Blog Posts

A..B..C..D..

10/31/2019

When comedian and television writer, Noah Garfinkel, shared a tweet with a remade version of the ABC song, people all over the Internet became upset—again. Garfinkel said the altered version is "life ruining."

A company called Dream English Kids produced the remix for its educational website with the goal to change the melody so children don’t learn the letters L-M-N-O-P as a word, “elemenopee,” like they have in the past. On one hand, people are adamant that classics should not be altered. On social media, memes, GIFS and comments like, “n-o” and “I hope they are jk” ran amok. Even one New York Times headline begged, "L-M-N-O-Please Not Like That" Supporters of the original version, which is set to the classic song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” feel like the rebooted version, that originally debuted in 2012, disrupts the integrity of the classic. Listen to the song in the link above. See what you think.

On the other hand, isn’t it true that if you always do what you’ve always done, you’re going to always get what you’ve always gotten: a society of students who grow up suffering literacy deficiencies? It very well may be “cute,” but is it wrong? Is it overthinking to remake a classic? Is it fun and children can learn the alphabet later? Who should we cater to? History or the future?

The world has become a confusing place.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Listen to the song. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: How far should we go as a society to cater to the sensitivities of others?

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, November 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

First Him, Now Her

10/14/2019

When cops kill.

First, Botham Jean was killed by a white female police officer in his own home. He was eating ice cream. He wasn't a threat to anyone. Suddenly, under the notion that she was in the wrong apartment, Amber Guyger shot him to death. She said she feared for her life; claimed he was an intruder in her home since their apartments in which they lived mirrored each other from floor to floor.

Now, Atatiana Jefferson is dead. She, too, was killed by a white police officer. This time, male. In her own home. She was playing video games with her 8-year old nephew. She wasn't a threat to anyone.

There are a number of things the two of these young people had in common. Both were professionals in their respective fields with promising futures to excel--one an accountant; the other, a medical salesperson.

They were both black. They were both killed in their homes. Neither was a criminal. What could justify killing Botham and Atatiana? Absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, I don't believe that their murders had anything to do with race, but more to do with perspectives and experiences, or lack thereof, by white cops who don't know the cultural habits of people of color. Had the white officer known that people of color open their doors when it's nice outside, maybe he would have approached the home less defensively. Who knows...

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: To what extent do cultural traditions effect how people interact with each other?

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, October 18, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

I Am Not My Hair...or Am I?

9/16/2019

Look at the image above. Before you react, respond or revolt, let it sizzle in your spirit as comedian, Kountry Wayne, reminds us often. Analyze it. Ponder it. Sit with it.

R&B and soul singer, india.arie, sang the hit, "I Am Not My Hair," to remind us that we're more than what we are on the outside. I love the song but I've always wondered if her words were entirely true. In my experiences, when you comb someone's hair, their confidence is boosted, their smile seems brighter, their walk appears straighter. After all, image is everything. Right?

Then, there are biblical references and cultural pacts that speak to the symbolic power in a person's hair. It's their crown. Their glory. Their strength, like Samson's in the book of Judges. Samson was tricked into thinking that Delilah cared for him, so he let down his guard and was deceived, much like the players of a wrestling team who have been inveigled into thinking they will have better lives if they cut off their locs. If you look closely, though, you'll see that there's more to it than meets the eye. Isn't there?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts about the image.

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, September 20, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

September 10th, 2019

9/10/2019

“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”~Albert Einstein

Sometimes, I can't decide if I'm crazy or the rest of the world is. I spin my wheels trying to get teens to understand the importance of reading, and my own children, the importance of and integrity in being humble and bringing peace. I write my ass off trying to show the world that eating better is just...better, and owning who you are is the key to real success whether you make millions from it or a dollar. I work hard to leave a legacy or maybe I work hard to uphold the generational legacy I inherited.

Then I wonder, what's my battle? Why am I battling? As I sit in a classroom full of students who just read words and do not try to understand what they're reading; as I talk myself hoarse, yearning on the inside for my children to understand their position in this world, and as I struggle to eat right, think right, look right and be right, I had to stop. Just stop. Then ask myself, Why am I struggling to get others to understand things that I sometimes don't understand myself? Like why try to educate a generation who does not want to be educated? Why not let them figure it out when it's too late? Why worry about the life path of my children when they are grown. Let them go their own way; get their own bumps and bruises. They'll either make it or they won't. Why work hard to leave or uphold a legacy when, usually, after your repast, you're forgotten?

