...has begun again! We will be doing the writing test in the middle school this week. It is a benchmark time for 7th graders and a work sample opportunity for 6th and 8th. Hopefully, through their language arts classes and advising they will be done on Friday.
Grades will be handed out at the end of the day today, and in the mail. Please see me with any questions or concerns. I will be lining up Q3 and Q4 assessment to the Framework and their formal ILPs for the next two reports. More on that soon.
Tonight is a Meet the Teachers event at 6:00 p.m.
The board meets tomorrow night.
Look for news soon about rescheduling my advising class potluck - realistically right after Spring Break is most likely.
I am formulating a NEEDS list that would help upstairs. I will post it on the blog, through email, and at the front desk (supplies, tasks, repairs, field trips, etc.)
DUE THIS WEEK:
Drama: lines memorized on Wednesday, 2/21
World Music: topic selected, rough draft begun, lecture on India continued on Wed. 2/21
D.A.D.A.: rough drafts need to be in class on Wednesday 2/21
Songwriting: first performance(s) on Thursday 2/22 and Tuesday 2/27
Literature: Testing all week
Writing: Testing all week
Advising: ILP conferences and autobiography cover pages done by Thursday 2/22
Hope you had a pleasant three-day weekend!
Thanks,
Kirk
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Potluck and More
Oh well, I guess we'll do the potluck at another time - I hear Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are better than Friday! Me too...
We will reschedule. The agenda still stands: ILPs, Fridays, John Ross and his Marvelous Ideas, and concerns and hopes.
Speaking of Fridays we went ice skating today. The kids voted and really seemed emotionally relieved to be doing something "non-academic and not at Trillium", in their words. They are also keen on bowling next Friday to balance out the vote. I am not a fan of either to be honest. And that is why Fridays was on the potluck agenda. More on that later.
My class was wondering why we don't do anything fun.
We have gone to breakfast, Dark Horse Comics, bowling twice, the ballet, had in-house team building activities, two parties, movies (one for Black History Month), OMSI, and now ice skating. The library was boycotted, and an earlier suggestion of the zoo met with groans. They forgot that we also had around 5 Fridays with no school. They rest of the time was spent with buddies or building projects for the very successful project fair. We cleaned for part of one of those Fridays.
All they remember is that Kirk's is the class that cleans!
Why am I saying this? To ask for YOUR help in planning educational and engaging activities. There will certainly be service learning projects, especially as the weather continues to improve. Any thoughts? Send me an email: jkirke2001@yahoo.com
Class lists are finalized and I'll have them at the front desk on Tuesday...with their grades!
Independent learning plans are becoming formalized and put together with the Framework (finally!), and if this sounds odd to you it will be explained in detail in the coming week(s).
Thanks for letting me blog at you,
Kirk
We will reschedule. The agenda still stands: ILPs, Fridays, John Ross and his Marvelous Ideas, and concerns and hopes.
Speaking of Fridays we went ice skating today. The kids voted and really seemed emotionally relieved to be doing something "non-academic and not at Trillium", in their words. They are also keen on bowling next Friday to balance out the vote. I am not a fan of either to be honest. And that is why Fridays was on the potluck agenda. More on that later.
My class was wondering why we don't do anything fun.
We have gone to breakfast, Dark Horse Comics, bowling twice, the ballet, had in-house team building activities, two parties, movies (one for Black History Month), OMSI, and now ice skating. The library was boycotted, and an earlier suggestion of the zoo met with groans. They forgot that we also had around 5 Fridays with no school. They rest of the time was spent with buddies or building projects for the very successful project fair. We cleaned for part of one of those Fridays.
All they remember is that Kirk's is the class that cleans!
Why am I saying this? To ask for YOUR help in planning educational and engaging activities. There will certainly be service learning projects, especially as the weather continues to improve. Any thoughts? Send me an email: jkirke2001@yahoo.com
Class lists are finalized and I'll have them at the front desk on Tuesday...with their grades!
Independent learning plans are becoming formalized and put together with the Framework (finally!), and if this sounds odd to you it will be explained in detail in the coming week(s).
Thanks for letting me blog at you,
Kirk
Sunday, February 11, 2007
New Quarter and More
Hello! Is it Quarter Three already?
I have included the syllabi for my classes below. Please keep in mind that due dates are co-created with the students so I will post those as the quarter moves on. Also, in case you weren't aware, students have new classes and the add/drop period is at an end for them. I will have a copy of their updated schedules in my room and available at the front desk this week. If there is any issue or concern, let me know and in most cases classes can be changed by staff.
Grades are finishing up and should be with you soon. Look in the mail or with your student by the end of this week.
There is much to talk about so I am keeping it brief. Advising has a bit of a new look this term. The middle school staff is opening up mini-workshops for the students to choose from a week in advance. That way they know what they will be doing every day in advising ahead of time. We also have the support of Elaine (art teacher), Eddie, Elizabeth, Grant, and Allison to round out some offerings for the kids. Fridays will remain the same, and we will continue to have Buddies with Brian's class as well as our weekly class meeting.
Middle school and all school newsletters are coming out more often; please see Ken and Tobie's Blogs for more details.
NOTE: This Friday, February 16th, is our second advising class potluck - thanks to liaison extraordinaire, John Ross. It is at 6:30 p.m. at school in my classroom. We felt that hanging in the space that your students occupy would be an interesting setting. PLEASE come along to offer reflections on the year, proactive ideas, humor, and food. I have much to share, and most of it positive and hopefully interesting to you. As a teacher, Trillium parent, member of the board, part of the Administrative Support Team, Judicial Committee staff representative, village idiot, and member of Trillium since the first year, I feel that I have a unique perspective on what we have just accomplished in our move. We all deserve a little well-earned reflection and relaxation.
More to come. Here are the syllabi (subject to change):
World Music
Language arts, art
Kirk Ellis
A2 10:25 – 11:45
Pens, pencils, paper, pocket folder
none
This high school language arts class is part of the musicology series wherein we will veer away from the music styles and genres in the United States and look at traditional and modern music from different world regions. For the purposes of instruction the class focus through lectures and seminar will be on Indonesia, India, Mexico, Spain, and Eastern Europe (specifically Romanian, Czech, and Slavic dance music). Some guests will help round out the discussions.
Of course students may choose any genre or world region for their own projects and papers e.g. Japanese Pop, Heavy Metal in Europe, Celtic traditions, West African Pop, etc. Crossover music and fusion will become an important theme of the class. For example, artists like Bjork, Café Tacuba, The Waterboys, Marc Anthony, Dead Can Dance, and others will be discussed.
Music will be played, but it will not happen daily. There will be guest speakers on West Africa, India, and Eastern European music. There will also be some live performances.
Art or social studies credit may be arranged with consent of the advisor and instructor.
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 (2) projects. Requirements to be determined and will include either essays on topics and class material or an art or creative piece(s) designed by the student. Essays MUST be typed and drafted, final versions in 12-point font (Times) and single spaced. A-F grades will be given. Narratives will be written for each student.
TBA
Defense Against The Dark Arts
Language arts
Kirk Ellis
A1 9:00 – 10:20
Pens, pencils, paper, pocket folder
none
Two “tracks” can be taken in this course, and the grading varies on that choice (see below). In this high school class (where all skill levels are welcome!) we will look at writing in two ways: improving our creative fiction, memoir, or poetry (having students be open to mini-lessons on the elements of fiction, style, and reading other works), AND/OR practice expository and analytical writing through non-fiction essays, letters, speech writing etc. Examples of successful research pieces and essays will be provided and analyzed, topics can be chosen or assigned, and mini-lessons on conventions and organization will be necessary.
Why Defense Against the Dark Arts? For two reasons: first, to banish darkness in the world one needs the skills of written and verbal expression. We will practice that in here, and with fortune on our side, skills will be improved upon and the shadow of ignoble deeds throughout the land will no longer hold sway over us. Second, the examples and themes of assigned work in class will focus on “good” and “evil” in both literature and these modern times. We will essentially explore, through creative and analytical writing as well as mini-lessons and short lectures, the dual nature of the world.
Creative Writing: if students choose to do this they MUST complete the entire piece this quarter i.e. no “works in progress” that extend past the 8-9 week term. A minimum number of pages is difficult to assign. As a rough guide 1 typed page per week is expected, and all final work must be typed in 12-point font (Times) and single spaced. IF more than one piece is planned e.g. poetry, lyrics etc., there still needs to be an equal amount of work produced i.e. 1 poem per week to workshop and edit. Check ins with all rough drafts are required.
