Miss Kirby Tells All About Class

Here is an extra credit opportunity for all classes. Make yourself very familiar with this format before you go see the movie & do the write up! The movie you are to review is revealed at the end of this post. How to Write a Movie Review: A Template Five Parts (Paragraphs) of a Movie Review Opening: Catch the Reader's Attention Think about how advertisements sell movies: "trailers" show you a few seconds of the movie to get you interested. When you begin your movie review, make your own "trailer." If you liked the movie, then your trailer should make people want to see it; but if you didn't like it, the trailer should be something that shows why you didn't like it. Don't explain why you liked it or didn't like it; make the reader like or not like the movie by what you describe. Begin your review by retelling an incident or moment from the movie, which you think, captures the spirit of the movie, as you understood it. Alternative: Begin your...

Well here we are! Our last week of school for 2007. There will be a post at the end of the week with an extra credit assignment that all students have the opportunity to do over the break. In the mean time, here's what is going on this week: US= Chapter 6 & 7 Homework Packets are due this week (Wednesday for 6th period & Thursday for 1st, 3rd, & 5th periods). Don't forget that your test is that day also! PacRim/IR= We are moving on this week & will be starting our mini-unit on Disease. This week's topics are TB & Malaria. There may be a worksheet due on Wednesday (it depends on how much we get done in class on Monday).

Not much time left before break... US= You have an extra credit opportunity this week...a Jazz Age Journal Assignment was given out in class (it is due Friday 12/14 for 1st, 3rd, & 5 th periods and Monday 12/17 for 6 th period). Don't forget...your Chapter 6 & 7 Homework Packet is due next week! PacRim /IR= You will have a Quest on Hunger & Poverty this Thursday!

PEER COURT is this Tuesday...Extra Credit for attending & doing the write-up as described in the previous post. US= New Homework Packet assignements will be handed out this week for Chapters 6 & 7...they are due on 12/19 & 12/20. PacRim/IR= You have 2 itmes due Monday...your map of North Africa & the Middle East and the UN Agencies worksheet. You will have you North Africa & Middle East Map Test on Friday (12/7).

Welcome back...hope you all enjoyed the break! I am slowly getting caught up on grading & on-line grades will be updated by this coming weekend. FOR ALL CLASSES: You all have an extra credit opportunity next week (Tuesday, December 4th) by attending Peer Court after school in portable #9 from 3:15-5:15. To earn the extra credit (and even some community service hours) you must be there the entire time! To get the extra credit answer the following questions about each case (there will be a maximum of 4 cases): a- What was the case about? (i.e. what are they in trouble for doing?), b- What was the jury's decision & did the judge change anything?, and c- Did you agree or disagree with the outcome? Why? Additionally some of you will have the opportunity to be jurors and ask questions (if you end up being chosen for that please answer the above questions for your case only AND write about what the jury experience was like...hard, easy, confusing, etc.) This write up on Peer Co...

We have a very short week, but here's what we have going on: US= A chapter 4 quiz this week before the break. Don't forget to be working on your tribal cube and Chapter 4&5 Homework Packet; both are due after the break (see the previous post for actual due dates). PacRim/IR= There will be a Human Rights Quest (shorter than a test, but longer than a quiz) on Tuesday before the break. Be sure to read through your notes & handouts! Athletics= Congratulations to our successful fall sports on a great weekend of athletic action! The football team beat Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks last Friday; they will be playing Long Beach Poly at home (again...who guessed Long Beach Poly would be at NHHS twice in one year?!?) for the 2nd round of CIF play this Friday. Come watch the local football action. The Boys Cross Country team was CIF Division 2 Runner-up at Mt. SAC this past Saturday & will be headed to Fresno for the CIF State Meet this coming Saturday (for the first time sin...

US= Some people have powerpoints due this week (check the board to see if your name is there & yours is due). We will have a quiz on Chapter 4 next week before Thanksgiving break...make sure you have read through the whole chapter!!! Your Tribal Cube is due Monday, November 26th (for 1st, 3rd, & 5th periods) and Tuesday, November 27th (for 6th period). Also that week your Chapter 4 &5 Homework Packet is due on Wednesday (11/28) & Thursday (11/29). PacRim/IR= Don't forget that your new grade checks are due this Friday (11/16)!!! We will be looking at Apartheid this week & winding down our unit on Human Rights....that means a test is on the way soon! (More details will be posted later this week!)

