Second Semester, Week 11 Updates and Homework

"And will you succeed?  Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!"  Dr. Seuss

Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 105 - 108 today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.  It seems as if things are moving rather quickly and smoothly and we're answering questions in class, however, if you have ANY questions or concerns, please continue to ask them in class or contact me if you need to do so. 


Logic:
We attempted to do most of the questions from Lesson 17a during class by working in groups at the board.  Again, this just takes practice, so work the problems in Lesson 17a and b as well as the Review problems for Lessons 13 - 17 to help you prepare for the quiz next week.  I want to make sure you understand how to use the Rules of Inference and Replacement before we move on to the next lesson. Do your best and we'll see how it goes next week.

BTW:  You will be able to use your copy of page 207 from the book for your quiz.  You don't have to memeorize the rules, just know how to use them.



Literature:
The final drafts with ALL revisions should be done this week regarding your short stories.  You will turn them in the following week, 4/12.  Also, you are to read "The Tell-Tale Heart" this week and be prepared to discuss it and answer questions.



Discovering Atomos
I'll return the DD quizes next week.  The Chemistry went rather well today.  Most felt it was easy.  We covered Lessons 1 and 2 and you are to do Lesson 3 at home as well as begin memorizing the Periodic Table.


Mock Trial:
Our first dry run helped show that we really need to work on our Opening and Closing Statements and witness questions.  Remember how I was able to pull questions from the witness statements that I wanted to use to tell the story from my point of view and attempt to do the same.  That's the purpose of asking the questions in both direct and cross examination.  Also, remember that you also need to ask questions of your witnesses to help establish who they are and their credibility, or lack thereof, to help substaniate your story as well.

Next week we'll attempt another dry run before the older Challenge students so that they can begin helping and critiquing us.


Don't forget, we'll begin staying a bit later next week.  We may run as late as 4:30 or 5:00.  It all depends upon how well prepared you are.


Latin:
See Mrs. Richardson's separate email regarding your assignments.

Enjoy the week and weekend.  


Blessings and Love,

Ms. Sharon

Second Semester, Week 10

"If you are truly flexible and go until... there is really very little you can't accomplish in your lifetime."  Anthony Robbins

It's the final countdown!!!  Only 4 weeks left!  The majority of the parents responded and voted to end the semester the week prior to Mock Trial, April 19th and not make up the week we missed due to my being out sick.

With that in mind, we've got to batten down the hatches and really get on top of our final projects such as Mock Trial and the Short Stories.

Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 101 - 104 today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.


Logic:
Well, our quiz didn't go as well as expected, but not to fear, it's the same place that my class a couple of years ago hit a wall as well.  We will continue to practice and work towards at least completing Unit 2 if we can. My goal is more or less to make sure they understand what we cover rather than actually completing the entire book.  Therefore, work on Lesson 17a, problems 1 - 8 and 13 - 14; as well as all the problems in 17b.  It will give you more practice with proofs. Do your best and we'll see how it goes next week.


Literature:
We traded stories with our Logic partners today for peer review.  Remember, give constructive criticism and feedback.  If possible, communicate via phone or email so that they can have an opportunity to possibly interject some of your feedback by next week.  You are also to read "The Hammer of God" this week and be prepared to answer the discussion questions.



Defeating Darwinism
I was somewhat disappointed today in that several actually forgot their study notes for the test.  I showed a bit of mercy and compassion by allowing those who needed it to use their books instead, however I also shortened the amount of time given to take the test as a result.  I'll get the papers back to you next week.

We'll begin Chemistry the next week, so look over the vocabulary for Lessons 1 and 2 and practice identifying  atoms and calculating atomic weight.


Mock Trial:
We're showing signs of progress in many ways!!!  This week I've asked that you get together with your respective teams, defense or prosecution, to being preparing your final Opening and Closing Statements, narrow down your questions for direct and cross examination, and begin preparing your witnesses for the stand. 

Next week we'll attempt a dry run to see where we are before I ask the older Challenge students to come critique and help.

Don't forget, we'll begin staying a bit later the week of April 5th.


Latin:
See Mrs. Richardson's separate email regarding your assignments.

Enjoy the week and weekend.  


Blessings and Love,

Ms. Sharon

Second Semester, Week 9 Updates and Assignments

"The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."  Abraham Lincoln

Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 97 - 100 today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.


Logic:
We discussed Lesson 16 and worked in pairs to complete several of the problems in the Exercise for the same lesson.  For many, this semester's Logic is flowing much better than last semester's and for others, it's still a bit of a blurr.  Don't give up!  It just takes practice and looking at all the rules.  I'll allow you to use a copy of page 207 for your upcoming quiz, but you have to bring in your own copy of it.  Remember, you'll work in pairs so you can help one another.  It will be very helpful to not only study the problems in the actual homework and the  Review for Lessons 13 - 16 because the questions will come from either or a combination of the two.



Literature:
Your Short Stories are due next week!  Everyone should bring in your story for peer review.  I will randomly have a portion of the class read their stories for input and critique from the class.  You are also to read "The Casket Scenes," "Iago's Intentions," "Paradise Lost", "The Pardoner's Tale," and "I Heard the Bells" this week and be prepared to answer the discussion questions.



Defeating Darwinism
This was the last week for DD.  Your final exam is next week, so please review your outlines and notes.  You may use them to take the test.  There are only 10 questions on the test, with one bonus question.

We'll begin Chemistry the following week, so please order the text if you haven't already.


Mock Trial:
A great class today!  I can tell many of you are putting in quite a bit of work regarding MT.  However, several are still lagging behind.  Remember what I told you in last week's email...

"It is your job to know your role/part inside and out.  As lawyers, you must not only know your case, but every thing about the case, your witnesses and the witnesses of your opponents.  If you are a witness, you must take on the persona of your character as if it were your alter-ego and you are striving for an Academy Award. Play time is definitely over and it's now game on! Any slip up, missed piece of evidence, or failure to know your character could cost your team the case.  While we're truly out to have fun and learn, we also want to put forth our best efforts to bring home the win."

This week you're to write questions for the direct and cross examination for the defense witnesses Barrett and McGuire.  We covered quite a bit of information during class that will be beneficial in this process, so I pray you were paying attention.  Also reread the sections on objections and court procedures (identifying evidence, etc.).


Latin:
See Mrs. Richardson's separate email regarding your assignments.

Enjoy the week and weekend. 


Blessings and Love,

Ms. Sharon

Second Semester, Week 8

"Lots of people limit their possibilities by giving up easily. Never tell yourself this is too much for me. It's no use. I can't go on. If you do you're licked, and by your own thinking too. Keep believing and keep on keeping on."    Norman Vincent Peale

Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 93 - 96today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.


Logic:
The Logic Tests were returned today.  In an effort not to discourage, but rather encourage, I did not put an actual "letter grade" on the tests, only marked those that were missed. We reviewed Lessons 13 and 14 today; as well as covered Lesson 15 and worked most of the problems in Exercise 15.  Complete the Exercises for all three Lessons by next week.

Literature:
The short stories today truly helped us to look at our lives and the suffering that took place in the life of Christ for us.  It was a moving discussion.  Continue working on your own short stories this week and read "The Necklace" this week and be prepared to answer the discussion questions.

Defeating Darwinism
Another week of great work on the DD Chapter this week.  I'll mix up the pairings next week so be prepared for more of the same with Chapter 8.  We are one week away from the Quiz and end of the book.  Chemistry will begin week 11 so if you haven't purchased Discovering Atomos, please do so.




Mock Trial:
Great Opening Statements!!!  I was really pleased with the effort put into this assignment.  Within the next few weeks, I'll ask that everyone email many of the papers written to the people/teams that will need them for further insight.

Parts were assigned today, so now the really difficult work begins.  It is your job to know your role/part inside and out.  As lawyers, you must not only know your case, but every thing about the case, your witnesses and the witnesses of your opponents.  If you are a witness, you must take on the persona of your character as if it were your alter-ego and you are striving for an Academy Award. Play time is definitely over and it's now game on! Any slip up, missed piece of evidence, or failure to know your character could cost your team the case.  While we're truly out to have fun and learn, we also want to put forth our best efforts to bring home the win.

I'll attach important information on writing your direct and cross examination questions for the three prosecution witnesses (Chaney, May and Porter) in the email.  This portion of the assignment is for EVERYONE, not just the prosecution attorneys.



Latin:
See Mrs. Richardson's separate email regarding your assignments.

Enjoy the week and weekend. 


Blessings and Love,

Ms. Sharon

Second Semester, Week 7

"Lots of people limit their possibilities by giving up easily. Never tell yourself this is too much for me. It's no use. I can't go on. If you do you're licked, and by your own thinking too. Keep believing and keep on keeping on."    Norman Vincent Peale

Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 89 - 92 today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.


Logic:
I've not graded all the tests, however, it appears most did well, with the exception of the a few of the truth tables.  Now that you know which ones I took from the Review Chapters, brush up and I may give you a chance to redeem yourselves with similar tables next week.  Although the Guide suggested only covering Lesson 13, we actually did 13 and 14 because they both cover the same information and compliment each other so well.  If you have problems, we'll address them next week.  In the meantime, try to complete all of the exercises for both lessons.  I'm sure you can do it. ;0)

Literature:
Several people have made major progress on your Short Stories (BRAVO!), however, your length is a bit of a concern.  It's a "short story", not a miniture novel so DO NOT turn in a paper longer than 10 pages.  That's a bit extreme.  You guys are truly amazing writers and I know it's tempting, but hold back and make sure that there's meat, depth, and flavor enough to show all of your gifts and talents within the constraints of the 10 pages.  And for those who feel you could never write 10 pages, it's really okay.  As you can see from the stories we've read, it doesn't always take length to teach a lesson; make a point; add meaning; depth and heart to a situation for your reader.

Read "Father Zossima's Brother" and "The Startling Painting" this week and be prepared to answer the discussion questions.

Defeating Darwinism
Great work on the DD Chapter this week.  I'll mix up the pairings next week so be prepared for more of the same with Chapter 7.


Mock Trial:
WOW!  I am so proud of you guys!  You're starting to come together and use your critical thinking skills with MT!!!  Great work on your defense presentations.  This week is a big task, writing the Opening Statements for both the defense and the prosecution.  I'll send the "Goldilocks" Opening Statement and a breakdown of what you need to include in your statements separately.  Keep up the good work!  I hope to narrow down the assignment of parts by next week.



Latin:
See Mrs. Richardson's separate email regarding your assignments.

Enjoy the week and weekend. 


Blessings and Love,

Ms. Sharon