Welcome students, parents and anyone interested in my corner of the world.  There are two separate posts below of what to expect if you are in journalism or psychology.  Below that is a synopsis of what this corner of the world will look like.  Please scroll down to the Welcome to the World post.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me through this blog or through school email.  I always look forward to hearing from students and parents.

Introduction to Journalism 2nd Period:
TEKS 110.62
(a) Introduction
(1) Students enrolled in Journalism write in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. High school students enrolled in this course are expected to plan, draft and complete written compositions on a regular basis, carefully examining their papers for clarity, engaging language and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English.
In Journalism, students are expected to write in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communications skills.
Writing, technology, visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write and produce effective communications.
Students enrolled in Journalism will learn journalistic traditions, research self-selected topics, write journalistic texts and learn the principles of publishing.

Monday :  Course introduction, benefits and requirements of class.  Walkabout observation and response as springboard for course content.

Tuesday:
With the over-arching goals, as stated in the TEKS in mind, the first week of school we will explore the importance of the written word in a variety of forms. I will expose students to different styles of dynamic writing, challenge them to articulate their responses to the selections both orally and in writing.
Wednesday: Students will bring in one book or article that has impacted them in some way and share why and how the selection was significant for them.
Thursday: Students will respond in writing to question: Why is the Pen Mightier Than the Sword and substantiate answer with facts and examples (both personal & historical).
Friday: Study Skills review.

Psychology 1st & 2nd Periods:
TEKS 113:36 Knowledge & Skills Objectives:
(1) The individual in Society: The goal is for the student to understand the dynamics of the relationship between self and others to be a contributing member of the community. The student is expected to:
(A) participate in class as a leader & a follower
(B) adjust behavior appropriately to fit various situations
(C) contribute to the development of a supportive climate in groups, and
(D) accept and fulfill social responsibilities associated with citizenship in a group setting.
(16) Social Studies Skills: The student will develop long-term and short-term goal-setting skills for individual & community problem solving. The student will be able to:
(A) illustrate the relationship & sequence between intermediate goals & terminal goals
(B) monitor and evaluate self-directed inquiry or projects for timelines, accuracy and goal attainment

Monday: Last First Day of School activities & reflection
Individual Goal Setting for students’ senior year (the written goals will be placed in an envelope, sealed and eventually placed in the diploma packet students will receive at graduation.
Tuesday: Lecture, discussion & viewing of Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture
Wednesday: Journal assignment: Lifetime goals (50 Things I want to do before I die)
Thursday: Discussion of goals; Overview of Course Topics, Intro to Origins of Psychology, Myth of Psyche (handouts)
Friday: Senior Friday: College Goals, Timeline, Deadlines, Financial Aid & Scholarship Info.

I would like to welcome all of my new and returning students. I am very excited about all of my classes. You are entering a classroom that I hope you find welcoming, exciting and comfortable. With that said, expect to be challenged to think critically and to participate actively.  I am a global learner and teacher.  That means, that regardless of the subject you are enrolled with me you can expect to stretch your boundaries intellectually to cover myriad subjects.  I am passionate about learning and teaching.  It is my goal that you become, if you aren’t already, an insatiably curious student.  I will help you hone your critical thinking skills, your writing skills, your people skills, and your goals for the future.  In fact, it is important for you to realize that YOU are the future of our community, state and nation.

I would especially like to welcome my senior psychology kids. About half of the senior class is  either in 1st or 3rd period…so be prepared to get close…literally. Small room, lots of kids. Despite the size of the classes we will be doing many group activities. Be prepared for a walk down memory lane on the first class day. During the first six weeks we will be learning about the general background (history) of the discipline of psychology and its unique ties to American culture and academia. We will look at research methods and the structure of the brain. We will also sample the latest research on brain structure and development, and how it affects individuals. We will also pursue the development of individual leadership skills, goal setting and planning for life after high school. This is a course that is jam packed with academic info, personal development and group dynamics. On many Fridays we will have ‘Senior Fridays’ which will focus on planning for college or career.  We will make sure you know admissions deadlines, know how to troll for scholarships, know how to read a college catalog, plan your schedule and study skills for the future, and guys, the FUTURE IS NOW and YOU are it.  I look forward to growing with you. In the spring the course offered is sociology which is the study of group patterns of behavior.

Future reporters in 2nd period J1, welcome. This is an intro class that is structured as a mass media course. We will discuss what journalism is and why it is important to maintain our freedom and the integrity of our government. At this time we have about 23 kids enrolled in this class. This is an ACADEMIC elective that focuses on writing and critical thinking. It is primarily a lecture and multi-media class experience. Be prepared to enhance the skills you are learning in English and social studies classes. Also be prepared to express yourself orally and in writing at higher and higher levels as the year progresses. You may even have the opportunity to be published in the yearbook or newspaper. One of the most exciting elements of your choice of electives is that research shows that students who have been involved in journalism in high school have a much greater success rate in college.

Roughneck & Gauger Journalists: Welcome family! Do NOT forget that YOU are a member of the working press. You are viewed in the professional world as a scholastic journalist. We are charged with creating publications that tell the story of this place at this time. YOU are responsible for recording the history of White Oak ISD at this time, in this place.  What a privilege!  For the veterans, you know the level of work required and the hours necessary to create the excellence our program is known for locally and nationally. Get ready…pen and cameras in hand to hit the ground running. For those of you new to staff…what is required is first of all a tremendous work ethic, secondly reporting and writing ability, and always the ability to deal with people, deadlines, stress and multiple responsibilities. I can’t wait to see your creativity develop as the year progresses.  The perceived product is the yearbook and newspaper.  The actual product is YOU!

My classroom and publication rooms are filled with resources. I am one of them. I will be happy to help you academically now and to help you prepare for your future. However, on Tuesdays and Thursdays I will be teaching Dual Credit United States History 1301 in the fall and 1302 in the spring for Kilgore College during lunch and 5th period. During that time NO meetings or phone calls will be accepted.

Once again, welcome to my world.  Some of us will learn to think like da Vinci, write with credibility, recognize the integrity of sources and to create, brainstorm and share our ideas and products.  I am excited and I hope that you are as well.