WOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
You all are so incredibly awesome! Enjoy each precious moment of your break.
To start with your major, most important assignments over break are:
-Relax
-Smile
-Appreciate!!!
-Go outside
-Love your family and friends
-Read
More on that reading:
...You should be reading daily.
...Your assignment is to read a non-fiction novel over the break.
...It should be near completion by the time we return to school on January 2nd. I will be assigning a final project for the book that will be due (along with the completed book) on Friday, January 6th. Do not wait until that week to try and read a ton of your pages as you will have a large amount of other homework that week from core and other classes.
Your one, graded task is to:
-(if you have internet access... if you are reading this then you do) EMAIL ME at some point over the break (don't care when) and say hello, tell me what you book you are reading, and what you are thinking about the book at that point. It is likely I won't respond, but know that I will be marking off this in my grade book as I simply want to check in on your reading progress over the next few weeks. In case you haven't noticed, reading is a big deal to me and a huge point of emphasis!!!
ABOVE ALL ELSE... have a great break.
Thank you all for being so special. I feel so lucky to have the core class that I have!!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving Break!!!
HW for Thanksgiving Break
1. Smile
2. Appreciate
3. Be thankful and share this thankfulness with your family, your friends, yourself
4. Geologic Timeline Assignment
How can you show geologic time and the space between the different time periods (listed below)? As a class we showed this through our 4.5 meter string. One millimeter represented 1,000,000 years. In your project you need to represent these time periods through some forms of measurement (what is your scale going to be?). The one thing that can be different with your project is that you can skip the Precambrian era if you so choose. We observed in our activity that the precambrian era was SOOOO long that there was hardly any space to show some of the more recent time periods. Please look at the rubric as you do this. If you need a new rubric let me know and I can email it out to you. This is due Monday when you return from Thanksgiving. Please bring a signed note saying it is complete. You do not need to bring into class until later that week when we have the space to store them and talk about them.
Period Number of years ago (before present)
Precambrian 4.5 billion-540 million
Cambrian 540 – 490 million
Ordovician 490 – 443 million
Silurian 443 – 417 million
Devonian 417 – 354 million
Mississippian 354 – 325 million
Pennsylvanian 325 – 290 million
Permian 290 – 225 million
Triassic 225 – 200 million
Jurassic 200 – 136 million
Cretaceous 136 – 65 million
Paleocene 65 – 55 million
Eocene 55 – 37 million
Oligocene 37 – 26 million
Miocene 26 – 5 million
Pliocene 5 – 2 million
Pleistocene 1.8 million – 10 thousand
Holocene 10 thousand until present
1. Smile
2. Appreciate
3. Be thankful and share this thankfulness with your family, your friends, yourself
4. Geologic Timeline Assignment
How can you show geologic time and the space between the different time periods (listed below)? As a class we showed this through our 4.5 meter string. One millimeter represented 1,000,000 years. In your project you need to represent these time periods through some forms of measurement (what is your scale going to be?). The one thing that can be different with your project is that you can skip the Precambrian era if you so choose. We observed in our activity that the precambrian era was SOOOO long that there was hardly any space to show some of the more recent time periods. Please look at the rubric as you do this. If you need a new rubric let me know and I can email it out to you. This is due Monday when you return from Thanksgiving. Please bring a signed note saying it is complete. You do not need to bring into class until later that week when we have the space to store them and talk about them.
Period Number of years ago (before present)
Precambrian 4.5 billion-540 million
Cambrian 540 – 490 million
Ordovician 490 – 443 million
Silurian 443 – 417 million
Devonian 417 – 354 million
Mississippian 354 – 325 million
Pennsylvanian 325 – 290 million
Permian 290 – 225 million
Triassic 225 – 200 million
Jurassic 200 – 136 million
Cretaceous 136 – 65 million
Paleocene 65 – 55 million
Eocene 55 – 37 million
Oligocene 37 – 26 million
Miocene 26 – 5 million
Pliocene 5 – 2 million
Pleistocene 1.8 million – 10 thousand
Holocene 10 thousand until present
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Service Reflection Rubric
Service Reflections Rubric:
-There should be a minimum of three paragraphs
-I am looking for a strong hook and conclusion... CONNECTIONS of your work to the outside communities and world...Correct grammar and punctuations, and of course a creative piece (please don't do the same creative piece over and over again on each reflection... spice it up)
-I would recommend doing your work on the computer as I often send back reflections for editing after I first receive them. Doing your work on the computer enables you to go back and make corrections without having to feel like you are starting all over again.