I don't have the answers. I don't think any human being does. But I know until we reach our final destinations, whatever choices and decisions we make, the only way to have some peace of mind, is to know that you're living and making those choices and decisions with intention. There is not one purpose in life. The only purpose is to live life on purpose with passion, intention and with a goal of fulfillment. Otherwise, if you don't you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure it all out.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts. What legacy are you leaving behind and who are you leaving it behind for?

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, 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.

Due Friday, September 13, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

The Wild, Wild West

8/19/2019

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Tell your honest thoughts.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, 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.

Due Friday, August 23, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Ring Around the Rosie

5/13/2019

Look, consider it all, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., May 16, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Steph, Steph, Side-to-Side

5/9/2019

Steph Curry's wife is in hot social media water over comments she made about feeling unattractive to other men. As I read the comments about Ayesha Curry's comments on "Red Table Talk" about her insecurities, I became perturbed at some of the comments, especially from men.

We live in a society where women are objectified based on societal standards that don't seem to even be realistic. We have been reduced to being desirable based on how we look outwardly. We tear women down. On a daily basis.

Women, especially, are going broke, losing their minds, compromising their integrity, jumping into loveless relationships, all for the sake of being wanted. It is exhausting trying to be the right weight, height, class, color, natural, synthetic, made up, dressed up..you name it.

Then, along comes women like Curry who, with real tears in her eyes and heaviness in on her heart, are publicly open and honest about how they feel about all the madness. And what happens? She's crucified! The same men who objectify them (building what they envision as the "perfect woman") tear them to shreds and make them feel horribly worse about themselves than they did before. And the comments from some women! Girrrlll.....Is this a paradox or what!

Should Curry have not shared her feelings? You know, the very thing experts say you need to release or lose your mind? Should she have not commented publicly? And live up the the fake standard that society say celebs are? What are women supposed to do when they feel vulnerable? Less desirable, unfulfilled? Curry is 32 with three kids, a strong value system and a husband who gets more attention from other women on a daily basis than she could ever give, and we, as a society, are telling her that she has no right to want to feel attractive by no other male species if it is not her husband. Does this means he's not making her feel attractive? How come we haven't heard from her husband?

Her "need" doesn't come from a lack of talent, money, fame or material possessions. It comes from human nature and needing to feel needed. Period.

If nothing else, from this moment, I have learned that you can't win for losing.

Watch the clip above by clicking on the image. Read some of the comments. Look around on the Internet at other comments. Then, consider it all, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., May 12, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Love is...

5/1/2019

Recently, I had some conversations with my students about relationships: what dating is, what it should be, how students define it. What love is, what it should be, how students define it. I was shocked that most teens believe that dating, or boyfriend/girlfriend or girlfriend/girlfriend or boyfriend/boyfriend, means commitment and more profoundly, love.

I've overheard conversations between some teens who confess their undying committed love about their partners. Then when asked how long they've been dating, the answers vary from six months to two years. I'm always shocked.

Surprisingly, teens believe that they know what love is at this age, yet they are so uncertain about everything else in life: their careers, their emotional states, their home life, their after high school plans, their sexuality, their religious/spiritual beliefs, their very futures! But ask them about love and they are absolutely sure that they have all the answers.

They speak and behave as if they've never heard of infatuation, obsession or possession. While I don't want to get into the semantics of it all, I wanted to create a post that hopefully makes teens think internally when they think, externally, that they are in love. I wanted to be neutral in my position because for some, this topic is a sensitive issue. However, I will make this one point: love is not jealously, obsession, possession, anger or rage. Love means letting go, loving you more, saving yourself for your future spouse. But in this news clip, love means jealously, rage and death.

Watch the vid above and read the article in their entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., May 3, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Whose Right Is It?

4/24/2019

Read the article and watch the clip above, then come back over here and tell me what you think about this current issue. Not from an ethical or moral standpoint, but from a legal standpoint. Does the government have the right to impose interference on personal choices that women make?

I also want to know your opinion on "trigger laws" and whether you believe this is just another "strong arming" method also imposed by the government. What's the point? What will be the consequences if the law is overturned? Again, I want to know what you think, not from an ethical or a moral standpoint, but from a legal standpoint.

1. INCLUDE: Last name, THEN first initial AND class period.

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Apr. 26, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Lock Up!

