Reading, Writing, Blogging

Fallen Angels-English 11-Third Block

2008-11-19T10:41:00.003-05:00

We will begin reading the novel Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers early next week. You will need to go to the library and check out your own copy of Fallen Angels before next Monday. You will need to do this on your own time. You will not be permitted to leave class to go and check your book out. You have the time before school, after school, and during your lunch to do this.

Look at the following questions and respond to them in the comment section. If you decide to post anonymously, without providing a user name, be sure to include your name in your post so that I may award you credit for completing the project. Some of the questions may require you to research other areas of the Internet. Perhaps, you might look up a summary of the novel to help you in making a decision. Please use your time wisely. You have only today in class to finish the assignment. I also encourage you to read what others are posting and feel free to respond and comment appropriately. All inappropriate comments will result in deduction of points for the project.

DO NOT COPY AND PASTE RESPONSES FROM OTHER SOURCES. I WILL BE DOING A CHECK. ANYONE CAUGHT DOING THIS WILL RECEIVE A 0/100 FOR THE PROJECT AND WILL BE WRITTEN UP FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY. You've been warned!

Fallen Angels

The following statements represent big ideas from the novel that can relate to many other war-related texts you might read. Simply write "agree" or "disagree" and more importantly, explain WHY.

1. Young soldiers engaged in combat typically undergo a personal transformation--a passage from youth to maturity, from innocent to experience.

2. War often forces people to reconsider their traditional notions of right and wrong.

3. War brings out extremes of behavior--not only courage, loyalty, and sacrifice but also brutality, prejudice, and arrogance.

4. War is chaotic. People often find it difficult to make sense or find meaning in combat.

Thought Provoking Questions. (Yes, you will need to answer these in depth which will require you to do some research online.)

1. What do you already know about The Vietnam War?

2. What do you want to know about The Vietnam War?

3. Why, in your opinion, was The Vietnam War so controversial?

Fallen Angels Introduction-11th Grade-2nd Block

2008-11-19T07:58:00.008-05:00

Thought Provoking Questions. (Yes, you will need to answer these in depth which will require you to do some research online.)

1. What do you already know about The Vietnam War?

2. What do you want to know about The Vietnam War?

3. Why, in your opinion, was The Vietnam War so controversial?

10th Grade Writing Assignment-Hotel Rwanda

2008-04-11T11:32:00.002-04:00

The following resources will help you when writing your pieces that have been assigned to you. Utilize them. If you have any questions, please feel free to email. Assignments are due next Friday.

Resources

Letters:

http://www.kcitraining.com/styleguide/book/letelem.html
http://www.savvy-business-correspondence.com/BizLetterElements.html

Memos:

http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/resources/handouts/businessmemo.pdf
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/creed/Business/MemoFormat.html

News Article:

http://www.isitebuild.com/article-writing-2.html

Rwandan Resources

http://www.un.org
http://www.gov.rw/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rw.html
www.hrw.org/reports/1999/rwanda
http://www.unitedartists.com/hotelrwanda/intro.html
http://www.hrrfoundation.org/about.html
www.paulrusesabagina.com

Hotel Rwanda

2008-04-11T09:25:00.004-04:00

Yesterday/Today, I gave a brief history introduction to the Rwandan genocide, you will be watching a behind the scenes documentary featuring the real life Paul Rusesabagina on Monday, and you watched the first third of the movie, Hotel Rwanda. Based on the history lesson, the documentary, and the movie you have a pretty clear idea that this tragedy was basically ignored by the rest of the world. The United Nations was only able to do so much. The United States had trouble clarifying if genocide like behavior was to be considered a genocide. Nearly 1 million Rwandans were murdered and it was barely a blip on the radar of the world.

The photographer in the movie makes a statement in reference to what is happening in Rwanda and the footage that he took that day, "If people see this they’ll say ‘Oh my God. That’s horrible,' Then they'll go on eating their dinners.” Is this an accurate statement in terms of how people today react to current atrocities? Why? Why not?

11th Grade

2008-03-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

Are there any similiarities or differences between what is happening in the novel, Fallen Angels, and what is happening in world today???

Paper Assignment- 10th Grade ONLY!!!!!!

2008-03-20T12:21:00.002-04:00

If you should have ANY questions or need to discuss your paper, feel free to post on the blog, email, or myspace me over the break.

