Unit 4: Work Samples

All High School Students, You will have to complete two work samples this semester one written and one which is a speech.  The written requirement will be taken from one of your submitted project essays this semester, but this assignment will be your speech.
All high school students are required to give three speeches before they graduate. The three types of speeches are persuasive, informative and impromptu. Both persuasive and informative can be recorded and turned in as a media file and if you have a school computer, you have a microphone built into the computer and will be able to record that way. "Audacity" is a free program found online that you could use in conjunction with your microphone, and turn in your speech that way.
If you would prefer to give your speech in person, get in touch with me or set up an appointment and we'll figure out a time. Impromptu speeches must be given in person.
Check with your mentor!
What speeches have you given and what speeches do you need to give in order to graduate? You are more than welcome to use an essay written for this class and turn it into a speech. If you have written an informative essay and would like to receive credit for an informative speech, this is where to do this! If you have written a persuasive essay and would like to turn that into a persuasive speech, do so here! Get those graduation requirements out of the way, and do so by recording your speech.
If you don't need a speech, then don't worry about the special project. Speeches will be worth 100 points. Giving a speech would certainly help your grade if you need to give one.
Test your voice recording availability through the control panel> sounds and audio devices>voice> test hardware
While recording your work in Audacity, make sure to save your file as a wave.file or I will not be able to upload your work.

Unit 3 Project

There will be no Unit 3 project for your class. Your Unit 4 project will be your CIM submission. Use this time to catch up in your course and let me know in the box how many assignments you have that are overdue for your class with me. -Mr. Ellsberg

History of Governments Unit 2

Your Unit 2 government assignment is to look over "The American Jobs Act" and listen to the speech that has been proposed by President Barack Obama.  Look at the 5 different parts that are in the plan:

1. Tax Cuts
2. Rebuilding America
3. Pathways to Work
4. Tax Relief
5. Full Paid For

The first part of your assignment is to summarize each of these Overviews.
The second part is to state your opinion about 1 thing you think could work, then 1 thing you think should be changed or removed.
Good Luck!

Human Geography Unit 2

For your second Unit you will be watching a video then answering a few questions. How does your environment affect the way that you think about life? Do you think that your life is more or less difficult than those around you? Is it easier than say someone living where our Author lived, what about her servant?

Development of Constitutional Government Unit 2

The Right to Privacy as stated below in the US constitution is a pillar of freedom that holds up our rights as Americans. When the founding fathers developed the Constitution there was no Facebook, Gmail, or Twitter. Your assignment is to pick and read a few of the links below, then answer the 3 questions at the bottom:
The Right to Privacy and the U. S. Constitution:
"The real danger is the gradual erosion of individual liberties through automation, integration, and interconnection of many small, separate record-keeping systems, each of which alone may seem innocuous, even benevolent, and wholly justifiable." U. S. Privacy Study Commission

Many Americans feel very strongly about their right to privacy. The Digital Age is having profound effects on the issue of personal privacy. As people embrace the convenience of credit cards and ATM cards they also provide to these companies intimate information about their purchases and personal choices. On the other hand, some argue safety is enhanced as tiny electronic chips and webcams make it possible for them to surreptitiously check on loved ones.

Home for Seniors Trades Privacy for Security

RealID Act | REAL ID Act of 2005 Congresspedia | Senate Hearing on REAL ID Act CSpan | Discussion on National ID Cards CSpan

Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board CSpan | FAQ: How Real ID will affect you | Blues' claims database illegal, unethical: reader

HIPAA | Electronic Privacy Information Center | Courting Student Rights | Privacy at school

Facebook users complain of new tracking | Spying on the Home Front  

Do you approve of this invasion of privacy or do you object?
Set the limit. Where do you draw the line in this privacy issue? Explain
What consequences do you support for those who cross the line? 

Unit 2: Early River Valley Civilizations

You cannot complete this assignment until you have turned in your parent permission form which you can download and print here (if you have not already). Your assignment for the second will be to watch until the 30 minute mark. Remember when I asked you why European civilizations came to be a world power? Keep that in mind when your watching this video. What is the question that drives Dr. Jared Diamond on his quest for answers? Make sure to put your answer in the space provided.

