Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Week 14 Updates and Homework

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, your right."  Henry Ford

One more week until the Holiday Break!
Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 53 - 56 today.  Be prepared, next week I'll cover 4 lessons as usual, however, over the break you will be responsible for an additional 4 on your own.



Logic:
I'm really glad to see that the Logic Day at my house really helped.  We'll plan another one or two if necessary next semester.  This week we covered Lessons 31 and 32.  Next week we'll take as much time as necessary to complete the last 4 Lessons and I'll send home the Final Exam as a take home to be completed over the break.

Literature:
I'm allowing you to choose your project from the Guide regarding "The Phantom Tollbooth.  Many expressed interest in the creative options rather than having to write another paper.  I can't wait to see what you bring in!


History of Science:
We're making great progress!  Now is the time to actually begin the experiments.  Please forgive me for the lateness of the email regarding the forms.  Don't forget to print them, they are a crucial part of your project.

Current Events:
It was an interesting day of debate to say the least.  As a teaser and final debate, several have asked to debate "Lions in Petting Zoos."  It's optional for those who want to participate.


Latin:
We covered Lessons 22 - 24 today.  Chapter 23 is a Review Chapter.  We'll try to cover the remaining chapters next week and you can review them over the break.


Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Week 13 Updates and Homework

"Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study."  Francis Bacon

ONLY 2 MORE WEEKS BEFORE THE WINTER BREAK!!  LET'S GIVE IT OUR ALL AND FINISH STRONG!!!!!

Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 49 - 52 today. 



Logic:
A good day today.  We were able to review the last two lessons and cover the next two as well.  Although there were only 2 lessons, there are 4 different exercises for homework.  Don't forget about Logic Day this Thursday.  Go through the book and mark anything you need help with from Lessons 1 - 30 so that we can have a productive day Thursday.

Literature:
Great papers for Crispin The Cross of Lead. This week read "The Phantom Tollbooth.
History of Science:
Great progress thus far.  I want to see everyone's Laboratory Notebook next week with the list of materials you'll use for your experiment, the required forms completed (I'll send a link to the website), and written procedures you're planning to to use to conduct your experiments.

Current Events:
Great work again this week!  Next week it's "Should the U.S. restrict trade with nations based on their ideology?"  To make it a bit easier, the teams that did the "pro" side this week will do the "con" side next week and vice-versa.


Latin:
We covered Lessons 20 and 21 today.


Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Week 12 Updates and Homework

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."   Source Unknown

Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 45 - 48 today.  For now, it's still a bit of a review and you guys are doing great!  Keep it up!!!


Logic:
I am soooo proud of you guys!!!  What an improvement since the last test! Keep it up and don't go back to your old habits, I know you can do this!  Don't forget this week's homework from Lessons 27 and 28...Exercises 26, 27 and 28. 

Literature:
The discussion for Crispin The Cross of Lead was amazing!  We all loved this one and had quite a bit to say about it.  I look forward to the papers next week.  See the guide for details.  It's the usual 500 words.


History of Science:
Next week I need everyone to have finalized their projects.  If you haven't already, please look at the websites I gave you for ideas.  I expect to see the final question you're trying to answer and background research on your topic - citing all your sources used in bibliography format (typed).  They should be in a binder/notebook.  We'll discuss the hypothesis next week so I know that you understand it.

Current Events:
Great work in debate again this week.  We weren't able to decide on a final topic for this one, so I'll keep looking at topics and email everyone.  If you have any ideas, let me know.


Latin:
Another great class today! Complete/review assignments for Lessons 17 - 19 (18 is a review chapter).


Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Wonderful Thanksgiving Opportunity to Serve the Homeless

What follows is a copy of the letter sent home today on behalf of our Westside CC Community.  Melissa Harrell has gone to great lengths to set this up.  Let's all rally around her to help with this effort!


Hi Westside Chapel Classical Family,

We have the wonderful opportunity to feed Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless community on November 14 at Center City Church.

They serve a meal every Sunday evening. Usually, this involves a plate count of just under 200. I would like to be really super organized so that we are efficient and communicate well with everyone. This is a list of what is involved. Please email me at LMKHarrell@gmail.com and let me know what you’d like to be a part of!

Thank you for taking time to make this a ministry to hurting people and for being an extension of Christ.


turkey/ham- for 200!
sweet potato casserole -2 or 3 large disposable aluminum pans each
green beans-2 or 3 lrg. disp. alum. pans each
dressing- 3 lrg.disp.alum pans
cranberry sauce- 1 lrg. disp. alum. pan
gravy-a crock pot full
rolls-for 200 (and butter)
sweet tea- as many gallons as we can get
cookies- 8 dozen or so
pies- dozen or so


****We also need someone to roll 200 napkins with plastic cutlery. It would be a nice touch if this could be done in a decorative way and put in flower pots to use as centerpieces.


