Student Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pjWzlUP1u5ck3lmI2hiDBw_3d_3d

Also...

Make sure you have everything spelled correctly (and used correctly, as well) before you put it on the big screen...and if you are using graphs, make sure they are labeled. :)

GRADES

If you have not returned your America on Trial average score and reflection, you must do so by Thursday...else, I will be putting in a ZERO in the gradebook.

Rockin' in the USA Rubric

performance music rubric - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: performance music rubric

Barking Abbey Pen Pals :)

So...the London school who helped us for the "trial," Barking Abbey, has created a blog where their students can connect with some of our students. Please take the time to read through their two posts (so far) and respond in their comments. Obviously, remember that this is an academic inquiry, thus prompting a professional response. Have fun! Make a friend! :)

http://babbeyhth.blogspot.com/

TPOL Rubric - click to see full screen

TPOL Rubric - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: TPOL Rubric

America on Trial Rubric continued...

Sorry, it didn't show the whole rubric in one screen! Good luck tomorrow! :) 4

Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.

Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Four very strong arguments were made.

Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.

Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.

Student had strong evidence to support every argument.

Student had very well developed counterarguments, and answered all questions showing thorough knowledge of the subject.

Works very well with others. Assumes a clear role in decision making and responsibilities.

Total Points:

F= 0-18

America on Trial Rubric

America on Trial Rubric

	Presentation Rubric
	1	2	3	4	Total
Organization	Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information.	Audience has difficulty following presentation because student jumps around.	Student presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow.	Student presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow.
Subject Knowledge (4 strong arguments must be made)	Student does not have grasp of information; student cannot answer questions about subject. Only one vague argument was made.	Student is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions, but fails to elaborate. Two or three not very strong arguments were made.	Student is at ease and answers most questions with explanations and some elaboration. Three or more relatively strong arguments were made.	Student demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration. Four very strong arguments were made.
Eye Contact	Student makes no eye contact and only reads from notes.	Student occasionally uses eye contact, but still reads mostly from notes.	Student maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes.	Student maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes.
Verbal Techniques	Student mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for audience to hear.	Student's voice is low. Student incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.	Student's voice is clear. Student pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.	Student uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
Strength of Evidence	Student had very little or no evidence to support their evidence.	Student made effort to support with adequate evidence.	Student used evidence to support every argument.	Student had strong evidence to support every argument.
Q/A	Was not able to field questions.	Made an attempt to answer questions, but answered questions weakly. Did not have developed counterarguments.	Student had developed counterarguments and answered questions adequately.	Student had very well developed counterarguments, and answered all questions showing thorough knowledge of the subject.
Mechanics (3-5 minutes, no more or less)	Cannot work with others in most situations. Cannot share decisions or responsibilities.	Works with others, but has difficulty sharing decisions and responsibilities.	Works well with others. Takes part in most decisions and shares in the responsibilities.	Works very well with others. Assumes a clear role in decision making and responsibilities.
				Total Points:
A= 26-28	B= 24-25	C= 21-23	D= 19-20	F= 0-18

Rockin' in the USA...

Who: You.
What: Rockin' in the USA
Where: TBD
When: June 11/12
Why: Because music rocks, son AND to learn about American history through the lens of the American Musical Tradition.

Requirements

Pregame:
Choose one of the following music genres that had a significant impact on American history, including modern history:

1. jazz
2. blues
3. musical theatre
4. pop music (focus: 50's/60's)
5. reggae/ska
6. electronic
7. country western
8. rock
9. hip hop/rap
10. salsa/latin
    

It will be first come, first serve...so make a quick informed decision (and obviously, you have to let ME know!)

Various assignments:

1. vocals
2. percussionist
3. bass
4. keys
5. guitar
6. lyricist
7. horns
8. strings
   

Preparation:
Once you have chosen your genre (and group members), you will need to conduct research on how it was significant to our American history, as well as its evolution...not only will you need to discuss its context in our history, but also what the musical characteristics of the genre are (what makes it jazz/blues/etc.)

