex, etc. Stuff that parents want kids to be prepared about, but maybe
don't have the best way of saying it. So tell Danny in your own words, what he
should know. For those that I think he should see, I'll forward to him. I think
this might have a potential to help other students too. I may publish the ones I
like on my Web site (with just your first name). If it is OK to publish what you
say, just copy "OK to publish" on the bottom. If you don't want your first name
to appear on your work, say that too. Please use Word or another program to
check your spelling or grammar so it is easier to understand and compile. Thank
you.
Easy candy day. Send a second email to me with your name and candy in the
subject if you want candy.
P.S. Thank you for your comments about my communication and the substitute.
Don't hesitate to give my any feedback that you think will be helpful in my
teaching or your learning. Some chose not to do the whiteboard assignment
yesterday. Please read the yellow highlighted words in yellow. If you did not
comment about the sub, I won't deduct the 20 points if you send your email
today.
Marquee Text: Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness. – Oliver Wendell Holmes
I have an meeting today and you will have a substitute. Look at your class and continue here.
Whiteboard assignment at end of day -- Email Subject: Substitute. Text: Tell me how the sub did today. Should we have him/her back?
Marquee Text: There was a hidden prize on the bottom of the page.
If you don't do today's whiteboard assignment correctly, you will get 20 minute points deducted. In other words, make sure you mark only items you've completed on your assignment sheet and you follow the instructions to print below. If my instructions aren't clear to you, please ask me.
At the end of the period today make sure your Goals&Effort workbook is up-to-date, and you have your three-line document ID at the top of the page. In Excel, you do View, Header and Footer, Custom Footer and type in your first and last name, date, and the long filename. Use the mouse and highlight all the items that are due today. For example, in Office 1 choose all of the Access assignments including all of the columns. Then choose File, Print. Under the Print What area, choose Selection. Then click OK. Put your paper in the box for your class. If you come in after class today, print out another copy of your Assignment sheet and throw away your old copy.
Today, you receive your progress grade for the percent you get finished based on your class and I will put in zeros for what ever chapters aren't complete. The progress grade will stay the same, but you can come in at your own time and make up the chapters you did not finish.
Tomorrow, I have an meeting about online learning and you will have a substitute. For Flash, Flash Advanced, Flash Gaming, Dreamweaver continue on with your chapters. For Office 1, skip the rest of Access if you aren't done and go on to Word 1. For Office 2, skip the rest of Access if you aren't done and go on to Excel 4.
I hope you had a good weekend. Thank you for your friendliness, helping each other, and being the cool individuals who you each are.
Email Subject: Communication Feedback
Email Text: Copy the following questions, paste them into your email, and then answer each one. Please think of all the ways I'm trying to communicate with you: As a group, through my whiteboard, through my emails, and in our 1-on-1 conversations.
Si quiere dulce, dice "quiero dulce" en su email.
Note: I'll be gone on Wednesday to a meeting to learn more about on-line learning options for you all.
Marquee: Que dulce es la vida.
Email Subject: Type your class and current page number. For example, Office 1 A2-25.
Email Text: Type your first and last name. If you want candy, type the word "candy" in Spanish. Look it up online if you don't know it.
Note: Peter and Jonathan in Block C -- Tell me where you are in your project.
Marquee: How much is school a preparation for a great life?
Did anyone find a flash drive? We're missing one with important documents.
The end of the day Tuesday 9/12/06 is when I will count your progress grade. This is what percent you are done with during the first 1/3 of class. Your grade can substantially change at this point, however, you can make up most work.
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Email Subject: Voice. If you want a piece of candy, change the Subject to "Sweetness of Voice."
Voice is one of the Six Traits teachers will use to evaluate your writing assessments and it is something that sets good writers apart from poor writers. Each teacher is required to have at least 3 graded writing and 3 graded math assignments to help you grow in these skills needed for college and the work world. From my experience in business, if you have strong voice, you can often command more respect and sell more product or more of yourself. You'll also need to be able to write well in all your classes, so I hope this assignments helps you.
How I'm going to grade you (30 points total):
Sample 1:
I was finally dead. Released from my past life of torture and pain. And what now? What will become of me now? That is not important. It is time for me to tell you my story from the beginning to the end. That way you can also feel my pain.
I was born in 1933 in a small Mississippi town, population 5,000, give or take. My mother died at my birth. I never knew who my father was. When they couldn't hold me at the hospital anymore, I was sent to the county orphanage. The headmistress, Mrs. Frankmore personally came to the hospital to pick me up. People told me she treated me well. The way it was said made me figure that that wasn't always the case.
When I was a year old, the money for the orphanage dried up. It was bankrupt. I guess other places took most of the kids. I don't know. I didn't understand cruelty yet because I had Mrs. Frankmore. Judith, that was her first name, took me in with her when the orphanage went belly-up. Most times she did without and was practically starving so she could feed me. I think she really loved me. I don't know why.
Sample 2:
One brisk September morning a lady in her mid thirties by the name of Sue called her lawyer to file a divorce papers on her husband John,. After Sue got off the phone with her lawyer she went to work. A week past and the papers still did not show up at her door, so Sue called her lawyer and the lawyer said, "I will send them right away." So a week later the papers showed up in the mail.
Sue not ready to tell her three children Amanda, Katie, and Eric, she hide them under the bed. Amanda who is nine is the youngest of the three. then there is Eric who is 14. Then finally there is Katie who is 15. Amanda one day was jumping on her Mom's bed, fell of the bed and sited a manila folder. In side of it was the divorce papers. Amanda then told the other two kids about what she found. The kids held it inside of them for a long long time intel one day when Katie was talking to her mom and it accidentally slipped out, "are you and dad getting a divorce?"
We were a silent, hidden thought in the folds of oblivion, and we have
become a voice that causes the heavens to tremble.
-Kahlil Gibran, "Children of Gods, Scions of Apes"
Pride follows many paths, speaks in many voices and comes in many forms...
Some stranger than others
-Lance Rund
Marquee: How much is school a preparation for a great life?
No whiteboard assignment today. Keep bookin' on your assignments. Many of you need to get on the stick if you want to meet next Tuesday's deadline. Let me know if you need to come in so I can let you know if I can be here.
7:55 Warning Bell
8:00 - 9:00 Writing Assessment
9:05 - 10:18 A Block
10:23 - 11:05 First half of B Block
11:05 - 11:20 JH Read
11:05 - 11:50 SH Lunch
11:20 - 11:50 JH Lunch
11:55 - 12:25 Second half of B Block
12:30 - 1:43 C Block
1:48 - 3:00 D Block
If you're interested in College Football, you might want to check out this cool spreadsheet.
Marquee: Don't forget to check chapter notes. There was a hidden prize in this message too.
Marquee: Don't forget document ID - name, date, filename (Do in all files - Word, Access, Flash, Dreamweaver, etc.)
Marquee: Don't forget document ID - name, date, filename (Do in all files - Word, Access, Flash, Dreamweaver, etc.)
Schedule for today:
A Block is normal
B Block - students will report to B Block for attendance and then we will dismiss you to the gym.
9:30 - until the assembly is over will be in the gym. After the speaker is finished, students will go BACK to B Block for discussion until lunch.
11:05 - 11:55 Lunch as normal
11:55 - 12:54 B Block classroom instruction
12:59 - 1:57 C Block
2:02 - 3:00 D BlockMarquee: Was a hidden prize.
Don't forget to do Goals&Effort each day. Click all tabs and make sure you've filled everything in. Some people forgot to do the Daily tab yesterday. You'll get a grade on this whenever I give you a spot check. Fill in yesterday's Daily tab right now if you didn't.
Break Procedure -- This is now on the Class Page > Common Procedures page.
