Sky Islands Pete

Leadership Wednesday 10/13 - HERE COME THE HAWKS!

2010-10-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Kathy Schroder will be visiting us today with a beautiful hawk. This should be interesting.

US/AZ History - Oct.13th, 2010

2010-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Moving on to Slavery in the U.S. finally. We will be looking at this from a different perspective. We will be using Zinn's Chapter 3. We will conclude this chapter on Thursday, discuss and then answer some questions.

Comparative Government - Oct. 13th, 2010

2010-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

We did a great job presenting our propositions and political platforms.

We are continuing our video on John Adams. Keep up on your notes during the video, but you don't have to overexert yourself on this. We just want to highlight the main ideas.

Exploratory English 10 - Oct. 13th, 2010

2010-10-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Great work with Animal Farm and our vocab this week. We will be wrapping up our vocab unit and preparing for a quiz by Thursday next week. Stay dialed in on those vocab exercises.

Creative Writing - Oct. 13th, 2010

2010-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

We are working on our first newsletter of the 10-11 school year. Most of you are working on your second article. Great work on the first.

US/AZ History - Oct.8th, 2010

2010-10-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

We watched the film - Last of the Mohicans to get an idea of how different Native American peoples were pitted against one another throughout the ongoing struggle between the English and the French.

Monday we will continue to discuss the history of slavery in the United States.
Please read the packet I gave you by Zinn.

Comparative Government - Oct. 8th, 2010

2010-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

We are going to present our political platforms on Monday. Prepare your views on 6 of the issues we discussed on Thursday. You will present those views to the class on Monday. We will continue watching our video - John Adams and discussing his role during the Revolutionary War.

Exploratory English 10 - Oct. 8th, 2010

2010-10-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Good work on Chapter 7 Animal Farm. We didn't quite finish it, but we sure enjoyed those hammocks while we read today.

Next week I want to get through a few more chapters and begin filming our scenes from Animal Farm.

Creative Writing - Oct. 8th, 2010

2010-10-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

We are kickstarting our class newsletter that will feature events, announcements and so much more.
Will this be the continuation of the Kestrel Courier or something else entirely? Well that remains to be seen.
It will depend entirely on what the students make of it. Stay tuned.

For Monday, I want the class to bring in their first publishable articles.

Leadership Wednesday Oct. 6th

2010-10-05T16:26:00.000-07:00

BICAS is visiting tomorrow. Bring your bikes!
Trips for Kids will be here too. They will be leading us on a bike ride.

US/AZ History Oct. 5th, 2010

2010-10-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

We watched a follow up film today about the Pequot War.

We will begin a new unit on Slavery in America on Thursday.

Thursday: please read the Zinn article for classroom discussion.

Exploratory English 10, Oct 5th ,2010

2010-10-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

We are reading chapters 3-6 this week. We will summarize and discuss these chapters throughout the week. We will be watching a video on Stalin & Trotsky on Thursday.

Comparative Government - Oct 5th, 2010

2010-10-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

This week we are wrapping up the Bill of Rights. Review the Bills and Ammendments - decide which ones you think are necessary and which ones might be left out.

For Thursday: Summarize your opinion of the ballot measures Clark presented to our class. Write if you are for or against each measure and why. Then describe 3 new measures that you think should be on the ballot this November.

Creative Writing, Oct. 5th 2010

2010-10-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

We are using our time to create posters and flyers for our upcoming Skytoberfest!

Keep coming up with great slogans and design ideas.

Creative Writing, Sept. 27th, 2010

2010-09-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Keep up on your daily writer's response. If you missed one today, please make it up by reviewing a classmate's notes. Or you could just ask them what today's poem was about. It is called The Return of Odysseus. It's good stuff!

Also, we may have a vocab quiz this week. Stay tuned, I will let you know by Wed.

For tomorrow you are supposed to bring a special item that "you have had trouble letting go of" You can bring it in to class or write down some notes about what makes it so special.

We will write about this item tomorrow in class.

Exploratory English 10, Sept. 27th ,2010

2010-09-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

We cranked up the grammar to a higher level today, but don't worry. We will take it in steps.

Today we reviewed the 4 types of sentences. We did two writing exercises in class. If you missed this assignment, please make it up.

We are reading Ch. III of Animal Farm. We will conclude this chapter tomorrow.

Remember the 7 commandments of Aniimal Farm?

Comparative Government - Sept. 27th, 2010

2010-09-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

It is election season.

