Rick Winter - Teacher at JA Back Door, Author, School Board, and Life Long Student
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Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such. – Henry MillerMr. Winter's Whiteboard - Last Updated 05/31/2007

Class Page
Student Flash
Student Internet
Old Whiteboard
When Done		 Filenames
Save
DocID
Check Assignments
Printer		 Class Times
My email: rswinter(at)jeffco.k12.co.us
Education (teachers)
HELP FORM		 JA Jags
ELocker Procedure
Library		 Citation Machine
Six Trait
Inspiration
Teen to Teen

For Whiteboard instructions and notes, click here.

June  through August 17

Have a wonderful summer! School starts on August 20th.

5/30 & 5/31 The End is Here!

Click here to go to your test.

5/29 Creativity

I know some of you are close to the next grade up and I would like to give you the opportunity to improve your grade. I also know that during this last week it is very hard to stay motivated. So, I’m giving you an opportunity to have today count as double or triple your minute points. Remember though, that you have to be working the whole period and concentrating on the assignment (not talking about other things, wandering around, etc.) to get all your minute points.

Email Subject: Minute Points

Tell me how you want me to score minute points for today (this includes time you come in and are productive during lunch or after school. I need to grade during block D so the lab will not be open). I will do what most of the class wants.

  1. Normal 90 minute points for working entire class and 1 bonus minute point for each minute outside of class.
  2. Double – 180 minutes/class, 2 bonus minute points/per extra minute.
  3. Triple - 270 minutes/class, 3 bonus minute points/per extra minute.

Check Your Grade

This is only necessary if you want me to recheck your grade. Some of you marked files on your Goals & Effort Assignment page which I couldn’t find – or I found them but they were not finished. Click here for the steps you need to follow if you need me to check your grade.

Note: Flash, Dreamweaver, and Internet students -- please check to see if I've published all the files you want, they all are the latest work you've done, and they work. Send me an email if I missed something.

Here is Today's Assignment

Click here to do today's assignment.

5/24 Thursday EVERYTHING IS DUE AT THE END OF CLASS

At the end of class, print out your Goals page and your Assignment page, staple them together and put them in the inbox for your block. Don't forget to copy everything for me to grade to your My Documents area. I will not be here after school because of a leadership meeting and graduation.

N1.1 Files/Folders Grade (already in gradebook. If you want me to regrade after class today, send me an email.)

bulletAll items copied to My Documents
bulletCommon files in class folder, Word files in Word folder, Excel files in Excel folder, etc.
bulletOnly one file of what I need to grade -- not copy of, copy of copy of ...
bulletFiles named correctly with 5 parts O1-W6-Q4C-LastnameF-...
bulletRoot folder (My Documents) only contains other folders -- no files
bulletJunk files are removed

5/23 Wednesday EVERYTHING IS DUE TOMORROW 5/24

Note: I've been trying to not interrupt you as much as possible so you can finish your work. However, if you want me to do a grade check with you and input work you've completed, send me an email or add a note on any of your emails today or tomorrow. Add to the subject "grade check." I'll do these in the order that I get them.

Email: Final

I'm making up the finals. Tell me which kind you would prefer. I will be basing my final on what you say and other factors. This weekend I will determine who will have the 93% or better based on all assignments and Tuesday I will let those know who will be exempt if they get a parent note to me. If you want, you can ask your parent to write a note that says, "If my son/daughter has a 93% or better, I excuse them from the final" and then you will be covered if you reach this mark. They can email me from their own email (not yours) or write me a note.

Choose which of possible finals you want (Even if you are currently higher than a 93%).

  1. Working on a project similar to the ones you did in class (this would be something like a lab you didn't do).
  2. Multiple choice/true false/completion.
  3. Oral test of features. You would have to explain what I choose how you do something. You would be required to make visual aides. This may be in front of the class or just to me.
  4. It doesn't matter to me. Anything the rest of the class chooses is fine with me.

Also, tell me

  1. If you will be gone on final day, if it is excused by your parents, and why.
  2. What is your current grade.

5/22 Tuesday EVERYTHING IS DUE THIS THURSDAY 5/24

Many people did not fill out the Help Form in much detail. Make sure you have at least one form filled out this week with enough detail that I can tell you can use technology to record solve problems. Remember, this week -- all problems must have a help form. I'll grade as follows:

  1. Good description of problem (page number, feature name, description of problem you are having) -- 20 points.
  2. Good description of at least three things you tried. Asked other students, look in index including what entries you looked for, typed a question in on-line help -- including what you typed.  -- 20 points.
  3. Fill out form completely with name and all information requested. -- 10 points
  4. Willingness to contribute to group problem solving by following this form for all questions instead of asking me questions -- 50 points.