What?
•What did you do?
•Who was involved?
•Where were you?
•What part did you play?
•When did it happen?
Michael's comments: The "what" is a quick, brief paragraph. Recognize that you must go far beyond the “what” to have a complete reflection as paragraph takes little thought and effort to complete. Pay attention to the “so what” and give the MOST attention and thought to the “now what”
SO WHAT?
•Why did you do it?
•Why was it important to do?
•How was it helpful?
•Who benefits from the Project?
NOW WHAT?
•What are you going to do with what you learned?
•What will you keep doing (or not doing) now?
•How is this action connected to a larger issue? What larger issue?
•Who is doing something about this issue?
•What organizations exist to address this issue?
Always Consider…
you --> School --> COMMUNITY --> WORLD
Michael's notes: A paragraph should be spent showing how your work connects outside of your three hours of service to the greater community and world.
Michael's final note:
When looking at reflections I will always look for a hook, 3 paragraphs (with the NOW WHAT paragraph reflecting the most effort), and CONNECTIONS (showing how your work relates to bigger picture ideas).
These are worth 25 points and show reflect a high level of effort and thought.
-There should be a minimum of three paragraphs
-I am looking for a strong hook and conclusion... CONNECTIONS of your work to the outside communities and world...Correct grammar and punctuations, and of course a creative piece (please don't do the same creative piece over and over again on each reflection... spice it up)
-I would recommend doing your work on the computer as I often send back reflections for editing after I first receive them. Doing your work on the computer enables you to go back and make corrections without having to feel like you are starting all over again.
What?
•What did you do?
•Who was involved?
•Where were you?
•What part did you play?
•When did it happen?
Michael's comments: The "what" is a quick, brief paragraph. Recognize that you must go far beyond the “what” to have a complete reflection as paragraph takes little thought and effort to complete. Pay attention to the “so what” and give the MOST attention and thought to the “now what”
SO WHAT?
•Why did you do it?
•Why was it important to do?
•How was it helpful?
•Who benefits from the Project?
NOW WHAT?
•What are you going to do with what you learned?
•What will you keep doing (or not doing) now?
•How is this action connected to a larger issue? What larger issue?
•Who is doing something about this issue?
•What organizations exist to address this issue?
Always Consider…
you --> School --> COMMUNITY --> WORLD
Michael's notes: A paragraph should be spent showing how your work connects outside of your three hours of service to the greater community and world.
Michael's final note:
When looking at reflections I will always look for a hook, 3 paragraphs (with the NOW WHAT paragraph reflecting the most effort), and CONNECTIONS (showing how your work relates to bigger picture ideas).
These are worth 25 points and show reflect a high level of effort and thought.
Friday, September 9, 2011
9/9 - 1st weekend
Before we start talking about HW, lets take a moment to acknowledge that you were all ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE today. I have had some field studies where things have gone wrong before. Sometimes its just part of the trip experience. However, I have never had it happen on our very first field study of the year. You were all BEYOND amazing in the way you handled the LONG wait at the end of the day in the heat, the crowded bus, the people on that crowded bus, and the frustration of not being at school when school gets out. All this stuff about attitude that I have been talking about; well your attitude this afternoon was the epitome of allowing a positive attitude make a not so fun situation good. I am so so so so so so so so proud and happy to be your teacher. Also, lets not forget that we did in fact have a pretty fun time at the fountain!!! ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!
HW:
For starters you will be happy to know that because we were obviously unable to make it back up to our classrooms that you have slightly less homework this weekend. This ok with me because I want to build your HW skills and habits back up bit by bit in this coming week so that you are ready to succeed with the middle school workload.
