Social Justice - The Mission of Slam Poetry

Good morning, students!

Last week, we began our SOCIAL JUSTICE discussion.  We watched a video about TOMS shoe company and discussed the definition of social justice.  On Friday, we played the Line Game and realized that we have a whole lot of things in common.  Many of you in your reflections talked about how you were surprised that you even had the bad things in life in common - having electicity or water shut off, family in jail, and even being suspended from school. 

In order for us to really understand social justice, we have to have empathy - the ability to understand and feel the pain and plight of another person.  We must be able to feel for each other if we want to make a difference.

One important way that we develop empathy is by listening to each other's stories and sharing our own.  Through the power of creativity, we can write poetry that others can hear and can help us heal.  That is what this unit is all about.  Don't be afraid to write boldly.  Write about what matters to you so that your classmates can develop empathy and that we can all unite under a common mission of social justice.

Ryan Gosling's 'ReGeneration' Trailer

JC Honor Revisions - Take 2

Good morning, Sophomores!

I hope you all had a restful and relaxing break - it's time to get down to business and get this 4th quarter off to a good start! 

Last week, you all were working on revising and uploading your final drafts of your Julius Caesar essays on Google docs.  Unfortunately, I didn't recieve quality work from everyone.  In fact, I'm afraid, that from most of you, I got the bare minimmum effort.  You know that is not acceptable.  My expectations for you are high - especially now that you're only one quarter away from being Juniors.  Let's step it up...

Here are the slides from today's revision discussion and what you are expected to complete by tomorrow night.  That's it folks.  Step up to the plate.