As the school year comes to a close I begin to reflect on the job I did. I feel a bit disappointed that I may not have covered all the areas in each subject that I intended to.  I feel sad for the students that were unable to finish the term. I wonder if my lessons were too advanced. Did I give too much homework? Or maybe was I too lenient?But those thoughts are quickly overshadowed by the many academic success stories that prove that we as teachers were doing something right. I think about the many new students that joined us and how well they’ve adjusted. I hear the laughter from the friendship bonds that were formed and recall the first day of orientation when the room was silent with nervousness. I read the college acceptance letters and am reminded that this is why I do what I do.

My mind will still ponder over the many ideas and plans I wanted to execute as it does at the end of each year. But I rest easy, confident that I did my very best. Before I know it the school bells will ring and I’ll be blessed once again with another chance to get it right.

~K.Jointer

Final Exam Schedule

Forensics:Monday, April 30

Ecology: Tuesday, May 1

Physical Science: Tuesday, May 15

SAT Prep: Tuesday May 15

Life Management: Tuesday May 15

Chemistry: Wednesday, May 16

Biology: Wednesday May 16

Watch your thoughts they become your words
Watch your words they become your actions
Watch your actions they become your habits
Watch your habits they become your character
Watch your character it becomes your destiny

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

Colonel Sanders went to more than 1,000 places trying to sell his chicken recipe before he found an interested buyer. The fact that we can buy Kentucky Fried Chicken today attests to his perseverance. Thomas Edison tried almost 10,000 times before he succeeded in creating the electric light. If he had given up, you would be reading this in the dark!

The original business plan for what was to become Federal Express was given a failing grade on Fred Smith¹s college exam. And, in the early days, their employees would cash their pay checks at retail stores, rather than banks. This meant it would take longer for the money to clear, thereby giving Fed Ex more time to cover their payroll.

Sylvester Stallone had been turned down a thousand times by agents and was down to his last $600 before he found a company that would produce Rocky. The rest is history! To truly succeed requires a total commitment to your goal. Too many people make the mistake of quitting just short of success. Keep going no matter what. If you really believe in what you are doing, give it all you¹ve got and don¹t give up.

You will succeed. There is no such thing as failure. Every action produces an outcome. It may not always be the outcome you are looking for, but it is an outcome nonetheless. If you monitor the results of your actions and keep correcting what is not working, you will eventually produce the outcome you are looking for.

Be Persistent – Ray Kroc, the late founder of McDonalds, put it best when he said: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with great talent. Genius will not. Un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence, determination and love are omnipotent.”

Don’t quit before the miracle happens!

(Author Unknown)

 

The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary.

-Thomas Edison

1st Place Emanuel Orji-“Designer Genes”
2nd Place Gerald Rodriguez –“Got Rust”
3rd Place Aaron Kennedy-White- “Sound Navigation and Ranging” (SONAR)

We are so proud of all the scholars that participated in the PDA Science Fair today. Let this be a lesson to always give your very best and in the end your hard work will pay off.
 

When I was young I couldn't wait to get to high school. Once there I couldn’t wait to get to college. Then I was anxious to graduate and start my career. Some of us live our lives in constant anticipation of what’s next. I know I did. Funny thing is that in 20 years these will be the “good ol’ days”. It seems as if it’s only after we’ve entered the next season of our lives that we realize just how good the last season was. The “grass being greener” syndrome can leave you feeling empty and incapable of satisfaction. I made a choice to appreciate where God has me and to do everything for His glory for however long I’m there. When it is time to close a chapter of my life I can move on in peace. I decided to enjoy my life along the way.
 

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
 

Are electronic messages and wall posts taking the place of real human contact? I suppose the creators of these technological advancements intended to enhance communication. And I contend that the speed and efficiency of communication has improved overall. How could I otherwise be made aware of 27 of my “friends” opinion on the latest episode of "The Game"? But this is a far cry from intimacy. Of course there are those that put their entire life on the web for all to see but even then it’s a show and we are merely an audience. We watch, laugh, and still lack an authentic relationship to the characters. Make no mistake, I enjoy a humorous status update, a friendly text message or instant chat as much as the next techno savvy communicator. But in a society that encourages veneers are we replacing the real with what was only meant to enhance? Do we allow people to see who we really are? Tone and feelings are often misinterpreted and even ignored while reading text messages. So if this is our main source of communication can we truly be cultivating meaningful, lasting friendships or just entertaining superficial connections with…strangers. Could it be that we are so emotionally detached that a flashing message indicator is as comforting as a hug? Do we recognize the difference? I have found no substitution for a live :) , an audible LOL or simply just being in the presence of a kindred spirit….
But  …maybe there’s an app for that.
 