**** We will need about 6 people to help serve. The group is made up of primarily men, so Dads and teenagers are preferred though Moms are welcomed too!



Thanks for your help!
Melissa Harrell

Week 11 Updates and Homework

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."  Eddie Robinson


Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 41 - 44 today.  Although we moved through it rather quickly, everyone seemed to grasp the information so again, keep up the great work.

Logic:
Today we discussed the most recent test and revisited Lessons 24 - 26, including the homework in an effort to make sure that everyone understood the content.  We will have another test on Lessons 24 - 26 next week so please avail yourselves to study and review.  I am not as concerned about us completing the book this semester as I am you having a thorough understanding of what we are able to complete.  As I stated in class, it is my opinion that if you cannot apply what you say you understand, them you truly do not have understanding.  Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  I am planning to have everyone over to my house for an all day Logic study session on November 11th.

Literature:
Good job on the papers thus far.  This week we'll discuss Crispin The Cross of Lead.


History of Science:
OUTSTANDING WORK ON THE SCIENCE SHOE BOXES!!!! I am really proud of the work and creativity shown in this assignment.  As I stated, this was to count as your Mid-Term grade and there was no score lower than a B+ in the entire group!  Don't forget to work on your Science Fair question.  You really need to narrow it down and start to prepare for the actual experiment.  I expect everyone to have their final decision and question ready for next week.

Current Events:
Great work in debate again this week.  Both efforts ended in a draw, so that tells me you're listening and preparing!  Next week it's "Dating vs. Courting" pros and cons.

Latin:
I am sooooo proud of you guys!!!  What a great Latin class today!!  Thank you for all of your efforts.  Now you see the benefits of all the practice with the charts, vocabulary and endings.  Keep up the good work and complete the homework for Lesson 15 and 16.


Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Week 10 Updates and Homework

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." Vincent Van Gogh


Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 37 - 40 today.  Although we moved through it rather quickly, everyone seemed to grasp the information so again, keep up the great work.

Logic:
We had our test today.  By faith we'll see great improvements from the last one.  We discussed Lessons 24 - 26.  Complete Exercises 22 - 25.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Literature:
Most agree that Where the Red Fern Grows was one of the most intriguing books we've read thus far. This week's paper will discuss in detail something you're willing to work to achieve or acquire for 2 years.  Don't forget to check the Guide for the specific questions you're to answer within the paper.  As always, it should be a minimum of 500 words and follow the checklist.


History of Science:
The great Einstein was the last scientist we'll research.  This week you are to prepare a shoe box containing items that will remind us of the accomplishments of the scientists we've discussed this semester.  You are also to begin your search for your Science Fair Project and write out the preliminary question you want to answer or prove.  Pages 57 of the Guide has great questions to help you get started.  Don't forget the Deliverables Sheet that was given out today.  On the back are a number of great websites that can help you get started and offer some ideas as to projects you may want to tackle.



Current Events:
Our experiment with the smaller teams seemed to work out very well.  So we will keep the same teams with the exception of my moving Robert to Jacob's team and Holland to Tode's team.  This week you are to research political campaign reform both pros and cons.  Again, I will draw names to determine which teams debate against one another and which team is on the pro or con side so don't forget to research both sides of the issue. 

Latin:
Make sure you're prepared and have complete Lesson 14.  I will pick up with Lesson 15 and 16 next week.  Mrs. Richardson is going to observe the class next week and give input and suggestions.


Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Week 9 Assignments & Updates

"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the prompting of a brave, determined spirit."  Mark Twain


Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 33 - 36 today.  Everyone seemed to grasp the information so keep up the great work.
Logic:
We discussed in great detail the previous test from Unit 2.  We also did a review of any information covered up to Lesson 22 in preparation for the test next week.  In an effort to help bring the grades up, I will include infomation from Unit 2 and Unit 3 up to Lesson 22.  Other than preparing for the test, there is no additional homework.  As always, take the time to do the Review Questions for each Lesson at the end of the Unit as well as the "Additional Exercises" for any Lesson you may have had questions or difficulty understanding.

Literature:
Great job on the journals!!!  This week we're reading Where the Red Fern Grows.  Even if you've read it before, please take the time to read it again and be prepared for disccusion next week.


History of Science:
Very interesting facts on Marie Currie; and the explanations on the Periodic Tables were right on.  We're working on the great Einstien this week.  See pages 55 - 57 for details.


Current Events:
As an experiment, we broke up into 4 teams this week.  Each team has to research and prepare to debate both the pros and cons of "Illegal Immigration."  I wil draw names to determine which teams debate against one another and which team is on the pro or con side. 

Latin:
Well, things didn't go as well today as last week.  Not everyone did the chart and vocabulary practice and there seemed to be a bit more confusion.  I don't know how to reach the class in this subject because not enough effort is being put on the subject at home.  With that in mind, we may have another parent to teach Latin as we move forward.

Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon