to: U.S. History

SCHOLARS, please study for your vocabulary quiz on Friday 20 January.

to: All Students

Allese Morrison, 2012 & Michael Scott, 2012 have continued PDA's track record of 100% College Acceptance!!!

Michael has been accepted to Miami University and the University of Maryland of Maryland.

Allese has earned early acceptance to Delaware State University.

Congratulations to Allese, Mike and their families on being the first PDA scholars in the Class of 2012 to earn acceptance to universities of their choice.

Go Storm!

to: U.S. History

DONT FORGET TO STUDY FOR YOUR VOCABULARY QUIZ!!!

to: Cultural Studies

I just wanted to say that I am glad to have all of you young scholars back for this new year with many new promising possibilities and challenges for you. We will have fun, but also be challenged to think outside of our comfort zones as we close out this school year. I want to also remind you of your quiz this Friday. Lastly, I want to congratulate those scholars who have already been accepted to college. I can't wait to celebrate the rest of you. Dr. Glasper

to: U.S. History

SCHOLARS, dont forget that your chapter 5 exam will be Wendsday January 25th. We will begin to review on Tuesday January 16th. Also please study for your vocabulary exam and upload the vocabulary assignment posted on Thinkwave..If you have any questions please contact me ASAP..Coach Goodridge.

to: All Students

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.
 

to: All Students

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

~ John Dewey

to: All Students

Dear PDA Family:

As Ms. Jointer so aptly put it during prayer on our last day before the Christmas break, take time to reflect on the reason for the season.

Today is less about the gifts you will give and receive and much more about celebrating, honoring and holding on high the birth of our savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Extend a prayer for those who teach you each day, to those who have lost loved ones, for the many who seek peace, for our President and his family and for your classmates as they continue to strive for excellence in their school work, even through this holiday season. 

May God continue to bless you and the Storm family.

Go Storm!

to: Cultural Studies

Good mornning class, unfortunately there will be no class today. Please review your notes political culture and political socialization that we have covered in class. I will review the information that we covered this past Monday on Friday, December 9th since we did not have a full class. Also on Monday, December 12th you will have a quiz/test so it is in your best interest to study scholars!

Thanks and see you on Friday.

Dr. Glasper

 

 

Hey class, I wanted to wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I also wish this to my colleagues at Princeton Day Academy and their families.

I also wanted to remind you about your homework assignment. I have posted the assignment that will provide you more details in the assignment section. You are supposed to research the comparisons and differences between the Tea Party Movement and the Occupy Wall Street Movement and return prepared to discuss it orally on Nov. 28th. There is a also a typewritten paper component as well.

to: All Students

"Courage — not complacency — is our need today. Leadership not salesmanship". — John F. Kennedy

                                                            "LEADERSHIP IS INFLUENCE"!

Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics of a person, while character is the sum total of these traits. There are hundreds of personality traits, far too many to be discussed. Instead, we have focused on a few that are crucial for a leader. The more of these you display as a leader, the more your followers will believe and trust in you.

  • Honest — Display sincerity, integrity, and candor in all your actions. Deceptive behavior will not inspire trust.
  • Empathy-Creating a legitimate rapport with you those you lead makes it less likely that personal issues and resentment can creep in and derail the group. When your team knows that you are empathetic to their concerns, they will be more likely to work with you and share in your vision, rather than foster negative feelings.
  • Consistency-Being a consistent leader will gain you respect and credibility, which is essential to getting buy-in from the group. By setting an example of fairness and credibility, the team will want to act the same way

Tomorrow we will explore the following leadership traits......

  • Competent
  • Forward-looking

Where there is no vision, the people perish.
~Proverbs 29:18

to: College Prep Seminar

So you've been studying hard for the past few months building up to your SAT test tomorrow. You've done enough SAT practice papers to last you a lifetime, and now that the last night before your freedom is here, you are at a loss to what you should do to complete your preparation. Some of your friends may decide to pull an all-nighter while others might decide to just sleep on it. Which is the better way? Well, read on for the 4 tips you can carry out to complete your SAT preparation:

Be prepared

We don't mean cramming in another last minute practice test. What we mean is you should prepare all the things you need the next morning. Set aside your wallet, mobile phone and keys on the table or near your backpack. Lay your clothes out on the dresser too so you will not waste time choosing an outfit to wear the next day. Remember to set a couple of alarms, perhaps one alarm on your clock and another on your mobile phone, to ensure that you will not oversleep. Make sure you know how to get to the test venue. If you are hitching a ride, please be sure the person is reliable enough not to show up late. Consider giving him or her a call as reminder before you go to sleep.

