Hello,
Conferences continue this week. I know that they are difficult to fit in and some may have to wait until after break (we have progress reports, test scores, independent projects and more that we could talk about). Quarter 2 is up and running and many students are settling into Trillium and the self-led, project-based model...but it takes time.
Some things coming up in my classes:
Writing = workshopping the first assignment continues and it will be due JAN. 2nd, 2007. Also Trent Retallack will come in this week and involve some middle school students with his class downstairs in the intermediate.
Modern Music = a discussion prompt assignment was due yesterday, and there is a chance to turn it in and continue the work on Wednesday. Project choices will be conference on this Wednesday.
Drama = scene work continues. Individual work throughs of every scene on Thursday. Due the week of our return (Jan. 4th)
Songwriting = First performance round this Wednesday!
MS literature = assignment has been given, all book choices due. In-class work happening now with an assignment to make rough draft of project due Jan. 3rd.
Graphic Novels = class is going great. Two assignments coming up. Rough draft of first due on Jan. 2nd.
Advising = Independent projects, class meetings, constitution review and current events taking up all our time! Due dates are individualized.
That is it for now. I will try to attach a newsletter to this site this month. Please email with any questions you might have: jkirke2001@yahoo.com
See ya soon,
Kirk
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Testing and More
Hello,
Testing begins this week and some of the class schedule will be modified to accommodate the big job. We decided to test English and writing in related class times, so the students will be in a familiar setting to that subject matter. All math and science testing is done in math and science class blocks leaving advising as a time to make up testing time.
Also, please contact me about a conference in the next two weeks before break. We will have progress reports and all of Q1 to reflect on, as well as talk about adjustments and hopes for the rest of the year. If all goes well we might have some test scores to look at...
Students have Monday to finalize their add/drop forms for their new Q2 schedules. I am requiring that the parents sign off on their choices. If you have not seen or approved your student's schedule, please let me know and I will pull it up for you. I would love to know that you had in on the choices and commitments they made for this term.
Look to the class section of this blog for added syllabi and even due dates and modifications as the quarter goes on. Talk more soon!
Kirk
Testing begins this week and some of the class schedule will be modified to accommodate the big job. We decided to test English and writing in related class times, so the students will be in a familiar setting to that subject matter. All math and science testing is done in math and science class blocks leaving advising as a time to make up testing time.
Also, please contact me about a conference in the next two weeks before break. We will have progress reports and all of Q1 to reflect on, as well as talk about adjustments and hopes for the rest of the year. If all goes well we might have some test scores to look at...
Students have Monday to finalize their add/drop forms for their new Q2 schedules. I am requiring that the parents sign off on their choices. If you have not seen or approved your student's schedule, please let me know and I will pull it up for you. I would love to know that you had in on the choices and commitments they made for this term.
Look to the class section of this blog for added syllabi and even due dates and modifications as the quarter goes on. Talk more soon!
Kirk
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Advising This Week
Hello,
The potluck went very well. It was a positive and timely meeting, and I want to thank our liaison John Ross for organizing it. I think that it would be valuable to have one every quarter. There was much kind and hopeful feedback about the school, and the concerns seemed to focus largely on school culture so the independent model can work more effectively.
I say it was timely because much of the time we are spending now in advising is on the constitution and community identity. Today we have a class meeting and Friday we will have a constitution review and quiz, orientation and certification on how to use supplies and be in certain spaces, detailing ILP and project plans, work with buddies, and more.
Tonight is the upper school open house at 6:30. Come along and talk to other teachers about your student's experience upstairs. It will also be a time where you can sign up for conferences with me. They start next Monday and can be scheduled up through the 15th. Progress reports will have been delivered by then and be available for those meetings.
There will also be a volunteer sign-up sheet for all of my classes and the upper school in general. If you would like to be trained on the constitution and the OVRR system (how it stands) then the students and I can arrange that before any volunteer time occurs.
