History Was Made

I'm overjoyed that we were able to experience this historic event together.

An evening to remember...

Hi parents,

We are currently planning an evening to celebrate projects that have truly set the bar for DLC. Please check your email and be looking out for the flyer that will be sent home with the students (end of this week) and via email. MAKE SURE YOU RSVP!!!

Thanks,

Miss Bailin

It is like a ZOO in here...

4/26 had an always fun event....lizard catching. We are thinking of making it the past time of the DLC. While the kids were working, a cute lizard made its way into our world. Miss Leland started to capture the little creature, so that we could put it back into its habitat (the kids wanted to keep it as a class pet, but that wasn't happening). While she was trying to capture our little friend, it detached its tail and a fun spash of blood emerged and the tail kept wagging while detached from the body. :) Once was captured it in a jar, our little friend was released in the garden. We wish it well. There's never a dull moment in the DLC.

Pic 1 - The detached tail.

Pic 2 - The cute stomach and feet of our non-furry friend.

Pic 3 & 4 - a closeup look of our little buddy.

Due Dates that Parents Should be Mindful of.....

Hello all,

As a reminder, all AIMS week and Monday and Tuesday of next week are work days in class. The students are continuing their projects that they previously started during class time, but no new content is being delivered and no direct instruction is being done this week.

The kids have been working on their documentaries for a few weeks now (and have had almost 20 hours of work time IN-CLASS, so if you are hearing whining, you can be assured that you child has not been using their class time appropriately). The due date is Friday the 22nd.

Ask your child if they have been reading All Quiet on the Western Front. It is to be read by Wednesday the 20th. Many students received copies and have been reading it when they are done with AIMS, but some students do not have a book because we cycle them through. If you student needs more time to read, then NOW is a good time to pick them up their own copy.

Their animated stories..."One day Miss Bailin and Miss Leland went for a drive...." are due on Wednesday the 20th. These are based on the work we have been doing with 8th grade on their EGG projects. You may ask your students about it. :) The 8th graders are making a MythBusters-esque inspired project and we are making a little narrative (YAY for narrative writing) into an animated story about Miss Bailin and Miss Leland's adventured in the golf cart. :) You can also ask your child about that....especially if your child is in BLOCK I>

Your final showcase is due in May and the kids have been working on it since we got back from break. This piece has no guidelines, but will serve as their technological prize piece. There are no check points for this and they are not to share their ideas with classmates. I am not even to know. They are graded on the digitally narrated product rubric that we have used all second quarter.

Progress grades and deficiency reports will be done and going home/emailed on Tuesday the 19th, so any missing work will be entered as a zero over the weekend. The students will not have extensions to turn in missing products. Also remember that their products are worth 80% of their grade in 4th quarter, so they can't afford to blow any of them off. GAME TIME!

As a side note, our curriculum does not slow down after AIMS. Some people, none of us, have this delusion, I mean idea, that after AIMS we stop teaching. We are still in school and learning until the last day. True story. I hope everyone is aware of this, as we are a specialized program and maintain our high standards. We have a lot of fun, but special requests for modifying projects and due dates and not doing as many intense simulations during the day will not be granted. We are going to have fun :), but learning will be taking place every day.

AIMS WEEK

Hello,

It is AIMS week. Please make sure your child is well-rested, eating HEALTHY, VITAMIN ENRICHED meals/snacks (breakfast is a must during testing), and staying hydrated. Their only HW is continuous projects that we are working on all week. All DLC7 classes are work periods, so that the kids don't feel overwhelmed and we are giving variety in the day. There will be no direct instruction this week. The kids have been provided a novel that we are reading in the DLC for when they are done with their AIMS test.

Smiles,

:)Miss Bailin

What are the kids working on?

1. Complete your "Survivor" themed vote for

a. Make sure it HAS THE SAME THEME/MOOD as the show

b. Make sure your narration is CLEAR (no stutters, ums, pauses, correctly pronounced

words, etc.)

c. Make sure you have MULTIPLE CONCRETE DETAILS that explain your choice!!!!!