2) Pack your backpack

These are some of the essentials you will require for your SAT test:

* Your Admission Ticket

* At least two No. 2 pencils and an eraser

* Acceptable photo identification

* An acceptable calculator (check the College Board website for the list of acceptable calculators)

* A watch (without setting any alarm)

* A snack and bottled water

* Extra batteries (for your calculator)

3) Relax and take it easy

If you've done all that you can to prepare yourself for the test, take it easy. This is not only because you deserve it; you just really need to relax and take it easy. Being anxious and frantically revising the night before isn't going to help you. Consider some light reading or watch a film. Even if you aren't fully prepared for your SAT tomorrow, being nervous will not do you any good. Calm down and try to have some light revisions just to freshen your memory for tomorrow.

4) Have a good night sleep

The most important thing you should do before a test is getting a good night sleep, regardless of how prepared you are. Get at least eight hours worth of sleep so that you will feel fully rested and ready to tackle the paper the next day. Getting enough sleep will also help to ensure that you will not oversleep and miss the test.

Of course, don't assume that these steps will guarantee you success for your SAT test. Keep in mind that these tips will only help you put on the best performance possible for the test. Only intensive studying and sufficient practice will lead you to achieving great SAT results.

to: All Students

Some sit and pontificate about whether leaders are made or born. The true leader ignores such arguments and instead concentrates on developing the leadership qualities necessary for success.There are leadership traits or leadership qualities that people look for in a leader and we will disucss some of those traist within the next couple of weeks. Exhibiting these traits will inspire confidence in your leadership. It is important to exhibit, model and display these traits. Simply possessing each trait is not enough; you have to display it in a way that people notice. People want to see that you actively demonstrate these leadership qualities and will not just assume that you have them. Let's begin.......

Leadership Traits:

•Empathy: Creating a legitimate rapport with you those you lead makes it less likely that personal issues and resentment can creep in and derail the group. When your team knows that you are empathetic to their concerns, they will be more likely to work with you and share in your vision, rather than foster negative feelings.

•Consistency: Being a consistent leader will gain you respect and credibility, which is essential to getting buy-in from the group. By setting an example of fairness and credibility, the team will want to act the same way.

                        Quote of the day "A Leader is a dealer of hope"

to: All Students

Welcome back! As we enter into the month of December I would like to focus on "leadership".

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln

What is the definition of leadership?

The definition of leadership is influence, Plan and simple!   This is the definition that John Maxwell gives. He also states that everything rises and falls on leadership. So, if these statements are true, then the job of a leader is to get things done through influencing others. And that influence begins with one – one person adding value. One person casting vision. One person making a lasting difference. And that one becomes many.

But it doesn’t happen overnight. I believe leadership is a process. Growth is essential. After all, people are our most valuable asset. And you have the power to impact those lives. To motivate and, to transform those around you!

Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.

John Maxwell

 

 

 

to: All Students

 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
    
 

to: College Prep Seminar

Find the Right Fit!

Find out what kind of school is the best match for you and your career goals.


•What's the right match? The kind of college you choose to attend should reflect your goals and your personality. Whether you choose a public, private, community, technical, trade or even online college, make sure it's the best match for you.

•Big or small? Do you want to attend a big university with more choices of studies and social activities, but also larger lecture classes? Or would you like fewer choices but more personal attention and a better chance to stand out? You decide.

•Home or away? Attending a local college versus boarding out of state - what's better? It depends. For some, residence hall life is an important part of the college experience, but commuting from home is less expensive.

•Which major works? Figuring out what you like doing most, plus what you're best at, can point to the careers you should consider - and what majors will help you reach your career goal.

•Why extras matter. Getting into extracurricular activities outside of class - band, science club, the school newspaper, drama or even volunteering - helps you discover what your real interests are and where you're heading.

to: All Students

The University of Maryland is the state's premier center for research, advancing knowledge and providing high quality undergraduate education. A publicly supported, land-grant institution, Maryland is dedicated to educating the most promising students in the state, the nation and the world.

