Miss Kirby Tells All About Class

It came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags! ...then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!  "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" -Dr. Seuss U.S. History= Yes, we are starting a new chapter before 2012 is over. This week in class you will get a new study guide & your 2nd Quarter Project (don't worry, it will be due after the break...1/15/13 for odd periods & 1/16/13 for even periods). AP Euro= New study guides have been passed out (for chapters 22 & 23); they are due on Thursday, 1/10/13. Over the break you are to finish reading the chapters & complete a DBQ. More information about the DBQ assignment will be explained in class on Friday, 12/21/12.

U.S. History= The Jazz Age Journal Extra Credit is due on Monday, 12/10 (for odd periods) and Tuesday, 12/11 (for even periods)... no exceptions! There will be a Chapter 7 quiz on Wednesday, 12/12 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 12/13 9for even periods); be sure to read through Chapter 7 so you are well prepared!!! Your 2nd Quarter Project will be introduced this week (don't worry, it will be due after the Holiday break). AP Euro= There will be a test review tonight (Monday, 12/10) at 5pm in Home Arts room 177 (Mr. J. Robinson's room). We will be reviewing with Mr. Robinson's B-day class. Your Chapter 20 & 21 Study Guides are due on the test day (Tuesday, 12/11). Expect a new study guide for Chapter 22 later in the week!

U.S. History= You have a Chapter 5 & 6 Study Guide due Tuesday, 12/4 for odd periods and Wednesday, 12/5 for even periods...we have a test the same day! We'll be moving on to Chapter 7 and studying the 1920s; watch for an extra credit opportunity in class this week! AP Euro= We took a Chapter 21 Vocabulary Quiz yesterday & scores will be updated on School Loop over the weekend. Your Chapter 20 & 21 Study Guides are due Tuesday, 12/11; don't forget to be doing the study guides are you are reading through the chapter so you can use it to help you review for the test instead of just rushing through to finish it the night before it is due! Remember..."Let Them Eat Cake Day" is Friday; sign-up to bring something to share in class!  

U.S. History=   You have a Chapter 5 & 6 Study Guide due next week (Tuesday, 12/4 for odd periods and Wednesday, 12/5 for even periods). Be sure to get started on that...we have a test the same day! AP Euro= Your Chapter 20 Group Project is due tomorrow, Tuesday, 11/27. Study Guides will be passed out in class they are due on Tuesday, 12/11. Test corrections are this week only (Tuesday-Friday at lunch, 7th & 8th period, or by appointment in the morning)!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thankgiving break & remember to be thankful for the blessings, big and small, in your life. U.S. History= No homework over the break, but you can start reading ahead in Chapter 6. AP Euro= Your Chapter 20 Group Project is due on Tuesday, 11/27. Remember, this isn't a huge project to do & you don't have to be with your group to get the work done, but be in communication with your group.

U.S. History= The 7 questions on the backside of your Imperialism & Expansion of the United States note sheet are due on Thursday, 11/15 for odd periods & Friday, 11/16 for even periods. Please be reading through Chapter 5 as we are studying the topics in class. There will be a Chapter 4 & 5 Quest next week (Monday, 11/19 for odd periods & Tuesday, 11/20 for even periods)...it's longer than a qu iz, but shorter than a t est ...a quest ! AP Euro= The written response to the "Bacon & Galileo: The New Science" questions are due on Wednesday, 11/14 (check your email for a more detailed reminder). We will be wrapping up Chapter 19 this week & our test on Chapters 18 & 19 is on Tuesday, November 20th (your study guides are due that same day). We will have a review session on Monday evening. If you need help, please ask...I am available to help you.

EXTRA CREDIT ALERT BELOW!!! U.S. History=  Be sure to read Chapter 4! Expect a quiz later this week (Thursday & Friday)! A.P. Euro=  Please keep up with your reading! There will be a Chapter 18 reading quiz on Wednesday, 11/7 (please bring your textbook to class on Wednesday). Test corrections must be completed by Wednesday at lunch in order for them to go on your 1st Quarter Progress Report. Your extra credit opportunity is to take part in The National World War II Museum's "Thank You for My Freedom" project.  Are you thankful for your freedom? Will you take a moment of your time to show it? The Museum launched  MyVeteransDay .org , which makes thanking veterans for their service as easy as clicking your mouse or tapping your smart phone. Whether you write a personal message or upload a photo or video, take the time to say thank you to those who defend America. They are trying to collect 1 million “thank yous” for for America’s veterans, and you have th