*Save it on that thing I know nothing about as Your Number/First Name/SurvivorWWI

**This will be compiled into a massive show vote tomorrow by Luke H., so having the

correct title to keep it in order is imperative

2. Work on your WWI Documentary (please see instructions in pvOnline and refer to the

topic you signed up for on the :)DLC7 Google Doc. It is due 4/20

3. The final showcase is due May 14th

4. We will start reading AQOTWF soon

5. AIMS is next week!!!!

The Updated Agenda While Miss Bailin is SICK :(

Hi kids,

Here is what is on your agenda for the next two days....it goes through what you should be working on, the NEW due dates (please mark your calendars or phones), and some helpful info. from me.

1. Music video
2. pvOnline (it is listed in the order for it to be completed…process through each section and always come back and see which questions you now can answer from the unit overview. Mark the ones you can’t. Then repeat for each section.)
1. Unit overview and guiding questions – read this one, so you know what is expected of you. You should be able to answer these after each section.
2. “The Origins of Wilsonianism” - make sure you can answer/discuss the learning objectives
3. “Innovators and Traditionalists”
4. “Innovators and Traditionalists: a debate”
5. The US Entry into WWI: Two Opposing views
6. A Documentary Chronology of World War I (this will be due on Wednesday, April 20^th, so plan accordingly)– you will find the WWI documentary project on this page. This is a content heavy project. We started WWI with vid clips and high discussions, then pulled at your creativity with your music videos, worked in some debates for collaboration and public speaking opportunities, and now we are going to hit the content piece hard with a totally different feel than the other two ways we have been bringing this content to our minds.

• Miss Bailin’s Notes/Help for the Class

1. All of your points need to come back to the focus question: "How new was Wilson's foreign policy?" My suggestion is to read each of your points (not your whole speech, but each individual explained point) to someone and then ask them if it answers this question. It is does NOT clearly answer it, then revision is needed.
2. If your teams would like (the pro and con sides MUST agree), we can remove the responses (First “con” response (5 minutes), First “pro” response (5 minutes), Second “con” response (5 minutes), and Second “pro” response (5 minutes), then your group can present the pro, con, pro, con speeches.

a. If you choose this, then the speaking members have to divide the two 10 minute speeches.

b. If you choose this, then the response section will be replaced with some rapid-fire (not real fire = hazardous = people could get hurt or be burned to death = someone could die = we don’t break that rule) Miss Bailin questions. J

c. This is my compromise, so feel free to take it or leave it. My feelings won’t be hurt either way. If some of you would like to choose this option, but still present your pieces that you have worked so hard on (directed at some amazing pieces I have read from Block I so far), then we can still present those. I don’t want to take anyone’s spotlight away from them.

d. Just one person from your group, shoot me an email with what your groups decide and I will prepare accordingly. The best way to settle this is a vote.

e. I won’t be mad or disappointed with whatever you choose. J

3. Each person is graded on their individual contributions to the group as well as their individual public speaking performance. This means that if someone didn’t do the section that the team decided, then that person does not get credit AND the group is not penalized.
4. Please email me if you are in the Bracket Debates with the Leaders, so I know how many to plan for.
5. DUE DATES!!!! FINAL CHANGES!!! The goal for the start of next week is to get all the loose ends tied up, so we can cleanly move on. I know we are all feeling a bit rushed and stretched thin, so let’s get it all done.
1. Monday, March 21st

i. Period 1 – I have some things planned, but I want to gather and reflect on how Thursday and Friday went before moving on.

ii. Period 2 – THEE Matty West v. Sando Showdown in JDLC7 lab. If you aren’t watching, then you are working on your projects.

iii. Period 3 – ALL JDLC7 together: The final trial (ALL ATTORNEYS MUST COME TO SCHOOL DRESSED AS WELL AS THE WITNESSES…we will not be using class time to get ready.

iv. Period 6 - I have some things planned, but I want to gather and reflect on how Thursday and Friday went before moving on.

v. Period 7 – We finish our Bracket Break Down Debates to see which student debates it the best in ALL JDLC7!!!!

vi. Period 8 - To be announced….

2. Tuesday, March 22^nd

i. The Innovators v. Traditionalists debate will be happening TODAY!!!!

3. Wednesday, March 23^rd

i. Music videos will be due TODAY…IT MUST BE POSTED ON YOUR WEBPAGE (unless I spoke with you privately).

1. For those of you in groups of two or three, while the other person is working on their part, YOU should be working on the debate or the next section in pvOnline (The US Entry into WWI: Two opposing views) and the documentary project (up and coming project).

Filming for MediaFest

For the district MediaFest, the DLC was chosen as a point of pride and for Sunrise and P.V.U.S.D. After filming, our tech was able to stay an answer some technical questions about the equipment for the kids. Some students had highlighted parts based on their stellar performances and work ethic. Elizabeth Kresock and Tyler Sand were solo interviews. Jake Toews did a presentation demo. Sam Shapiro demonstrated playing the piano and Garage Band. Kiana Clarke ran through an analysis of her Stephen Crane project. Miss Leland and Miss Bailin were also interviewed.

Trials

Our first trial ended finding Pres. Andrew Johnson NOT GUILTY of violating Article Ten in an attempt to bring into disgrace, ridicule and contempt the Congress of the United States by grossly intemperate language and therefore violates the harmony and courtesies by which ought to exist and be maintained between the executive and legislative branches of the Government of the United States. President Johnson was found GUILTY of violating Article One and Ten of the Articles of Impeachment, which violates the law of the land, The Constitution of the United States of America on the charge of unlawfully dismissing Edwin M. Stanton as Secretary of War in violation of the Tenure of Office Act. OUR SECOND version of this trial began this week. We shall see what the jury decides.

"The Sights and Sounds of the Paradise Valley School District"

• Hello,
• 
  
• Just a reminder that this Saturday, March 19th, in the Paradise Valley Mall, our district will be hosting "The Sights and Sounds of Paradise Valley School District." It will be in the mall all day, from opening to close, and will feature a variety of art performed by our students. There will be visual art displays, and live performances featuring bands, strings and choir groups, performed by all grade levels, k-12.
• 
  
• Additionally, purchases made at the specialty cooking oil store, will benefit our school district as they are donating a portion of all proceeds to our district from 3/19.
• 
  
• Thanks, and hope to see you there!
• 
  
• Smiles,
• Tracy
• 
  

Play WINNERS and Audition Info.

Future World -- Holden Long and Julian Bell (8th)

Invisible -- Melanie Conroy (8th)

Talent Show Gone Wrong -- Kim and Alison Klorman (7th)

(Interested Parties) MARK YOUR CALENDARS.........

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO AUDITION (not mandatory, but a really good opportunity).........Auditions for these plays will be on Thursday.

There will be cuts for acting roles:

We'll need 7 boys, 7 girls and at least 4 roles that could be played by boys or girls.

We will also need a stage crew.

Rehearsals will begin April 12 and the performances are May 18-19.

BLOCK I ROCKED THEIR BRACKETS!!!

Hello,

The majority of the class today ROCKED their discussion based on their round one and round two of The Greatest Leader/March Madness themed brackets. I was over joyed by the brilliance and depth that was demonstrated today. Please feel free to ask your child about their choices.

Smiles,

:)Miss Bailin

Girls' Luncheon

Our girls beat the boys by 7 points in our class recognition guessing game!

The Showdown

We are having a 3 part showdown between Matty West and Sando for being the Concentration & Riddle STUDS of their classes. They both had tie scores (never before done in our game), so it is time for a showdown to see which one will reign supreme in points!

Reaching out

I would like to congratulate Mr. West on his new blog that Matty West helped him with last night!!! We are so proud, but we don't know if it is more for Matty West or his dad. :)

Why does my child have a bracket?

Hi,

Your child will be coming home with a bracket. This is the same style bracket used in March Madness (we are starting early because Feb. is a short month). We watched a vid that explains how to make a March Madness bracket and then I inserted what that means for us content wise. :)

Your kids are creating their brackets to ultimately find out which world leader around WWI was the "greatest." I have included some things for them to think about when determine what "greatest" means to them and how to be historically accurate.

If you would like to play and have your own bracket, then let me know and I will send one home. :) Good luck.

They are only completing rounds 1 and 2. We started in class today.

