Mrs. Sellers's American Studies Classes

New grades have been posted

2012-01-17T14:38:00.001-08:00

Everything up to today has been entered. That includes any and all late or makeup work and the magazine project.

Items left for your semester grade:
1. Chapter 13 homework
2. Ch. 11, 12 and 13 Unit exam
3. The final exam

Looking for a way to improve your grade over break?

2011-12-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

Start studying for the final exam. Here is a link to Mr. Bussey's website. He has posted all of the past notetaking guides and chapter tests for you to go over. Remember the final exam is 15% of your grade so it can make a big impact.

http://cbussey.wordpress.com/mr-busseys-american-studies-page/downloadable-content/

Ch.11 Notetaking guide

2011-12-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Some of you have been asking for another note taking guide. Here is chapter 11.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2SfhJ-tB6PtZDY1MzM3MGEtMzY3Ni00MTUyLWFmOTUtMjU3OGVjMGExOTlj

New Grades have been posted

2011-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

Please review your grade. If there are any mistakes, please bring the assignment, with an attached note stating the issue and put it in my white bucket. Thanks!!!

We are heading into the home stretch!! Now is the time to kick into high gear!! Do not slack.

Grades have been updated

2011-10-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Please check your grade. I am human so occasionally mistakes can happen. Please let me know.

Thanks!!

The Online Saga has arrived!!!

2011-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the Saga online!!!! Support our school's journalism program.

http://saga.guhsd.net/

Grades

2011-10-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Six week Progress reports have been updated!!! I am still in the process of grading the unit exam from Wednesday. I will be updating grades again later this week. But that will not change the progress report grades which were due this morning. The grades do include the essay, however, that was turned in on Monday. I was able to grade some of the uhnit exams, so you may see a grade there. If not, it will be blank. A blank does not effect your grade.

New Grades!!

2011-10-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! New grades have been posted. Also, I just wanted to remind everyone that I will not be in class for the next three days. I have an amazing opportunity to go to Philadelphia and I am excited to visit Independence Hall and the Constitution Center. I can't wait to enrich our class with the things I get to see there. I have never been so I am excited.

If you need help with your essay, please do not hesitate to see Mr. Bussey in room 204.

See you soon!!

QUIZ ON WEDNESDAY!!!

2011-09-26T10:06:00.001-07:00

"Doing" the homework is often not enough for student's to comprehend and retain content. They must also study. Many students will just skim the text in order to get the work done. But this causes problems because they do not get the context of the term or idea. Please look at HOW you are doing your homework. Doing the assignment is often not enough to truly grasp the content.

Try this: First make sure all distractions are removed from the study area. No ipods, t.v.s, phone, etc. If there is something more interesting than the history text around, you will want to pay attention to that!! You will be surprised; cleaning your room may suddenly become very interesting when it comes time for homework. You may need to make it a rule that you do your homework in a certain area, like at the kitchen table.
A suggestion for how to do your history notes:

Step 1: Read over the note taking guide. Preview the objectives, key terms and ideas that we expect you to know.
Step 2: Read the section once through without taking any notes. Pay attention to all of the headings, pictures, captions, maps, etc. Really read it!! Do not just skim!
Step 3: Re-read the note taking guide for that section. Then read the section in the book again, this time taking notes. Yes, reread it!! Do not just skim!
Step 4: Review the notes. Then write the summary for the notes, answering the objective in the summary.
Step 5: Have a parent or other adult look at the note taking guide and quiz you on the terms. You should be able to explain them without looking at the notes. Use the note taking guide as a check list. If you can explain it, check it off. If not, then you need to go back and review that item. Keep going until you can explain everything on the sheet. Kind of like the old spelling list practice.

Hope this helps!!!! Remember the more times you have contact with information, the more likely it will stick in your head!!!!

Grades have been updated!!!

2011-09-23T14:35:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all the parents who came out last night! Don't forget to subscribe to this blog so you can get e-mail updates.

Animated Map

2011-09-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! If you want to look at the map that we viewed today in class, the link is at the top in the directions. Or you can click here!! http://www.animatedatlas.com/movie2.html

Scholastic Book Orders

2011-09-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: HBR9W

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.*

It's so simple! Here's how it works:
SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.

SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.

SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.
Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

If you are sending the order in to me, our first one is due by September 16. Thanks!!!

REMINDER!!!

2011-09-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wear comofortable clothes for our Boot Camp on Wednesday and Thursday!!!

Welcome!!!

2011-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hello! I know that some of you picked up your schedules today and might be going online to check out your new teachers!!!! Well, here I am!! Some of you may have noticed you have me for two classes. Yes, I teach both history and English. This year I will have four periods of U.S. history and one of American Literature.

Please subscribe to this blog and you will get e-mail updates whenever I post something new!! That includes grades or other information.

All students: If you are out and about doing your school shopping, you might want to pick up a few things for my class. You will need a lot of lined paper, a good binder to keep track of all of your materials, pens, pencils, highlighters and some colored pencils will be helpful too!

History kids: You will also need a 1 subject spiral notebook that you will leave in my classroom.

English kids: You will need to start thinking about a book that you would like to read for Independent Reading.

I look forward to meeting all of you!!!!!

Grades are posted.

2011-06-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have posted the semester grades. The Overall grade is your grade in the class. The other grade is your final exam grade. I have posted project grades on my outside window of my classroom, in case you did not see your grades for that.

Have a great summer!!!!

Books and Finals Review

2011-06-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Please bring in all your books Friday, Monday or Tuesday. Also bring ALL of your notes and materials from this semester for Friday!!!!!

Thanks!

P.S. Pass it on!!

Clinton Powerpoint and Final Study Guide

2011-06-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the Clinton Powerpoint and the Final Exam Study Guide.

http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/PresidentialHighlights/

Grades have been updated

2011-06-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

This includes the recent quiz.

Presidential Powerpoints

2011-05-27T08:58:00.001-07:00

Here are the powerpoints to help you. The Ford notes are in the Nixon powerpoint. Remember that all of these are also in your book!!!!! There are two for Carter.

http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/PresidentialHighlights/

Grades Have Been Updated and Other News!!

2011-05-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

You guys need to be focusing on getting through the end of the year successfully. As of today, you have one more quiz, one more unit exam, the project and the final exam. You have a few homework assignments in there too. YOU HAVE TO DO WELL ON ALL OF THEM!!!!! Now is not the time to slack. Over the long weekend you should be focusing on studying for the quiz and working on your research project.

Grades have been updated!!

2011-04-29T15:22:00.001-07:00

These are the progress report grades. Reminder: there is a quiz on Monday on 17.4 and Ch. 19.

Cold War Unit Exam Study Packet

2011-03-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am collecting the following assignments tomorrow. Please make a table of contents and put them in the following order:

1. 21.1 Notes
2. 21.2 Notes
3. 21.4 Notes
4. 'Dear America' Assignment
5. Counterculture Study Guide

Grade Printouts

2011-02-25T12:02:00.001-08:00

Grade reports have been sent home with your student. Please read them, sign them and return them. You can get a new copy anytime by clicking on the Grades Link.