Assignment for 8/29/06
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Optional assignment
I want you to get the best grade possible. I also want to make sure that you understand what is required, that your email is working properly, your have my email correct, and that I'm entering in the grades correctly. For this reason I have a grade check paper I want you to fill out. I also want you to double-check your Chapter0 and Goals&Effort assignments against my rubric (grading system) so you can make sure that you have all the points. This whiteboard assignment is worth 20 points. Do the following:
This is the end of the first week. Many of you are just beginning the chapters in your books. Make sure you follow your goals and effort and the Syllabus. For example, Office 1 starts with Access chapter 1. Office 2 starts with Access chapter 4. You are responsible to look and see if there are any notes for the chapter. To do that, click on Class Page from this Whiteboard. Then look at your class and click Notes (if there is one).
For your assignment today:
Note: I'm slowly getting through the quizzes and whiteboard assignments you sent me. I'm sending notes back to you on the email you provided with the quiz. Before class today, I only had about 140 emails to go. I should be caught up this weekend. If you have a question on any email I send you, let me know.
8/24/06 Day 3 -- I'm really impressed with all of you. I like the way you're getting down to business, asking each other and me questions, and accomplishing your tasks. Just make sure you continue to read the instructions. For example, if you want candy today don't say anything about candy to anyone, write your name on a piece of paper and the word "candy." Put the paper on the bookshelf to the right of my desk. I'll hand out candy to those that put the paper on my bookshelf within 10 minutes after class starts. If you also want a bonus point, I have at least one word wrong in today's whiteboard. Write the incorrect word and the word it should be on the same paper.
And now for the assignment:
Email Subject: Top goal.
Tell me what your biggest goal is this year. For a complete grade their should be no spelling errors, proper sentences with capitals, punctuation and all that fun English stuff. There is no maximum or minimum length.
8/23/06 Day 2 -- Thanks for coming back.
Send me an email, and also include yourself and your parents. If you don't have your parent's email, make sure you write that as part of your email.
Note: Normal teachers have 3 classes in their electronic gradebook for the quarter or semester. I have about 30. Each time a student changes a class their grades are wiped out. I have to wait until we know which class everyone is in and the drop/adds are done this week. I will be entering grades this weekend, but I'll try to give you a verbal indication of how you're doing before then.
8/22/06 - Welcome Students. I'm so glad you're finally here. Each day you're required to read the whiteboard page. Here's today's:
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Daily Quote |
Daily Tip |
Picture (Guess what this is) |
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He is educated who knows where to find out what he doesn't know. --Georg Simmel |
Ctrl+S usually is save in most programs. Safe your work OFTEN. |
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Today's whiteboard assignment: Subject: Daily Quote, Tip, or Picture
Send me an email. My email address is always at the top of the whiteboard page (use the @ sign instead of the word at). Tell me why you think I chose the quote above, why I had the first tip as Ctrl+S, or what the picture is and one fact about it. You receive credit each day for doing the whiteboard assignment unless it says it is optional. See the yellow highlighted words above. You always should include a subject for your email and your name at the bottom (this is good e-mail etiquette as well). In addition to your credit, I'll give a piece of candy to whoever adds the phrase -- "please may I have candy" to the bottom of the email.
After you do the whiteboard each day, work on your assignments. So today, click on the Class Page page link above (top left of this page) and then after the word Common, click on Assignments (these are due by or before Friday). When you are finished with the common assignments, go on to the assignments for your specific class. Tip - click here to open, then print out the Parent Syllabus Form and bring back by Friday. This is one of your assignments but this is a reminder.
Note: Today's schedule is shortened.
7:55 Warning Bell
8:00 - 9:00 Activity (Ribbon cutting ceremony)
9:05 - 10:18 A Block
10:23 - 11:05 First half of B Block
11:05 - 11:20 JH Read
11:05 - 11:50 SH Lunch
11:20 - 11:50 JH Lunch
11:55 - 12:25 Second half of B Block
12:30 - 1:43 C Block
1:48 - 3:00 D Block
8/21/06 - Welcome 9th graders!
This is your special day. You don't need to worry about all those pesky upperclassman. It's just you and me today. Here is the latest schedule I have for today:
8:00-8:15 Welcome in Commons Area
3 twenty minute rotations—Groups by Alphabet
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8:20-8:40 8:45-9:05 9:10-9:30 |
Library with Lori Tech with Rick MB—counseling and college |
9:35-9:55 A Block
10:00-10:20 B Block
10:25-10:45 C Block
10:50-11:10 D Block
11:15-11:45 Back to Commons (Athletics, eligibility, stucco, clubs, NHS Q and A)
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5/25 and 5/26/06 Hooray! You made it through the class and the school year.
Click here for the instructions on your final. 1/2 of your grade will be based on productivity so don't forget to work the whole period. If you want a piece of candy for energy to make it through the final, come pick one up. If you want a piece of candy when you leave as my little thank you for being in my class, you may take one as you leave.
5/24/06 Last day of regular assignments. Please do the following:
5/23/06 Tomorrow is the last day of regular assignments. Everything will be due at 4 pm. I don't think some students know how much they can increase their grades by turning in assignments for past chapters or how much the grade might drop if they don't finish what is due for tomorrow. I hope they aren't negatively surprised when their report card comes out. I know the last few days are hard even for me to stay motivated. I'm anxious for summer to start too. You might be able to find the final assignment if you look at the assignment for seniors and think a little. As I've been saying, if you actually find the final, it is better for your grade not to tell anyone.
Optional Assignment - Subject: Grades. Tell me how your grades for this years' classes might impact you this month, next year, and in your senior year of high school. Let me know if you want candy or the five bonus minute points and don't forget to sign your name.
5/22/06 No whiteboard, just keep working so you can get the best grade you can. If you didn't read the 5/19 whiteboard, make sure you read it now.
For those that have a 93% or above, click here to go to the form to excuse you from the final. Print the form and bring it up to me to sign. Then take it to your parents and give it to me by Wednesday.
5/19/06 End of year stuff:
This is not an optional assignment (see note in yellow above): Tell me in a couple of sentences how our culture has been impacted by technology. Subject: Culture and technology.
5/18/06 Optional Assignment: Subject: 90 minutes. If you could do anything you wanted for 90 minutes starting right now, what would you do? You would have to start from right where you are. So, if you wanted to walk in the Amazon Rainforest that wouldn't work because you couldn't get there within 90 minutes. Don't forget to tell me your name and if you want candy or 5 extra minute points.
Want a job? There is no bonus points, just send me an email. Subject: Summer Job. Let me know if you want a job doing Microsoft Office, HTML, Flash or other computer work that you've learned in class. Sometimes I get people asking me if a student would like a job during the summer. In the email include why you would want this kind of work and what kind of pay you would expect. Also include your phone number so I can contact you if I need to in a hurry. There is a chance that a company might want to try out your expertise before the end of the school year so if you're finished, I might assign you something that would show them if you are the right fit. This would be for class credit and probably not for pay.
5/17/06 Hooray. Thanks for cleaning up the room. I appreciate your respect for each other, the custodians, and me. Everyone that asked for points or candy in block A, B or C got it yesterday because both B and C helped clean up the room. The results from the email was interesting. About 1/4 of the students who responded didn't care about the trash outside or in the halls. However, it mattered to about 3/4 of the students who answered the question. Some called throwing trash on the ground disrespectful, dirty, unclean, frustrating, disgusting, thoughtless, and pathetic.
Optional Assignment. Subject. Presidents. Number the presidents of the United States in order of when they were president. Unless you have committed these to memory, you'll probably need to search the Internet :). Include whether you want 5 extra minute points or candy. Don't forget your name and to clean up around your work area.
5/16/06 Hmmm. I can sure tell school is almost out. I'm starting to get more tardies, more unexcused absences, less work during classes, and more candy wrappers and other trash on the floor. We have less than two weeks left. Keep going, you can do it! I had 10 people lose points yesterday for various reasons. Block A can still earn candy. When the tables and floor is clean, Block B and C can earn candy and/or extra minute points. It doesn't matter to me who made the mess. It does matter to me that the room is clean though. I shouldn't create extra work for other people by being generous to you.
Optional Assignment Subject: Clean Environment. Tell me how you feel when people throw trash in the halls, out the window from the car, or in parks. Does it matter to you? Tell me if you want extra credit or candy and sign your name. Remember, for block B and C you'll only get candy or credit after the whole room is clean. Why doesn't everyone pitch in and make it happen?
5/15/06 Welcome back to the final two weeks. If you finish your section (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), go back and make up any assignments you've missed. I'm still hoping we can do a nature walk, but we still need a few people to finish Access. Don't forget to click the Check Assignments button at the top of this page to check your work after each chapter.
Optional Assignment: Tell me your favorite computer program from all the software we offer here (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Flash, HTML, Dreamweaver) and why. If you have another program that you think we should teach here, let me know that too. Don't forget to put on your name and if you want candy or 5 extra minute points. Subject: Favorite Program.
5/12/06 Friday again! Only 2 more Fridays after today. Wahoo!
Number of days left after today:
Finals (9th-11th). Note -- Sometime next week I'm going to tell you what your final is on this Web site. You'll just have to keep checking. I'll grade the final on how much you get done and the quality. Therefore, if you want more points, you can start working on it as soon as it is available. Keep checking this site. I'll probably do subtle hints first and then make them more obvious as we get closer to the final.
Thursday, May 25 A Block 8:00 – 9:45
C Block 10:00 –
11:45
Friday, May 26 B Block 8:00 – 9:45
D Block 10:00 –
11:45
Note: The cutoff date for the 93% grade to excuse you from the final is May 19th. I'll have to get a signed permission slip from you on May 22nd for you to be excused from the final.
Email Assignment. Subject: Ethics on Technology. Pretend that you are a parent and are looking about getting a computer for your son or daughter that they could have in their room. Tell me one good thing that a computer would do for your child and one bad thing that might happen. Also answer the following: Why would someone do something bad with a computer? This assignment is not optional; however, if you want candy, just add a message saying so at the bottom of the email, and I'll call you up. Don't forget your name. (It's amazing that I still have people forgetting their name even after I put this on the bottom of almost every assignment).
5/11/06 The sub enjoyed you all. There was only one person who didn't get the full minute points. Today is the Yearbook signing day for block B. Optional Assignment: What do you think you'll remember as the most fun thing that happened to you in high school? Subject: High School Memory. Write if you want candy or 5 extra minute points.
5/10/06 This is not an optional assignment: Let me know who the sub was today and how he or she did. Also tell me how you think you're doing to be on schedule to finish all your assignments in this class by the end of the school year. Don't forget to sign your name.
5/9/06 I won't be here on Wednesday. I'll be with some of the 10th graders at the ropes course. Please help out the sub with anything that he or she needs.
Most of you are still working hard. Way to go! A few a starting to slack off. I know, it's Spring, but I want you all to get the best grade possible. I also realize that graduation and life after that may seem far away for some of you, but these grades on your transcript can impact your life and possibly reduce your options. I've tried to structure this class that you can all do well if you work the entire time and come in outside of class time to make up work if you need to. Remember, your minutes points are for working the whole 90 minutes. This affects not only your minutes grade, but the amount of work you can turn in. Also, some of you are skipping objectives and goals and effort. That is 35 points right off the top out of 100, so you can only earn a maximum of a D (65) for the quality check.
Note: Don't forget to check the notes pages for the class you are in. Click on Class Page above and then go to the notes for your class. For example, Excel Chapter 3 Apply Your Knowledge is a special assignment. If you can't find PowerPoint graphics or templates, the solutions are also mentioned.
Optional Assignment. Use the Microsoft Office XP Book One (the green book) and the Citation Machine (link at top right of this page). Create a citation for this book (three authors). Copy this in the message part of your email. In the subject, type Citation Machine. Let me know if you want candy or 5 points extra minutes credit.
5/8/06 Optional Assignment: Use Excel or another computer tool. Find out how many seconds there are in a year and send the answer to me. In the Subject type the answer. In the message copy the formula or the spreadsheet. Put your name and let me know if you want candy or the 5 extra minute points if you got the answer right.
5/5/06 The comments on the final were split fairly equally between the three choices I gave you yesterday. B (Projects) was the most popular, but not by a big margin. I'm considering your comments and thinking about if I can offer you your choice on the day of the final. I'm not sure I can grade that many different items (3 finals times 5 courses is a lot of work). I might even combine different finals to meet your various needs. This is something for me to think about. If you have any other input you want me to consider, let me know.
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Optional Assignment - Brain Teaser |
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On the way to the end of Mount Jaguar,
Kate and her faithful cat Matt must cross a river of boiling goo. There
are numbered stepping stones in the goo of
green, but Mrs. Mellott has
put up a warning sign: Student, beware! Kate can see that the first four stones are painted red and numbered 8, 16, 31, and 60 but the rest of the stones are unpainted! What is the next stone she must cross?
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Send me an email with the answer in the subject. If you get the answer right, you get a piece of candy or 5 extra minute points. Put your name in the message and let me know if you want candy or extra credit. If you want 1 piece of candy AND 5 extra minute points, explain mathematically how you get to the answer.
5/4/06 Optional assignment. I have three possible finals and would like to get your opinion on which one would help you the most:
A) Multiple choice/true false/fill in the blank -- Although this is the quickest, and certainly the easiest to grade, this is often the hardest test for many because it requires looking up answers or knowing specific content about the program without having it in front of you. Generally, students don't score as high on this test as they do on the next test.
B) Projects -- This is a timed test that has you create documents similar to what is in the book. I see how far you get during the day of your final and look at the quality of what you produce for your grade.
C) Partner standards -- This is a new test I'm trying this year. As a team of two people, I will have you rewrite standards so a sixth grader can understand them and give me some examples of what you've done in this class or in school. This allows you to be a little more social and have a different kind of test from what you'll probably do in your other classes. Mr. Kain, Mr. Johani, Ms. Genest, and I will use this information to help us design better classes for the school.
Send me an email. In the subject, type Final Input. In the message copy which of the finals you think would be best for you. Tell me in one or two sentences, why. Don't forget to put your name at the end and let me know if you want candy or 5 extra minute points. Kala -- If you're reading this, yes, I got new candy including Bottle Caps, Nerds, Laffy Taffy and others.
Remember, if you have a 93% or higher grade and permission from your parents, you do not have to be here for the final.
5/3/06 Required assignment. Open your objectives and keep them open until I come around to you. I need to verify what you have marked on your worksheets and my computer was way too slow yesterday.
Some of you surprised me on your progress for yesterday. Some did better than I expected and others had less done than I thought you would. What I'm going to do is show you your grade and talk to you about your goal for the end of class and how you might reach it. I think some of you are learning the hard way that a lot of socializing, sending messages, or going to Web sites isn't very productive. I'm letting you learn what life would be like at work where you have less supervision and more autonomy -- or ability to goof off if you choose. Of course, if your boss discovers you didn't get a lot done, you might not have a job. On the other hand, if you meet or go above what is expected as many of you did, you'll probably do very well.
For your assignment, send me an email that says My Grade in the subject. What I want you to do is guess what you think your grade is (don't look it up -- that defeats the purpose). Then write what your goal is and how you might get there using the rest of the quarter. Some ideas you might consider include moving to a location where you won't get as distracted or where it is easier for me to get to you or see your screen, taking the book home, asking for help more often, or coming in before school, after school, or at lunch. Remember, if you come in outside of class time, it sort of counts double -- you get work done AND you get extra minute points if you're working. I'm leaving your grade up to you -- this is your life after all. If I can help in any other way, let me know in your email.
If you want candy, add the phrase "I want candy" at the bottom. If you want 5 extra minute points, add "extra points please." As always, don't forget your name. If your email is on yahoo.com, raise your hand to let me know when you are done with the email because I often don't get those emails for 12-24 hours after you send them.