We are 25% through the school year already! Quarter grades will be completed and posted on-line by this Wednesday for all classes. US= We are starting a new unit this week. Be expecting a new Homework Packet assignment on Tuesday & Wednesday (due Wednesday, 11/28 for 1st, 2rd, and 5th periods & Thursday 11/29 for 6th period) . Remember that you only have 2 projects per semester; many of you have completed your first project (the Biography Powerpoint presentation in class & some of you have blown it off...that is 12.5% of your grade...you need to see me if you have missed your presentation date already) and some of you have upcoming due dates, stay on top of your work! Your 2 nd project is a Native American Tribal Cube due on Monday 11/26 (for 1st, 3rd, & 5 th periods) and Tuesday, November 27 th (for 6 th period) . PacRim /IR= Your Poem Project on Women is due Monday, November 5 th ! This week we will be continuing our work in the Human Rights Unit as well as...

Here we are...the final week of the 1st quarter! ***Remember, you have until Friday to do the extra credit assignment that was given last week (scroll down to see the directions in the previous post). US= Your Chapter 3 Homework Packets are due this week (Tuesday 10/30 for periods 1, 3, & 5 and Wednesday for period 6) . You will also be taking your Chapter 3 Test on that day. Don't forget to be working on your Biography PowerPoints (many of you have already presented & are done) because your second (and final project of the semester) will be assigned this coming Friday (11/2) & the following Monday (11/5) . PacRim/IR= There are several of you who did not turn in your grad checks last week (that means ZERO out of 50 points) . If you bring it to me I may show some compassion & give you some points. On Tuesday you will receive the details about your Poem on Women that is due next Monday (11/5) . You will also have your Northern(ish) Half of Africa Map due on W...

EXTRA CREDIT ALERT! Think all extra credit is really hard or you have to go somewhere else to do it? Wrong, here is an opportunity to earn 10 extra credit points just for sending an e-mail! Here is the back story: US Marine Colonel Simcock, the commander of USMC Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 6 in Iraq, is asking for 6,000 positive emails to his Marines.That's one email for each Marine in his RCT command. COL Simcock is concerned about the effect of the negative barrage that those Marines are getting through the electronic media.So far, they've only mustered 2,000 emails. This is where you will come in...send an e-mail (I'll give the address in a moment, but first read what Col. Simcock relayed in an interview about what the troops hear on the news & how it impacts them). I'll tell you what, the one thing that all Marines want to know about -- and that includes me and everyone within Regimental Combat Team 6 -- we want to know that the American public are behind us...

Hello...here we are half way through the month of October! Grades are now accessible on-line (click on that link to the left...your password/code came on your progress report). US= A new Homework Packet was distributed this week (for Chapter 3...it is due on 10/30 & 10/31...notice it is a bit shorter) ! We are getting started on Chapter 3 on Thursday & Friday (plan on getting your Chapter 2 test back that same day and Chapter 2 homework packets will be passed back next week). PacRim/IR= We are still working on our Human Rights Unit...we have covered the basic different types of rights & will be focusing on case studies on minority rights on Wednesday. REMEMBER ....you have your southern half of Africa map quiz this Friday...be sure to study (they are not all lakes...some of them are countries) !!!

There have been a few glitches in the system with getting this year's grades posted on-line. It is my hope that by next Monday we will have everything worked out & you should be able to check your grades on-line by clicking the link to the left. Thank you for your patience! Club Invisible Children is back & we are raising money for Sacred Heart Secondary School in Northern Uganda through the Schools4Schools Program. Our club meets on Thursdays at lunch in the balcony of the Main Gym. We invite you to be a part of the change!

