My New Website

If you landed here you are probably at the wrong place; this is the 2010-2011 SY blog.  The new website is http://louisianahistory.info 

Don't Fry Day

See http://www.skincancerprevention.org/programs/dont-fry-day/resources for information about avoiding skin cancer -- a deadly but often preventable illness.

Test 4.4 Tomorrow

Just a reminder, this test has been on the board for a week. The test covers India pt. 3, Medicis, Ireland, and the Plague (Black Death). The test is open mind map. We will also have a binder check -- bring your time travel planner.

Job Shadow Worksheet on the iDisk

If you do not have the copy I gave you in class please print one from the iDisk.

Test 4.3 Tomorrow

The test is an open mind map test that covers episodes 1 & 2 on India and GLE #25 (how a bill becomes a law). Mind maps must be hand drawn by the student using them on the test and will be collected as part of the binder check. No photocopies or computer generated mind maps will be allowed. No linear notes (regular notes) will be allowed. I encourage you to see the timeline and episode guides here: http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/

Two Projects Cancelled

The Pick-a-Project and the Counterfactual Project are cancelled.

Test 4.2 on Friday, April 8

Our last test before the LEAP, and therefore our last test on the GLE presentations, will be on Friday, April 8.  The test will cover civics GLEs 24, 25, and 29 through 41. We covered most of this the week before spring break. The test will also cover any LEAP review we complete this week. We will have a binder check.  Study guides are available on the iDisk (email me if any are not working) as usual. I will have hard copies of the study guides in class.

After the LEAP test the pace of the class becomes less intense as we build colonies in A.D. 1503 (a computer simulation of the early colonial period), study military strategy through Risk, and work on the student-designed projects (also known as the "Pick-a-Project").  We have a lot of fun after the LEAP.

Please remember to bring your Medieval Times forms and donations as soon as possible!

Yet Another Art Map Reminder

The Art Map of Louisiana is due on the 5th of April.  I announced the due date in August and provided the packets in early February.  I explained the assignment in class.  I will grade the art maps as follows:

First letter of last name:
Z-Q -- Tuesday
E-P -- Wednesday
A-D -- Thursday

-25%/day late

Instructions were provided in class and are available on the iDisk.

Test 4.1 on Friday, 25 March 2011

The next test will be on Friday, 25 March 2011.  The test will cover GLEs 28, 44, 45, and 48 through 61 (many are brief).  We will also have a binder check.

Grades Updated on JPAMS

Please see your grade on JPAMS.  Lowest classwork and test grades have been dropped.  Extra credit has been applied.  Please see me Friday with any questions about your grades.

Test 3.8 on 15 March 2011

The test will cover GLEs 26, 27, 42, 43, and macroeconomics study guide 1. We will conduct a binder check.

No Grades Dropped through Thursday

I have removed the dropped grades through Thursday to enter the numerous make-up tests. I will drop the lowest classwork and test grades after I enter the next test and binder check. The drop does not apply automatically in the JPAMS program; I must manually redo the drop after each assignment.

Test 3.7 on 10 March 2011

Test 3.7 will cover federalism, civil rights, civil liberties, GLE #21, GLE #22, and GLE #23. We will also have a binder check.

iDisk App Tutorial

The iDisk may be accessed via mobile devices; see this tutorial from Apple:
http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mobileme/#idiskapp

Test 3.6 on 3 March 2011

Test 3.6 will be on Thursday.  The test will cover the judicial branch, federalism, origins of government, and the Constitution.  Study guide crosswords are on the iDisk under "Civics Review."

Grades Updated on JPAMS

Today's test and binder check have been added to JPAMS.  The lowest grade in both the test and classwork categories have been dropped.  If you do not see a grade on JPAMS for today's work that means that today's score was the lowest in that category.

Binder Check 3.5

Be prepared for a binder check on recent work on Friday.

Test 3.5

Tomorrow we take Test 3.5, covering GLE #20, the Executive Branch, and the bureaucracy.

Please Bring Supplies

I need each student to bring two sharpened #2 pencils to class every day.  Please sharpen your pencils before class to avoid interrupting class.  I prefer black or  dark blue pens for written assignments and mind maps.  Please do not submit written work done in red or other odd colors; I deduct points for failing to follow directions.

GLE #17 Grades Posted to JPAMs

Please see JPAMS for the grades on the GLE #17 assignment.

Legislative Crosswords

Only the PDF version will be available on the iDisk. Use your notes to complete the puzzles.

Test 3.4 Revised

The test will not cover GLE #20, but will cover 18, 19, and the legislative branch.

