Miss Kirby Tells All About Class

What a busy week it has been already! U.S. History= You have a quiz on the 1920s (Chapter 7) on Wednesday (for odd periods) and Thursday (for even periods). Your final project for the first semester is also being given out in class this week. The end of the week will be mellow...I promise!

...—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people will through their righteous might win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. I, therefore, ask that the Congress declare that since the dastardly and unprovoked attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.” -President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Dec. 8, 1941, asking Congress to declare war on Japan This year marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and although we will not be studying about that event until the second semester it is important to recognize the significant impact that event had on the shaping of our nation. Check out this link for more information ...

I hope you all enjoyed the time away from school (now back to the grind)! Here we are back from Thanksgiving break & things are going to start moving really fast! U.S. History= We are moving on to the next chapter! Expect to be done with Chapter 6 by next week though because that is when your Chapter 5 & 6 Study Guide is due (Tues. 12/6 for odd periods & Wed, 12/7 for even periods). You know what that means...we have a test that same day. Please use your Study Guide & get it done (and turned in) before the test. A lot of you didn't do so hot without a Study Guide for that Quest before the break (scores will be posted on School Loop later this week).

U.S. History= Chapter 4 & 5 Quest (longer than a quiz, but shorter than a test) in class on Monday, 11/21 & Tuesday, 11/22...and no homework over the break! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that as we have the time off from school you take a little time to count all your blessings (big & small...and not just the fact that you don't have school)!

U.S. History= You will get an extra credit opportunity this week! Remember that there will be a Chapter 4 & 5 Quest (longer than a quiz, but shorter than a test) on Monday, 11/21 (for odd periods) & Tuesday, 11/22 (for even periods). If you will not be in class that day please make arrangements to take the Quest before you leave. There is no homework this time around so make sure you are on top of cover the material in the textbook in addition to what we are doing in class!

There will be a CHAPTER 4 VOCABULARY QUIZ on Tuesday, 11/8 (for periods 1, 3, & 5) and Wednesday, 11/9 (for periods 2, 4, & 6). The chapter 4 Vocabulary terms are the bold terms in your reading through out Chapter 4. The intro page of each section in chapter 4 (there are 5 sections in this chapter) has a list of "terms & people"....the people will NOT be included on the vocabulary quiz, it will only be the terms (for example: "Social Gospel Movement", "settlement houses", etc.). There is no homework for you to do for this besides to study & prepare for a matching vocabulary quiz. Don't forget to make sure your clocks "fall" back this weekend!

Well folks....the end of the first quarter is here & I am still dreadfully behind with updating your grades. I'll have to put an end to that immediately (or at least by next Wednesday when grades are due). U.S. History= You've got a handful of things happening this week. Study Guides & Tribal Fliers due (Wednesday, 11/2 for the odd periods & Thursday, 11/3 for the even periods) and you will be taking the District's First Quarter Exam (yes, it counts for a real grade) on the same day your work is due.

U.S. History= Next week is the end of the first quarter & that means you have work due. Be sure to check your School Loop email to see the template option I sent for you to consider using for your Native American Tribal Flier (1st project of the year due 11/2 for odd periods & 11/3 for even periods). Don't put this project off...it's worth 10 % of your grade for the semester. Remember that your 1st Quarter Study Guide is due the same day. I realize it seems like a lot, but the first half of the study guide is a review & is designed to help you do well on the 1st Quarter District Exam. I am working on getting grades updated in the books & on-line...I realize that you are all anxious to see some new scores posted! “October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again.” -Hal Borland

Extra Credit due on Thursday, 10/20...see the post below for more details! U.S. History= We are starting Chapter 3 this week. Be expecting an email from me in a day or two with a couple of template options for you to consider using for your Native American Tribal Flier (1st project of the year due 11/2 for odd periods & 11/3 for even periods). Don't put this project off...it's worth 10 % of your grade for the semester. Be expecting a new Study Guide this week also.

U.S. History= Your Chapter 2 Homework Packet is due on Friday, 10/14 (for odd periods) and Monday, 10/17 (for even periods)...don't worry about a folder this time...you can just staple your papers together neatly (since I still have your other folders. Late work is NOT beneficial for you or me...turn it in on time or early!!! That same day you turn in your homework we will be taking the Chapter 2 test. I know it was a quick unit, but I have confidence that you'll see improved scores this time around. Extra Credit Alert ...as mentioned in class here are two options you have to earn extra credit for class to make-up some points or pad your grade a bit. Option #1- You all have an extra credit opportunity ( Thursday, October 13 th ) by attending Peer Court after school in the Social Hall from 3:05-5:15 . 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 ...