New Semester 2 Grades

2011-02-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

New Grades have been posted. Please review them for any errors or issues.

Teen Jeopardy Registration!!

2011-02-15T16:34:00.001-08:00

Have you always wanted to be on Teen Jeopardy? GO here to register to take the test. http://www.jeopardy.com/onlinetests/teen/?hs308=email

Grades Updated- Again

2011-01-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

Go to Grades Link. Pull down the box. Select the one that says Term2 and your period.
1. Look at Term 2 to see your final grade. The OVERALL Grade is your Grade for the Semester. 2. The Term 1 grade is everything up until the final exam. Term 2 is just your final exam and passes.
3. Look at the Term 1 grades for inidvidual assignment grades, like the project, unit exam, etc.

Updated again!!

2011-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Oops! There was a mistake in 1st period's grades. I fixed it. Please look at them again

Grades are Posted

2011-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

When you look at your grade:

1. Look at Term 2 to see your final grade. The OVERALL Grade is your Grade for the Semester.
2. The Term 1 grade is everything up until the final exam. Term 2 is just your final exam and passes.
3. Look at the Term 1 grades for inidvidual assignment grades, like the project, unit exam, etc.

See you on Monday with a fresh outlook and a new attitude!! ( I mean you, not me!! :0)

Community Event

2011-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Do you know any children who would like to learn cheerleading skills and cheer at a high school basketball game? The Award Winning Valhalla Cheerleaders are hosting a clinic to teach cheerleading skills on January 29. The participants then will be invited to cheer at the Basketball game against Helix on February 4. For more information and to download the registration form, please go to http://valhallacheer.blogspot.com/

Grades have been updated!

2011-01-10T12:55:00.001-08:00

Please make sure that you are working on the project and doing everything you can to bring your grade up!

Is your student doing their homework effectively?

2010-12-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

"Doing" the homework is often not enough for student's to comprehend and retain content. They must also study. Many students will also just skim the text in order to get the work done. But this causes problems because they do not get the context of the term or idea. Please encourage your student to look at HOW they are doing their homework. Doing the assignment is often not enough to truly grasp the content.

Try this:

First make sure all distractions are removed from the study area. No ipods, t.v.s, phone, etc. If there is something more interesting than the history text around, the student will want to pay attention to that!! You will be suprised, cleaning their room may suddenly become very interesting when it comes time for homework. When I do my own homework (grading) I need to remove myself from distractions. But, teenagers will usually not do this for themselves. You may need to make it a rule that your student do their homework in a certain area, like the kitchen table.

Here is something that I reccomended to the kids this week. So many of them feel that they should be geting a higher grade because they do their homework. But they still do not get the content. My hypothesis is that they are not actually reading the material. So try this with your student at home.

How to do your history notes:

Step 1: Read over the notetaking guide. Preview the objectives, key terms and ideas that I expect you to know.
Step 2: Read the section once through without taking any notes. Pay attention to all of the headings, pictures, captions, maps, etc. Really read it!! Do not just skim!
Step 3: Re-read the notetaking guide for that section. Then read the section in the book again, this time taking notes. Yes, reread it!! Do not just skim!
Step 4: Review the notes. Then write the summary for the notes, answering the objective in the summary.
Step 5: Have a parent or other adult look at the note taking guide and quiz you on the terms. You should be able to explain them without looking at the notes. Use the notetaking guide as a checklilst. If you can explain it, check it off. If not, then you need to go back and review that item. Keep going until you can explain everything on the sheet. Kind of like the old spelling list practice.

Hope this helps!!!! Remember the more times you have contact with information, the more likely it will stick in your head!!!!

Grades are updated!

2010-11-19T15:22:00.001-08:00

New grades have been posted. Have a great Thanksgiving break!!

Community Service Opportunities

2010-11-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Community Service always looks good on college and scholarship applications. Plus it is just good to help improve the world arround you. Here are some local opportunities from I Love a Clean San Diego.

Trash Trackers Needed! Volunteers 16 years of age and up are needed for a new program at ILACSD that aims to identify problematic types of debris plaguing waterways in San Diego County. Participants will be volunteering for small cleanup studies along a variety of local waterways to track the trash that is contributing to a degraded watershed. Through a partnership with San Diego Coastkeeper, ILACSD plans to coordinate this study to monitor water quality and how trash negatively affects the health of our region. This is a great way to take a more proactive approach to preventing debris, not just cleaning it up. No special experience or requirements are needed to volunteer, just an enthusiasm for the local environment and some flexibility in your schedule. Volunteers will receive a prize pack, including an ILACSD t-shirt and reusable tote bag. Contact Kristina Ros at kros@cleansd.org to get involved. Events will be held once or twice a month in November, December, January, and February, and the first event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17th at 2PM. Location details are to be determined. A Day Without A Bag… You Can Help Make it Happen! Did you know that the average American uses more than 500 plastic bags each year? Well I Love A Clean San Diego has a volunteer opportunity for you that takes aim at reducing that number of bags, at least here locally. While reusable items are encouraged each and every day, we hope everyone will pay particular attention and remember their reusable bags this year on December 16th. A Day Without A Bag is an educational campaign to save thousands of single use plastic bags in one day, while encouraging reusable use each and every day thereafter. In order to effectively empower individuals and the community at large to favor reusable items over plastics, participating grocers and retailers will be distributing reusable tote bags for shoppers on Thursday December 16th. Volunteers are needed to help distribute these bags to shoppers from 5PM – 7PM in the East County and South Bay regions of San Diego County. Exact retail locations are still being identified, but ILACSD will need volunteers in La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, Lakeside, Chula Vista and Fallbrook. If you would like to volunteer to prevent harmful plastics from entering our environment, contact Kristina Ros at kros@cleansd.org to sign up as a volunteer in these communities. If you are interested in getting involved in another region of San Diego County, please contact our friends at San Diego Coastkeeper and the San Diego Chapter of Surfrider Foundation to sign up for locations in Central San Diego and North County. And don't forget on December 16th to go through the day without a plastic bag. It certainly isn't as easy as it sounds.
5. CREEK TO BAY MAKES TOP 5 Creek to Bay Cleanup Recognized for Effective Awareness I Love A Clean San Diego was honored as a finalist for "Most Effective Awareness Campaign" for its signature event, the annual Creek to Bay Cleanup. Many nonprofits were nominated for the 2nd Annual Stay Classy Awards in this category and I Love A Clean San Diego finished as first runner up. Being a finalist was a great opportunity for people to learn more about the impact of the Creek to Bay Cleanup and discover more about I Love A Clean San Diego's outreach, education and programs! See for yourself the impacts of the Creek to Bay Cleanup next year. Mark your calendars for Saturday April 30, 2011 and log onto the event website www.creektobay.org in the meantime.

