Just for your reference. Enjoy!
Middle School Advising Syllabus
2008-2009 (Semester 1)
Advising is a block class that has distinct sections. It meets Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 and Friday from 8:30 - 12:00. Examples and grading percentages have been assigned so that students and their families can see that time must be spent with thoughtfulness and respectful engagement. Each advisor reserves the right to tailor these categories and corresponding grade-value percentages as they see fit to match the learning community of their classroom
Objectives:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the Rights and Resonsiblities of the Trillium Constitution.
Students will participate in Trilliums's democratic process by attending and participating in weekly class meetings and middle school meeting.
Students will develop Personalized Learninig Plans. These learning plans will allow student's to pursue their own interests and passions. Students will be required to show their work and what they have learned at Trillium's Middle School Project Fair.
Student's will learn to work independently.
Course Overview:
Advising time will be spent:
Building relationships within each individualized advising group.
Building relationships with middle school staff and other advising groups.
Seeking support from advising group and advisor for academic success.
Learning skills to allow them to work independently.
Evaluation:
NOTE: Approximate percentages (%) are assigned to the categories below. This allows for a pass/no pass policy connected to a rubric that indicates exemplary, acceptable, deficient and disengaged language. To be more clearly defined 70% and above is ÒpassingÓ.
Attendance & Participation:
· On-time to class/announcements
· Current events/ class discussions
· Buddies
· MS meeting
· Class meeting/duties
Course Work, Projects, PLP Work:
· Rotations and workshops with other advisors
· Fairs and exhibitions
· Choices designed by students
· Projects worked on in-class
Community:
· Fridays
· Circle of Friends
· Service
· Lit. Circle
· Read Aloud
· Literacy
ROTATIONS:
The purpose of rotation is to:
Allow students to build an academic relationship with all middle school advisors.
Supplement Personalized Learning Plans with additional academic support.
Enhance basic skills in reading, writing , speaking and science.
Provide basic skills in a consistent manner to all middle school students.
The nature of rotation is designed to change at semester. Currently advising rotation offerings include:
Speech and Debate
Animal Biology
Human Anatomy-Introduction to Body Systems
Spelling and Grammar
Objectives:
Students will:
Participate in daily advising rotation in a way that meets the individual teachers expectations.
Demonstrate their knowledge by completing neccesary class work or projects required by rotation teacher.
Utilize academic instruction and knowledge to support and enhance Personalized Learning Plan projects.
There is rarely, if ever, a time when a student has nothing to do. All of the above listed items are happening each week in some form.
NOTE: Advising is a community activity that centers on the Trillium Constitution. Cornerstones of this program are PLPs, Buddies, Friday outings, service, ASM (all-school meeting), MS meeting and Rotations. If one or more of these have an increased emphasis from semester to semester then grading policy changes to meet the expectations of the class.
Mid-semester and end-of-semester grading reports are generated. Parent conferences are scheduled in the fall.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mid-Semester is here
...And that means conferences and progress reports. We have another 8 weeks of the semester to go so this is a good time to check in with each other about the year. This whole week is dedicated to those conversations before a much needed Thanksgiving week off!
I have also updated and included some of the syllabi and study material from my classes this term. An update on important project/class material as follows:
Tuesday November 18th: British Isles Tea Party & Lunch
Week of November 18th & 20th: American Literature reflections due (King of the Bingo Game); Langston Hughes discussed and Joyce Carol Oats assigned over break
November 20th & 21st: Kirk's Advising Rotation = Persuasive Speeches DUE
December 9th: Third (of four) music performances for musicianship
December 18th: Third exam in History of the British Isles
Follow material for reference:
American Literature
Fall Semester 2008-2009
Instructor: Kirk Ellis
Contact: kirk@trilliumcharterschool.org
Cell: 503-680-7761
Overview:
NOTE: This is a foundation course for upper division high school students intending to go to college. It is classified as a WIC (writing intensive course) for the purposes of tracking on a transcript as AP or college preparatory.
The theme of this American Literature class deals with the perception of the natural world and its influence on one’s identity, as opposed to the (industrializing) city and its energy. There is also a sub-theme; the role(s) we play in our daily existence versus (or complimentary to) the ideals we put forth, along with the struggle, to fulfill our potential.