Expository Writing: Two Essays are required (25 points each) The first must be chosen within the first week of class. It can also be assigned or chosen from a menu of options. The second essay will come mid-term and should be on the theme(s) of the class. Each essay is a minimum of 3 typed pages, 12-point font (Times), single-spaced. Drafts required.
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 morning after advising, 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 projects. Requirements to be determined and will include either essays on topics and class material or a creative piece(s) designed by the student.A-F grades will be given. Narratives will be written for each student.
TBA
Middle School Literature
Kirk Ellis
Q3 – 2007
In this class there will be required reading and discussion of excerpts or whole examples from the following genres: non-fiction, fiction, historical fiction, memoir, poetry, detective fiction, westerns, sci-fi, fantasy, and comics/graphics.
The purpose of this survey is to orient the students to many different kinds of writing, good and bad, and have them come to find their own preference and be able to articulate why they like it. We will continue and deepen the discussion from last quarter on symbolism, metaphor, author’s purpose, archetypes, etc., but we will add to the discussion all of the “elements of fiction” and how they apply to plays, memoir, and non-fiction as well.
Reading in class in expected. I will also read aloud and lead discussions. There will be homework too. Some material might have to be read twice.
There will be a required reflective paper in addition to class discussion. It must be typed. I will no longer accept emailed work from middle school students. All papers must be printed ahead of time and turned in as a hard copy, in class, and on the due date. NO EXTENSIONS.
The reflective paper will be a minimum of two (2) typed pages (single-spaced). It has to demonstrate an understanding of the chosen reading topic (one of the genres) and include your own analysis and connection to the class discussions and mini-lessons. This will help prepare for high school work and hopefully make each person more comfortable with essays and book reports.
Due dates TBA.
Writing, Songwriting, and Drama remain largely the same. The exception is that drama is for middle school only and songwriting will try to focus on filmed performances and recording of material. See instructor for details. Due dates forthcoming.
I have included the syllabi for my classes below. Please keep in mind that due dates are co-created with the students so I will post those as the quarter moves on. Also, in case you weren't aware, students have new classes and the add/drop period is at an end for them. I will have a copy of their updated schedules in my room and available at the front desk this week. If there is any issue or concern, let me know and in most cases classes can be changed by staff.
Grades are finishing up and should be with you soon. Look in the mail or with your student by the end of this week.
There is much to talk about so I am keeping it brief. Advising has a bit of a new look this term. The middle school staff is opening up mini-workshops for the students to choose from a week in advance. That way they know what they will be doing every day in advising ahead of time. We also have the support of Elaine (art teacher), Eddie, Elizabeth, Grant, and Allison to round out some offerings for the kids. Fridays will remain the same, and we will continue to have Buddies with Brian's class as well as our weekly class meeting.
Middle school and all school newsletters are coming out more often; please see Ken and Tobie's Blogs for more details.
NOTE: This Friday, February 16th, is our second advising class potluck - thanks to liaison extraordinaire, John Ross. It is at 6:30 p.m. at school in my classroom. We felt that hanging in the space that your students occupy would be an interesting setting. PLEASE come along to offer reflections on the year, proactive ideas, humor, and food. I have much to share, and most of it positive and hopefully interesting to you. As a teacher, Trillium parent, member of the board, part of the Administrative Support Team, Judicial Committee staff representative, village idiot, and member of Trillium since the first year, I feel that I have a unique perspective on what we have just accomplished in our move. We all deserve a little well-earned reflection and relaxation.
More to come. Here are the syllabi (subject to change):
World Music
Language arts, art
Kirk Ellis
A2 10:25 – 11:45
Pens, pencils, paper, pocket folder
none
This high school language arts class is part of the musicology series wherein we will veer away from the music styles and genres in the United States and look at traditional and modern music from different world regions. For the purposes of instruction the class focus through lectures and seminar will be on Indonesia, India, Mexico, Spain, and Eastern Europe (specifically Romanian, Czech, and Slavic dance music). Some guests will help round out the discussions.
Of course students may choose any genre or world region for their own projects and papers e.g. Japanese Pop, Heavy Metal in Europe, Celtic traditions, West African Pop, etc. Crossover music and fusion will become an important theme of the class. For example, artists like Bjork, Café Tacuba, The Waterboys, Marc Anthony, Dead Can Dance, and others will be discussed.
Music will be played, but it will not happen daily. There will be guest speakers on West Africa, India, and Eastern European music. There will also be some live performances.
Art or social studies credit may be arranged with consent of the advisor and instructor.
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 (2) projects. Requirements to be determined and will include either essays on topics and class material or an art or creative piece(s) designed by the student. Essays MUST be typed and drafted, final versions in 12-point font (Times) and single spaced. A-F grades will be given. Narratives will be written for each student.
TBA
Defense Against The Dark Arts
Language arts
Kirk Ellis
A1 9:00 – 10:20
Pens, pencils, paper, pocket folder
none
Two “tracks” can be taken in this course, and the grading varies on that choice (see below). In this high school class (where all skill levels are welcome!) we will look at writing in two ways: improving our creative fiction, memoir, or poetry (having students be open to mini-lessons on the elements of fiction, style, and reading other works), AND/OR practice expository and analytical writing through non-fiction essays, letters, speech writing etc. Examples of successful research pieces and essays will be provided and analyzed, topics can be chosen or assigned, and mini-lessons on conventions and organization will be necessary.
Why Defense Against the Dark Arts? For two reasons: first, to banish darkness in the world one needs the skills of written and verbal expression. We will practice that in here, and with fortune on our side, skills will be improved upon and the shadow of ignoble deeds throughout the land will no longer hold sway over us. Second, the examples and themes of assigned work in class will focus on “good” and “evil” in both literature and these modern times. We will essentially explore, through creative and analytical writing as well as mini-lessons and short lectures, the dual nature of the world.
Creative Writing: if students choose to do this they MUST complete the entire piece this quarter i.e. no “works in progress” that extend past the 8-9 week term. A minimum number of pages is difficult to assign. As a rough guide 1 typed page per week is expected, and all final work must be typed in 12-point font (Times) and single spaced. IF more than one piece is planned e.g. poetry, lyrics etc., there still needs to be an equal amount of work produced i.e. 1 poem per week to workshop and edit. Check ins with all rough drafts are required.
Expository Writing: Two Essays are required (25 points each) The first must be chosen within the first week of class. It can also be assigned or chosen from a menu of options. The second essay will come mid-term and should be on the theme(s) of the class. Each essay is a minimum of 3 typed pages, 12-point font (Times), single-spaced. Drafts required.
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 morning after advising, 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 projects. Requirements to be determined and will include either essays on topics and class material or a creative piece(s) designed by the student.A-F grades will be given. Narratives will be written for each student.
TBA
Middle School Literature
Kirk Ellis
Q3 – 2007
In this class there will be required reading and discussion of excerpts or whole examples from the following genres: non-fiction, fiction, historical fiction, memoir, poetry, detective fiction, westerns, sci-fi, fantasy, and comics/graphics.
The purpose of this survey is to orient the students to many different kinds of writing, good and bad, and have them come to find their own preference and be able to articulate why they like it. We will continue and deepen the discussion from last quarter on symbolism, metaphor, author’s purpose, archetypes, etc., but we will add to the discussion all of the “elements of fiction” and how they apply to plays, memoir, and non-fiction as well.
Reading in class in expected. I will also read aloud and lead discussions. There will be homework too. Some material might have to be read twice.
There will be a required reflective paper in addition to class discussion. It must be typed. I will no longer accept emailed work from middle school students. All papers must be printed ahead of time and turned in as a hard copy, in class, and on the due date. NO EXTENSIONS.
The reflective paper will be a minimum of two (2) typed pages (single-spaced). It has to demonstrate an understanding of the chosen reading topic (one of the genres) and include your own analysis and connection to the class discussions and mini-lessons. This will help prepare for high school work and hopefully make each person more comfortable with essays and book reports.
Due dates TBA.
Writing, Songwriting, and Drama remain largely the same. The exception is that drama is for middle school only and songwriting will try to focus on filmed performances and recording of material. See instructor for details. Due dates forthcoming.
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