Blog Posts

Finish the Story...

9/25/2021

"A husband came home and saw that his wife..."

Finish this story (but read "The Catch" below first):

The Catch:

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. You can only write nine (9) words. Respond in no more than nine (9) words and no less than nine (9) words.

3. Your nine words cannot be the same or close to what someone else wrote. (See example below)

4. The story has to be a complete thought. It's a 18-word story. I've given you the beginning in nine (9) words. Now, you have to write the middle and ending in nine (9) words only!

5. You DO NOT have to respond to other stories.

Example:

Okay: You must write an original nine words that come from your imagination.

Not Okay: You must write nine words from your own imagination so get busy.

Those two sentences sound alike so the second one is not acceptable. So in other words, do not rearrange someone else's words. Use your own thinking, imagination and critical thinking skills to add your own words.

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. 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 1, 2021 11:59 p.m. ICT

Are You What You Eat?

9/20/2021

Respond to the quote above.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Respond in no more than five (5) sentences and no less than three (3). This helps you write more concisely and think more critically.

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.

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. 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., September 24, 2021 11:59 p.m. ICT

But...Wait..

9/12/2021

Respond to the image above.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Respond in no more than five (5) sentences and no less than three (3). This helps you write more concisely and think more critically.

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.

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. 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., September 17, 2021 11:59 p.m. ICT

Like. Follow. Friend. Share...PLEASE?

9/5/2021

Motivation

12/14/2020

1. Click on the image above to be taken to the site where the images are housed.

2. Choose an image that intrigues you.

3. Explain what you think the photographer's motivation was for shooting that image, and for shooting the image in the way that it was taken. Also explain what it is about the image that makes it important enough to represent 2020.

Due Fri., December 18, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Perceptions

12/1/2020

1. NAME: Write your nickname.

2. Respond to the image above in EXACTLY three sentences.

3. Respond to two other posts from any students (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).

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, 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 4, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Mission Impossible

11/15/2020

The hinge on the wooden cupboard snapped. The door slammed onto the counter, smashing the cookie jar. Wood and glass spewed onto the floor. "No," Dakota screamed! "I've gotta make it downtown in time!" She tiptoed over the broken pieces and out of the kitchen. Dakota dashed down the hall and grabbed her keys off the entryway table. "Ring!" The phone pierced. Dakota stopped. Puzzled. Hairs on her neck and arms stood at attention. She turned, slowly, and glared at the painting on the wall. The phone in the painting of the iconic, red phone box from London, was ringing.

Finish the story in EXACTLY 100 words. No more. No less. A few things: your story MUST include the following words: downtown, ring and broken. AND, most importantly, your story MUST be a flawless continuation of the story you respond to. At the end, there should only be ONE story.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name.

2. Must be EXACTLY 100 words.

3. Respond to only ONE other post from any student.

4. Your story must be a flawless continuation of the story you choose to respond to.

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. 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 20, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Insanity

11/7/2020

242 Comments

Respond to the following quote: If you always do what you've always done, you're going to always get what you've always gotten.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Respond in no more than five (5) sentences and no less than three (3).

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.

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. 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 13, 2020 11:59 p.m. IC

242 Comments

Eyes Wide Shut

10/31/2020

270 Comments

Respond to the text in the box above.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Respond in no more than five (5) sentences and no less than three (3).

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.

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. 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 6, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

270 Comments

Communication is Key!

10/24/2020

246 Comments

Communicating means sharing together, explaining together, thinking together, agreeing and disagreeing. Together. With each other, not with others. The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said...to each other. Not to others. Great communication bridges confusion and clarity. Weak communication brings calamity. Analyze the image, then respond to the text below it.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

2. Respond in no more than five (5) sentences and no less than three (3).

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.

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. 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 30, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

246 Comments

Luck or Preparation?

10/18/2020

262 Comments

Analyze the image and respond to the following quote: Luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity.

1. INCLUDE: Nick Name AND Class Block.

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.

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. 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 23, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

262 Comments

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Shelter or Not?

4/19/2020

History is being made and you are living directly in its footpath. In fact, you are the historians of this time. How will you conduct yourselves? As a clue, this 9-week series has been created for you to share your experiences during the COVID-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. It is not only responsible but imperative that you document this history as it is happening so that, later, you can not only reflect on it but hopefully, learn, teach and evolve from it.