College info

2010-11-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know it doesn't seem like it but college is right around the corner for juniors. At this time next year, many of you or your student's will be applying for college. Now is the time to make sure that everything is on order. That all the correct classes have been taken, that all of the requirements have been met, that you know what to do. Please contact your couselor if you are not sure. Or contact me and I will help.

This is also a helpful website. http://www.knowhow2go.org/

Grades have been updated!

2010-10-29T15:19:00.001-07:00

Grades have been updated!! Have a safe Halloween!!

4.2 Review

2010-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4.2 Review

Objectives-
Explain why American industrialists of the late 1800s were called both “robber barons” and “captains of industry”.
Describe Carnegie’s belief of the “gospel of wealth” and the theory of social Darwinism.
Explain the ways industrialists gained a competitive edge over their rivals and the effect big business had on American Society.

Captains of Industry vs Robber Barons- Make a two column chart and list ways that industrialists of the late 1800 fit either definition.

Captains of Industry Robber Barons

Monopolies, Cartels, and Trusts
Define Monopoly and explain how cartels and trusts can be used to create a monopolistic situation.

Government Intervention
How effective was the Sherman Antitrust Act? Why/Why not?

More Monopolies
Explain how John Rockefeller used horizontal consolidation to achieve a monopoly.

Explain how Andrew Carnegie used Vertical Consolidation to achieve a monopoly.

Got Plans Update!!

2010-10-19T07:43:00.001-07:00

Got Plans is now moved back to Cuyamaca College!!!

Six Week Grades

2010-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

New grades have been posted. These are the progress report grades.

Got Plans?

2010-10-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to start thinking about college. Junior year is when families should start considering their options. Many families use spring break to visit colleges that they are interested in. This year Got Plans, the distirct college fair has been moved to Valhalla. It is this Wednesday!! Check the district website for more information. www.guhsd.net

College Sports Meeting

2010-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

College Sports Night is this Thursday: October 7th at 6:30pm. Come to the theater to learn about the recruiting process, financial aid for athletes, and how to market yourself for colleges. This informative event is for all grade levels. Don't miss it!

Ch 3.1 Review

2010-10-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

These need to be answered in the PIE-IE format. See your notes or the info below for help with that.

Hard Peace or Soft Peace?
Does Presidential Reconstruction strike you as being a Hard (punishing) or Soft (forgiving) peace? Explain your stance.

Presidential Focus
Of all the political, economic, and social issues that were present at the end of the Civil War, on what areas of issues does Presidential Reconstruction focus and what areas are left wanting? Explain.

Radical Republicans?
Describe the Northern Republicans, known as Radical Republicans, opinion of Presidential Reconstruction. How do they respond?

PIE-IE is a way to structure your essays or short answer responses.

P- Point (What is your point? This would be your mini-thesis/topic sentence.)
I- Illustrate (This would be a fact to back up your point. THIS IS NOT A PICTURE!!!!! It is basically a concrete detail.)
E- Explain (How does your fact relate to the point? Explain!! It is basically your commentary)
I- Illustrate (This would be a fact to back up your point. THIS IS NOT A PICTURE!!!!! It is basically a concrete detail.)
E- Explain (How does your fact relate to the point? Explain!! It is basically your commentary)

Update!!

2010-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Sorry for the delay in posting grades. I wanted to wait until there were a few more items in the grade book so that the grades were not as scary. Please access the grades from the link on the left. You will need to know your student's period and id number.

Please make sure that your student is not only doing their homework, but studying. These are two different things. They need to review before tests and quizzes. Study groups are a great asset to your student and a good practice to develop before college. Below I have included a link to Cal Poly's website and their study skills library. Hopefully there are some good resources for you and your student to improve their studying abilities.

http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl.html

Welcome to a new year!!

2010-09-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

Welcome to American Studies!! I am so glad that we get to spend this year together.

Grades

2010-06-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Your final grades are posted. The final exam grade is there as well as your overall grade. Your overall grade is your grade in the class. Those of you that have a 65%, 75% or 85% are eligible for the grade bump from the CST incentive. If you received a Proficient or Advanced then your grade will be changed during the fall semester. This change will be made before November so that your new GPA can be taken into account for college applications.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New grades are posted

2010-04-27T15:32:00.001-07:00

Check your grades online. Please see me between classes if you have questions.

Mrs. S

Rhetorical analysis Self Review

2010-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Rhetorical analysis essay review

Find and highlight your thesis in pink or red. Does it address all parts of the prompt? Does it say what the author’s main claim is? Does it make a comment on how the author accomplishes his argument? If not, rewrite it.

Highlight or underline the first rhetorical device you address in a different color. How does the author’s use of that rhetorical device help their argument? If you did not address this, do it now.

Highlight or underline the second rhetorical device you address in a different color. How does the author’s use of that rhetorical device help their argument? If you did not address this, do it now.

Highlight or underline the third rhetorical device you address in a different color. How does the author’s use of that rhetorical device help their argument? If you did not address this, do it now.

After reading my sample essay how do you think your essay compares? How could you have done better? What do you need to do next time to improve? What grade would you have given yourself?

Rhetorically Active Verbs

2010-04-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here you go!! http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/verbs.pdf

Black Men in Public Spaces Pre-reading

2010-04-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

These questions are due tomorrow (Tuesday):

1.Are black men the only ones stereotyped by our society? What other groups are?
2.Have you ever been in a position of suspicion being suspected of wrong-doing just because of your age, race, sex, or ethnicity? Describe the situation, and what you did about it?
3.Is it the young black man's responsibility to let everyone know he is not a threat (wear a cowbell)? If so, how do we let it be known we are not a threat? If not, whose responsibility is it for ending this kind of prejudice?
4.Why would I have you read this essay? (BTW: you should actually ask this about every assignment)

Point of View Notes

2010-02-22T14:47:00.001-08:00

Here you go. http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/point of view.ppt of view.ppt

AVATAR Extra Credit Essay

2010-02-09T08:49:00.001-08:00

You have an opportunity to earn extra credit. This is not an automatic extra credit assignment however, it will be based on the grade you receive on the essay.

The prompt: The film, Avatar, has a distinct message about imperialism. What does the film say about imperialism? How do the events in the film refelct what we have learned in history about imperialization policies and actions of the United States?

You essay should use specific examples from the film and from history to back up your claims.

How to turn it in: Essays will only be accepted online at turnitin.com. You must see me for the class ID and enrollment password. Turnitin.com will not allow me to post it online. You may submit essays up until midnight on February 19, 2010.

All essays will be graded just like a regular essay. Your extra credit will be based on the grade you recieve. D's and F's will not recieve credit. Make sure you proofread and do a good, quality job.

War Poem Analysis Homework (DBQ)

2010-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here is the assignment. It is due Monday. Please type the essay. Thanks!!! Happy writing. warpoemanalysis.pdf

WHy We Fight

2010-01-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

Your notes and handout are due Tuesday, February 2. Here is a link to watch the video if you missed it. www.freedocumentaries.org

Directions:

Keep track of the claims being made in the film, who made the claim and the evidence used to support the claim.

Grades

2010-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

To check your final semester grade, you will want to look at your term 2 grade. This will show you your final exam grade and your overall grade in the class.

Hippocampus- A cool way to study

2010-01-12T09:10:00.001-08:00

Attention Parents!!!

2009-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

Rancho San Diego Community Holiday “Cheer” Benefit
Friday December 18th, 2009
6:30-11:30pm Cocktails 6:30, Dinner Served at 7:30
Cottonwood Golf Course Pavillion 18yrs+
Tickets must be purchased in advance by Wednesday 12/16/09.
Contact: valhallacheertvf@gmail.com
Make payment to:TVF Cheer Mail payment to: 1725 Hillsdale Rd. El Cajon, CA 92019 Attn: Cheer Advisor Supporting the Valhalla Cheer Program Cost: $25.00 per person-(Price includes dinner)
Flier is attached

Just in time for the holidays!!

2009-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

DUE DATE- 11/20/09

Dear Parent,

This month’s flyer from Scholastic Book Clubs features some terrific new books—along with some time-tested classics—that your child is sure to enjoy reading.

Please take some time to explore the flyer with your child. Make your selections and return the order form to me along with your payment.

Or, give online ordering a try!

It’s fast, easy, and you get instant access to hundreds of additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts. Best of all, our class earns a FREE book for our classroom library every time a parent places their order online!

To order online, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202

Shop online to get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts. Of course, you can always use the printed flyer instead and have your child hand in a Book Club order form and payment at school.

Thank you for continuing to help our classroom earn FREE books. Remember, every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!

Go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs now to get started.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Sellers

Grades have been updated

2009-11-17T13:42:00.001-08:00

Grades have been updated as of 11/17/09.

2009-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

College News

2009-10-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

I received this letter from the President of San Diego State University. This is more of a reason why all of you need to study hard and do the best you can.

SDSU Alumni and Friends:As a direct result of devastating state budget cuts of $571 million, the California State University System is reducing enrollment state-wide this year and next by 40,000 students. San Diego State's share of that reduction will be 4,618 students. There are 1,850 fewer students on campus this fall and we expect to reduce our enrollment by an additional 2,768 students next fall. As educators (and Californians) we wish resources allowed us to accept all qualified applicants, but they do not. California is now rationing educational opportunity, which is to say opportunity itself. Demand for an SDSU degree has never been higher. The university turned away 22,164 qualified applicants for the current fall semester - all from outside our local service area which includes schools south of State Rout 56 and all of Imperial County. It is unfair to deny educational opportunities to anyone--local students or better-qualified, out-of-area students. In the midst of the unprecedented cuts forced upon us, SDSU is looking for middle ground. The university will give extra eligibility points to local students in order to maintain its historic ratio of local to out-of-area first-time freshmen. Over the past 11 years, that ratio has been about 37 percent local. Up until now, local applicants could gain admission to SDSU by meeting a minimum eligibility score established by the CSU in conjunction with the California Postsecondary Education Commission. But because San Diego State receives so many applications (we are #2 in the country for undergraduate applications) we historically required non-local students to have a higher cut-off score. Beginning this year, we will award local applicants enough extra points to bring the number of their acceptances up to the proportion needed to maintain the historic 37 percent ratio. The cut-off scores and supplementary points will vary by discipline depending on demand and available spaces. A few critics claim SDSU is trying to discourage local students from applying. Nothing could be further from the truth. SDSU has encouraged local applicants by: partnering with the Sweetwater Union High School District to help its students prepare for success at SDSU; administering three inner-city schools in City Heights enrolling approximately 5,000 students; and, in recent years, increasing the proportion of local students in our Educational Opportunity Program (the largest in the state) from 40 to 80 percent. These efforts are designed to ensure that our local students are well prepared for collegiate success at San Diego State or any university of their choosing. Transfer students present a different challenge. Our historic ratio of in-service area to out-of-service area transfer applicants is 60 percent local. Given the reductions in funding and enrollment slots, we are giving first admission priority to local transfer applicants who meet the requirements of the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG). These will be transfer students who have 100 percent of their transferrable work from SDSU's local community colleges. Second admission priority will be offered to transfer students from local community colleges. We are predicting that virtually 100 percent of our transfer admits for fall 2010 will be local. What is our rationale regarding transfer admissions? Simply that given these difficult and unpleasant choices, we must give first priority to those transfer students who have completed all lower division requirements and have no more courses they can take at the community college level. These students are ready to enter their major and make progress toward their four-year degree. What can you do to help? First and foremost, encourage your children, or children of friends, to work hard, do their homework and pursue their dream of higher education. Secondly, fight for more enlightened priorities for California. We are failing the coming generation. Due to state budget cuts, we now have fewer spaces available for all the students who would like to attend SDSU. This is a sad commentary on the condition of our state and its inability to provide educational opportunity to students who want nothing more than to develop their skills and abilities to be our state's future leaders. For additional information, please visit www.sdsu.edu/enrollmentinfo Sincerely, Stephen L. Weber, SDSU President

BRING YOUR BOOKS ON MONDAY!

2009-10-16T15:27:00.001-07:00

HISTORY KIDS, PLEASE BRING YOUR BOOKS ON MONDAY!! PASS IT ON!!!!

Grades are now online

2009-10-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

I will be posting again after the weekend and again the following week. Teachers turn grades in for the first progress report on a week from Monday.

Grades

2009-10-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

I have been posting them in class weekly as I have had some technical difficulties. The district has changed the uploading mechanism. Be patient. I will let you know when they are uploaded. Please ask your student about their grade until then.

For all of you procrastinators!! Here are the directions for the project.

2009-09-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Write Your Own Declaration of Independence

Now that you have read and analyzed the Declaration of Independence, it is your turn to write your own.
Remember, the Declaration has a Five Part Structure:
1) A Preamble which answers the question: Why are we writing this document?
2) A Philosophical Foundation which answers the question: What gives us the right to declare our independence?
3) A List of Grievances which answers the question: How have our basic rights been violated? (at least 5)
4) An Explanation of Previous Actions which answers the question: What have we already done to solve our problems up to this point?
5) A Resolution which answers the question: What do we now intend to do?
Your Job
Choose an area or issue in your own life from which you would like to declare independence. Write your own Personal Declaration of Independencein which you follow the same Five-Part Structure.

How long does it have to be?It needs to use all five parts and develop each as thoroughly and as creatively as you can.
It needs to be typed with all of the usual conventions (12 pt font, 1 inch margins, double spaced).

