Reminders and FYI

Hello All,

Always scroll down to read the entire blogpost as well as previously posted homework assignments.

Please read the reminders below:

• Trip to Aviator Sports is on 1.17.13. Trip Package includes: ice skating, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer and rock climbing.
• $20 and permission slip are due by 1.14.13
• 421 Girls - I NEED MY GREEN LEOTARDS BACK ASAP!!! THE FOLLOWING GIRLS NEED TO RETURN IT:  ROCHEL, VALENTINA, LISETTE, CHIGOZIE AND LIDHILDA.

FYI - Please check your local library

• Please visit the following websites for a list of nonfiction books.

Video - The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2012

• http://live.wsj.com/video/the-10-best-non-fiction-books-of-2012/172788B3-89A0-4910-B057-02BF2F7C4F42.html#!172788B3-89A0-4910-B057-02BF2F7C4F42

Middle School Level

• http://www.amazon.com/Garraways-Young-Adult-Nonfiction-Books/lm/R3FD0JLVKGRSUE
• http://www.amazon.com/Middle-High-School-Nonfiction/lm/R2282VN15N850K
• http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/teen-nonfiction

High School Level

• http://www.learningthings.com/non-fiction-books-for-high-school?Cc=NONFICTIONHIGH
• http://www.deafhomeschool.com/study/readinglists/highschoolnonfiction.html
• http://nancykeane.com/rl/9.htm
• http://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/books/level.dT?level=NM
• http://library.campbellhall.org/secondary%20pages/Looking%20for%20a%20Good%20Book/nonfiction.htm

College Level

• http://www.ric.edu/whatsnews/details.php?News_ID=1792
• http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/15-best-nonfiction-books-2011

Combo

• http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/best-books-2010-novels-nonfiction-teens-childrens-books/379002022/

Science

• http://oedb.org/library/features/100-all-time-greatest-popular-science-books
• http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/nonfiction-popular-science

Please check for updates to new links for nonfiction books.

Happy Reading! : )

PBH Due 1.14.13

Hello All,

Welcome to Marking Period 3! You are half way towards graduation. Please note that you have many opportunities to go online, whether at the school's computer lab, during Miss. N's Reading Room days (Tue/Wed) assigned to your class, at a library or any other safe way to use the internet in order to complete assignments. BASICALLY, THERE ARE NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!

Please do the following:

I. Argumentative Writing PBH Assignment

• Print three articles (each article reflecting each one of the three points stated in your thesis statement) that counterargues (goes against/opposes) your thesis statement. Due 1.14.13
• Introductions must be completed on the worksheet I handed out to the class. Due 1.14.13

II. The Reading Cafe Blogspot Reading Logs

• Post your reading logs online using the steps I will demonstrate in class. Please read a nonfiction book. However, if you are currently reading a fiction text and would rather use this for your logs, that would be ok as well. I provided a list of WDM books in Oct/Nov that I did not have in class but available at the library. Feel free to use this list if you are out of ideas of what to read for the online blogspot reading logs.
• Focus Question is: How is the title an appropriate or inappropriate choice for this book?
• Reading log posting date has been changed to  Monday, January 21, 2013 no later than 7pm. This is the same day your nonfiction book review is due. I will provide the outline to you in class, in addition, I will compose a list of nonfiction books for you to choose from. Please note that you have until 1.21.13 to post, therefore, if you choose to post earlier, you may do so.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at thereadingcafe@aol.com, or call Dial-A-Teacher at 212.777.3380 to assist you in other subject areas M-F 4-7 pm.

Miss. N :)

Project Based Homework Due 1.7.13

Happy New Year!

I hope all of you enjoyed your vacation...or at least tried to. Anyhow, it is back to our usual routines and graduation will be here sooner than you think. We're currently approaching marking period three on the 4th of January and there's a lot to be accomplished within that time.

I. Class 421 please do the following:

• Write a reflection about your experience recycling at the redemption maching, preparing advertisements for the school, collecting and separating acceptable and nonacceptable items, deciphering our fundraising deficiencies and goals, going to Toys R Us, eating, wrapping the gifts and the SCO. I will provide you with an outline tomorrow.
• Just added @ 5:49 p.m. - Please find an additional TWO articles by typing into the search engine: "journal articles about the competitiveness between girls and boys in sports". Select the best, detailed articles for our round table discussion in class next week.

II. Both Classes please do the following:

• Based on today's videos, class and PBH assignments, begin to choose a position. Are you for or against sports programs in high schools or schools in general?
• Think of a thesis statement. What specifically are you trying to support or oppose? For example, my thesis statement may say, "...Sports programs should be allowed in schools because it promotes healthy eating habits." This statement is SPECIFIC, CLEAR and WILL BE THE FOCUS OF MY ENTIRE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY. If I said, "...Sports programs should be allowed in schools because it helps students physically" would have been to broad and general. How does it help students physically would be the next question? However, we want to be VERY CLEAR in our thesis statement the first time. Please don't frustrate your readers by making generalized statements.
• On loose leaf with a proper heading, write a thesis statement in the form of a sentence NOT AN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH. That means I should see a clear and specific SENTENCE on loose leaf.
• Then print TWO articles that supports your thesis statement.

III. Posting reading logs on the blogspot.

• The class of 2012 did this and I am introducing it to you, class of 2013. You must read every night for 30 minutes (which most of you are already doing) and post a reading response based on the question posted on the blogspot using the example format below:

                               Your full name: Jane Doe
                                Title of your book: A Child Called "It"
                                Author: Dave Pelzer
                                Week Of: 1.7.13 - 1.14.13
                                Number of pages: pp.18-49
                                Question: Was the title an appropriate choice for this book? Why or why
                                not? Explain your reasoning using two or three details from the book.
                                Reading Response:  Yes, Pelzer was very successful in naming the book, A Child Called "It". It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him a son, but a slave; and no longer a boy, but an "it."  Dave's bed was an old army cot in the basement, and his clothes were torn and raunchy. When his mother allowed him the luxury of food, it was nothing more than spoiled scraps that even the dogs refused to eat. The outside world knew nothing of his living nightmare.

• In addition, you must respond to another classmates post on the blogspot. This will be a total of two posts per student.
• This will begin conversations about all sorts of books read by your classmates and SAVE trees too. : )
• Posts are due online every Monday starting January 14, 2013 no later than 7 pm.
• Please note that this does not substitue book reviews but in addition to book reviews. Your next book review, nonfiction, will be due on January 21, 2013.

If you have any questions, please email me at thereadingcafe@aol.com. Call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380.

Miss. N : )

Reminder to 401 & 421

Hello All,

Special Reminder to 421

• Please bring your children's books for the SCO children. The ages are from 1-4 years old. You should bring 2-3 books.
• Please bring the party food that you all said you would bring for the SCO kids. Cupcakes, brownies, box juices with the straw attached, chips and cookies would be great for the little kids too.
• Please bring your own lunch. The party food you bring is only for the kids.
• Please don't disappoint the kids of the SCO or me by not bringing in the supplies that are needed. We are depending on you.
• Tomorrow is dress down day according to Mr. Calderon. It was announced during dismal/extended day.

Special Reminder to both classes:

• Since I didn't see most of you today, please bring in all missing or redo work on Friday, December 21, 2012. Please don't disappoint yourself. Your grade depends on it!!!

PBH Due 1.2.13

Hi All!

1. Complete Vacation Packet.

2. Hand in all redo and missing assignments typed or handwritten by 12.20.12. This is my gift to you to boost your grade.  No work will be accepted after that date!

3. Don't wait until the clock strikes midnight and the nation is ringing in the New Year to start your homework. Begin it early so that you can enjoy your time off.

4. Enjoy your vacation with family and friends, relax and be safe! : )

If you have any questions, please email me M-F by 7pm. You will NOT be able to call Dial-A-Teacher during vacation. Please scroll to other blog postings for the number if you need assistance this week.


Take Care!