Presentation:

1. Introduction of genre
• historical context
• musical characteristics
• songwriting process (any stories about why the song was written, why you chose the cover you did, the relation between the two, the significance of either song to you or the members of your group, challenges, highlights, etc)
  
2. Perform a cover song in your genre's style
   
3. Perform an original composition in your genre's style
   

Where: TBD
Due date: Tentatively, June 11/12

Blogger Error

For some reason, it seems as though you can not read a portion of the trial requirements... However, it's a magic trick! :)

The text is all there...you just need to highlight the text that isn't showing, and it will show up.

Good luck! :)

Elika

Trial Requirements

Who: You.
What: America on Trial
Where: Our very own Model United Nations Conference Room
When: Wednesday, June 4th (and tentatively, June 5th, if necessary)
Why: Keep reading below

America on Trial

Length: 3-5 minutes (no more, or less)

Content/Organization: anything you need for this is within your research (historical essay and persuasive outline)

• The introduction is a road map.
  
• Your introduction should include whether you are defending or indicting America, and WHY - be specific.
  
• You are going to tell the panel what they will be hearing, in a broader sense, during the rest of your presentation. Look at it as a five paragraph essay with potentially more paragraphs.
• Minimum of four (4) arguments should be in the body of your presentation.
  
• You only want to use your strongest arguments. Using a weak argument will only open the door for potential questions about your case.
• If you can find a strong hook (not cheesy or forced) to start your arguments, your case will be better remembered, and your arguments will stand out more. Remember, there are 24(ish) other arguments the panel has to hear. Why would they remember yours?? Being clear and concise, and potentially having a strong hook is KEY.
  
• The body of the presentation should give evidentiary and in depth arguments as to why you are indicting or defending America. Rely on your critical thinking skills to develop these arguments. You want to delve deeply into each of the arguments presented in the introduction.
• The conclusion should wrap up the presentation. Therefore, reiterate your strongest points, and why you are indicting/defending America.
  
• Pretty much: First , "We tell 'em what we're gonna tell 'em; Second, "We tell 'em;" Finally, "We tell 'em what we told 'em."
  
• After you plead your case, be prepared to answer questions:
• clarifying questions
  
• evidentiary questions
• suppositional (hypothetical) questions
• etc. (any other challenging questions)
• Keep in mind your weakest arguments, and challenges that could be made to your position.
  
• Be prepared to hear the counter arguments.
  
• Predict what may be asked/argued against you.

Purpose/Goal: To persuade the panel that America has failed or succeeded with regard the issue you are discussing.

Trial Update (and other important info)

Congrats y'all!! You have worked very hard, and I am very proud of you...I am staying in (again) today so that the antibiotics kick in and I won't be contagious...Don't want to get you sick after how hard you worked this week!!! This will be the last day I ever stay home. I HATE staying home. I HATE not being with you in class. I HATE that I can't just suck it up and watch soap operas. I HATE reverting to a teenager and spending my days watching Real World and Sweet 16...or, do I?? ;) Thus, all I do is count the dots on my ceiling or just read like a big nerd...I mean, reading is FUN! :) Hee, hee.

Make sure you get some rest over the weekend...and make sure you check the blog periodically. Good luck on your vocabulary today, and I hope you have some strong and interesting current events!

So, I wanted to give you an update on how the trial will work next week. We will practice earlier in the week, but on WEDNESDAY, you will stand before the tribunal and plead your case...you will tell them why America should be indicted (or why not, if you are defending). Be prepared to answer questions from other experts on your subject. Your case will rely, not only on your own research, but also how well (and quickly) you can counter any arguments. We will have international experts, as well as some very domestic ones sitting on the tribunal. ;) I imagine we may take more than our two hours...I am working out the exact schedule with Susan - to see when we can actually use the MUN room...and I am trying to coordinate with our international expert friends.

Besides the trial, the rest of our time this semester will be focusing on music history! :) We will have a jazz musician come in next week (yes, I do know his name, Nathaniel: James Romeo)...and I am working on hip hop, as well. I would start thinking of the genre you want to delve into, and who your group members may be - I will post the requirements of this project on the blog by the end of the weekend...But email me your ideas (don't forget to do this), so we can sort through them together. I cannot wait to see how this goes!

Have a great weekend! I can NOT wait to see you next week!!!

All my love,

Elika

I am sorry...