Directions for the mini-essay

2009-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

"Analyzing Relationships"

1. Develop a claim (thesis) about Huck and Jim's relationship.
2. Use the guiding questions on page 15 in your study packet to help you.
3. Find evidence to support your claim from the novel.
4. Write a mini-essay to prove your point (about 3 paragraphs)

Reading!!

2009-09-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Please encourage your student to read!! Students, please read! Not just stuff for this class. Anything! Magazines, newspapers, the sports page, novels about vampires, comic books, etc. Reading is excercise for your mind! The more you read the better you become at reading and comprehending. The more you read the better your become at writing.

If you are looking for some good things to read, check out the Book Order forms I gave out in class. You can also go online and shop!

Dear Parent,
I have exciting news. You can now place your Scholastic Book Clubs orders online!
Browse all the great monthly Book Club selections at low prices and order online. Plus, our class earns a FREE Book every time a parent orders online.
Here's how it works:
Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
Browse the titles with your child and place your order with your credit card.
Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
After I submit the entire class order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.
To get started, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password in the sign-in fields on the right side of the page. Note: You do not need to create your own user name and password.
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202
Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. You'll also get instant access to over 500 additional titles plus online-only specials and discounts.
And don't forget: Every time a parent places an order online, we earn a FREE book for our classroom library!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Sellers

Due Date Reminder!!

2009-09-23T13:08:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that your Declarations are due on Tuesday!! No excuses!

Welcome to a new year!

2009-09-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is where you will go to find information for our class!

Grades

2009-06-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

The grades posted are NOT your final grades. But I wanted you to have an idea of where you are going into the final. Remember that the final is 15% of your grade. I also need to finish grading and recording the Fahrenheit Essays.

Finally!!!!!

2009-05-30T17:40:00.001-07:00

Grades are posted.

Technical Problems.

2009-05-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

The grades are not uploading. I will post when I get them up. Thanks for your patience.

Grades

2009-05-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have posted your current grades. The Fahrenheit 451 essay is not in there and your final project grade is not in there. Please look them over. If there are any problems, please write me a note or an e-mail, so that I can check on the issue. Please do not come to my desk and just start yelling, "My grade is wrong." I will send you away.

Remember that is is your responsibility to check for errors.

Finals Study Guide

2009-05-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

For the final exam, you should compile all of the materials from this semester. For example:
- The study packet for Black Boy and Fallen Angels.
-The storyboards and societal similarities for Fahrenheit 451
- The supplemental reading packet for AAW (America at War)
- The supplemental reading packet for TT (Turbulent Times)
-Any additional readings from those units (ex. "I am Joaquin")
-The four articles from AT (America Today)

Then you should re-read and review all of the poems, songs, speeches, short stories and articles from those units.

For each poem/song you should be able to identify:
- Speaker
-Tone/Mood
-Historical Context
-Prominent Literary Devices
-Underlying Message

For each speech you should be able to identify the:
-historical context
-tone/mood
-aim
-main claim
-prominent literary devices

For each article you should be able to identify:
-historical context
-tone/mood
-aim
-main claim

For each short story you should be able to identify:
- historical context
-main characters
-plot

For each novel you should be able to identify:
-main characters
-historical context
-plot

"That was then... This is now" Vocab

2009-05-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

1. zeitgeist 2. ubiquitous 3. quintessential 4. seismic 5. discombobulate 6. moxie 7. protocol 8. ideology 9. salience 10. flux 11. hyperbolic 12. slough 13. chastening 14. entrepreneurs 15. ascetics 16. bacchanalia 17. sustainability 18. comatose 19. incoherent 20. paradigm 21. profligacy 22. epiphenomena 23. yuppie 24. subsidize 25. assimilate

Book Amnesty Day

2009-05-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Please bring any and all books that belong to Valhalla and that you are not currently using. I will turn them in for you. We need them to take an accurate inventory of what is available in the book room. Some students still have books from 9th grade at home!!! Please help get these books in. "Lost" books cost the school money that can be used elsewhere or that we can save to by the new editions of the history text. This is much needed!!!

I will collect any subject's books. Including:
*Math from any year
*History from any year
*Novels from any year
*Science from any year
*Foreign Language from any year
*Whatever else you might have

Please bring these in as soon as possible!!

Volunteer Opportunity

2009-05-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

The NAVY's 23rd Original Bay Bridge Run/Walk is looking for volunteer's for its event on May 17. Please e-mail them at volunteer@mwrsw.com for more information.

Spring Break Enrichment

2009-04-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Spring Break Enrichment

In lieu of community service, you have the opportunity to do a variety of assignments over break that will allow you to gain community service/ extra credit “hours”. You have two main options.

Books:

Each book read and assignment completed will count for three hours. The book must be something that you have not already read. It must also come from this list. In addition to reading the book, you must complete the written assignment and submit it to turnitin.com by the deadline.

In Dubious Battle- John Steinbeck
Farewell to Manzanar- Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston & James D. Houston
A Raisin in the Sun- Lorraine Hansberry
The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger
Invisible Man- Ralph Ellison
Tortilla Curtain-T.C. Boyle
Rain of Gold- Victor Villasenor
Sunrise Over Fallujah- Walter Dean Myers

Movies:

Each movie watched and assignment completed will count for one hour. The movie must come from this list. In addition to watching the movie, you must complete the written assignment and submit it to turnitin.com by the deadline. If the movie is rated anything over PG, you must have your parent sign the release form.

Pleasantville (PG-13)
Saving Private Ryan (R)
Mona Lisa Smile (PG-13)
Dead Poets Society (PG)
When Trumpets Fade (R)
Casualties of War (R)
Good Morning Vietnam (R)
War Games (PG)
Inconvenient Truth (PG)
Mississippi Burning (R)
Dr. Strangelove (PG)
White Man’s Burden (R)
Hairspray (2007- PG)

Parent Permission:
I give permission for my child ___________________ to view the following movie(s) for the Spring Break Enrichment assignment.
Movies:

________________________________ ____________________________ __________
Parent Name Parent Signature Date

Written Assignment

In essay format (Must have an intro, thesis, conclusion, multiple paragraphs,etc.), you must:

 Explain the argument of the movie or book
 Provide specific evidence from the movie or book that shows the argument
 Explain the aim of the movie or book
 Provide specific evidence from the movie or book that shows the argument
 Explain the historical context of the movie or book
 Provide specific evidence from the movie or book that shows the historical context

All assignments must be submitted to www.turnitin.com by midnight on April 19th. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

If you do multiple assignments, each one must be submitted to a separate assignment on turnitin.com. Ex. Spring Break Enrichment #1, Spring Break Enrichment #2, etc.

Upcoming Events from I Love a Clean San Diego

2009-04-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

CREEK TO BAY CLEANUP
Saturday April 25th from 9AM - 12noon
Location: Over 60 sites countywide
Sign up today for the 7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup with I Love A Clean San Diego! Volunteers will span out across roughly 60 coastal and inland cleanup sites on Saturday, April 25th to make a big difference for the environment and the community countywide. All supplies are provided, and volunteers will receive commemorative event reusable water bottles. Scouts can earn patches for all of their hard work volunteering. Visit the event website at www.creektobay.org for more information and to register at the site of your choice.