Test 3.4

Test 3.4 will cover GLEs 18, 19, and 20 as well as the video on the legislative branch. I will give the test on Tuesday.

Mardi Gras Costumes

Please see the instructions given in class (also on the iDisk) about the Mardi Gras costumes.  Mardi Gras is March 8th.

Art Map of Louisiana Reminder

Now is the time to start work on your Art Map of Louisiana.  I distributed instruction in class.  If you lost your copy see the iDisk.

I strongly recommend the 40x60" foam board, non-folding, for ease of use and room to work. I bought 3 at Office Depot recently for a project. Check the hobby stores if the office supply shops are out.

Grades Updated on JPAMS

Please see JPAMS for your latest grades.  If you do not see today's test/binder check then they have been dropped as your lowest grade.

Please be mindful of the deadlines for make-up tests and assignments!  See your agenda for the policy.

GLE #17 Due Friday

The GLE #17 assignment is due Friday for 25 project points. Projects may not be dropped but may be turned in late for -25%/day. The article you use must be from a print periodical (though it may be accessed online) and must PROPOSE SOLUTIONS to the problem. See the iDisk for instructions and the worksheet. I'd like you to attach the article to the worksheet.

Test 3.2 Rescheduled

This morning's announcement that the high school counselor meetings have been moved to Friday requires me to move the test to Monday.  I will give the test on GLEs 14-16 on Thursday. Expect a binder check with each test.

Test/Binder Check 3.2

Our next test and binder check will be on Wednesday, February 9th, or on Friday if we have a school closure.  I will not give the test on Thursday because of a school event that will eliminate 6th period on Thursday.  The test will cover GLEs 11, 12, and 13 as well as the levees material from Monday, January 31st. See the iDisk for help with the GLEs (notes, puzzles, etc.).

The Spanish administrator that stumped several students on the puzzle is Jean-Jacques Blaise d'Abbadie (yes, despite the French name, he worked for Spain).

Art Map of Louisiana

I have posted the new rubric and instructions for the Art Map of Louisiana project on the iDisk. The due date in April is posted on the board in class.

A Smart Fundraiser for SmartBoards

Recycle. Reuse. Reap the rewards! Your PTSA is teaming up with Mixed Bag Designs to purchase SMARTBoards for every classroom at CMM!

Order forms will come home with students on Monday, Jan. 24 and the sale will run through Feb. 7.  For those who order online, go to www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Shop-All-Retail and enter our school code 36621 at the end of the check out process.

These eco chic reusable bags are made from woven polypropylene and up to 40 percent of the content is post-consumer recyclables. They come in a bevy of designs and sizes, including covers for iPhones and laptops. Reuse them again and again as a grocery bag, laundry bag, book bag, toy bag, beach bag or just a hold-everything bag. Personalize them with a monogram for a great end-of-the-year gift.

Test/Binder Check 3.1 on Friday

Please study your notes.

Social Studies Fair Contestants

If I gave you a yellow form for social studies fair you may bring your board to my room on Tuesday or set up in the cafeteria gym on Wednesday morning.

Jane Shea on Success in High School

Jane Shea, our gifted coordinator will present a workshop on selecting coursework in high school.  It will be held in the CMM PAC on 27 January 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until all questions have been addressed. I encourage you to attend.

Social Studies Fair Displays & Oral Presentations

Social studies fair displays and oral presentations are due this week. Please plan to bring them to school and take them home on the same day.  I apologize for any inconvenience, but I do not have room for 70 projects in G-Wing. They are due by first letter of last name as follows:

19 January (Wednesday) -- A-D
20 January (Thursday) -- E-P
21 January (Friday) -- Q-Z

The late penalty is 25%/day.

A few things to remember:
-- the GLEs are on the iDisk
-- by chart, I mean information in boxes
-- by graph, I mean something like a pie graph or a bar graph
-- the ten facts should be in list form

Grades Updated on JPAMS

The grades for the last test and binder check or the second grading period have been posted.  The drops have been calculated, so this should be your grade for the report card unless you missed today's test and binder check.

Test/Binder Check Delayed until Wednesday

Since we are home today, the test and binder check are delayed until Wednesday. Enjoy your snow day!

Point Sheets

Point sheets reflecting today's binder check, with the drops for lowest test and classwork grades, have been given to all students present today.  JPAMS is up to date except for the three students with make-up tests done earlier this week.

Point Sheets

Point sheets went home today.  Binder check tomorrow.  Test Tuesday.

The French Revolution ("Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga) con Subs