Hello to you all!
I hope you are enjoying your break.
Time away allows us to reflect and appreciate...and I appreciate you!
This is the last update for the 2011 portion of our school year. If you thought the last few months went by fast - wait until we get back and build momentum - this school year is flying by!
Please make sure you are reading independently and updating your status and progress on goodreads. I am still "liking" reviews that meet expectations - please see the checklist handout with the example, sample, template. Make sure your review(s) are authentic and worthwhile.
See you on Tuesday 1/3/12. We will ease on into our Response to Literature unit. Get ready!
Tutoring/Office Hours will resume on Tuesday after school. Please take advantage of the time.
Work is being graded, scored, and updated at a pace that I can handle.
If you have specific questions - please approach me and we will take care of any concerns.
The semester ends in four weeks - please take care of yourself, your time, and your work ethic/effort to make the strides that are needed. You grade is earned, not given.
Be the student I know you can be!
Extra Credit (see previous post and link) is extended to Monday 1/9. Lucky you!
Here is to a year of success, health, and happiness. Happy New Year!
Yours Truly,
Samakosky
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Week #14 - Update 12/12
Hello Sophomore!
Here is the link to your TAM Jeopardy review game. Take some time to make sure you understand these ideas and terms. You will have to think critically come test time - but this is a nice review.
Please use your independent study time on Tuesday to make it work for YOU! We all have different tasks to tackle. I was very impressed with the partner discussions for the Mind Mirrors activity. I am expecting to see some wonderful work - all of which you may use for Thursday's Test.
Weds - WRG - Be ready. Be prepared. Also, bring your independent reading book. You will not get credit if it is not here. You must declare your choice on Goodread too - under the status: currently reading
Thurs - TAM Test. Work independently if you finish early. Writing or Reading.
Friday - Author's Chair and Holiday Celebration.
Come speak with me if you are concerned at all.
Tutoring Hours are Tues. 12/12 after school. We will prep for the TAM test. If you want help with your writing for your WRG or final piece - come get it.
Click here for the extra credit opportunity. It is due on Friday 1/6.
Be good.
Samakosky
Here is the link to your TAM Jeopardy review game. Take some time to make sure you understand these ideas and terms. You will have to think critically come test time - but this is a nice review.
Please use your independent study time on Tuesday to make it work for YOU! We all have different tasks to tackle. I was very impressed with the partner discussions for the Mind Mirrors activity. I am expecting to see some wonderful work - all of which you may use for Thursday's Test.
Weds - WRG - Be ready. Be prepared. Also, bring your independent reading book. You will not get credit if it is not here. You must declare your choice on Goodread too - under the status: currently reading
Thurs - TAM Test. Work independently if you finish early. Writing or Reading.
Friday - Author's Chair and Holiday Celebration.
Come speak with me if you are concerned at all.
Tutoring Hours are Tues. 12/12 after school. We will prep for the TAM test. If you want help with your writing for your WRG or final piece - come get it.
Click here for the extra credit opportunity. It is due on Friday 1/6.
Be good.
Samakosky
Friday, December 9, 2011
HW for Week #14 - Last week of 2011
Hello Sophomore,
Thanks for checking in. Please go read the previous post for more details. This is a quick reminder of what is due next week and what you should be working on.
1) By now you should be signed up on Goodreads. If not, this is a problem.
Please do your book review by Friday 12/16. Make sure it follows the template/example/checklist I gave you. Scan the site for a few other reviews, read each others, do it right!
Also, you MUST have your next reading selection IN CLASS with you on WEDNESDAY otherwise you will not receive credit. You must also indicate what you are currently reading on Goodreads.
2) WRG will be on Wednesday. Come prepared with your typed piece and copies for your group members. Your final piece will be due on Friday. I am looking to see how you are growing as a writer and how you are choosing to revise your work. I enjoyed reading your reflections and I will hold you to some of the changes you are focusing on.
3) Author's Chair is on Friday. Please choose to share your work. It will be beneficial for you and for your classmates. Be heard. Earn some credit.
4) TAM Test is on Thursday. You will be allowed to use notes and resources. So please prepare well in advance. Come prepared with annotations and discussion for the Socratic Seminar on Tuesday. If you need additional help or support please come and speak with me.
Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school. Your concerns are my concerns. Let's help you out!
We will also do a couple activities in class. Your participation is key. Please earn your vacation. Work hard. Let's have a good week, celebrate our learning, our writing, and our classroom community.
Be well.
Samakosky
Thanks for checking in. Please go read the previous post for more details. This is a quick reminder of what is due next week and what you should be working on.
1) By now you should be signed up on Goodreads. If not, this is a problem.
Please do your book review by Friday 12/16. Make sure it follows the template/example/checklist I gave you. Scan the site for a few other reviews, read each others, do it right!
Also, you MUST have your next reading selection IN CLASS with you on WEDNESDAY otherwise you will not receive credit. You must also indicate what you are currently reading on Goodreads.
2) WRG will be on Wednesday. Come prepared with your typed piece and copies for your group members. Your final piece will be due on Friday. I am looking to see how you are growing as a writer and how you are choosing to revise your work. I enjoyed reading your reflections and I will hold you to some of the changes you are focusing on.
3) Author's Chair is on Friday. Please choose to share your work. It will be beneficial for you and for your classmates. Be heard. Earn some credit.
4) TAM Test is on Thursday. You will be allowed to use notes and resources. So please prepare well in advance. Come prepared with annotations and discussion for the Socratic Seminar on Tuesday. If you need additional help or support please come and speak with me.
Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school. Your concerns are my concerns. Let's help you out!
We will also do a couple activities in class. Your participation is key. Please earn your vacation. Work hard. Let's have a good week, celebrate our learning, our writing, and our classroom community.
Be well.
Samakosky
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Be More Than Average - A Quick Update 12/8
Hello Sophomores,
Needless to say, I have been very disappointed with the quality of work that has been done in our class concerning our project related work - both the book projects and the expectations for your WRG. I appreciate that many of you were listening attentively in class and I know I will see many of you chose to make the right decisions from now on.
Please know that I only expect the best you can give - but many of you are working below your capabilities. Your grades will begin reflecting this. Only those who go above and beyond average work will finish this semester with a B or an A. You must advocate for yourself and you must do your work for YOU.
If you are concerned or feel that I can be more clear or help you in anyway - please do not hesitate to come and speak with me. I am quick to assist those who advocate for themselves. This is the same message that you have gotten from me since day one. My expectations of you, if anything, have increased because I know what you are capable of. Not coming to class with what is expected is a no-go. If I suggest it, then you most likely need it.
Use the upcoming break to reflect and make changes. We will have five more weeks remaining before the semester ends. Your efforts will be rewarded accurately.
For Friday 12/9
Do Now -WRG Reflection - You will do this on a separate piece of paper tmrw and it will be your exit slip. I will also use this to assess your final publishable piece next week.
TAM Q's for Act III are due. You may write your answers on the handout.
Have your annotations, voter track records, and any notes you took.
We will review the Q's in class
We will prep for our upcoming TAM test next week - Jeopardy Style
Make sure you have signed up for goodreads @ goodreads.com
Next Week:
Character/Juror Mind Mirror Activity - Monday
Socratic Seminar - Test Review - Tuesday (Come prepared....see below)
Goodreads Book sign up/Have your book IN class on Weds.
TAM Test - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
WRG - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
Author's Chair Friday - Your final publishable piece will be due. Include all rough drafts to show how your piece how improved and the changes you have made.
* Also make sure your review (following the example I gave you) is uploaded to goodreads.
Here are the essential questions that we will discuss in depth on Tuesday for our Socratic. You want to explore these in advance. Take notes and have evidence with you on Tuesday.
Essential Questions:
1. How does conflict lead to change?
2. What happens when basic human rights are denied to a group of people?
3. How will I stand up for what I value/believe?
4. How do I handle others' points of view?
5. How do I determine when taking social action is appropriate?
6. Does the end ever justify the means?
7. How does one stand up for what is “right” even in the face of opposition?
8. Why did Reginald Rose feel compelled to expose the potential for injustice among the jury?
9. Why did the author choose not to name the jurors?
10. What role does judgment play in the outcome of the story?
11. Why do some people need to be forced to recognize their own vices to treat others fairly?
12. How can the reader determine if justice has been served?
Thanks for checking the website.