Through creative partnerships, selected short stories, blog posts, images, audio and videos will be published on #WhenTeensWrite, an online teen library. And in collaboration with ART | library deco, an online digital art library, all your submissions will be archived in their online repository in 2021.

Over the next nine weeks, you will write about the different effects that the COVID-19 virus is having on you, your family, your neighbors, teachers, friends and people around the world. Each week, you will tackle a different category to gauge the mindsets of other teens and how you are coping.

The world is living in a very challenging time. How did we get here? Why did we get here? Here means that families are being forced to eat together. Couples are being forced to spend time together. Individuals are being forced to think differently about how we do things: shop, interact, socialize, worship. Businesses are being forced to rethink how they service their customers. It is as if that the Universe, or an energy higher than ourselves, is sending a profound message that the world needs to slow down and rethink or recognize what is really important. It took a potentially deadly virus to do it.

And slow down, we have. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that's wreaking all kind of havoc around the world. It is stirring turmoil economically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, mentally, familially, romantically, academically, technologically, nutritionally and medically, as fast as it's being spread.

You are going to discuss these collections of turmoil so that the world can know out what you think. Of all generations, I believe that the Gen Zers, you, are the most effected because this will go down as one of the most impactful occurrences in your history. The following is Week 5.

In late March, local government officials began issuing Shelter-in-Place or Shelter-at-Home orders. This means that people are mandated by the government to stay at home and not go out in public. The idea is that this measure could help limit the spread of the virus. As a result, nonessential businesses had to close and people's movements were limited. The media soon began reporting that in areas where people obliged the order, spread of the virus was slowing. However, soon, the orders were being extended and in cities in some states, people began protesting the orders. On the other end of the spectrum, people appreciated the efforts of the government to protect the public. Whatever the effects, it has been a roller coaster ride from coast to coast. And in the end, to Shelter-in-Place or not to Shelter-in-Place, that is the question.

Read this post in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically, respectfully and with fidelity on the following prompt: In explicit detail, discuss your observations with how people you know and other people in the community are handling Shelter-in-Place and Stay-at-Home orders. Make observations about how we, in the United States, compare with other countries and the impact you think general behavior will impact the near future.

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.

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. 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 Friday, April 24, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

COVID-9TEEN Edition: How Are You?

4/17/2020

History is being made and you are living directly in its footpath. In fact, you are the historians of this time. How will you conduct yourselves? As a clue, this 9-week series has been created for you to share your experiences during the COVID-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. It is not only responsible but imperative that you document this history as it is happening so that, later, you can not only reflect on it but hopefully, learn, teach and evolve from it.

Through creative partnerships, selected short stories, blog posts, images, audio and videos will be published on #WhenTeensWrite, an online teen library. And in collaboration with ART | library deco, an online digital art library, all your submissions will be archived in their online repository in 2021.

Over the next nine weeks, you will write about the different effects that the COVID-19 virus is having on you, your family, your neighbors, teachers, friends and people around the world. Each week, you will tackle a different category to gauge the mindsets of other teens and how you are coping. The following is Week 4.

The world is living in a very challenging time. How did we get here? Why did we get here? Here means that families are being forced to eat together. Couples are being forced to spend time together. Individuals are being forced to think differently about how we do things: shop, interact, socialize, worship. Businesses are being forced to rethink how they service their customers. It is as if that the Universe, or an energy higher than ourselves, is sending a profound message that the world needs to slow down and rethink or recognize what is really important. It took a potentially deadly virus to do it.

And slow down, we have. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that's wreaking all kind of havoc around the world. It is stirring turmoil economically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, mentally, familially, romantically, academically, technologically, nutritionally and medically, as fast as it's being spread.

You are going to discuss these collections of turmoil so that the world can know out what you think. Of all generations, I believe that the Gen Zers, you, are the most effected because this will go down as one of the most impactful occurrences in your history.

