The Conditioned State

So, class happened.  DNA, Upbringing, Environment and Experiences, huh?  Anyhoo, I expect a 6 word memoir on Friday for presentation.  Tomorrow, we will learn some more.  And here is the link to David Foster Wallace's This Is Water.  What do you consider your "default setting"?

xoxo,
Beltran

How Do You See?

Thank you for your presence in class.  Before tomorrow, please respond to the following question:  How do you see?  Avoid the obvious, immature answer...with "my eyes".

Be prepared to discuss your answers at the beginning of class and be prepared to open your minds to AP Language.

I'm learning names as should you...a little name "quiz" next week, let's say?

ALSO, if you were absent and missed it, please give me an index card with the following information:
1.  Full name and class period
2.  Birthday
3.  Former English teacher if at PLHS
4.  Who do you live with? Room situation - own room, share??
5.  Any siblings?  Names and ages?
6.  About you - 3 things
7.  One thing you'd like me to know
8.  Do you have internet access?

xoxo,
Beltran

Hello, Hello, Hello

Welcome to AP Language, lovelies.  It shall be an amazing year.  Trust me.

Feel free to check out the archives of this blog - it is your new go to site.  Also feel free to comment. (I moderate the comments so they don't get published unless I choose to publish them.

Hope to see you tomorrow for textbook pickup (bring your id and/or your blue class schedule) and some other "stuff".

xoxo,
Beltran

Grateful

Dear Tribe,

I am grateful this evening - ever thankful that I get the honor of being a teacher at PLHS.  Most people wouldn't believe me if I said that I feel lucky to teach in an oddly shaped room that has sketchy air conditioning in a building that has a leaky roof.  But I am, in fact, grateful.

I ran into a former student of mine the other day.  He happened to be leaving a restaurant as I was entering and he held the door.  When we passed each other, and shared that moment of recognition, I felt a shiver down my spine - that tingly vibration that reminds me the universe conspires on my behalf.  I taught him when he was 14.  Now, a 25 year old man, he still had the same smile he had over a decade ago.

Each year that I am gifted, my circle grows, those waves ripple and I realize that I play a small role in a lot of people's lives and I love it.  I love knowing that I contribute.

So to all my former students, from Fondren to Reagan to KIPP to PL, THANK YOU for allowing me to do something I love every single day.

Love and light (and lots of caffeine),
xoxo

Getting Ready

Anybody reading these?  Hmm.  Anyhoo, I am getting a head start on things and am back in my classroom gearing up for year 19.  Can y'all believe that?  Almost two decades teaching and I still LOVE IT!!!!!  Those poor kids headed my way on Monday have no idea what they're getting into, do they?

Hope to see some of my former students and grab a hug.  Big bad seniors!

Love and light,
Beltran

Seniors...Heads Up!

Hi, lovelies! A thoughtful classmate of yours emailed me the other day to say she had seen some important college updates on Naviance. Not sure what you've been up to on the college front, but if you're interested...login to Naviance and troll around.

The 800 building is still standing so Room 853 is where you'll find me - if you're looking for me or if you're trying to avoid me. Wink wink.

Be well these last few days of vacation and I'll hug you soon.

Xoxo