Samakosky
Needless to say, I have been very disappointed with the quality of work that has been done in our class concerning our project related work - both the book projects and the expectations for your WRG. I appreciate that many of you were listening attentively in class and I know I will see many of you chose to make the right decisions from now on.
Please know that I only expect the best you can give - but many of you are working below your capabilities. Your grades will begin reflecting this. Only those who go above and beyond average work will finish this semester with a B or an A. You must advocate for yourself and you must do your work for YOU.
If you are concerned or feel that I can be more clear or help you in anyway - please do not hesitate to come and speak with me. I am quick to assist those who advocate for themselves. This is the same message that you have gotten from me since day one. My expectations of you, if anything, have increased because I know what you are capable of. Not coming to class with what is expected is a no-go. If I suggest it, then you most likely need it.
Use the upcoming break to reflect and make changes. We will have five more weeks remaining before the semester ends. Your efforts will be rewarded accurately.
For Friday 12/9
Do Now -WRG Reflection - You will do this on a separate piece of paper tmrw and it will be your exit slip. I will also use this to assess your final publishable piece next week.
TAM Q's for Act III are due. You may write your answers on the handout.
Have your annotations, voter track records, and any notes you took.
We will review the Q's in class
We will prep for our upcoming TAM test next week - Jeopardy Style
Make sure you have signed up for goodreads @ goodreads.com
Next Week:
Character/Juror Mind Mirror Activity - Monday
Socratic Seminar - Test Review - Tuesday (Come prepared....see below)
Goodreads Book sign up/Have your book IN class on Weds.
TAM Test - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
WRG - Wednesday or Thursday (TBD)
Author's Chair Friday - Your final publishable piece will be due. Include all rough drafts to show how your piece how improved and the changes you have made.
* Also make sure your review (following the example I gave you) is uploaded to goodreads.
Here are the essential questions that we will discuss in depth on Tuesday for our Socratic. You want to explore these in advance. Take notes and have evidence with you on Tuesday.
Essential Questions:
1. How does conflict lead to change?
2. What happens when basic human rights are denied to a group of people?
3. How will I stand up for what I value/believe?
4. How do I handle others' points of view?
5. How do I determine when taking social action is appropriate?
6. Does the end ever justify the means?
7. How does one stand up for what is “right” even in the face of opposition?
8. Why did Reginald Rose feel compelled to expose the potential for injustice among the jury?
9. Why did the author choose not to name the jurors?
10. What role does judgment play in the outcome of the story?
11. Why do some people need to be forced to recognize their own vices to treat others fairly?
12. How can the reader determine if justice has been served?
Thanks for checking the website.
Samakosky
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Week #13 Update - 12/5-12/9
Hello!
I hope this finds you well. I am so glad that you are checking in. Here is the tenative schedule for the week and helpful information for you to know.
WRG resume on Thursday. You will be with your new group. I am expecting some awesome writing that is full of style and purpose. You write everyday in class...you have a ton of potential content and possible ideas. Use your WRG to make your writing the best it can be. Give and offer feedback! Be the work in progress! Be the process! Refer to the WRG expectations you got earlier in the year. Some copies will be made available in class this week.
Monday
* Book projects are due. They will be graded with a rubric on the spot and in class. Your grade will also be based on how you interact with each other and the projects - as well as your small book group talks. You need to give academic feedback and talk about your books/projects with authority and purpose.
* Please make sure to return all checked out books to the library and/or to the class book nook.
* You should be leaving class with a few possible selections for your next reading project.
Tuesday
* Twelve Angry Men (TAM) - Act II
Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie
*Annotations on your play copy should be done.
Track dialogue, key conversations, evidence, and juror votes
*Act II Q's in your NB - Page 13,14 - due Friday
*Act II Notes/Vocab/Juror Quotes - Pages 8,9 in your NB
*Handout - Act III Q's
Wednesday
Finish TAM - Act III
*Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie*Prep your NB for Act III Notes and Q's - Pages 10 and 15/16 in your NB- due Friday
Same expectations (see Act II above) for Act III
*Handout for WRG - what are your goals and wants/needs for feedback.