In Week 4, you will discuss your wellbeing. These past few months are revealing something about ourselves: our moxy, our creativity, our humanity, our discipline especially, and more. During this time, how we take care of ourselves is critical. More than ever, being balanced with our mental, emotional, physical and social health should come before anything else we make priority. How we're eating, what we're eating; how we're coping; how we are handling the "cabin fever" that I'm sure for some has settled in and made itself home, wreaking all kind of havoc. How we're taking care of our bodies, minds and souls is being talked about on the news, social media and in many homes, and the state of our finances are in a state of emergency for many. It's a huge topic that cannot be ignored.

Read this post in its entirety. Consider it, get your thoughts together and meet me on Google Meets tonight at 8 p.m. to discuss. Instructions for joining the discussion will be sent closer to the discussion time. Check here, then, for the link.

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. 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 Friday, April 17, 2020 8:00 p.m. CST

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Disruption

4/6/2020

History is being made and you are living directly in its footpath. In fact, you are the historians of this time. How will you conduct yourselves? As a clue, this 9-week series has been created for you to share your experiences during the COVID-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. It is not only responsible but imperative that you document this history as it is happening so that, later, you can not only reflect on it but hopefully, learn, teach and evolve from it.

Through creative partnerships, selected short stories, blog posts, images, audio and videos will be published on #WhenTeensWrite, an online teen library. And in collaboration with ART | library deco, an online digital art library, all your submissions will be archived in their online repository in 2021.

Over the next nine weeks, you will write about the different effects that the COVID-19 virus is having on you, your family, your neighbors, teachers, friends and people around the world. Each week, you will tackle a different category to gauge the mindsets of other teens and how you are coping. The following is Week 3.

The world is living in a very challenging time. How did we get here? Why did we get here? Here means that families are being forced to eat together. Couples are being forced to spend time together. Individuals are being forced to think differently about how we do things: shop, interact, socialize, worship. Businesses are being forced to rethink how they service their customers. It is as if that the Universe, or an energy higher than ourselves, is sending a profound message that the world needs to slow down and rethink or recognize what is really important. It took a potentially deadly virus to do it.

And slow down, we have. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that's wreaking all kind of havoc around the world. It is stirring turmoil economically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, mentally, familially, romantically, academically, technologically, nutritionally and medically, as fast as it's being spread.

You are going to discuss these collections of turmoil so that the world can know out what you think. Of all generations, I believe that the Gen Zers, you, are the most effected because this will go down as one of the most impactful occurrences in your history.

In Week 3, you will write about disruption. There's never a time when you can prepare for your life to be disrupted. A disruption is an intrusion of your normal habits or schedule or plans. You surely couldn't have imagined just two months ago that your life would be such as it is now. The changes, the discomfort, the uncertainty.

Read this post in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically, respectfully and with fidelity on the following prompt: In vivid detail, explain how the magnitude of the Corona virus has disrupted your life: school, work, relationships, home, etc.

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.

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. 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 Friday, April 10, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Creativity

3/30/2020

History is being made and you are living directly in its footpath. In fact, you are the historians of this time. How will you conduct yourselves? As a clue, this 9-week series has been created for you to share your experiences during the COVID-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. It is not only responsible but imperative that you document this history as it is happening so that, later, you can not only reflect on it but hopefully, learn, teach and evolve from it.

Through creative partnerships, selected short stories, blog posts, images, audio and videos will be published on #WhenTeensWrite, an online teen library. And in collaboration with ART | library deco, an online digital art library, all your submissions will be archived in their online repository in 2021.

Over the next nine weeks, you will write about the different effects that the COVID-19 virus is having on you, your family, your neighbors, teachers, friends and people around the world. Each week, you will tackle a different category to gauge the mindsets of other teens and how you are coping. The following is Week 2.

The world is living in a very challenging time. How did we get here? Why did we get here? Here means that families are being forced to eat together. Couples are being forced to spend time together. Individuals are being forced to think differently about how we do things: shop, interact, socialize, worship. Businesses are being forced to rethink how they service their customers. It is as if that the Universe, or an energy higher than ourselves, is sending a profound message that the world needs to slow down and rethink or recognize what is really important. It took a potentially deadly virus to do it.

And slow down, we have. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that's wreaking all kind of havoc around the world. It is stirring turmoil economically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, mentally, familially, romantically, academically, technologically, nutritionally and medically, as fast as it's being spread.

You are going to discuss these collections of turmoil so that the world can know out what you think. Of all generations, I believe that the Gen Zers, you, are the most effected because this will go down as one of the most impactful occurrences in your history.

For Week 2, we will write about creativity. As people grow bored, restless or even inspired, ideas are springing up all around. It kind of reminds me about Black history I've read where out of a need derived an invention. Now, fast-forward more than 100 years, out of necessity, people are getting inventive. Singers/musicians are doing social media concerts, DJ's are streaming live, cosmetologists are doing how-to videos to help the masses groom their hair and fitness gurus are doing live workout sessions.

Read this post in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically, respectfully and with fidelity on the following prompt: What other ways will people use their creativity to become innovators, and once we are clear of this crisis, how do you think the world will be changed by these innovations?

Due Friday, April 3, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Social Distancing

3/22/2020

History is being made and you are living directly in its footpath. In fact, you are the historians of this time. How will you conduct yourselves? As a clue, this 9-week series has been created for you to share your experiences during the COVID-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. It is not only responsible but imperative that you document this history as it is happening so that, later, you can not only reflect on it but hopefully, learn, teach and evolve from it.

Through creative partnerships, selected short stories, blog posts, images, audio and videos will be published on #WhenTeensWrite, an online teen library. And in collaboration with ART | library deco, an online digital art library, all your submissions will be archived in their online repository in 2021.

Over the next nine weeks, you will write about the different effects that the COVID-19 virus is having on you, your family, your neighbors, teachers, friends and people around the world. Each week, you will tackle a different category to gauge the mindsets of other teens and how you are coping. The following is Week 1.

The world is living in a very challenging time. How did we get here? Why did we get here? Here means that families are being forced to eat together. Couples are being forced to spend time together. Individuals are being forced to think differently about how we do things: shop, interact, socialize, worship. Businesses are being forced to rethink how they service their customers. It is as if that the Universe, or an energy higher than ourselves, is sending a profound message that the world needs to slow down and rethink or recognize what is really important. It took a potentially deadly virus to do it.

And slow down, we have. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that's wreaking all kind of havoc around the world. It is stirring turmoil economically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, mentally, familially, romantically, academically, technologically, nutritionally and medically, as fast as it's being spread.

You are going to discuss these collections of turmoil so that the world can know out what you think. Of all generations, I believe that the Gen Zers, you, are the most effected because this will go down as one of the most impactful occurrences in your history.

This week, Week 1, I want to start with social distancing. Social distancing means keeping your distance from other human beings: no physical connectivity, no social gatherings, no touching, and keeping yourself isolated in case others are infected with COVID-19. It is now the new normal, the new world in which we live.

Read this post in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically, respectfully and with fidelity on the following prompt:

Post your honest thoughts about the impact that social distancing is having on the world.

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.

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. 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 Friday, March 27, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

Struggle. Stay. Slay.

3/8/2020

This is an old post. It didn't make the cut when Weebly's system shut down some weeks ago. So, although it's not a new story, I want to get your opinions on it. Here you are:

Another star dimmed. Another bright light, extinguished. Former NBA player, Andre Emmett, was was shot and killed in Old East Dallas early last Monday morning. His homicide almost mirrors that of slain rapper, Nipsey Hussle. You know the M.O.: Struggled growing up. Made it. Stayed in the hood. Slayed in the hood.

It seems almost inevitable that jealousy, rage, hate, pity and other cousins of these vile feelings will no doubt claim the life of a neighborhood superstar; those who want to stay and do good for, by and in their same old neighborhoods. But is that possible? Can you stay in your same "hood" once you reach a certain status and expect to be treated with the same equalness that you did when you were a nobody? Hussle and Emmett are not the only two. There are countless others who tried to have the same friends, the same home, hang about in the same areas. Unfortunately, it cost them and their families the ultimate price: their lives.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts about whether a person can become famous and still remain true and loyal to their old neighborhood.

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.

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. 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 Friday, March 13, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Child Care...

3/4/2020

8 Comments

When it comes to matters of the heart in relationships, sometimes people get it all wrong. And that's okay because it's how we learn, right? A lesson bought is a lesson taught.

But, the narrative hits a little different when you add children to the mix. Taking your love hits out on the kids is not only the wrong way to handle your break up, it's hurtful, harmful and heart-piercing to the child. It makes the child thinks they have to choose a side..choose one parent to love over the other. And that, is wrong on so many levels.

It's the first spark that leads to the emotional fire that the child will have to endure their entire life. It can evoke mommy issues, daddy hate or life-long feelings of abandonment within the child. They hear mommy attacking the integrity of daddy and experience daddy distancing himself from the child because he can't deal with mommy's stunts. Typical baby momma/baby daddy drama.

Not too long ago on social media, a mother was upset with her baby-daddy because he gave their daughter a beauty day experience and got her hair braided. To prove her anger, the mother humiliated the child by cutting her hair off on the sidewalk of her apartments. The year before, the mother smashed her birthday cake in front of the child because the daddy bought it.

This time, singer, Lyfe Jennings, ranted on social media because actress, Eva Marcille, changed the last name of her daughter to the surname of her new husband, a man who is not the child's father. According to an article in rolling out, Lyfe was outraged.

“I think this is so wack. Changing ya daughter’s last name from her father’s to someone else’s. Especially when the father tries to see her,” he said, according to The Shade Room’s Instagram page. “The daughter don’t have anything to do with their beef. And what kind of man allows this????? S— pissed me off. I expected better out of Eva. S— personal to me. I’ve been there.”

The same article said rapper/actor Lil Scrappy put in his two cents as well.

“Yeah that’s wack af if the dad wants to b in her life I understand moving on but changing ya kid name is like writing her history over and her not knowing where she comes from , she’s black and needs to get it together.”

Well, there always has to be one somebody who flows the opposite of the stream. rolling out noted that an Instagram user had a different feel than Lyfe and Lil Scrappy. He said, “It got changed to the name putting in the most work.”

Is that the way things work? Erase a child's past because another person is "doing?"

Instructions: Read the commentary above. Once you've assessed the situation from many sides, respond to the following: "Should custodial parents change the last name of their child(ren) to their new partner's last name when they marry?"

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

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

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. 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 Friday, March 6, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

8 Comments

Airing Dirty Laundry

2/11/2020

Gayle King. Lisa Leslie. Snoop Dogg. Oprah Winfrey. A debacle.

Last week, Oprah Winfrey's bestie, Gayle King, conducted an interview with basketball star, Lisa Leslie, that turned sour when she brought up questions about rape charges against Kobe Bryant that he was acquitted for back in 2004.

Afterward the interview, celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Boosie Badazz took to social media to explain in no uncertain terms how upset they were about King's line of questioning. They used some deeply demeaning words to reveal how they felt about King's interview. In his post, Snoop called King a "Funky doghead b****," and told her to "Respect the family and back off b****, before we come get you."

Kobe fans weren't too pleased either. In fact, they were outraged and proved how much by posting death threats against King on social media. Their posts prompted King to hire security.

On the flip side of the coin, supporters of Gayle King also took to social media and television to express their support for King, their anger over the posts and the lack of attention from the media to respond to Snoop Dogg's comments. Oprah went on television to express that King is "not doing well," and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, took matters into her own hands and responded directly back at Snoop Dogg.

"Gayle King is one of the most principled, fair and tough journalists alive. Snoop, back the **** off. You come for @GayleKing, you come against an army. You will lose, and it won’t be pretty," she posted.

After this and other posts, the issue has taken a slight turn. Now, the anger is no longer about Kobe and King, but about black women being disrespected. Now, headlines are beaming: #IStandWithGayle to point to the notion that black women have to work twice as hard, but do not receive the support they should, and that the world today is heavily engulfed in a "dragging culture" where, when we don't agree with someone, we viciously drag their name/reputation through the proverbial mud on social media.

It's a complete mess.

Respectable people are showing sides of their character that is unbecoming. It just goes to show that people are still grieving and the magnitude of the impact that Kobe Bryant had on people's lives.

There's an adage: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt." But in this case, it seems the opposite. Words have hurt and are still hurting because people are airing those words on social media and television for all the world to see.

Instructions: Read the commentary above. Click on the image to read the article and watch the social media clips that were mentioned. Once you've assessed the situation from many sides, respond to the following: What is the relationship between freedom to say/do as we choose and responsibility?

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

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

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. 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 Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

February 04th, 2020

2/4/2020

Instructions: Analyze the image and write what you believe it means.