Again, thanks for being a great advising class! Look through these syllabae and be sure to ask questions about due dates as the come up. This is also a site for all advising activities and calendar adjustments. The middle school newsletter will be emailed separately.
Kirk
The potluck went very well. It was a positive and timely meeting, and I want to thank our liaison John Ross for organizing it. I think that it would be valuable to have one every quarter. There was much kind and hopeful feedback about the school, and the concerns seemed to focus largely on school culture so the independent model can work more effectively.
I say it was timely because much of the time we are spending now in advising is on the constitution and community identity. Today we have a class meeting and Friday we will have a constitution review and quiz, orientation and certification on how to use supplies and be in certain spaces, detailing ILP and project plans, work with buddies, and more.
Tonight is the upper school open house at 6:30. Come along and talk to other teachers about your student's experience upstairs. It will also be a time where you can sign up for conferences with me. They start next Monday and can be scheduled up through the 15th. Progress reports will have been delivered by then and be available for those meetings.
There will also be a volunteer sign-up sheet for all of my classes and the upper school in general. If you would like to be trained on the constitution and the OVRR system (how it stands) then the students and I can arrange that before any volunteer time occurs.
Again, thanks for being a great advising class! Look through these syllabae and be sure to ask questions about due dates as the come up. This is also a site for all advising activities and calendar adjustments. The middle school newsletter will be emailed separately.
Kirk
Sunday, November 26, 2006
The Q2 Classes
Literature Class: Middle School
Q2
Kirk Ellis
This class is designed to work with a small group of dedicated readers and literature enthusiasts. We will share work that we have already read, some we that can recommend to each other, and books that we have always hoped to read!
We will define the term “literature” and discuss what makes a book good or bad. In fact, there will be little writing in this course, as the bulk of our time will be spent discussing read-aloud material and assigned texts.
Metaphor, symbolism, the use of archetypes (and what makes a work universal), irony, and the 6 + 1 Traits of writing will be explored through student driven projects.
Each student in responsible for one (1) major project on a book of their choice. The focus of the assignment is on how that book reflects “the human condition”. This term will be discussed and defined as I read to them and we all talk.
Participation is essential. We will brainstorm good works, talk about why sci-fi and fantasy (especially in serial form) is at the core of most middle school reading lists, and how to let such literature shape identity and even culture. We will work very hard to avoid such words as “cool”, “boring”, “interesting”, or “fun” as we critique in an effort to be very specific and detailed in our responses.
Homework is given only to encourage the managing of this large project – so procrastination does not occur. In addition to the one assignment and the in-class participation grade, students will be expected to create a reading list for the school and actively listen to the mini-lessons provided by the instructor or guests. More to come as the class takes form…
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Modern Music
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts (possible social studies credit = see instructor)
Teacher
Kirk Ellis
Time/Day
A2 (10:25 – 11:45)
Required Materials
Provided reading packet, CDs, writing material and paper, folder to organize handouts
Prerequisites
None (previous enrollment in musicology classes helpful)
Course Explanation
This class specifically explores styles of modern music genres (mainly in the United States but to include some world music) from 1980 to the present. Lyrics will be the main vehicle for conversation and musical exploration. The main goal of the class is to listen and discuss. Students are expected to write about the work of the class (see below).
The structure of the class will be as follows: listen to music provided by instructor or guest speakers. Discuss music in terms of lyrical structure and (potential) effect on culture or individual. Read excerpts from academics, artists, composers, and students. Study lyrics of favorite musicians. Listen actively to all opinions in class without personal attack (disagreements are healthy and encouraged).
Ideally this will be a class for students who love music and are open to examining the social and political implications of music, how it shapes their own identity, and why we listen to it in the first place. Guests and field trips as well.
Course Requirements and Grading
70% - Attendance, Participation, and Effort = Participation is essential. IF a student has three (3) unexcused absences the best grade they can receive is a “C”. For each absence after that they will go down a letter grade e.g. 4 = D, 5 = F. Work must be made up regardless.