The University of Maryland was recently ranked 5th, its highest ranking ever, in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine's "100 Best Values in Public Colleges". Kiplinger's reviewed more than 500 public four-year colleges and universities to decide which offered the best combination of outstanding academics and an affordable price tag.

Each year, we receive more than 26,000 applications for a fall freshman class of about 4,000 and approximately 6,500 transfer applications for 2,200 transfer spaces. Our application review process is rigorous, comprehensive and individualized. Each applicant receives a complete file review. This assessment is based on achievements and potential in a broad range of academic and extracurricular categories, viewed in the context of the opportunities and challenges the applicant faced.

Let's go Terps!

For more information please visit the website and explore the endless possibilities........

http://www.umd.edu/

to: All Students

We concluded the week on "Will you change by" with focusing on making changes because of a crisis and or circumstances. We sometimes think of this as a negative, but actually maybe because of the unsual circumstance this change is needed and can work for our good.

It can be easy to think that God is obligated to make life easy for us and to remove all of our difficult circumstances. But, the truth is that during hard times God is preparing us for greater things. If He removed the difficult circumstances in our lives, we would probably never mature.

James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." In other words, rejoice in "trials of many kinds", because they test your faith, which causes you to grow closer to God. Indeed, God assures us that something beneficial can come from the hard times in life.

It is during times of testing that such people developed the strength and character for which we respect them. Therefore, don't always beg God to change your circumstances. Instead, view each as an opportunity for God to change you, making you "mature and complete, not lacking anything."

to: College Prep Seminar

Hello All,

Just a reminder, we will visit the University of Maryland, College Park on November 29th.......

It's time to think outside the shell. March to your own drum. And grab hold of your destiny. It's time to discover the University of Maryland.

Let's go Terps!

 

to: College Prep Seminar

Jaime insisted that training for the race by riding his bike over a _______ neighborhood course would get him in great shape for the competition.

a)   frigid
b)    sedentary
c)     boring
d)    senescent
e)     tortuous

to: Cultural Studies

Hi class, I just wanted to encourage you to stay focus and get engage in the course. Everyone in the course is expected to make a contribution. I strongly believe in integrative learning. This means that I can learn from you as well as you can learn from me. We can all make a contribution to the course.

We are off to a great start. Come prepared to share something with your mental checkups tomorrow and let's end this week on a high and powerful note!!!

Dr. G.

to: All Students

Q.Be honest: Do you really read all the essays submitted? Or, do you read only for the borderline cases?
- Vinod

A. Mr. Brenzel of Yale: We look at every essay from every applicant, and for students who reach the level of serious consideration, essays may end up being read multiple times.

 

to: All Students

Q.It has long been understood that there are five main facets of an application: transcript, recommendations, standardized test scores, extracurriculars and essays. If a student’s transcript is in the weaker half of the applicant pool, but the remaining four facets are quite exemplary, will an elite college be willing to take a chance?
-Jonah

A

Mr. Poch of Pomona: The more selective the institution, the more likely the decision for admission may turn on things not so easily quantified. If the application suggests strong basic competence academically, the other qualities of a candidate become interesting and often determine the outcome. I am interested in both where a student is at the current moment as well as making a guess about where they may be in a year or two or three. Perfect records in high school don’t always suggest perfect students in college. A student who had a bump along the way may know more about how and why they learn than one who has been grinding along without a second thought. Glowing references, strong tested ability, leadership strength and a terrific interview can sometimes outweigh a transcript with a glitch or two but in highly selective environments are not likely to override a real mess of a record.

Mr. Brenzel of Yale: Weaker transcripts face tough sledding in a highly selective college environment. They don’t automatically disqualify a candidate for us, but you have to remember that we have many thousands of applicants with extremely strong transcripts who are also just as exemplary in the other ways that count.

to: All Students

SCHOLARS, although we will be on Thanksgiving break please do not neglect your academic responsibilities. Continue to look at thinkwave for all of your ongoing and upcoming assignments. As the season is approaching rapidly your level of responsibility will increase two-fold. Please stay focused in everything you do. Have a great break!

to: All Students

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." By: William Jennings Bryan

Choices are within everyone's command. No one has to do, or is obligated to live their lives as others live. On the other hand, inevitably at some point in our lives, we witness, first-hand, choices that other people, friends, family members or colleagues make that we can clearly see are leading them down a slippery slope to either immediate devastating consequences, or a future that can be potentially harmful.