So coming back to school on Thursday was apparently a bit of my high hopes. But know that I did not come back early out of love...I don't wish upon ANYONE what I feel like right now...But please know that I have missed you, and I wanted to get closer to moving forward on this project and your preparing for Exhibition.

I have a doctor's appointment for 5:15 today...if I can even get out of bed long enough to make it there safely. Please know that it absolutely KILLS me to know that I am not at school supporting you...I am very proud of all the work you have done. I really wish I could be there with you.

Don't forget that we will have a vocabulary quiz tomorrow - if you have any questions, please contact me!! Also, we will be doing current events...

Again, please forgive me for not being around this week. I would give anything to get out of bed and be with all of you.

Miss and love you,
(And very proud of all the work you’re doing. Seriously, I really am!)

Elika :)

Exhibition Requirements

Hi all,

Exhibition, as we should all know, is Thursday night from 6:30-8:30. Please be here ON TIME (I would suggest getting here a bit early as well). We have a tight schedule of documentary viewings/novel readings, so you should be here at least 5 minutes before you are due to show your documentary to make sure you can set it up, and all is working smoothly.

If you are introducing your documentary, I want you to include a couple things in the introduction (1 minute?):

1. the various positions held (identify person with role)
2. why you chose the specific war
3. how the process was for you (overall)
4. what you learned
5. challenges in the process
   

Be prepared to answer questions from the audience...

If you are reading an excerpt from your novel, I want you to include a couple things, as well (1 minute introduction; 2 minute excerpt read):

1. how you decided to write the book
   
2. why that genre/style
3. how was the process for you
4. where did you draw inspiration from
5. where do you go from here with your writing
   

Be prepared to answer questions from the audience, as well...

For the non-profits, you need to make sure you have a laptop that is fully charged, and that your website is ready to display...I will have brochures for you to hand out, as well. You will be responsible for getting at least five (5) people to sign that they have learned something from you (each person needs 5), and comment on your non-profit (a mere signature will not suffice). Thus, you have to actually interact with people who are walking by...isn't this a point of any non-profit/company? To get the word out?! Especially because this is for a cause you believe in, you should be excited to share what you have learned with anyone and everyone, while asking for their support (in whatever way). If there is anything else that can help attract individuals to your table, feel free to bring it with you...You may need to bring a petition to sign, or donation slips, etc. That is up to you...but you need something to bring you closer to your goal.

Capish?!

Almost done guys...good job!

Sicky No Likey...

Hi loves,

I am SO sorry I am out again today...I am feeling NO better, and am actually feeling much worse. I know it is awful timing...feel free to email me if you need anything!

Nicole has the schedule for exhibition, and will probably give you a copy today...Tomorrow, in class, we will do a run through of the night...just be prepared for that. In a little bit, I will post what you can do to prepare for exhibition - just a few reminders. So, make sure to check out the blog later today for that...

So, for today, in class...

I want you to read the article below...If there are enough computers for each of you, go ahead and read on your own. If you need to share computers, you can popcorn through the article, and then write your response in your journal.

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/eLearning/Default.aspx?article=WhatHappenedEthics&GT1=27001

After you read the article, please reflect - do you find significance in ethics lessons? Is the classroom the appropriate venue? Should it be a requirement for graduation? If a public school, can the state mandate such a requirement? What is ethics (is it a personal belief system or a universal truth)? How can it be taught, at all? Etc.

Please put some genuine thought into this...

Then, after everyone is finished writing quietly, you will be watching "My Architect." This film shares the story of one of the most influential architects in our history (super impressive). However, he led a questionable personal life. After you finish watching this movie, please reflect on Louis Kahn's story in light of today's journal write. I want 500 words of pure excellence posted on your blog by the end of the day...remember to watch for any grammatical/spelling errors - you are writing for the entire world to see!!! Don't forget to cite your sources, as well.

Thank you all for being so wonderful (thank you to all who are covering my classes, too!). I hope to get better quickly and see you tomorrow...Miss you!!

All my love,
Elika


In case link above doesn't show in its entirety...
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/eLearning/Default.asp
x?article=WhatHappenedEthics&GT1=27001

Example of Non-profit

Some of you have asked for an example of how to design your website...We discussed what could be included and the bare minimum of what should be included...