4/15/2019

Watch the vid above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Apr. 19, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

What Are You Afraid Of?

4/11/2019

Many people ask me all the time why I'm always starting a business. Aren't I afraid to fail? Be broke? Lose all I have? My answer is always, "No." I think that's why I will start a business in a New York second. I always ask myself, "What do you have to lose?" And the answer to that question is always, nothing and everything. Then I self-talk and remind myself: And if I lose everything, so what? What's going to happen? My answer? Keep living. Keep trying. Keep doing. Until I get something right.

I've had friends with incredible ideas, but they don't profit from that thing because they say they have kids or a mortgage or a car note, etc. They are afraid. Except for the kid, I've had and lost all that, even almost lost a kid to gun violence. But guess what? I'm still alive to start all over and try life again and again and again.

A turning point for me was when I lost everything in 2004. My house, truck, money, relationship...everything and had to move with my children into a two-bedroom town home, and all with no job and a baby on the way. I became depressed, withdrawn, my confidence waned. The whole nine. Then one day, my then 13-year old son, "Gemini," who's now 26 said this to me.

"Mama, why are you so sad? So what if we lost everything and we don't have money any more or our house? We love each other don't we? So even if we live in a box, as long as we're together, we're rich!"

That changed everything. Then everything changed. At that point, I started asking myself, What are you afraid of? What's going to happen if you fail? If this doesn't work? If people don't support? If people talk about you?

My answer? Nothing. The world will keep spinning, I'll keep living and my ideas will keep coming. In that moment, I realized my biggest fear was probably what others would think of me if I failed. Again. Now, I realize, people's opinion of me is none of my business.

As a high school student right now, what are you afraid of when it comes to doing your school work? Or focusing on school? Or making sure you learn one thing every day? Will you be labeled a nerd by your peers? If you are, so what? Are you a nerd? If you are, so what? What's going to happen if you do it all wrong? If you do, so what? Get clarity and do it over. Get in the habit now, while you're still young of asking yourself what's going to happen? and so what? whenever you feel lazy or lack confidence in something or some work you want to do or be great in.

Finally, I want you to watch this vid of Gary Vee (Gary Vaynerchuk), who I think, is one the smartest gurus ever! He'll definitely inspire you no matter your age, and I hope you begin to follow him on social media on all his networks. He is phenomenal.

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., Apr. 14, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Reading IS Fundamental

4/5/2019

In an article, "Study: Children Whose Parents Don't Read To Them Enter Kindergarten With A 'Million-Word' Vocabulary Gap," the title speaks for itself in revealing to the world the cost that is paid when people don't read.

It's sad.

As an English teacher, I noticed that each time I assigned a text to read, I got more moans and groans and less reception to the task. So I asked why. I was devastated when more than half of the teens I teach, including advanced academics students, proudly admitted they hate reading. One of the issues with reading in the demographic in which I teach is opportunity and access to quality literature. Teens said it's boring, irrelevant and outdated. While I do believe the outdated "canon" should be studied, teens need more contemporary works paired, added or spiraled with the Shakespeares, Melvilles, Thoreaus, Waldens and Hemingways of old.

Nevertheless, their honesty explained why I have 17- and 18-year old near-adults who read and write on a 4th or 5th grade level (and projecting their skill at that level is generous). It made me want to cry. What's worse is that when I attended professional development training, many English teachers also openly admitted that they do not like reading and/or do not assign novel studies in their classrooms!

It's devastating. Curable. But devastating.

As a possible solution, in October, 2018, I created an organization called #BrownTeensRead for the sole purpose of hosting fun, engaging and relevant events that appeal to teens and get them interested or re-interested in reading! With the right support, we will also offer professional development to teachers to show them how to effectively implement literature studies in their classrooms.

Unfortunately, we're only a small piece in a larger puzzle. Check out these other facts: from The Literacy Project:

“20% of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.”
“50% of American adults can’t read a book written at an eighth grade level.”
“Six out of ten American households do not buy a single book in an entire year.”
“85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading.”
“Three out of five people in American prisons can’t read.”
Some states look at how well current elementary schools perform on reading tests to help determine the number of beds future prisons will require. It comes full circle.
One in four children grow up without learning how to read.
Three out of four food stamp recipients perform in the lowest two literacy levels.

So what does reading mean to you? How do these statistics effect you? Can you read well? If not, why not? What do you plan to do about it? (And please don't say you don't need to know how to read to make money or be rich because that's a whole other blog post.) Do you have younger siblings who struggle with or cannot read? What will you do about it?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., Apr. 7, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Do It For the Vine! I Ain't Gon' Do It!

3/25/2019

I remember that phrase. People would do strange things to be seen for a whole six seconds on the Vine App. Adults videoed their kids twerking, neck rolling, "acting grown," you name it. Adults were just as silly.

Since the Vine App launched in 2013, people and their antics have only grown worse. Even putting innocent lives on the line seems to be acceptable, as long as it is posted, shared, snapped, tweeted or "lived" to get "influencer-level" likes or follows. What are people thinking? Well, maybe that's it: people are not thinking. They are not considering the risks, dangers, long-term effects or consequences of getting a photo just right, at just the right angle, with the dangerous jungle animal..whatever. And even more devastating: no one is holding anyone accountable. After all, someone has to be filming. But how far is too far in order to be insta-famous on social media?

Apparently, a woman was trying to see just that and went way too far, having her entire insane actions recorded on IG. Check her out: Woman Throws Chair/s Over Balcony.

Click the link to watch the IG Story, then let me know what you think. Was it worth it? What was the point? Her intent? What did she prove? Comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:
Idea Generator!

Is All that Glitters, Gold?

3/19/2019

Click the image to read an article, then analyze the image. After compare what the article says to what the image reveals. Comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Mar. 22, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Unapologetically Black

3/5/2019

If you have ever watched the series, "Orange is the New Black," episode after episode, you'll see an Oscar-level performance by Danielle Brooks, also known on the show as "Taystee."

But wow. On the dawn of Black History Month, Brooks dropped her first single, "Black Woman," and oh, my did she come out swinging! After hearing her single and watching the video, I was shook! As I always do when something or someone intrigues me, I had to go research her background. It turns out, she's a Julliard graduate. *gasp* Her talent runs deep! I had no idea! She's amazing!

In several interviews, Brooks says the song represents her experiences as a black woman in America. So, after gathering myself and calming down from her Grammy-level performance and cinematic-feel of her video, I had to go listen again because the first time, I was too astounded by the vibe and rhythm to pay attention to what she was actually singing about.

I was not disappointed.

The lyrics to her song are powerful, yet disturbing, encouraging, yet unnerving. This is 2019. Why are black women still being made to feel less than when every life needle points to black women being more than?

An obvious anthem for black women, this song is both riveting and inspiring in that it pulls into light attributes that the world says are our flaws, yet that same world will damage their bodies and sometimes risk their lives to replicate and appropriate who and what we are. But even more empowering, "Black Woman" celebrates the resilience of black women, which I am positive is the reason for the overflowing aquatic symbolism. Water is resilient.

I am here for it!

Read the commentary above, click the image to listen to the song, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

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

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Mar. 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

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

Slaves to Connectivity

2/27/2019

What is connectivity (the Internet, social media, computers) doing to our society? What is it doing to you?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
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Are You Enough?

2/22/2019

As a teacher, I am both excited and concerned about my students leaving for college, a career, the military or to pursue entrepreneurial goals. Each day, I watch and listen to them go on about their lives, futures, goals and fears.

I get excited because I know that they have no idea what this world has in store for them. Some think they do because they have watched family members and friends succeed and fail. But my excitement comes from them not realizing that the world is their oyster. And, when they realize that, it will be like rebirth all over again. Once they figure out that whatever they want to do, they absolutely can, they will be ecstatic!

I'm am so ready for them to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds who will in some way or another influence their decisions to "do" or "not do." I'm ready for them to figure out that their path is their own and no matter what someone else's path is, it will unequivocally not be theirs! I'm ready to see the states and countries they'll live in or visit. I'm ready to see the careers they'll forge for themselves. I'm ready to see their families and communities they will build.

But I'm also concerned. The closer it gets to May, the greater my concern becomes because I don't think they are ready. I don't think many of them have the fortitude or belief in their own abilities to take life on, face-to-face, and tackle it with all they have. So far, I have seen them too caught up with looks, trends, social media, and music to know whether they fully understand that life is about to happen and how it is about to happen.

I'm disturbed because of the people they choose as role models to follow. Like Cardi B: boys say she's a freak and a bad influence on women, but girls say she's a powerful influence to women because she raps about no water in jail, brags about money and builds confidence by being brave enough to pop her p***y in church. Is she not concerned that one day, her daughter is going to grow up and see her mother's behavior and what she truly represents? Is money more important than self-respect and integrity?

Then there's Jesse Smollett. When did we not become enough? When did we become so thirsty for attention that we are willing to jeopardize the integrity of a culture, sub-culture, race, or gender to get more attention when you're already enough?

When did Black girls become so culturally conditioned that they believe they are absolutely grotesque without wigs, weaves and perms? Of course this group does not include girls who just like to switch things up sometimes and will rock their natural hair. This is for the girls who go broke getting fake hair, nails and accessories to seek the approval of their peers.

When did Latino girls and boys become so embarrassed by their heritage that they reject their native languages and customs in order to be American enough, even those who were born here.

When did Black boys become so lost that they believe selling drugs, making music and playing ball is the only option they're qualified to achieve? Not that the last two options are bad options, but do they know that there's more and they are worthy of those options?

But either way, May is coming. Fast. And I just cannot stop wondering, will they know they are enough?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

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.
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Is it Enough?

2/13/2019

Is belief in yourself all you really need to succeed? I hear a lot of people say you need money, time, the right environment, school or situation. Some go so far as to note they need better parenting and upbringing to succeed.

Nevertheless, quotes like the one above, lifestyle experts, business pros and motivational gurus all say that all you need is to believe in yourself. But what does that mean? I'm sure there are a lot of people who believe in themselves in this world who are still sick, stuck, and broke, and can't figure out how to either get out of their situation or make a more positive one happen.

Where does talent, skill and acumen fit into the equation? Wouldn't you need some of that in addition to belief in order to reach success? Albert Einstein said, "Genius is 1% talent and 99% percent hard work." If that is true, then isn't hard work more important than merely believing in yourself?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

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Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
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Smoke Screens & Mirrors or Real Life?

2/8/2019

Generation Z is overflowing with young people who thrive on a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem. Or, so it seems. Whether it’s in the self-deprecating memes or self-degrading comments, it seems that most iGeners are depressed and the reasons are clear.

There is this unspoken rule that you must be successful by the age of 25. So if you don't have your life together by that age, when will you? A habit that contributes to the self-decaying self-worth is comparing achievements and success to other Gen Zers or always wondering, Why haven’t I thought of the next million dollar idea yet? Why can’t I draw as good as “her”? How come my rank is so low compared to that of my friends?

Gen Zers fixate on the achievements of others and the notion that they are incapable of holding remarkable qualities. However, this sense of self-deprecation, if left uncontrolled, can have negative consequences. For instance, belittling others successes to feel better, or overestimating the value of high school class ranks can be damaging to someone’s self-esteem. The focus should not be on the success of others. Instead, it should be on the progress made over time.

Most of my high school career, I was an anxiety ball contemplating suicide because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t even think I was going to make it to my 16th birthday, let alone graduation. Now that I am in my senior year, I know that I am good enough. After experiencing that kind of pain, I realize that I am strong and resilient, and can make it through anything life throws at me.

Nevertheless, there is still a concern for my future. I often hear that success equates happiness, “when you reach your goals you will feel fulfilled!” This kind of ideology is ever-present in my life. In the novel “Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock” by Matthew Quick, the protagonist questions this kind of thinking. This same thinking jump-started my anxiety for what awaits for me in the future. What if I reach my goals and I am unhappy or unsatisfied?

YouTuber, Elle Mills, had a mental breakdown in May, 2018 because although she had reached her career goal, she felt unhappy. So, with that, if success isn't the pathway to happiness then what is?
—Contributed by D.T., LHS High School Senior

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Let's Help Charllie

1/31/2019

Ariana "Charlie" Dewberry was an IB student at Lancaster High School. She graduated in 2017. I taught her English and TOK. She was a brilliant student. Bubbly, helpful, intelligent, academic and an awesome reader!

At the time of this writing, Charlie is classified as a sophomore at Sam Houston State University. She has maintained all A’s and B’s since enrollment, and accomplished her goal of being on the Dean’s list! She was excelling!

Then, life happened and it all changed.

Late in October, what doctors thought was a viral infection, and later, muscle pain and a UTI, turned out to be a rare illness that has caused Charlie to need around the clock care.

Just barely in her 20s, a once vibrant young girl who was living life, carving out her future and enjoying college was now back at home, wheelchair bound, unable to see or even bathe herself. She spent her birthday in December wondering, "why me?" To date, doctors still do not know what is wrong with Charlie.

But as it is her way, giving up is not an option for Charlie. Although she is able to walk again (sans walker), she still cannot see. Nevertheless, through it all, her mother has not left her daughter’s side. Like her daughter's, her mother's life was drastically changed. At one point, she had to feed and bathe her daughter all over again.

Although her job is protected by FMLA, her medical leave is without pay. While we do not know why nor how Charlie was struck with this mysterious illness, we do know that we can be there to support her mother with financial and food donations.

If you are willing and can, do something to help Charlie! Click her to visit her GoFundMe page and help give her family peace and light. 'Ase!

Click here>> Let's Help Charlie!

Read the commentary above, then make a decision. Also, comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

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Are You Prepared?!?

1/26/2019

It took me a while to write this post. It’s been difficult. I started it about a week after our government shut down. My struggle comes from mind-wrestling with my thoughts and what I want to shout out loud about the sufferers of this malady. Nevertheless, however sincere I may feel, my sentiments might be misconstrued as judgmental.

But then, our senior meeting at school happened. Demands were given and privileges were taken. The school’s leadership is providing FREE ACT, SAT, TSI and Advanced Academics study sessions on Saturdays and the students aren’t having it!

The administrators offered that they want to ensure the success of all students in this 21st century global market and economy. The students offered back that we are trying to force something they might not want.

Record scratch.

Who does NOT want success in their life! It saddens me to the point it’s almost laughable that many young people in vulnerable populations have rose-colored glasses on and cannot see past today! Why wouldn’t you want to be locked and loaded with as much education, training, stamina and preparation that you can get to solidify your success? You think luck and prayer is going to get you by? Newsflash: There’s no such thing as luck—just preparation meeting opportunity. And faith without work will not unlock any doors.

Complaints such as, “it’s Saturday” or “I have job” or “we’re going to protest” run the gamut of excuses that I hear students shouting about. However, a job is all they will have if they don’t receive adequate education and training to forge a career. And protest?? Because someone wants to give you an education?? (Go be okay with that.) Right now, I just don’t think students today see the forest for the trees. Their entitlement both startles and devastates me at the same time.

Unfortunately, instead of buckling down trying to be successful on these exams or retaking them to get a better score in order to compete in a 21st century market, our students have been culturally conditioned into believing that mediocrity is okay. That mindset needs to change, now.

When I was growing up, if I received a “B” on my report card, my dad would ask, “Oh yeah? Why isn’t it an A?” And in college, when I did get “A’s,” he’d want to know the points then ask, “Oh yeah? Why a 92 instead of a 100?” At the time, I thought that was harsh. But I realized soon after, is that he was breaking some generational cycles of complacency. The higher I earn, the higher I can go!

So with that, I’m worried that many of the victims of “the shut down” do not have the skills, acumen or wherewithal to just say, “screw it,” and go find another job or create their own wealth as entrepreneurs. Did they not take advantage of opportunities such as the ones our district is offering our students? Did they settle for mediocrity instead of consistently pushing themselves to improve? Did they not load up on multi-industry skills so that changing industries would be as breezy as changing clothes? We may never know. Do you know? How will you prepare to live your best life with the skills and resources that you currently have?

Alas, life is going to hit hard. All human beings will learn one way or another that you have to work for everything you get in this life.

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

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Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

Cultural Capital

1/13/2019

Martin Luther King Jr.'s bEARTHday is coming up. When I think about Martin Luther King Jr. and all that he sacrificed, not only for his children, but for all children, I cannot help but wonder whether all black men have a responsibility to protect, provide for and unconditionally love all black women.

Then, I think about Robert Sylvester Kelly and how he did the exact opposite of Dr. King when it comes to protecting little girls.

I'm biased. Period. So, let me start this post with, “I always thought Kels was trash." Me too Questlove. I never have been crazy about the over-the-top bravado in his throat when he sings. Nevertheless, I was compelled to talk about this article that I read in a national news publication about celebrity opinions on the entire ordeal.

According to Chance the Rapper, “We’re programmed to really be hypersensitive to black male oppression." Priceless! This is why so many black women and men can still support R. Kelly. And singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and dancer, Ne-Yo says what I believe it is past time for someone to have stepped up and said.

“Music is important. It really is. But it’s not more important than protecting our children, protecting our little girls. Period." What he's saying is Kelly's art imitates his life! (Go be cool with that), but that still does not justify supporting his wrongdoings.

“We’ve all been inspired by this man. We’ve all been witnesses to his musical genius. We have shaped and molded talent we sign after his musical image. We’ve invested so much of ourselves into this man that it’s hard for us to let go. I no longer have that issue.”

Thank you Tank. No one should. And and for those who are bird box blinded by his light and dollar signs. "There has to be a line drawn. Enough has to be enough at some point," says Tank.

Finally, for everyone slobbering about "where were the parents?" of all those young girls. While they do have major responsibility in all this, unless you were and had the Knowles clout to be a presence in that snake pit studio, Kelly's "compound" was iron-clad with goons. Broke, generic parents were not going to have access to the area, let alone their girls. Period.

Finally, Aaliyah's mama needs to sit all the way down! Destiny's children were in the same sex-slaved studio, recording their music too, but Daddy Knowles said even when Destiny's children had to use the restroom, they walked them there. So if Aaliyah's mama wasn't there doing that, or at the ceremony when her daughter was getting married and someone was forging her a fake age, she needs to stop with the "I was always around" song. She was probably getting paid like the rest.

It's sad that little girls get taken advantage by older men all the time. But I remember a time when all the grown men I knew protected little girls from all the predators of the world, even when they were not their daughters. I wish we could get back to that. Girls are pretty awesome, but not for the pleasure of someone who they should be able to look up to.

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

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McCareer or McFail?

1/10/2019

Recently, I had been thinking about franchising. When the thought occurred, I wondered, what restaurant could I own that would be the most profitable. The only one I could think of was McDonald's. In every city, in every state, in every country, they thrive. But as quickly as I got the thought, I became conflicted. McDonald's is not a plant-based restaurant. So, how would I justify eating one way, but selling foods that I don't stand behind? Maybe I was just thinking too hard. I let the thoughts linger.

Then, out of nowhere, I read an article about three black women who own a total of 18 McDonald's restaurants. One is the mother. The other two are her daughters. Initially, I beamed with pride. Wow. Black women doing their thing.

Then, I looked on social media. The comments ranged from, "Go girls!" to "Sell out!" I was confused. But when I looked closer at the comments, I was surprised by the number of people who feel that these women, no matter how successful, are doing their culture an injustice by selling foods to a demographic that statistically, keeps them ill with disease and obesity.

One commenter was unequivocally upset pointing out, "That's not something to be proud of. Feeding rubbish to our people. This is why folks are obese, have high blood pressure, or are suffering from diabetes. Who posted this? Why? Trippin." At first I thought, no worries, I'll change the menu and be the most different McDonald's there is on the planet!

Then I saw this: "McDonald’s has the worst food out of all the fast food chains. They own a franchise, do you know what that means? That’s means they follow what the corporation tells them to do. They can’t stop using the same “meat” that all the stores use, the same meat that is packaged from corporate. They can’t stop using the coated French fries that everyone tends to love. They can’t do their own promotional tactics and so forth. So it's dope that they own franchises, but they’re still working under the corporation and if the corporation isn’t liking how your numbers are doing they can cut you off completely."

And finally, "You blame the dealer rather than the junkie that can't control their habits."

And that was a "drops mic." So I'm back to square one with a lot of thinking to do. A lot of people are not happy about this. What does your moral compass point to?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently.

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

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

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
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Academic Freedom or Censorship?

12/9/2018

Censorship stunts mental growth and leads to close-mindedness and bias. When limitations are put on people's thoughts, conversations, what they read and what they listen to or watch, it restricts their ability to think beyond their own capacity and function, copacetically, outside their comfort zones.

As a free-thinking teacher, I want to impress upon my students the importance of being true to who they are at all times..in appropriate, non-threatening, non-defiant ways while simultaneously acknowledging alternate perspectives that arise. With that in mind, when I teach, having the freedom to explore a myriad of literature and literary writers give me the opportunity to take chances on my students and their ability to think.

Being able to explore their thoughts, without abandon, gives students the confidence to express those thoughts without being ashamed to answer aloud or pose thought-provoking questions that promote deeper thinking or bring clarity. In the classroom, this freedom makes our discussions deeper, our real-world connections more authentic, our reading more viable and our writing more in-depth.