The form does not have to be filled out for a current problem in my class. If you have a previous problem you've solved or something for another class you are trying to solve, use this information to fill out the form.

Make sure you've done all the whiteboards in the last week. No additional assignment today.

5/21 Monday

Technology Standard 6 (Technology problem-solving and decision making tools)

I use the National Education Technology Standards for Students to come up with Whiteboard and other assignments. I created the Help Form to help you (and me) see what you've done to solve a problem. For Monday through Thursday I will be giving you a grade on whether or not you used the help form when you had a question. You must use the form for any question you want me to answer and fill out all parts completely. If something is not applicable (for example, it is not a question in the book), you type not-applicable.

I understand how you don't like to fill out the help form. You are no different than most adults. They will come by and ask me for help while I'm teaching or when I was working on important projects for other jobs. However, to make an organization work better, many record problems individuals are having and try to design notes, Web sites, or improved instruction based on the information that people who are having the problems provide. Some help-desks won't help their employees or customers without a ticket.

Email: Technology Problem-Solving Grade

You are required to fill out this form at least once this week (even if you don't need me to help you). Wait until you have a problem you need to solve today. Then fill out the HELP FORM (click here or above) and send it to me. You are required to fill out the rows in red for today's email.

Note: If you weren't here on Friday, fill out the end-of-class survey now. Click here to go to the survey.

5/18 Friday

Since we have people leaving soon, I'm asking you to fill out the end-of-class survey now. Click here to go to the survey. If, for some reason I don't see you again, have a great life!

If you didn't do yesterday's whiteboard (especially block C), do it now.

5/17 Thursday

Email: Technology in the Classroom

What technology do you use outside of school that would be good for the classroom? Why? How would that work?

Here's an example: We like the computer game Zoo Tycoon. In the classroom, you could assign teams of kids to create zoos, and then you and they could analyze the ones that score the highest on factors such as finances, animal happiness, and the number of visitors. Then you could figure out the best parts of how those teams managed their zoos and try to put together the ideal zoo. It's a lot like managing a business, or even a life. Lesson learned!

This is a request from a national magazine and Website (see http://www.edutopia.org/node/4014) . I will submit your answers to them and maybe use some of your ideas for next year.

FYI Upcoming dates

4 more days for seniors | 10 more days for all other students (including today)

Sub for Mr. Winter Wednesday 5/16, Friday 5/18
Award Ceremony (Block C) Thursday 5/17
Last day for seniors Tuesday, May 22
Due date for all chapter assignments Thursday, May 24
Field day Friday, May 25
Memorial Day (No School) Monday, May 28
Evaluation, Group projects Tuesday, May 29
FYI - Final schedule:
Wednesday, May 30 A Block 8-9:45
                                  C Block 10-11:45
Thursday, May 31     B Block 8-9:45
                                  D Block 10-11:45
 

 

5/16 Wednesday

Notes:

bulletMrs. Rothkamp will still accept job shadow paperwork until the end of the day on Thursday for full credit. If a packet is needed pick one up from the office.
bulletPlease clean off any files you don't need on My Documents. We're running out of space. Be careful, however. Don't delete files that I need to grade. If you have a question, wait to ask me.

Email: Assignments I'm most proud of

Type the name and block of your class.

Scroll down to your class in the list below and do the steps in that section.

All Office classes

  1. Copy or type "I'm most proud of:" and copy the name of the assignment from your goals and effort you are most proud of that you've done for this class.
  2. Copy or type "I think this is an example of a file I will most likely use in the future:" and copy the name of the file you've done for this class.

Dreamweaver and Internet

  1. Type what you would like to call the name of your personal assignment Web Site.
  2. Put all the files (including graphics) in a folder named Personal Assignment in your HTML or Dreamweaver folder on My Documents.
  3. Tell me if you're ready to publish (or republish) your Web site. You can check if it is already on my Web site by clicking Student Internet above.
  4. If you're not ready to publish, give me a date estimate on when you will be ready.

All Flash Classes

  1. Click on the link above for Student Flash.
  2. Make a list of all files that you want me to publish that aren't on my Web site already. Include the name and what you want me to call it.
  3. Make sure these files are on My Documents in their chapter and you have done: File, Publish Settings, and check the first two (html and swf).

