Just Because I'm Not There Doesn't Mean I Don't Care

Happy Last Day of School

The end of the year is, at least for me, a time of mixed emotions. I’m always relieved when I don’t have to plan another lesson for a few weeks, or grade another essay, or look at another project rubric. I’m sad to see the relationships that many of us have built go walking out the door. I’m proud of the people many of you have become during our 10 months together. Like any relationship, we’ve had our ups and downs. Sometimes I’ve wanted to strangle each of you (some of you more than others). I’m sure some of you feel the same way about me. However, no matter how I have felt about you. No matter if I’m sad to see you go, or if I will enjoy seeing you walk away (even if it’s with a miracle “D-“), I am proud of you. You (all of you, at least once) have made me laugh. All of you have caused me to question my decision to become a teacher. All of you have redirected my focus at least once. On my worst days, some of you have given me a push to be the teacher I should be. Without knowing it, you are the fuel that I need. You are the inspiration for lessons and lectures. You will be the subject of future blog posts and the protagonist of campfire stories. You will be the punchline of jokes and the memories that warm my cold, black heart in future. I may forget your name, your face may one-day lack the youthfulness you possessed in room 639, but I will remember you, as a class. As a collective group of brilliant, funny, and somewhat aloof individuals, you will be remembered.

At the end of each year I usually read each of my classes a book. It’s a classic. Written by Dr. Seuss. He manages to say in a few pages, what I fail to communicate to you in an entire year. Even though I am unable to be there with you now, I wanted to make sure I got to read this to you.  You deserve it. I owe it to you, and you owe it to yourself to listen carefully, and quietly contemplate the meaning of the words. Also, I suggest getting this book yourself and revisiting it if you feel you are losing your way.

If the  video doesn't show up above, click here.

In all serious. I love you guys.

#wearenotfriendsbutiamheretosupportyou

#athleticsupporters < #academicsupporters

It's the End of the World (As We Know It).

It's Finally Happened. Finals have arrived.

Your last task in here is to complete this survey about the course, the instructor, and your time in #SMHS639.

Thanks for the memories. Most of them were good.

Sincerely,
Markstone

Monday, June 1, 2015

Everyone

Athletic Supporters. They're important. Without them, bad things can happen to you. Athletic Supporters perform an extremely important function, even when they go largely unnoticed by the public. The support they provide is essential for the proper function and optimal performance of any athlete.

In the grand game of life, where only the winners get a trophy (and those who don't are ultimately relegated), athletic supporters play and integral part in helping one succeed.

One more reason my students are better than your students.

Cheers to my athletic supports, even though we aren't (necessarily) friends.

Seriously, though. Thanks, everyone... when we were losing 4-0 it was nice to look up and see you all up there.. even if there wasn't anything "athletic" for you to support. I appreciate you- all of you.

Announcement for Everyone:
We will take our final this 

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

No Warm-up today.

Objectives:

• We have some war stuff to talk about.

AP World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Get ready to write.

Objectives:

• We have some world population and resource stuff to talk about... 

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Everyone

Things are falling apart.... I'm going to be gone ALL WEEK next week. I haven't posted in two weeks. I keep oversleeping. Two of my family members are sick. I'm behind on grading. The Astros, the Rockets, and the Dynamo have all lost their most recent contests. "My Beat the Streak" is over. My clothes don't fit. My shoulder hurts. I'm eating Spicy Tuna (I don't even like spicy things)... nothing seems to be going the way I envisioned.

I should probably shut up. I'm sure I'm really asking for it on one level or another.

So, I'm going to read this book, pack my bags, write my sub plan, wish you all luck on the exam, and be on my way.

#perspective

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

No Warm-up today.

Objectives:

• Describe how WWI started. 

AP World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Get ready to write.

Objectives:

• Determine the correct answer to 3 of 4 APWH MC Questions. 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Everyone

So, I can barely walk... I scored, though...

It's assessment day. Don't freak out... but I hope you studied.

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Come in ready to go.

Objectives:

• Show me what you know about Imperialism.

AP World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Get ready to write.

Objectives:

• Analyze and explain the impact of liberal revolutions in the Atlantic Region from 1750-1900.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Everyone

It's match day. I'm stoked.
There's a soccer game today in AG, beginning about 5:30. It's at Biddle Park (click here for directions). Anyone who wants to play is welcome... I'm not giving you a ride, though.

AP- you have an essay exam. Get ready to write about the impact of liberal revolutions from 1750-1900.

MWH- we're going to continue to explore the impact of the language used in textbooks during the 1880's as we seek to explain the purpose of the text, and see how the text was shaped by the time period, and, consequently, how the time period immediately following the publication was impacted by the writing. You are also going to write some sentences... about imperialism. Oh, and you have an assessment tomorrow.

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Come in ready to go.

Objectives:

• Use evidence to develop and substantiate a claim.
• Analyze the beliefs present in 19th century literature.

AP World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up. Get ready to write.

Objectives:

• Analyze and explain the impact of liberal revolutions in the Atlantic Region from 1750-1900.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Everyone

Nothing much today. All classes will have a test on Thursday. AP, you will have have an essay tomorrow and a MC Exam on Thursday. MWH, you will have your assessment on Thursday.

See you all later.

-Markstone

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #31:

Objectives:

• Use evidence to develop and substantiate a claim.
• Analyze the beliefs present in 19th century literature.

AP World History

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Review the key concepts and major turning points of Era 5.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Everyone

Some of the smartest kids in the world (according to standardized test scores) use their cell phones in class, talk while the teacher is talking, sleep during lectures, and generally act in ways we think to be disrespectful... Yes, just like some of you. How do they do it and still score way higher than everyone one else on those exams? Well, there are many aspects to consider as we try to answer this question, but one thing is for sure... there's a lot more schooling in South Korea than there is here in the US. I'm not making this stuff up. Click here, and here, and here, and here to look at some articles and stories.

I'll save most of my judgment and criticism (of everyone) on this, but I would encourage you (my students) to think about what this means for you, as American students who attend school for 6.5 hours a day instead of the Korean 14-15. If they use their cell phone or sleep for 1 hour during school it may indeed have less of an impact than if you or I are off topic for the same amount of time. I'll be honest, the 15 hour school day sounds like something from a horror film. I'd hate that. It seems, on the surface, to be inefficient. Let's be efficient with our 6.5 hours together and focus on our learning. It really is the most important thing we are doing here (notice I didn't say memorizing facts about Napoleon and his Grand Army was important). Learning, about others, ourselves, how to problem solve and use evidence to make decisions. Those are skills you need. Forever. They are on the test of life.

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #29:

Objectives:

• Use evidence to develop and substantiate a claim.

AP World History

Quick-write #22:

Objectives:

• Analyze the motives ad beliefs present in 19th century literature.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Everyone

Today is Tuesday. It's the 14th of April. We're a month away from the AP Exam. #readyornothereitcomes

Let's start our post-spring break learning in the proper manner. Let's work hard and stay focused. That goes for me, and for you.

AP Exam Help
Hey kids, if you click here you can see a list of tips for the AP Exam as given by people other than me... you know, because if I say it then I'm just saying it, but if the internet says it then it must be true.

Modern World History

Quick-write #21:

Objectives:

• Use evidence to develop and substantiate a claim.

AP World History

Quick-write #21:

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of  the revolutions that occurred between 1750 and 1900. 

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Everyone

So, I'm giving 22 of my AP students a taste of Heaven...

It's actually a slice of heaven... good luck to the 22 brave souls who are taking this assignment on... and thank you Doctopus, for making the sharing and managing of student documents so easy... 

To my students, I'll literally be watching you work. Enjoy that. #bigbrother #1984status

Extra credit opportunity!
Read this article

Answer the questions here for extra credit. All Questions must be answered by Tuesday at Midnight!

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes and consequences of European Imperialism.
• Analyze an event or series of events from multiple perspectives.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of  the Atlantic Revolutions.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Everyone

It's Monday, Yo!

