Link to New Blog

I have my new blog up and running. Check it out!
http://mrgibsonsnewblog.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Switch

Somehow, I have multiple Google accounts, and I need to simplify things. In the next few days, I'm going to create a replacement blog under the account that I intend to keep. I'll post a link to it on here when it's ready.

Thank you and Goodbye

Thank you to Mrs. Bridges and the rest of the PBIS team for a successful celebration yesterday.

Goodbye to the 2014 Senior Class!  You made it!

PBIS and Retirement

Looking forward to playing outside today at the PBIS celebration. Also looking forward to the proper send-off for Mrs. Cohorst at her retirement assembly this morning.

Athletic Banquet

Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches on their successful seasons!

Spring Concert

Job well done! Congratulations to Mr. Schulze, Mr. Mellot, and all members of the band and chorus.

Awards Night

1. Congratulations to all recipients!
2. I like the new, shorter format.
3. I miss the dessert buffet.

Writing Project

Students in English IA are starting my favorite part of the course. Over the next week or so, they will be writing their own short stories, and I will be doing one as well.  Similar in style to "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, these stories will focus on a social issue of the student's choosing. They'll imagine the worst-case scenario, exaggerate it to the point of ridiculous, and tell the story of characters living in that world.

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.

Fruit Loops

I love them! I can sit down and eat an entire box in one sitting.

Career Day

I'm looking forward to a successful Career Day this afternoon. Thanks in advance to all of our guest speakers!

Dodge Ball

1. I had a blast!
2. I am the Dodge Ball King!
3. How in the world did Temara catch that ball?
4. My "good" knee hurts like crazy after the limited amount of running.
5. I'm fat and out of shape.
6. I can still "bring the heat."
7. Most students aren't even qualified to watch me play, much less be on the same court.
8. I am the Dodge Ball King!
9. My knee hurts.
10. My knee hurts, but I am the Dodge Ball King!

An Unachieved Goal

Due in part to my crazy schedule, and due in part to the crazy weather in Illinois, it looks as if I'll fail to achieve my goal of using my 2013 fishing license once more before it expires. When the weather has been nice, my schedule has conflicted, and when my schedule has been open, the weather has not cooperated.

Test Time

English II students took their test over Julius Caesar yesterday, and English IA students are taking their test over Romeo and Juliet today. We'll watch the classic 1960's rendition of R&J this week and then be done with Shakespeare for another year.

Why?

Why are my favorite foods unhealthy? Why are healthy foods my least favorite? Life would be much easier for me if "junk food" had the nutritional qualities of "health food."

Fractions

Freshmen, you're 3/16 done with your high school careers.
Sophomores, you're 7/16 done.
Juniors, you're 11/16 done.
Seniors, you're 15/16 done.

I'll never graduate.

Early to Bed

I conked out around 8:30 last night. With that much rest and a couple cups of coffee, I almost feel human!

Band Trip

A lot of our students are gone today on a band trip. They're going to Chicago to see The Blue Man Group. I hope they have a good time, but I have to wonder how those guys ever came up with their idea. "Hey, guys! Let's paint ourselves blue and bang on stuff!"

Rash Behavior

One of the key lessons to be learned from Romeo and Juliet is a caution against rash behavior. Most of the characters make rash decisions with little or no consideration of potential consequences. Generally speaking, those rash decisions lead to immediate rash behavior and bring about tragic consequences. I think Ol' Bill Shakespeare wants us all to slow down and think before we act.

Two Weeks Left

My fishing license from last year expires at the end of the month. Will I be able to use it one more time before it expires? I certainly hope so. Come on, Spring!

Exciting Times

I had a big night on the town last night. First, my wife and I went to supper at Jumbo Buffet. Then, we checked out the clearance sale at Sears. I bought two pairs of shoes and some dress pants. Next we went to Big Lots and bought a variety of stuff: dog food, cheap chocolate bars, shirts for the dogs, etc. After that much sensory overload, we went home. Livin' big in Corn Central!

Weird Illinois

I've been re-reading this book about strange legends, lore, and locations in our fair state. I think most of it is garbage, but it's still fun to read.

Clumsy

I have always been able to find new and creative ways to hurt myself unintentionally. Last night, I thought I was stepping off the bottom rung of a ladder, when in fact, I was on the second rung.

Logic Does Not Apply

Friar Laurence and Juliet, somehow, both think they have a perfect solution to their problem. Instead of telling everyone the truth about Juliet's secret marriage to Romeo, they think it's a better idea to have her fake her own death, have Romie sneak back to Verona and break into the Capulet tomb with the Friar before running away with Juliet. In what messed up world does that plan make any sense?!?!?!?

Clarification

After re-reading my previous post about effort and potential, I fear that it may have sounded accusatory. My intent was not to accuse but to motivate. Also, my comments were not directed to any particular person.

Potential and Effort

I believe that people have amazing potential, but many lack effort. How many times can you honestly state that you gave a 100% effort for something? It's easy for us to slide into complacency and let life slide right by us. I'm guilty of falling into that trap and need occasional reminders to "get it in gear." Consider this my reminder to you, o faithful readers. Get it in gear!

National Honor Society

Congratulations to all the new inductees into National Honor Society. The ceremony went very well, as did the meal afterwards. Special congratulations to retiring sponsor and honorary member Mrs. Cohorst.