5/15 Tuesday

6 more days for seniors
12 more days for all other students

As we get down to the final days, I want to congratulate the majority of you who are still being productive. I know it is difficult, but we still have about 1/4 of the class left. Some of you are really close to checking out completely :). I just want to encourage you to finish strong. I know that many of you have great aspirations, so keep plugging and get the best grade you can. Here are some suggestions:

bulletWork the entire class period. I will be watching minute points more closely now because these last few days are actually the biggest test on how productive you can be. The slackers vs. those that will be successful really show their differences at this point.
bulletIf you finish early, double-check Infinite Campus to make sure you have every assignment turned in for the best grade possible. You can complete missing assignments and then do extra credit to bring your grade up to 93% so you don't have to do the final. Talk to me about extra credit options.
bulletIf you finish your chapters early, you need to meet. We're required by law to have a certain amount of time in class. I want to make this time productive for you -- for you to explore your own interests and needs, but you are still required to be productive for the class periods.
bulletDon't forget the little things -- these can add up. Clean up your area each day, do the whiteboard, fill out your goals & effort, make sure My Documents is organized so I can find everything you've done, and take care in completing your documents. At the end of class I may not be able to verify anything with you because you will be gone.

Email: Last days of class

Send me with the following:

  1. What do you still need to complete (including past sections, chapters, or assignments)?
  2. When do you think you'll get finished with all these?
  3. If you get done early, what can you do to still use the computer as a learning tool or help you with your life goals for the rest of the class?

5/14 Monday

Email: Gallons in a Milliliter

Answer the following: How many gallons are in a milliliter? In complete sentences, tell me how you came up with your answer.

5/11 Friday

Email: Friday

Type Friday in a Word document. Right-click on the word and chose Translate. Under Dictionary, select US English to Spanish. Copy the word into your document. Do the same thing for French. Copy and paste all three words in to your email. You should have Friday, Friday in Spanish, and Friday in French. Don't forget what goes on the rest of your email.

Hidden Prize Question for 5/11 (well not so hidden). Answer the following: How many liters are in a milliliter?

5/10 Thursday

The information in the box below (entitled General Guidelines for a Healthy Life - Change Your Thinking) was on the employee self-help page, but I thought it would be good for you to see it as well.

Email: Healthy Thinking and Self-Talk

Answer the following two questions in complete sentences and in your own words.

bulletWhat examples of self-talk do you do? It can be any one of the bulleted items in the box below or anything else. Self-talk is the little voice in the back of your head that says things about yourself. When you get an F on assignment and say, "I am a complete failure," is an example of self-talk. Instead you could say something more productive to yourself, like, "I should have listened, asked questions, studied more, or worked harder for this one assignment so I can get the grade I want." You could also have positive self-talk. The champion boxer, Mohammed Ali, was famous for saying, "I am the greatest." Although saying this out loud wouldn't qualify as self-talk, if he also said this to himself, it would have.
bulletWhat is the text below saying you should do if you do negative self-talk?

General Guidelines for a Healthy Life - Change Your Thinking

We may reduce the amount of stress in our lives by adjusting our thinking about how we relate to people and situations. Dealing with difficult people, waiting in lines, flat tires, deadlines, disappointments, accidents and other problems are a part of daily life for all of us. It makes sense to learn to react to these frustrations in a way that helps us maintain our own inner peace and balance. We have the power to react to any situation with positive, constructive thoughts; or to react with negative, destructive, hostile thinking. We can choose to let something "bug" us, or we can choose to let it go! Adjusting our own inner "self talk" can help us change our mind, and our thinking, about our world. Experts suggest that we watch out for these negative self talk habits or thinking patterns.

bullet"All or Nothing": Seeing things as exclusively "good" or "bad". "My performance wasn't perfect. I am a complete failure."
bullet"Over generalization": Each individual negative event becomes part of a never-ending, overwhelming pattern of defeat.
bullet"Mental Filter": Picking out a single negative detail and dwelling on it. Eventually this thinking colors our reality until positive events are completely discounted.
bullet"Egocentric": Thinking of ourselves as being totally responsible for other people's moods or feelings. "I must have said or done something...."
bullet"Labeling": Instead of looking at the error, we label ourselves. "I'm scatterbrained and inconsiderate," instead of, "I forgot an appointment."
bullet"Disqualifying the Positive": Rejecting our positive experiences because they "don't count". Forgetting to praise ourselves for our accomplishments; giving credit to others or minimizing our own contributions.
bullet"Should...": "I should be perfect all the time... always be treated with fairness and consideration.... have a life without pain or obstacles." If these unrealistic expectations are not met, we may feel depressed or angry.