I am including a link below as an example...Hope this helps!



https://mail.hightechhigh.org/exchange/edadsetan/Inbox/RE:%20nonprofit
%20help.EML/ex.jpg/C58EA28C-18C0-4a97-9AF2-036E93DDAFB3/ex.
jpg?attach=1

Good job, Garrett and Darnell!!! :)

They did SUCH a good job that night! The show ran sooo smoothly, thanks to Garrett, and Darnell was hilarious! Great job, gentlemen! :)

Mindmaps...

In case you want to do a mindmap instead of a traditional outline...

mind42.com

Have fun!

Vocab.Week.17.

Here is this week's set. Pick 8. Images with sentence explaining...Due Thursday. Quiz Friday. :)

1. interminable
2. intuit
3. laboriously
4. proximity
5. reticence
6. senescent
7. shroud
8. situation
9. synchronously
10. tortuous
11. tranquility

Additional Resources...

http://www.debate-central.org/research/

http://www.ncpa.org/

It's SUCH a vicious cycle...

Does this look familiar to any of you???

Non-Profit Organization Research Paper

Non-Profit Organization Research Paper

Overview: It should be obvious, that to truly have a legitimate organization, one must know the subject matter of the organization. This paper is meant to inform you about a certain aspect related to your cause. This essay will be part of your website and portions will probably be used in your pamphlet. Therefore, this should be an insightful piece of work that shows your mastery of the subject matter you are studying.



Process: Find a topic that is related to your organization. This topic should be some pivotal topic that your organization would need to know in order to be well-informed. For example, if I were to create a non-profit that creates environmental studies camps in undeveloped countries, I might research which countries have the biggest need to be educated about environmental effects. Or perhaps I would do research on what the history of various countries' environmental policies are...It would also be possible to do a paper on why educational curriculum does not include discussions on the environment. All of these would be acceptable topics for my organization. You and your partners MUST have different topics.



Requirements:

1. It must be MLA formatted. This includes citations inside the essay and a bibliography (minimum 3 sources). Any essay that is not cited will receive an automatic zero. Any paper that has blatant plagiarism, will receive a negative score. This includes copy and pasting anything into Word and changing a few words.


2. This paper must be at least three (3) full pages. Suggested length is 4-5 pages. It should be double-spaced with a title page and bibliography. No, the title page and bibliography do not count toward the pages required. This really should be no problem since you will probably be arguing the same topic for your trial. You should have PLENTY of information.


3. It should be free of errors and proofread. Errors will be penalized and you will need to turn in a revised paper anyway. Do it right the first time and save yourself time.

How to think about this essay:

The topic of your essay should be helpful for your organization. If you are studying about mental illnesses and do not know what they are, it is crucial you research them. Remember hat this essay will eventually be published on the web (website), so it is even more important that citation is correct and that your facts are from a reliable source.

Also remember that you are using the informaton from this essay for your trial. This will be where you grab your arguments from.

Due Dates:

Rough draft - Thursday, May 15; Final draft - Monday, May 19

Let's support our team! :)

Garrett Palensky has been interning at the San Diego Rep Theater this semester. For his final project, he was asked to create his own comedy show, “Common Sense” featuring four San Diego comics (including our very own Darnell Price). Garrett has been responsible for producing this show, planning the event, and marketing it to the community. All proceeds will go to the San Diego Rep Theater in Horton Plaza, long time mentors to our students. Please plan to come out and support both our students and internships!! The event is on Monday, May 19^th from 7-8PM. Tickets are $12/ Students $7 - Let me know who is in and we can plan to go together!

America on Trial

ok kiddies, here is the information for our trial project. The following is mostly for the non-profit section of the project, but most of you are using the same arguments for the trial.

Non-Profit Organization

Overview:

You are being asked to create a new organization. This organization will have a mission statement and goals for which you will strive. In finding a cause to take action for, keep in mind that you are nor replicating an organization already in existence, you are breaking new ground This your new organization and its purpose must be sincere. You may choose to address a grievance of society or a moral/ethical issue (Students against Whiners). Or, you may choose to, in some way, revolutionize a current aspect of society for the better (Coalition against Pennies). The purpose is up to you and your group, but you must have a purpose that is beneficial. Keep in mind that you will need to be able to write more than ten pages of related research on the subject – so, make sure it is a real concern.

