Introductory Video Assignment

Instead of us going around the room and having you tell the class something memorable about yourself, we are going to make a video all about---you! Well not you personally, but the entire class. So, what I would like you to do is: bring in an object (photograph, item of personal significance, etc.) that represents who you are or a major part of who you are. For example: drum sticks if you are a musician. We will hopefully film next class---so don't forget!

Welcome Back!: Class syllabus, initial assignments, introductions, etc., etc., etc.

Please write the answers to the following questions on your index card:
1. Name (nickname)
2. homeroom teacher's name, room # /shop
2. your address
3. parent contact #, name, best time to call
4. additional emergency contact
5. teacher last year/ approx. grade
6. How do you feel about your reading and writing skills? 1-10?
7. What are your favorite types of things to read/write?
8. What do you find the most boring or difficult?
9. How do you feel about typing papers and using the internet for assignments?
10. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
*Anything additional or important info you think I should know

Obama Speech

Obama's speech to America's children

Obama speech video

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.
This is the basic idea that we will be exploring this year. What is the American Dream? Where did it come from? Is it possible to attain at all and for all? What restrictions are there?

Your first written assignment:
1.Respond to the President:
So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?

Summer Reading Assignment

I will be passing out the BPS summer reading assignment. This reading will be assessed next fall (for sure this time) by the city and will count towards your first quarter average. If you are not in attendance, or lose it, you can obtain another copy here: Buffalo Public Schools Summer Reading Program link.

Final Course Reflection-- Have a great summer!

I have genuinely enjoyed spending the year with this group. I hope you will take what you learned in this room on to the next level. As a final response, I would just like to know what you really thought of the class. Here are a few points to ponder:
1. Do you believe this class helped you improve your reading and/or writing skills?
2. Do you believe I genuinely cared about your success in this room?
3. How do you feel your behavior/motivation has affected your grade in this class?
4. Do you feel the grading process was fair and clear to you?
5. What do you feel helped add or take away from your learning experience in this roon?
6. What was your favorite piece of lit. we read this year and why?
7. Any final thoughts for me, on your work this year, hopes for the future?

The American Dream: Final Project Videos!

Wow! I have to say--I am very impressed!

The Åmerican Dream: An Instructional Video


Ride or Die: Coming Soon!: Movie Trailer


Is this the American Dream?: Documentary Video


What is the American Dream?: Documentary Video (sorry about the edits Dylan)


The American Dream: The Game Show


This is the American Dream? or This is Not What I Expected: A Short Film

extra credit thank yous,,,

1. netbook
2. scanner
3. novels and research paper guides
4. ap materials, novels, ap articles, study guides


post separately into Comments or send through GoogleDocs