Grades will be up to date on School Loop by Wednesday evening (except for your homework packets...I'm going to need a bit more time to get through those). U.S. History= We are on to Chapter 2! Please be working on your new Homework Packet (due 10/14 for odd periods & 10/17 for even periods); if you divide up the work into smaller bits you'll find that it is not that difficult to do! Check back soon for an extra credit opportunity that is coming up next week!

U.S. History= Your Chapter 1 Homework Packet is due Wednesday, 9/28 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 9/29 (for even periods); late work is a big "no go" for this class, it's better to turn in something rather than nothing! That is also the day of your test. If you have done your homework packet then you should be well prepared. Don't forget to look back over your notes (that you took in class since I did give some hints about extra things to pay attention to). You have an extra credit opportunity on this test to memorize & write out the Preamble to the Constitution. Need help memorizing it? Check out this link . Later this week you will receive your Chapter 2 Homework Packet as we start the new unit.

US History= We will be moving on to the topic of the U.S. Constitution this week. I realize that there is going to be some class shuffling, but please be working on your homework packet regardless! It is due Wednesday, 9/28 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 9/29 (for even periods)...remember that we will have our first test that same day. “ The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity ”-Henry Clay

The above quote is by Robert J. McCracken. It definetly ties in not only with what we are studying this week (why did people head to the "new world"), but it also reminds us of just how much those early settlers were willing to risk for liberty & freedom. Freedom is never free. U.S. History= Be working on your US Map Worksheet...there is a Map Quiz on Friday, 9/16 (for odd periods) and Monday, 9/19 (for even periods). Here is a link you can use to help you study the states & capitals on-line. I posted an "Overview of the Early Colonies" handout on School Loop (you don't need to print it out, but you should take a look at it...it has a lot of good info about why the different colonies were started for various reasons). Here is the link to see that file. We checked out textbooks (Monday & Tuesday) so you can now really get going on your Chapter 1 Homework Packet. It is due Wednesday, 9/28 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 9/29 (for even periods).

Welcome to a new school year! Please be sure to use this site to stay up to date on what is happening in class each week. US= Be working on your US Map Worksheet...there is a Map Quiz on Friday, 9/16 (for odd periods) and Monday, 9/19 (for even periods).You now have a Chapter 1 Homework Packet to be working on. It is due Wednesday, 9/28 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 9/29 (for even periods). Hopefully by mid next week I will have a scanned version of the HW packet posted on School Loop.

There is an Extra Credit opportunity this week! See below for details. Don't forget that this week's schedule is a bit different ...Monday is an A day, Tuesday is a B day, Wednesday a late start A day, Thursday a B day, & Friday is a traditional day. US= We will be taking a look at the 1970s this week as we prepare for STAR testing next week. Please come motivated and prepared to learn since our time is limited! Friday is a traditional day (all classes that day)...it will also be our "Hippie Day"...come dressed like a hippie, not smelling like one! Sociology= We will be wrapping up Unit 3 this week. Expect the Unit test on Friday, 5/20. Your only homework this week will be to study in preparation for the test. Extra Credit..... The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor will line the scenic trail at Castaways Park with 1,776 American flags this coming weekend in honor of military veterans. They are calling it the “Field of Honor,” and it is one of 16 similar efforts...

US= You have a Chapter 15 Quiz on Wednesday, 5/4 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 5/5 (for even periods). That means you need to be reading through Chapter 15 so you are prepared. Also on that day your "Reaction Analysis" homework is due the same day as your quiz. Sociology= Your "Social Stratification Song Project" that is due on Tuesday, May 3rd. Please be prepared to present that day. Powerpoints should be brought to class on a flashdrive or e-mailed to kkirby@nmusd.us . Be sure that you also bring a printout of your lyrics & powerpoint.

US= You have a Chapter 15 Quiz on Wednesday, 5/4 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 5/5 (for even periods). That means you need to be reading through Chapter 15 so you are prepared. Also on that day your "Reaction Analysis" homework is due. Sociology= You have homework due on Friday. 4/29....read pages 254-257 and answer questions 1-3 on page 257. Also you need to be sure to get your song approved by Friday for your "Social Stratification Song Project" that is due on Tuesday, May 3rd.