Call or email Natalie Roberts at 619-291-0103 ext. 3014 or nroberts@cleansd.org if you have questions regarding the event or if you would like to register a large group.

UPCOMING EVENTS
San Diego Science Festival
Saturday, April 4th from 10AM - 4PM
Location: Balboa Park
Join in at Balboa Park for over 500 hands-on activities perfect for the whole family. Many popular museums will offer complimentary admission that day. Don't forget to stop by I Love A Clean San Diego's booth!

Gardening to Save, Conserve, and Harvest Rain Water Class
Tuesday, April 7 from 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park
With out a doubt, water is our most valuable resource and it's high time we treat it with the reverence it deserves. Examine the myriad ways people distribute (irrigation) and conserve (mulching) imported water. Study in detail methods used for eons by early cultures in harvesting rain water. Learn why the best place to store water is in the ground. The museum is also giving away low-flow shower heads and water-saving gardening tip pamphlets to all participants!

The San Diego Natural History Museum offers a water-conservation gardening series including classes on rainwater harvesting and water wise plants. Visit http://tickets.sdnhm.org or (619) 255-0203 to register or for more information.

San Diego EarthFair
Sunday, April 19th from 10AM - 5PM
Location: Balboa Park
ILACSD is happy to once again be a part of one of the largest environmental fairs nationwide. San Diego's EarthFair features more than 200 exhibitors, special themed areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Kids' Activity Area, five entertainment venues, the Children's Earth Parade and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Parade and Show. We hope to see you there celebrating Earth Day!

San Diego River Days Cleanup and Graffiti Paint Out Event
Saturday May 9th, 10AM - 12noon
Location: The portion of the San Diego River that runs beneath Pacific Highway. Registration will be set up at the trail access in front of the storage facility at 4800 Pacific Highway, San Diego, 92110. Parking is available along Pacific Highway before you reach Rosecrans St.
Volunteer with ILACSD to cleanup trash and paint out graffiti along the San Diego River. Trash and graffiti blight the portion of the river running beneath Pacific Highway and freeway overpasses, visible in several directions. Join us and San Diego River Park Foundation for this year's River Days event! Visit our website, www.cleansd.org or contact Natalie Roberts at 619-291-0103 ext. 3014 or nroberts@cleansd.org if you would like to participate.

Water Wise and Easy-Care Plants for Your Garden Class
Tuesday, May 12 from 6:30–8:30PM
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park
Concerned about using too much water in your garden? If you are, it's for good reason. Water is such a precious commodity that we all need to think about how to make do with less. But making do doesn't mean giving up, nor does it mean brown and dry. Learn 30 (or more) plants that are water wise, easy to take care of and absolutely beautiful in the garden.

The San Diego Natural History Museum offers a water-conservation gardening series including classes on rainwater harvesting and water wise plants. Visit http://tickets.sdnhm.org or (619) 255-0203 to register or for more information.

Kids' Ocean Day Cleanup
Thursday, June 4th from
Location: Coronado City Beach
Help local students take action for the environment through a cleanup and aerial art formation that sends out a powerful environmental message. ILACSD is seeking volunteers over the age of 18 to help supervise approximately 1,000 students that will be attending this annual event. To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Colleen Dahlem, Education Director, at cdahlem@cleansd.org or 619-291-0103, ext. 3009.

DON'T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR MIT TO TURNITIN.COM!!!!!!

2009-03-19T14:20:00.001-07:00

Here is the information you need to get started:

Website: turnitin.com
Class ID: 2632668
Enrollment password: orangepride

If you need the directions you can find them here: http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/assignments/

Civil RIghts Speeches Short Answer Prompts

2009-03-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Prompt #1: What is the argument/ main claim? What evidence is given to support the argument?

Prompt #2: What is the aim/purpose? What evidence is given to support the aim?

These should at least have a paragraph each in response.

Scholarships

2009-03-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

U.S. NAVY ROTC COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Grades 11, 12
Must be U.S. Citizen.
Qualifying SAT/ACT scores, (SAT: critical reading 530, math 520), (ACT:
English 22, math 21) to expedite your application, release scores
electronically to NROTC code 0656 via collegeboard.com or
actstudent.org
Nursing option available now!
Complete application and details on-line at http://www.navy.com for
more info call 619-279-9099 Petty Officer Cavazos.
Scholarship award is $180,000 (will pay full tuition, books and lab
fees).

CSU - FRESNO: SMITTCAMP FAMILY HONORS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Grade 11
Must have clear demonstration of the intellectual and creative
potential to benefit from honors learning experiences and meeting one or
more of the following criteria; within the upper 10% of your graduating
class, 3.6 GPA in college prep courses or PSAT/SAT of 1200 Math/verbal
or above.
Full scholarships.
Details at http://honors.csufresno.edu
Deadline April 15, 2009.

JUNIOR STATESMEN SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Grades 9, 10, 11
This is an exciting opportunity for student leaders to learn more about
politics and government in a dynamic academic environment. Located on
the campuses of Georgetown, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford.
Leadership and public service, cyberpolitics, international relations
media and politics and the civil rights movement are some of the new
courses for 2009.
Details at www.jsa.org/summer (partial scholarships available).

QUESTBRIDGE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARSHIP
Grade 11
For juniors who have demonstrated academic excellence despite facing
financial obstacles.
Free of charge!
Full scholarships to college summer programs at Harvard, Notre Dame,
Stanford, and Yale. Individualize college admissions counseling from
QuestBridge.
Invitations to attend QuestBridge College Prep Conferences at locations
including Rice, Stanford and Yale.
Apply on-line at www.questbridge.org
Deadline on March 31, 2009.

ADOPTION CENTER OF SAN DIEGO ESSAY CONTEST
Grades 9,10,11,12
Open to all high school students.
Write an essay of 1,000-1,500 words on the topic: “Why is placing a
child in an open adoption a better decision than parenting for teens
today?”
Award amounts are $1,000 1st place, $500 2nd place, and $350 3rd
place.
Guidelines at http://grossmont.guhsd.net
Deadline is April 30, 2009.

Couseling Info: ATTENTION PARENTS AND STUDENTS

2009-03-03T08:54:00.001-08:00

Mrs. Swatniki, the 11th grade counselor came to class today to present information about graduation, planning for next year and planning for college.

COURSE SELECTION CARDS ARE DUE MARCH 10!!!!! DO NOT FORGET!!! If you do not select your classes, they will be selected for you!!

Please refer to the guidance websites for more information. You can also find a few helpful links to websites to the left.

