EXTRA CREDIT: Helping out Mr. V

Hey Kids…

So, Mr. V and I wanted to extend an opportunity to all of you for some extra credit. Mr. V has to teach a lesson for his teaching program, but it doesn’t fit into our curriculum. So, we are going to run a small group  ”mock lesson” after school and need participants. I know that you enjoy having him in the class and can understand how important this is for his own learning. 

Details:

• When: Tuesday 12/13
• Time: 1:50 – 2:30
• Where: IN UPPER LIBRARY AT 1:50
• Bring: English Binders and a writing utensil
• How many: THE FIRST 8 PEOPLE ONLY!!!!  First come, first serve!!! Mr. V will be waiting for you!!

You will earn:

• Homework Pass (free 100%) for ANY term
• 10 points added to a quiz THIS term
• 10 Points on a Quiz (for ANY term)

Thanks for your help and see you soon!

~G and V

MissRepresentation

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to give you an opportunity to watch this incredible documentary, write about it, and share for extra credit! 

This documentary takes a look at the over sexualization and “pornification” of the American media. Unfortunately, women are objectified as these sexual play things and decorative fixtures in society. You will get some information about disparities in gender, culture and expectations. Learn how much the media can influence and reinforce stereotypes.

What you need to do:

• Watch “MissRepresentation” on the OWN Network. If you don’t have the network, go to a friends house and watch together! You might be able to youtube it!
• Take notes as you read, respond to the documentary: self, world, text, etc. What bothers you, what do you agree with or disagree with and why? 
• Use those notes to answer the questions
• You will need to answer the questions below thoroughly, 
• Attend and PARTICIPATE in a “media Chat” in the upper library from 1:50  - 3 pm on Friday 10/28
• Sign In and OUT so that I know you were there. 
• You will earn Extra Credit for your participation (up to 25 points on a TEST)

Documentary:

• Name – Missrepresented
• OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network. CLICK HERE for listings
• OR: Attend a Suffolk University Screening!! CLICK HERE!!

Questions:

• Find a quote, phrase that someone said that you want to word slap, positively or negatively. What is the quote and what do you want to say about it? Why does it need slapping?
• What do you agree with and why?
• What do you disagree with and why?
• What is your perspective of women in the media? Has it been influenced by this documentary
• How can you connect this to your own life? Think of a situation that you, personally, have experienced that relates to the issues discussed in the documentary.

Media Chat:

• Upper Library
• Friday 10/28
• 1:50 – 3 pm 

For more information: visit the website: http://missrepresentation.org/

MassEquality: Anti-Bullying Extra Credit Opportunity!

On May 13, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a hearing about student bullying that targets LGBT youth, or those perceived to be LGBT. It will mark the first time the Civil Rights Commission will host a hearing on an LGBT-related issue.

The Commission wants to hear from you—and so do we. If you were bullied for being LGBT or for being in an LGBT family, share your story in writing with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and send us a copy.

The Commission’s goal of the story collection is to build a record from contributions of people all across the country. MassEquality’s goal is to better understand the scope of bullying in Massachusetts schools.

The letters do not need to be formal or in any particular format. Just write in your own voice and tell your story: what happened to you; what (if anything) was done about it; and the impact the experience had on you and your family. If you have any thoughts about what types of intervention might cut down on bullying in schools, please include your ideas.

In order to humanize this issue as strongly as possible, if you’re comfortable doing so, attach a picture of yourself and your family to the front of the letter.

Letters should be sent, if possible, by May 1, 2011 for introduction into the Commission’s record in advance of the May 13 hearing in D.C. The letter itself should be addressed to:

Kim Tolhurst, Esq., Acting General Counsel
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
624 Ninth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001

Please note that the envelope should be addressed and mailed to Commissioner Achtenberg’s special assistant, Alec Duell at :
c/o Alec Deull
3102 Krueger Road
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

IN ORDER TO EARN EXTRA CREDIT FOR TERM 5: You MUST bring in addressed and stamped enveloped along with your letter. I want to read it before it is sent out. This is due by Monday 5/1!

Extra Credit Opportunity!

Extra Credit Opportunity on Thursday 1/20!