FOR ALL CLASSES: Remember that your Extra Credit write-up about last Tuesday's evening screening of the "Black is for Sunday" film (Invisible Children presentation) is due this Tuesday. Please see the previous post for the directions. You all have another extra credit opportunity next week (Tuesday, October 16 th ) by attending Peer Court after school in portable #9 from 3:15-5:15. To earn the extra credit (and even some community service hours) you must be there the entire time! To get the extra credit answer the following about each case (there will be a maximum of 4 cases): a- What was the case about? (i.e. what are they in trouble for doing?), b- What was the jury's decision & did the judge change anything?, and c- Did you agree or disagree with the outcome? Why? Additionally some of you will have the opportunity to be jurors and ask questions (if you end up being chosen for that please answer the above questions for your case only AND write about what th...

Hi folks...an extra credit opportunity for all classes is to attend tomorrow evening's (October 2 nd ) Invisible Children Screening (different than what is being shown at the school assembly during the day) at 7pm in the main gym and turn in a write-up. Your write-up should include a paragraph on each of the following: What did you see? What did you learn? How did are you/ are you not changed by this? why? This write-up is due on or before Tuesday, October 9 th . Pac Rim/IR= Study for your South America Map test that is this Friday (October 5 th ) US= Be working on your homework packets for Chapter 2!

Monday is Back to School Night, be sure to remind your parents to come to school! US= Your Chapter 1 test is on Monday, 9/24 (periods 1, 3, & 5) and Tuesday, 9/25 (period 6) . Be sure to complete your Chapter 1 Homework Packet because it is due on your test day; no late work! Pacific Rim/IR= There will be a quiz on Geography & Culture (from your notes, no maps this time) on Thursday, 9/27. You will be getting your Central America Map Quiz back on Tuesday & you will have a new map (South America) due on Thursday, 9/27.

Okay...I know that you are all excited for Battle of the Bay on Thursday night, but I have a couple of reminders for you. Although the game is in the stadium we are the "away" team & in order to make sure you get a ticket please purchase it in advance at the ASB store this week. In other news...you have tests & quizzes to get ready for! US History= Your homework packets are due next week on the day of your Chapter 1 Test! (Monday for 1st, 3rd, & 5 th periods and Tuesday for 6 th period) Pacific Rim/International Relations= You have your Central America Map Quiz on Friday, as well as a quiz about what we have covered regarding Geography so far. (Your maps will be passed back on Wednesday.)

US History= US Map Quest (bigger than a quiz, but not quite as big as a test) is Friday, 9/14 for periods 1, 3, & 5 and Monday, 9/17 for period 6. The Chapter 1 Homework Packet is due on Monday, 9/24 (periods 1, 3, & 5)and Tuesday, 9/25 (period 6) Pacific Rim/International Relations= Your Central America Map is due on Monday, 9/17 and the quiz on that same map is Friday, 9/21

I hope that everyone enjoyed the summer! Is it really time to be back at school already??? Please use this page as a place to check up on due dates & assignments for class. Updates will be happening at least once a week. Are you ready for the adventure???

Here we are...the last week of the 2006-2007 school year! Here is what this week's schedule looks like: Monday= a "B" day (period 2, 4, & 6...school starts at 7:45 & there will be SSR) Tuesday= 3rd & 4th Period Finals (U.S. History...8:00-10:00 & 10:20-12:20 are the actual times of your finals) Wednesday= 1st & 5th period Finals (I.R. & World History...same time schedule as Tuesday) Thursday= 2nd & 6th period finals (World History...same time schedule as Tuesday) Graduation happens in the stadium at 4:00; if you plan on being there be sure you have a ticket! ***ALL CLASSES: Your final semester grades will be posted outside my classroom by noon on Friday. On Tuesday & Wednesday I will be in and out of my classroom after finals due to meetings, but please be sure to come by early if you have any questions regarding the end of the semester. I will give more specific details about when you can pick up your projects to each individual ...

IR= Your final projects are due on Wednesday, June 13 th . Your group will be presenting to your fellow Magellan students & teachers on that day. Come dressed professionally and prepared to speak about your group's project. (Stamped work will be counted as extra credit on Friday, June 15 th !) WH = Your final alternative assignment is as follows: Comprehension & Critical Thinking questions 3-5 on pages 510, 520, & 527 AND questions 3-6 on pages 533 & 542. This assignment is due on Thursday, June 14 th for 2 nd period & Friday, June 15 th for 5 th period. Also on those days your stamped work will be counted as extra credit. Your Current Event Project (3 articles form April & 3 articles from May) is also due on that day! (Remember that you will be turning in your textbook on 6/14 & 6/15 also!) US= Our video documentary screening begins at 6pm on Monday, June 11 th . Your final alternative assignment is as follows: Critical Thinking questions 1-5 on pag...

IR= attend the "Impact: AIDS Experience" event at St. Andrew's that is taking place May 19th-23rd. Go through the tent experience & then do a write-up on this event. In your write-up address the following questions: what kind of feelings did you have during this experience, what was the most surprising thing you learned, was this worthwhile (why or why not), why should other people be aware of this? Due Friday May 25th. WH= Comprehension & Critical Thinking Questions #3-6 on pages 465 & 492, #3-5 on pages 474, 481, and #3&4 on page 487. Due date TBD. US= Critical Thinking Questions #1-5 on pages 545, 567, &591. Due on Wednesday 5/16 or Thursday 5/17 (depending on which class you are in).

Last week was a bit different due to STAR Testing. We are getting back on track though. Please enjoy the photos from the Displace Me event on April 28th! Thank you to all of the students who left home to participate & a huge thanks to the brave parents who joined in & camped out with us at the L.A. County fairgrounds. Check out the website for more details about the event... www.invisiblechildren.com/displaceme

IR= over the weekend be sure to read your information sheet on 1 of the 5 tools of foreign policy & remember that you are to brainstorm ideas & bring pictures to class on Monday (4/23) for your group's poster WH = read the artwork sheet you were given & color it (there is not right & wrong with coloring) and read section 3 of chapter 13 to complete the question sheet you were given (both items are due on Monday for 5 th period & Tuesday for 2 nd period) US= your artistic or written project is due this week...time to be creative!!!

Hi folks! I hope you all enjoyed the break. Well I know that some of you are concerned because grades have not been updated. This week I will be making a lot of progress to get EVERYONE'S grades updated, since Friday is the end of the quarter. Unfortunately Beek Hall was re-keyed last week while we were on break & I did not have access to my classroom to update grades, grade projects that were left in the classroom, and generally get things in order as I had planned to. I did get my new key this morning. Please be patient as I get caught up. :) Here is what you need to know for this week: ***All Magellan students with a D or F in any class is required to be at lunchtime study sessions in my room ( Beek 261) on Tuesdays & Thursdays. IR= we have started a new unit on War & Conflict, we will do our new grade check NEXT week (so they can have your quarter grades on them)plan on getting your book reviews back the end of next week. WH = your chapter 13 vocabulary is due on...

NEW GRADES ARE NOT YET POSTED ON-LINE. (I'm working on it.) US History= be finishing up your homework packet (due Wednesday or Thursday...depending which period you are in) and be working on your written/artistic project that is due 4/25 or 4/26. World History & IR = no homework over the break!

US History= Critical Thinking Questions #1-5 on pages 501 & 523 (your shortest alternative assignment by far!) Due on your test day! World History= Comprehension & Critical Thinking Questions #3-6 on pages 392, 400, 403*, 409*, & 413 (*= questions #3-5 only) Due on Friday, April 6th. Remember that your Current Events for February & March are due 4/6 also. International Relations= Your book review of "What Every American Should Know About the Rest of the World" is due on Friday, April 6th. Check out the picture below from our very successful rummage sale on March 17th.

Here is some of what we having happening this week in class... 1st period (IR)= We will be starting a new unit on Disease on Monday (you will also be getting a grade check form to be signed by all of your teachers & a parent...due on Friday 3/30), Wednesday you have your Eastern Europe Map Quiz, & on Friday we will have a couple more guest speakers to share about their non-profit organizations. (Be working on your book review...it is due on Friday 4/6...if you still do not have the book please come and talk to me!) 2 nd & 5 th periods ( WH )= Onward and upward...we will be starting a new chapter this week, but don't forget that you have the 6 reading questions on Lenin & Stalin due on Monday or Tuesday (depending on which period you are in). 3rd & 4 th periods (US)= Your World War II Test is on Monday or Tuesday (depending on which period you are in); you should also be prepared to turn in your homework packet. (3rd period...do NOT forget that we go to the...