As I get your emails, I will call you up to discuss your grade, what you want to do to reach your goal, and how I might help you get there.
Note: Office 1 start Excel chapter 1 today. Office 2 start PowerPoint. Dreamweaver, HTML, and Flash continue on with your chapters.
PS. I added a link at the top of this Whiteboard called check assignments. This is the same list of items you have on the Excel workbook you created at the beginning of class. I suggest you use this page after you complete each chapter to make sure you are on the right track.
5/2/06 2nd Progress Grade (Required Assignment) - I tried to get a jump start on putting in grades based on where you said you were yesterday or an estimate. When I went to Samba to see the work done, some people didn't have very current information and so I stopped in the middle of making estimates. Make sure everything is on Samba -- Goals&Effort, Objectives, and all chapter work. Make sure all your files are named correctly. If you have ANY questions on how to do this or are afraid you'll get rid of good files, ask me or someone else who knows. Before the end class, do the following:
Note: I gave block C the opportunity to give me a box of Kleenix and I'll add 10 points to your last quality check grade. I'm going to give this opportunity to all classes.
5/1/06 Happy May Day! Tomorrow at 4 pm is your second progress grade. See Friday's note. Remember, you can stay before or after school or during lunch. If you check out a book, make sure you return it before 8:00 am the next school day. Optional Assignment for Candy: If you were on the Nuggets or Avalanche team, how would you help them win? Subject: Win Help. Don't forget your name.
4/28/06 Hello again. Yesterday's meeting was OK, but I probably would have gotten more out of being here. I didn't feel like many in the group cared what I said. It's frustrating when that that happens.
We're getting closer to the Nature Walk. Block B only has 5 more students to get their first third of assignments in. The other blocks have further to go. If you want to see the progress for your class, click on the Nature Walk Status link at center the top of this page. For Office 1 & 2, if you get done with Access including the personal assignment, make sure you send me an email so I can add points to your grade. Remember, if you don't complete the assignments by the due date, you're expected to come in before school, after school, or at lunch. The next due date is Tuesday, May 2nd. Click here to see what is due.
Optional Assignment if you want candy: If you could go anywhere in the world on a nature walk, where would you go and why? Don't forget to add your name at the bottom. Subject: Nature Walk. For this assignment, if I get the email, I'll give you candy. If you have a yahoo.com account, keep your document open and raise your hand. I've been sometimes getting these emails 12-24 hours after you send them. I heard that the laptops weren't able to get to my whiteboard yesterday, so block A, can still get credit for the assignment if they do yesterday's whiteboard assignment.
4/27/06
THIS IS NOT AN OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT: I shouldn't really have to say that the
assignment is not optional based on the note above. However, I want to make sure
you get the points because I'm not here and I'm nice :).
One half hour after the class starts, send me an email with the Subject: Apr27SubAssignment. In the message include your first and last name at the bottom. Answer the question: Who was the sub today and how did they do? This assignment is more of a test to make sure you are still checking the whiteboard for assignments. I might catch a few people who aren't doing this, but not you because you are reading now! Because I'm having problems with receiving email from some people, I also want you to create a document in Word by copying and pasting your answer to a blank document. Save the document with a proper header and the same name as the subject (Apr27SubAssignment) in all three places that you normally do. I'll check either your Samba drive, My Documents, or my email to get the points (and I won't tell you which one). Don't forget the long filename format. Use 0 (zero) for the chapter. Save this in the class folder but not in a chapter. For example, save in Office1 and not in Word or any other sub folder.
See you tomorrow.
4/26/06 ACT Test and High Jump Day. No regular classes.
4/25/06 Optional Assignment - Subject: School Leadership. Sometimes, it is hard to get students to do things like perform community service, clean up the school, participate in fundraisers, help other students, and do other things that make the school a better place. What qualities would a leader have to have to motivate you to do more? Don't forget to sign your name and let me know if you want extra credit or candy.
4/24/06 I will be at the following event, Inventing the Future of Education, this Thursday (4/27). You will have a sub again. Optional Assignment: I'm going to ask you the same question we will be asked at the beginning: What one thing (highest priority) would you change about education? Make sure you sign your name and tell me whether you want 5 extra minute points or candy. Subject: Future of Education.
INVENTING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Breakthroughs in Learning for the Next Century
In Phase One, a group of 50 leading thinkers and community leaders will participate in an intensive, one-day retreat to immerse themselves in the question, “What innovations or achievements will hold the greatest promise of transforming the nature of learning in the next 50 years?” At the conclusion of the day, participants will come to a consensus on the three or four most promising innovations.
4/21/06 Happy Friday. Can you believe there are only five more Fridays left in the school year? I was at a meeting for school board presidents yesterday. I'm the only teacher in the bunch. They talked about meeting times, and I said how difficult during school hours is because I want to be here for you if you need me. We discussed things like graduation requirements, student protests related to the immigration issue, what the legislature is doing with new laws relating to school, and school finances.
Optional assignment: Subject: School Board. Message: What do you know about the school board? What do you think they should do? Don't forget your name and to include whether you want candy or 5 extra minute points. If any of you are interested in politics, the school board is often the first place many people start. I'm not interested in anything further right now, but if you want to learn more, just ask me.
4/19/06 Today, after the Writing Assessment, we are on a shortened schedule:
8:00 - 9:00 Writing Assessment in A Block classes
9:05 - 10:18 A Block
10:23 - 11:05 B Block (first half)
11:05 - 11:20 JH Reading
11:20 - 11:50 JH Lunch
11:05 - 11:50 HS Lunch
11:55 - 12:25 B Block (2nd half)
12:30 - 1:43 C Block
1:48 - 3:00 D Block
Tomorrow (Thursday) I have a meeting that I will be attending. Because of that, the lab won't be available for before school, after school, and maybe not at lunch. Optional assignment for candy or 5 points extra minutes: Subject: Candy Pro/Con. Message: Considering the health problems associated with candy, do you think it is good or bad for me to encourage students' consumption of this sweet stuff? Tell me why or this is or isn't a good thing to do. Don't forget your name.
4/18/06 You can turn in yesterday's extra credit up to 30 minutes after class starts. See the instructions for yesterday. Optional assignment for either 5 extra minute points or candy: Subject: Blue or Green. Answer one of the the questions -- Why is the grass green or Why is the sky blue? The answers must be scientifically valid. If you need, you can look up the answers on the Internet. Don't forget to include your name and whether you want candy or extra credit.
4/17/06 Today marks the second third of the quarter. Do the following:
The next deadline is 5/2/06
| 2nd 3rd class Quarter 4 = 5/2/2006 |
Office 1 Word chapters 1-6 |
Office 2 Excel chapters 4-6 |
HTML Chapters 3-5 |
Flash, Dreamweaver Chapters 4-6 |
Each class is around 50% complete for the nature walk status. Click here if you want to see the results for your class.
On Wednesday 4/19 the school will have the writing assessment for those that haven't passed it yet. Remember, you take this test each year until you pass it and then you get to stay home! Those students that I've already talked to in Block A in my class do not have to come until 9:00 am. Other students will take the test in block A. I would like to help you practice if you want and earn extra credit in my class. I'll give you up to 6 points extra minute credit AND 1 piece of candy for each paragraph your write about one of the following prompts. Or, I'll let you choose which assignment you do not want to hand in if you write 5 good paragraphs. Click here to show the six-trait writing rubric. Print out the six-trait writing rubric and circle the score you think you should receive in each of the blocks. Only those writing samples that have advanced in all categories will get all points. Print out your paper (with the proper header). Staple the rubric and paper together. Use Class-0-QtrBlock-LastnameFI-WritingPractice as the name of the file with your appropriate information. You may turn this in any time up to 30 minutes after class starts tomorrow (4/20) for credit. In other words, you can do this for extra credit tonight.