1. You won't put two powerhouses against each other in round one....be thinking about the Elite 8 for that. ;) Divide it up. ;) There is a strategy for your person getting to the final rounds. This isn't pre-set like the real March Madness tourney. :)

Ways to think about "Greatest"

2. Political Movements/reform

3. Military

4. Population

5. Economic status of their country

6. Access to technology/advancements

7. Alliances

8. Land mass/imperialism/colonies/sphere of influence

9. Geographic location/strategic advantage

10. Trade Routes/Access to water

11. Natural Resources

We are getting ready for March Madness....

Hi DLC Family,

We started our March Madness inspired lesson plans, so that we can start getting ready for the excitement!!! I have to say, for the most part, our kids KNOW their Amendments!!!!

A BIG shout out to Liebs!!!!

Smiles,

:)Miss Bailin

Pilot Program: Google's Chrome Notebook (Cr-48)

Hello,

We are one of five school districts in the nation that are a part of Google's Cr-48 pilot program. Selected schools/teachers/programs will be using the Cr-48 (Google's Chrome Notebook). If you are interested in the technology, please view the video links: http://www.google.com/support/chromeos/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=177870 .

This pilot program is being kept low key. We will not be giving interviews and neither will students/parents until further notice when Google starts proceeding with it.

THERE WILL BE BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD AND STUDENTS ARE AWARE OF THIS. THIS IS WHY WE ARE STILL USING THE LAPTOPS. We, as a program and district, understand that this technology is in its early stages, so we are going to use it as much as we can and provide feedback when something goes wrong. Your patience is greatly appreciated. I would also like to point out that we only have enough for the students and this technology is BRAND NEW, so I am learning with the kids (I don't get a teacher one to take home). The students know the process for reporting glitches, bugs, errors, virus messages, etc. (http://shortlinks.pvlearners.net/chromesurvey

). Contacting me will do nothing because I am in the same boat as the kids. The kids will fill out surveys that go directly to Google @ http://shortlinks.pvlearners.net/chromesurvey

“As part of the Chrome notebook Pilot program Google is providing a
limited number of devices to businesses, schools and individuals so
they can start receiving feedback from early users. Google is excited
that a small number of schools, including Paradise Valley Unified
School District, will be testing Chrome notebooks as part of the Pilot
program and we are eager to see the new and innovative approach they
take to learning by using the devices.”

How many schools are receiving them?
We’ve selected a small number of schools to test Chrome notebooks as
part of the Pilot program. We’re excited that Paradise Valley Unified
School District is among those participating in the Pilot program.

How did you pick the schools?
After reviewing thousands of applications, we selected a small number
of schools that share a vision of bringing technology into their
classrooms in innovative ways. We felt their current resources,
coupled with that vision, were a great fit for an all-web device like
the Cr-48.

HELLO 2011

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!! It was so great to see all the kids smiling faces today! :)

Today we started getting back in the groove of school. We did a little break recap, went over two assignments, explained the differences between 1st semester and 2nd semester, and finalized our teaching topics and assessments for tomorrow's presentations.

Grades will be finalized this evening and posted. The district will be pulling the final grades tomorrow at 4p.m.

Descriptions of the Final Showcase Digital Product (due May 16th) and the Metaphorical Self-Portrait (due 1/14) are on the Assignment Calendar page, but here are the initial descriptions.

The Final Showcase Digital Product for :)DLC7 has few restrictions. As long as the product is school-appropriate and displays advanced mastery of digital 21st century skills and uses the focus piece, the students have creative freedom. Creativity, originality, and innovation are KEY and should be the focus of this piece. Students ARE NOT to use classmates to share ideas. These products SHOULD BE unveiled for the first time when we view it on the 16th of May. This project also does NOT have a rubric.

For the Metaphoric Picture (due 1/14/2010), students are to use a legal sized piece of paper (can be card stock depending on what they want to put on it) and make a scene or cover the entire background with symbols for themselves. It can include things they think, fear, hopes, dreams, experiences, life lessons, mantras, etc. but it needs to send the message without being too obvious. There should be a space left where their faces should be. These can be realistic or abstract. You will find that the abstract ones will get more of the creative juices flowing and it is a good way to start mentally preparing for the creative outlets that this semester requires. Students are welcome and encouraged to look up the meanings of colors, animals, etc. Few things that are included should or will be gender specific. One of the great things about this piece, is that it doesn't show gender. It makes the activity more interesting. Please don't SHOW THESE to your peers because that will drastically change the plan....