1. Complete Essential Questions and Assignment Questions from our field study.
-I did not get a chance to share my E-CORE pet peeves this afternoon so let me tell you know
-Use complete sentences in your answer.
-I expect the most thorough effort on the Essential Questions.
2. Please bring a special rock in to class from somewhere outside. We are going to talk about these rocks next week.
3. Read. Read. Read. Sometimes you will have assigned reading. Other times I will simply ask that you spend time reading a book/magazine/article of your choice. I would like a 25 word summary of what you read this weekend, why you did or did not enjoy it, and 2 connections you made while reading.
ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND THE WEEKEND!!!
Anyone who volunteers at the Belmont Street Fair this Saturday can earn community service hours (which I haven't even explained yet, so don't worry if you aren't sure what I am talking about) and have a great time.
HW:
For starters you will be happy to know that because we were obviously unable to make it back up to our classrooms that you have slightly less homework this weekend. This ok with me because I want to build your HW skills and habits back up bit by bit in this coming week so that you are ready to succeed with the middle school workload.
1. Complete Essential Questions and Assignment Questions from our field study.
-I did not get a chance to share my E-CORE pet peeves this afternoon so let me tell you know
-Use complete sentences in your answer.
-I expect the most thorough effort on the Essential Questions.
2. Please bring a special rock in to class from somewhere outside. We are going to talk about these rocks next week.
3. Read. Read. Read. Sometimes you will have assigned reading. Other times I will simply ask that you spend time reading a book/magazine/article of your choice. I would like a 25 word summary of what you read this weekend, why you did or did not enjoy it, and 2 connections you made while reading.
ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND THE WEEKEND!!!
Anyone who volunteers at the Belmont Street Fair this Saturday can earn community service hours (which I haven't even explained yet, so don't worry if you aren't sure what I am talking about) and have a great time.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
9/8/2011
HW:
1. Be ready to rock and roll for our first field study to the Rose Quarter fountain
-bring a lunch (or get one from Mona in the cafeteria in the morning)
-If you choose to get wet in the fountain be sure you are wearing clothes that can get wet or bring an extra shirt/shorts or a small towel. no swimsuits!
2. Bring something in that represents your summer. It can be anything, as long as you can explain to the class how it represents your summer (it can represent your entire summer or just a moment from your summer)
3. Bring SOMETHING that you can read in the class
4. If you have any forms from your parent packet please turn them in.
1. Be ready to rock and roll for our first field study to the Rose Quarter fountain
-bring a lunch (or get one from Mona in the cafeteria in the morning)
-If you choose to get wet in the fountain be sure you are wearing clothes that can get wet or bring an extra shirt/shorts or a small towel. no swimsuits!
2. Bring something in that represents your summer. It can be anything, as long as you can explain to the class how it represents your summer (it can represent your entire summer or just a moment from your summer)
3. Bring SOMETHING that you can read in the class
4. If you have any forms from your parent packet please turn them in.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
9/7
HW:
1. Check blog (if you are reading this then you can say you did this!!!!)
2. Complete reading/writing survey
3. If you have not done so already complete your letter to me (the instructions are pasted below)
4. Bring in binder with 4 dividers so that we can set up a strong organizational system for your core class!!!
Extra credit: in honor of our class call bring in a scrap piece of paper that says "Oh SNAP" and tack it up on the wall next to the smiley face poster.
Enjoy an evening of shade, water (or lemonade), family, and a wee little bit of homework. You all rock!!!
Teacher Letter:
-briefly tell me about your summer (general or it could be a specific story)
-Tell about things that have worked for you in the past as a student
-Tell me about things that have not worked for you in the past as a student (without naming specific names)
-Tell me one thing that you have enjoyed so far about this class in your 1 ½ days at SES
-Tell me one goal (or more) you have for yourself this year as a student
-Tell me one concern/question/fear/nervousnessish thing that you have for the year
-Tell me 5 things that I can do to help you as a student (how do you learn)
-Tell me 5 random things that you think I should know about you
Other thoughts you can include:
• The way I learn
• Who you work well with (or what kind of person)
o Group/individual learner
• What kind of environment you work well in
• Organization skills/problems
• What you want to learn!
