TED Talk Tuesday - You Can Call Me Sir

Happy Tuesday.

Hope you got something out of the glory that is Sir Kenneth Robinson.  Rewatch HERE. 

And for the love of all that is good, go find something you're good at...and do it.  I think the world needs more creativity.

Speaking of creativity, good luck on the PSAT.  Wink wink.  I'm sure you'll do great.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Poison" Bel Biv Devoe

Lots of Info - Please Read

Happy Monday, Lovelies -

I hope you had a nice weekend and are enjoying a new week of possibilities.  "Tis the season for head colds, sore throats, and lethargy but I promise two things: 1) daily lemon water will keep you healthy and 2) you can do hard things.  Just attack each task one thing at a time.

Take the next.  Right.  Step.

That being said, here are a few items for you to take care of:

• Please print yourself a copy of THIS or if you don't have a printer, take quality notes on it into your English notebook.  You will need to know this information like the back of your hand as it pertains to the Rhetorical Triangle. HAVE THIS DONE FOR CLASS ON WEDNESDAY.
• I need you to EMAIL me your 1st 6 Weeks Grade Request by Wednesday 10/10.  If you don't email me your request by 3pm Wednesday I will assign you a 70.  Because that would be "below average" work in my eyes.   
• You will need your book Readings for Writers in class (next week) on WEDNESDAY, October 17th.
• You will need your book The Norton Reader in class (next week) on THURSDAY, October 18th. 
• PSAT is this Wednesday.  If you're testing, A-K in the Library, L-Z in the Small Gym.  Good luck! Make sure you check the blog that day to see what you missed.

TED Talk Tuesday tomorrow so come ready to learn.  

Have a happy rest of your day.

Love and Light,

Beltran

Today's Song: "Havana" Camila Cabello

Friday FAST

Dear Lovelies,

Thanks for the effort on the FAST Assessment.  I appreciate you getting the work done. 

Hope you all have a happy and healthy weekend.  I'll see you Monday for some MC.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "ABC" Jackson 5

Soft Opening

Dear Lovelies -

Discussion today.

Opened my eyes.

Speaking of open...Open House tonight.  6pm.

Thanks for today.

And see y'all tomorrow.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Hey Ya" Outkast

Gratitude

Thank you for the projects and for presenting today.  And thank you to those of you who acknowledged mistakes.

I'm excited that tomorrow we get to engage in our first book discussion.  If you have a copy of LWD please bring it.  If it's one of my copies, for sure bring it back.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Move Your Feet" from Trolls

My Current Thinking & Adichie

Exceptions always prove the rule.  Think about that - when you stand out for anything really, it's because the "average" is doing something else.  In Room 853 there are no grades for a reason.  Mainly there are "pretty" A's and "authentic" A's and you all know the difference - how some of you have gorgeous GPAs but chase grades - or worse, cheat, copy homework, share test answers.  But then there are some of you who blast those typical teen stereotypes to smithereens.  I speak to the exceptions right now when I say, "Thank you, lovelies, for doing your work on time as expected.  You are wholehearted and appreciated and seen."

For those of you who forgot to check the blog, do your work, turn it in, etc. mistakes that don't get acknowledged or fixed become habits.  And habits become character.  And character is WHO YOU ARE.

Who are you being?

Use the time you have been gifted in our classroom to learn and grow because life is coming at you fast.

-TED Talk from today HERE.
-Projects due TOMORROW.
-LWD discussion THURSDAY.
-SAS Friday.

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Put Your Records On" Corinne Bailey Rae

Gentle Reminder and Happy Monday

Happy Monday, Lovelies -

Don't forget that your Long Way Down discussion questions (posted last week) are due typed by 3pm.  Email them to ybeltran@sandi.net

Thanks for working today on MC #2.  I appreciate your effort.

Enjoy the rest of your day and keep in mind TED Talk tomorrow, project due Wednesday and LWD Discussion on Thursday.  Make sure you bring in any copies of the book that belong to me. 

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Love on Top" Beyonce