Advice for High School -Assignment

Ask for some advice from your parents (or guardian)  that will serve you throughout high school.  Make sure the advice comes with an explanation as to how and why it will be useful.  Record their thoughts and be prepared to share their ideas in your blog. 

Advice usually comes in one of three forms:

• Advice for - is a recommendation to pick a particular option.
• Advice against - is a recommendation to avoid a particular option.
• Information - supplies a piece of information that the decision maker might not know about.

Explain what advice your folks gave. Which of the three types of advice did you get? How will you use this advice in high school? (or why do you believe it will not help you?) Do you think others could use this advice?


Write at least three paragraphs using correct spelling and grammar. USE SPELL CHECK before you publish your post. Also remember the word "I" is always capitalized. If you want a better grammar and spell checker write your post in MS Word, spell and grammar check it there and then paste it into your blog post.

School in a Perfect World -Assignment

I have to say that I really enjoy school. I love the social part of it, visiting with students and staff every day. I like the structure of 48 minutes with one group then switch. I love the math and computer topics we cover during class time. I love learning new things.  But if I could create school in a perfect world it would look a little different.

For one thing virtual attendance would be available to all students. All classes would have a live feeds and if you weren't in the building you could still attend the class online. Student's often miss class for many legitimate reasons, including illness, appointments, vacations, and family obligations. Our school schedule is so inflexible when it comes to events in our life. I want an option for students to have it all. Live your life and get an education.

Second, students would have access to teachers as needed. Remember I am creating a perfect school. Teachers would be available at convenient times to work one-on-one with students. Learning happens best for all students in small groups or with a mentor. Students need the opportunity to ask questions and work through problems with the guidance of another person that can help them grow in their education.

Finally, I would get rid of the grading system. Grades measure the ability (or willingness) of a student to follow a procedure and produce a product. Don't get me wrong, those are important skills that should be taught and learned but it is not the only skills needed. I would prefer an evaluation system that indicates whether a student has the knowledge and skills to progress to the next level with success. I don't know what that would look like but in a perfect world I am sure I could figure it out.

Now it is your turn. Write a post and publish "School in a Perfect World". Write at least three paragraphs using correct spelling and grammar. USE SPELL CHECK before you publish. Also remember the word "I" is always capitalized.  If you want a better grammar and spell checker write your post in MS Word, spell and grammar check it there and then paste it into your blog post.

Social Studies Presentation Criteria

Mr. Dorr has assigned a portion of the text that you are to read and create a presentation. The criteria for this presentation and the layout are at my website. Click on the top link when you get to this page. You will notice that I scanned the first page twice.

Ten Things I Assume You Know

I hope there is nothing new here but just in case, check this out.

I believe I can (will, am capable, etc) ... Assignment

Many people learn about their belief systems through their everyday life. William Wissemann tells a great story about how he discovered that difficult tasks and obstacles can be broken down into small manageable pieces. You can listen to and read it  here.

After you have listened to the story write your own blog post and title it "I Believe I ..."

The post should be at least 3 paragraphs using correct grammar and spelling.  See my example below if you need inspiration or go to this page and listen to other teenagers telling their story.

I believe that we always have choices

I believe that there is always a choice.  As a teacher I hear "I can't ....." several times a day.  I can't get my homework done, I can't make it to class on time, I can't wait until the dance, etc... The interesting thing is that those statements are all lies. No matter what the situation or how bad things are, there is always a choice.

The problem is the choice is often not easy to make. Right now I am struggling with the choice of getting my school work done today or leaving school to enjoy the sunshine. It seems easy to choose to leave, but the down side is I know there are people counting on me to have lessons ready for tomorrow, papers graded and in the grade book, and my other duties completed. I have spent twenty minutes feeling sorry for myself and trying to get out of my responsibilities. Had I just done what needed to be done, I would be 20 minutes closer to leaving. I think I am making the right choice to get my work done before leaving but it is not an easy choice to make.

Sometimes the consequences of a bad choice makes me think I don't have any choice at all. Last week I woke up one morning and wanted to sleep in. I felt like I had to get up and get my family ready for the day and then get myself to school, and so I made the choice to do just that.  When I look back on that situation I realize that I had a choice to go back to sleep but the consequence of choosing that was too great.  I would rather get up and take care of my family than deal with all the trouble I would be in from staying in bed.

For me, knowing I have choices and that I am in control of what I choose makes it a little easier to do what needs to be done. The fact  that I am still at school working but know that I am choosing to do this makes it tolerable. 

Link to another post Assignment

Go read some of your favorite blogs.  When you find something you would like other people to see write a post about that site.  Include in that post a link to that site. Check out my example below.

Jimmy Dean from Food Reviews wrote about American Dream on April 11th. I thought his review was spot on and I bet you will appreciate his point of view.  On the other hand, if you are eating at home you must check out  Pass Around the Plate by Megan. The recipes there are fabulous, pictures are beautiful, and the directions are well written.

Blog List Assignment

Today I want you to add a gadget to your blog site. Add the gadget called "My Blog List" and post links to your favorite blogs. If you look on the right side of the page you can see my list.  Post 9 or more links to blogs you enjoy reading. Talk to your friends and get one or more friend(s) to post your blog to their list.

I will grade this 10 point assignment in the following manner:

• Up to 9 points available for your list of links to blog sites.  Blog site links must work and you will earn one point for each (up to 9.)
• 1 point available when your blog is on another person's list.

Have fun.

If you could cure ONE disease what would it be? Assignment

Many of us know friends and/or family with a disease or illness that is life threatening. Your job is to become an expert about that disease (or a different one of your choice) and write a post (AT YOUR BLOG SITE) that includes five or more facts about the disease and 1 or more things the reader could do to increase awareness, support a cure, or help individuals afflicted with the disease.  If you are having trouble deciding which disease you would like to learn more about, talk to family and friends and look at kidshealth for their comprehensive list. The post below is about ALS, a disease my brother is living with. If I could cure ONE disease it would be ALS.

My family and ALS

About a year and a half ago my family got some terrible news. My brother (in the center) was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.) ALS is a progressive disease that is nearly always fatal. It is the death of the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. In my brothers case, he has almost lost all muscle control in his legs.

Some facts about ALS that everyone should know include:

• ALS (AKA Lou Gehrig's Disease) was named after the New York Yankees Hall of Fame slugger Lou Gehrig who was diagnosed with the disease at age 36 and died two years later.
• ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries
  
• ALS is not a contagious
• Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS
• Life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis
• The disease is progressive and eventually attacks the muscles used for breathing.

Like everyone I know, my brother is an amazing person with so much to live for. He has two wonderful kids, three adorable grandchildren, the perfect wife and is loved by all his family and friends. I have never thought that life was fair but right now I wish it were (because he doesn't deserve this affliction.) He has always been there for other people and right now we get the chance to be there for him. I love you Mike.

If you would like to know more about ALS you can visit the official website ALS.org or go to Kidshealth.org and read their article.

Check out this color palette. I created it at colorcombos.com as an idea for the dessert dance. If you create a color palette that you want us to vote on for the dance please email me a link to your palette.  I will publish all the ideas you send me and we will vote on Monday, April 29.

Dessert Dance Theme Assignment

It is time to choose our Dessert Dance theme.  This weeks blog post should be why your classmates should join you and vote for one of the three choices:

• Glow in the Dark
• Neverland
• Night in Hawaii
• Other - You explain what that might be 

This is ten point assignment. You can earn six points with the quality of your argument by answering the following concerns. 

1. Why does this theme best suit our class?
2. What is your vision for decorations and photo booths?
3. What will you contribute to make this night special for your class?

Four points are available for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. pls dnt txt, write a paragraph or more like you would  for Mrs. Leonard.

Be creative and I look forward to your ideas.  Blog on!

What a Nerd!

Yesterday was dress like a nerd day. I love my school but sometimes I wonder why we don't get more participation on our spirit days.  Everyone looked like normal middle school students.

Have you ever felt like the luckiest person alive? Even for just a few minutes? That is how I felt today when working with my students. The kids in my class (a few are shown above) show kindness in so many ways to me and to their fellow students. Today I shared with the group that my brother has ALS and I was feeling sad about the situation. They responded with understanding, patience, and kind words and thoughts.  I couldn't hand pick nicer people to spend my days with. Thanks for being you.

Mr. Silva

Mr. Silva is a nice teacher, a great coach, and man with a great name. He is passionate about science, likes helping his students, keeps them focused and on task so they can maximize their learning.  He also has great hair.  It is wonderful to works with such a kind person.  

The Little Mermaid

Something fishy took place last weekend at Philomath High School Auditorium.  The middle school drama club put on The Little Mermaid and it was a huge hit.  We are so fortunate to have some of the most talented kids on the planet with wonderful supportive parents. Below are some pictures from the production for you to enjoy.