• What I do outside of this (REALLY HOT) classroom
1. Check blog (if you are reading this then you can say you did this!!!!)
2. Complete reading/writing survey
3. If you have not done so already complete your letter to me (the instructions are pasted below)
4. Bring in binder with 4 dividers so that we can set up a strong organizational system for your core class!!!
Extra credit: in honor of our class call bring in a scrap piece of paper that says "Oh SNAP" and tack it up on the wall next to the smiley face poster.
Enjoy an evening of shade, water (or lemonade), family, and a wee little bit of homework. You all rock!!!
Teacher Letter:
-briefly tell me about your summer (general or it could be a specific story)
-Tell about things that have worked for you in the past as a student
-Tell me about things that have not worked for you in the past as a student (without naming specific names)
-Tell me one thing that you have enjoyed so far about this class in your 1 ½ days at SES
-Tell me one goal (or more) you have for yourself this year as a student
-Tell me one concern/question/fear/nervousnessish thing that you have for the year
-Tell me 5 things that I can do to help you as a student (how do you learn)
-Tell me 5 random things that you think I should know about you
Other thoughts you can include:
• The way I learn
• Who you work well with (or what kind of person)
o Group/individual learner
• What kind of environment you work well in
• Organization skills/problems
• What you want to learn!
• What I do outside of this (REALLY HOT) classroom
Monday, September 5, 2011
Welcome to Michael's Class Blog
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!!!
I am very excited about the Year of the Mountain and the learning, adventures, and fun our core class will have.
Middle school at Sunnyside is a very special experience. You are all exposed to so much from so many different places. The one downside to that is that things can sometimes get a bit crazy or be confusing at this school. It takes strong organization to be successful and to balance all the different assignments, activities, and social things that go on over the course of the year.
This blog is a tool to help you further organize yourself. It will be very simple, yet hugely helpful. Although I am not always perfect, I will try to post all nightly homework assignments on here. You will usually find a few words about the assignment so that you are clear on what your teacher (me) expects. In addition, I will use the blog for reminders, scheduling, and extra credit. Checking the blog nightly should become a habit so that you stay on the same page as your teacher, learn to become an independent student, and avoid the frustrating feeling of being lost in the abyss of school work.
Anytime you have questions, problems, or concerns PLEASE email me at mjansa@pps.net.
It is very important that you, as middle school students take the responsibility for your effort and work.
I left a few random posts from last year on this blog. They are immediately below this post. Reading those older posts will give you a feel for what this will start to look like for you as our school year gets underway. Take a moment to look at how empty this blog is right now. Realize that within a month it will be filled with our personality, learning, activities, quotes, field studies, and of course, HOMEWORK!!!
CHEERS!
Michael
I am very excited about the Year of the Mountain and the learning, adventures, and fun our core class will have.
Middle school at Sunnyside is a very special experience. You are all exposed to so much from so many different places. The one downside to that is that things can sometimes get a bit crazy or be confusing at this school. It takes strong organization to be successful and to balance all the different assignments, activities, and social things that go on over the course of the year.
This blog is a tool to help you further organize yourself. It will be very simple, yet hugely helpful. Although I am not always perfect, I will try to post all nightly homework assignments on here. You will usually find a few words about the assignment so that you are clear on what your teacher (me) expects. In addition, I will use the blog for reminders, scheduling, and extra credit. Checking the blog nightly should become a habit so that you stay on the same page as your teacher, learn to become an independent student, and avoid the frustrating feeling of being lost in the abyss of school work.
Anytime you have questions, problems, or concerns PLEASE email me at mjansa@pps.net.
It is very important that you, as middle school students take the responsibility for your effort and work.
I left a few random posts from last year on this blog. They are immediately below this post. Reading those older posts will give you a feel for what this will start to look like for you as our school year gets underway. Take a moment to look at how empty this blog is right now. Realize that within a month it will be filled with our personality, learning, activities, quotes, field studies, and of course, HOMEWORK!!!
CHEERS!
Michael
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