Class of 2010 website: http://class.guhsd.net/index.php?EMP=DD57

General Guidance website: http://valhalla.guhsd.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=123&Itemid=272

Community Service Opportunities

2009-03-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

REI Paddle Demo Day & Beach Cleanup
Sunday, March 15th, from 10AM - 2PM
Tidelands Park, Coronado
2020 Mullinix Drive, Coronado 92118
Cleanup, kayak, and canoe with I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) and REI! We hope to see you out there to cleanup the beach and test out kayaks and canoes while enjoying a scenic view of the San Diego skyline. All volunteers will need to sign a waiver to participate, and minors under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature on their waiver. All supplies provided, but please remember your reusable water bottles and sunscreen/hat if it is warm out. Call 619-291-0103 ext. 3014 with questions or to sign up.

7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup
Saturday April 25th, 9AM - 12Noon
Over 60 coastal and inland cleanup sites countywide
Registration will begin this week for the 7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup! Volunteers are invited to celebrate Earth Month with ILACSD by participating at one of over 60 coastal and inland cleanup sites throughout San Diego County. Visit the event website at www.creektobay.org for more information and to register for a site of your choice. We hope to see you out there this year making a difference for your community at your favorite local beach or park.

Kids' Ocean Day Cleanup
Thursday, June 4th, 7:30AM - 1PM
Coronado City Beach
Isabella Ave and Ocean Blvd, Coronado 92118
I Love A Clean San Diego needs up to 50 volunteers for this event targeting underserved schools in South Bay and inland areas. Volunteers will assist with coordinating a beach cleanup and human art formation that will be photographed from a helicopter above! This event is a great for team-building with co-workers or fun with friends. Volunteers will spread environmental awareness and empowerment by showing students they can make a difference at any age. We ask that volunteers be at least 18 years of age. If you would like your school to participate, or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Colleen Dahlem, Education Director, at cdahlem@cleansd.org or 619-291-0103, Ext. 3009.

TEST PREP IN THIS MONTH'S BOOK CLUB

2009-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Parent,

This month’s Book Club is filled with great books and software.

I particularly recommend:

KAPLAN ACT, PSAT, SAT GOLD EDITION (This is $10.00 cheaper than Barnes and Noble and no shipping cost!)

To order online, go to the Web site below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202

Remember, placing your online order is completely safe and secure. Your credit card payment is sent directly to Scholastic.

When you shop online, you can take advantage of exclusive online-only offers and choose from an expanded selection of books and software. Of course, you can always use the printed flyer instead and have your child hand in a Club order form and payment at school.

Thank you again for ordering and for continuing to help our classroom earn FREE books, software and learning materials. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Sellers

Musical Time Capsule (aka Song Project)

2009-02-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

If you lost your paper, you can find a new one here.

http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/assignments/

It is called Musical Time Capsule.

Turnitin.com

2009-02-23T12:50:00.001-08:00

We have had some problems with plagiarism. From now on all written assignments will be submitted through Turnitin.com.

Here is the information you need to get started:

Website: turnitin.com
Class ID: 2632668
Enrollment password: orangepride

If you need the directions you can find them here: http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/assignments/

UNIT EXAM ITEMS

2009-02-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

The following are the items that are on the uit exam for the English portion.

1.WWI/ War: War Poems
2.WWII: Two Soldiers, When the Emperor was Divine
3.Cold War/ Vietnam: Songs, Ambush

If you do not pass a section, you will need to do a SOAPSTone for EACH reading in that section for Exam Analysis. That means each poem and each song. SO MAKE SURE YOU STUDY!!!!!!!

Come to class on Wednesday with any questions or clarification you might need.

Scholastic Book Orders

2009-02-05T09:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Parents and Students,

I wanted to remind you that you can place your Scholastic Book Club orders online. I passed out the paper order form to students today. One of the books, The Compound, fits into waht we have been studying about the threat of nuclear war. It sounds interesting!

To order online, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202

Remember, placing your online credit card order is completely safe and secure.

Plus, when you shop online, you can take advantage of exclusive online-only offers and choose from an expanded selection of books and software. Of course, you can always use the printed flyer instead and have your child hand in a Book Club order form and payment at school.

Thank you for continuing to help our classroom earn FREE books and learning materials. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sellers

P.S. Orders are due by February 13.

Reading Assignment

2009-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

For this week's reading assignment, you need to complete 2 reading logs. You need to do one for 3&4, with a summary for each (25 words each) and one for 5&6. We will be having a quiz that day (Jan 22) on chapters 1-6 and the Vietnam terms.

Poetry Assignment

2009-01-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Make sure you are reading all 6 poems. Analyze them and make notes on each poem. Be prepared to discuss in class.

Scholarships

2009-01-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

ANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM
Grades 11, 12
Do you have what it takes to be a Bank of America Student Leader?
If you are a junior or senior in high school with a passion for
improving your community, we would like to help you turn that passion
into action.
As a Student Leader, you will participate in:
An eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization. A
week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July 19 - 24,
2009) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills
We are looking for the next generation of community leaders. If you
want to make a difference in your community, apply today at
www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders
Deadline is February 20, 2009.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU - THE STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Grades 11, 12
The program is designed to train students to deliver this information
to peer groups on campus. You’ll receive two hours of training on the
educational information that you’ll be asked to share. You’ll then
have the opportunity to develop and deliver your presentation to a small
peer group. Each Ambassador will be required to make the presentation to
a minimum of two peer groups. Students may also choose to work in teams
of two. Up to 4 students or 2 student teams will be chosen from each
high school.
Plus, students will appreciate this as a resume builder. There will be
three scholarship incentives for the most number of students presented
to. A recognition event will be held annually to award certificates and
incentive prizes.
For more info go to http://sandiego.bbb.org
Application deadline is January 30, 2009.

Why We Fight Summary and Response

2009-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

You need to write a one page summary and response to Why We Fight.

Use these questions to help guide you:

*What claims were made in the film about war?
*What do you think about what was said in the film?
*What is your reaction to the ideas presented in the film?

READING IS IMPORTANT!!! (Welcome to a new semster)

2009-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Parent,

Please encourage your student to read. We are starting a new book soon called Fallen Angels. It is about a group of young men that are in the Vietnam War. Please, Please encourage them to read. Today your student wrote a "resolution" for American Studies. I am hoping that they look at this as a fresh start and as an opportunity to improve. Continuing to read inside and outside of school is one way for them to do that. Talk to your kids about what they like to read, what they might be interested in. Encourage them to seek books that are on subjects they like. Only good things can come from reading.

One place to look for some books would be in the fliers I gave the students. Scholastic offers inexpensive books that students are interested in. Some of the ones on the flier are a little young, but any reading is good for practice. I wanted to remind you that you can place your Scholastic Book Club orders online. This month’s offers are filled with great books and software at terrific values.

To order online, go to the Web address below and enter our class’s personalized user name and password.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering
Class User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202

Remember, placing your online credit card order is completely safe and secure.