Take time to look over these examples of stressful self talk. How can we adapt our thinking and our self talk so that these are more in harmony with life's realities? When something negative occurs, refuse to exaggerate the negative consequences of the situation. Don't dwell on what you should have done. Instead, consider ways the situation can be improved from this point forward. Don't expect to be accepted, understood or admired by everyone all the time. Don't expect that because you want something to happen, it must happen. And remember, no matter what the situation, we have choices about how we think, feel and respond.

Source: Jeffco School Employee Assistance Program: http://jeffcoweb.jeffco.k12.co.us/eap/tips/tips_guidelines_changeyourthinking.html

5/9 Wednesday

Today, at the end of the period, print out your Assignments sheet of your Goals & Effort. Make sure everything is backed up to My Documents so I can check to see if your assignments are there.

5/8 Tuesday (Tomorrow -- 5/9 is next due date)

I’ve heard from some people that requiring or highly recommending one advanced placement (or other high-level) class for students that want to go to college is a good idea because the difficulty of the class should match that of many colleges.

I’ve also been considering suggesting we add advanced placement courses in two areas: Computer Science -- C++ (a computer programming language) and Environmental Science. My college degree is in International Environment. I studied in Australia and Colorado College. Environmental Science includes such topics such as food webs, conservation, global warming, endangered species, clean air and water, and energy needs and impacts.

Email Subject: Advanced Placement

Please copy, paste, and answer the following questions in your email:

  1. Are you planning on going to college?
  2. Do you think that students planning on going to college should be required to take an advanced placement class?
  3. Do you think that taking an advanced placement class would better help you prepare for going to college?
  4. Would you consider taking an advanced placement class in Computer Science (or would you if this had been offered)?
  5. Would you consider taking an advanced placement class in Environmental Science (or would you if this had been offered)?
  6. Below is a list of Advanced Placement courses. What other AP courses would you consider (or would have considered) taking?

5/7 Monday (Wednesday 5/9 is next due date)

Email: Adolescent Leadership

Most of you said that a President needs leadership qualities. I got to thinking. What do we really mean by leadership and where do we learn the skills?

Click here to open the report on Adolescent Leadership. Go to page 5. On the first full paragraph that starts with “Surprisingly, most youth do not realize,” there is a description of nine leadership competencies. Copy these into your email. In complete sentences, type a description of how you are developing three of these competencies in school.

5/4 Friday (Next Wednesday 5/9 is next due date)

Email: President

Some of you will be old enough to vote in the next election. Most of the rest of you will be eligible the following election. What qualities or skills would you like to see in the President of the United States?

Hint: Don't forget about  keeping your areas clean, put books with the title face out on bookshelves, chairs pushed in, and the whole room picked up. I think I'll do a grade today - 1 for your area, 2 for the whole room. I won't always tell you when the grade is though. I'm just being nice today.

5/3 Thursday

Email: JaJags Web Site

I'm at a training to improve the JAJAGS Web site. What changes would you like to see to www.jajags.com?

5/2 Wednesday

This was a good reminder for me. There are some people in Block A that need the reminder too. Here is a note from the Dean that was sent to all teachers yesterday:

As it does follow our policies, please mark all students UNEXCUSED ABSENCE, if they come to you class more than 10 minutes after the  period begins.  IF THEY HAVE HAVE A PASS FROM THE OFFICE EXCUSING THEIR TARDINESS, THIS WOULD BE THE ONLY EXCEPTION.  Unexcused Tardies are those given to students arriving within the first ten minutes of your class.  Please communicate your expectation to your students.  You arrive on time to teach your class, so should their attendance reflect that. Hidden Prize: Add "I want all the points I can get" at the bottom of your email. By the way, I have a hidden prize that is not on the computer that has been in the classroom for over 3 weeks now.

Michael E. Wilson
Dean of Students
Jefferson Academy
9955 Yarrow Street
Broomfield CO 80021
720.887.1992 x313
Fax 720.887.2435

Email: Review Tardies and Absences

Copy and answer the following questions. Use the Syllabus to find the answers if you forgot:

  1. How many minute points do you earn in a class period if you are working the whole time?
  2. How can you earn extra minute points?
  3. How many minute points does an excused absence cost?
  4. How many minute points does an unexcused absence cost?
  5. How many minute points after your second tardy does an unexcused tardy cost (1-9 minutes)?
  6. How many minute points (see note above) does an unexcused tardy 10 minutes or more cost?