Thursday
*WRG - Bring your independent writing (typed) - if you can bring multiple copies that would be great!
You will have time discuss/explain/get feedback on WHATEVER you are writing. You may bring a poem, memoir, song lyrics, short story, etc. This is all choice. Please be the working writer that you can be. Feedback and revision is what it is all about. You WILL be submitting some of your best independent writing at the end of the semester. More to follow on this. Use this time well.
Friday
* TAM - Characterization/Discussion
*Possible Quiz
* Socratic Discussion - Essential Q's of our Unit. See previous post(s) for this list of Essential Q's
* Finish movie
* Author's Chair(if time)
I will be available after school both Monday and Tuesday this week. Grades are still being imputed (at the time of this post). If you want to know your current grade for the 12 weeks then please come and speak with me during this time. Work will be returned by request and once it is all imputed. I appreciate the patience. Thanks kindly to those who continue to advocate for themselves by emailing and communicating with me. When you do the work and show effort - I am always willing to assist you.
*Drama Unit Test is next week - Day to be determined.
* WRG/ Author's Chair - Thursday 12/15
Get credit for being brave and willing to share your work.
*Extra Credit Opportunity over Winter Break. I will make reference to this in class, however, come speak with me if you want a heads up or an early start. It is music related and it rocks!!!
*Winter Break celebration? Friday 12/16
If your class wants to make it happen....get it together. We can watch another episode of "Freaks and Geeks"...if that is what you would like to do.
We have TEN more days of class together in 2011. Please own your voice and purpose in our class.
Samakosky
I hope this finds you well. I am so glad that you are checking in. Here is the tenative schedule for the week and helpful information for you to know.
WRG resume on Thursday. You will be with your new group. I am expecting some awesome writing that is full of style and purpose. You write everyday in class...you have a ton of potential content and possible ideas. Use your WRG to make your writing the best it can be. Give and offer feedback! Be the work in progress! Be the process! Refer to the WRG expectations you got earlier in the year. Some copies will be made available in class this week.
Monday
* Book projects are due. They will be graded with a rubric on the spot and in class. Your grade will also be based on how you interact with each other and the projects - as well as your small book group talks. You need to give academic feedback and talk about your books/projects with authority and purpose.
* Please make sure to return all checked out books to the library and/or to the class book nook.
* You should be leaving class with a few possible selections for your next reading project.
Tuesday
* Twelve Angry Men (TAM) - Act II
Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie
*Annotations on your play copy should be done.
Track dialogue, key conversations, evidence, and juror votes
*Act II Q's in your NB - Page 13,14 - due Friday
*Act II Notes/Vocab/Juror Quotes - Pages 8,9 in your NB
*Handout - Act III Q's
Wednesday
Finish TAM - Act III
*Reading/Discussion/Questions/Movie*Prep your NB for Act III Notes and Q's - Pages 10 and 15/16 in your NB- due Friday
Same expectations (see Act II above) for Act III
*Handout for WRG - what are your goals and wants/needs for feedback.
Thursday
*WRG - Bring your independent writing (typed) - if you can bring multiple copies that would be great!
You will have time discuss/explain/get feedback on WHATEVER you are writing. You may bring a poem, memoir, song lyrics, short story, etc. This is all choice. Please be the working writer that you can be. Feedback and revision is what it is all about. You WILL be submitting some of your best independent writing at the end of the semester. More to follow on this. Use this time well.
Friday
* TAM - Characterization/Discussion
*Possible Quiz
* Socratic Discussion - Essential Q's of our Unit. See previous post(s) for this list of Essential Q's
* Finish movie
* Author's Chair(if time)
I will be available after school both Monday and Tuesday this week. Grades are still being imputed (at the time of this post). If you want to know your current grade for the 12 weeks then please come and speak with me during this time. Work will be returned by request and once it is all imputed. I appreciate the patience. Thanks kindly to those who continue to advocate for themselves by emailing and communicating with me. When you do the work and show effort - I am always willing to assist you.
*Drama Unit Test is next week - Day to be determined.
* WRG/ Author's Chair - Thursday 12/15
Get credit for being brave and willing to share your work.
*Extra Credit Opportunity over Winter Break. I will make reference to this in class, however, come speak with me if you want a heads up or an early start. It is music related and it rocks!!!
*Winter Break celebration? Friday 12/16
If your class wants to make it happen....get it together. We can watch another episode of "Freaks and Geeks"...if that is what you would like to do.
We have TEN more days of class together in 2011. Please own your voice and purpose in our class.
Samakosky
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Week #12 - Thursday Update
Hello to you!
I appreciate you being well behaved while I was out today. I am hoping the work check tomorrow is indicative of the time you had to get your assignments done. You had two days...actually you had all week.
Thanks for checking in to our class blog. I did receive a few emails about the Homework for Act I of
"12 Angry Men". So...here is some info to assist you.
1)We should all be making annotations on the text - that is why we all have our own copy.
Yesterday - while we were reading - I was indicating certain comments or evidence that the jurors were discussing that was important. So yes - have some of your own thoughts about that marked on the play. This will be helpful when we talk in class because you WILL have plenty to say.
2) Act 1 questions are to be completed. #1-10. They must be in complete sentences and answered well. You will work in small groups tomorrow and you get a chance to discuss them. Do your best. If you struggle with a question, that is okay. Try your best and you can get assistance from your group.
3) Also, the vocabulary should be done. We did some of it together, in small groups, and independently. No excuses. If we know the vocabulary, it will allow us to understand more of the play. Seems logical to me.
4) You should also be tracking the jurors on your handout. Who are they? What are their characteristics and what dialogue supports that?
It has been a good week. A lot of new material - but a great play and awesome class participation.
Stay focused.
Reminders:
Book Project due Monday. (If you have a book checked out from me - please return it)
Act II will resume on Tuesday.
WRG will be on Thursday 12/8. You will have a new group. Make sure you are prepared with a piece of your own writing that you can question and get feedback. Use your Do Nows for ideas. Poems, memoirs, songs, lyrics, short stories. You will get a handout to help you prepare. Bring your awesome writing writer!
Expect a possible TAM reading quiz soon. (Maybe after Act II) You might be able to use your questions.
Report cards will be distributed on Friday 12/9. I am working on grades this weekend.
Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school.
Drama Unit test is the week of 12/12.
Winter Break begins at 2:15 on Friday 12/16.
Continue to check the blog and advocate for yourself.
Samakosky
I appreciate you being well behaved while I was out today. I am hoping the work check tomorrow is indicative of the time you had to get your assignments done. You had two days...actually you had all week.
Thanks for checking in to our class blog. I did receive a few emails about the Homework for Act I of
"12 Angry Men". So...here is some info to assist you.
1)We should all be making annotations on the text - that is why we all have our own copy.
Yesterday - while we were reading - I was indicating certain comments or evidence that the jurors were discussing that was important. So yes - have some of your own thoughts about that marked on the play. This will be helpful when we talk in class because you WILL have plenty to say.
2) Act 1 questions are to be completed. #1-10. They must be in complete sentences and answered well. You will work in small groups tomorrow and you get a chance to discuss them. Do your best. If you struggle with a question, that is okay. Try your best and you can get assistance from your group.
3) Also, the vocabulary should be done. We did some of it together, in small groups, and independently. No excuses. If we know the vocabulary, it will allow us to understand more of the play. Seems logical to me.
4) You should also be tracking the jurors on your handout. Who are they? What are their characteristics and what dialogue supports that?
It has been a good week. A lot of new material - but a great play and awesome class participation.
Stay focused.
Reminders:
Book Project due Monday. (If you have a book checked out from me - please return it)
Act II will resume on Tuesday.
WRG will be on Thursday 12/8. You will have a new group. Make sure you are prepared with a piece of your own writing that you can question and get feedback. Use your Do Nows for ideas. Poems, memoirs, songs, lyrics, short stories. You will get a handout to help you prepare. Bring your awesome writing writer!
Expect a possible TAM reading quiz soon. (Maybe after Act II) You might be able to use your questions.
Report cards will be distributed on Friday 12/9. I am working on grades this weekend.
Tutoring Hours are on Tuesday after school.
Drama Unit test is the week of 12/12.
Winter Break begins at 2:15 on Friday 12/16.
Continue to check the blog and advocate for yourself.
Samakosky
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