LOOK AT HOW EXCITED WE ARE TO START THE TRACK SEASON WITH A LEAGUE VICTORY OVER LOS ALAMITOS! WAY TO GO GIRLS! EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES ARE LISTED IN THE PREVIOUS POST! (Look below.) 1st period (IR)= Quiz on Hunger & Poverty on Monday (3/19), bring your copy of "What Every American Should Know About the Rest of the World" to class on Wednesday (3/21), & be prepared for guest speakers on Friday. P.S. This Friday is Mrs. Thompson's last day...let's plan something nice for her! 2 nd & 5 th periods ( WH )= Chapter 11 Test (WWI & the Russian Revolution) this week before or after the CAHSEE Testing...we will be transitioning into a new chapter. Stay on top of your Current Event Project (3 articles from February, 3 articles from March, and a write up on all 6) they are due on April 6 th ! 3rd & 4 th periods (US)= Remember that your Homework Packets are due next week! I will be passing back a lot of work this week including your storyboards for th...

Okay folks...I told you that you would find extra credit opportunities here & I have a few for each of you! FOR ALL CLASSES ...here are two chances to earn some extra points: #1- This Thursday, March 15 th attend the Invisible Children screening in the Main Gym (bring a friend or two also) at 6pm. To get points, check in with me (I will put your name on a list) and write a 1 page response to the following questions: After seeing this documentary, what were you most surprised to learn? If you had to give this film a letter grade, what would you give it? (Explain in detail why it would get the grade...music, format, subtitles, voice-over, the characters, etc.) What from the film had the biggest impact on you? Were you inspired to do anything? If so, what will you do? THIS IS DUE ON MONDAY, MARCH 19 th (for all classes). #2- Next Tuesday, March 20 th there is Peer Court in Portable #9 from 3-5pm. To earn the extra credit (and even some community service hours) you must be th...

2nd & 5th period (World History): Remember that you have homework due next class...read Chapter 11, section 3 & complete the "War Affects the World" worksheet. The World War I test will be on Mon. 3/19 & Tues. 3/20. Enjoy some of these photos from our trench warfare!

Did you know that I get to fill out the first progress reports of the new semester at the end of this week??? Your grades will also be posted on-line by the end of the week (thank you for being patient). 1st period (International Relations): Great job with the fishbowl discussion we had on Monday about hunger (both international & domestic). Once you guys get going it is always interesting to see what you come up with; I was impressed with the level of the discussion!!! ***Remember to get the book "What Every American Should Know About the Rest of the World" to bring to class THIS Friday, March 9th (the author is M.L. Rossi and it is available for purchase at Borders for about $15...let me know if you need help getting the book!) 2nd & 5th periods (World History): Come prepared for a "different" experience in class on Wednesday & Thursday! Quiz on Friday covering vocabulary & what we have covered so far in our World War I unit. 3rd & 4th periods...

Here is what is happening in our classes with the start of a new month: 1st period (International Relations): just started a new unit on Hunger & Poverty (don't worry Disease is next!) ***Remember to get the book "What Every American Should Know About the Rest of the World" to bring to class by next Friday, March 9 th (the author is M.L. Rossi and it is available for purchase at Borders for about $15...let me know if you need help getting the book!) 2 nd & 5 th periods (World History): we are working on Chapter 11 you have vocabulary & an Alliance Worksheet due this Friday, March 2 nd 3rd & 4 th periods (U.S. History): the 20s & 30s test was on 2/28 & 3/1; you should have also turned in your unit homework packet as well. We will be starting our 1940s & WWII unit this coming week. ***Please remember to bring your signed informed consent forms back to class this Friday, March 2 nd !

I hope you enjoyed the week off. Here are a few photos of the places I visited over the break in Mexico, Honduras, & Belize. You might recognize a few that I described in class.

