LA Reflection, Blog 11 (The Post and The Herald)

Below, please answer the following questions. Your responses will help us make next year's summer academy even better than this year's.

1. What was your favorite reading activity we did? Why?

2. What was your favorite writing activity we did? Why?

3. Knowing that we, as teachers, are focused on reading and writing and must focus our sessions in those areas, what types of activities should be added or dropped next year?

4. Did you find that doing single day activities rather than long projects was more or less interesting? Why?

Journey Reflection, Blog 10 (THe Post and The Herald

Over the last four weeks you have been serving as a reading and writing intern for The Journey, ISAAC Summer Academy Magazine. As readers and writers you have explored many ideas, issues, and experiences that are typical among the middle school journey.

At the beginning of your journey this summer, we asked you to respond to the following essential questions;

What is a journey?

What can I learn form the journey's of others?

What can other's or I gain from sharing from sharing my own journey?

Now, that we have come to the end of our Summer Academy Journey we'd like you to respond to these question's again.

Take time to reflect on all the experiences you have had this summer at ISAAC Summer Academy 2010. Experiences may include classroom activities such as the stories and articles you read, writing experiments you participated in, afternoon activities, field trips, math projects, etc.

1. Make a list of all the things you've done on your reflection handout.

2.Then, review your list and circle 3 or 4 of your favorite readings, writing assignments, math activities, or afternoon activities.

3. Finally, write about your journey through summer academy, what you have learned from others and what others can learn from what you have gained this summer. Be sure to use specific detail when writing your reflection. (you may use the answer frame on the reflection handout to help write your reflection.

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms, Blog 9 (The Herald)

You read the article Pros and Cons of School Uniforms. The article states both sides of the argument. Now, it’s time for you to decide which side you support.

You have 1 question to answer on the blog today. Be sure to read the question carefully and answer it completely. Use your notes to support your answer.

The Leadership Team at ISAAC has been debating over whether or not to have students where a uniform. Some feel that wearing uniforms will help create a more professional and serious environment. This will help students focus and increase academic performance. Others argue that uniforms will take away from student’s individuality and identity.

How do you feel about uniforms at ISAAC?

After reading the article Pros and Cons of School Uniforms and hearing the pros and cons of uniforms write a letter to any member of the leadership team persuading them to agree with your opinion.

Dr. Johnson, Mrs. Salmon, Mrs. Fioravanti, or Mr. Howes

Called Out, Blog 9 (The Post)

Today you read the article, Called Out on your own. In the article you read about why and how to intervene when friends are engaging in destructive behavior. The article discusses behavior problems, warning signs and strategies that can be used.

You have 3 questions to answer on the blog. 

Be sure to read the question carefully and completely answer the question.

1.What is an intervention? Give two examples.

2.List 3 warning signs that someone needs help.

3.Imagine that you need to get advice or help of an adult to help a friend in trouble.  Use information from the article to write guidelines that you and your classmates can follow.

2.  

Same Time Next Year, Blog 8 (The Herald)

Today you read the short story, Same Time Next Year, on your own. The main character, Marla Nixbok is convinced that she's the best of the best. She is always ahead of her time and is certain that the world revolves around her. Bluford Planet, the new kid, is not intimidated, even though, Marla perceives him as a dweeb. Surprised by his confidence Marla is drawn to Ford in spite he is a dweeb. Marla and Ford can't resist exploring what appears to be a time machine left inside his basement. And before they know it Marla launches herself truly ahead of her time.

You have 2 questions to answer. Be sure to read the question carefully and completely answer the question. Use details from the story to support your ideas.

1. Does [something or someone] in this text remind you of [something or someone] in your own life? Explain and describe.

2. What do you think will happen next? Will Buford tell what happened to Marla? Will he ignore her disappearance? Will he be blamed or will others believe what happened? Will Marla be missed? by friends, parents, etc. Use information from the story to support your answer.

I Can Fight You on Thursday..., Blog 8 (The Post)

Today you read the short story, I can Fight You on Thursday, on your own. In the story Cliff Crumpleton, the school bully has made his rounds and Marshall McPhee is his current victim. Marshall does everything he can to dodge the fight. He even tried to trick Cliff into thinking he had a contagious foot disease. In the end, Cliff shows that brains can certainly dominate even the "badest" bully.

You have 2 question to answer. Be sure to read the question carefully and completely answer the question. Use details from the story to support your ideas.

1. Does [something or someone] in this text remind you os [something or someone] in your own life? Explain and describe.

2.What do you think will happen next, if Cliff realizes that Marshall has outwitted him? Use information from the story to support your answer.

2.

DON'T FORGET TO POST YOUR NAME AT THE END OF YOUR RESPONSE!

Surviving Peer Pressure, Blog 7 (The Herald)

Today you read the article, Surviving Peer Pressure. In the article, you learned about what peer pressure is, why people give in to peer pressure, how to walk away from peer pressure and peer pressure that is positive. You have a few questions to answer. Be sure to completely answer the questions and use information from the text to support your ideas.

 1. Describe two types of peer pressure. Support your answer with specific details.

2. Describe two thing you could do if someone tried to use peer pressure on you to do something that you knew was wrong. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

3. Imagine that you are a member of an anti-peer pressure committee and are expected to give a speech about peer pressure. Based on information from the article what would you want your peers to know about peer pressure? Write your speech now.