Week of 4/30 Updates

Hello Sophomores,

We will finish our debates this week.  Please see previous posts for days and dates.  Those of you who are going this week - the bar has been set by your classmates.  Please bring your best work.  You will turn in your writings and work cited.  We will continue to assess one another with our online rubric. You will all receive a printout with your Argument grade average and classmate feedback at the end of the week.  Please be patient.

Testing also continues this week.
Tues - Per.1,3,7
Weds - Per. 2, 4, 6
Thursday/Friday - Transition into Poetry Unit - Poetry Slam-akosky! Phrases and Phases!
* We will watch the documentary film - Louder Than a Bomb.
Inspiration and motivation for our own purposes as writers and spoken work poets and performers!

Important Dates:
Tuesday - Office Hours/Tutoring/Make Up Work - after school.  Get help. Get ahead.
Wednesday - Poetry Club @ lunch. Extra Credit for attending.
Thursday - Goodreads Book Selection Check.  Have your book with you to receive credit.
Goodreads review is due on or before 6/4.

I will update the blog again during the week with additional information.  Grades close this Tuesday and you will receive your report card on Friday.  If you are concerned with your grade, I suggest you come and speak with me ASAP.  Your last minute concerns are not my last minute concerns.  There at just six weeks of school left and 30 days to show your effort.  Bring your best each day.

Samakosky


*** The following link is for AVID students only.  This DOES NOT apply to you if you are not enrolled in AVID.  Thank you.

AVID STUDENTS Link to Career Project Rubric

Argument/Debate - Presentation Days

Hello Everyone,

Good luck with testing this week. 

Here is how the presentation days will break down. Please make sure to give me any work you want me to assess that shows your efforts, as well as a works cited page.  Any sources that you use in your arguments - must be presented (nice and neat) to me.  I will spot check for verification - if any sources are not legit - this will affect your grade as it will lead me to question the validity of your arguments - as well as your overall honesty.  Come and speak with me if you still have questions or do not understand what is expected of you.  Be ready to evaluate your classmates presentations.

If you do not see your name on this list - please email me ASAP. Please do not request day changes or Affirmatives and Negatives.  Be ready for it all.

Your next update will be next week.  Check the blog. Have your next reading selection with you on Thursday 5/3.  You will receive credit.  This will be your last read of the semester and your last review for Goodreads.  Keep it real.

Samakosky


Weds. 4/25
Per.2
Frats -YZ/Glenn/Chantal/Ethan
Junk Food - Sean/Jake/RoMo/Dan

Thurs. 4/26
Per.1
Junk Food Ban - Alex/Christian/Matty/Kaylynn
Social Networking - Karina/Monica/Shelby/Morgan
Per.3
Kids TV - Mi/TP/Sam/Arianna
Driving Age - Madeline/Keegan/Chantal/Maria

Friday 4/27
Per.1
Tattoos - Hope/Kris/Lily/Bre
Sobriety Checkpoints - Collin P/Marin/Kyle/Emmett
Per.2
Hostels - Rebekah/Mikaella/Tania/Vanessa
Social Networking - Cynthia/Lori/Andreas/Mallory
Per.3
Tattoos - Ana/Modesto/Valeria/Soiles
Obama - Luis/Brenda/Christa/Laura

Monday 4/30
Per.1
Fraternities - Collin C/Kleuber/Adrian/Miles
Driving Age - Griselda/Steff/Brad/Tiff
Per.2
Kids TV - Brooklyn/Michah/Hallie/Kyla
Driving Age - Joaquin/Leonard/Kyle/Carmen
Per.3
School Lockers - Travis/Henry/Kaleb/Paul
Obesity - Matt/Bryant/Eddie/Moni

Tuesday 5/1
Per.1
Obama - Joaquin/Desta/Ciera
Student Lockers - Keegan/Sean/Mia/Luis
Per.3
Junk Food - Laviesta/Tangueray/Lindsey/Leonor
Sobriety Checkpoints - TH/Will/Kit

Wednesday 5/2
Per.2
Obama - Rhyanne/JG/Scotty
Video Games - JM/Gabby/Alex/Luis DLT

Argument/Debate Presentations Update

Hey Sophomores!

Alright - Enough with the "We aren't ready" emails.  There has been ample time given to prepare. 
This is how the debates will work.  Make sure you check the Argument/Debate Rubric.

Period 2 - We are keeping things the same. Arguments will be debated and class evaluations will take place. Those of you scheduled for Monday - will go on Monday.
Period 2 - Fraternities - Glenn/YZ     Chantal/Ethan
             - Tattoos - AP/Jess         Madison/Angela
Period 2 - Those who are scheduled for Wednesday 4/25  - will go on Wednesday.
See previous post.

Period 1 - Lena, Julia, Mel, and Sarae will do their debate on Monday.  The class will evaluate.
Period 1 - Alex, Christian, Matty, Kaylynn - you will present on Thursday 4/26
Period 1 - There will be room for ONE more group to go on Thursday 4/26.  Volunteer please or I will be moving a group to this day.

Period 3 - Elizabeth, Ana, Elizabeth and Valeria will present on Thursday 4/26.
Period 3 - Sam, Arianna, TP, Mi will also present on Thursday 4/26
Period 3 - You will have additional time since you missed a day last week due to the assembly in the gym.  Knowing this - it better be an intense work day on Monday.


I hope this is clear.  My absence has not been by choice and the results on my end are rather dismal.  I am only here for one purpose and that is to hold you accountable for quality work that is genuine, authentic, and honest.  I believe in every single one of you.  Please make sure your work is indicative of the grade you are wanting to earn in this class.

Email with any questions.

See you on Monday.

Samakosky

Week #11 - Friday Update

Hey guys,

Thanks for being on task this week.  The last few days have not been fun and I would have preferred to really be with you.  Thanks to those who have emailed and had me proofread work.  Not only do I see the effort - but appreciate the communication.

Please see the last post titled - Argument/Debate Rubric.  This is the online form you will use on debate days to assess one another.  Please review it with your partner so you are aware of the expectations of content and delivery.

I expect that you use you class time on Friday and the weekend to make sure your arguments are logical, well supported, and meet the time requirements.

Listed below are the groups that are presenting on Monday 4/23.  The next debate for Periods 1,3 will be on Monday 4/30 - the delay is due to testing.  However, Period 2 will present on Wednesday 4/25.

Debates 4/23
Period 1 - Obesity -      Lena/Julia       Mel/Sarae
             - Junk Food -  Alex S/Christian    Matty/Kaylynn
Period 2 - Fraternities - Glenn/YZ     Chantal/Ethan
             - Tattoos - AP/Jess         Madison/Angela
Period 3 - TV and Kids -  TP/Mi       Adrianna/Sam
             - Tattoos - Ana/Elizabeth M.          Valeria/Elizabeth S.

Debates 4/25
Period 2 - Junk Food -  Jake/Sean       Dan/RoMo
             - Social Networking       Cynthia/Lori       Andreas/Mallory

Additional class time may will be given on Tuesday/Thursday for partners to revise/rework their arguments.  Some of you may want to use this time to complete your Goodreads.  The deadline is Wednesday 4/25.  Anyone who submits after the deadline will only receive partial credit.  You must meet the checklist requirements to receive full credit.  Please be honest.

If you have one of my books - please return it.  Begin thinking about your last book read of the school year.  Hopefully, you know what you like to read - lots of trial and error!

Please email with any questions.  Office Hours/Tutoring will be on Tuesday after school. I close grades this week (these are progress grades).

If you have concerns - please email or come and speak with me at the appropriate time.

You may want to youtube the final scene of "The Great Debaters" just to remind yourself of proper debate etiquette, appropriate language choice, and how a solid command of your subject matter can really assist with your own ethos and the overall logos of your argument.  Good luck!

Be good.

Samakosky

Argument/Debate Rubric

Use the following rubric to prepare for your Argument and Debate.  This in the form that you and your classmates will use to evaluate one another.

Argument/Debate Rubric

Make sure you grade your peers honestly and provide the quality feedback that you yourself would like to receive.

Week #11 - Introductions (Affirmatives and Negatives), Claims, Evidence, and Conclusions

Hello Smart Sophomore,

I hope this information finds you well and rested.  What a weekend!  Thunder, Lightening (Greased Lighting), and Sunshine.  Big props to Andreas and Mia!  If you haven't seen Grease yet, you need to go check that out!  Your classmates are superb!

I am really going to need you to work diligently, intelligently, and independently this week.  Hopefully you and your partner are finding all the research and evidence needed (ethos and logos) to support your argument and claims.  This week we will be working on our introductions, affirmatives, negatives, and conclusions.  You will be filling in the middle with all of your claims and supports. 

Expect a couple of handouts to assist with your organization - as shown and explained on Friday by debate team member and classmate to some - Miss. Katelynn Rodriguez.

Monday and Tuesday
* You will continue to work with your partner.  I will be available for any questions - however you have had a ton of supports thus far - use your notes, annotations, and prior knowledge.  Talk with your classmates.

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
* Due to the Teacher Hearings (remember...I am off campus to explain why I should be ON campus) you will be working on specific aspects of your argument.  You must use this time well because you will not have any other opportunities to prepare for your Debate in class.  More information will follow.  There is a chance you will use Googledocs for this portion of work.

DUE DATES:
* Debates begin on Monday 4/23 - Two topics and four partner sets (eight students) will be chosen to present.  You and your partner MUST be ready with your arguments (both sides), notes, evidence, introductions, and conclusions.  Remember to use academic language to assist with your own ethos.  Failure to prepare will be detrimental to your grade.
Debate days will be 4/23, 4/25, 4/30, 5/1, 5/2
You will be evaluating and providing PROPER feedback to your classmates.

* Tutoring/Office Hours - Tuesday @ 2:15 - 3:30 (other days as well upon request) - please come and speak with me about any assignments, essays, scores, or concerns you have.  A lot of work still needs to be returned - specific feedback is at your request. Check your folder in class - there are many returned assignments waiting for you.
* Goodreads Review - Literary Analysis is due on or before 4/25 - see the checklist to meet requirements.  You must have AT LEAST 3 reviews posted by semester's end.  Those who post on time receive full credit.
* CST Testing is 4/25, 4/26, 5/1, 5/2
* Argument Assessment (In-class write) - 5/3,5/4
* 12 Week Grades close on 4/27 - these are progress grades!
* Poetry Club is Wednesdays @ lunch
* Articulation will be happening shortly as well.  This will not jeopardize your availability for classes you will be requesting.

I hope all of this is informative.  We have EIGHT more school weeks.  Show me how much you have grown as a student and a writer, that you are motivated and can work independently. We will be heading into research papers as well as our Spoken Word Unit.  Tons of opportunities to write, participate, and to find your voice.  Take some initiative. Get involved.

Be good.
Samakosky

Week #10 - Argument and Debate

Hello Sophomores,

Thanks for checking in and getting updated.  The next few weeks are all research, partner discussion, writing out your argument, and using ethos and logos to present a credible verbal debate.  You must analyze all aspects of your topic since you DO NOT know which side you will argue.  You will want to use a variety of evidence to assist you in your endeavors.

For Wednesday and Thursday 4/11 and 4/12 -   

Find other articles, video clips, or interviews that relates to your given topic.  Print it.  Annotate and analyze.  Explain, look for ethos, and search for logos.  Discuss with your partner. How will this contribute to your argument?  Is it credible?  Is it valid?  Begin developing your argument – intro, background, pros/cons.

*** Use my examples from class to lead you in your search.  Think through your findings with care and concern.  Choose the best and most credible evidence. 


*** Use the website - debatepedia.org  
***Goodreads extended to 4/25 – You are welcome

***DEBATES will begin the week of 4/23. You will find out next week when you and your partner will present.

***Check the blog (Spring Break Update) for late work opportunities.

On Friday 4/13 - In Class Activity - Citation Circles.  Practice and implementation of properly citing sources in an academic fashion.

  Please know that excessive tardies and absences from our class will impact your grade severely.  You can not be an excellent student if you are not here.

Be good and work hard.

Samakosky

 

Week #10 - So We Return to 854

Hello Everyone,

I hope you have all enjoyed your break with your friends and family.  We are about to gear up for the home stretch of our school year....nine more weeks until summer.  It is exciting I know...but please realize that this your life and the time we have together will be gone for good in just a little while.  Allow yourself to learn and be a part of the process.

I hope you took advantage of some of the Spring Break opportuntiies to catch up and get a head.  I did not post those college prompts on purpose - as I did not want to overwhelm anyone.  I will post them sometime this week - remember that you have until the end of the semester to write, edit, revise these for credit.  This is not required.  For all other assignments posted in the last post - deadlines are set and non-negotiable. 

This week we will break into partners and begin researching for our topics and debates.  You will have class time to research, write, and prepare your arguments.We will put all of our work prior to the break into real action.  From there we will continue on to individual research and writing.  You can also look forward to us really delving into spoken word poetry - which has been a favorite for many of you as well as previous classes.  We will be watching the film "Louder than a Bomb" and having our own Slam Poetry event.  So let's work hard and play hard.

Please check the blog in a few days for more specific updates regarding select days and assignments, as well as homework, and due dates.

Please have your Independent Reading with you this week - Goodreads deadline is 4/18.  Tomorrow (4/9) we will begin with some writing and reflecting on our time away from school.

Every single one of you knows how to be successful in this class - please note I will not be chasing you down to complete your work authentically and on time.  The standards are high - rise to meet them.

Tutoring/Office Hours are this Tuesday after school.  Speak with me well in advance about your concerns. 

Be good.

Samakosky

Spring Beak Update #1

Hello Sophomore

I hope this finds you well and relaxing.  I will update the blog later on in the week.
I just got back from Phoenix.  Phoenix is not a pretty city.  We are lucky we live here in San Diego.

Reminders and Extra Credit:
1.  Goodreads - Finish your book.  Post your Goodreads Review. Follow the checklist.  Remember to always include literary devices that the author uses which helps illustrate themes. 

2.  Toddlers and Tiaras Re-write.  Follow the handouts and mentor texts.  Rewrite your piece as a full structured argument.  Due on 4/9. No late work accepted.

3.  College Essay Prompts - I will post these later on in the week.  You can work on these until the end of the semester if you choose.

4.  "Is it time to assess alternative pathways to success in American Education?" - If you did not turn this in - I will accept it for minimal credit.  Minimal is better than a zero...just saying.  Due on 4/9.

5.   Do the Argument Quiz if you have not done so already.  See previous post.  Deadline is Wed. 4/4

6. "War" and/or "The Bracelet" - written assignments.  Some of you never turned these in.  As with #4 - you can turn these in for minimal credit.  Final take day will be 4/13.

7.  Bring tissues to our classroom.  Help prevent germs.

8.  Kick back and enjoy the break.  Hopefully you are working hard when it is time to work hard....and playing when it is time to play.

Check back later in the week for a heads up for what to expect next week.  There are only nine weeks left in the semester.  Take a second to reflect.

Be good...

Samakosky