Questionable Decisions

English II students are reading a short story titled "Through The Tunnel" by Doris Lessing. The main character, Jerry, is an eleven-year-old boy who attempts a dangerous stunt in order to be accepted by peers.  The need to "fit in" is strong, and it affects adults as well as kids. Sometimes, we make questionable decisions in order to be accepted by a particular group.

Technology Dependence

This topic has been up for discussion multiple times in my classes recently. On a scale of 1-10, how dependent are you on technology?  I'm probably a 7 or 8. If I had more money to buy tech gadgets and more free time to use them, I would be ranked even higher.

Thank You!

Big thanks to Tom S. for once again persuading my lawnmower to start. Not only did he do that, he also brought it back to my house and mowed my lawn while he was there. All of that, and I couldn't get him to accept any payment.

Some people in this world are truly generous and helpful. I appreciate all the kindness that Tom and his family have shown me and my family over the years. The world needs more people like that.

Yard Work

I can't say that I'm a fan. Some people spend a lot of time on grooming their lawns, but I am not in that group. I'm sure my neighbors love me for that view.

Midterm

I have 11 students with midterms this quarter. I'll be contacting parents via email, phone, or letter in the next couple of days.

Academic Integrity

I place a high value on academic integrity, but some students apparently do not value it as much as I do. I can understand how unintentional plagiarism can occur, and I see those instances as learning opportunities for students. Blatant "copy and paste" plagiarism, however, is another story entirely.

Attendance

If you're supposed to be at a certain place at a certain time, BE THERE!

Conformity

This week's story in English IA has to do with the concept of conformity. In my high school, conformity was king, and I hated it. I can understand now why people chose to conform; there's safety in numbers and power in a group. However, I've never chosen that path. Sometimes, my choices for individualism have made life more difficult for me, but I don't think I could live any other way.

Homeruns

I watched the Cardinals beat the Brewers last night. In the top of the 9th inning, Matt Holliday absolutely crushed the ball out of the park  . . . dead-center field. Two batters latter, Jhonny Peralta hit another devastating shot off of a metal sign WAY beyond the left field wall. Those were two of the most impressive homeruns I've seen in a while.

Lunch

I like it.

Prom 2014

I believe it went well. Thanks to Mrs. Johnson for all of her work to pull it all together. Keller Convention Center did a nice job with the decorations and the meal. Larry Poss also did a good job as our DJ. Last but not least, the kids did a pretty good job at keeping things classy.

Think About This

Who determines the genre identification of a piece of fiction?  Is it the author?  Is it the audience? Both? Neither? Other?

Mock Crash

I hope everyone paid attention during today's Mock Crash assembly. We all need to remember that we're not invincible, especially teens. I hope and pray that you will all be safe and responsible, not only for Prom this weekend, but also every other time you get behind the wheel.

Bear Claw

I have a red one and a blue one. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest inventions in history. It's right up there with duct tape, super glue, and the milk crate.

The Most Dangerous Game

I read this short story when I was a freshman, and we just started it today in English IA. Tomorrow, the students will meet General Zaroff and learn about his hunting preferences.

Various Thoughts

I bought a new tent instead of a kayak.

Our washing machine died Saturday.

I need to make repairs to the fence around my back yard.

Spring is here, and things are getting green.

I'm not ready to start mowing again.

What Should I Do?

I have acquired a little cash windfall of $150, but I'm not sure how I want to spend it. Menards has kayaks on sale for $169 this weekend, and I've been wanting one for a while now. However, there are probably better uses for the money. I could upgrade bathroom fixtures and/or shower; I could buy landscaping products for the area under our bay window; I could purchase some sort of electronic gadget, etc.  I'm open to your suggestions/advice. Shoot me an email with your thoughts.

PARCC Testing

Freshmen and Sophomores are "test driving" the new PARCC test this week and next. Next year, it will become the official standardized test for grades 3-11. Hopefully, it will be an improvement over the ISAT and PSAE.

School Lunches

I don't think Angie gets enough credit. Our school lunches are pretty darn good!

Finished!

We're wrapping up the classic 1968 movie version of Romeo and Juliet, concluding another year's Shakespeare studies. I finished Julius Caesar with English II a couple of weeks ago. Now, I'm looking forward to moving on to short stories in both classes to finish up the year.