Economics Roles Unit 2

Your second Unit project for Economics will be to read this article from Bloomberg, and look at this info-graphic. Do you think that companies should be able to have a "tax holiday" and drop the corporate tax rate from 30-5% or do you think these companies should be forced to pay what the law requires? Let me know what you think:

Unit Projects: Vietnam and Civil War Electives

There are no Unit Projects for both Civil War and Vietnam electives. What you can do if you are interested in the subjects is watch this PBS documentary for Civil War:
Those who are in the Vietnam elective can choose to watch this PBS documentary. Write your name and the date in the box provided and you will receive credit for your work.

The Beginnings of Human Society Unit 1

Welcome to World History, it's great to have you in class.  My name is Mr. Ellsberg and I will be your Instructor for this class for the 2011-12 school year.  A little about me I am from Astoria, Oregon, I graduated from the University of Oregon, and also studied abroad in Barcelona, Es. I have worked here at the Web Academy since it's inception in 2009.  I like:
The Outdoors
Travel
Food
Fitness
Books
Enough about me though!  On to your first chapter's assignment for Geography.  Your job is to complete the following by entering the information in the box below the assignment in Odysseyware.
A)  Who is your instructor for this class and what is his phone/email?
B)  What past civilization are you most interested in?
C)  Why do you think western nations gained so much power over the rest of the world in the last 500-1000 years?
After you have had your parent sign the permission form here, you can start watching the video below. Over the year we will be watching this PBS documentary series about the beginnings of civilization to better understand how civilizations rise and sometimes fall. Make sure to bring the permission slip to the Web Academy ASAP.

International Governments Unit 1

Welcome to Government, it's great to have you in class.  My name is Mr. Ellsberg and I will be your Instructor for this class for the 2011-12 school year.  A little about me I am from Astoria, Oregon, I went to the University of Oregon, and also studied abroad in Barcelona, Es. I have worked here at the Web Academy since it's inception in 2009.  I like:
The Outdoors
Travel
Food
Fitness
Books
Enough about me though!  On to your first chapter's assignment for Geography.  Your job is to complete the following by entering the information in the box below the assignment in Odysseyware.
A)  Who is your instructor for this class and what is his phone/email?
B)  Watch the video below about Canada's Government.  In a paragraph write about what you would do to engage your fellow students in the community to start participating in local government and decision making.  And in conclusion what would you change to give youth a greater voice in your community.

Decisions, Decisions Unit 1

Welcome to Economics, it's great to have you in class.  My name is Mr. Ellsberg and I will be your Instructor for this class for the 2011-12 school year.  A little about me I am from Astoria, Oregon, I went to the University of Oregon, and also studied abroad in Barcelona, Es. I have worked here at the Web Academy since it's inception in 2009.  I like:
The Outdoors
Travel
Food
Fitness
Books
Enough about me though!  On to your first chapter's assignment for Geography.  Your job is to complete the following by entering the information in the box below the assignment in Odysseyware.
A)  Who is your instructor for this class and what is his phone/email?
B)  When you buy something what goes into that process? ie, size, comfort, taste, where it came from, how close it is to your home, ext.
C)  I want you to watch the TED video below then write about which of the 5 ways of well being you do already, then about which you could improve.

Foundations of the American Republic Unit 1

Welcome to US History, it's great to have you in class.  My name is Mr. Ellsberg and I will be your Instructor for this class for the 2011-12 school year.  A little about me I am from Astoria, Oregon, I went to the University of Oregon, and also studied abroad in Barcelona, Es. I have worked here at the Web Academy since it's inception in 2009.  I like:
The Outdoors
Travel
Food
Fitness
Books
Enough about me though!  On to your first chapter's assignment for Geography.  Your job is to complete the following by entering the information in the box below the assignment in Odysseyware.
A)  Who is your instructor for this class and what is his phone/email?
B)  How did your family get to the United States?  Did they take more than one journey to get to America (ask your parents, and if possible your grandparents)?
C)  Finally watch the videos below which depict a different story of discovery to the "New World" and say a few things about how that might change a students view of US and American History.
Part 1

Part 2

Intro To Geography Unit 1

Welcome to World Geography, it's great to have you in class.  My name is Mr. Ellsberg and I will be your Instructor for this class for the 2011-12 school year.  A little about me I am from Astoria, Oregon, I went to the University of Oregon, and also studied abroad in Barcelona, Es. I have worked here at the Web Academy since it's inception in 2009.  I like:
The Outdoors
Travel
Food
Fitness
Books
Enough about me though!  On to your first chapter's assignment for Geography.  Your job is to complete the following by entering the information in the box below the assignment in Odysseyware.
A)  What is your instructors phone/email?
B)  If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
C)  Where did your ancestors come from before your family decided on Gresham?
D)  The majority of your grade for this assignment is from creating your Google map or you can complete the alternate assignment below!  Your goal is to make a map that contains three separate places you enjoy on the map.
Go Here for More Instruction
The first place could be somewhere you like to eat or enjoy some sort of consumable.
The second needs to be a spot that is a place you like be when your not in school with friends or family.
The third place needs to be a place that you like to travel to outside of town.
Give explanations in the map, then make it public!  Copy the URL then submit it with the rest of your answers.  One of your maps will be selected to publish to our site under "Student Work".
Alternate assignment:
Make a map of your neighbor hood by using graphing paper or by using a ruler.  Mark all important land marks then include a key of important information.  Bring the map to school, or use fax, but make sure it gets to my inbox!

Let me know if you have any questions, Good Luck!

The Citizen and His/Her Government Unit 5

TBA

The American Party System Unit 4

TBA

United States Governments Unit 3

TBA

History of Governments Unit 2

TBA

The Macroeconomy Unit 5

TBA

What if we Don't Like How the Market Works? Unit 4

TBA

The Market Works Unit 3

TBA

A Nation Divided and United Unit 5

TBA

A Nation Divided Unit 4

TBA

National Expansion Unit 3

TBA

Intensified Hemispheric Interactions A.D. 1000-1500 Unit 5

TBA

Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter Unit 4

TBA

Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires Unit 3

TBA

Oceania, Austrulasia, and Antartica Unit 5

TBA

Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Unit 4

TBA

North America Unit 3

TBA

End of Summer Semester.

Students,
You have until Friday to complete all work in Summer classes.  Please contact me ASAP if you have any questions!
Good Luck,
Mr. Ellsberg

17 Days Left

Summer School Students, you have until July 29th to complete all assignments.  Please get in contact with me if you have any questions.  Good Luck!
Mr. Ellsberg

Summer School

Welcome to Summer School at GBWA, It's great to have you in class!  I'm Mr. Ellsberg your High-School Social Studies teacher.  If you need have any questions about the class that are not answered below please contact me at ellsberg@gbwebacademy.org or my phone 503-893-5788.  Here are some trouble shooting tips made by our Health/PE teacher Ms. Calhoun:

1.)  This is an 18 week class.  But you are taking it as a summer class, and are consequently squishing it into 5 weeks.  Therefore, you will need to commit to spending at least  3-4 solid hours of work on this class a day.    With busy summer schedules, you will need to manage your time wisely if you wish to finish the summer term successfully.  If you are taking more than 1 class, prepare to commit ANOTHER 3-4 hours on each class you are enrolled in per day.

2.)  Remember, your teachers are not available on campus during summer term.  You can reach me by phone, message center, or email.  Please also remember that I try my hardest to answer all questions within 24 hours, but that it is unlikely that I will be able to work in that time frame over the weekends.

3.)  If you have a question, you need to get it answered as soon as possible.  Remember, you only have 5 weeks to finish your work.  Do not waste your time, or wait until later to ask your questions.  Ask them as they come up.

4.)  You have 5 opportunities to take each test.  Please note that the LAST score you submit will be the one entered into the gradebook.  The system does NOT take the best score out of five.  Once you earn a grade that you are satisfied with, move on.

5.)  Hit the ground running.  If you haven't already done so, take 20 minutes to organize yourself.  Write in an agenda, or a planner.  Mark assignments on your calendars.  Print out the course schedule (available on the left hand menu column, under "Schedule & Syllabus").  Divide up your assignments so that you are tackling a few every day.  Ask your family for help if you find yourself overwhelmed.  You need to have a plan to get through these next five weeks- and now is the best time to make one.

For those of you who are ready to take the Exams remember you only get one chance! The passcodes (cap sensitive) are as follows:
American History:          Lincoln, Washington
Economics:         m$n$y
American Government:          Obama09

Good Luck!
Mr. Ellsberg

Cool Sites and Summer Readings

Students!  If you would like to do a little summer reading to keep mind working I would like to recommend the following Authors:
Howard Zinn, Daniel Quinn, Wendell Berry, Eduardo Galeano, Gore Vidal, Kurt Vonnegut, Naomi Klein.
Please contact me if you would like specific reccomendations.
Also I the photo from a very cool infographic site here.
A few great resources to keep your mind sharp can be found:
Kahn Accademy
Annenberg
It was great having you in class this year and I look forward to your return next year!
-Mr. Ellsberg

Final Notebook Check

Middle school math students should drop by the Accademy, or scan and send in the final chapters of notes.  You can come drop by during my office hours, or have your mentor check those notes.  Please contact me ASAP if you have any question.
Extra Resources:
Students looking for some extra help with tough concepts should try out the Kahn Academy.  This is a great resource students can use for free for extra math help.

Deadlines and Finals

As we get closer to the last day of classes for the school year some of you will have to take an end of semester exam.  Only after you have completed all assigned work for the class will you be eligible to take the Final Test.  If you are enrolled in an American History, Government, or Economics class you will have to set up a time to come take the final.
On another related note, Seniors will have until the 3rd to complete all assignments and all other students will have until the 16th at 12am.  Please contact your mentor at the Web Academy if you have any questions about upcoming dates and requirements.
Thank you,
Mr. Ellsberg

Should we cut taxes, or increase them?

Here is an interesting infographic about taxes in America.  What do you think about the message it's trying to convey about taxes in America? Entire Link Here

Final Mentor Meetings

Attention Mentor Students!  You need to set up a time to meet with me here at the office or off campus ASAP.  If we did not meet last month it is essential that you get in communication with me as deadlines are fast approaching and Work Samples are in need of completion.
If you are going to be coming back next year we need to sign up for classes, and if you are in need of some extra credits talk about summer make-up opportunities.
I'm looking forward to our meeting. I am available for meetings after 9-4 Monday through Thursday. I can make off campus visits Wednesday 9am-4pm, though those fill up quickly. Please email me back ASAP so that I can put you on the calendar!
-Mr. Ellsberg
(503) 893-5788

Homework: Talk to someone about this Milestone.

Monday night marked an important event in what many call "The War On Terror".  A US group of Navy Seal's infiltrated a home 90 miles north of the Pakistani Capital and after a fire fight killed Osama Bin Laden among 4 others.
What does this mean to you?
to the US?
Terrorists?
Pakistan?
the World?
I would like you to strike up a conversation with a parent or friend about this event then if you like, leave a comment below.  Click Here for the BBC's coverage.

Great Examples of Recent Student Work!

I had some great work turned in recently in both Geography and 7th Grade Social Studies.  The first is a Tsunami disaster planning pamphlet and the second is a Community service project. Congrats to Alex Myers and Savannah Lehman for your outstanding submissions.

Deadlines and Summer Class Opportunities.

All students should be completed with work up to week 12, Friday the 29th in all classes with Mr. Ellsberg as a teacher. As per beginning of the semester:
Deadlines will be implemented in all of my classes after every 6 week interval. So all work has to be completed up to that date to get credit. Students who have not completed work will receive a "0" for those assignments. If there is a conflicting issue please get in contact with me ASAP. ellsberg@gbwebacademy.org
This does not mean that your final grade for this assignment is a 0, in fact you can still submit that assignment, quiz or test.  The rub is that you have to contact me after you completed ALL post-deadline assignments to remove the 0 for those assignments.  Until that time the grade will stay as is in your grade book.
Summer School
Students who are eligible for High School Credit Recovery Classes can take them through the Web Academy.  You can access that Application Form Here. Remember All courses will cost 100$ per course (which you have to pay within a week of sign up, no exceptions), and you have to supply your own computer and internet access.  The seating is limited to 47 students for the entire program so sign up early!

Energy: Something to Ponder

Energy, whether it be fossil fuels, solar, nuclear, wind, wave or hydro-electric is a necessity for our current lifestyle needs and required for any type of large scale production.  Here is an enlightening chart made by the Lawernce Livermore Natural Labratory that shows US energy efficiency, or how much energy we use compared to how much energy we waste.  In 2009 the energy produced in the US was used 46% of the time, while 54% was rejected (or was not used).  This may seem a bit confusing as we continue to look for new ways to produce energy at the cost of Mountain tops, River Systems, and Entire Regions, just to name a few of the bigger issues.  Large scale projects have a greater chance to be inefficient than those that are on a smaller scale.  Like getting solar panels or a wind turbine for your house or one town would be more efficient than one dam for Oregon.  Just as a local government is more likely to find the best ways to use funds to support their own community than the Federal Government could.  Comment below with your thoughts!

Human Trafficking Essay

Here is a report written by our very own Seventh Grader: Chiavan Christiensen, who gave it as a speech for the contest Miss Three Rivers.  Awesome job Chiavan!

Every Girl's a Princess!

Preventing Human trafficking one girl at a time

What should you know about Inequality?

Well for one the US has the second highest child poverty rate in the world! Only coming in second to Mexico.  That by the way, is not a good thing.  Check out this infographic about inequality in the US completed with information from The Center for the Study of Poverty and Inequality at Stanford University.

Mentor Meetings!

Attention Mentor Students!  You need to set up a time to meet with me here at the office or off campus ASAP.  If we did not meet last month it is essential that you get in communication with me as deadlines are fast approaching and Work Samples are in need of completion.
I'm looking forward to our meeting. I am available for meetings after 9-4 Monday through Thursday. I can make off campus visits Wednesday 9am-4pm, though those fill up quickly. Please email me back ASAP so that I can put you on the calendar!
Also the month of April will be used for testing, so if you are coming by the office make sure to bring a laptop to work on.  Otherwise you should check before hand to see if there will be computers available for you to use.
Thank you,
-Mr. Ellsberg

Middle School Math Test Prep

If you are a middle school student and you missed last Thursday's test prep you can come drop by this week to take a pre-test.  You can drop by any time at the Web Academy, just check with me before hand to see if I have that time available to work with you.
If you cannot make it in before the test you can upload the practice tests HERE. Remember you can use a calculator and a sheet of formulas, but you have to ask for it before the test starts.
Thank you,
Mr. Ellsberg

New Phone

I have a new phone number!  You can reach me at (503) 893-5788 schooldays from 9am-4pm.

Back to School: Updates, here and theres.

Welcome back from (what I hope was) a refreshing break to the Web Academy.  A friend and I got to visit some of our oldest North American Residents on Vancouver Island in BC, Canada.
Make sure that you set up an appointment for your mentor meeting for the month of April with your Mentor this week!  It is critical that you, your parent and your mentor are all on the same page and understand your current academic plan.
Economics Students should have begun their monitoring of stocks in the Research project.
History Students should be starting their Writing Narrative Essential Skill Work Sample.
Government Students should be thinking about their Writing Persuasive Essential Skill Work Sample.
And 7th Grade students should be starting their Community Service Assignment.
This weeks Documentary Club will look at the lives and art of B-Boy's in Planet B-Boy.  Click here for your Parent Permission Form.
Please get in contact with your teachers or your Mentor if you have any questions, issues or concerns.  There are no insignificant questions!

Nuclear Threat

As the Crisis worsens at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan may are reflecting on our own use of Nuclear Power and the viability of future reliance on this power source.  I found this very interesting infographic which looks at the cost of human life and energy sources worldwide.
Something to ponder over the break.

Spring Break!