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

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

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. 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 Friday, February 7, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

The Black Mamba

1/28/2020

The entire world is mourning. The State of California is broken. I don't need to write what the entire Universe already knows. Like me, people across nations tossed and turned thinking about this heart-wrenching tragedy. Everybody wants to ask the question we shouldn't. Why? Why him? Why them? Why fly? Why not: turn around? stay grounded? Why now? Why ever?

Nevertheless, through this dark cloud, it's more evident now than ever before that Energy is real and powerful. The way the world is mourning together just proves that we are all connected more than we know. Kobe’s calling proves that there is still big love and compassion in the world. Because humanity is still a thing.

The cumulative effort Sunday to concentrate and show respect to the victims, families, friends and even people not involved in the crisis, is a perfect example of how we do have space in our hearts to empathize and care for a stranger. Kobe’s nickname, “Mamba,” stemmed from the Black Mamba, a famous African snake known for its deadly venom, stealth approach, aggressive nature and its fearless reputation, which I'm sure Kobe echoed during his competitive athletic years, and after, with the same venomous power, in the Board room as a competitive businessman and publisher.

The magnitude of the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the seven other passengers on that helicopter is unfathomable. Full, bodacious lives cut short by the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the unforgivable. But the world will keep on turning. And as it does, I hope the hearts and compassion of young people, of all people, keep doing the same.

The Next Chapter: Black Mamba Marathon Reading Challenge

When Kobe Bryant was in high school, his English teacher assigned homework that called for students to create a short story and share it with Kindergarteners. The night before, Kobe had an AAU game and forgot to do the assignment. But on the way to the group, he made up a short story about dirty clothes under his bed. According to the parents of those Kindergarteners, the story was powerful, impactful and influenced the 5-year olds to clean their rooms.

Fast forward 20 years. Following an illustrious 20-year career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, that homework assignment turned into a full-time job for Kobe Bryant. After his basketball career, Kobe Bryant created a media company that publishes sports fantasy books for youth. He's a firm believer that "the world revolves around storytelling" and that storytelling "serves an important role in our society."

Help keep Kobe Bryant's passion for storytelling alive. Participate in one of the #BrownTeensRead, Black Mamba Reading Challenges.

Black Mamba Classroom
Reading Challenge

Black Mamba Marathon
Reading Challenge

Teachers

On February 5th, World Read Aloud Day, 24 high school English teachers will read one of Kobe Bryant's books to students for 24 minutes as a symbolic gesture to honor Kobe, The Black Mamba, his jersey numbers, and his new legacy in publishing. Participating classes will receive prizes. Click the image to pledge.

Teens

#BrownTeensRead will host a lock-in at a local library and challenge teens to read 24 chapters in 8 hours, nonstop, as a symbolic gesture to honor Kobe, The Black Mamba, his jersey numbers, and his new legacy in publishing. Eight winner will receive prizes. Click the image to pledge.

Show Me the $$!

1/19/2020

If you do not have money to get through college, life can be hard. Once you graduate, you'll hear "war stories" from graduates lamenting about how they did hair, people's homework, cooked food, sold supplies, pimped tennis shoes, did people's laundry, babysat, posted Go Fund Me Campaigns, held book, makeup, clothes and shoes hauls, non-garage sales, holding rent parties...people got pretty inventive.

Then, you hear some talk about the more traditional ways they made money in school such as secured work studies, asked their schools for more money, applied for grants, and private and personal loans, applied for private and corporate scholarships, claimed up to a $2,500 tax credit, asked (begged) their parents, grandparents, other family members for money, etc.

But, what about the college athlete? They don't have time to do all these inventive things to make money. They are constantly on the field, court, ice, in the pool, on the green, etc. There's been a long-time debate that college athletes should be paid to play because their games generate a large revenue for their colleges, and companies like Nike for example, pay "tens of millions to elite college sports programs to be the exclusive sponsor for teams and supplier of their footwear."

And now, the State of California is advocating that college athletes be paid to play (up to $25,000) and paid to use their likenesses on apparel, video games, and other methods of advertising (up to 10% of TV and marketing profits). And even better, college basketball coaches could make at a maximum, $650,000, and college football coaches could make a max of $3 million.