The only debate between the candidates for U.S. Senate was held over the weekend.

Please read a news article related to the debate. Think about the platforms of the various candidates.

Decide whom you think would make the best U.S. Senator.

Write a 1/2 a page on this issue.

US/AZ History - Sept.27th, 2010

2010-09-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

After completing the video After the Mayflower we are going to write a longer response to this question:

How did generational differences between white settlers and Wampanoag affect the outcome of colonization? Examine the differences between Massasoit and his son, Philip as well as Edward Winslow and his son, Josiah.

For Tuesday I would like you to bring in a mind-map or some other brainstorming technique that illustrates your 3 main ideas that best answer the above question.

For Wednesday or Thursday I would like you to show me a 2 page rough draft of your five-paragraph essay. We will start drafting this Tuesday in class.

For Friday I would like to see the final draft of this 5 parapraphe essay. It should be typed by the end of the day Friday. We can use the classroom computers to type this up, if you do not have access to a computer. This can be done in class and during Prep 6.

Talk to me throughout this process and you should not fall behind.

Give it your best effort.

You can review the video and support questions at this site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/the_films/episode_1_trailer

Independent Study Students #1

2010-09-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings I.S. Students. I will use this blog to update you on assignments. Generally, this will provide a forum through which we can communicate.

Clark: Please prepare an overview of all the state referenda and ballot initiatives that will appear on this year's ballot. Sometime this week I would like you to present your findings to the government class. This presentation should include a handout for them to read and keep. It should also include something visual. This might be your lecture notes on the board or a you tube video - whatever you think is most effective.

Lauren & Emily: This week I would like you to do the same assignment as Clark's except your subject matter will be the various candidates. You can split them anyway you choose, but please do split them and each prepare an independent presentation.

I will be available during fourth period to discuss things with Clark and during Prep 6 to discuss things with Lauren & Emily.

Thanks,
Pete

Parent Teacher Conference - Follow up

2010-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

If any parents didn't get to meet with me during parent teacher conferences, and you would like to, please email me to schedule a time. Or you can email questions or concerns directly and so I can address them. pjburns@skyislands.org

It was very nice speaking with the parents I did meet during conferences. Thanks for your concern and involvement in your child's education.

-Pete

US/AZ History - Sept. 20, 2010

2010-09-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Please be sure to complete the answers to the questionnaire that goes along with the film we watched today on the History of Native Americans.

Comparative Government - Sept. 20, 2010

2010-09-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

For tomorrow, please read a news article related to the Mid-term Elections.

Fill out one of the current events summary forms for this assignment. You should try to write 1/2 page for summary and 1/2 page for opinion.

Exploratory English 10 - Sept. 20, 2010

2010-09-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Please complete your Grammar exercises - only two exercises today in celebration of Travis' birthday!

WE began reading Animal Farm today. Hope you are enjoying it!

Creative Writing - Sept. 20, 2010

2010-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Please complete the three in-class writing assignments.

For homework, please write a short story from a new point of view - someone other than YOU.
Try to write it with the ending in mind.

Looking forward to some interesting surprises.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES!

2010-09-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about P-T Conferences this week.
WED & THURS - 2-5PM

Come in and talk about your student's progress.

US/AZ History Sept. 16th, 2010

2010-09-16T15:27:00.003-07:00

Today we covered our second Daily History assignment. It was mostly about Gandhi and his hunger strike to protest Brittish occupation of India.

Your homework is to read in your packet on Soutwest Indians - read to pp 12 and answer question 3 &4.

Namaste!

Comparative Government - Sept. 16th, 2010

2010-09-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

We are starting a film today on the Russian Revolution. We will compare this revolution to the U.S. Revolution and other revoluions throughout history.

Your homework is to read pp 35-36 and answer these questions:
1) Why did England's King George III feel it was fair to tax the colonies in America?
2) Summarize the events of the First Continental Congress.
3) Summarize the events of the Second Continental Congress.

Exploratory English 10, Sept. 16th ,2010

2010-09-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

HW: Grammar exercises 1-5, handed out in class today. Absentees can pick them up tomorrow in class and turn them in at Prep Six.

We are quickly reviewing the Russian Revolution in preparation for reading Animal Farm. History meets literature.

Tomorrow you will be blown a way by a review of what was covered today - presented by our very own Eric H!!!

Creative Writing, Sept. 16th, 2010

2010-09-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Write a poem based on today's reading. YOu only have to do one of the following. Your choices:
1) Extend your last poem on "Why I don't want to get out of bed."
2) Write a new poem using personification.
3) Write a new poem focussing on Nature (the pastoral poem).

US/AZ History Sept. 15th, 2010

2010-09-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Please read pp 5-9 form the reading packet on the early history of native Americans in the Southwest.
Answer questions 1&2.

If you did not turn in your graphic narrative, please see me about partial points. It is important you don't get zero points for this project.

Exploratory English 10, Sept. 15th, 2010

2010-09-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

We completed the reading of Grimes/Hawley Heist.

You are to write a character summary for five characters from this story.

Next week you will have a vocabulary quiz. So please reveiw your vocab packet.

Creative Writing, Sept. 15th, 2010

2010-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Please study Vocab practice #4. There will be a quiz on Thursday after a quick review.

US/AZ History - Sept. 3, 2010

2010-09-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today we introduced the video America Before Columbus.

You can review your notes and try to write your answers to the questions presented in class today.

We will conclude this video on Tuesday.

Have a safe and satisfying Labor Day weekend.

:)

Comparative Government - Sept. 3, 2010

2010-09-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Good work catching up on some reading today.

We read pp 10-15 in our government packet.

For homework you are to read the two pages about requiring a test in order to vote.

Do the last three questions at the end of the reading. Basically you need to create a multiple choice test that people should be required to pass in order to vote. We will discuss these on Tuesday.

Have a safe and satisfying Labor Day weekend.

:)

Exploratory English 10 - Sept. 3, 2010

2010-09-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

Good work today reviewing parts of speech.

Today we wrote down various song lyrics and identified the parts of speech contained within each line.
We will continue this on Tuesday.

Please be sure to bring in song lyrics for at least two more songs.

Also, finish exercises 4-7 from your grammar packets, which were handed out today.

Have a safe and satisfying Labor Day weekend.

:)

Creative Writing - Sept. 3, 2010

2010-09-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Good work today.

We reviewed our narrative poems and 4 writing exercises.
For Tuesday please prepare 2 scripts to video record as "un-ads". Make sure they are content-appropriate for school :)

You can video record them on your own if you want, but I still want to see the scripts on Tuesday.

Have a safe and satisfying Labor Day weekend.

:)

Creative Writing - August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Good work on your short writing exercises today!

For Thursday please complete a 23-line poem that follows the rhyme scheme of Longellow's "Paul Revere's Ride".

This should be a narrative poem written in three stanzas, the first including an introduction, the second including the action (or explosions as Robert might suggest) and the third neatly concluding all of our ideas.

Good luck with this. Let me know if you need another copy of Longfellow's poem.

Exploratory English 10 - August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Good work on your grammar packets today!

For Thursday please read the short story about Frank Leslie. Answer the 6 questions included. Do not answer the last question as we will work on this together in class.

Enjoy!

Comparative Government - August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Good discussion today regarding the benefits and drawbacks of governmental power.

For Thursday please answer the three questions following "Debating the Issues". This is located on the last page of our in-class reading. After you answer those three questions, please include a bubble map of the benefits of electronic surveillance and the drawbacks to electronic surveillance. A bubble map is like the diagram we made today on the board.

This will be due Thursday.

US/AZ History August 31, 2010

2010-08-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Good work today presenting your "findings" about the Puebla artifacts.

Please use those findings and those of your peers to write a 2-page story based on an historical event. Include details from the artifacts in your story. You may want to include sketches of the symbols found on the artifacts as well.

Review the artifacts from the Huexotzinco Codex to help you.
An entire catalog of the Huexotzinco Codex (all the artifacts) is available here:

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=huexotzinco&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=Imd9TNLHNou4sQOLhOGCBw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDIQsAQwAw&biw=1440&bih=708

This story will be due Thursday.

Creative Writing, August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Please complete vocab exercise 3. There is only ONE side that needs to be completed for tomorrow. Do #3, NOT #2. :)

Exploratory English 10, August 30,2010

2010-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Please complete grammar exercises 1-16 through 1-20.
Complete Pretest 1 using context clues to answer vocabulary questions.

Comparative Government - August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

Please read the two pages handed out in class. Complete the notetaking handouts that go along with the reading.

Also pay attention to current events in the news. We will discuss these at the beginning of each class.

Thanks

US/AZ History - August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Use the copies of the latest artifacts. Draw the new symbols you see. Explain what you think they might represent. We will use these tomorrow in class.