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

In a day where drama is glorified we as followers of Christ must put forth an extra effort to live at peace.  We can be peace makers by overlooking the pettiness of others or ignoring unkind words. Peace can often be restored just by asking for forgiveness even during those times that we don’t feel at fault. Remember, saying you’re sorry doesn’t mean you’re wrong just that you value peace over your ego.

Ask God to help you be the peace maker in your family .
 

Kudos to my Ecology class that presented power point presentations on the world’s most deadly natural disasters.  Presentations covered everything from the Yellow River Flood in China to the San Francisco earthquake fires. Special recognition is given to Elizabeth Pope for her presentation on Haiti which was both moving and informative.  I am so proud of my seniors. Keep up the hard work! 

Science Scholars,

The Science Fair is right around the corner!

Your blank science display board is due on Monday, February 6, 2012. At this point you should have begun the experimentation portion and be working on your data table. Remember to keep a log as you go along and stay on track!!!
 

Remonder Science Fair next month on Thursday, February 23, 2012. Background research is due by noon on Monday, January 16th (Yes, I know it’s a holiday). I expect all students to begin the experimentation portion next week.
 

 All Students in science class are required to complete this project.  They will be expected to complete the entire process and will be graded on all items due as outlined below.  Rubrics will be handed out for each portion of the project and it will be discussed in detail during class.  

This project is a large part of your overall 3rd quarter grade and failure to complete it will result in a failing grade in science.  Time will be spent in class researching, however, the majority of the work should be completed at home. 
Supplies needed for this project will include a composition book, report cover, display board and any specific lab supplies needed to complete your  experiment.
 

Science Fair Project Dates

Wednesday 12/14  Science Fair Question/ Purpose/ Hypothesis due

Wednesday 01/04  Science Fair Materials/ Procedure due    
Wednesday 01/11  Background information/ Science Fair Log Book Check

Wednesday 01/25  Science Fair Log Book Check/
   
Wednesday  02/01  Bibliography Check

Wednesday  02/08   Introduction Due

Thursday 02/23  Science Project due (Display, board, formal report and log book)
    *Presentations will also occur on this day
    
 

Please see the oxidation chart attached.

Remember each formula must have a net charge of zero.

Start the second quarter of right!

Quiz on Thursday. Study section 3.5 -3.7

Unit 3 Test on December 1st.

Can you name all six types of simple machines?

This week in Physical Science we will continue the unit on Work and Energy by comparing and contrasting the different types of simple machines.

Get ready for a building race  on Tuesday. The winning team receives extra credit!

Quiz on Thursday.

Be sure to check back for the Thanksgiving break research assignment.
 

This week in Biology you will…

• Continue to analyze the structure of DNA
• Explain the role of DNA in protein production
• Distinguish among different types of mutations

This unit will conclude with an exam on Friday
 

In a democratic society, should felons retain the right to vote?
 

Due to the field trip next Tuesday, Ecology presentations will be done on Thursday. Please note the change in length below.

Create a Power Point presentation on your assigned organism. Power point must be a minimum of 10 slides and a maximum of 15. Presentation will be between 4 and 7 minutes and include the following:
• Pictures of the organism
• Where does the organism live?
• How does it fit into its community?
• What resources does it exploit?
• What are its contributions and impacts?
• Is the organism on the threatened or endangered list? If so where do they fall on the list, what caused them to be there and what if any is being done about it?

Biology Scholars,

Mark your calendars! Unit 3 is full of cellular excitement.

Quiz-Monday Oct. 17th - Cell Structures
Quiz-Friday Oct. 21st- Osmosis & Diffusion

(Not so Pop) Quiz- Wednesday Nov 2nd  Cellular Respiration
Test Review -Friday- Nov. 4th
Test-Monday  Nov. 7th
 

We’ll soon be wrapping up our unit on Drug addiction and abuse.  Please use your review packets to focus your studying. Unit test is Friday October 21st.