After a cause has been found and research has begun, you will begin participating in the outside world. You will need to send business letters to companies/corporations to find out more about topics that concern you. You will also need to begin setting your own goals and finding a mission statement for your organization to stand by. During this transitional phase, you will also be creating a website that will be the base of your organization with related links, historical research, and current domestic/world examples, etc. Toward the end of this project, you should have a completed website for your organization, anywhere from 10-30 pages of research and persuasive papers that you have composed about the background of this topic, written business letters to obtain information and also to seek change, a pamphlet printed in mass quantities that outlines what the problem is/how you plan to solve it, and the final aspect that you will need to do is physically go out into the world in some manner to make your point heard. This project will take place not just in the classroom, but many parts will come from and be taken to the outside world.

Specifics: The project is composed of 8 separate elements.

1. Project Proposal: addressing how you plan to complete the following components of this project. A description for each is necessary – write as much as you need to explain the element. Obviously, for number two, you only need a few words, while for the elements such as your historical essay or business letters, you will need to have an idea of what you will research or who you will send letters to.

2. Logo/Name: clearly every organization needs to be referred to as something and needs some sort of logo that encapsulates the goals of this organization. Due Thursday, May 8

3. Business letter(s) Seeking Information: In this letter(s), you will be asked to find the addresses of companies/people/organizations that have information that will help you complete your research for this project. You will be mailing out letters to these places requesting information and insight they can offer your organization. Minimum three letters per individual member. Due Monday, May 12

4. Mission Statement: that outlines not only the problems this organization is attempting to address, but the possible solutions or ideas this organization has to solve these issues. Usually a good mission statement should explain why your organization exists and what it hopes to achieve in the future. It articulates the organization’s essential nature, its values, and its planned work. This should be done in an abstract outlining the essential problem, and also offering part of this organization’s goals to address that problem. Due Thursday, May 8

5. Historical Research Paper: perhaps the largest single component of this project, your non-profit organization needs to be well-grounded in knowledge. Without knowing all of the issues surrounding your cause, you lose any legitimacy your organization might have. Therefore, you must research all issues surrounding your cause and create an argumentative paper that is based in historical and current fact. Unlike other papers, this paper will require historical facts with your own analysis applied to them that shows how the problem has evolved. You need to prove through your research the history of your cause and the reasons why the society we live in today needs reform. This paper is five pages per person. Each group member should address a different but related topic for research. For example, if your organization were to study gangs, one group member might research local San Diego gangs, another might look at international gangs, and a third might look at organized crime or the mafia…Nonetheless, it should be fully annotated and contain a bibliography as well, all in MLA format.
Due Monday, May 19

6. Persuasive Essay Outlining Solution(s): Differing from the historical paper, this essay should contain more opinion and offer how you plan to solve, or help the cause for which you are fighting. It should lead a convincing argument using some of the facts of the historical paper and try to persuade the reader that your solution is the best way to achieve your goal. This paper should be between 1-2 pages per person. It should also be annotated, but if the bibliography is the same as the historical paper, a new one is not needed. This essay is crucial because the purpose of an organization is that they have ideas how to fix a problem, and just presenting historical essays with facts does not fix anything. You must show how you plan to solve the problem, in your opinion. Due Wednesday, May 21

7. Comprehensive Pamphlet Produced in Mass: Like many organizations you have already seen, most have some sort of brochure or pamphlet that informs you about them. You, too, will create a pamphlet containing your mission statement, a brief summary of your historical research, and also the best arguments from your persuasive essay. It should be informative and should outline the basis for your organization. It may also include pictures or other information that you feel pertains heavily with your organization. I will look into making mass quantities of them for you. Due Monday, May 26

8. An Informative Website: Along the same idea as the pamphlet, you will need a central base for your organization. This will be done in this project through the creation of a website. This website will contain the same overview as your pamphlet, but should be able to link to other informative related sites and your full research papers. It should also have ways to get in touch with the founders of this organization and be a place where people interested in your cause can go to find more information and ways to help support your organization. Due Friday, May 23

9. Events: You will need to put on two events, but one can include the exhibition night.
Due Monday, June 2

Throughout this project, we will also be working on our trial arguments - via debates, papers, mock trials, etc. I am so excited! This is going to be great! :)

Affecting change...