Peer Court Extra Credit is due on Friday, 11/2...no matter what period you might be in! There is no school for you on Thursday; think of how much fun I'll be having at meetings while you're sleeping in! U.S. History= Your 1st Quarter Study Guide & Native American Tribal Flier is due soon, don't leave it all to the last minute! They are due on Friday, 11/2 (for odd periods) & Monday, 11/5 (for even periods). A.P. Euro= Your first DBQ is due on Wednesday , 10/31 (it is on pages A16-A18 in the appendix of your textbook). Please have it posted to www.turnitin.com by 10am on Wednesday morning. Don't forget to keep up with your reading assignments! In case you missed it...the San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers to win the 2012 World Series!!!

I had to include the baseball quote this week with the National League Championship Series wrapping up tonight & with the World Series starting on Wednesday! U.S. History= You all have a 1st Quarter Study Guide & Native American Tribal Flier to be working on...don't leave it all to the last minute! They are due on Friday, 11/2 (for odd periods) & Monday, 11/5 (for even periods). A.P. Euro= Your Chapter 16 & 17 Study Guides are due on Monday, 10/29. That means we will have a review session on Sunday, 10/28 (more details about it in class on Thursday)! You have your first DBQ due on Wednesday , 10/31 (it is on pages A16-A18 in the appendix of your textbook...more details on Thursday as well). EXTRA CREDIT ALERT! Extra Credit Alert ...as mentioned in class here an opportunity to make-up some points or pad your grade a bit. You all have an extra credit opportunity (Thursday, October 25 th ) by attending Peer Court after school in the Social Hall from 3:

This week's quote is in honor of Homecoming Week...the game is Friday at 7pm & the dance is Saturday at 8pm. Might as well go dance, right?!? U.S. History= We are strating a new chapter & getting info on our first project of the year. If you miss class, please be sure to stop by the next day that you are back at school to pick up what you missed. Due dates will be posted later this week. A.P. Euro= This week we are being introduced to DBQs (Document Based Questions) as we are also moving forward with Chapter 16. Please remember that your journals are due on Friday 10/19.

I thought this was funny & might even be how some of you feel. :) U.S. History= Chapter 2 Test is coming up! Your Study Guide, Civil War Map, & Worksheet on the Missouri Compromise/Kansas-Nebraska Act are due on Friday, 10/12 (for odd periods) & Monday, 10/15 (for even periods). AP Euro= Your Chapter 14 & 15 Study Guides are due on Tuesday, 10/9...the same day as your test! We will be moving on to Chapter 16 later in the week!

Grades will be added on School Loop by Wednesday evening (not all scores will be up right away...but after this you will see scores updated there about every other week). U.S. History= We are on to Chapter 2! Please be working on your new Homework (due 10/12 for odd periods & 10/15 for even periods); there are 3 parts (Study Guide, Civil War Map & MO Compromise worksheet) divide up the work into smaller bits you'll find that it is not that difficult to do! A.P. Euro= Test corrections need to be done by Tuesday, Ocotober 2nd! You may come in before school, at lunch, during a home period, or after school (by appointment). We will be going over the essay's from the first test on Wednesday in class to help you prepare for the next test; please keep in mind that our next test is Tuesday, October 9th. Your chapter 14 & 15 Study Guides are due on the test day! Reading this week...for Wednesday's class please read pages 495-509 & for Friday please have pages

That's right folks...regardless of what the thermometer says, summer is officially over as of September 22nd! We are in our 4th week now & there was a little bit of shuffling, but fortunately most of us got to stay together in the same classes (at least my classes)! Expect to see scores on School Loop next week. :) U.S. History= Your Study Guide & Timeline are due this week on the day of your Chapter 1 Test! That is Wednesday, 9/26 for 1st, 3rd, & 5th periods and Thursday, 9/27 for 2nd period! Remember that there will be a map of the original 13 colonies & for extra credit you can write out the Preamble to the Constitution. AP Euro= Your homework is to read pages 459-477 for class on Thursday...there may be a reading quiz! You also received a new study guide in class for Chapter 14 (totally revamped...you're welcome) that is due on our next test day...Tuesday, October 9th. Also you were given the prompt for your 3rd journal entry in your spiral notebook...

Yesterday was Constitution Day marking the 225th Anniversary of the United States Constitution! U.S. History= You have now taken your first quiz (well a few of you still need to make it up) and our first test is just around the corner! Your study guide & "Events leading to the American Revolution" timeline are due next week on your test day (Wednesday, 9/26 for odd periods & Thursday, 9/27 for even periods). AP Euro= Please finish reading Chapter 13 for class on Wednesday (pages 434 to 439). There will be a reading quiz covering Chapter 13 on Wednesday, 9/19. Also Journal #2 for your spiral notebook is to read pages 442 & 443, then answer question #2 on page 443, be sure to explain why! (Remember...journals are collected after every 3 to 4 entries.) Our test on Chapters 12 & 13 is this Friday, 9/21...your study guides on these two chapters are also due on the test day. You get points for doing the study guides & they will help you be better prepare

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew."  - President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001 U.S. History= You have a map quiz on Friday, 9/14 (for odd periods) & Monday, 9/17 (for even periods)...be sure that your map is completed & ready to turn in on that same day! You also received a Chapter 1 Study Guide this week...it is due on the day of your test...Wednesday, 9/26 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 9/27 (for even periods). AP Euro= Your quiz on The Prince & Candide is on Thursday, 9/13...your essays must be uploaded to www.turnitin.com by the end of the week as well. Check in with me if you need help figuring out how to get that done. Chapter 13 was passed out in class today...please have pages 407-408 r

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! Don't forget to share the forms from class with your parents and guardians and bring the signed forms back to class this week! Be sure to stay connected with what's going on in class by checking this blog at the start of each week. You can subscribe to get specific updates for your class by texting @kirbyrush (for U.S. History) or @kirbapeuro (for AP Euro) to (442) 333-4081 or emailing kirbyrush@remind101.com (for U.S. History) or kirbapeuro@remind101.com leaving the subject line and body blank to subscribe to class updates. U.S. History= Signed syllabus & Academic Honesty policy are due by Thursday (for odd periods), 9/6 and Friday, 9/7 (for even periods). A United States map will be given out in class this week! AP Euro= We'll talk about our first assignment (that many of you did over the summer) in class this week. Your signed syllabus, Academic Honesty policy, & AP Euro contract are due by Friday, 9/7.  Be prepared for a

Here we are at the last week of school! You should know the drill by now, but in case you don't here it is again: Monday= 1st period final (8:00am-10:00am) & 5th period final (10:20am-12:20pm) Tuesday=  2nd period final (8:00am-10:00am) & 6th period final (10:20am-12:20pm) Wednesday= 3rd period final (8:00am-10:00am) & 7th period final (10:20am-12:20pm Thursday= 4th period final (8:00am-10:00am) & 8th period final (10:20am-12:20pm) Final grades will be posted by Thursday for all classes (with the exception of 4th period...it might take me until Friday to finalize your grades). Check back later in the week for some photos of the classes! Have you seen this ad using security camera footage... check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auNSrt-QOhw

U.S. History Film Festival is tomorrow (Tuesday, June 12th) starting at 6pm just outside the south side of Beek Hall. Tuesday & Wednesday will be devoted to reviewing for our finals...come prepared with questions! Final study guides, stamped work, & your textbooks are due this week (Thursday for odd periods & Friday for even periods)! On that same day you will be taking part one of your second semester final...please take the time to use the study guide so you can be prepared to do your best.

TODAY is the day your film projects are due & there are still 9 groups that have not turned anything in! Please check your School Loop email for a message I sent regarding the Film Festival (Tuesday, June 12th from 6-8pm) and other end of the school year details! Your final study guides will be given out in class at the beginning of the week...please do NOT wait until the last minute to get to work on them! These Study Guides are due 6/14 (for odd periods) and 6/15 (for even periods). I will have a calendar in class by the end of the week to show you what we have on our agenda for the rest of our class meetings.

Your focus this week should be on finishing your project that makes up 20% of your semester grade! The group Film Project is due on Monday, June 4th...no exceptions! The Film Festival will take place on Tuesday, June 12th in Beek Hall from 6-8pm (more details to follow).

I hope you're all going after your best scores possible on the STAR/CST tests! I won't see most of you until the end of the week, when we are back on a "normal" schedule for Thursday & Friday. We will pick up with finishing the 70s then it's on to the 80s! Don't forget to be working on your film project...the final due date (June 4th) is coming up quick!