Hope you had a great weekend, now it's time to work.

Today is a work-day for your projects. We still have a WGOITP, though.

See you all soon,
Markstone

Extra credit opportunity!
Read this article

Answer the questions here for extra credit. All Questions must be answered by Tuesday at Midnight!

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes and consequences of European Imperialism.
• Analyze an event or series of events from multiple perspectives.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of  the Atlantic Revolutions.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Everyone

It's Friday. Let's hope it's better than the movie... and all the sequels.

Today is work day for all periods. You have your projects and your topics, and you should be sure to work to completing them.

MWH- your projects are due at the end of class on Tuesday.

APWH- Your projects are due on Wednesday.

Good luck and God Speed.
-Markstone

Extra credit opportunity!
Read this article

Answer the questions here for extra credit. All Questions must be answered.

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

No warm-up today... work on your Imperialism Bulletin Board.

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes and consequences of European Imperialism.
• Analyze an event or series of events from multiple perspectives.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

No warm-up today... Work on your Newscast..

Objectives:

• Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of  the Atlantic Revolutions.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Everyone

I've always disliked the term "hump day." It's #weaksauce.

I need to check notebooks very soon... like before Spring Break... so, take the next few days and get things ready. I'll be checking notebooks on Monday, March 30, 2015

It's Wednesday.

Let's rage.

Extra credit opportunity!
Read this article

Answer the questions here for extra credit. All Questions must be answered.

Modern World History

Quick-write #26:

Objectives:

• Analyze the motives for European Imperialism.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

No warm-up today... We're doing World History.

Objectives:

• Analyze the responses to European Imperialism in Africa. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Everyone

We're almost there. It's almost time for #sliceofheaven, AP kids.... get ready.

On a more serious note, New York, and other states, counties and districts, are looking at the question, how do we evaluate teachers? How do we decide who is "good" at teaching and who is "bad?"

Read this article

Answer the questions here for extra credit. All Questions must be answered.

Modern World History

Quick-write #25:

Objectives:

• Analyze the motives for European Imperialism.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #20:

Objectives:

• Analyze the responses to European Imperialism in Africa. 

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Everyone

It's finally over. The CAHSEE has come and gone for all of  you sophomores. Some of you may  have to take it again, but the first major "high-stakes" test of your high school career is over. Now, we just have to grind-out the rest of the year. We still have AP exams and Science Test,  but we're on our way towards the end of a long, change-filled year. On that note, let me introduce you to a guy named Michale "The Grinder" Mizrachi.

He's known for being determined and aggressive in pursuit of what he wants, at the poker table. Why do I think you should  know this? Well, determination is important, no matter if you are working towards an education, or taking money from people playing poker. Without a hefty dose of determination, you'll give up when things get tough instead of working through rough times, knowing that the end result will be worth it.

What did Smokey the Bear teach you? "That only YOU can prevent forest fires." He's a fictional, cartoon bear. The Grinder is a real dude, maybe you should learn something from him,

Peace,

Marktsone

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

Coming Soon

Objectives:

• .Identify the colonial boundaries of European Nations in Africa circa 1900.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

No Warm-up Today

Objectives:

• Analyze the impact industrialization had on the social, cultural, and economic patterns of Great  Britain, continental Europe, and the United States.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Everyone

It's Friday the 13th. Super. 

Here's my prediction. NOTHING bad will happen today because of the date. If bad stuff happens, it's because people do stupid things. However, the cause of the stupid things people do has less to do with the calendar date and more to do with the lack of actual thought people put into their actions. Some people have it in their heads that crazy things will happen today. So, as a result, they are going to look for those "crazy" things to happen. They may even alter their actions to make them happen (It's called a self-fulfilling prophecy). I'm not going to try to climb into your head and figure out why you think the way you do. My mind is a scary enough place, and I don't want to be anywhere inside or near anyone else's. So, let's all be rational today. Get out of your own head, keep calm, learn stuff, and don't subscribe to the notion that today has to be crazy just because of the date.

With love,

Markstone

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

none

Objectives:

• .Identify the colonial boundaries of European Nations in Africa circa 1900.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

none

Objectives:

• Identify the causes, consequences, and major turning points of your selected revolution. 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Everyone

Dear time change,

I love you, but sometimes, you love someone (or something) that isn't good for you. At the moment I can't handle you. I enjoy a lot of the time we spend together. The time after work. The walks after dinner, but sometimes I just can't keep up with all of the things I'm supposed to do AND spend all of the time with you that I want.

Eventually you will change, and we'll start this all over again. I feel like you do this to me every year. It's simply not fair to play with me like this. I want to enjoy our time together, but right now I need some space and some time, alone.

I still love you. I want you, but I'm just not ready for you yet.

With love,

Markstone

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• .Identify the colonial boundaries of European Nations in Africa circa 1900.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Identify the causes, consequences, and major turning points of your selected revolution. 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Everyone

Today is March 11, or, what is better to known to my friends as 311 Day... This is one of the most influential bands of my still young life. From Jr. High to present day, 311 is always good for a solo car ride sing along, a well-timed love song, or some motivation for cleaning the house. It's all good stuff. 

The best thing about this video... the tambourine. You have to be pretty hard to play a tambourine in a rock band.

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• .Identify the colonial boundaries of European Nations in Africa circa 1900.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Identify the causes, consequences, and major turning points of your selected revolution. 

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Everyone

Today is the last student/teacher day of the week. Tomorrow I get an entire day of Professional Development, hosted by the district, the site administration, my department. It promises to be a blast from the past.

I hope you both enjoy and make good use of your day off tomorrow... catch up on some sleep. Spend some time with your significant other. Do your homework. I don't really care. Just have more fun than me. It won't be hard. Trust me.

-Markstone

Modern World History

Quick-write #:

It's test day! Read, Read, Read, Write, Read!

Objectives:

• Analyze how industrialization affected European societies outside of Great Britain.
• Evaluate the reformers and reforms of the Industrial World.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the industrial revolution.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #:

Objectives:

• Analyze the SPICE of life circa 1750.
• Understand the circumstances surrounding Era 5.
• Identify, locate, and label the territories, colonies, and countries of Era 5 on a map.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Everyone

Dear SMHS Students,

Today, at lunch, our SMHS family will hold a service for Eddie. The mic. will be open for those who want to speak. This is a time when many of you, my students, are having, in addition to the stresses of their everyday lives and the circumstances they live in, a difficult time. I'm conflicted with how to proceed, both in and out of class. I'm not sure if we should continue to move forward, or take the time to address the issue at hand. In no way do I wish to disrespect or minimize the feelings we are experiencing. They are  important, and I want you to know that you have the resources available to you if you feel you want a safe place to express your feelings. The counselors are on standby, myself and your other teachers are here. If, during my class, you need to take walk, get some fresh air, or simply need a minute to collect yourself, you have my blessing and, if you think you need it, my permission to do as you see fit.

This is a difficult time for all of us. However, some of you were much closer to Eddie than others. I am saddened by the news of his passing. I will miss our conversations. I'll miss the way he talked about "his girls." I'll miss the energy he brought to his job each and every day. He and I didn't always agree on how things should be done, but he always treated me with respect and respected my opinion, and there will be no replacing him.

For me, I'll talk about it here and in my home. It's not easy for me to do, but I'll force my feelings out, otherwise they will come bursting out elsewhere, at a time and in a manner that is inappropriate. 

I'll see you all today, in my best Johnny Cash dress.

Peace and love,

Markstone

Modern World History

Quick-write #20:

Will be updated soon.

Objectives:

• Analyze how industrialization affected European societies outside of Great Britain.
• Evaluate the reformers and reforms of the Industrial World.

AP World History

Click here for your mental map for ERA 5.

Quick-write #15:

Objectives:

• Analyze the SPICE of life circa 1750.
• Understand the circumstances surrounding Era 5.
• Identify, locate, and label the territories, colonies, and countries of Era 5 on a map.