At the point that this debate becomes reality for all college athletes, I'm willing to bet that simply dating an athlete will become among one of the inventive ways that some students stay financially afloat in college! (rolls eyes)

Instructions: Read the commentary above, do a little bit of research about the topic if you need to, think, then answer the following question intelligently, academically and with fidelity:

"To what extent will the professionalization of college sports create intended or unintended consequences related to this professionalism?"

Note: Don't forget break this prompt down if you need to. Change keywords to synonyms you understand until it makes sense to you.

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

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

7. To reply to others, click on "Reply" under their responses.

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. 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 Friday, January 24, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Sacrifice

1/12/2020

Instructions: Analyze the image and write what you believe the artist is trying to reveal through the artwork.

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

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

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. 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 Friday, January 17, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

My Story to Tell...

12/1/2019

The clock winked letting me know that my work day was ending. What a hypocrite, I thought. The man on the other end of the telephone was going on and on about how a vintage cookie jar I wanted takes up too much counter space, yet on his crummy kitchen counter sits four! This city is full of wackos!

Read my story above in its entirety. Then, use the following words to create your own story in EXACTLY 59 words--no more--no less: hypocrite, cookie jar, city, telephone. Another thing, you MUST begin your story with the following: The clock winked.

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

2. Your story must have 59 words ONLY.

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

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

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. 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 Friday, December 6, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

11/17/2019

In 1996, Rodney Reed, 51, was found guilty of the abduction, rape and murder of 19-year-old Stacey Stites in Bastrop, Texas. On November 17th, an appeals court made the decision not to execute him.

For decades, Reed has maintained his innocence. He, and many other people who can support his truth, say that Reed and Stites were having an affair, and that she was killed by her fiance because that affair was with a black man. Stites, who is white, was afraid of and abused by her husband according to several witnesses at the time.

Her fiance, Jimmy Fennell, was a police officer with a history of violence against women. After Stites's murder, Fennell kidnapped a woman and sexually assaulted her while on duty as a police officer. He was arrested, but while in prison, bragged about killing his "n***r loving fiance," and at her funeral bragged, "she got what she deserved." Even his friend and fellow police officer admitted that Fennell gave him inconsistent accounts of his whereabouts during the time of Stites's murder. Renowned forensic pathologists all concluded that Reed’s guilt is medically and scientifically impossible.

Six months after Stites was killed, Reed had been arrested and charged with the kidnapping, beating and attempted rape and murder of two other women. However, he was not prosecuted in either of these attempted rape cases. But somehow, the all white jury felt they had enough evidence to convict Reed.

Now, decades later, supporters from around the country were begging his pardon. Probably the most profound plea came from Congressman Michael McCaul in a letter to Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.

“A death sentence is final, and given the doubt surrounding his innocence at this time, I believe our state cannot execute Mr. Reed in good conscience,” he wrote. Without a date of execution looming, Reed will now await his retrial.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Then, comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on the following: Had no one stepped up to challenge the law, Rodney Reed would have died today, probably innocent of the charge he was convicted of. Think about that. Does the government have the right to decide who lives and who dies?

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.

4. Make sure your reply addresses the comment you're replying to. Stay on topic.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree"). Such comments will earn you a zero.

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. 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 Friday, November 22, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

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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

Finish the Story...

Are You What You Eat?

But...Wait..

Like. Follow. Friend. Share...PLEASE?

Motivation

Perceptions

Mission Impossible

Insanity

Eyes Wide Shut

Communication is Key!

Due Fri., October 30, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Luck or Preparation?

Due Fri., October 23, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Shelter or Not?

COVID-9TEEN Edition: How Are You?

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Disruption

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Creativity

COVID-9TEEN Edition: Social Distancing

Due Friday, March 27, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

Struggle. Stay. Slay.

Child Care...

Airing Dirty Laundry

February 04th, 2020

The Black Mamba

Show Me the $$!

Sacrifice

My Story to Tell...

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Grading Rubric

Archives

Categories

​​Due Fri., October 30, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Due Fri., October 23, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT​

Due Friday, March 27, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST​​

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Archives

Categories

Due Fri., October 30, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Due Fri., October 23, 2020 11:59 p.m. ICT

Due Friday, March 27, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST