Senior Speech Projects

Seniors enrolled in dual credit Speech, SPE 111, are working on a big project.  First, they are doing an academic research paper on some aspect of Internet Safety.  Second, they are condensing their research into an engaging media presentation targeted at younger students.  Some students will be making videos, while others will be recording Public Service Announcements, creating self-advancing Power Point presentations, or creating something else. 

Homecoming Week

So far, this week has been going pretty well other than some questionable tactics during Musical Chairs yesterday.  The Sophomores, of whose class I'm co-sponsor, have finished their big poster and will hang it in the gym today.  Also, the sophomores tightened the points race by winning the obstacle course competition today.  Congratulations!

Winner!

I recently had a couple of classes compete with each other in writing the funniest short story.  The big prize?  The winner is featured in this very blog!  The winning author?  Kieran E.!!!!!  The story?  Dog on a treadmill.  Need I say more?  :)

Random Music Break

Enjoy!

Mr. Big "Next Time Around"

btw, I'm not responsible for any inappropriate content on Youtube, especially the comments and/or advertisements.

Wolverines!

My family and I went to the movie theater with friends yesterday and watched the remake of "Red Dawn."  I enjoyed seeing the Wolverines again and am inspired to get our trivia team, named the Wolverines because of the original movie, back into action.  Unfortunately, our mascot has disintegrated.  Time has not been kind to our namesake.

BooBoo and Poems

For those who haven't heard the news, Mr. BooBoo passed away yesterday.  He was a good dog, and he packed a lot of living into his approximate 17 year life, but the old boy was suffering from a variety of ailments, so we took him on one last ride to the vet's office.  Keep an eye out for the obituary which I will submit to Neoga News soon. 

In the meantime, on a lighter note, here are a couple of poems to lighten the mood.  The first was submitted by Katie B, and the second is from Taylor G (Student of the Semester).  Enjoy!

1.  Hickory Dickory Dock
     Two mice ran up the clock
     The clock struck one
     And the other got away with minor injuries.

2.  Row, Row, Row your boat
     Gently down the stream.
     Until you hit the waterfall,
     Then you start to scream.

IMEA

I went to EIU Saturday night and watched the regional honors band concert.  Congratulations to all of the NHS students involved as well as Mr. Schulze.  The concert was excellent, and the kids did a nice job.  Way to go!

Midterm

Today is midterm for second quarter.  I'll be emailing parents momentarily and then calling those who haven't provided an email address for me.  Students still have time to pull their grades up; the quarter ends before Christmas break, and that includes Semester Exams.  Remember, you have to pass two of the three elements to pass the semester: Quarter 1, Quarter 2, Semester Exam. 

Freshman Speeches

We're nearly done with the preparations!  Students in English IA will be delivering Personal Experience Speeches next week.  Some will be funny; some will be serious, and some will be sad.  I always find the students' topic choices interesting and am looking forward to seeing them deliver their speeches.

Writing Contest

While I was absent yesterday, I had my substitute initiate a writing contest.  Due to ACT practice tests and a guest speaker, students in third hour English IA and seventh hour English II participated.  After I get my grading caught up, I'll read the entries to see who wrote the funniest story.  And what does the winner get, you ask?  Their name and/or photo in THIS VERY BLOG!!!

Poetry

Students in English II are starting to learn about poetry.  Admittedly, poetry isn't my strongest area in the realm of English/Literature, but, to quote Lynyrd Skynyrd, "I know a little," and I'm going to share that knowledge.  After I've covered the content, the students will display their knowledge via a poster presentation. The students will analyze a song for poetic elements and will offer their own interpretation of the lyrical content.  Best of all, they get to share their music selection with the class.  Credit goes to Mr. Poggendorf for the poster presentation idea and to Miss Knox, my EIU practicum student last year who created the power points for the unit.

Jigzone

I've noticed that some of my sophomores (the ones who've typed their final essay drafts quickly) have been doing online jigsaw puzzles while their less-speedy classmates finish typing.  I tried it out at home and am quickly becoming hooked.  Check it out . . .

Jigzone

Food Drive

Just a reminder to all students and parents.  The Thanksgiving food drive is under way, and each student needs to bring in a particular item to their first hour class.  Students in my class need to bring canned fruit.  Remember, there are 61 families in our community counting on our generosity.  Without our help, they can't afford to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for the families.

Stage Fright

I'm preparing the students in English IA for their Personal Experience Speech.  The first part of the unit deals with controlling stage fright, a subject I know a lot about.  I've been referencing many personal experiences where I've dealt with stage fright . . . some were from public speaking situations; some were from teaching situations, and some were from "back in the day" when I performed in a successful band.  After talking about the band so much, I shared one of our original songs with the students today.  It's a bull-riding song called "On the Devil's Back," and I thought I'd share it with you too.  Since this blog program won't let me upload audio only, I made a video with a title slide.  I hope you enjoy the song.

ACT Prep

Next Tuesday, all freshmen and sophomores will be taking a practice ACT.  The freshmen will be taking the Explore, and the sophomores will be taking the PLAN. Mr. Davis came in last week and pre-registered the sophomores; today he did the same with the freshmen. 

These tests are good practice for the students who will be taking the ACT during their junior year.  The results, which will come back later this school year, give the students an accurate picture of their performance levels.

Guitar Raffle

Well, it looks like I'll be doing another guitar raffle this year during home basketball games. This year, the proceeds will go to Art/Poetry Club.  For now, I'm looking at some potential guitars, and my fellow club sponsors, Mr. Poggendorf and Mrs. Seigel, will be contributing their input on the decision.  We're also thinking of having the club members customize the guitar case.