Take a trip to Nigeria! One of your peers will be giving you an authentic presentation about growing up in Nigeria. This presentation will include personal stories, clothing, videos, music, dance and food! There will also be time for some Q and A. This will help to give you a better background about the next novel we are reading, Things Fall Apart, by Nigerian Author, Chinua Achebe.

Don’t be late!!!

This is open to MY STUDENTS ONLY!

When: Thursday 1/20

Where: Room 328

Time: 1:45 – 2:30 (doors close at 1:45, so don’t be late!)

You must be present for the entire presentation and fill out a ticket to leave in order to get extra credit. If you don’t fill out a ticket to leave with your name on it, then I will not know you attended. 

Don’t be late and come and enjoy the fun!!!

I encourage you to tell your parents that there are many opportunities for you to earn extra credit, not just for GSA events. However, having students stay after for events helps to create a school community and school spirit. Please note that no student recieved anything for wearing purple, which means I don’t force my views on to you, other than to be open-minded and tolerant of other races, cultures, and lifestyles. Be sure to mention those times I offer you points on a quiz for Jeopardy, staying after to help, attending games, the MSA panel, etc.

Extra Credit: Wednesday After School

In reference to the events you have read for class surrounding 9/11, there will be an educational and informative panel discussion after school.

Students from the Muslim Student Association (MSA) will share personal stories, facts and information, then open the floor to a discussion Q and A.

EXTRA CREDIT: You will earn extra credit for BOTH attendance AND this response: please write a 500 word (at least) response to the questions: What are your thoughts and feelings from today’s panel? What did you learn? How does this compare to what you already know and/or practice about religion? How could their speech and feelings be an example of Marginalization and disenfranchisement? This does not need to by typed, but please make it legible. This is DUE: FRIDAY 9/24. No exceptions!

You will earn: UP TO 20 points on a quiz to be used during TERM 1 ONLY!!

Be respectful of others, their views, and keep an open mind. Please come to education yourself and support diversity!

Where: Room 318

When: Wednesday 9/22

Time: 1:45 – 2:30 (BE ON TIME! Otherwise, it is rude to abruptly walk into a presentation)

Bring your friend, teachers, etc. See you there!

Grade 12: I am Hamlet Production

Dear seniors,

I came across this: a one-man performance titled I am Hamlet. I was watching some of the scene trailers and they look interesting. He combines modern techniques of production with traditional theatre using masks and puppets. I am going to attend this event and would like to extend the invitation to all of you to see the show for extra credit.

If you would like to go, the play is running from 1/26 to 1/31 at the  Plaza Black Box Theatre.  Shows begin at 7:30, 8:00 depending on the day and 2:30 on Sunday, so be sure to check the times. Also, tickets are $20 with your student ID. You should probably buy them in advance, just in case. Remember, it is a theatre performance, so dress appropriately.

If you would like extra credit (a very generous gift, I must add):

• your ticket stub
• a write up of scene NOT already on the website: be sure to describe the scene and how he conveys the nescessary emotion needed for the character(s). Indicate whether or not you think he stayed true to Shakespeare’s imagery. Be sure to make direct play to text connections. Also, be a critic and include your overall opinion of the play making references to specfic scenes/actions that occured.
• Response should be 500-800 words, MLA format of course.
• Submitted to turn-it-in AND hard copy
• You will earn a HW pass and a 25 extra points on a quiz (past or future)

Grade 9: Extra credit Opportunity

Dear Grade 9 students:

I am asking for your help and for your time. This year, the budget cuts have been intense and we have  to go with out so many things. As a result, I do not want our health to suffer. The swine flu epidemic is said to come back even stronger this season and I would like all of us to be as prepared as possible.

I am hoping that you will be able to donate a box of tissues or a bottle of hand sanitizer for the class. This will help to ensure we stay as clean and sanitary as possible. I know that times are tough, but if we all pitch in, we will be able to meet the needs of the classroom together. If you can’t get to the store, please come see me on Monday because I do need people to check in this stuff, so your time is greatly appreciated and will not go unnoticed.

For those of you who have dedicated your time, in any way possible, you will receive a free homework pass, to be used during term 1. If you have any questions, please send me an email. See you on Monday!!