Senior Class Meeting October 12, 2011 Recap

Kudos to class officers Allese Morrison and Alexus Davis for facilitating the first 2011-2012 senior class meeting! These ladies were prepared and did a great job leading the discussions.  Topics including the senior class trip, class rings, 2012 shirts, skip days and college visits were proposed and plans put into action.  We are so excited about the year ahead and very proud of the class of 2012 for stepping up and taking a major role in the planning process.

The next senior class meeting will be held next Wednesday at 11:00AM. We will be voting on shirt designs, locations for a college tour and a restaurant for the senior luncheon. Bring your suggestions.

The Senior Class meeting will be held on Wednesday at 11:00AM in the science room.

Reminder: Bring in supplies for balloon racers on Tuesday.

Racers will be tested on Thursday.

Vocabulary list 3 Quiz Thursday.

PDA scholars are held to the highest of standards and are expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner. Please be reminded of the PDA assignment policy.

Classwork is due at the end of class.

Without an excused absence, late homework is subject to a 20 point penalty after the due date and time up to 24 hours. Assignments not submitted within 24 hours after the due date will receive a grade of zero.

With an excused absence, late assignments are accepted within two days after return.

Biology Unit 2 Test on Wednesday, October 5th

Quiz on Wednesday. Quiz will cover Scientific Notation and Significant figures.

Quiz next Tuesday. Study Student notes pages 18-26

adhere 1.(n.)to stick to something
(We adhered the poster to the wall with tape.)
2.(n.)to follow devoutly
(He adhered to the dictates of his religion without question.)
admonish(v.)to caution, criticize, reprove
(Joe’s mother admonished him not to ruin
his appetite by eating cookies before dinner.)
balk (v.) to stop, block abruptly (Edna’s boss balked at her request for another raise.)
ballad (n.) a love song (Greta’s boyfriend played her a ballad on the guitar during their
walk through the dark woods.)
cacophony (n.) tremendous noise, disharmonious sound (The elementary school
orchestra created a cacophony at the recital.)
cadence (n.) a rhythm, progression of sound (The pianist used the foot pedal to
emphasize the cadence of the sonata.)
daunting (adj.) intimidating, causing one to lose courage (He kept delaying the
daunting act of asking for a promotion.)
dearth (n.) a lack, scarcity (An eager reader, she was dismayed by the dearth of classic
books at the library.)
debacle (n.) a disastrous failure, disruption (The elaborately designed fireworks show
turned into a debacle when the fireworks started firing in random directions.)
debase (v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something (The large raise that he gave
himself debased his motives for running the charity.)
ebullient (adj.) extremely lively, enthusiastic (She became ebullient upon receiving an
acceptance letter from her first-choice college.)
eclectic (adj.) consisting of a diverse variety of elements (That bar attracts an eclectic
crowd: lawyers, artists, circus clowns, and investment bankers.)
fabricate (v.) to make up, invent (When I arrived an hour late to class, I fabricated some
excuse about my car breaking down on the way to school.)
façade 1. (n.) the wall of a building (Meet me in front of the museum’s main façade.) 2.
(n.) a deceptive appearance or attitude (Despite my smiling façade, I am feeling
melancholy.)
garish (adj.) gaudy, in bad taste (Mrs. Watson has poor taste and covers every object in
her house with a garish gold lamé.)
garrulous (adj.) talkative, wordy (Some talk show hosts are so garrulous that their
guests can’t get a word in edgewise.)
genial (adj.) friendly, affable (Although he’s been known to behave like a real jerk, I
would say that my brother is an overall genial guy.)
hallowed (adj.) revered, consecrated (In the hallowed corridors of the cathedral, the
disturbed professor felt himself to be at peace.)
hapless (adj.) unlucky (My poor, hapless family never seems to pick a sunny week to go
on vacation.)
iconoclast (n.) one who attacks common beliefs or institutions (Jane goes to one protest
after another, but she seems to be an iconoclast rather than an activist with a
progressive agenda.)
idiosyncratic (adj.) peculiar to one person; highly individualized (I know you had
trouble with the last test, but because your mistakes were highly idiosyncratic, I’m
going to deny your request that the class be given a new test.)
laceration (n.) a cut, tear (Because he fell off his bike into a rosebush, the paperboy’s skin
was covered with lacerations.)
laconic (adj.) terse in speech or writing (The author’s laconic style has won him many
followers who dislike wordiness.)
maelstrom (n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects (Little did the
explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious
maelstrom would catch their boat.)
magnanimous (adj.) noble, generous (Although I had already broken most of her
dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.)