Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Week 3 Second Semester

"When I think of work, it's mostly about having control over your destiny, as opposed to being at the mercy of what's out there."  Gary Sinise


What an amazing group of young scientists!!!!  I am so proud of all the hard work that went into each and every Science Fair Project!  Your presentations were great and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that each of you would have done well at the Regional Science Fair had you chosen to participate.  Thanks for all your hard work and efforts!  A's across the board.

FYI:  I know the parents and upper Challenge students that viewed your projects will have rave reviews as well and I will get their feedback to you next week.


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 73 - 76 today. Don't forget to complete the exercises and stay on top of your weekly tests.



Logic:
I am really proud of how you guys are applying yourselves this semester in Logic.  We seem to be on track and keeping up really well.  Our first quiz for the semester is next week on Lessons 1 - 7 so please study accordingly and remember, you have to complete Exercises 6, 7a, and 7b as well.

Literature:
The "life lessons"  in the "short stories" are quite interesting thus far.  Our next story is "The Mansion" by Van Dyke.  This week you not only have to read it and be prepared to discuss the questions at the end, but you also have to write a description of the setting for your short story as well.  See the Guide for details.

Defeating Darwinism
We're moving ahead and learning the value of being able to argue and defend our beliefs definitively through both DD and Logic now.  Keep up the good work; the discussions are really great.  Read and outline Chapter 3.  Don't forget to take the type of notes that will help you to ace the final exam at the end including terms, especially those in italics.

Mock Trial:
We discussed many of the Rules of Competition today.  Don't forget to continue to become familiar with them and make notes of any questions or concerns.  This week you have to write the story of what happened in the case from the perspectives of both Officer C.M. Chaney and Joe R. May, the Pathologist.  Only use the facts outlined in the case based upon their statements and the evidence they've included.



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


Enjoy the week and weekend. 



Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Week 2 Second Semester

"There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can."  Henry Ford

It was great seeing everyone today.  Given the circumstances, it was just what I needed.  Thanks for the love and support during this difficult time.



Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 69 - 72 today. Don't forget to stay on top of your weekly tests.




Logic:
The Final Exams were returned today.  Parents, please look over them with your child and discuss them.  The final outcome/grade is up to you.  I believe tests show us two things:  1 - how much we've learned and 2 - where our weaknesses are so that we can overcome them.   In the meantime...we covered Lessons 3 - 5 today and did many of the exercises in class.  Complete the Exercises for these three lessons and note any questions or problems you may have.

Literature:
The "short stories" are going well.  Remember, we're reading in part to expose you to "the classic short story" and to give you ideas, themes, and concepts you can also incorporate in your own short story.  Keep that in mind as you read.  This week read Little Girls Wiser Than Men by Tolstoy and finalize your idea for your short story.  See the Guide for details.

Defeating Darwinism
What an amazing discussion today on the first chapter.  Read and outline Chapter 2.  Don't forget to take the type of notes that will help you to ace the final exam at the end including terms, especially those in italics.

Mock Trial:
We discussed a few more details of the trial and some of the things they should look for as they read the notebook.  Study the Rules of Competition and make notes of any questions or concerns.



Latin:
Mrs. Richardson did an amazing job with the Latin and will send out a separate email regarding your assignments.


Enjoy the week and weekend.  With all that's going on, I may not be available for questions and such. Thanks again for your love and prayers.

Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Second Semester, Week 1

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

We're back!!  It was really great to see everyone and get back into the swing of things.  I know we all felt as if we could use just ONE MORE WEEK! 

Keep in mind that if we get wintry, messy weather that interferes with our Tuesdays, we'll consider coming to my house that same week so we can make up the days and not have to extend our school year if that works for everyone.  They are predicting precipitation off and on all week and early next week so we'll keep you posted.  Just know that if Guilford County or Forsyth County Schools are closed or delayed we will be as well.  We have students in our upper Challenges that drive and we wouldn't want to chance their safety. 


Math:
Algebra ½ Students: We covered Lessons 65 - 68 today.  




Logic:
I'll get the Final Exams checked asap for you.  In the meantime, the exercises for Lessons 1 and 2 of the Intermediate book are to be completed.

Literature:
This semester we're working on "short stories".  The end goal is to have you actually write your own short story based upon some of the works we'll cover in class.  This week you have to read The Cop and the Anthem by O Henry and write out a list of a least 5 ideas for your story.  See the Guide for details.

Defeating Darwinism
Read the first chapter and outline it.  Remember you are to take the type of notes that will help you to ace the final exam at the end.

Mock Trial:
We discussed the trial and some of the details.  Now it's up to you to scan through the book, notice the layout and contents.  Read through the Stipulated Facts and Evidence and we'll dissect it next week. As you read, also begin to think about what role you'd like to play.


Latin:
Mrs. Richardson did an amazing job with the Latin and sent out a separate email regarding your assignments.


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 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