Here’s what I’d like you to be working on today.

First, following up on our conversations and research about the hunger plight of Haiti, I’d like you to watch this TED.com keynote by U2’s leadsinger, Bono. He uses a particularly powerful language to describe what’s happening in Africa as an “emergency,” and discusses possible reasons Americans (and Europeans) are so eager to help when there is a sudden, unexpected emergency (like the tsunami of 2003), but so hesitant to do or care much about the thousands that die daily. Exactly the ideas we’ve been wrestling with.

Watch the video here.

Do you agree with Bono's assertion that WE can change the world? Why? Why not?
According to Bono, Africa is burning. It's a crisis on the order of the Asia tsunami - what is the difference between what happened with the tsunami in 2003, and what is going on every day in Africa? How about in our own neighborhoods? What do we do about it? How do we help put the fire out? Why do we as a country decide to put so much aid and support into one cause, and seemingly ignore others?

At the end of the day, I want each of you to know that you CAN affect change. However, you will never change things if you don't believe you can though. Ultimately, you and I both know that with enough help, the world can be changed...but, how do we create that context?

Look at what we plan to do with our nonprofits...I mean, isn't this the point of having a non-profit? To affect change! So...how do you plan to do that with your non-profit? How will you change the world?

Carry on, dear globetrotters...show the world what you are made of!

Vocab.Week.16.

One of the things I’d like you to start working on is your visual vocabulary. Beneath is your list of words in its entirety. You must find or create an image that fits at least 8 of them, and write a brief paragraph about why your picture works and the meaning of the word. Keep in mind - there are more words this week than we’re used to, so be sure to be studying regularly throughout the week. Without further adieu:

acquiesce
amorous
aroma
awkward
consummate
conversely
deleterious
delirium
ecstasy
enamored
futile
incantation
inevitability
infatuation

Stand up, student intellectual warriors!!!

An interesting article was forwarded to me by a colleague this weekend. As we’ve discussed, funding for educational technology on a state and federal level are constantly being reduced and challenged. Here is the first few paragraphs, please follow the link for the rest.

Classrooms Have Become Unnecessarily High Tech

by Matt Baxter

“Three cheers for the non-stop, high-tech assault on the public school classroom. Hip! Hip! Hoo . . . what? Five billion dollars spent annually on education technology? Test-taking software that instantly tabulates on wireless devices and reports if the students have learned anything? Web design to show Grandma in Milwaukee the new art project?
The integration of technology into public schools has its place, because technology is obviously an important part of our lives. We need our children to be computer literate, so they can use the self-service checkout at the library and so they can keep up with the Joneses by ordering online. Whether the children grow up to be software programmers or they have to punch a clock, it’s all computers.
But exactly how important is it that we inundate the educational process, specifically elementary and middle schools? In high school, where future goals and plans are pinpointed, there could be more of a need for understanding the finer points of your friendly word processing program.
In the younger grades, however, students are learning how to learn, they are learning how to get along with those ubiquitous human creatures that still populate the earth. Very little in these early grades needs to be digital, electronic or high def.
Other potential crises include the constant need for technological assistance, ongoing teacher training, upgrades to systems and programs, and much more. Education is not inherently such a flexible institution. Things should be put in place that can work for more than one or two years before they become obsolete.
I don’t think 20-year-old science textbooks that tout the advent of the four-pound cellular telephone are particularly relevant, but most math, language, and social studies lessons from the good old days are still trustworthy. Why not just mark out any inexact passages with a forty-nine cent permanent marker rather than spending $30,000 on all new textbooks?”

Click here to read the rest!

Frequently educational issues like these are debated and rarely do students have a chance to weigh in and enter the fray of discourse. So, how neat would it be to have everyone in our class write out some thoughts and respond?! Whether you agree or not, they’re talking about you and what you ‘need for a good education.’ Perhaps you have something to say. But let’s refine our thoughts and writing before we make any hasty comments? They’ll be in digitally permanent ink, and have your name on them.

Check this beauty out!!!