Our Spring Break will start tomorrow at 4pm, SWEET!  For many of you this means a break from studies, for others a time to catch up, others still a time to get ahead.  I will be available sparringly as I will be "conquering the usless" from here to Canada and back again.  Please refer to the previous posts for information about classes and assignments.  Big things on the horizon at the Web Academy:

State Testing

High School Essential Skills Work Samples

7th grade Community Service Project (Social Studies)

Admissions and Campus Tours at some of our Finest State Universities.

Please get in contact with me if you have any time sensitive questions that the website cannot answer!
Have a wonderful week!
Mr. Ellsberg

Grades and Reports

Your progress reports were sent out last night.  Hopefully you noticed that all due assignments were allotted a 0 in "My Grades" if they were not submitted before Monday. Unless you contacted me with your individual education plan that you set up with your mentor.   
This does not mean that your final grade for this assignment is a 0, in fact you can still submit that assignment, quiz or test.  The rub is that you have to contact me after you completed ALL post-deadline assignments to remove the 0 for those assignments.  Until that time the grade will stay as is in your grade book.

Two noticeable worrisome trends that I saw were:
-Students waiting until the deadline (Friday) to contact me.
-Students and Parents failing to check their email (or class announcements) on a daily basis, or using their email at all.

A few ways to prevent falling victim to these are:
Parents and Students; Get an email that you can use only for school then send us that address Click Here For Survey.  Then check that every school day, and contact each teacher once a week to check in.
Check your announcements on a daily basis.
Send your teachers a message if you have a question about any query that you may have.
Finally, but most importantly!
Finish your work when it is due in the schedule and if you can't do that let us know.

This may be confusing for some of you, but lets be happy you get another change and that it did not occur at the end of the semester ~ 6/11.
Some more good advice.

Extra Credit: Documentary Club! (Download Permission Slip)

DOWNLOAD PERMISSION SLIP HERE
180 South will be shown Thursday March 17th at 11am for Extra Credit. Big waves, Big rocks, and one Big adventure describes this cross continental trip filmed in 2006. In an effort to promote attendance we will be diverging from the usual less glamorous subjects of Union plight, Deaf culture, and Women suffrage etc. to a more palatable subject: travel. Check out the description and amazing website:
Inspired by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins' 1968 excursion into Patagonia, adventurer Jeff Johnson sets out to retrace the footsteps of his heroes' arduous trek as filmmaker Chris Malloy follows with camera in hand. But despite the thrill of surfing the biggest wave he's ever encountered, Johnson quickly discovers just how treacherous things can get when you decide to challenge Mother Nature's majesty; in addition to enduring some particularly rough waters just off the coast of Easter Island, he quickly discovers that conquering Cerro Corcovado is no simple task. Later, during a face-to-face meeting with Chouinard and Tompkins, Johnson learns how their lifelong quest to explore everything that nature has to offer eventually lead them on a drive to ensure that the places they visited over the years will be preserved for future generations of explorers to discover.

7th Grade Social Studies, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Student will need to check out from the local library, or purchase Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.  Let me know if you need any help finding this resource!  We do have some at the Academy, but our resources are very limited!
-Mr. Ellsberg

Companies giving taxes an Irish goodbye?

Here is an interesting infographic showing how companies are evading our High Income Tax which is costing the American people billions and likely trillions. Click here for full transparency.

Upcoming Deadlines

All students should be completed with work up to week 6, Friday the 11th in all classes with Mr. Ellsberg as a teacher. As per beginning of the semester:
Deadlines will be implemented in all of my classes after every 6 week interval. So all work has to be completed up to that date to get credit. Students who have not completed work will receive a "0" for those assignments. If there is a conflicting issue please get in contact with me ASAP. ellsberg@gbwebacademy.org

Extra Credit: Documentary (Sound and Fury)

We will be continuing the ever popular Documentary Club Featuring Sound and Fury this week Thursday the 10th at 11am.  If you would like to attend (and I hope you do) you need to bring with you this Parent Permission Slip.
Description:
Josh Aronson's documentary takes an unexpected approach to the "medical miracle" film by examining the political and emotional turmoil that erupts between brothers over the cochlear implant that might allow their deaf children to hear. The ways in which a so-called miracle cure can divide as well as heal families and communities is the focus of Sound and Fury, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

Monthly Meeting

Attention Mentor Students!  You need to set up a time to meet with me here at the office or off campus ASAP.  If we did not meet last month it is essential that you get in communication with me as deadlines are fast approaching and Work Samples are in need of completion.
I'm looking forward to our meeting. I am available for meetings after 9-4 Monday through Thursday. I can make off campus visits Wednesday 9am-4pm, though those fill up quickly. Please email me back ASAP so that I can put you on the calendar!
-Mr. Ellsberg

Christian Students United

Via Michael:
Hello I am one of your fellow freshman students, Michael Podarelu. I just wanted to tell you about my CSU club. It stands for Christian Students United. We meet at the school every Tuesday at 12:00 to 12:30 for fellowship, a little bit of the word and some prayer. I started this club so we can all get to know each other and try to make a difference in our school. I hope that you can come to the club, and I look forward to meeting everyone.

6 week deadline.

Your 6 week deadline will be March 11th at 4pm.   This means that you have to complete all assignments up to that date in your syllabus.  If you have a reason(s) that you will not be able to meet this deadline you have to meet with me at the Academy or send an email with your explanation(s).

The following is a list of chapters you have to be completed with in the corresponding class:

American Government: Chapter 3 (Principles)

American History B: Chapter 2 (From the age of Extremes to a World Power)

Economics: Unit 4, Section 2 quiz

Geography B: Eastern Asia, Physical Characteristics and Systems of Eastern Asia

6th Grade

-Math: Classify and Measure Angles

-Social Studies: Ancient Rome: Christianity

7th Grade

-Math: Quadrilaterals and Other Polygons

-Social Studies: World War II

8th Grade

-Math: Polygons

-Social Studies: Reconstruction

Attn: Students

I will not be available by phone tomorrow.  If you are having trouble with my class send me a message and I will try to respond by Saturday or Sunday.  Remember this will be a 3 day weekend as Monday is a State Federal Holiday honoring past Presidents.  Here is a great site of Presidential Quotes.  There are some great treasures in here like:

"If it were not for the reporters, I would tell you the truth."

Chester Arthur

"What is right and what is practicable are two different things."

James Buchanan

"No man ever listened himself out of a job."

Calvin Coolidge

Government after all is a very simple thing."

Warren Harding

SS French Revolution CD Covers!

We had some great submissions for the French Revolution Extra Credit Assignment to create your own CD Cover.  Here are some of my favorites:

Extra Credit: Documentary Club! (Download Permission Slip)

We will be continuing the ever popular Documentary Club Featuring DIRT: The Movie next week Tuesday the 22nd at 10am.  If you would like to attend (and I hope you do) you need to bring with you this Parent Permission Slip.
Description:

"DIRT! the Movie--narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis--brings to life the environmental, economic, social and political impact that the soil has. It shares the stories of experts from all over the world who study and are able to harness the beauty and power of a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with soil." - http://www.dirtthemovie.org/

Economics Essential Skills/Work Sample

Economics Students, You will have to complete two work samples this semester.
Speaking Rubric
Writing Rubric
The first work Sample will be due by May 27th, the second a week later.

American Government Essential Skills/Work Samples

American Government Students, You will have to complete two work samples this semester.
Speaking Rubric
Writing Rubric
The first assignment will be due by April 28th!  They are as follows:

American History B Essential Skills/Work Samples

American History Students, You will have to complete two work samples this semester.
Writing Rubric
The first will be assigned to be due by April 7th at latest: they are as follows:

Update: Geography Essential Skills/Work Samples

Update: To complete required Work Sample go to voice board, then: Send a voice mail to all instructors.  Then you can record your 2 minute speech!  (If you cannot record by pressing the red button) Test your voice recording availability through the control panel> sounds and audio devices>voice> test hardware.
Geography Students, You will have to complete two work samples this semester.
Speaking Rubric
Writing Rubric
The first will be assigned to be due by the 24th at latest for Geography B students.  The second work sample will be assigned to Geography A students by March 3rd they are as follows: