No Opportunity Wasted

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Lovelies.  I can honestly say it has been a pleasure getting to meet you this week.  I appreciate your kindness as I learned your names (may I applaud myself for learning them by the end of class Tuesday?) and as I blathered on about the class.  Also, a HUGE thank you for stepping up and presenting.  That certainly isn't easy.  I know that, and I recognize that.

I'm off to enjoy some rest and relaxation with my husband and daughters, and I hope you get to enjoy yourselves too.  Before Tuesday, make sure you do something kind for yourself (watch Shakira's "Try Everything" video and watch those tigers).  I do have one teensy little "test" for you though. 

Comment on this blog post. 

I'll be checking the comments a couple times this weekend and I'll publish the ones that are there (unless you explicitly say DO NOT PUBLISH).

Let's see what kind of Jamba Juices we are dealing with.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Try Everything" Shakira

This Is Water

Dear Lovelies,

Thank you for the attention and focus (and dare I say, fun) today.  Your job as my student is to rewatch David Foster Wallace's This Is Water.  If for some reason the hyperlink doesn't work, just google it. 

As you're rewatching, take better notes and fill out the Rhetorical Triangle.  Specifically including "Subject" and "Purpose". 

After that, please answer the question: How Do You See?  I explained the expectations in class which basically said anything goes as long as there's NO SPIRAL EDGES.  They hurt my heart.

Tomorrow (with the exception of Period 4) you will be given the chance to present your response.  Woot woot.

Period 4:  Y'all meet me in the Big Gym for the Assembly.  I'll take attendance there so make sure I see you.  Your work should be turned into the class tray before the end of 5th period.  Thanks in advance.

If we ever have extra time at the end of class, here's the Priority List of What I Expect You To Do:
1.  Talk to people in REAL LIFE.  Maybe even people you don't really know.
2.  Finish up any work you happen to have.
3.  Read (your book list will go live next Thursday!!!)

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "I'm Still Standing" Elton John

David Foster Wallace

Dear Lovelies,

Your job tonight is to research David Foster Wallace.  Research basic biographical information (D.O.B., work, his image, quotes) and come to class tomorrow armed with knowledge.

If you didn't email me an Intro email, please do so.

I'll see y'all tomorrow for class.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Boogie Shoes" K.C. and The Sunshine Band

Here’s An Opportunity

Thank you for circling up today and trying. What’s weird to you is only in relation to what you think is normal. Hmm.

Your homework tonight is to send me an Introductory email to ybeltran@sandi.net.

Please remember to begin with a greeting and a pleasantry (Hope you’re having a good day/Thanks for a nice class/Hope all is well, etc.). Then introduce yourself. Who are are? What are you about? What should I know about you? End with a closing (Sincerely/See you tomorrow, etc.) and put your name.

Also be sure to read the blog. Comment if you’d like.

Tomorrow gear up for more of Room 853.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today’s Song: “Second That Emotion” Smokey Robinson

Day One, Year 21

Dear Lovelies,

What a pleasure meeting a whole crew of new faces, personalities and perceptions. I have to admit, though, I was still half expecting my former students.

If you’re reading this, and today was your first time as a student in my class: Welcome. Apologies for talking at you so much. It’s just important that you have the chance to decide if you’re up for the experience. Are you?

Tomorrow we will be checking out textbooks (have your ID or printed schedule) and doing a little something something so SHOW UP. It’s the only class rule.

Have a look around the blog and feel free to comment. I moderate the site and will be checking in later tonight.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Gearing Up for Monday

Dear Lovelies,

I just finalized the Semester 1 Book List.  If you are interested in feeding your brain, I'll be posting it soon enough.

Hope everyone is enjoying the last weekend before school. 

Here's to Year 21 and a whole new crew.

Love and Light,
Beltran

P.S. - If any alums still read, care to post some advice for the incoming juniors??

Changing Your Mind

Hello Lovelies,

It's the night before I return to PLHS for teacher prep, and I changed my mind about this blog.  I originally intended to say goodbye to it (her?) and use Google Classroom instead.  But I don't want to...I want this space to continue. 

I changed my mind.

So...here's to Year 21. 

Love and Light,
Beltran