Night Paper Assignment

Directions:
You must choose one of the following prompts. Each paper must be 1-2 typed, double spaced pages. Please be sure to edit and revise for your final copy. Use clear and concise language. Be sure to make all of your sentences complete. Concentrate on your ideas and the details you use to prove your point. I will be using the WV Writing Assessment Rubric to evaluate your essay. If you do not have a copy of the rubric, please ask for one and it will be made available for you. Due Date: The Monday you return from Spring Break.

Write a review or an article that expresses your reaction to the value of this book as assigned reading in the English or Language Arts curriculum.

Write an essay expressing your like or dislike of the book. Did it have any effect on your views? Feelings? Attitudes? Actions?

Locate pictorial images of the Holocaust. Working in an individual setting, prepare an essay based on the mood, emotions, and theme conveyed in the selected illustration.

Elie Wiesel once said that anyone who witnesses an atrocity, or an act of inhumanity, and does nothing to stop it, is just as guilty as the person committing the act. Those who know and remain silent are guilty of the same offense. To stand by silently is to participate in the crime. Do you agree with Elie Wiesel’s judgement? Explain.

Should students continue to study the Holocaust in school today? Give specific reasons for your response.

Weekly Challenge

2008-03-19T07:37:00.001-04:00

This week's challenge. One of Rachel's challenges is to let those close to us know that they matter. This week's challenge is to write someone that you care about a letter letting them know why and how much they are appreciated. Help to make someone's day fabulous.

Rachel's Challenge

2008-03-13T12:20:00.006-04:00

What are your initial reactions to the Rachel's Challenge presentation in which you participated today? Thoughts, questions, concerns....

Weekly Challenge

2008-03-13T12:16:00.003-04:00

Weekly Challenge:

Introduce yourself to someone that you don't know--someone at school, in the community, at the store. Start a short conversation. You never know, you might meet a new friend, business contact, or a future boyfriend/girlfriend. Either way, you have nothing to lose.

Sam M's Questions for you...

2008-03-13T08:57:00.002-04:00

The following statement/questions were posted by Sam M.:

My questions to everyone, although possibly the answers may be unattainable, are this:

Why do we feel the need to put up the barriers around us to block something different from us out, yet we say we're up to learn about and try new things?

and

Why not become part of the solution instead of fueling the problem?

I believe that if we can answer those questions and find ways to integrate new things into peoples lives little by little then we may be able to stop the bullying and start something great!

Presidential Election

2008-03-12T09:36:00.003-04:00

Take this survey to help you determine which Presidential Candidate is most aligned with your view points.

I updated the link. This one should work better. Sorry about that.

Rachel's Challenge

2008-03-11T14:40:00.002-04:00

This Thursday Riverside High School is going to participate in an assembly called Rachel's Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School Tragedy on April 20, 1999. She left behind an amazing legacy and a simple challenge to anyone willing to accept it---treat others with kindness and compassion and you just may change the world you live in. The staff of Riverside High School is in the process of completeing preparatory work to insure that the students can emotionally handle the magnitude of the subject matter. The goal is not to glorify school violence or to promote it as a solution, but rather to educate our students and show the importance of positive living. In an effort to accomplish this goal, we are also inviting parents and community members to view the presentation and accept Rachel's Challenge on Thursday evening. Please make it a point to come to Riverside High School at 7pm on Thursday to listen and learn. It might just change your world.

Invitation:

If you are an individual that cares about kids, cares about where our society is headed, or are just plain compassionate...I invite you to come hear an incredible story of courage and hope.

Columbine High School: A Time To Remember. A Time To Hope.

Rachel's Challenge: You just might start a chain reaction.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School Tragedy on April 20, 1999. She left behind an amazing legacy and a simple challenge to anyone who will accept it--treat others with kindness and compassion and you just may change the world you live in.

Riverside High School Auditorium/Gym
March 13, 2008
7pm-8pm
Please Attend!!!
Advised: No young children.

This is a very emotional and moving presentation given by Rachel's family members. The family, soon after the Tragedy, made a pledge to visit as many middle schools and high schools in the United States to spread Rachel's Challenge. 9 years later and they are still carrying on Rachel's Challenge. I strongly urge you to attend. It will change your life.

The X Variable...

2008-03-11T13:24:00.006-04:00

In class we have been discussing the roles that we choose from day to day and from event to event. Specifically in class, we have discussed the roles of individuals who were directly and indirectly affected during World War II and then again in the Vietnam Conflict. We have even taken a step closer to our personal knowledge base and discussed the roles that we choose in our day to day lives within our school building; specifically when it comes to stereotyping and prejudices. In preparation for Thursday's assembly, "Rachel's Challenge," we began discuss Columbine, school violence, and from where it might stem.