       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 that will be sponsored by Exchange Clubs nationwide this year. This is the second year they have set up this display. As members of the Exchange Club have said, “It’s not pro-war, or anti-war, it’s strictly to honor our service men and women.”          Being that our U.S. History classes have just finished learning about the Vietnam War, I thought that this would be something great for you to see and experience. And we are coming up on Memorial Day which is a National Holiday honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty. I am offering 10 points of extra credit for you to go out and see this awesome display at the park located at Dover Drive and Castaways Lane.          In addition to the display of flags they have several other special e

U.S. History= We've got a lot going on in class this week so be sure to check in if you miss class due to AP Testing! We are continuing with the 1970s. No homework right now except for your group project. Be sure to be in good communication with your group...the project deadline is coming up quick! Check back at the end of the week for a little extra credit opportunity!

U.S. History= Your Vietnam & Counterculture Era Study Guide is due this week (Wednesday, 5/9 for odd periods and Thursday, 5/10 for even periods). We will be taking our test that same day...so be prepared (use Chapter 16 sections 1-4 & Chapter 17 section 1 as a point of  reference in your review). P.S. If you are taking an AP and will be missing class, please take the time to do the right thing and talk to your teacher so you can get/make-up what you have missed. Thank you!               

Heads up about a couple of things this week... #1- If you went to Peer Court last week your write-up is due this Wednesday, 5/2. #2- Friday, 5/4 is a Traditional Day...you will have ALL of your classes that day. #3- There is a new homework assignment this week (in addition to working on your group project)! U.S. History= We are moving on in the textbook, forging ahead to Chapter 16 and studying about the Vietnam War era. You will get a new study guide in class this week that is due Wednesday, 5/9 (for odd periods) and Thursday, 5/10 (for even periods). Don't lose it...in addition to it being the study guide the backside is a different assignment that you are going to learn about in class on Friday!

U.S. History= We are moving along...there will be a Chapter 15 Quiz on Thursday, 4/26 (for odd periods) and Friday, 4/27 (for even periods) covering the Kennedy & Johnson Years. Be sure to study...the textbook & what we've covered in class is all fair game for the quiz! Also your 3rd Quarter grades will be posted by Wednesday. Extra Credit Alert... here is way to earn some extra credit for class to make-up some points or pad your grade a bit on Wednesday, April 25th by attending Peer Court after school in the Social Hall from 3:05-5:05. 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 outcome? Why? Additionally some of you will have the

U.S. History= This week marks the end of the 3rd Quarter...that means we have our District 3rd Quarter Exam. The Study Guide you were given prior to the break is due soon (Friday, April 20th for odd periods and Monday, April 23rd for even periods). In other news, your project scripts & storyboards will be given back midweek. Have you been communicating with your group for the class project? Be sure to be working cooperatively with your group...participation is a must & will be reflected in your project grade!

U.S. History= Remember that the final draft of your script & storyboard are due on Friday, April 6th (for all classes)! This is important as it will fulfill your 3rd Quarter project in the grade book. There will be a Quiz on Chapter 14 and the Civil Rights movement on Thursday, 4/5 (for odd periods) and Friday, 4/6 (for even periods)...if you know you will not be in class that day please make arrangements to take the Quiz before the break!

U.S. History= Study Guides are due today (3/26) & tomorrow (3/27) as we are taking our Cold War and 1950s Test as well. Your rough drafts of the scripts & storyboards will be returned to you mid-week. Remember that the final drafts are due on Friday, April 6th (for all classes)!

...when winds are soft, and the days are warm and clear, just like a gentle lamb, then spring is here." -Author Unknown U.S. History= You have work due this week! Be sure to be in good communication with your group members, especially since your rough draft of the Story Board and Script are due on Friday, 3/23 (no matter what period you are in). You also have a Study Guide to turn in this week (it's shorter & you know it) due on Thursday 3/22 (for odd periods) and Friday, 3/23 (for even periods).

Hope you are adjusting to the time change...it always seems to come as a shock to the system on the Monday after we "spring" forward! U.S. History= Second Semester Projects are being discussed in class this week, remember that your rough draft of the Story Board and Script are due on Friday, 3/23 (no matter what period you are in). You also have a Study Guide to be working on (it's shorter & you know it) due on Thursday 3/22 (for odd periods) and Friday, 3/23 (for even periods). "May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.” -Irish Blessing

...and the wind began to roll, And in the wild March-morning I heard them call my soul.” - Lord Alfred Tennyson U.S. History= We are transitioning this week! We are finishing up our unit on World War II and will be moving on to the Cold War & the 1950s. Also this week in class we will be visited by the counselors because next week you will be registering for your senior year! (Wow...that was fast!) ***Reminder that your Second Semester Film Project commitment forms are due by Friday, 3/9. (Turn them in to me...do not leave them on my podium or give it to another person.)