US= You have your 3rd Quarter projects due (4/18 & 4/19); please be sure to e-mail those to kkirby@nmusd.us . Also due this week (4/20 & 4/21) is your 3rd Quarter Study Guide...we will be taking the District 3rd Quarter Exam on Wednesday & Thursday this week (the same day your Study Guide is due). Sociology= We'll be starting Unit 3 this week. Check back for an update on homework later in the week. Extra Credit Alert for U.S. History classes! You all have an extra credit opportunity (Wednesday, April 20th) by attending Peer Court after school in the Social Hall from 3:00-5:15. 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? c- Did you agree or disagree with the ou...

There are a lot of people who have missed class and therefor missed tests and quizzes. Various opportunities have already been given to make up these items. Failure to make up this work prior to the break will result in zeros. U.S.= We will be continuing with the Civil Rights Movement this week. You will be given a Study Guide that is due after the break. Don't forget to be working on your research projects! The template for the project will be made available to you on Tuesday. Sociology= The midterm covering Units 1 & 2 is on Friday, 4/4. An extra credit opportunity was given out in class on Monday...that assignment is due on Friday, 4/4.

Hey folks...I do send e-mails via School Loop! If you don't ever check you School Loop you are defeating the whole purpose of having it! US= We are wrapping up our unit on the Cold War & the 50s this week which means there is homework due & you have a test (broken into two parts). Be sure to be reading up in your textbook so you don't fall behind (chapters 12 & 13). Sociology= Quiz #4 on Tuesday, 3/29 and Unit 2 Test on Thursday, 3/31. Your only homework this week is to study!

The above quote is from Anne Bradstreet. US= Expect a Cold War Quiz this week! That means you should be reading your textbook (Chapter 12)...before you know it we will be done with this unit on the 1950s & the Cold War (probably at the beginning of next week)! It is true the you will get your 3rd quarter project this week (Tuesday & Wednesday to be exact)...don't put it off until the last minute! Sociology= You have your group project due on Friday, March 25th...be prepared to present the same day! There will be a short homework assignment on Wednesday also (in addition to finishing up your project).

New units starting in all of my classes! US= We are starting our 1950s & Cold War Unit. You have a worksheet due Friday, 3/18 (for odd periods) & Monday, 3/21 (for even periods). You will need to use your textbook (chapters 12 & 13 as well as outside resources to complete that! Reminder that Wednesday morning at 8:00 am is the time to make up missed tests this week! Sociology= We are starting Unit 2 (Culture, Conformity, & Deviance). Read pages 81-91 and answer questions 1-3 on page 91 (this is due on Thursday, 3/17)...there is a quiz on Thursday too! Also, be sure that you are in communication with your group since the research project is due on Friday, 3/25! Reminder that Wednesday morning at 8:00 am is the time to make up missed tests this week!

Did you go & see the film on Monday night? Don't forget the write-up is due by Friday! Instructions are in the previous post (look below). US= Part 2 of your World War II test this week! Be sure to read through Chapters 10 & 11 in preparation! Don't forget that your pink registration form is due this week also! (Thursday, 3/10 for odd periods & Friday, 3/11 for even periods). Not only is this an assignment, but it is finally your chance to register first and get all the elective class you really want! Sociology= Quiz #2 is on Wednesday, 3/9/11...be sure to go over your notes. The quiz will cover "Sociology & the Scientific Method" to "Major Sociological Theories". Remember that you also have a simple homework assignment due Wednesday...find a picture advertisement or cartoon from a newspaper or magazine that depicts one of the 5 variables that depicts human behavior (glue/tape/staple it to the left side of your notebook) and write a senten...

Here it is folks...first extra credit opportunity of the semester! On Monday, March 7th at 6:00 pm a new film by Invisible Children will be showing in the Robert B. Wentz Theater (that the theater at NHHS). Your task is to go and watch the film (it's about 35 minutes long) and then do a brief film review. The film review should follow this given format: What caught your attention about this film? Explain why. (Should be a minimum of two sentences.) What is the moment in the film that stands out to you? Retell an incident or moment from the movie, which you think, captures the spirit of the movie, as you understood it. (Should be a minimum of one paragraph.) In one or two sentences explain very simply what the film is all about--don't just tell the story of what happens, but tell what the film is really about . (Should be a maximum of two sentences.) In detail describe something important that interested you about the film. If the music played a big role you should say som...