Since the class is in the middle of the morning, tardiness will not be tolerated. Three (3) tardies will result in falling one whole letter grade. Five (5) unexcused tardies will result in a failing grade.
30% - Cumulative Average of all work = ONE paper is required of every student. It must be a minimum of three (3) typed pages, 12-point font, single-spaced. It can be a reflective essay on the material and discussions of the class, OR it can be a book of lyrics/poetry that reflect a creative understanding of the material of the class, OR a proposed topic/project from the student to replace this assignment.
Letter grades and narratives will be written for each student.
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
N/A
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
EMP
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Songwriting
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts, fine arts, music elective
Teacher
Kirk
Time/Day
A3 12:30 – 2:15
Required Materials
PLEASE bring your own instruments to work with.
Prerequisites
Preference given to progressing students and those with musical experience. Please, MAXIMUM enrollment of 14 students.
Course Explanation
This class is for those who want to write their own music (through any instrument and genre), learn cover songs with the intention of improving their own songwriting skills, or guitar and bass players who’d like to practice and progress. There is also room for students who want to pursue singing, electronic music on computer, and work to record and play together.
There will be individual tutoring, group lessons, opportunities for bands to form and rehearse, and duets. This is a multi-level and multi-age (MS & HS mixed) classroom. We will practice patience, tolerance, taking turns, active listening, and respectful language and interaction. Your grade depends, in part, on your maturity in regard to these areas.
You must perform (for the class or larger group) at least three times.
Course Requirements and Grading
70% - Attendance, Participation, Effort, Cooperation30% - Cumulative Average of all work and (3) final performances.A-F grades and narratives will be written for each high school student. Emerging through advanced with narrative for each middle school student.
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
TBA – see class syllabus on first day
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
TBA – partnership with PCC and some trips to music stores planned.
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Drama
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts, fine arts
Teacher
Kirk
Time/Day
B3 12:30 – 2:15
Required Materials
Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement
Prerequisites
None (although there will be more advanced scenes for students with previous acting experience). MAXIMUM of 20 students in this class.
Course Explanation
If you are in this class it means that you do not mind performing, speaking, singing, dancing, and making a fool of yourself in front of others. That is the first requirement for this class.
This is also an INTERMEDIATE drama class for some of you, and a continuation for others so I am assuming that you have acted, performed, or taken a class like this before. The following is very important: I shall expect a lot from the class in terms of respecting one another. The only way this class can be successful is if we feel “safe” in an atmosphere of trust. Even for the most seasoned performer, there are times of nervousness and insecurity. We must feel able to make ourselves look absurd! If someone is performing, the rest of the class is being a respectful audience. There are no exceptions to this rule, ever! If you cannot be respectful, you’ll be asked to leave.
The main goal of this class is to cast, rehearse, stage, and perform scenes by the end of the term. There will also be opportunities for students to work on projects of their own design, including film work. With luck (and effort) we can have an evening or performance day to share what we have done with whomever you like.
Some of the in-class scripts, exercises, or improves that I provide are designed to “stretch your range” as an actor, so there may be mature content and language. Please consider this class a laboratory where we can really be ourselves and say what we feel and think. If you or your parents are uncomfortable with a few words of profanity here and there, and/or conversations that are REALLY happening at this age, please let me know immediately.
Since there are both middle and high school students in this class, I propose having two “sections”. I will have a teaching assistant this term to help with some version of this. This is not set in stone; it all depends on how we work together. It is also because of the different levels of maturity and age groupings that I am considering this method of grouping. We will, of course, see each other’s work and share ideas and experiences.
Course Requirements and Grading
75% - Attendance, Participation, and Effort, and making/meeting deadlines25% - Cumulative Average of final project presentations (2) and participation(A-F grade with narratives will be written for each high school student. Emerging through advanced with narrative for each middle school student)
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
TBA
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
TBA
Writing Class – Middle school
Kirk Ellis – Q2
B1 (9:00 – 10:20)
Hello! This class is designed to work on writing fundamentals. In addition to choosing a complete “meal” from the menu below, we shall work on in-class exercises and set aside time to work on ILPs and Framework Expectations. You will hopefully discover where your strengths, weaknesses, and passion lie and then act upon that discovery! Good luck.
Appetizers
Vocabulary Builders – A delicious list of commonly misspelled and misused words. Eat through them with a dictionary!
Grammar Packets – A sweet, well-balanced bunch of worksheets made to order to your own taste and skill.
Pre-Write Plate – The ever-popular hamburger graph and topic exercises on a bed of crisp, fresh, writing prompts. Your essays will be full when you are done with this one!
Build Your Own! – Only for the motivated and well-organized diner. Ask your server for details.
Entrees
The 5-Paragraph Essay – Using juicy words to fill 4 to 7 sentences per paragraph, you may write on any non-fiction topic that suits your palette. The rough draft goes delightfully with this item. Serves only you.
Book Report – The Classic! Enjoy at least a page and a half worth of your own typed writing. Be sure to include what and why as you write this piece with relish. Of course, selecting a succulent book is the best part of this meal.
Researcher’s Delight – A challenge! Includes a bibliography with 4 – 6 sources (only two may be from the Internet). Select a meaty topic or have the chef suggest one, and get cracking on a fact-finder’s dream. This is a must for the serious student and it must be at least three pages typed.
Movie Review – As with the book report, what and why answers are essential. It is the same size, but must also include a visual feast (for the other diners) that is NOT part of the original movie. Sound intriguing? A refreshing choice for those who are eating lightly.
The Short Story – For the fiction aficionados. Write an amazing tale of intrigue and adventure! Who knows, someone may be eaten alive…This romp through the salad days of your life must be at least three pages typed, and no more than ten.
News Item a.k.a. Current Events – For those with a taste for the political and social. You must find the “good” story and inform the general public. As if you are working for the Associated Press, fill up on the currents of our great society and put it in black and white (one and half pages of typed black and white to be precise).
Build Your Own! – As above, so here. But richer and zestier to make a full meal.
Desserts
Poetry – Chose from a list of decadent morsels: a bite-sized collection of Haiku, a satisfying Shakespearean sonnet, or a rich ode or two. Try them all in a sampler plate!
Playwriting – Script that witty dialogue you had over breakfast or on the phone last night. Try a cynical slab of your own droll creation! One of Oscar Wilde’s favorite delights.
Parables – Ever thought about how nice and filling a teaching story can be? Here’s a chance to create your own bedtime story without the milk and cookie. Try a light fairy tale, a piece with a layered moral, or one with a barb.
Build Your Own! – You get the picture. See your server for details.
Please Note
You must eat a complete meal.
Please select one item from each course. All of your final work must be typed in order for me to “digest” it – no exceptions. This means you’ll have to budget your time and perhaps make a trip to the library if you do not have the capabilities to print your work at home.
You must also include a rough draft, so again time management will be essential for a successful dining experience.
Remember, all good meals are made from scratch and use only the finest ingredients. Take your time and do your best work. You don’t want indigestion!
However, if you finish early and are still hungry there are other options more akin to a buffet. See your server for details. As always, the chef determines the pacing of the meal. Keep in mind as well that you must finish every thing on your plate before moving on…
Buen Provecho, Bon Apetite, Eat Well!
Q2
Kirk Ellis
This class is designed to work with a small group of dedicated readers and literature enthusiasts. We will share work that we have already read, some we that can recommend to each other, and books that we have always hoped to read!
We will define the term “literature” and discuss what makes a book good or bad. In fact, there will be little writing in this course, as the bulk of our time will be spent discussing read-aloud material and assigned texts.
Metaphor, symbolism, the use of archetypes (and what makes a work universal), irony, and the 6 + 1 Traits of writing will be explored through student driven projects.
Each student in responsible for one (1) major project on a book of their choice. The focus of the assignment is on how that book reflects “the human condition”. This term will be discussed and defined as I read to them and we all talk.
Participation is essential. We will brainstorm good works, talk about why sci-fi and fantasy (especially in serial form) is at the core of most middle school reading lists, and how to let such literature shape identity and even culture. We will work very hard to avoid such words as “cool”, “boring”, “interesting”, or “fun” as we critique in an effort to be very specific and detailed in our responses.
Homework is given only to encourage the managing of this large project – so procrastination does not occur. In addition to the one assignment and the in-class participation grade, students will be expected to create a reading list for the school and actively listen to the mini-lessons provided by the instructor or guests. More to come as the class takes form…
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Modern Music
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts (possible social studies credit = see instructor)
Teacher
Kirk Ellis
Time/Day
A2 (10:25 – 11:45)
Required Materials
Provided reading packet, CDs, writing material and paper, folder to organize handouts
Prerequisites
None (previous enrollment in musicology classes helpful)
Course Explanation
This class specifically explores styles of modern music genres (mainly in the United States but to include some world music) from 1980 to the present. Lyrics will be the main vehicle for conversation and musical exploration. The main goal of the class is to listen and discuss. Students are expected to write about the work of the class (see below).
The structure of the class will be as follows: listen to music provided by instructor or guest speakers. Discuss music in terms of lyrical structure and (potential) effect on culture or individual. Read excerpts from academics, artists, composers, and students. Study lyrics of favorite musicians. Listen actively to all opinions in class without personal attack (disagreements are healthy and encouraged).
Ideally this will be a class for students who love music and are open to examining the social and political implications of music, how it shapes their own identity, and why we listen to it in the first place. Guests and field trips as well.
Course Requirements and Grading
70% - Attendance, Participation, and Effort = Participation is essential. IF a student has three (3) unexcused absences the best grade they can receive is a “C”. For each absence after that they will go down a letter grade e.g. 4 = D, 5 = F. Work must be made up regardless.
Since the class is in the middle of the morning, tardiness will not be tolerated. Three (3) tardies will result in falling one whole letter grade. Five (5) unexcused tardies will result in a failing grade.
30% - Cumulative Average of all work = ONE paper is required of every student. It must be a minimum of three (3) typed pages, 12-point font, single-spaced. It can be a reflective essay on the material and discussions of the class, OR it can be a book of lyrics/poetry that reflect a creative understanding of the material of the class, OR a proposed topic/project from the student to replace this assignment.
Letter grades and narratives will be written for each student.
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
N/A
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
EMP
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Songwriting
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts, fine arts, music elective
Teacher
Kirk
Time/Day
A3 12:30 – 2:15
Required Materials
PLEASE bring your own instruments to work with.
Prerequisites
Preference given to progressing students and those with musical experience. Please, MAXIMUM enrollment of 14 students.
Course Explanation
This class is for those who want to write their own music (through any instrument and genre), learn cover songs with the intention of improving their own songwriting skills, or guitar and bass players who’d like to practice and progress. There is also room for students who want to pursue singing, electronic music on computer, and work to record and play together.
There will be individual tutoring, group lessons, opportunities for bands to form and rehearse, and duets. This is a multi-level and multi-age (MS & HS mixed) classroom. We will practice patience, tolerance, taking turns, active listening, and respectful language and interaction. Your grade depends, in part, on your maturity in regard to these areas.
You must perform (for the class or larger group) at least three times.
Course Requirements and Grading
70% - Attendance, Participation, Effort, Cooperation30% - Cumulative Average of all work and (3) final performances.A-F grades and narratives will be written for each high school student. Emerging through advanced with narrative for each middle school student.
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
TBA – see class syllabus on first day
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
TBA – partnership with PCC and some trips to music stores planned.
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Getting Graphic
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts, art
Teacher
Kirk Ellis
Time/Day
B2 10:25 – 11:45
Required Materials
Pens, pencils, paper, pocket folder
Prerequisites
none
Course Explanation
This class will explore the origin and current “golden age” of the graphic novel. We will examine the effect of illustration on writing, the genres that have pioneered this combination, comic books, self-published work, manga, and more.
Students are to read a variety of source material (comics and graphic novels) as well as academic literature on the subject. Art and illustration will play an important role, as will the phenomenon of taking print to film. We will view and analyze anime and the often-adapted comics and books to the big screen.
The material in this class can be mature themed. Violence, drug and alcohol use, sexual situations, and profanity are sometimes used or referred to in telling the story. We will handle this material with care and be sure to get permission when necessary for students in the mixed-age setting.
Dark Horse Comics will again pay us a visit in order to round out the discussion on current titles and trends.
Course Requirements and Grading
50% - Attendance, Participation, and In-Class work/effort including a tardy and absent policy as follows: Participation is essential. IF a student has three (3) unexcused absences the best grade they can receive is a “C”. For each absence after that they will go down a letter grade e.g. 4 = D, 5 = F. Work must be made up regardless.
Since the class is in the middle of the morning, tardiness will not be tolerated. Three (3) tardies will result in falling one whole letter grade. Five (5) unexcused tardies will result in a failing grade.
50% - Cumulative Average of two projects. Requirements to be determined and will include either essays on topics and class material or a creative piece designed by the student.A-F grades will be given. Narratives will be written for each student.
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
TBA
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
Dark Horse Comics
Trillium Charter School
High School Syllabus TEMPLATE
Course Name
Drama
Subject (Content) Area
Language arts, fine arts
Teacher
Kirk
Time/Day
B3 12:30 – 2:15
Required Materials
Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement
Prerequisites
None (although there will be more advanced scenes for students with previous acting experience). MAXIMUM of 20 students in this class.
Course Explanation
If you are in this class it means that you do not mind performing, speaking, singing, dancing, and making a fool of yourself in front of others. That is the first requirement for this class.
This is also an INTERMEDIATE drama class for some of you, and a continuation for others so I am assuming that you have acted, performed, or taken a class like this before. The following is very important: I shall expect a lot from the class in terms of respecting one another. The only way this class can be successful is if we feel “safe” in an atmosphere of trust. Even for the most seasoned performer, there are times of nervousness and insecurity. We must feel able to make ourselves look absurd! If someone is performing, the rest of the class is being a respectful audience. There are no exceptions to this rule, ever! If you cannot be respectful, you’ll be asked to leave.
The main goal of this class is to cast, rehearse, stage, and perform scenes by the end of the term. There will also be opportunities for students to work on projects of their own design, including film work. With luck (and effort) we can have an evening or performance day to share what we have done with whomever you like.
Some of the in-class scripts, exercises, or improves that I provide are designed to “stretch your range” as an actor, so there may be mature content and language. Please consider this class a laboratory where we can really be ourselves and say what we feel and think. If you or your parents are uncomfortable with a few words of profanity here and there, and/or conversations that are REALLY happening at this age, please let me know immediately.
Since there are both middle and high school students in this class, I propose having two “sections”. I will have a teaching assistant this term to help with some version of this. This is not set in stone; it all depends on how we work together. It is also because of the different levels of maturity and age groupings that I am considering this method of grouping. We will, of course, see each other’s work and share ideas and experiences.
Course Requirements and Grading
75% - Attendance, Participation, and Effort, and making/meeting deadlines25% - Cumulative Average of final project presentations (2) and participation(A-F grade with narratives will be written for each high school student. Emerging through advanced with narrative for each middle school student)
Lesson Plans (may be attached)
TBA
Field Trips (actual or proposed)
TBA
Writing Class – Middle school
Kirk Ellis – Q2
B1 (9:00 – 10:20)
Hello! This class is designed to work on writing fundamentals. In addition to choosing a complete “meal” from the menu below, we shall work on in-class exercises and set aside time to work on ILPs and Framework Expectations. You will hopefully discover where your strengths, weaknesses, and passion lie and then act upon that discovery! Good luck.
Appetizers
Vocabulary Builders – A delicious list of commonly misspelled and misused words. Eat through them with a dictionary!
Grammar Packets – A sweet, well-balanced bunch of worksheets made to order to your own taste and skill.
Pre-Write Plate – The ever-popular hamburger graph and topic exercises on a bed of crisp, fresh, writing prompts. Your essays will be full when you are done with this one!
Build Your Own! – Only for the motivated and well-organized diner. Ask your server for details.
Entrees
The 5-Paragraph Essay – Using juicy words to fill 4 to 7 sentences per paragraph, you may write on any non-fiction topic that suits your palette. The rough draft goes delightfully with this item. Serves only you.
Book Report – The Classic! Enjoy at least a page and a half worth of your own typed writing. Be sure to include what and why as you write this piece with relish. Of course, selecting a succulent book is the best part of this meal.
Researcher’s Delight – A challenge! Includes a bibliography with 4 – 6 sources (only two may be from the Internet). Select a meaty topic or have the chef suggest one, and get cracking on a fact-finder’s dream. This is a must for the serious student and it must be at least three pages typed.
Movie Review – As with the book report, what and why answers are essential. It is the same size, but must also include a visual feast (for the other diners) that is NOT part of the original movie. Sound intriguing? A refreshing choice for those who are eating lightly.
The Short Story – For the fiction aficionados. Write an amazing tale of intrigue and adventure! Who knows, someone may be eaten alive…This romp through the salad days of your life must be at least three pages typed, and no more than ten.
News Item a.k.a. Current Events – For those with a taste for the political and social. You must find the “good” story and inform the general public. As if you are working for the Associated Press, fill up on the currents of our great society and put it in black and white (one and half pages of typed black and white to be precise).
Build Your Own! – As above, so here. But richer and zestier to make a full meal.
Desserts
Poetry – Chose from a list of decadent morsels: a bite-sized collection of Haiku, a satisfying Shakespearean sonnet, or a rich ode or two. Try them all in a sampler plate!
Playwriting – Script that witty dialogue you had over breakfast or on the phone last night. Try a cynical slab of your own droll creation! One of Oscar Wilde’s favorite delights.
Parables – Ever thought about how nice and filling a teaching story can be? Here’s a chance to create your own bedtime story without the milk and cookie. Try a light fairy tale, a piece with a layered moral, or one with a barb.
Build Your Own! – You get the picture. See your server for details.
Please Note
You must eat a complete meal.
Please select one item from each course. All of your final work must be typed in order for me to “digest” it – no exceptions. This means you’ll have to budget your time and perhaps make a trip to the library if you do not have the capabilities to print your work at home.
You must also include a rough draft, so again time management will be essential for a successful dining experience.
Remember, all good meals are made from scratch and use only the finest ingredients. Take your time and do your best work. You don’t want indigestion!
However, if you finish early and are still hungry there are other options more akin to a buffet. See your server for details. As always, the chef determines the pacing of the meal. Keep in mind as well that you must finish every thing on your plate before moving on…
Buen Provecho, Bon Apetite, Eat Well!
Hello Again
Well, here is my new blog. I have discontinued my site from last year and folks can look here for information about all of my classes at Trillium Charter School. We are just about set to begin the second quarter of a rather exciting year. I am very happy with the transition to the new building and how, for the most part, we all adjusted to the increase in size and space. Change is good.
This is also the place to look for information about advising events, links to school news, course syllabae, due dates, random thoughts from me, and hopefully some art and music. I will do my best to post weekly...enjoy!
Kirk
This is also the place to look for information about advising events, links to school news, course syllabae, due dates, random thoughts from me, and hopefully some art and music. I will do my best to post weekly...enjoy!
Kirk
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