Look at the success some of our classmates have had already!!!! :)

Read the emails below from bottom to top...Congrats guys! I am so proud of you! I acknowledge you all for your hard work, and for creating such amazing possibilities for these people! I am so excited to see what comes out of this! :)


-----Original Message-----
From: Gauthier Dieudonne [mailto:gdieudonne@fonkoze.org]
Sent: Sat 4/26/2008 11:32 PM
To: Fonkoze@aol.com; Danielle Nisan
Subject: RE: Seed Donations

Hi guys

This is exciting. As I am reading this, it seems like you heard my call. I
have been asking for seeds such as carrots, cabbage, eggplant, beats,onions,
tomatoes and okra to provide to the 150 families who are part of the CLM
program at Fonkoze. The rainy season has started and we already have them
preparing the ground for them to have a vegetable garden. Seeds right would
come in pretty handy. I got some promise from some people but we haven't
received anything yet. It is very commendable what you guys are doing. There
are very few 11th graders who bother thinking about world hunger or even
consider doing something about it. I wish you courage and continuity in your
endeavor.

Thank you in advance in the name of our CLM members.

Gauthier Dieudonne

CLM/Tikredi Director
at Fonkoze.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fonkoze@aol.com [mailto:Fonkoze@aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 12:41 AM
To: dnisan@hightechhigh.org
Cc: gdieudonne@fonkoze.org
Subject: Re: Seed Donations


Dear Danielle, Alejandra, Mya and Eli,

Thanks to all of you for your foresight and the action you have taken to
start up CEED. It is a wonderful concept and will be a wonderful
contribution to the food problem in Haiti.

It also comes as a gift from heaven for Fonkoze. We have a program for the
"ultra-poor" (that means the poorest of the poor), those who have absolutely
no assets whatsoever. We select them through a process in which we get a
village of about 50 families to help us map out the village and classify
everyone in it according to their wealth or lack of wealth. Then we do home
studies of those in the poorest categories so that we can be sure we are
selecting only those families that could not make it in any of our regular
microcredit programs. Then we work with these very poorest families for an
18-month period to help them build their confidence, start some kind of
enterprise (like raising chickens), and help them to grow the enterprise
until they can feed their families. During the 18 months we make sure all
the kids are in school, that everyone has access to health care, that they
have a house that doesn't leak, that they have a latrine, etc. One of the
things we are trying to do with them now is help them learn to plant food
that would be healthy for the families -- and we desperately need seeds! All
we have been able to find is seeds for trees, but we want seed for
vegetables or small fruit trees like lime trees or avocado trees.

I am copying the director of the program -- Gauthier Dieudonne -- on this
email so that he will know of your program and can communicate with you
exactly what he needs in terms of seeds. He is a wonderful Haitian man, and
I am sure he would be happy to email you. Although both of us are right now
on our way to India where there is going to be a meeting of the four
institutions from around the world that are all trying programs like this.
Actually the program was started by a institution called BRAC (Bangladesh
Rural Advancement Committee) in Bangladesh. The program is now being
replicated in Haiti, India, Pakistan and Ethiopia.

I thought you might like to see a picture of one of the families as we
found them. I am also sending you a picture of Gauthier. By the way, if you
go on our website and look at the recent newsletters, you will find an
article about this program. It's called Chemen Lavi Miyo, which means in
Creole "The Pathway to a Better Life". It's the Fall 2007 issue.

Again, thank you so much for the action you have taken!
Anne Hastings


Anne H. Hastings
Director, Fonkoze
Ave Christophe, #119
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Tel: (509) 2-513-9082; 2-221-7631
Fax: (509) 2-245-7254
Cell: (509) 3-701-3910 or (509) 3-556-3910
From the US: 1-800-293-0308


Please see our website at www.fonkoze.org




In a message dated 4/25/2008 11:26:41 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
dnisan@hightechhigh.org writes:
Dear Ms. Hasting;

I am an 11th grader at High Tech High International in San Diego.
Recently, in my humanities class, we have been talking about the global
food crisis and we are looking for ways to help. I am trying to
incorporate another project I am doing right now. A group of three
other students and myself are starting a non-profit called Community
Environmental Education and Development (C.E.E.D).

My plan is to ask people within our community to help send seeds to
Haiti in a program called "Send CEEDs". I would love to start up the
program but we still need a base in Haiti to send our donations. Let me
know if you think you can help and if there is any changes you may have.

If you could please contact me as soon as possible that would be very
helpful.

Thank you,
Danielle Nisan
Email: dnisan@hightechhigh.org
Phone: (619)916-8606

Other co-founders of C.E.E.D:
Alejandra Torrero
Mya Clausius-Davis
Eli Parzen

Hungry in Haiti

Thousands are slowly, painfully starving in Haiti. Hunger riots are breaking out. Where is this on the news?

I challenge you to do something about it. You will have a week to do something about this (after STAR testing, May 7th). First, learn more about the food crisis happening in several impoverished parts of the world right now. Understand this is not an academic exercise; it is real. Then do something about it. What you do, and how you do it, is up to your group. But the requirement is that you help at least one person inside Haiti.

Often I’ll read about the heart-wrenching conditions in various parts of Africa, and wish there was something I could do, but the truth is Africa has always felt far away. Haiti is different, they’re in our own backyard, not too far off the tip of Florida:

Start with research. How bad is the problem? How did it get to this point? What are we doing about it as a country? Is it enough - is our response sizable and quick enough to make the difference? Are there organizations to help? What can we do as individuals? Below, find a few links to get you started.

I would like you to send me a comment/email and tell me what your group's plan is, and how well it is coming along. I will be sending $15 to the UN's World Hunger Programme to feed 10 people for a week.

Empty Bellies Bring Rising Anger - NYTimes

The Silent Tsunami - The Economist

How The Rich Starved The World - NewStatesman

News.Google.Com

Internship Reminders

Internship:

Your DP must be updated immediately. Erin has been kind enough to be flexible with you, but if you do not have your photojournalism site up and ready FRIDAY, April 25th, then you will get a ZERO. Get it done!!!!!

Your DP must be updated, and must include the following:

1. A link to your internship
2. Site name - description of work/mission
3. Link to mentor interview
   
4. Link to project proposal/summary of their site/project
5. Picture of you from your internship

Also, May 7th is the Internship Exhibition!!!

California Association for High-Speed Trains

Here is some more information if you wanted to learn more about the rail proposal:

http://mmiller81.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/california-high-speed-rail-proposal/

If you are interested, I can send you the mindmap I created for it (although not very detailed).

"America on Trial" (rough draft)

America on Trial Project

Overview:

In our next project in 11^th grade humanities, we will be putting the U.S. government on trial. The goal of the project is to take a serious look at U.S. policy both domestically and internationally. The inquiry into what the American government does for its citizens, and for the world community, will allow all of us to look at the historical context for many of the policies currently being used by our government. Ultimately, we will have a chance to explore many rich and open ended questions around U.S. policy and attempt to answer the question of whether or not the U.S., as the world’s sole superpower, is doing more harm than good for the world.

In an effort to ensure that each of us remains part of a constructive process, as opposed to viewing these issues from the sidelines and merely complaining, a second component of the project will be for each group to create a non-profit or think tank related to the trial issue they will be discussing. For example, if you are defending American foreign policy, you might create a policy paper that can be sent to your local representative expanding on America’s current strategy of helping spread democracy to different regions of the world.

The first step is setting up the mission statement and name of your nonprofit, as a group. The mission statement will help remind you of your goal and purpose. However, you will also individually submit a proposal on what you would like to indict/defend America on.

You will be receiving additional information through class discussion, lectures and handouts on the following deliverables for this project.

Deliverables for the trial:

· Legal brief

o Each group must develop a legal brief for the trail laying out your arguments and counterarguments. We will be discussing this in class over the next few weeks.

o Length

o DUE DATE:

· Participation in the trial

o We will discuss the forum, and legal procedures in class.

o DUE DATE:

AND

Deliverables for the non-profit:

· Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, Mission Statement, etc.

· Website

· Two events to raise awareness about your issue

o One includes exhibition, May 29

OR

Deliverables the think tank:

· Website

· Policy paper

o Length

o DUE DATE:

o Example

· Two events to raise awareness about your cause

o One includes exhibition, May 29