Granted, at times, some topics can become challenging to discuss or read because students are not yet used to the freedom they have to be open and honest with their conversations or thoughts. Yet, my hope is that the more literature we explore, the more walls and inhibitions can be imploded as it relates to unabashed curiosity and questioning in literature.

So, with unadulterated freedom to teach from my Spirit, I have made it a practice to model how to write, speak, read, believe, create, express, choose, communicate, and especially, think freely. Since doing so, my lesson plan designing is more intentional and meaningful to help promote the growth of my students, a more important gesture than how high their grades are because what I am preparing them for is the real world. Without shock. Without superficial expectation.

Ultimately, people need exposure. Unfortunately, living in safe zones is what make people more prone to anxiety and uncertainty. School is, and should be, the one safe space where students cultivate to create in their minds that there is no opposition to what they believe or how they feel regardless of their values or conditions.

My hope is that, if I am successful in how I teach literature, I will be a small factor in the life-long evolution of future entrepreneurs, ARTpreneurs, CEOs, moguls, gurus and teachers. My freedom will be imprinted.

Read the commentary above. Let me know what you think!

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.
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Be clear about your position
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Who's Getting Bullied??

12/2/2018

I recently read an article about bullying. At the beginning of the article, it had all the usual signs of bullying: verbal abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and sometimes even physical abuse.

I was just about to stop reading the article because of its sameness as other articles I've read on the topic. But then the last line, before I turned the page, sent me reeling. It read:

"My abuser is my teenage son."

At that point, there was no way I could put the article down. When I finished, I was stunned. A mother is afraid of her child. Uniquely, there was no past abuse in the household, physical, sexual or otherwise that was imposed upon the child, so I began wondering, how could this be? So, I did a little research and discovered that this parent was not an island. I found articles where there are many parents who are afraid of their children and get bullied by them often. I was floored!

In the back of my mind, I couldn't help thinking about all the tantrums that babies and young children throw when they can't have their way. They hit at their parents when they are three, and fall out in the floor at thirteen. Is that sometimes cute behavior a catalyst? I read on.

After reading a handful of these articles, I learned that because of the expectations that the parents have for their children, they do not want them to be ostracized by their peers, so they do everything they can for them in order for them not to stand out. And unfortunately, this behavior does start as young as three and unless it's rectified early, doesn't end at thirteen.

I get it. I see it often at school. If a teenager is the star basketball player of the high school team, by all accounts, the expectation is that he or she will have high grades, the best name brand sneakers money can buy, the latest and greatest fashions, a high dollar cell phone and all the gadgets that go with it. He or she will be able to go on costly field trips, have the best class ring and prom outfit, and throw the best parties.

It's all B.S. to me. But I get it. Society has placed unrealistic expectations on what success should look like. And if a parent cannot help their child live up to those expectations, then it means, they are a failure as well. And what parent wants that reputation?

Well, in these articles, for the reasons I mentioned, the kids put pressure on the parents to help them uphold some superficial expectation or reputation and when they cannot have their way, that almost adult, throws a tantrum to the point where they are cursing their parents out, disrespecting them, lying to them, and sometimes going so far as to hit or shove them.

What's even more devastating, but not surprising, is that these same parents will make excuses for their children's behavior, thereby essentially giving the green light to be bullied by their own child! Some experts believe that it has something to do with the parents' own history and how they were raised. You know, the whole, "Raise my child differently than me," kind of thing. That's all B.S. to me too.

Nevertheless, bullying is a symptom of an out of balanced inner life and no matter what, the problem needs to be addressed early before it gets to the point of parents allowing themselves to be bullied by their children.

Read the commentary above. Let me know what you think!

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.
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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

A..B..C..D..

First Him, Now Her

I Am Not My Hair...or Am I?

September 10th, 2019

The Wild, Wild West

Ring Around the Rosie

Steph, Steph, Side-to-Side

Love is...

Whose Right Is It?

Lock Up!

What Are You Afraid Of?

Reading IS Fundamental

Do It For the Vine! I Ain't Gon' Do It!

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:
Idea Generator!

Is All that Glitters, Gold?

Unapologetically Black

Slaves to Connectivity

Are You Enough?

Is it Enough?

Smoke Screens & Mirrors or Real Life?

Let's Help Charllie

Are You Prepared?!?

Cultural Capital

McCareer or McFail?

Academic Freedom or Censorship?

Who's Getting Bullied??

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Grading Rubric

Archives

Categories

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:Idea Generator!

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Archives

Categories

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:
Idea Generator!