5/1 Tuesday

I enjoyed reading your best day emails. If you can, write something detailed about the event or save something like a picture for each memory that is especially great. When I'm depressed sometimes, I'll go back into my trove of good memories to cheer myself up.

Email: Next deadline

Copy all 4 questions and put a short answer after each one. You do not have to write complete sentences.

  1. What is the next deadline?
  2. What is due?
  3. Do you think you'll have any problems meeting the deadline?
  4. If you have problems meeting any deadline, what are some options you can try?

4/30 Monday

Email: Best day

Tell me about one of your best days in two or three sentences. Make sure your sentences are complete and there are no spelling, grammar, or capitalization errors -- in other words, type first in Word, do a spell check, then copy and paste in your email program. Remember, you should be doing this with all professional emails.

4/27 Friday - Alive at 25

We care about you. Keep yourselves safe this weekend on beyond!

Email: Keep me Alive

  1. List at least three steps you can take to keep yourself alive as long as possible.
  2. What did you think about the presentation yesterday? Do you think this will accomplish the goal of having students be more careful? Will this be helpful to repeat each year?

4/26 Thursday - Grade Verification

Some of you didn't seem to have up-to-date information on My Documents (also your Samba or H: drive) when I graded your work. Some of the assignment sheets didn't match what I found in your area. Please look at your grade in Infinite Campus and my copy of your assignment sheet. I've circled items you said you did that I didn't find. If I found everything I put a checkmark next to the percent in your progress area.

Email: Grade Verification

Tell me if you think we need meet to verify your grade.

Note: Today Office 1 and 2 start Microsoft Access if you haven't started it already. Before you do Access chapter 2, make sure you read class notes (Class Page, Office 1: Notes) for that chapter. Everyone else continue on the chapters in order. The next progress grade is 5/9. You can make up any work you didn't complete, but you'll probably need to come in outside of class hours or check out a book.

Block B: Assembly -- the goal is to keep you driving safely and keep you alive for a long time.

4/24 Tuesday - First 1/3 of Assignments Due

At the END of the period, print out your Assignment sheet on your Goals&Effort workbook. Make sure your DocID is on the printout. Make sure all your files are copied to My Documents into your class file.

See you Thursday. 11th graders have ACT tomorrow at 8:30 am (with approved calculator, #2 pencils, ID). Next deadline for this class is 5/9.

4/23 Monday - Dex

Note: Almost everyone got a 100% on keeping their share of the room clean. I'm sending to emails to those that didn't get 100%. People were impressed with how clean the room was. Keep up your clean deal -- I'll be grading periodically.

Remember: Tomorrow is your next due date. For example, Office 1 has Excel 1-3 and Excel Personal Assignment due.

A few of you got to see Dex with me. I enjoyed the tour. For today's whiteboard, you'll need to use www.dexonline.com to do the assignment. First type www.dexonline.com in your Internet Browser. Copy the questions below and put in the answers

Email: Dexonline.com

  1. How many Pizza Restaurants are listed within 5 Miles of Broomfield, CO?
  2. What is the address and phone number of the Target store on about 104th & Reed?
  3. Once you find the store, click on the Map/Directions icon and type in (or copy) our address in the From box: 9955 Yarrow Street, Broomfield, CO. How far in miles is the store and how many minutes does the page say it takes to drive there?
  4. Look up my name in the White Pages for Idaho Springs, CO and paste my address with zip here:

4/19 Thursday

Here are three sets of workforce skills that employers want (click Workforce_skills_for_todays_and_tomorrows_workplace for more information).

  1. Professionalism/Work Ethic
  2. Teamwork/Collaboration
  3. Ethics/Social Responsibility

I've been trying to think of an easy way to help you learn and grade these skills. I've settled on a clean work area. Here is what the requirements will be for the area around your desk (individual grade) and the room (block grade):

bulletAll books are put on book shelves on either side of the room or in the middle of the room (not on desks). Points off for each book: -1
bulletAll name tags are up on the wall at the appropriate seats (not on the floor or table). Points off for each name tag: -1
bulletAll trash picked up and thrown away. Points off: -1 to -3 (depending on size of trash)
bulletAll chairs pushed in: -1 each

There will be 2 grades (1 individual for around your work area and 1 for each block). I will be grading periodically throughout the quarter.

Email: Professionalism...Social Responsibility

  1. Copy item numbers 1 through 3 above (Professionalism through Ethics/Social Responsibility). In one complete sentence after each numbered item, tell me how today's assignment of keeping the work area clean relates to each skill.
  2. Clean up your area (except for the books right now) and put at the bottom of your email -- "I'm ready for inspection of my area." HP

Note: If you work outside of class time, don't forget to tell me your start time so you get your extra credit minute points.

4/18 Wednesday

No whiteboard assignment

Schedule for today

bulletWriting Assessment 8:10 - 9:10
bulletA Block 9:13-10:03
bulletB Block 10:06-10:56
bulletHS Lunch 10:56-11:41
bulletC Block 11:44-12:34
bulletD Block 12:37-1:27
bulletJAG Auction 1:30-3:00

4/17 Tuesday

A parent asked me about extra credit for the field trip. Yes, I will be giving extra minute points for whatever time we are gone (because this is not part of our normal class). Also, if you want to write up how the trip helps you understand technology better or ideas on jobs the trip gives you, I will give you additional extra credit or a pass on one of the assignments.

Email: Next deadline

In your email, type the following:

  1. What class you are in (Office1, Office2, Flash, etc.)
  2. When  your next deadline that I check is.
  3. What is due for the deadline?

4/16 Monday

Turn in field trip form or make sure you send an email that you aren't going.

I had a great day off even though it didn't snow up here at home. I got some grading and research done. I'm here on Sunday at school. It is so nice a quiet. Hopefully, by the end of today I will be all caught up. I've been listening about the Don Imus firing where he put down the girls basketball team at Rutgers. I started watching Borat Saturday night and was laughing but was uncomfortable with what seemed funny to me. I hear students, rap music, television, the movies, and adults put people down with their words, looks, and actions. I'm wondering what my own responsibility is with you and also to myself when I hear something I find offensive.

Email Subject: What should someone do when something is offensive?

What is an individual's responsibility when he or she hears something that is offensive, prejudiced, or that offends their sense of what is right and wrong?

Big Note: I will be handing out grade sheets for you to verify. Please click here and review the sheets using the notes on the linked page. Follow the instructions and send me an email if you need me to make corrections or add assignments that you make up.

4/13 Fantastic Friday

I decided to take today off because the schools where I live are already closed as I'm writing this (Thursday at 3 pm)*. Since many of you liked Mr. Greason as a substitute, I called him and he has agreed to come in and should be here as you're reading this. I'll probably be shoveling snow. I hope you all are warm and safe.

Let me take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy working with you. I'm trying a lot of experiments with how best to teach you and I like how flexible you are and willing to try different things. I'll be working at home trying to get all the grades caught up. I should have most of everything except for assignments I can't access from home. Don't worry too much about the blanks in Infinite Campus until Monday.

Email assignment: Mr. Greason

Tell me if you still agree that Mr. Greason should be my "standard sub" if he is available. You might want to send this near the end of the period. I will be gone in mid-May for a training too and I've requested him for that day.

*Note: We hardly have any snow as of 7:00 am! The superintendent is brand new -- he is the person that makes the decision. I think he goofed -- but I don't think the students here mind :).

4/12 Tremendous Thursday

Do you have a reading problem? If so, send me an email with the subject of Reading and skip the following.

At school you can sometimes do OK by listening to the teacher without doing much reading. However, for almost every job I have had, I've had to learn through reading. Recently, much of this reading has been online. If I didn't know how to do something, I even had to find where the information is and then read it myself. I've seen how bosses and college professors reacted to people that didn't bother reading what was asked of them. It wasn't pretty.

Remember, that for this class to work, you need to read the entire chapter, not just the steps. I have a few people that are skipping the reading and then doing the assignment by looking at the pictures only or using the numbered steps. Then, when they get to other parts of the chapter, they have no clue what to do. I'm not able to get to people as much as I would like. I also need more time to be making sure you understand what you are doing, giving short lessons when appropriate, meeting with students, and checking and grading assignments. Because of my time and my judgment of what you need, I have a new procedure you will use for help.

I will still walk around the room and ask people if they need help a couple of times during the class period. However, if you need help outside of this, you will need to copy, paste, and then fill out the HELP FORM and send me an email.

Look at the top of this page in the table at the bottom of the column that says Class Times. See the link for the HELP FORM? Click this link and email me whenever you need help. I will be giving top priority to the people that fill this out completely. I will be using this information to create mini-lessons and more online help files for you, just like Microsoft or any publisher does when they have many people they are trying to help at once.

I will judge how well you fill out these forms and follow this procedure. You will receive a grade for technology standard 6 which is called technology problem-solving*.

Here is your assignment for today:

Email Subject: HELP TEST

  1. Tell me if you understand the instructions on what you now do for help.
  2. Copy the form mentioned in the paragraphs above and paste it into the email. You don't have to fill out the form except for your name.
  3. Depending on your block, send also (cc) to the person you are supposed to based on the instructions.

*For your information, here is the source for the standard: http://cnets.iste.org/currstands/cstands-netss.html scroll down to number 6 if you go there (you don't have to).

4/11 Wonderful Wednesday

Email Subject: DocID & GE

Copy the following questions and type the answer after the question. You don't have to write complete sentences.

  1. How many lines should be in each document ID?
  2. Which tabs (sheets) on your goals and effort workbook need to be filled out every day?
  3. Which tab (sheets) on your goals and effort workbook need to be filled out after every assignment?
  4. Which tab (sheets) on your goals and effort workbook need to be filled out after every chapter?
  5. How many backups should you have?

4/10 Terrific Tuesday

There was a question on grading -- when you will see results in Infinite Campus. I finally have all the people mostly in the right classes. You should start seeing grades tomorrow.

I haven't checked everyone's C:\Firstname Lastname\Classname folder yet, but remember that you save here first. Then at the end of the day, you copy everything to My Documents and one other place. If I look on My Documents or C:\Lastname Firstname\Classname I should see everything you've done

Email Subject: My files

bulletTell me if you are having problems saving or finding your files.

4/9 Magnificient Monday

bulletEveryone should begin their chapters by today. See your goals & effort assignment page for your first assignment. If you didn't finish the common assignments for whatever reason, they are now homework or to be done outside of class time unless you get ahead. If you are just starting, make sure you have the ChapterNotes and Goals & Effort assignments done.
bulletTurn in your assignment sheet from the Goals & Effort workbook first thing today if you weren't able to print it out Friday during block B when the network crashed.
bulletTurn in your parent form for partial credit if you didn't on Friday.
bulletYou should have completed your Goals & Effort by last Friday. You'll need to make up time if you didn't in order to finish the class this quarter. Let me know when you want to be here, so I can let you know if I have a meeting or not. For example, today after school is a staff meeting.
bulletRegarding Friday's whiteboard -- There was a lot of concern with all the competition in the future from foreign labor and computers as well as the amount of information that will be available to you. A few of you said sort-of jokingly just to give up . There have been many studies that I'm read to help you with this transition. Click here to see my personal "think about" page. One point is that it is more important to know how to learn than what you learn specifically. For example, you should learn how to learn about software. What is different about a computer book than a fiction book? You should also learn generalities such as what is a file?  what does it mean when you save? or what do you do when you don't know what to do? You also need to develop basic working skills such as efficient communication, how to work with each other, how to get and stay motivated on your own, and how to think critically.

Email Subject: My Future II

Of the the items in the last bullet above, which do you think you need the most with help right now?

4/6 Good Friday

Turn in parent syllabus form. You can still turn it in next week for partial credit if you forgot.

Happy good Friday. I received an email from the counselor and assistant principal about students wandering the halls during their breaks and being disruptive to others. I hope none of you are doing that. They have asked us to be more diligent about watching students. This may mean that teachers may be asking for passes, etc. Don't forget to sign out and take the little paper pass so you can have it ready if someone asks you.

Whiteboard -- I'm trying a different kind of whiteboard today to change things up a bit for you.  If you weren't here Friday or want a copy of the presentation, it is in the PowerPoint presentation is in your C:\LANSCHOOL folder.

  1. I'll stop the class in the middle and show you a PowerPoint for a few minutes and ask you to comment on it.
  2. At the end of class, print out your assignment sheet from Goals & Effort. Don't forget to name your file correctly with the long filename and put on a document ID -- that's part of the grade.
  3. If you need to set up the printer, do the following: Start, Printers and Faxes, Add a Printer, click Next three times (wait for list), double-click on HSLAB18, double-click on printer icon below that (LaserJet 5000), click Next and Finish.

After the presentation, here is the assignment:

Subject: My Future

Pick one thing on this presentation that you think that will have the most impact on your future. In your whiteboard email, tell me what it is and why you think so.

Source for the PowerPoint (I made some minor revisions):  http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2006/08/did-you-know.html.

4/5 Goals & Effort

Don't forget -- your parent syllabus form is due tomorrow. Click here to print it out if you haven't yet.

I'm working through the many emails you are sending me. You should be starting to get responses on what your grade is on each assignment. A large point item will be your Goals and Effort worksheet on Friday. Not only do you get points for downloading it, putting on a good document ID, but you will also get points on filling out the first four days correctly by Friday. If you want me to explain this assignment in more detail, send me an email. This assignment is something I'll be grading periodically during the quarter and how complete it is at the end. Don't leave parts blank. Note: All common assignments are due tomorrow.

OPTIONAL Email today. This means it is not required :).

Subject: Goals & Effort

Message: Tell me if you need help understanding what to do for Goals & Effort. Don't forget subject and first and last name on all professional emails (which are expected in this class).

4/4 You all were awesome. I'm pleased at how well you got to work. Some of you are already way down the assignment list. Way to dig in!

Email Subject: Reading and Learning

Message: Now you have had a day to see how I operate with the instructions on the whiteboard. Let me know if you have any reading or learning issues that might affect your learning and understanding of the material.

Don't forget to write this first in Word, spell/grammar check, paste into your email program, and add the subject and your name. I could tell that most of you did this on the first assignment. Right on.

Assemblies today:

bullet

A block:  9:00-9:30  7th and 8th graders to the commons

bullet

B block:  9:35-10:00  9th and 10th graders to the commons

bullet

C block:  12:55-1:25  11th and 12th graders to the commons

4/3 Last Quarter! -- Welcome, Bienvenido Click here to hear this phrase, Bienvenue Click here to hear this phrase, ようこそ (yōkoso) Click here to hear this phrase ref!

It's great to see you all. I hope you have a wonderful last quarter in school this year. Seniors -- this is it!

Read and do the whiteboard every day. Click on the whiteboard instructions and notes link above and please read.

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, April 6th. 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.

These items are on the bottom of the whiteboard and have links at the top of the page. This is information you might want to double-check for each of your assignments until you get the information correct.

Doc ID – 3 Items

  1. Name
  2. Date
  3. Filename

Location for Doc ID

bulletExcel - View, Header and Footer, Custom Footer
bulletWord - View, Header and Footer, Switch Between Header and Footer button
bulletAccess - File, Properties, Comments (You only need to do for database once)
bulletPowerPoint - First slide or Notes area.
bulletFlash (& Video Gaming) - Modify, Document, Description
bulletInternet enclose in comment at bottom of document. <!-- ... -->
bulletDreamweaver - Bottom of document. Show Code view, Apply Comment.

Save - 3 places (don't make the mistake of only having one copy that can get corrupted, accidentally deleted)

bullet

C:\FirstName LastName folder

bullet

My Documents which is also H: drive (Samba) – this is where I’ll grade your work

bullet

One more place (e-mail to yourself, jump drive, A: floppy)

Filenames – 5 pieces and no spaces

(Course-Chapter-QuarterBlock-LastnameFI-AssignmentName)
If you continue a file over more than chapter, keep the first filename. This is especially true for Access and Dreamweaver.
Examples F-0-Q3C-WinterR-NameTag or O1-W1-Q1A-Q2B-JonesI-HiddenLakeAnnouncement or GF-3-Q1A-SmithK-WackCapsule

 

Course

Chapter

Quarter Block

LastnameF

Assignment Name
Common Assignments

See below

0

Q1A,Q1B,or Q3C

 

 
Office 1

O1

 

E1, E2, E3, EPA
A1,A2,A3, APA W1,W2,W3,W4,W5, W6, WPA

"

 

 
Office 2

O2

 

E4,E5,E6, EPA
A4,A5,A6, APA
P1,P2,P3,P4, PPA

"

 

 
HTML (Internet)

I

I0, I1 to I8

"

 

 
Dreamweaver D 1-12 *Note: Use actual names in book "    
Flash

F

1-12

"

 

 
Flash 2 F2 1-13 "    
Game (Flash) GF 1-20 "    
Game (VB) GV 1-21 "    

Class and Office Times

A

8:00-9:32

B

9:35-11:10

C

11:55-1:27

D (Planning)

1:30-3:00

If you need other times, makes sure you ask in advance so I can try to be here

Last Updated: 05/31/2007  (F)

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