Plus, when you shop online, you can take advantage of exclusive online-only offers and choose from an expanded selection of books and software. Of course, you can always use the printed flyer instead and have your child hand in a Book Club order form and payment at school.

Thank you for continuing to help our classroom earn FREE books and learning materials. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Sellers

Upcoming Community Service Events

2009-01-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Don't wait until the last minute this semster!!! Get a head start on planning your community service. Here are some events that are coming up.

Singles Mingle Cleanup Saturday, February 14th, 10am - 12noon + mingling to follow Location: Mission Beach, meet by the grass near the bathrooms Looking for a like-minded Valentine this year? ILACSD's February cleanup event is themed for Valentine's Day, giving couples or singles an opportunity to clean up the beach together with a mingling event to follow. Pickup trash and a potential date this Valentines Day! Walk-on's or sign up's are welcome to participate. Look for the ILACSD canopy with banners upon arrival to check in, sign the waiver, and get your supplies. Contact ILACSD's Volunteer Department at 619-291-0103 or volunteers@cleansd.org for more information.

San Diego Science Festival - SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, April 4, 2009 Balboa Park The San Diego Science Festival will descend on San Diego with science events throughout the county at no charge in March and April 2009. Come visit the ILACSD booth at the Science Festival in Balboa Park on Saturday April 4th, 2009. Let us know if you would like more information regarding any of the science related events going on throughout March and April, or visit the festival website.

7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup - SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, April 25th from 9AM - 12noon Choose from approximately 60 coastal and inland cleanup sites countywide! Planning is underway for the 7th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup, so mark your calendars now! Volunteers will once again remove litter and debris across the county all on the same day in celebration of Earth Month this April. Take part in one of the biggest volunteer events of the year as a volunteer, site captain, or sponsor! If you or your company are interested in getting involved by either sponsoring the event or providing volunteer support at a cleanup site, contact Morgan Justice-Black at mjusticeblack@cleansd.org for more information on involvement. Cleanup sites will be determined and posted in March 2009, so be sure to check out the event website for updates and to register to participate. We hope to see you out there!

Kids' Ocean Day Cleanup Friday, June 4th from 8AM - 12:30PM Coronado City Beach Isabella Ave and Ocean Blvd, Coronado 92118 Volunteers and donations are needed to support the Annual Kid's Adopt-A-Beach Ocean Day this coming year. ILACSD gives assemblies at ten underserved schools in South San Diego and then invite them to the beach for a field trip to participate in a clean up and aerial art formation. This is a great event to volunteer with a group! Contact Colleen Dahlem, Education Director, for more information or to sign up at cdahlem@cleansd.org.

Semester Grades

2008-12-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

There are two terms for you to look at. Term 1 has all of the assignments and tests from the semester. Term 2 has the Final Exam. The Overall Grade in Term 2 is your semester grade. If you did community service, it is listed. Add that number to your overall percent to know your overall grade. If you have questions, you can e-mail me. I will NOT be checking my e-mail everyday, as it is a break for me too. But I will check it sometime over the break.

Have a great break!!

Online Scholastic Book Orders

2008-12-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Parent,
I have exciting news... You can now place your Scholastic Book Club orders online!

Browse all the great monthly Club selections at low prices and order online - all while helping our classroom earn FREE books, software, and resources.

Here's how it works:

1. Use the information below to access the Scholastic Book Clubs Web site.
2. Browse the titles with your child, and place your order with your credit card.
3. Your order will come to me, and your credit card payment will go directly to Scholastic's secure server. There's no need to send money to school.
4. After I submit the entire class's order to Scholastic, your order will be delivered to our classroom for your child to take home.

www.scholastic.com/parentordering

Class User Name: SellersAmericanStudies
Password: Room202

Remember, placing your online credit card order is completely safe and secure.

Ordering online is the most convenient way to use Scholastic Book Clubs. You can order anytime, right up until the online order due date. And this month, our class can earn additional FREE books, just for trying this online ordering service.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Sellers

Finals Study Guide

2008-12-12T08:54:00.001-08:00

Here is a copy of the study guide in case you cannot find yours. Look for the Fall Final Review 2008

http://ebackpack.guhsd.net/ssdr89/Sites/assignments/

Reading

2008-12-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

A new thing that we have started in class is a Book Wall. Students list books and authors of books that they have enjoyed reading. This serves as a way to recommend books to their classmates. I have seen so many more students carrying around books that they are reading just for pleasure. I am so glad!!! This makes me happy. Studies how that the more students read, the better they become at reading and writing. Plus, in my opinion reading is just fun.

I have also instituted the Scholastic Book Club order forms in my class. Remember those from your student's elementary school days? Well, they are back. I feel that the order forms give students a look in to books that they might not read otherwise. Don't worry these are at their reading level!! I will be collecting orders no later than Thursday December 18. The information is all on the order form. There is no pressure, this is just for fun and access to books. I am also working on a way for you to be able to place the orders online from home. More on that to come...

Please encourage your students to read over the break. Anything will do: books, magazines, newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction...

FINALS!!!!! THEY ARE COMING UP SOON!!

2008-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

In American Studies, we have a combined final, just like all of our unit exams. The exam will be on the first day your student has either of their American Studies classes. Check the Valhalla website for the finals bell schedule.

Your student was given a study guide for the final exam. Please make sure that they are studying this weekend. They should be going through all of their materials and reviewing the things we have covered this semester. It is a comprehensive final exam.

COMMUNITY SERVICE- URGENT!!!!

2008-12-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS ARE DUE DECEMBER 10!!!! NO LATER!!! NO EXCUSES!!!!!!

There is a last chance opportunity for community service that I heard of today. Reminder you must speak to me or Mr. Bussey BEFORE you do community service to get it approved.

Here is an opportunity from I Love a Clean San Diego.
San Ysidro Community Cleanup
Saturday, December 6th from 9 - 11AM
2200 Enright Drive, San Diego 92173
There is still time in 2008 to volunteer at one of ILACSD's community cleanups. Our last beautification event of the year will take place in an open space area in need of your help! A lot can be accomplished in just one morning, not only for the immediate neighborhood and open space, but for the marine ecosystem as a whole. Contamination from trash and illegal dumping in this tributary eventually travels to the coast where it pollutes popular beaches. This canyon is part of the watershed that drains in Imperial Beach, which has been closed several times in 2008, as recently as September and November.

Volunteering is made easy, with all supplies provided, including water and snacks. Simply arrive ready to volunteer, wearing closed toed shoes and work clothes. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, send your request to volunteers@cleansd.org. We hope to see you out there!

Grades

2008-12-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Parents and students:

I will be updating grades online today. I apologize that it has been a while. I recently had a death in my family and my time outside of school has been consumed with dealing with that.

Reminder that the To Kill a Mockingbird Test is on Wednesday!!!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. There are only two more weeks of school before finals.