Miss. N : )

PBH Due 12.17.12

Hello All,

Classes 401 & 421:

Please note that the marking period will conclude on January 4th 2013, however, the last day I am collecting any work (late or missing) is Thursday, December 20, 2012. For those of you who would like to boost your grade, I am extending an offer to REDO any work that you have done during this marking period  for a higher grade. I prefer that you select writing pieces, however, if you are not sure, you must look through your reading/writing folder and SKEDULA and email or ask me if your selection is ok.

Please come prepared to show your "How to prevent Sports Injuries" home videos Tuesday, 12.11.12. (Yes, 421 we may not be going to Trade Fair tomorrow so both classes COME PREPARED)

Please create a list of 3 ways how sports progams in schools helps students emotionally (3 ways), academically (3 ways), physically (3 ways) and socially (3 ways),  for a total of 12 reasons.

Please create a list of 3 ways how sports progams in schools does not help students emotionally (3 ways),  academically (3 ways), physically (3 ways) and socially (3 ways),  for a total of 12 reasons.

You will have to do research online (i.e. news websites, journal articles, etc), at the library, watch a television documentary or ESPN, ask a coach or a student who plays the sport, etc. You must use reliable sources as evidence/examples.

SAT Quiz # 4 Friday, December 14, 2012. Words to know: flamboyant, stave, insiduous, inducted, dapper, plethora, astute, immaculate.

Reminder to class 421:

• Recycling Donations due Wednesday! Ask your class elected spokespersons for details.
• Girls: Bring in the leotards tomorrow. Most, if not all of you, promised to wash and return it the day after. If you are in the competition, please wash it and wear it to the studio, along with the skirt, green band and rose. Your ABrT attire that you wore for the culminating event will be the same for this Wednesay's competition.
• If you are participating in the competition, we need to discuss your transportation for that evening. I'm in the throes of calling parents this evening to confirm your travels. Please don't disappoint your teammates by leaving your house late or arriving to the studio late. 
• Address of the Dancing Classrooms Studio is 25West 31st Street, 4th floor NY, NY 10001. Phone: 212.244.9442 and the Fax: 212.244.9299, Time: 4:30-6:30. How to get there by train: Manhattan bound #7 train to Queens boro Plaza then take the Manhattan bound N train @ Queensboro Plaza to 28th Street and walk 3 blocks to 31st Street.  ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ARRIVALS. EVERY SCHOOL STARTS THE COMPETITION TOGETHER!

If you need help, email me at thereadingcafe@aol.com or call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3800.

Miss. N : )

PBH Due 12.10.12

Hi,

Learning stations will continue for the next two days. Please work efficiently within the timeframe given to you. All the information I am exposing you to will be helpful at the end of this unit when you write your Argumentative Essays.

Assignment for both classes:

You will create a two-three minute home video instructing teen athletes how to prevent sports injuries.
Your video must include:

• Sports equipment or vivid drawings or google images of equipment needed for that particular sport.
• At least 5 major medical injuries that are associated with the sport you are discussing (you will need to do research online to find the actual medical names). Explain what these are and the long term and short damages it can create.
• The do's and don'ts (techniques) before, during and after practice (please demonstrate)
• You can also use powerpoint to explain what I listed above.
• You can work in groups of 2 or 3 as long as the work is shared equally among all of you. One person should not do all of the work and all of the talking. Please use the example video I showed you in class as your guide.

Reminder for both classes:

• Bring a student made holiday card for sailors by Thursday
• SAT Quiz # 4 postponed until next week. Date TBA.
• Study most recent words. There are a couple of words from the second cycle of words that I didn't give you on the second quiz.
• Bring in a donation (i.e. canned food or clothing) for the Hurricane Sandy victims. Ms. Forese will be collecting it in Rm 422.

Class 421 - Make sure your ABrT clothing for Monday is neat, pressed and together. Be on time and come to school dressed in your dance attire that morning.

If you have any questions, email me at thereadingcafe@aol.com or call Dial-A-Teacher @ 212.777.3380 to assist you with other subject areas.

Take Care! : )