I thought the quote was fitting for the weather we have happening right now. :) Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed the break! Check back mid-week for an update on an Extra Credit Opportunity! US= Your Map (two sided...Europe & the Pacific) is due on Wednesday, 3/2 for odd periods and Thursday, 3/3 for even periods. Make sure that you are through & do a good job...their will be map questions on this test! Speaking of tests...expect a test cover Chapters 10 & 11 (World War II) as early as this coming Friday, 3/4 & Monday, 3/7! Sociology= We will be continuing with our first unit in class this week (Sociology & the Scientific Method). You should also expect your first project assignment this week!

Happy St. Valentine's Day! US= You have a Chapter 10 Quiz on Thursday for odd periods & Friday for even periods...don't forget to read the chapter! Your Map Homework that was passed out in class is due Wednesday 3/2 for odd periods & Thursday, 3/3 for even periods....don't leave that until the last minute! Sociology= You have homework due next class (Wednesday, 2/16). Please make note of this difference from what you may have seen in class! Read pages 14-22 and answer questions 1-3 on page 22 also read pages 38-44 and answer questions 1-7 on page 44. UPDATE...there will be a quiz on the material we have covered so far on Friday, 2/18...it is imperative that you take this quiz before the break!

Here we are...a new semester! What are your goals for the new semester? US= We are starting a new unit focusing on World War II (covering chapters 10 & 11). Be sure to be reading the textbook & pay attention in class...there will be quiz in the next week or so! Sociology= Please be sure to bring back your signed syllabus & academic honesty policy forms...they are due in class on Thursday, 2/10. We will be delving in to our first unit the end of this week.

The first semester is finally coming to a close! Grades will not be finalized however until Friday afternoon. Anything .5 and higher will round up on your report card (it won't show the higher letter grade on SchoolLoop though). Here is a link to the school website so you can check the finals schedule. Just for fun....

"The test is to recognize the mistake, admit it and correct it. To have tried to do something and failed is vastly better than to have tried to do nothing and succeeded." -Dale E. Turner US= You have your 2nd Quarter Study Guide due on Wednesday, 1/26 (for odd periods) or Thursday, 1/27 (for even periods). On that same day you will be taking part 1 of your 2 part final. We will be taking time to review & prepare for finals this week! Sociology= Tuesday will be spent covering the Institution of Government & perhaps starting Religion. On Thursday we will wrap up religion and use the rest of our time during the week to prepare for the final (more details will be shared in class). Info on the board in class for you...

US= You have a Study Guide to be working on! Your NMUSD 2nd Quarter District Study Guide is due 1/26 (for odd periods) and 1/27 (for even periods). We will be taking that test n the same day...it is part 1 of your two part final. The second part of your final will be during finals week. We will be wrapping up the 1930s & the New Deal this week and then starting our in class review for the final. Make sure you are taking the time to do the Study Guide at home! Here is a link to find a copy of the study guide on-line. Sociology= We have started our final unit!!! The plan is to have a study guide for the final passed out in class this Friday. Be sure to read pages 363-369 and answer questions 1-3 on page 369...it's due on Friday, 1/21! New HOMEWORK due on Tuesday, 1/25...read pages 409-413 and answer questions 1-4 on page 413.

US= You have your 2nd and final project of the semester due Tuesday, 1/11 (for odd periods) and Wednesday, 1/12 (for even periods). Also due that day is you Chapter 7 & 8 Study Guide. We will be taking the formative test. As we draw closer to the end of the semester be prepared to start reviewing...the final will be cumulative and cover the whole semester! Sociology= We have finally wrapped up Unit 3 & will be taking the exam on Wednesday, 1/12. Be sure to take the time to study & review your notes in preparation for that exam!

Ready or not here it is....2011 and back to school to finish up this first semester. US= You have your Can-o-Soup Project due next week (Tues. 1/11 for odd periods & 1/12 for even periods). Also a Study Guide is being given out in class in the next day or two. This 25 question Study Guide is in preparation for the Ch. 7 & 8 Formative test. This Study Guide is due next week also (Tues. 1/11 for odd periods & 1/12 for even periods). Sociology= We will be working on wrapping up Unit 3. Check back later in the week for a homework update.