Blog Posts

Excuses Are Like...

8/27/2024

Respond to the following: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the commentary in the image?

NOTES:

**Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
**Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

1. Respond to the post. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.

2. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

5. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

6. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

7. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., August 30, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Flagrant Foul: Bully Ball Goes Off-court

8/18/2024

Photo: Getty/TikTok Composite

TikTok personality, Olivia Stabile, shared a 10-part series on TikTok about her girlfriend's birthday trip this week. It should have been an amazing birthday. Instead, it ended in the sudden breakup of her relationship with Sedona Prince, a basketball player for Texas Christian University.

At the end of the video series, Stabile read a text allegedly from Prince that said, “have an amazing life, Olivia truly I hope you find your soulmate … if you do want to post about our breakup, I will sue you and your family, my baby, until you can no longer put food on y’alls table.”

Afterward, a petition by Leah Cole on Change.org called for Prince’s removal from TCU’s basketball team. The petition reads: “Hold Sedona Prince Accountable and Remove Her from TCU Women’s Basketball Team.” The petition has over 148,000 signatures as of August 18.

Respond to the following: Talk about whether Prince should be kicked off the basketball team for her text.

NOTES:

**Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
**Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., August 23, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Finals, Finally

5/20/2024

I cannot believe that it’s time to go already! Up to this point, I STILL can’t believe I’m a teacher. From day one I never thought teaching was for me. I was five years in before I stopped calling it my side-hustle. 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 this way and brought me here. To you. As your teacher, and for many, your mentor and sounding board. In the most unsuspecting ways, you’ve all changed my life professionally and personally in every way. In these few months we've had together, I've tried to give you everything I have in me as a writer and as a teacher so that you can apply it to your own life. I didn’t do it just to educate you academically, but personally, socially and mentally as well because in this life, you will need it.

Every day I question whether I accomplished all that I could. Lord knows I tried. But I don’t dwell on shortcomings. Everything in THIS life happens exactly when and how it’s supposed to so I don't need acknowledgement for my deeds. Instead, “the proof will be in the pudding.” 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., used to drive me CRAZY with that, twin!” (But saying "twin" at 45 years old is crazy.)

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 connected with, have been extraordinary and heartbreaking. I would be remiss if I didn’t let each of you know that even when you didn't think I was, I was always watching. If we never said more than two words to each other, I know you. I saw you. I heard you. In some way, I helped you. I taught you lessons to ease your pain. I read you stories that lifted your hopes. I gave you grace in my gradebook when you needed a little joy. I gave you examples of real life when you needed to be humbled. It was intentional that NO student went unnoticed...in my class or in my heart.

Although it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s inevitable—we must. So, as you move forward in your lives, take these few things with you: always educate yourselves about something. Always watch or read the news as a fact-check against what you see or hear from social media. Remind yourselves of things you know. Educate yourselves on things you don’t know. Always go toward what’s challenging because that is the secret to success: discomfort. Be teachable.

To paraphrase the author, Chester Karrass, "you don’t get the life you deserve, you get the life you negotiate." What outcomes you get in your life, make no mistake about it: you choose this s**t with the choices you make, the decisions you fight against living with, or the struggles you try to avoid by taking detrimental shortcuts. I told you at the beginning of school: if you always do what you've always done, you're going to always get what you've always gotten. If you always do bad ish, life will hand you bad ish in a bowl. If you always do great ish, life will hand you great ish on a silver platter. Life is hard. But the journey along the way doesn't have to be. Do what makes sense. Always and all ways.

But no matter what you do, as I’ve done in my life, do it without abandon, without fear, without hesitation. Take risks, be the first, do something different, make a grand gesture. Question everything and keep forgiveness close. Own you. And never forget, Live What You Love! I Do! ™

—ms. d.

PS: My tag used to be: I write for the very reason I breathe. Now, it's I write for the very reason I breath, I teach to help teens succeed.

Until we meet again or not, be balanced. ‘Ase!

Guns Controlled?

5/6/2024

On April 24 at an Arlington high school, an 18-year old student was shot and killed by a 17-year old fellow student just before school got out. Earlier that month, on April 12th, a student at another high school in Dallas shot a classmate inside the classroom.

Since school started this year, there have been at least 20 school shootings. Shockingly, at least 14 were on K-12 campuses with at least nine dead.

How do we stop the violence and make schools safe for students? Some students and teachers have become activists and advocates for stricter gun laws and some teachers have quit the profession.

