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Finals

5/31/2018

 

I cannot believe that it’s time to go already! Up to this point, I still can’t believe I’m a teacher. I thought teaching on the high school level was not for me. Until I started teaching, I had never lived my life governed by a clock. I awoke when I wanted. I rested when I wanted. I built businesses when I wanted. I lived what I loved. My life was calm. I meditated, walked and I wrote. All day. Every day.

Nevertheless, the Universe shifted and brought me here. To you. As your teacher, and for many, your mentor and sounding board. And in the most unsuspecting ways, you’ve all changed my life professionally and personally in every way. In a little over three months, I tried to give you everything I have in me as a writer and as a teacher. I didn’t do it just to educate you academically, but personally, socially and universally as well.

I’m not sure I accomplished all that I could. Lord knows I tried. But I don’t dwell on shortcomings. Everything in THIS life happens exactly how it’s supposed to. I’m humble enough not to need acknowledgement for my deeds. Instead, “the proof will be in the pudding.” That means, one day, you’ll  write something or read something or hear something that makes you say, “I remember my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., taught me that” or “my 12th grade English teacher, ms. d., drove me CRAZY saying that all the time.”

Nevertheless, this has been one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences of my life! The lessons I’ve learned from the countless personalities I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to learn, has been extraordinarily enlightening. I would be remiss if I didn’t let each of you know that I was always watching. If we never said more than two words to each other, or conversed incessantly, I know you; I saw you; I heard you, I enjoyed you, and most importantly, I uplifted you and listened to you when you had a light bulb moment. No student I had went unnoticed in my classroom or in my heart.

Although it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s inevitable—we must. So, as you move forward in your lives, and others, to the next grade, always educate yourselves about something. Remind yourselves of things you know. Educate yourselves on things you don’t know and always go toward what’s challenging. But no matter what you do, as I’ve done in my life, do it without abandon, with the notion that a Higher Power is always watching. Question everything and keep forgiveness close. Own you. And never forget, Live What You Love! I Do! ™ —ms. d. I write (and now I teach) for the very reason I breathe. . . Be balanced. ‘Ase!
Comment on the following: "Write a brief note expressing your thoughts about this school year: this class, my instruction, your progress, your growth, your fears for the future, your plans, challenges, highs, lows or anything you’d like to tell me.
​
It can be strictly school-related, personal, professional, goals—anything you want to share with me so that later when I’m thinking about my memories of you, I’ll have something that will help me remember you, and how you shaped the pattern for my following years as a high school teacher, mentor, listener and confidant.
"

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.
2. At the end of your comment, write Please post OR Please do not post.
3. This is a test grade.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Thurs., May 31, 2018 11:59 p.m. CST​​​

This is America Pt. 2

5/11/2018

 
Please click on the link below to complete this week's Mixed Ink assignment in Canvas. The assignment has also been posted here for your perusal.

Canvas

Picture
Last week, using this online platform we discussed things not always being what they seem. We took time to watch, analyze and interpret what we think the motive was for Childish Gambino's, "This is America."

This week, I want to take on the stories that are being told and the historical context that is being revealed throughout the video. Often, artists use symbols, motifs, innuendos, imagery and other literary devices to send covert messages about matters that touch them in some way. In exchange, they sometimes create timeless pieces that are discussed long after the lights have dimmed on the work itself. "This is America" is one such instance where an agenda is being presented.

In several interviews, Childish Gambino has refused to reveal his intent because he feels that it is not his place to explain what's in the video. He wants viewers to be free to "watch [it] and walk away with whatever you need to walk away with." 

Instructions:

1. Watch and analyze the video again.
2. List all of the symbolism you found with a brief interpretation of what you think it means.

3. You must respond to at least two other students as usual.
4. Complete a One-Pager based on the video and all the commentary you have written and read about "This is America." Click here for instructions on your One-Pager.
1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--
  • Be clear about your position
  • Provide specific support for your argument
  • Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
  • Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Mon., May 21, 2018 11:59 p.m. CST​​​

The following is for Seniors only!

1-4. Complete these items.
​5. Watch the video again, carefully. Then, in a well-developed essay, with a clear thesis, and clear TOK connections, "Analyze the strategies Gambino uses to convey his arguments about contemporary race issues in the US."


1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--
  • Be clear about your position
  • Provide specific support for your argument
  • Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
  • Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Thurs., May 17, 2018 2:45 p.m. CST​​​

This is America Pt. 1.

5/11/2018

 
Picture
Please have your parents watch, analyze and discuss the video with you for a clear understanding of the content/meaning.
For millennia, artists, of all genres, have created music that delve into social consciousness. The goal is to "awaken" society to anthropological, sociological and psychological problems and injustices and spark movements for change.

Unsurprisingly, from Bob Dylan's "Time's They Are Changing," Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," and Lead Belly's "Goodnight Irene," to Sam Cook's "A Change Gone Come," Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit," Nina Simone's "Mississippi Goddam," and Marvin Gaye's "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)," protest songs have ridden the waves of every generation of music that sails along because, more than any other art form, music is universal and far-reaching.

Today's protest songs are no different. They reach far and tell a different story about the false social constructs that portrays America as a
melting pot, the land of the free and opportunity, a place where all men, who were created equally, can be treated...well...equally.

But things are not always as they seem. And 
Donald Glover, Jr., aka, Childish Gambino, is letting the world know that the more things change, the more they stay the same, especially when it comes to ideological constructs such as gun violence, police brutality and racism that America is grounded in.

Watch and analyze the video above. Then, explain the meaning of the video and what the artist's motive was for making the video."

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--
  • Be clear about your position
  • Provide specific support for your argument
  • Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
  • Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Sun., May 13, 2018 11:59 p.m. CST​​​

Slavery...A choice?

5/4/2018

 
Critics
The View

Good Morning Britain

Revolt
Commentary
People are entitled to their opinion, right? Then why is it that every time Kanye West gives his opinion, it sounds bizarre, vapid and offensive?

He didn't disappoint when he appeared on a video that TMZ published on May 1st. He had some critics. He had some supporters.

The question remains, however, did he make some valid points? Some people feel that he is a genius because most geniuses are viewed as "weird," "crazy" or different. But at what point does your genius get in your way to be respected or taken seriously?

On the other hand, some believe that West is mentally ill and suffering a mental breakdown. I want to know what you think.
 

Watch the videos above..the large one with the image, then the links under the heading "Critics" that I have provided. Read the Tweets on the Revolt site. All of them. All..so that you can make some informed opinions. Then, let me know what you think below.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--
  • Be clear about your position
  • Provide specific support for your argument
  • Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
  • Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

Due: Sun., May 6, 2018 6:00 p.m. CST​​​

    Mixed Ink

    Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

    Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated. 

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    All subjects are vital to learning, but  English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...


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    • Be aware of current events
    • Write concisely
    • Boost critical thinking skills
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    • Follow directions
    • Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you

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