As might be expected these accomplished writers speak to these two themes quite differently as they witness the turning of two centuries (19th & 20th) and the mechanizing of a nation. So we as 21st century observers can try to make sense of why the writings I have included are considered great literature, as well as how we might express ourselves on this same class topic if we were writers.
Reading List:
Along with this syllabus, your reader includes the following collection of short stories, poetry, plays and excerpts from longer novels. Each week we will read and discuss 1 or 2 of the offerings in class (not necessarily in the order listed below).
Lectures about the context of each piece and their author’s lives outside the page will be provided (and popular theories about them will be examined). Students then have time to discuss in small groups and work on their weekly reflections.
Henry David Thoreau - Walking, Civil Disobedience
Walt Whitman - Leaves of Grass (excerpts)
Nathaniel Hawthorne - The Birthmark
Edgar Allen Poe – Selected Poetry
Sarah Orne Jewett - A White Heron
Kate Chopin - The Story of An Hour, The Awakening (excerpts)
Katherine Anne Porter - Rope
Emily Dickinson - Selected Poetry
Ralph Ellison - The King of the Bingo Game
Mark Twain - Thoughts of God
Langston Hughes - Thank You M'am, Selected Poetry
John Cheever - The Swimmer
Tillie Olsen - I Stand Here Ironing
Joyce Carol Oats - The Girl
Virginia Woolf - Henriette Wilson, The Death of the Moth
Susan Glaspell – Trifles
Marianne Moore – What There Is To See At The Zoo
Theme(s) of class (and possible essay topics):
1) Country & City = nature vs. artifice
2) Simplicity of Daily Existence to fulfilling our Potential and living our Ideals
3) American Identity at the turn of the 19th compared to 20th century (as 21st century observers)
Grading Policy:
The grading is based on a point system with a possible 100 points being the maximum. Completion of the course awards .5 Language Arts credit.
Participation = discussion and attendance 40 points
Weekly Reflections 15 points
Final Exam 15 points
Final Essay 30 points
Breakdown:
100 A+
99 - 92 A
91 - 90 A-
89 - 88 B+
87 - 82 B
81 – 80 B-
79 – 78 C+
77 – 72 C
71 – 70 C-
69 – 60 D
59 – 0 F
NOTE: While it is officially “passing”, Oregon colleges (as well as some others) do not accept credit for classes that receive a D grade or lower.
Reflections:
A written reflection is due at the start of class on Tuesdays (starting Tuesday, September 16th) and covers material from the previous week’s readings and discussions. They are ½ to 1 page typed and should address how the piece related to the theme of the class or not, and discuss the value (if any) and merits (or not) of the piece as literature. There are 15 of these reflections throughout the semester and are 1 point each.
Final Exam:
A multiple choice test at the end of the term will be administered to cover plot, character, author’s purpose, sub-text, symbolism and metaphor, and how each selection is related to the theme of the class: fifteen questions worth 15 points.
Final Essay:
A paper will be due at the end of the semester. The format requirements are MLA for citation and reference and must be 12point font, Times New Roman, 1.5 spaced, and a minimum of 6 pages.
Essays can be on the relationship (compare/contrast) between two or more selections from the packet, on the deeper meaning of a selection on the theme of the class, your view of the literature as a 21st century reader, or a critique of a piece or pieces as “good” or “bad” writing: thirty (30) points are possible for this assignment.
As a creative option, a piece of fiction can be submitted that emulates the style and/or the content of one of the authors in our syllabus. This piece has the same formatting requirements but must be a minimum of 8 pages and needs instructor approval.
Work Sample and ePearl Portfolio:
Students will be selecting one of their reflections to expand upon and make into a work sample for their portfolios. Their final paper will also be uploaded on ePearl, and this work will be done in the final two weeks of the term in mid-January.