As of April 2024, about half the states in this country allow teachers or other school employees to carry concealed guns onto school property and inside the classroom. Also in April, the state of Tennessee joins 33 other states, becoming the 34th state to allow teachers to carry guns in schools.

Respond to the following: Explain whether teachers should be allowed to carry guns in schools and why.

Soft Around the Edges

4/29/2024

Notice: I do not own the copyright to this image.

Directions: Respond to the following:

Yikes! What is happening in the world of Gen Zers? That means YOU! So many changes are being made to make life more managable for Gen Zers because of their emotional reactions to some of the traditions in the world.

For example, most Gen Zers can't take harsh criticism or discipline from adults (parents, teachers, authorities); they are more sensitive to dark humor in comedy, films, and social media;

In schools, grading systems have changed to mandate that no students makes less than a 50, every student passes whether they deserve to or not, and teachers are advised to not use red ink to mark wrong answers. In the mean time, high schoolers can't read, write or spell and rely heavily on AI software instead of learning the structure of paragraphs and language. While the idea is to protect them from emotional damage, we have created a tone deaf society that can't write an authenic apology letter, business proposal, or college essay.

In sports, everyone gets a trophy and youth teams no longer keeps score. There's even "invisible soccer" where players run around a field pretending to pass, dribble, and shoot an imaginary ball without the pressure of handling a real ball so that every child can feel involved and contribute to the team's efforts. Even the toy company, Mattel, revamped Scrabble with a version that has a no-scoring option with helper cards to help Gen Zers not feel intimidated.

Critics want to know how this generation is being prepared for real-life and hard times. Some belive that so many mental health issues exisit because Gen Zers are not learning problem-finding, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills necessary to be productive adults that come from winning and losing and being competitive. Instead, we're producing a sensitive, trigger-happy generation over something as simple as a basketball game or dis track. What do you think? Has Gen Z in our society become too sensitive?

What Are You, Like, Saying?

4/1/2024

Directions: Respond to the following: The use of filler words such as "like," "um," and "you know" in contemporary speech is contributing to a perception that the current generation lacks articulacy and intelligence.

March 25th, 2024

3/25/2024

Directions. Answer the following question: How do you define success, and does it differ from society’s definition?

Tik Tok on the Block to Be Chopped

3/19/2024

Directions: Watch the video and respond. What are the ramifications? Why does it matter? Who will be affected? Because, why?

Life Be Lifing

3/5/2024

Life is a mosaic of experiences, each piece reflecting moments of joy, struggle, love, and learning. Amidst the hustle of assignments, tests, expectations, friendships, promise, and the future, have you ever paused to wonder about the bigger picture? Answer the following: Do you think there's a greater meaning to life than just living? If yes, what it is? If no, why not?

NOTES:

**Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
**Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., March 8, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Rapping Teacher

2/25/2024

Meet Ms. K. She is a make-up artist, singer, podcaster, social media influencer, and... a middle school teacher. Critics have said that there is no learning happening in Ms. K's class because she uses raps songs like SkeeYee (clean versions) to teacher her students. Click the image to watch a few of her YouTube videos and respond whether or not you think that this is okay to do in the classroom and why.

NOTES:

**Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
**Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a 0 whether you do the assignment or not.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., March 1, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Dying for Love

2/20/2024

TRIGGER WARNING (violence, death)

A tragic event unfolded where a conflict between two individuals escalated to violence then death. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex nature of human emotions and relationships. As people discuss this situation, the one thing that's repeated is, "they were a cute couple." It seems that social media forces us to look at the world, people, and relationships with rose-colored glasses or a distorted look. As the saying goes, "looks can be deceiving."

Directions: Click the image to watch the TikTok video and get the details. Then, consider at what point do you walk away from a relationship that you may not realize is toxic, until it is.

NOTES:

**Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.
**Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a 0 whether you do the assignment or not.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., February 23, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Hair on Trial

2/12/2024

Darryl George has had a bad hair day since August. So much so, the district superintendent, Greg Pool, took out a full page ad in the Houston Chronicle that said, "being an American requires conformity." Click the image and read the article, then respond to the following: What is the harm in Darryl George wearing his hair loc'd and should you conform to make others feel comfortable? Explain your responses in detail.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., February 16, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Tiny Tragedy

1/31/2024

TRIGGER WARNING:

sensitive content, violence, child death, emotional distress, legal/justice system, trauma, ethical dilemmas

Click the image above to read the link, then respond and explain your response to the following: Discuss whether a 5-year-old should be held legally accountable for murder and what the impact would be whether he is or not on his development, future, and the way he is perceived in school and by society.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., February 9, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

But My Mama Said...