4/14/06 REQUIRED ASSIGNMENT: Today at the end of the day (4:00) everything is due for your first 1/3 of the class for your 3-week progress grade. What this means is that I'll take a look at what you have up until now. For Office 1 you will start Word on Monday if you haven't started it yet. For Office 2, you will start Excel chapter 4. For Flash, HTML, and Dreamweaver you will continue on your existing chapters. You will receive a grade for how far you got on your assignments.
At the end of the class today, PRINT the following:
Note: If you incorrectly identify work that you have done or not have done, you will lose points.
4/13/06 Optional Assignment: Create a simile or metaphor that uses candy in it. For the subject tell me which one (simile or metaphor). In the message write the simile or metaphor and tell me why it is one or the other. Tell me if you want 5 extra minute points or candy. If you don't say or don't include your name, you won't get either :).
4/12/06 Si puedes hablar Español y quieres dulces, escriba una email a mi en Español que quieres dulces. No te olvides tu nombre. Sujeto: Dulce.
4/11/06 Coming in to make up work so you meet the deadline of Friday? Did you know you get extra credit? I add points to your minutes based on how long you work before school, after school, or at lunch. So think of this actually as double points -- one for completing the assignment, the second for your time. After you come in and get settled, let me know when you want me to start the clock. However, if I see you in email, games, etc. the time won't count for that period.
4/10/06 Reminder Again -- Friday 4/14/06, the first third of your assignments are due. See 4/7/06 below. I'm starting to do quality checks. Make sure your Goal&Effort worksheets are filled out. Make sure Objectives are filled out. Make sure that you have your 3-line header in all documents. For example, in Microsoft Access you choose File, Database Properties, and put your header in the Comments section.
Optional assignment if you want candy, tell me how you put your 3-line header in PowerPoint or Flash. For the subject write Header/Candy and make sure to include your first and last name.
4/7/06 The whiteboard below assignment is not optional. You should be close to finishing your second chapter. If not, you should schedule some time with me to come in before school, after school, or during lunch so you can be sure that you are on track for your first deadline (4/14/06).
Send me an email message (to my email address at the top of the screen). Subject: My Progress. Sign your name at the bottom. Tell me what page you are on now and let me know if you think you'll be on track to complete your third chapter by next Friday (4/14/06). Here is what is due:
| Office 1 | Office 2 | Internet | Flash | Dreamweaver | |
| First 3rd of class Quarter 4 = 4/14/2006 |
Access chapters 1-3 Access Personal Assignment |
Access chapters 4-6 Access Personal Assignment |
Chapters Intro, 1-2 including Personal Assignments | Chapters 1-3 including Personal Assignments | Chapters 1-3 including Personal Assignments |
If you would like some candy, add at a note at the bottom -- "May I please have candy?" If I don't see the note, I won't know that you want candy :).
4/6/06 No whiteboard assignment. CSAPs are over. Hooray.
4/5/06 Optional Candy Assignment (Note new candy).
If you want a piece of candy, send me an e-mail with the subject of CSAP. Copy the questions below and paste the question and answers in the message area with your first and last name at the end:
How well do you think that the CSAP tests your knowledge and skills in
4/4/06 No assignment today -- just notice schedule below
4/3/06 You can still turn in your parent syllabus form, although you will receive less credit.
GE2 Grade - Do the following before 15 minutes of class are up (this is not optional and is worth 30 points):
In the future some of you may have to bill clients based on the projects you've worked on or you may have to document work you've done for your boss. You will need a good tracking system to write down the details and remind you what to put on the bill or report to management. The goals and effort workbook, in addition to being a project management tool, is also a time management tool that can be used for billable projects.
3/31/06 Last day of March (Already?) -- Turn in your parent syllabus form in the inbox.
Optional assignment for candy or 5 points extra credit minutes. Open up Word and use the Thesaurus to find the antonym for the word Superfluous. Send me an email with "Superfluous antonym" in the Subject and the antonym in the message. Sign your name and tell me if you want candy or extra credit. Note: If you don't know how to use the Thesaurus, look up the procedure in Help.
to
Don't forget -- Syllabus Parent Form due tomorrow for 20 points.
For Access you have to do the following. For other applications, this method may be easier.
Remember, you need to do all your original work in the My Documents folder for your class and application (Access) or chapter (Chapter01). Start, save, and work on My Documents because the network can go down at any time and the floppy drives don't always save large files or they get corrupted. So after you save to My Documents you can copy the folder you are working on to your Samba drive as follows:
If you have ANY problems with saving, I want to help you early. This is one of the frustrating parts of the class for those that are new to folders, network drives, Access, etc. I want to help you as much as possible so you can get to your work easy and I can grade it.
If you have a thumb drive, bring it and use this instead of the floppy drive. This is a great tool for transporting documents. Remember also that you can also access your H: drive from home through E-locker.
3/29/06 All three blocks were awesome yesterday. I can tell that many of you would make good employees because you are so on-task and that you were willing to work through difficult parts and find the help you needed to get your work done. I would like to especially thank the early birds in Block A for helping me get the classroom set up.
Yesterday, you worked with the Excel checklist spreadsheet that showed you how I was going to grade for the common assignments. The second sheet shows what to look for so you can get your best grade on each chapter. This was an example of quality control that most businesses use all the time.
You also worked on the Goals&Effort workbook. This is an example of project management that is used for projects that require a lot of details or many steps. I used something similar when I was writing my technical books. For someone building a school or a house there is probably a project management spreadsheet somewhere. A project management document keeps track of when you completed items so you know where you are and can make an estimate to your boss on when you'll get done.
Because the Excel programs are installed differently, you may get #NAME?? messages with some of the formulas when you click on your Assignments sheet of the Goals&Effort. If this happens, click on the Tools menu, choose Options. Then select the Security tab and click the Macro Security button. Then choose Medium. Then close and reopen your workbook. Each time you open your workbook chose Enable Macros. A macro is a programming statement that someone can add to an Excel workbook. We get a little into macros in Access in chapter 6 (Office 2). The language that you use to create macros in Office is called Visual Basic for Applications. If you get to this point and get good, this is where you can make quite a bit of money.
Optional: Today's optional assignment. Subject: Project Management. In the message don't forget to sign your first and last name. Tell me types of businesses that would use project management spreadsheets like your Goals&Effort workbook. Also, tell me if you want a piece of candy or 5 extra credit points on your minutes grade.
3/28/06 I want everyone to get the best grade they can. Earn every point possible! Here are some notes to help. Continue on with the Common Assignments. You can choose the Class Page link above and then click Assignments on the Common line or you can click yesterday's link (see below).
I know it is difficult on the first day back of break, and block C did an excellent job of getting to work. Most people in the other classes did well and accomplished what they needed to in order to get the common assignments done. Remember the line in Monsters, Inc., "I'm watching you Wazowski!"? Don't forget I make an estimate of your productivity each day based on if you are completing your work. You can talk IF you can get your work done. We have a few already that I might consider moving to help them be productive.
The Common Assignments are due today. Congratulations to all those that finished yesterday. You're awesome. Download and fill out the following when you finish the Common Assignments so you make sure you get every potential point:
Note: This is an example of a quality control checklist. People in business use these all the time to make sure they do the best job they can. Think of how you might use something like this for school assignments, work, or any project you're working on.
Block C sure put me in a good mood yesterday. Thank you.
If anyone wants a piece of candy today, it is much easier than the hidden clues yesterday -- send me an email to my account (my email address is at the top of this page). Type Candy Please in the subject. Then type your name (first and last) in the message part. You always have to do at least these two steps (fill in the subject and put your name in the message) when you send me an email for candy or credit. If you don't have an email account, let me know and we'll set up one for you. I'll also be awarding the candy prizes to those that found the hidden ones yesterday.
3/27/06 I hope you had a great Spring Break and are ready for the last quarter of the year. For some of you it is your last quarter in High School. Wahoo! Please look at the Whiteboard everyday. Make this page your Home Page so you don't forget to check this. I will put assignments for a grade, news, and optional assignments here. Sometimes I'll give you candy if you follow the instructions correctly :).