NOTE: IF you need extra support in your writing, I will be offering a writing workshop/writing center time on Monday mornings before school from 7:30 to 8:30. Tea/coffee and snacks will be available. Lots of love to you all…
History of the British Isles
Syllabus – Fall 2008-2009
Kirk Ellis
kirk@trilliumcharterschool.org
Overview:
This middle school social studies/language arts course will cover the history of the British Isles from the pre-Roman invasion (Neolithic to Bronze ages), through the Vikings, the conquest of Normandy, and the feudal system during the Dark Ages and following monarchies.
Class will be conducted in a lecture-style format in order to convey the large amount of information. Project choices, 3 exams, reading of historical fiction and on-line texts, possible role-playing and video will round out the curriculum.
Grading & Assessment:
To MEET the expectations of the course (pass with either acceptable or exemplary grades) every student must:
Demonstrate note-taking skills and/or study skills with study guides
Pass the 3 exams
Finish a final project taken from a menu of options to be created in class.
Attendance and participation in discussion will be essential in retaining the information presented.
Exam Dates (subject to change if staff/school conflicts arise):
Thursday October 2nd = Fill-in Exam
Thursday November 6th = Multiple Choice Exam
Thursday December 18th = Multiple Choice and Short Essay Exam
A notebook, folder, or journal of information and notes is highly encouraged to be kept and brought to class. This is an organizational tool designed to help each student. They will be occasionally turned in and discussed one-on-one to see if there are any questions and if notes are being taken effectively. This will also help students study and retain information.
Project:
DUE: January 12th.
Must be a book project, detailed presentation on a class topic, or an instructor-approved choice that reflects deep understanding of the material in class. TBD at mid-term. This project must also have a writing component that relates the material back to the history of the British Isles. The writing component of this project OR the essay portion of the final exam will be used as a writing sample for student portfolios.
I have also updated and included some of the syllabi and study material from my classes this term. An update on important project/class material as follows:
Tuesday November 18th: British Isles Tea Party & Lunch
Week of November 18th & 20th: American Literature reflections due (King of the Bingo Game); Langston Hughes discussed and Joyce Carol Oats assigned over break
November 20th & 21st: Kirk's Advising Rotation = Persuasive Speeches DUE
December 9th: Third (of four) music performances for musicianship
December 18th: Third exam in History of the British Isles
Follow material for reference:
American Literature
Fall Semester 2008-2009
Instructor: Kirk Ellis
Contact: kirk@trilliumcharterschool.org
Cell: 503-680-7761
Overview:
NOTE: This is a foundation course for upper division high school students intending to go to college. It is classified as a WIC (writing intensive course) for the purposes of tracking on a transcript as AP or college preparatory.
The theme of this American Literature class deals with the perception of the natural world and its influence on one’s identity, as opposed to the (industrializing) city and its energy. There is also a sub-theme; the role(s) we play in our daily existence versus (or complimentary to) the ideals we put forth, along with the struggle, to fulfill our potential.
As might be expected these accomplished writers speak to these two themes quite differently as they witness the turning of two centuries (19th & 20th) and the mechanizing of a nation. So we as 21st century observers can try to make sense of why the writings I have included are considered great literature, as well as how we might express ourselves on this same class topic if we were writers.
Reading List:
Along with this syllabus, your reader includes the following collection of short stories, poetry, plays and excerpts from longer novels. Each week we will read and discuss 1 or 2 of the offerings in class (not necessarily in the order listed below).
Lectures about the context of each piece and their author’s lives outside the page will be provided (and popular theories about them will be examined). Students then have time to discuss in small groups and work on their weekly reflections.
Henry David Thoreau - Walking, Civil Disobedience
Walt Whitman - Leaves of Grass (excerpts)
Nathaniel Hawthorne - The Birthmark
Edgar Allen Poe – Selected Poetry
Sarah Orne Jewett - A White Heron
Kate Chopin - The Story of An Hour, The Awakening (excerpts)
Katherine Anne Porter - Rope
Emily Dickinson - Selected Poetry
Ralph Ellison - The King of the Bingo Game
Mark Twain - Thoughts of God
Langston Hughes - Thank You M'am, Selected Poetry
John Cheever - The Swimmer
Tillie Olsen - I Stand Here Ironing
Joyce Carol Oats - The Girl
Virginia Woolf - Henriette Wilson, The Death of the Moth
Susan Glaspell – Trifles
Marianne Moore – What There Is To See At The Zoo
Theme(s) of class (and possible essay topics):
1) Country & City = nature vs. artifice
2) Simplicity of Daily Existence to fulfilling our Potential and living our Ideals
3) American Identity at the turn of the 19th compared to 20th century (as 21st century observers)
Grading Policy:
The grading is based on a point system with a possible 100 points being the maximum. Completion of the course awards .5 Language Arts credit.
Participation = discussion and attendance 40 points
Weekly Reflections 15 points
Final Exam 15 points
Final Essay 30 points
Breakdown:
100 A+
99 - 92 A
91 - 90 A-
89 - 88 B+
87 - 82 B
81 – 80 B-
79 – 78 C+
77 – 72 C
71 – 70 C-
69 – 60 D
59 – 0 F
NOTE: While it is officially “passing”, Oregon colleges (as well as some others) do not accept credit for classes that receive a D grade or lower.
Reflections:
A written reflection is due at the start of class on Tuesdays (starting Tuesday, September 16th) and covers material from the previous week’s readings and discussions. They are ½ to 1 page typed and should address how the piece related to the theme of the class or not, and discuss the value (if any) and merits (or not) of the piece as literature. There are 15 of these reflections throughout the semester and are 1 point each.
Final Exam:
A multiple choice test at the end of the term will be administered to cover plot, character, author’s purpose, sub-text, symbolism and metaphor, and how each selection is related to the theme of the class: fifteen questions worth 15 points.
Final Essay:
A paper will be due at the end of the semester. The format requirements are MLA for citation and reference and must be 12point font, Times New Roman, 1.5 spaced, and a minimum of 6 pages.
Essays can be on the relationship (compare/contrast) between two or more selections from the packet, on the deeper meaning of a selection on the theme of the class, your view of the literature as a 21st century reader, or a critique of a piece or pieces as “good” or “bad” writing: thirty (30) points are possible for this assignment.
As a creative option, a piece of fiction can be submitted that emulates the style and/or the content of one of the authors in our syllabus. This piece has the same formatting requirements but must be a minimum of 8 pages and needs instructor approval.
Work Sample and ePearl Portfolio:
Students will be selecting one of their reflections to expand upon and make into a work sample for their portfolios. Their final paper will also be uploaded on ePearl, and this work will be done in the final two weeks of the term in mid-January.
NOTE: IF you need extra support in your writing, I will be offering a writing workshop/writing center time on Monday mornings before school from 7:30 to 8:30. Tea/coffee and snacks will be available. Lots of love to you all…
History of the British Isles
Syllabus – Fall 2008-2009
Kirk Ellis
kirk@trilliumcharterschool.org
Overview:
This middle school social studies/language arts course will cover the history of the British Isles from the pre-Roman invasion (Neolithic to Bronze ages), through the Vikings, the conquest of Normandy, and the feudal system during the Dark Ages and following monarchies.
Class will be conducted in a lecture-style format in order to convey the large amount of information. Project choices, 3 exams, reading of historical fiction and on-line texts, possible role-playing and video will round out the curriculum.
Grading & Assessment:
To MEET the expectations of the course (pass with either acceptable or exemplary grades) every student must:
Demonstrate note-taking skills and/or study skills with study guides
Pass the 3 exams
Finish a final project taken from a menu of options to be created in class.
Attendance and participation in discussion will be essential in retaining the information presented.
Exam Dates (subject to change if staff/school conflicts arise):
Thursday October 2nd = Fill-in Exam
Thursday November 6th = Multiple Choice Exam
Thursday December 18th = Multiple Choice and Short Essay Exam
A notebook, folder, or journal of information and notes is highly encouraged to be kept and brought to class. This is an organizational tool designed to help each student. They will be occasionally turned in and discussed one-on-one to see if there are any questions and if notes are being taken effectively. This will also help students study and retain information.
Project:
DUE: January 12th.
Must be a book project, detailed presentation on a class topic, or an instructor-approved choice that reflects deep understanding of the material in class. TBD at mid-term. This project must also have a writing component that relates the material back to the history of the British Isles. The writing component of this project OR the essay portion of the final exam will be used as a writing sample for student portfolios.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Soon...
Well...
Home visits are underway and the start of the year is rushing upon us. Look to this site for syllabi and due dates, class announcements and more. The new wikispace will help speed up communication and simplify access to classes. I will post weekly.
Looking forward to a great year . Welcome back!
Kirk
Home visits are underway and the start of the year is rushing upon us. Look to this site for syllabi and due dates, class announcements and more. The new wikispace will help speed up communication and simplify access to classes. I will post weekly.
Looking forward to a great year . Welcome back!
Kirk
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Welcome New and Old Advising Families
Summer is here! Grades are being finished up...new class lists are distributed and you will all receive a welcome letter from me very soon.
Next fall will be exciting. We will have a potluck for the middle school at the end of August, home visits in the first week of September, and start up again on September 8th.
We have a new team: Nina, Amy, Kurt and myself. We will also usher in a new class/project rotation in advising, but the schedule will for the most part stay the same (other than going to semesters for the classes).
I had a wonderful year, and I am looking forward to a refreshing break and an amazing 2008-2009 school year; the "golden age" of Trillium.
Kirk
Next fall will be exciting. We will have a potluck for the middle school at the end of August, home visits in the first week of September, and start up again on September 8th.
We have a new team: Nina, Amy, Kurt and myself. We will also usher in a new class/project rotation in advising, but the schedule will for the most part stay the same (other than going to semesters for the classes).
I had a wonderful year, and I am looking forward to a refreshing break and an amazing 2008-2009 school year; the "golden age" of Trillium.
Kirk
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Fourth Quarter
Happy Spring!
The fourth and last quarter begins on April 7th. New schedules will be handed out and we will be off and running.
The project fair went extremely well. Look for one more round of project exhibitions at the end of the year, more literacy (book reading and writing) through advising, and more getting out into the world!
There is outdoor school and the campout coming in May.
We have nurses from Linfield college coming to offer a series of workshops throughout the term on sex education, drug and alcohol awareness, nutrition, and more.
It is also a time when we will look in a concentrated way at how the PLP format has worked for your student and how the project-based style of the school has been successful.
My classes are largely the same with the exception of musical theater which is now back to being one of my more "standard" drama classes (Little Shop of Horrors was sadly not able to get off the ground). There are already plans in the works for next years' production(s)!
Syllabi are forthcoming and I will have due dates, performance events, field trips, campout location and sign-up options, and advising deadlines posted with more regularity as we finish up the year. Thanks!
Kirk
The fourth and last quarter begins on April 7th. New schedules will be handed out and we will be off and running.
The project fair went extremely well. Look for one more round of project exhibitions at the end of the year, more literacy (book reading and writing) through advising, and more getting out into the world!
There is outdoor school and the campout coming in May.
We have nurses from Linfield college coming to offer a series of workshops throughout the term on sex education, drug and alcohol awareness, nutrition, and more.
It is also a time when we will look in a concentrated way at how the PLP format has worked for your student and how the project-based style of the school has been successful.
My classes are largely the same with the exception of musical theater which is now back to being one of my more "standard" drama classes (Little Shop of Horrors was sadly not able to get off the ground). There are already plans in the works for next years' production(s)!
Syllabi are forthcoming and I will have due dates, performance events, field trips, campout location and sign-up options, and advising deadlines posted with more regularity as we finish up the year. Thanks!
Kirk
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Q3 and more
Well, I haven't posted in a while so here is a lot of information for you all!
1. We are into a new quarter and report cards should be arriving at your door at any moment from Q2.
2. We have been testing, and are still in the midst of it...scores have been the best ever this year for MS.
3. ALL-SCHOOL project fair is coming up on March 20th (6:30 pm). It is a mandatory part of all students' curriculum to create work for this exhibition.
4. Middle school dance on Friday, February 22nd.
5. This is a short quarter. It ends on March 21st and then spring break begins (two weeks off). So academic concern notifications are being produced this week.
6. NEW advising grade breakdown is attached below. Students have been increasingly disengaged. Part of this is the time of year, and it is cyclical. I thought that a % breakdown might help...
Thanks! More soon,
Kirk
NOTE: Advising is a block class that has three distinct sections. Clear examples and grading percentages have been assigned so that students and their families can see that time must be spent with thoughtfulness and respectful engagement.
There is rarely, if ever, a time when a student has nothing to do. All of the below listed items are happening each week. The % also allows for a pass/no pass policy to be more clearly defined (70% and above is passing).
Attendance & Participation: 50%
• On-time to class/announcements (very important)
• Current event discussions
• Buddies
• MS meeting
• Class meeting/duties
Projects, PLP work: 30%
• Fairs and exhibitions
• Choices designed by students
• Projects worked on in-class
Assigned Work: 20%
• Fridays
• Circle of Friends
• Service
• Lit. Circle
• Read Aloud
• Literacy
1. We are into a new quarter and report cards should be arriving at your door at any moment from Q2.
2. We have been testing, and are still in the midst of it...scores have been the best ever this year for MS.
3. ALL-SCHOOL project fair is coming up on March 20th (6:30 pm). It is a mandatory part of all students' curriculum to create work for this exhibition.
4. Middle school dance on Friday, February 22nd.
5. This is a short quarter. It ends on March 21st and then spring break begins (two weeks off). So academic concern notifications are being produced this week.
6. NEW advising grade breakdown is attached below. Students have been increasingly disengaged. Part of this is the time of year, and it is cyclical. I thought that a % breakdown might help...
Thanks! More soon,
Kirk
NOTE: Advising is a block class that has three distinct sections. Clear examples and grading percentages have been assigned so that students and their families can see that time must be spent with thoughtfulness and respectful engagement.
There is rarely, if ever, a time when a student has nothing to do. All of the below listed items are happening each week. The % also allows for a pass/no pass policy to be more clearly defined (70% and above is passing).
Attendance & Participation: 50%
• On-time to class/announcements (very important)
• Current event discussions
• Buddies
• MS meeting
• Class meeting/duties
Projects, PLP work: 30%
• Fairs and exhibitions
• Choices designed by students
• Projects worked on in-class
Assigned Work: 20%
• Fridays
• Circle of Friends
• Service
• Lit. Circle
• Read Aloud
• Literacy
Monday, January 7, 2008
Happy New Year
Hope this year finds you healthy and happy. Here are some updates:
End of Q2 is February 1st.
In advising this week:
1) we will start book groups (which were assigned before break).
2) writing workshop will continue and I will be working on getting a writing sample from every one of my students
3) testing preparations begin
4) current events discussions will begin each day
5) PLP work will deepen and continue toward an end of the quarter presentation
ALL classes have due dates for material coming up soon e.g. drama has lines due at the end of the month, philosophy class has projects beginning this week and journals on-going, musicianship has a collaborative piece to present and a fund-raising performance to prepare for in the first week of February.
LOTS going on!!
If you did not get a conference and feel that you would like one, I can still meet during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45. More soon!
SPECIAL THANKS to my advising class, Valerie and John, Jim Bernard and all who helped this year. The drum set is awesome and I hope to see the classes, the school, the kids and whole community grow in friendship like the middle school has this year. Thanks again,
Kirk
End of Q2 is February 1st.
In advising this week:
1) we will start book groups (which were assigned before break).
2) writing workshop will continue and I will be working on getting a writing sample from every one of my students
3) testing preparations begin
4) current events discussions will begin each day
5) PLP work will deepen and continue toward an end of the quarter presentation
ALL classes have due dates for material coming up soon e.g. drama has lines due at the end of the month, philosophy class has projects beginning this week and journals on-going, musicianship has a collaborative piece to present and a fund-raising performance to prepare for in the first week of February.
LOTS going on!!
If you did not get a conference and feel that you would like one, I can still meet during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45. More soon!
SPECIAL THANKS to my advising class, Valerie and John, Jim Bernard and all who helped this year. The drum set is awesome and I hope to see the classes, the school, the kids and whole community grow in friendship like the middle school has this year. Thanks again,
Kirk
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