1/30/2024

Respond and explain your response to the following: Parents should be legally responsible for their children's behavior, especially when it comes to serious crimes like bullying, assault, and drug use.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., February 2, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Homework. What?!

1/22/2024

Photo Credit: istockphoto

Respond to and explain your response to the following: Is homework beneficial? Explain your answer.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., January 26, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Seriously??

1/8/2024

Respond to and explain your response to the following: Skin color is a choice.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

3. Language. Do NOT use profanity.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., January 12, 2024 11:59 p.m. CST

Unfaithful Faith

12/18/2023

Respond to the following: You go out with your girlfriend/boyfriend for dinner at a new restaurant in a part of town you rarely visit. You are shocked to see your best friend’s girlfriend/boyfriend having dinner with a very attractive person that is not your best friend. From the way they are behaving, it is obvious they are more than friends: kissing, hugging, flirting. The couple finish their meal and leave without seeing you. They behave very affectionately on the way out the door. What should you do?

Switch & Bait or Switch

12/11/2023

Respond to the following: A trolley is running out of control down a track. In its path are five people who have been tied to the track by a mad philosopher. Fortunately, you could flip a switch, which will lead the trolley down a different track to safety. Unfortunately, there is a single person tied to that track. Should you flip the switch or do nothing?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., December 15, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

The Process

12/4/2023

What is your definition of success?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., December 8, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

Stamped from the Beginning

11/27/2023

What is the political, economic, and social context of the image above?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., December 1, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

Do You Know Who YOU Are?

11/13/2023

Think about the question above. What can you tell YOU about yourself...not the you, you show the world. Not the cape you drape over your soul when you walk outside to present yourself to world, but the unadulterated, unfiltered, authentic you.

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., November 17, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

Good. Bad. Ugly.

11/8/2023

What are the consequences of how technology has impacted teens (especially) and society? Is it all good? All bad? Why?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Sun., Nov 12, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

Monster Memories

10/31/2023

Share a story or two about your best Halloween costume ever and your most memorable Halloween experience!

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

3. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

4. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., November 3, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

Ghost Camping

10/24/2023

Two young men in their 20s, Josh and Dan, went on a camping trip together in a desert in New Mexico. They didn’t take much with them besides sleeping bags, food and materials for a fire. After they cooked their dinner, they fell asleep as they gazed up into the starry night sky. The beauty and peace of the trip were short-lived, however. In the early hours of the morning, Josh was startled awake by what sounded like Dan’s voice, but frantic.
The voice said, “Come here, quick! Look!” Sleepy and confused, Josh got up to see what his friend was talking about. He heard again, “Come here, quick! Look!” It sounded unnatural; a perfect repetition. Josh took a few steps forward, and then someone grabbed him from behind. He turned around to see Dan with his finger in front of his mouth, warning Josh to keep quiet. They rolled up their sleeping bags and left. They still don’t know who—or what—was trying to lure Josh away into the desert.

How can you explain that and what would you do after? How would you leave? Where would you go?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., October 27, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

That's SEW Not Funny

10/16/2023

It's that spooky time of year again - Halloween, a time when the air is charged with eerie excitement! Where I'm from in Louisiana, we are no strangers to tales that send shivers down your spine and shakes in your boots. As for me, I have an insatiable appetite for ghost stories! You know, those spine-tingling narratives that only old people can tell.

Fasten your seatbelts! Over the next two Fridays, We'll test the limits of your bravery and explore the darkest corners of the human imagination as we dive into these bone-chilling ghost stories. Prepare to be spooked...

There was once a man named Edward, who designed and built his own perfect house. He lived in it for many years until he eventually passed away. A new family moved in, but whenever they went into the basement—where Edward’s personal study had been—they would get the feeling that someone was watching them. One day, the father of the new family decided to fix up an old jacket, which every tailor in town had told him was beyond repair. So he went down to the old study, laid his jacket on a chair and then tried to see if there was anything in the old desk that could help him mend it. But the drawers were all locked, and he couldn’t find a key anywhere. The next morning, he came back down to find the key on the desk, all the drawers open and his jacket completely fixed.

moHow can you explain that and what would you do after?

NOTE: Vague responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block.

2. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. 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.

4. Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

6. How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., October 20, 2023 11:59 p.m. CST

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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.

Bridge Builders

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

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

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