A Little Practice with Q2

Thanks for working with the Q2 from today.  If you didn't have the chance to finish the things I asked of you in class, please just turn it in tomorrow.

We have SAS to look forward to (Be ready all of you ) and then Monday is some practice M/C and Tuesday we get to begin discussing Outliers.  I will be posting some discussion questions for the week on Monday night to help guide the class talks but you are also more than welcome to discuss items that aren't on my list.

Please DO NOT SHOW UP unprepared for the class discussions.  Silence, in that case, will be seen as a telltale sign that you didn't read. 

Wish me good sleep!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: BTS "Mic Drop"

Writing Day One

The writing tips began today with a focus on embedding quotes and syntax improvement tomorrow.  I implore you all to just read.  It's the best way to become a better writer.  I PROMISE.

Tomorrow we will be working with a Q2 from last year's test.  I will make copies for you so just come to class with a pen and a willing to work attitude.

Thanks for all the effort.  It is noted and appreciated.  Let's turn some Civics into Teslas over the course of the year.

Love and Light,
Beltran

P.S. - Create Something sign up lists were posted at advisory today

Today's Song: Michael Jackson's "Beat It"

Counselor Meeting Day

Thank you for meeting with your counselors today. I hope it was helpful...

I look forward to actually teaching tomorrow and helping you with some tips for improving your writing.  In order to prepare for class, please read and print THIS document.  We will be using it in class.

Thursday we will be doing a little bit of practice writing and of course, Friday is SAS.

Don't forget to finish Outliers!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: Cyndi Lauper "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

Welcome Back

Ahh, the best thing about returning to school after Thanksgiving Break (aside from you lovelies) is the fact that we have 3 weeks before another glorious vacation.

Thanks for literally showing up even though it's tough to do. 

Today we poured over some MC and noticed patterns or areas of weakness in our tests.  Thanks for creating that chart and giving some info to inform my teaching.

Tomorrow you will be meeting with your counselors (but come to class first and we will go from there).  Additionally, I reminded you of a few things:  SAS Friday, Outliers read by class on Monday 12/4 (though we won't discuss until the next day), Create Something sign ups will be posted THIS Wednesday but all projects are due for submission on Monday 12/11. 

And think about MWF...want to do it? 

Have a great rest of your day (and bring some work for after your meeting...read a book, work on ISJ, look up SAS topics, etc.)

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: Tom Petty "The Waiting"

Gratitude

To Remember:

- Surprise lunch visitors (including two who own my heart)
- Thoughtful gifts in the forms of letters and food
- Authentic laughter and knowing glances
- Quality conversations
- Safely arriving home

I wish you all a beautiful and happy vacation.  May all good things flow your way. See y'all after break!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Broken Halos" Chris Stapleton

My Favorite Day of The Year

I think it is crucial to our happiness and our humanity to be the light and not the darkness in this divided, hot mess of a world.  I think most people are good and when we "err in the direction of kindness", we open our hands to "think[ing] higher" and "feel[ing] deeper" as Elie Wiesel would say. 

My life has been full of what people would call obstacles.  I should not be where I am today considering the odds stacked against a little brown girl from a small town in Texas.  But all the experiences have led me here to this school, on this day, and I am so grateful that I get to see you all write notes to one another. 

Watching you read them brought a lot of joy to this old heart of mine.

Thank you for that.

I hope today was a favorite one for you too.

Love and Light (and long live Post-Its),
Beltran

Today's Song: "Luxury" Jon Bellion

P.S. - HUGE SHOUT OUT to Ms. Meier for stopping by!!
P.P.S. - SAS tomorrow

Interesting Stuff Journals

Today we learned about ISJ's and while I could blather on and on about why it is so crucial, I won't.  See me with questions and I CAN'T WAIT FOR TOMORROW!!!

Love and Light,
Beltran

Today's Song: "Make Me Like You" Gwen Stefani