Welcome back...hope you enjoyed the break! U.S. History= You have homework due soon...that means this week for some of you! Your homework for this unit (maps of the European & Pacific Theaters of World War II as well as the Chapter 10 & 11 Study Guide), is due on Friday, 3/2 (for odd periods) & Monday, 3/5 (for even periods). We will be taking your World War II Unit Test that same day...so be sure to study & be prepared! Extra Credit Alert ...here is another way to earn some extra credit for class to make-up some points or pad your grade a bit on Thursday, March 1st by attending Peer Court after school in the Social Hall from 3:05-5:05. 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 ch

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 TemplateFive 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. Second Paragraph: Take Car

U.S. History= You have a Chapter 10 Quiz this week (Thursday, 2/16 for odd periods & Friday, 2/17 for even periods). You MUST take this quiz before the break; there will not be any make-ups for this quiz after the break! To be prepared for the quiz be sure to go through your class notes and Chapter 10 in the textbook (pay special attention to the vocabulary terms). Also you should be working on your homework for this unit (maps of the European & Pacific Theaters of World War II as well as the Chapter 10 & 11 Study Guide), these items are due on Friday, 3/2 (for odd periods) & Monday, 3/5 (for even periods).

A fresh start, that's what the second semester brings! Let's all be sure to get off on the right foot and stay on top of things this semester. U.S. History= New homework packet/assignments are being given out in class on Monday & Tuesday. The Study Guide and World War II Map are due on Friday, March 2nd (for odd periods) and Monday, March 5th (for even periods). Also you should be prepared for a Chapter 10 quiz next week!

"Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary.” -Warren G. Bennis Grades for the Fall Semester (2011-2012) will not be finalized on School Loop until Friday, February 3rd. Scores will continue to be added this week. Thank you for your patience! Here is the schedule at NHHS this week: Monday, 1/30= 8:00am-10:00am 1st period final & 10:20am-12:20pm 5th period final Tuesday, 1/31= 8:00am-10:00am 2nd period final & 10:20am-12:20pm 6th period final Wednesday, 2/1= 8:00am-10:00am 3rd period final & 10:20am-12:20pm 7th period final Thursday, 2/2= 8:00am-10:00am 4th period final & 10:20am-12:20pm 8th period final Friday, 2/3= No school for students...see you next week for the start of the Spring Semester!

Finals are fast approaching! Here is what the schedule looks like for you this week: Monday, 1/23= A Day... Odd periods have a Chapter 9 Quiz Tuesday, 1/24 = B Day... Even periods have a Chapter 9 Quiz Wednesday, 1/25 = A Day... Odd periods will turn in the 2nd Quarter Study Guides & take the district portion of the final. Also you will bring your stamped work & QODs to be recorded. Thursday, 1/26 = B Day... Even periods will turn in the 2nd Quarter Study Guide & take the district portion of the final. Also on this day your stamped work & QODs will be recorded. Friday, 1/27 = Traditional Day... all periods will be devoted to a final review for the second part of your final next week .

US History= You have final study guides to be working on. Your study guide & the first parts of your final is next week (Wednesday, 1/25 for odd periods & Thursday, 1/26 for even periods)! By the end of this week we will have finished Chapter 9 & youwill know the game plan for the classes we have between now & the final. Don't forget to make a plan for all of your finals studying!

The author of the above quote is best know for what book? You might recognize his style of illustrations below. Well here we are getting back in to the swing of things. Please try to stay on top of your work, as the end of the semester always seems to be a hectic time. Use your time wisely, write down the due dates and carve out study time in your planner. Prioritize & don't expect all of your teachers to make exceptions for you at the last minute because your grade isn't where you want it to be now. U.S. History= Your final project for this semester is due Tuesday, 1/11 (for odd periods) and Wednesday, 1/12 (for even periods) as is your Chapter 7 & 8 Study Guide! Remember, as per the syllabus, projects are not accepted late (so even if you are not at school your project better find a way to get to class)! We will be taking the chapter 7 & 8 assessment and then continuing our studies of the Great Depression and New Deal Era. Be on the lookout for a final study guid

Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful break; before we know it the semester will be over. We will be getting through Chapter 9 before the end of the semester. I hope you're rested and ready to go in 2012! U.S. History= A new Study Guide was passed out in class at the start of this week for Chapters 7 & 8, it is due on Tuesday, 1/10 (for odd periods) and Wednesday, 1/11 (for even periods). Don't forget that your Alphabet Soup Can Project is due that same day (it's worth 10% of your semester grade so be sure to do a good job).