The Work Is Never Done

*Period 4 - the blog post title is what I meant to say as the "five words" you needed to write down.  Oops.  Forgive me.*

Dear Lovelies,

Another day in the books.  The A/C part is on its way (or so they say...fingers crossed we won't be sweltering much longer.)  Thank you again for handling it.

Today you all got your textbooks and then had a bit of time to work on answering the prompt of "How do you see?"  Tomorrow (with the exception of period 3) you will be expected to have a written response to the question that you will turn in to the class bin.  (They are marked as Period 1, Period 2, etc.)

I will also be asking for volunteers to present their answers.  Decide if you are willing to take that first step.  I promise it is a safe classroom environment.  And I also promise that I understand the nerves and issues that public speaking bring up.  Just consider going...

I hope you stay cool and hydrated in this heat.  A big glass of water sounds good right about now.

See y'all tomorrow!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: Jackson 5's "ABC"

Perception Is Reality

Thanks for a nice day in class, lovelies.  I so appreciate what you are bringing to class and I look forward to it all just getting better and better and better.

Today we were introduced to The Circle Thingy and the ways we see, as in the filters we see through each moment.  (DNA, Upbringing, Environment, Experiences)  You also got a taste of what class chats are like and what "A" quality notes look like.  Oh, and don't forget the Rhetorical Triangle.

Tomorrow you will be checking out your textbooks.  (Have your paper schedule and your id.)  As such we won't be having a teacher led lesson.  You will be expected to get your books and then upon your return to class, write on the following prompt:  You learned yesterday about the filters we each have as humans that influence the way we "see".  How do YOU see?  

Start thinking tonight about what you want to say....what your answer is.  Your written work is due on Friday (period 3 is due Friday or Monday) and I will be eager to hear from volunteers willing to share their answers in front of the whole class.

See y'all tomorrow!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song:  "Waiting on the World to Change" John Mayer

This Is Water

Ahh, lovelies, Day 2 is in the books.  Thank you for showing up and being kind in so many ways with my learning of names and the broken A/C.  I appreciate it.

Today you filled out index cards with some information (see me if you were not present) and we chatted about being the kind of student who looks stuff up.  Decide if you want to know something or if you're okay not knowing.

The rhetor (AP Lang term for presenter/speaker) was David Foster Wallace and the video we watched is "This is Water".  Before class tomorrow, know who he was and rewatch the video and take quality notes.

Tomorrow in class we will see what you learned and will add some more Lego pieces to the bin.

See y'all tomorrow.

Love and Light,
Beltran

P.S. - Our textbook checkout is THIS THURSDAY.  

Song: Earth Wind and Fire "Shining Star"

Welcome To This Moment

Dear New Students,

Thank you for your presence today in class.  I'm sure a lot of information came your way on this first day but rest assured that "open hands" is what Room 853 is all about.

Please make sure to check out the blog and its archives.  Comment if you'd like (and keep in mind that I moderate the publication so...and if you don't want your comments published, just say so.)

I look forward to Day 2 tomorrow as well as learning more of your names.

Love and Light,
Beltran

P.S. - make sure to email me by Friday at ybeltran@sandi.net

Ready for Day One

To Whomever Might Be Reading This:

Room 853 is ready to go, prepped for a new set of meatsuits.

The end is in mind in terms of where I hope to push these lovelies so come May 16th they are ready.

Luck is nothing but preparedness meeting opportunity.

Here's to love.

Here's to light.

Here's to learning.

Beltran

Year 20

Y'all aren't going to believe me when I say that the PL Cluster (i.e., Dana, Correia, PLHS) has a focus for the upcoming academic school year.

Any of y'all want to guess what it is?

Perhaps some clues would help??

First TED Talk rhetor...

Daring greatly...

Man in the arena...

How do you see?

Love and Light...

I.

CAN'T.

EVEN.

See you lovelies soon,
Beltran

It's Friday Night and I'm Posting

Dearest Lovelies,

I have returned from the other coast of these United States, and all I can say is domestic jet lag is real.  I hope you all have had a beautiful summer and are looking forward to another school year.  This one will mark Year 20 for me and I think that is just about the funniest thing I have ever written.

Anyhoo...

If you are reading this, PLEASE pay attention.

Ever hear of the Gates Scholarship?

Well, it's a game changer for many reasons but this award is being altered and starting in 2018, the award will be going to 300 top student leaders.  The requirements for eligibility?  CHECK IT OUT!!!

The scholarship opened on July 14th and the deadline is SEPTEMBER 15th, 2017, as in about a month from now.

DO IT.

It's a full scholarship.

And if you don't qualify, pass it along to someone who does.  I think the world could use a lot of kindness right about now, don't you?

Sending you all the love and light I have...Excited to see you soon.
Beltran