Hey!

Old Man Winter! I think it's time for you to leave. No one wants you here.

March

Most people worry about basketball. I don't. I worry about two other things.

1. Will I remember to put the new insurance cards in our cars?

2. Will I get to use my fishing license before it expires?

Brutus

He's a complicated guy who's trying to figure out his priorities. We all know that can be tough, and it's even harder to do when someone with an agenda is manipulating you. Brutus has to decide if he's more loyal to his friend or to his country. Cassius only cares about his own jealousy.

Celebrity Justice

Our topic of investigation this week in Modern Problems is Celebrity Justice. Obviously, it isn't fair for those with wealth and/or fame to be treated differently under the law than the rest of us. I shared with the class the story of Motley Crue singer Vince Neil who was convicted of DUI and vehicular manslaughter in 1984. He was sentenced to five years probation and thirty days in jail and had to pay 2.5 million in fines. Even more troubling, he only served twenty days of his sentence; he got out ten days early for "good behavior."

Crime and Punishment

Crime--Romeo attended Capulet's party
Punishment--Tybalt challenged him to a duel

Crime--Tybalt killed Mercutio
Punishment--Romeo killed Tybalt

Crime--Romeo killed Tybalt
Punishment--Prince Escalus banished Romeo from Verona

We Have A Winner!

At Friday's ball game, I did the drawing for the electric guitar raffle. The winner is Mr. James Purcell from Alabama, one of many Internet entrants. Congratulations to Mr. Purcell, and thanks to everyone who participated. Thanks to your support, the Art Club has money for a field trip before the year's end.

Crazy Illinois

Who ever heard of a tornado in February?!?!?!?

Emotions vs. Logic

This was a topic of discussion in English II yesterday as we considered the Shakespeare Classic, "Julius Caesar." My class and I decided that emotions usually rule the day when competing with logic. The conversation reminded me of this classic 80's song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARERFbiqCfk

As always, I'm not responsible for any inappropriate ads or comments that may appear on Youtube.

Silly Kids

Silly Romie! Silly Julie! You met less than 24 hours ago, and now you're married?!?!?!  OMG!!! What are you two thinking?!?!?!

Mental Realignment

Don't think about snow and ice.
Think about: ice cream, swimming pools, baseball games, barbecue grills, garden produce, a wardrobe of shorts and t-shirts, big catfish gobbling up a chicken liver and nearly pulling your pole out of your hands, etc.

Muchas Gracias!

Apparently, I have an audience of two people!  Many thanks to Ty and Mr. Hacker for keeping up with my thought-provoking posts on here.  ;)

Midterm

Students and parents should check the online gradebook for a midterm update. I'll be sending emails to parents of students with Ds or Fs in my classes.

Music Appreciation

I can't imagine a life without music. No matter your mood, there's a fitting music soundtrack. I find it very powerful that sound waves received by my ears can affect my mood and trigger memories and feelings from years gone by.

PARCC Assessment

I went with several colleagues yesterday to a seminar about the PARCC Assessment, the new computer-based testing system to implemented statewide in 2015. This test will replace the PSAE and be used to determine student achievement towards the Common Core Standards.

Summer

Where are you, summer time? I miss you! I don't get along well with Old Man Winter, but he just won't go away.

Scholar Bowl

As a former SB coach, I still enjoy going to the occasional match, even if I have to be a van driver. Last night, I watched the NHS varsity team totally dominate the action in two matches with Stew-Stras and Beecher City. Good job!

Hype

I suppose I'm in the minority here, but I I don't understand all the hype about the Super Bowl. I realize that it's the one-game championship culminating the whole season's efforts, but I believe it's been blown out of proportion. Let's have some perspective! I feel that there are a lot of other things in our world that deserve a lot more recognition.

Hello? Is this thing on?

Shoot me an email and let me know I have an audience!

mgibson@neogacusd3.net

How-To Speeches

English II students are presenting their speeches this week. New and interesting information is being shared, and I am enjoying it!

The Nurse

One of my favorite characters in Romeo and Juliet is The Nurse. Her crude exterior covers a heart of gold.

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

The word seen requires a helping verb. The word saw does not require a helping verb.

For example:

I saw the movie yesterday.

I have seen the movie before.

State Honors Band

I traveled to Peoria Saturday to see the concert at the Civic Center. The show was awesome, and Neoga High School was well represented. Congratulations to our NHS representatives!

I'm Ready

I'm ready for the following:
swimming, fishing, biking, camping, NOT FREEZING, etc.

Naps

1. I love them.
2. Can happen anywhere, anytime.
3. Are best in my recliner with a blanket and my dog
4. Should be part of the daily school schedule.
5. Are addictive.
6. Would be more awesome if I could figure out a way to get paid for them.

Condolences

My friend Coletta just lost her dad to cancer. Having been down that road, I know how difficult it can be, as do many, many people in our community. My heart goes out to her and her family.

R and J

Students in English IA will begin reading Romeo and Juliet next week. As usual, I expect many to claim that they "hate Shakespeare," even though they've never read any of his work. Also, I expect many of those same students to change their minds by the end of the play.

An Invention To Change The Ages

Back To Work

Well, that was a long break, wasn't it?  It's good to get back to work and start of another new semester.