Over the last two days we watched the film, "Bang, Bang, You're Dead." We watched as a trouble student goes on an amazing journey to figure out right from wrong, while choosing roles that are dangerous and then again hopeful. The roles of perpetrator, bystander, victim, and rescuer are witnessed and sometimes by the same character. Each individual in the movie has a point and shows a perspective of ourselves and those around us. In short...not one person is ever the only person to blame in the end. Think about the movie and the discussions that we have started in class. Think about the following...

How do people respond when feeling victimized, fearful and hopeless? Trevor had two paths he could take: Be the “X” or be the perpetrator. What is the “X” Mr. Duncan referred to? How can individuals, families, schools, and communities help cultivate the “X” factor? Which of the paths mentioned above takes more strength of character?

Welcome to the Blog-Second Semester.

2008-02-01T14:15:00.000-05:00

Hi there everyone. I wanted to thank you for visiting the blog. I plan on using this with my current and former classes, parents, friends, colleagues, etc so that we might continue conversations about what we do, read, write, and think about in class. Thinking doesn't just happen in the classroom; it happens every where. So many times in the evenings I think about what I should have said, might have said, or think of a whole new idea and I want to share it with you. This is a way for us to continue thinking and doing. I hope that you are an active participant. I also wanted to state, this site isn't just for students. I am hoping to get some parental feedback as well.

Carlee's PBL Video

2008-01-22T14:40:00.001-05:00

Carlee presented on school violence and the education needed to prevent it. The above clip is full of school violence statistics that are very eye opening. In class, she also showed a map of the United States. Approximately 10 states were not colored in red, meaning that a school shooting had NOT taken place there. WV was one of the ten.

Thought Provoking Quote

2007-12-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

-Mahatma Gandhi

K's Project Link

2007-12-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

Many of you were asking for a link to K's myspace page that he developed for his project. Here it is: Politically Controversial.

He has put a lot of work in to the site. He is constantly updating it to provide individuals with up to date and accurate information. Good work, K!!!!!

Problem Based Learning Project/Final

2007-12-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I gave you the guidelines to your final project. I was thrilled to see the level of excitement that the majority of you were expressing. I'm glad that you are getting into it. I wanted to post a brief overview on here, so that you may have a place to seek answers and post questions. Together we will get through this.

Questions: How can we work to insure that acts of intolerance no longer continue at Riverside High School, in WV, The US, or the world? In other words, what can we do to make a difference?

Overview: You and a partner will be responsible for researching an act of intolerance and the prevention of intolerance. This project will consist of more than just a one-sentence answer. By the end, you will have produced a multimedia presentation that takes the audience on the journey that you went on to find the answers to the questions and solve the problem.

This is not a project to promote intolerance. It is a project to help us understand and learn how to prevent such instances.

After watching 'Hotel Rwanda" many of you were impressed at how ONE person, Paul, was able to make such a difference by saving the lives of 1,200 people. Now is your chance to prove again that it only takes one person's actions to start a wave.

Exploration: You will explore different forms of intolerance that we see on a local and world-wide level. You will explore the history behind these acts, and the actions of the individuals involved. You will narrow your research to one particular act. This is the research based part of the project. Once you have thoroughly researched the act, it is your job to creatively find a solution or a way to education individuals to see that this no longer happens again. You are being asked to attempt to fix the problem.

The Journey: You will submit in writing a summary of your journey, from brainstorming to solution. You will provide detailed information as to what you researched, your findings, and eventually the solution. This summary will be typed and all material will be cited. Lessons on citations will come soon.

The Presentation: Power Point, Video, Computer Generated Pamphlet, etc. This is your chance to share your research with your classmates and the possibility to benefit from seeing their research findings. The same resource requirements apply to your presentation as it would if you were writing a typical research paper. Therefore, you will need to include a reference or work cited portion to your presentation.

-7-10 mins in length
-answers the question
-shows research

Graded on:
-completeness and length
-quality of information
-creativity
-organization
-use of sources
-diction
-presentation skills
-works cited format
-minimum of 3 sources
-minimum of five citations
-works cited
-MLA/School Guidelines
-must have at least 2 non-electronic sources

Talk to each other to help generate ideas. Many of you already know the direction you are wanting to take. That's great! Any questions or comments, feel free to email me or post to the blog!