Sit in the seats that you told me you wanted (or an empty seat if you weren't here before we left). I'm going to see how productive you are on the common assignments and if you need help to determine if we need to change seats around.
Today and tomorrow you will be preparing your computer and site for the rest of the class. You'll find out the procedures in class as well as get a list of assignments that are due. Click here to start the common assignments.
If you didn't do the survey, click here to take my pre-class survey.
Block A -- Please notice the room the way it is today. When you come in, please help me set it up this way each day so it is easier to move around and so I can help you with your computers.
3/16/06 Today is a shortened day because of the CSAPs. This will help me make sure you are in the right class, your logon works, and maybe learn a thing or two about you.
You'll need to check this Whiteboard every day. If there is an assignment, you'll need to complete it unless the message says it is optional. Often, optional assignments will come with candy. In addition to assignments, I'll also put announcements that may be useful to you. I may also hide prizes in different places on my Web site.
Here is what we're going to do today:
Optional Assignment: To get you started, if you want candy, send me an email. In the subject, type Candy. In the message type, "I want candy, please." Don't forget to sign your name at the bottom of each email because it is good email etiquette and I'll know who to give the candy to.
Note: Don't forget that you don't come to school tomorrow or until Monday, March 27th.
Schedule today:
3/15/06 -- Last day of the quarter! After you are done with your work, print out your Assignment sheet in your Goals&Effort workbook. Circle anything you did this week. Make sure all your work is saved on your Samba drive. If for some reason your Samba drive doesn't work, write your computer number on your paper and say Samba doesn't work.
Thank you for being here. Enjoy next quarter.
3/14/06 -- I made a big mistake yesterday. I didn't realize the quarter ends tomorrow -- Wednesday. Therefore, we will not have a final. Sorry :(. Students will be able to finish their projects today and tomorrow. If you have the 93%, you do not have to be in class Wednesday if you get the new note to me or your parent sends me an email. I apologize about the confusion. You do need to be here Thursday for the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Please fill out the class survey now by clicking on this link.
3/13/06 Only four more days of class! As soon as you login, please update and print out the latest copy of your Assignments page in your Goal&Effort workbook. Put the printout in the inbox for your class. I reviewed your H: drives during the weekend and put in your scores for the files there. I also put in your productivity (minutes) grades for the last two weeks. I will meet with each of you to go over your current grade and to make sure I have marked as completed the files you have done.
The final will be on Thursday except for students who have a 93% or above by tomorrow. I will be handing out permission forms to be excused from class. If you are here and are excused from the test, make sure you bring a book or something to write with. The final essentially is a series of documents you create and measures how fast as well as how complete you do the work.
You have until Wednesday at the end of class to turn in your work for all assignments. I will not be here after school today because of a staff meeting. I will be after school tomorrow and here at 7:30 in the morning Tuesday and Wednesday.
CSAP starts tomorrow. Bring #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils) and a book to read if you get finished early.
Optional Assignment: OK, I'm ready to start handing out candy again for all classes. Most people are working and respecting each other and me I don't want to punish everyone for the issues of a few. Send me an email. In the subject type: Being Nice. In the message make sure you sign your name at the end and answer the following question: If your teacher or another student is having a bad day, what might you say to them to make them feel better? If you want candy, write may I have candy please.
Congratulations to Billy and the rest of the team. Jefferson Academy is #1!
3/10/06 Have a great weekend. No assignment today.
3/9/06 I'm going to re-evaluate the candy for a little while, especially for the after lunch crew. There were quite a few wrappers on the desks and floor and students were having a problem concentrating on their work. Maybe the sugar is a problem. Books need to be put away and chairs pushed in. Some of you have been surfing Web sites not related to class, sending email or messages, talking about all sorts of things while not working, and going to other programs such as Paint -- almost everything but the assignments. My goal for you is to have the ability to work consistently for at least 90 minutes, even if the work isn't stimulating, I don't bug you to get to work, and you aren't rewarded every day. Hopefully, by the time you graduate you'll have this skill to work for a full eight-hour shift. It's really your choice on how you want to mature. However, I don't want to say everyone is like this. I am very proud of those of you who can consistently be productive every day. If you have any comments, you can certainly e-mail me.
3/8/06 Well, some students have been abusing privileges for leaving the classroom. They have been wandering around or bothering other classes. I don't know if it has been any of you or not, but the administration has asked us to make sure all students have a pass to leave the room. Therefore, I'm reinstating the pass. You need to take the pass with you while you are out of my class and to wherever you go. I'm going to try a smaller pass (a mousepad) for right now. However, my smaller passes have gotten lost before very quickly so if we don't get it back, we'll go back to the keyboard. When you sign out, you need to write down where you are going. No longer should you write "wherever", "hall", "I'm cool", or "No he's not." If someone were to call me, I need to know where you are. Sign back in when you return. If you do not want to abide by this procedure, you can stay in class.
Optional assignment for candy: Subject: Why do we have rules? Message: Why do you think students end up with rules like this? Don't forget to sign your name. I won't give out candy if I don't see your name at the bottom of the email. I think this is just good email etiquette.
3/7/06 From now on I will be grading from the Samba drive and I may or may not call you up as I've done before. If I don't call you up when I grade, I'll send you an e-mail with your grade for the items I do and cc your parents. Here are some common things to watch out for:
Make sure you read the instructions for the Personal Assignments, including filling in the 4th column of objectives. Here is the link for Office instructions.
Make sure you save to the Samba drive (H:). If you are having problems, send me an email or put a note in my box.
Make sure you complete your Goals&Effort each day (all tabs). This is to help you manage your projects.
Make sure you complete your Objectives before the end of the chapter. They are worth up to 25% of your grade.
Make sure you complete all items of a chapter before going on to the next one. When you tell me what page number you are on, this means that all work up to this point should be done. For example, if you tell me that you are working on chapter 4, then that means that all projects for chapters 1-3 are done, including objectives.
Make sure you put your 3-line header in every document.
It is a good idea to check all these items now. If you would prefer that I go through the grading with you in person, let me know.
Just to make sure that you've read this, send me an e-mail. In the subject, put "Today's Whiteboard." In the message sign your name at the end and copy one of the following:
I've read the whiteboard for 3/7/06 and have no questions.
I've read the whiteboard for 3/7/06 and have questions, please see me.
My Samba drive doesn't work. Please check it.
For full credit, make sure you send this within the first 30 minutes of class.
3/6/06 Now is the challenge for many students. First, it is the end of the quarter and all projects -- even from previous chapters should be completed like Access and Word in Office 1. Second, when students are finished with the assignments, they still need to earn their 90 minute-points for each day. Remember, if you aren't being productive, you don't earn these points. When you complete all your projects for this class, print out the assignment sheet from Goals&Effort for the class and put it in my box.
Assignment today: Send me an email about what you would like to accomplish for the last 9 days of this class. In the subject put Rest of Class. Make sure you sign with your name. Yes, if you want candy add that in the subject.
3/3/06 Happy Friday.
Optional Assignment: As many of you know, I went to a seminar about student safety on the Internet. I will be studying this further and have even thought of offering a class on making your own Web pages using free sites such as Web space. If you want a piece of candy, send me your Myspace or other Web site profile name, email address, or link. Tell me why or why not you think we should block these sites from school computers. Don't forget to include your name on the bottom. In the subject area type Internet Security.
3/2/06 No assignments. I had a great discussion with Block C class. Thanks.
FYI - I will be leaving at lunch for a seminar about student safety on the Internet. There will be a substitute for Block C and the lab won't be open for lunch or after school.
3/1/06 A question came up from yesterday's white board. What are Juniors and Seniors doing during the CSAP since they don't take the tests? For March 14, 15, and 16 Juniors will have mandatory ACT test review starting at 8:00 am. Seniors will report to school at 11:50 am. Some also asked about preparing for the test. Yes, you will have review on the 13th.
Block B -- I'll be doing a Webinar training about the future of eLearning. If you need me, you'll probably have to come to the desk or use some other method to get my attention.
Block C -- We're going to break at about 12:45 to discuss some extra credit options.
Optional assignment if you want candy: List two CSAP tips to help students do well on the test. To get the candy, the tips have to be good ideas and not the same as everyone else's. You also need to have CSAP tips in the subject and your name at the end of the message.
2/28/06 CSAP will be starting on Monday, March 13. Review is on Monday and Tuesday through Thursday will be the test from 8:00 to 11:05. You'll have lunch from 11:05-11:43 and then the following schedule: A Block 11:48-12:33, B Block 12:37-1:22, C Block 1:26-2:11, and D Block 2:15-3:00. It would be real cool if everyone was done before or during that week so we could go on our nature walk (weather permitting).
This assignment is not optional and worth 10 points. You have 9 days before the 14th. Do you think you'll be done with the course (including going back to previous sections and completing them)? Let me know what you have left to do, how much you think you can get done, and what date you'll estimate you'll be done. I'll plan whether or not we can go on our walk based on your answers. Send me an e-mail with your answer. In the subject type 9 days left followed by your name. Also put your name at the end of your message. If you want candy, add that to the bottom of your message.
2/27/06 Welcome to a new week. No assignment today.
2/24/06 Have a great day and weekend! I'll see you Monday.
2/23/06 I'll be gone tomorrow at the State Capital for the Student Legislative Education day. Please help the substitute with the computers (especially block A).
Optional assignment if you want candy: List three keyboard shortcuts other than Ctrl+S (for Save) you can use in Excel. Type the shortcut and what it does. In the subject type Excel Keyboard Shortcuts. In the message part, don't forget your name.
2/22/06 Some of you are flying through Excel or your other chapters. Good job! Remember, if you finish early, you can go back and earn more points by finishing Access and Word. We might get that nature walk in after all.
I'm leaving for a meeting at about 2:30 and will be gone after school. If you need to check out a book, do it at the end of C block or beginning of D.
Optional assignment if you want candy: Send me an e-mail and let me know what you think the best way a teacher can help a student is. Include your name on the bottom of the message and in the subject type "Best Help for Students."
2/21/06 I'll be handing back your assignment sheet. I want to make sure you get all the credit you've deserved. I've marked the assignments I could find. Some of you may not have saved them with the right name or on the Samba drive. If you have the document somewhere else, make sure you copy it to your Samba drive and put your initials by each document. Put the assignment sheet back in the in-box (whether or not you make a change).
If you've been having a hard time understanding the chapters, I'm instituting another way to help you. I will preview the important parts of each chapter. Send me an e-mail if you are interested in me helping you this way. In the subject of the e-mail, put "Please preview chapters for me." and put your name.
Remember, from now on if you complete any of the missing assignments from the first 6 weeks, you need to e-mail me what you've completed. This also includes assignments from the first 3 weeks (for example, Access).
Office 1 and 2 - Start Excel today.
2/16/06 Assignment is not optional: Today is the deadline for the chapters. Open your Assignments page in your Goals&Effort workbook. Do a print preview to make sure that this will print on one page. Make sure your header is on the top of the page. Mark only the things you have completed. Print out this page at the end of the day. I will add 5 points to your progress grade if this page is printed and all correct (only items you've completed are marked and proper header). Don't forget to save EVERYTHING on your Samba drive. This includes Goals&Effort, Objectives, and your chapter documents. Only Block C -- Leave your computers logged on. Open up all the documents you've done for Word before you leave. I'm going to add 5 points to your progress grade if this is done before you leave. If anyone in blocks A or B want these 5 bonus points, they can come in after school and open up all their documents for the last 3-week grading period. Reminder: I will not be here until 3:00-3:20 because of after school duty. If you are going to come after school, write on your paper, "I'll be after school."
Have a great 4 day weekend -- you lucky ducks.
2/15/06 Reminder -- tomorrow is the deadline for your chapters. Block C - I will be doing a Webinar (Web-based seminar) in the teacher's lounge. I may come down and see how you are doing if there is a break. I asked the sub to write down estimates for your productivity grade (number of minutes you are working).
2/14/06 Happy Valentine's Day! Optional assignment if you want candy: Insert a picture of a heart in a new file. Attach the file to an e-mail and send it to me with the subject: Happy Valentine's Day - May I have candy?. Don't forget to put your name in the message area of your e-mail.
Note: During this week I have duty after school. If you need a book or to use the lab, I'll be back at around 3:15 pm. You can also checkout a book during block D.
2/13/06 No school Friday! Make sure all your chapters are finished for this section by Thursday at 4:00 pm.
Flash 1-6
Internet Intro-5
Word 1-6
PowerPoint 1-4 or Excel 4-6
Remember the following:
Headers on all files
Update your Goals & Effort workbook and use filenames on Assignments page. Double-check to see that you have all files.
You're expected to do any work you can't complete in class as homework or in the lab during my open times. I have a staff meeting today so the lab won't be open after school.
2/10/06 I'm thinking about the feedback I received about the keyboard bathroom pass. If someone can think of another procedure, I'll consider it if it meets my needs. Only one person can go at a time. Also, I need to be able to tell that someone is gone from the room, where they are and when they left (no one should be gone longer than 5 minutes without telling me). I don't want the class to be disturbed and prefer just to allow the student to leave. I need the procedure to work from whatever room I'm teaching in. If you want me to consider a new procedure, send me an e-mail. Include in the subject bathroom pass.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
2/9/06 Required assignment (10 points). Click on this link, read the Student Use of the Internet policy, and copy the text. Send me an e-mail message. For the subject, type your first and last name - Internet Policy. In the text of the message type the following: "I will abide by this Internet policy, because." Then give a short reason why we have the policy. Sign your name and draw a line (you can use dashes -----). Finally, paste the text from the policy.
2/8/06 - Sometime during Block A tomorrow there will be a registration assembly. For Block C, I'll turn the music around 1 pm and we'll have a short class meeting for the rest of the period.
Reminder - no food or drink (except water) in the rooms.
Optional Assignment: If you want a piece of candy at the end of class, send me an e-mail on why we might have this food and drink policy. Also, say why I have to eat lunch at my desk and you can't eat at any time at yours. In the subject line of the email write the following - "Food Policy - Please, may I have Candy". Don't forget to sign all e-mails. Get in the habit early.
2/7/06 - 10 days until second section due. Excel,
PowerPoint, Chap 1-6 for Flash, Chap 0-5 for Internet.
Note: I'll be leaving at 3:10 pm today for a meeting after school, so if you
want to check out a book, come to my room before then.
2/6/06 See reminder on Friday. I only received one notice of someone who has completed a makeup chapter. Please send me an e-mail notifying me when you complete an Access chapter or a chapter that was due on 1/27. Your grade will improve when you do this!
2/3/06 Remember your header information in your documents. In all documents you type first and last name, date, long filename. In Word you put it in View, Header and Footer. In Flash it is Modify, Document. In HTML it is the bottom of your file.
Reminder: For those that are catching up with Access or other assignments and want their grades updated -- Don't forget to put a note in the class in-box or send me an e-mail when you finish each assignment.
If you want to check out a book for the weekend, come at the end of C block. I'll be gone to a meeting at the beginning of D block and will not be back after school.
To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. You listen not only to the "music," but to the essence of the person speaking. You listen not for what someone knows, but for what he or she is. -- Peter Senge
Optional assignment for those that want (or need) candy:
Send me an e-mail about what you think this means and how you can better listen
to people. Include in the subject, the following: Listen - Please may I have
some candy. Don't forget to put your name at the bottom of the message so I know
who the e-mail is from (and so you can earn the candy).
2/2/06 I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I just wanted to thank all the students here who are so polite by being respectful of me as a person. For example, some say please and thank you. Some raise there hands or watch to see if I'm not talking with someone else. Some even say hello in the halls. I try to do the same and am not always successful, but I believe the more we try, the better we will all feel about this school and our world. There are a few people that are demanding, rude, who put me down, or who use foul language and this bothers me. I'm the type of person who usually holds this inside and doesn't say much, but it affects the quality of my life. One reason that I chose a place like Jefferson Academy is that so many of the students are respectful that I'm not completely worn out every day like I have been at other schools. Thank you again for the opportunity to help you. I know I don't do enough, but I hope that the little that I do for you will help you in your future.
Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to
make earth happy ...
-- Julia A. Fletcher Carney
(1824–1908)
2/1/06 Kate Goebel suggests that you earn candy today. Hmm. What shall we do? Send me an e-mail that says Hello I want candy in the Subject. Then in the message, you need to copy the following and answer each question. To copy, highlight the items in the box and then right-click and choose Copy (or press Ctrl+C). Go into your e-mail and right-click and press Paste (or press Ctrl+V). Make sure you sign your name at the end.
| 1. How is
class going? 2. What one thing can I do to improve the class? 3. How soon do you think everyone will be done with Access and turn in the parent form so we can go on our nature walk? |
1/31/06 Quite a few people did not save their Goals&Effort workbook to the Samba drive and thus they got a lower grade than expected for the progress report. I will be checking with a number of you to make sure you get the credit you deserve. Office 1 should start Word today. Office 2 should start PowerPoint. Internet and Flash continue with your chapters.
1/30/06 Today is your first of three progress grades. Before 3:00 pm today, make sure you have the latest copy of all files you've worked on this quarter on your H: (Samba) drive.
Also, at the end of the class update the Goals&Effort workbook and go to the Assignment worksheet. Make sure your three line header (name, date, long filename) is at the top (use View, Header and Footer, Custom Header). Then print off the Assignment worksheet and put it in the box for your class. If you do any work during lunch or after school, make sure you print off the Assignment worksheet again and throw the old one away.
Note: It is a good idea to double-check all your work today and the instructions on my Web site (see your class notes). For example, some people have forgotten to put a header in all documents (including the Objectives and Access files) or number the objectives for the personal assignment.
1/27/06 We had some glitches with the laptops today during block A and I decided to extend the deadline for the first progress grade until Monday. Because I don't have the weekend to grade, it will take me longer to get your grades out. In order to be fair to you, we'll vote in class on whether you want to extend the deadline until Monday for your class too. I will be here at 7:30 on Monday, during lunch, and after school if you need the time to complete your work. You can check out a book at the end of block C or right after school (I will be leaving about 3:15).
I will give you extra credit productivity points by being here after school, before school, or during lunch if you are working consistently on your assignments for this class.
Here's a reminder on how I grade on chapters:
Progress grade is how much percent you've done by today (or Monday) of the assigned work. Click here if you need to find what is due today. This grade does not change.
Chapter grade is what portion of each chapter you've finished. This grade will change (with no penalty for being late) if you turn in your work before the end of the quarter (by March 13).
Quality grade is how well you do the work in chapters that you finish. I do not grade every assignment for quality work.
Candy note: I've hidden the requirement for candy on the bottom of the page that explains your personal assignments. You need to find this on your own. Hint: You start by looking at your class notes page.
1/26/06 Bell Schedule for Assembly
1/25/06 OK, so Jo asked if she could earn candy. First, everyone needs to send me an e-mail to my school email (rswinter(at)jeffco.k12.co.us) that says "Due date - Friday 1/27 (type in your name)" in the Subject line. In other words, include your first and last name after 1/27. In the message say whether you think you will complete the assignments due by Friday. Click here if you need to find the items of what are due. If you don't think you will be done, tell me when you will come in to catch up. Please note, I will not be here Friday after school. I have an appointment. So, you can choose before or after school or at lunch on Wednesday and Thursday or before school or during lunch on Friday.
I will give you a progress grade based on how far you are on Friday. To make sure you get complete credit for the work you've done, make sure everything is saved on your Samba drive including your updated Goals&Effort, Objectives, and chapter folders.
Office 1 and Office 2 -- If you do not complete Access by Friday, your progress grade will show that. However, you can make up the work outside of class time to earn a complete grade for these assignments. You will be beginning Word (Office 1) or Excel (Office 2) on Monday, January 30.
Now for the candy. You didn't think I would put the instructions at the beginning do you? If I receive an e-mail that was sent within 20 minutes after class started and you add "candy" after your name in the subject line mentioned in the above email, you will get a piece of candy. Jo are you still there? Did you get that?
1/24/06 was Bell Schedule for Jag Auction
1/23/06 Bummer about the Broncos, huh?
Some have you have been asking about the nature walks. There will be two
conditions for the nature walk in a class:
All parent forms in a class returned completed (still waiting for Solis, Medina, Mitchell, Proctor, Wendt in Block A; Butler, Cox, Johnson, Nadeau, Chopper, Clum, and Sonmore in Block B; Campbell in Block C).
All students finished with first 1/3 of work (Access for Office 1 & 2, Chapters 1-4 for Flash). Remember if you don't think you'll be done by this Friday (the checkoff/grade date), you're expected to come in or catch up as part of your homework.
1/20/06 Open the latest file that you are working on in the chapter. Make sure it has the proper three line header. Minimize it and put a yellow sticky on top of your computer. Hint: It wouldn't hurt to check all your files for the proper name and header too. Look in Common Assignments under saving if you forgot how to do the header. The first three in the class with the correct placement and information in the header get candy and/or a bonus point. If you were absent yesterday, make sure your Goals&Effort worksheet is up-to-date before you put your yellow sticky on your computer (see yesterday and the day before note).
1/19/06 I'll check the Goals&Effort worksheet today. This time it is for a grade. See the note for yesterday. Yes, I'll still give candy if you follow the instructions below. Keep the worksheet minimized until I come around.
Remember, I will be grading off your Samba (H:) drive. After you do major work and at the end of each day, copy the folder you are working on in My Documents to Samba. The steps are as follows:
Click Start, My Documents.
Right-click on the folder you've saved your files (for example: O1Access, Chapter1) and choose Copy.
Click the arrow on the right side of the Address bar and change to the Samba drive.
Right-click in a blank area and choose Paste.
1/18/06 Note: I will be checking your Goals&Effort worksheet today. Open your Excel Goals&Effort workbook and click on the Daily tab. Then minimize Excel and get a yellow sticky off of the cart with the books and put it on the top of your computer. If you do this before 10 minutes into the class and have done the following for yesterday, you get a piece of candy:
Input your date, rating, comments, and pages on the Daily sheet.
Put a Y in column L of the Assignments sheet as you complete each assignment.
Fill in the actual date you complete each chapter on the Goals sheet. Hint: You can automatically put in today's date by pressing Ctrl+; (semi-colon).
Make sure you do all three above every day.
1/17/06 Note: You should have already started your chapters. I emailed your grade sheet and am handing it out today. If you're not complete with Common Assignments, you should do these before school, after school, or at lunch to bring your grade up by Tomorrow. Many students did not put the proper header on their documents. Please review the header section on the Saving documents page.
My Documents – this is where you will be working. Others are backups.
H: drive (Samba) – this is where I’ll grade you
One more place (A: floppy in lab, e-mail to yourself on laptops)
|
Course |
Chapter |
QuarterBlock |
LastnameF |
AssignmentName |
|
Common |
0 |
Q3A, Q3B, Q3C |
|
|
|
O1
|
A1,A2,A3, APA W1,W2,W3,W4,W5, W6, WPA |
|
|
|
|
O2
|
A4,A5,A6, APA |
|
|
|
|
I |
I0, I1 to I8 |
|
|
|
|
F |
1-12 |
|
|
|
|
A 8:00-9:30 |
B 9:35-11:05 |
C 11:55-1:25 |
D (Office Hours) 1:30-3:00 |