As caring people, we probably have all made efforts to try and assist other individuals to change or alter a choice so they won't experience what we feel will be negative reactions, rejection, or, worse still, criminal prosecutions. While there is nothing inherently wrong or misguided about our good intentions, the ultimate choice people make is entirely up to them. We can't live other people's lives for them; we don't want to put ourselves in any position that appears or demonstrates that we own their problems or own their choices. These people own their own lives; they make the choices, good or bad.

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself."   By: Henry Ward Beecher

 


Choices. We make hundreds of choices in our lives. Other people make hundreds of choices. We might wish and hope that we can change other peoples' choices so they can avoid potential problems be that drug abuse, alcohol, relationships, parenting and on and on. But, we cannot make choices for others - what we can strive to do is offer constructive opinions or suggestions, when asked, or referrals to professionals who can assist in one's decision-making, or may help others keep moving forward through the never-ending maze of choices:

"You always do what you want to do. This is true with every act. You may say that you had to do something, or that you were forced to, but actually, whatever you do, you do by choice. Only you have the power to choose for yourself."

 

to: Chemistry

files: oxidation-numbers.gif

Please see the oxidation chart attached.

Remember each formula must have a net charge of zero.

to: All Students

We have settled nicely into our new digs and welcome everyone to come out and visit - especially next Friday at 11:30 a.m. when we are hosting our annual Thanksgiving celebration.

First quarter report cards have been distributed and all of our scholars know that the second quarter will bring new challenges and new opportunities for success.

Our overall school GPA is 3.12 with nearly 75% of our scholars earning academic honors status, 63% earning 3.5 GPAs and above and 26% with 4.0+ GPAs.

Our Storm Award ceremony was a smashing success as we honored scholars who achieved at the highest level:

Headmaster's Scholars: 4.0 GPA and Above

Aaron Kennedy White - 12th grade

Allese Morrison - 12th grade

Anthony Rivers - 10th grade

Michael Scott - 12th grade

Destinee Tunstall - 11th grade

Administrator's Scholars: 3.0 - 3.99 GPA

Essence Brown - 10th grade

Alexus Davis - 12th grade

Jace Ebanks - 10th grade

Emmanuel Orji - 9th grade

Elizabeth Pope - 12th grade

Breanna Savoy - 12th grade

Cleve Stewart - 12th grade

Tyonna Teamer - 12th grade

Jamaal Williams - 12th grade

Storm Scholar of the Quarter

Anthony Rivers - 10th grade

Congratulations to our scholars and teaching staff on an outstanding start to the school year.

Go Storm!

 

to: All Students

The least stressful part of a college application is your personal information -- name, address, phone number, and, of course, your email address. Most colleges will want to communicate with you via email thanks to its convenience, speed, and low cost. Your email address will be placed on admissions distribution lists, and it will be front and center in your admissions file. If you are accepted, it will go to your first-year academic advisor and be entered into the college's software for financial aid, registration, housing, and so on.

So, a simple word of advice: if you don't have a professional-sounding email user name, get one before you apply to college. That email address is one of the first things that anyone at the college will see. Make sure it doesn't make a bad impression. Consider the following:

•wastedjeff@hostname
•skankyho@hostname
•iluvbieber@hostname
•sleepmaster@hostname
•yousuck@hostname
 

All of these addresses may have seemed funny among a close circle of high school friends, but think about the impression they will make in a college admissions office. Each one of these addresses could raise concerns in the mind of an admissions officer. Do you have an alcohol problem? Are you lazy? Are you rude?

Shoot for a user name that is simple and straight-forward:

•allen.grove@hostname
•grove846@hostname

There's no shortage of free email providers, so take a few minutes to clean up your electronic image before applying.

to: All Students

                  If you see something, do you SAY something?

to: Physical Science

Start the second quarter of right!

Quiz on Thursday. Study section 3.5 -3.7

Unit 3 Test on December 1st.

to: Physical Science

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.