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.