Cornell Notes

This year I'm requiring you to use a new style of note taking that should benefit you as you study for exams. It is called the Cornell note taking system. With Cornell Notes, you divide your paper into three parts: the largest section is for the actual recording of notes, the bottom section is utilized for summarizing what is written on your page, and the column on the left is used to create possible test questions at the time of review. This style is utilized in many college and high school classes.

2004 DNC: Barack Obama Speech

Just for fun.

Here is the speech that Barack Obama gave four years ago at the 2004 DNC. This is the keynote speech that launched him into the national spotlight. It is one of the most famous speeches of the 21st century. Enjoy...Discuss...

Day 1

The first day of school is always an interesting day. If you could describe it in one word, it would be "new". Although some of you might say "nervous" or "boring". It's not the easiest day or the most comfortable for students or teachers because we're not yet jumping into our lessons. However, there is still plenty of learning going on in the first few days. Today you learned about several changes to the schedule dress code, and SLEs, as well learning a little bit about me. For me I learned a lot about my new 7th grade homeroom and I must say I look forward to learning more about you and having a fantastic year together. I promise to make social studies interesting and relevant to you, just as my 7th grade teacher did for me. Tomorrow we will go over our books, note taking procedures, and several other smaller procedures.

Remember history happens right in front of us all the time and tomorrow night is a good example when Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention and accepts the party nomination . There is a good chance that the current event I present on Friday will be related. Also note that the GOP convention where John McCain accepts his party nomination begins next week, Sept. 1-4.

See you tomorrow!

Getting Ready For the Start of School

Hello all! I would like to introduce you to my new blog for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. For those who are unaware, this will be my second year at St. Michael School and I will be teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Studies and Religion. I am very excited to be teaching two subjects that I'm very passionate about. Social Studies was always my favorite subject in school due in large part to the passion and knowledge my teachers had for the subject. My middle and high school teachers not only inspired me to become a teacher, but also a History major in college. I look forward to inspiring you all as we cover a myriad topics and ideas.

Throughout the year I hope to post pictures, updates, announcements, lessons, projects, assignments, etc on this blog and I hope you all check it out often and leave comments or questions.