Hotel Rwanda

2007-12-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I gave a brief history introduction to the Rwandan genocide, you watched a behind the scenes documentary featuring Paul Rusesabagina, and you watched the first third of the Hotel Rwanda. Based on the history lesson, the documentary, and the movie you have a pretty clear idea that this tragedy was basically ignored by the rest of the world. The UN was only able to do so much. The US had trouble clarifying if genocide like behavior was to be considered a genocide. Nearly 1 million Rwandans were murdered and it was barely a blip on the radar of the world.

The photographer in the movie makes a statement in reference to what is happening in Rwanda and the footage that he took that day, "If people see this they’ll say ‘Oh my God. That’s horrible,' Then they'll go on eating their dinners.” Is this an accurate statement in terms of how people today react to current atrocities? Why? Why not?

Hate Hits Home

2007-12-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

Today in the Gazette and article was published stating that Pat McAfee, the WVU kicker, has been receiving death threats and his personal property has been vandalized for his lack of accuracy in the WVU-Pitt game. Honestly, what kind of a world are we living in when people are threatening a life and vandalizing personal property over a football game? For that matter, threatening a life and vandalizing personal property is never acceptable behavior. I am a die hard Mountie fan, but where does one draw the line?! It's absolutely absurd.

Can anyone draw any relation between what we have been talking about in class and this real world situation????

Afternoon Thought

2007-12-04T17:48:00.001-05:00

I didn't have an email account or really use the web that much until the middle of my undergraduate studies in college. Computers in schools were a BIG deal when I was in high school. It was virtually unheard of to have a PC in schools during my parents' tenure. Thinking about how much statewide, national, and global communication we now have, it makes it much easier to access, gather, research, and share data with millions of people in virtual seconds. In some respect it makes it much easier to find answers to questions, but it also makes a lot of the information that we find incredibly unreliable. (You all know how much I despise that w***pedia site.) It leads me to two questions:

1. Has the development of technology and means of global communication placed more of a spotlight on teaching tolerance?

and

2. What do you think tolerance education is like in other countries? For instance, how do you think the unit that we are finishing is perceived in Germany, Africa, Central America, etc.?

Potpourri

2007-12-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

This blurb appeared in the 12/03/07 Gazette:

"Some history classes in northern England have stopped mentioning the Holocaust, on grounds that it offends Muslim students, whose families claim that the Nazi extermination of Jews never happened. Good grief."

Hotel Rwanda

2007-11-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Over the past few weeks the English 10 classes have been studying World War II, the Holocaust, and the literature of this time. We have been discussing whether or not something of this magnitude could ever happen in our lifetime. Many were surprise to find out that yes it has happened in our life time. To illustrate that yes, this type of hate could and does still exist in our world, I will be showing my students a film called "Hotel Rwanda." The film is a true story about the genocide that took place in Rwanda in the '90's. The film does contain some emotional material and at times can be a bit graphic. However, I find that it is an excellent teaching tool and discussion starter. If you would prefer that your child NOT view this film, please contact me via email or phone, and I will find an alternate assignment for them to complete.

If you should have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss them. 348-1996 ext 144 or HMcChesney@kcs.kana.k12.wv.us

Thanks for your support and all that you do,

Heather McChesney

What next?

2007-11-30T11:58:00.000-05:00

It's time to start some drama!

Which dramatic piece next...

Antigone or Julius Caesar?

FYI: Due Dates

2007-11-30T11:34:00.000-05:00

Night Test: Tuesday, Dec. 4
Night Paper: Monday, Dec. 10

If you have any questions about either...post them here, and together we can get to the answer.

A Thought, A Question

2007-11-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

In Night, one of the Kapo gave the prisoners this advice, "Let there be comradeship among you. We are all brothers, and we are all suffering...Help one another. It is the only way to survive?"

Is this philosophy/advise true of other moments in history? Is it sound advice for our every day lives? What do you think?

Should schools continue to study Holocaust literature?

2007-11-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

Currently, there is a survey post on the blog asking the question: Should schools continue to study Holocaust literature? There are many mixed feelings about this. I'm currious as to what your thoughts might be on the subject.

Welcome to the blog.

2007-11-30T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hi there everyone. I wanted to thank you for visiting the blog. I plan on using this with my classes, parents, friends, colleagues, etc so that we might continue conversations about what we do, read, write, and think about in class. Thinking doesn't just happen in the classroom; it happens every where. So many times in the evenings I think about what I should have said, might have said, or think of a whole new idea and I want to share it with you. This is a way for us to continue thinking and doing. I hope that you are an active participant. I also wanted to state, this site isn't just for students. I am hoping to get some parental feedback as well.