I hope that you all enjoy the break, but remember a few of you have some work to get done! 1st period (International Relations)= no homework 2nd & 5th periods (World History)= Read Chapter 10 (pages 320-343) and take notes (as shown in class)...you should have 1 page of notes(at least) for each section. There will be a quiz on this when we return & then we will be moving on to World War I. 3rd & 4th periods (U.S. History)= Be working on your 20s & 30s Homework Packet due 2/28 (3rd period) & 3/1 (4th period) HAVE A GREAT BREAK & BE THANKFUL THAT WE HAVE SOME AWESOME PRESIDENTS' BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE!!!

Okay...so we are about to end another crazy week; I hope you are staying on top of your work! Remember Friday (2/16) is a busy day for all classes! IR= Asia Map Quiz US= 20s & 30s Quiz (and your video documentary commitment forms are due) WH= Imperialism (Chapter 9) Test Got questions??? E-mail me... kkirby@nmusd.us

Well folks...we made it through the first week of the new semester. Do your best to stay on top of your school work! 1st period (IR) = your Asia Map (labeled & colored) is due Monday (2/9). 2nd & 5th periods (WH) = your Chapter 9.3 worksheet is due on Monday (5th period) or Tuesday (2nd period). Don't forget that the Chapter 9 Test is on Friday, 2/16. 3rd & 4th periods (US) = you should be working on your 20s& 30s Homework Packet. The 20s & 30s Quiz will be on Friday, 2/16. Also by Friday you or your team leader will have turned in your Video Documentary Commitment Form. Have any questions? E-mail me at kkirby@nmusd.us

TRI Add to My Profile | More Videos " border="0" alt="" /> All classes have goals due on Wednesday & Thursday. A minimum of 5 semester goals must be turned in (3 should be related to academics & they should all be realistic goals to accomplish this semester) please e-mail me if you have any questions! 2nd & 5th periods: Chapter 9 vocabulary is due at your next class! 3rd & 4th periods: 20s & 30s Homework Packet was given out (it is due 2/28 or 3/1)..don't put it off! Remember...Thursday is the battle of the sexes rally... boys wear blue & girls wear pink !!! :)

More Videos "> Add to My Profile | More Videos " border="0" alt="" /> Monday, February 5th is the first day of the new semester and there are a few things you should keep in mind: Grades for the new semester will not be posted until the end of the 2nd week of the semester. 1st semster grades can be checked on-line. (see the link down this page on the left) This is a fresh start for everyone; don't fall behind early!

A reminder again that Monday 1/29 is a traditional day with NO late start. 1st period begins at 7:45 and students have all 6 periods it will look like this: 1st 7:45 - 8:41 2nd 8:48 - 9:48 Break 3rd 10:05 - 11:01 4th 11:08 - 12:04 Lunch 5th 12:41 - 1:37 6th 1:44 - 2:40 ***Not everyone will be done at the same time, therefor come prepared with something to work on quietly after you finish your final. No electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, i-pods, mp3 players, PSP, Gameboys, etc.)!!! Tuesday Finals will be 1st period from 8:00-10:00 & 4th period from 10:20-12:20. Wednesday Finals will be 2nd period from 8:00-10:00 & 5th period from 10:20-12:20. Thursday Finals will be 3rd period from 8:00-10:00 & 6th period from 10:20-12:20. No school for students on Friday...see you at Winter Formal or on Monday for the start of the new semester!

Don't forget that all extra credit for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd periods is due on Monday, January 29th! Come to class prepared to review for the final.

Hello...well in all classes tomorrow (Friday) we will be reviewing for our Final Exams next week. 1st period International Relations will wrap up the Millennium Goals powerpoint & prepare for the final. 2nd period World History will wrap up Chapter 6 with some talk about art (finally) and get a study guide to review for the final. 3rd period U.S. History will be turning in their chapter 17 notes & taking a quiz on the chapter before starting our final review. Remember that all extra credit (alternative assignments, stamped work, etc.) for ALL classes is due on Monday, January 29th. See you in class! :)