A Tribute to Students of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Connecticut

Sandy Hook Tribute from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

In memory of the 20 stupendous students who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, my students and I hung 20 Santa caps in our classroom. We are heartbroken that your loved ones did not get to celebrate the 7th and 8th nights of Hanukkah with you. Christmas will not be as merry this year. You are gone, but you will always be in our hearts.

Destiny - My Heritage Matters

Destiny - My Heritage Matters from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Fabulous! Do you think your heritage is special? Well, I do! My awesome heritage should be celebrated because I am a beautiful African-American girl. In Africa, we eat everything with pepper in it. I think my heritage is special because I have an interesting heritage, and I love who I am. I am African because my parents are from Liberia. We value family, friends, and very hard work. If I didn’t celebrate my stupendous heritage, then I would be unhappy. My terrific heritage means a lot to me. Also, I will be miserable if I can’t celebrate my exciting heritage. I think my heritage is exciting because it’s like a surprise party! As you can see, this is a beautiful Liberian fabric behind me. What do you really think about my wonderful heritage?

NiKayla - My Heritage Matters!

NiKayla - My Heritage Matters! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Did you know that people can be four things? Well, I am. I’m happy that I am an American, Puerto Rican, Peruvian, and Portuguese. I get to celebrate all of these heritages. I hope you celebrate your heritage too. My favorite part of being more than one thing is that I get to try different kinds of food everyday. I’m happy this is who I am. This is the Peruvian flag. It is a part of my heritage.

Badr - My Heritage Matters!

Badr - My Heritage Matters! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Everyone should be proud of their heritage. I am certainly proud of my heritage because I am half Moroccan and half Jordanian. These cultures are very different from the American culture. We eat different kinds of food. For example, we eat mencif, hummus, couscous, and kebab. We also have different costumes like a Abaya and Jallaba. These are things you use whenever you pray. Also, we have two important holidays. They are Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr. Before Eid, we have to fast for one month and then we have a celebration. It is like a carnival because there are a lot of rides and we visit with our family. I will never forget my heritage because my heritage is amazing! I love being myself. This is the Jordanian flag, and I like the way it looks.

A Cornucopia of Gratitude - Our Grateful Plateful!

Jorge-Our Grateful Plateful from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
My name is Jorge and my Thanksgiving recipe includes: a dash of love, 2 hands full of kindness, lots of hugs and kisses, 2 cups of giving hearts mixed together in a bowl of family,  a pinch of laughter, a pint of happiness, a gallon of gratefulness, and last but not least a thankful prayer around the dinner table.

Samuel-Our Grateful Plateful from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.
My name is Samuel and my Thanksgiving recipe includes: 2 cups of intelligent, humorous and exquisite sisters, 1 handful of a handsome brother, a pinch of a glamorous mother, 2 teaspoons of an ingenious step-father, 1 minute of love, 1 sprinkle of an eligible father, 1 blend of cooperation, 2 touches of an American and Jamaican heritage, 1 touch of a smart teacher, and a touch of family creativity.  Happy Thanksgiving!

America is...

Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, my students and I had numerous discussions on issues related to traditions, culture, diversity, and discrimination.  Our Points of View lessons culminated with this introspective look at what America means to us.  Digital storytelling is a very effective way of illustrating our ideas and demonstrating that we've mastered lessons intended to stimulate our higher order thinking skills.  
America is....mov from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Freedom Poems!

	We Stand Free...We Stand Proud by Taheem Williams We stand free...we stand proud because we can! It's America! Freedom is a like a breeze A breeze that will touch your soul. It gives us the opportunity to start over. You will have everlasting hope. You can reach for the stars because you're free. Just remember, we stand free...we stand proud!
	Freedom by Beisy Nunez Araujo Freedom is Righteous. It Embraces equality for Everyone. It is definite in the USA. it is obtainable. Most importantly, it is merciful.
	Freedom's Light by Michelle DePena Feedom is love, freedom is faith. It cannot be taken away. It's like a gentle wind Whispering that it loves you... or the dazzling stars of the night sky. Make a wish on its star. It will come true for you. It will shine brightly for every good soul.
	Freedom by Gabrielle Batista Freedom Represents Equality for Everyone. It is Dedicated, Obtainable, and Memorable
	Freedom by Sandra Navarro Freedom is like a spirit deep inside my soul. Respect freedom like freedom respects you. With freedom, you can do it all. Our symbol of liberty is...strong and free is she! Extending her torch, she welcomes everyone To the land of the free and...home of the brave. So, remember to respect and care for our freedom or be enslaved by fear.
	Freedom by Nyree Glover Freedom of opportunity Religion, Equality. It is Effective for people who are Discriminated against, Oppressed, and Most importantly enslaved.
	Freedom is Fair by Michael Rodriguez Freedom is fair. We should respect freedom. We should always love freedom. Freedom is like a bird flying in the sky. Lady Liberty shows a sign of freedom. Freedom should be allowed everywhere. Freedom makes your wishes come true. We all desire freedom because freedom is fair.
	Freedom by Leyla Rosado Freedom is as beautiful as a flower that glows in the sun. Freedom is like a powerful eagle opening its wings. Freedom is lovely and sweet like a cupcake. It's like a wish come true. It's gentle. It can never, ever be broken because it is so powerful.

Communities of Caring-"Beatrice's Goat" and our donation to Heifer International with Ms. Verta and Ms. Ospina!

After our year-long "Penny Jar Fundraiser", our lesson on communities of caring culminated with a reading of the book, "Beatrice's Goat."  My students collected $81.00!  We decided to make a donation to Heifer International.  Take a look at this very poignant lesson on how a small group can make a tremendous difference in the world.

This is a special birthday greeting to our "Marine hero" in Afghanistan!

We have been in regular contact with Sgt. Fabien Nelson, who is a US Marine that was deployed to Afghanistan.  Students communicate with Sgt. Nelson via Skype.  They recite original poems written in honor of freedom and the bravery of our US troops at home and abroad.  It is always encouraging for us to know that we are making a difference in the lives of those who bravely defend our freedom.   Can you imagine how thrilled he was to receive this birthday greeting?

Women's History Art Appreciation-Georgia O'Keeffe # 1

In honor of Women's History Month, my students were treated to a lesson on American female artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Ms. Melanie Davis is an art education major at WPU who serves as a tutor in my classroom. She did an amazing job of inspiring my students to appreciate Ms. O'Keeffe's abstract art form. In usual style, my students' responses are impressive and enlightening!

WPU Tutor-Ms. Davis-Art Appreciation 3/8/12-Georgia O'Keeffe 1 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Women's History Art Appreciation-Georgia O'Keeffe # 2

WPU Tutor-Ms. Davis-Art Appreciation 3/8/12-O'Keeffe 2 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Women's History Art Appreciation-Georgia O'Keeffe # 3

WPU Tutor-Ms. Davis-Art Appreciation 3/8/12-Georgia O'Keeffe 3 from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Digital Citizenship on Classroom Close-UP NJ

3rd Grade Philosophers!

During a read-aloud of "The People Could Fly" by Virginia Hamilton, my students examined symbolism and imagery in American Black folktales. It never ceases to amaze me how deeply my students think and are able to reason beyond the obvious. We will endeavor to exercise our higher order thinking skills (HOTS) to preserve our beautiful minds. We have the "HOTS" for words! A few students shared insightfully. In the end, Angel punctuated our analysis with a very poignant message that encapsulated his classmates' sentiments in a remarkable way. He took my breath away!

Ask Me-Angel's philosophy on symbolism in American Black folktale from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Poet Suzie Johnson-Scott provides editing help to Nine, an aspiring poet!

My students and I are blessed to have many volunteers from the community who share their time and talent with us. During a recent tutoring session, Nine was treated to an enlightening and encouraging moment. He had no idea that his style of writing was reminiscent of Langston Hughes' in "Dreams." Imagine that. Our tutors rock! Ms. Johnson-Scott's book of poetry, "Keep Smiling, Standing Strong," is quite inspirational.

Tutors-Suzie Johnson-Scott-editing work with Nine, the poet! from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Our PS # 12 local celebrity!

Germir Robinson is a 6th grader at PS # 12 who was born in Paterson on 7/29/00. He possesses an excellent spirit! Did you know that he is our local celebrity? Well, his body of work includes such movies and TV programs as: Da Brick, Celebrity Ghost Stories, American Gangster, Bully, Lunch Money, UnderAchievers, Change, Person of Interest, The Dave Chappelle Show, The History Channel's American Revolution project, and numerous commercials. He aspires to become an actor or a professional basketball player. We believe that he is destined for greatness! To learn more about Germir's acting resume, visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3317072/.

Paterson-Germir Robinson-PS #12 local celebrity from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Tango @ WPU with Tutors Mrs. Kourani, Mr. Mankin, and Ms. Victor

In partnership with William Paterson University, PS # 12 is a Professional Development School. Endeavoring to expand my students' "Points of View," I often expose them to the arts. At a recent performance of her senior recital, a few of my students went in support of violinist, Nadya Kourani. It is an evening that they will not soon forget! Amid the elements that would otherwise discourage, my students are privilege to experience periodic glimpses of hope that reassure them that success is within their grasp.

WPU Tutors-Mrs. Kourani, Mr. Mankin, and Ms. Victor-Tango @ WPU from Fast Track Video on Vimeo.

Social Action-"Stop the Drugs!"-Suicide vs. Homicide...

Stop the Drugs! – This on-going digital story was created in response to an over-whelming presence of drug paraphernalia and litter left in a neighborhood park that my students and I adopted as a part of our social action project. We've chronicled the heart-felt reaction of my students to the elements within their immediate environment that can truly blight the potential of their beautiful minds. Their words speak volumes about how these innocent observers are poised to become world changers.

Social Action-"Stop the Drugs!"-Our Message

Stop the Drugs! – This on-going digital story was created in response to an over-whelming presence of drug paraphernalia and litter left in a neighborhood park that my students and I adopted as a part of our social action project. We've chronicled the heart-felt reaction of my students to the elements within their immediate environment that can truly blight the potential of their beautiful minds. Their words speak volumes about how these innocent observers are poised to become world changers.

A South African Brain Teaser!

During our meeting with Steve Sherman of Living Maths in South Africa, we were treated to a wonderful brain teaser. My students and I were encouraged to use our "HOTS" or higher order thinking skills to figure out the word problem. How thrilled we were to be introduced to the language and beauty that is Cape Town! Thanks to Stefan Nielsen, our partner in Denmark, we look forward to experiencing a unique cultural exchange with our South African friends on a weekly basis. It's always a treat for us to develop our critical thinking skills while learning about people from far away lands.

Ask Me-Anna-Lessons learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Ask Me" is a segment that solicits candid answers to questions that are student and teacher generated. The range of questions varies based on students' knowledge about contemporary issues. During morning meetings, students are encouraged to become experts on any given topic. Their responses to questions are a mix of satire and sagely wisdom. It is never whimsical but is always poignant.

Ask Me-Anna-Lessons from Dr. MLK, Jr. on 1/13/12 from Dave Perloff on Vimeo.

Ask Me-Interview with Mrs. Anderson-"Why do we do Points of View projects?"

"Ask Me" is a segment that solicits candid answers to questions that are student and teacher generated. The range of questions varies based on students' knowledge about contemporary issues. During morning meetings, students are encouraged to become experts on any given topic. Their responses to questions are a mix of satire and sagely wisdom. It is never whimsical but is always poignant.

I smile because. . .

"My students are a constant source of inspiration. They make me smile!" - Mrs. Carlene Anderson
	Beisy: "If my teacher was my mother, then I would smile. I would smile because she is like my real mother. Whenever I think of my mom I smile. I smile because she is beautiful. When I think about myself, I also smile. Do you know why I smile whenever I think about myself? I smile because I am gorgeous! When I see my stepmom, I smile. I smile because she treats me like my mom treats me. Whenever I hug my dad, I smile. I smile because I pretend that I am hugging my mom."
	Iz'Jahmier: "When you smile, do yo like it? Well, when I smile, I do like it. I like it because I don't have to be in the shadows. I like to show my beauty and my passion. When I smile, I feel like I can't lose hope. I love to smile! You should too."
	Nine: "Wow, have you smiled lately? I have! I smile because my dad makes jokes. Also, I smile because my brother and sister are silly. I love smiling because my friends smile back at me."
	Jermaine: "Do you know why I smile? I smile because joy is inside of me. I smile because my family loves me. When my family members look at me, they make me smile. Another reason why I smile is because of my friends and teachers! Whenever I smile it is because of my beautiful life!."
	Riana: "I smile because it makes me look gorgeous. My smile is unique! I also smile because my mom wants me to smile, and she said I am a very pretty girl. I always smile whenever my mom, my brother, and I say jokes. Do you think I have a great smile? I think my smile is beautiful."
	Sandra: "Do you know what makes me smile? When I think of my friends, I smile. Also, I smile whenever I take a picture and whenever my teacher compliments me. I like to smile. Do you? Smiling is great for me and you!"
	Gabrielle: " Do you know why I smile? I smile whenever I am happy. I like to smile. Also, I smile because I want all the people that are around me to know that I am happy. I look cute whenever I smile. That's why I like to smile."
	Dennis: "I wonder why I smile? I smile when something is funny. I love to laugh! Another reason why I smile is to take a picture. Whenever something hits my funny bone, I laugh. Sometimes, I even laugh for no reason at all, but I try to hold it in."
	Michelle: "Do you know why I smile? I smile because of jokes, funny books, and when my mom hugs me. Jokes are funny. Funny books are hilarious! Whenever my mom hugs me, it's lovable. I'm proud of my smile. I'm special because of my smile. Do you like my smile?"
	Sha'Asia: "Wow, have you smiled lately? Well, I smile all the time. My sister and brother make me smile all the time. My life is always fun. School is fun to learn. I have many reasons to smile."
	Tiara: "Wow, have you ever smiled lately? Well, I smile with my friends. I like to smile because I look pretty. I love to smile! Do you like to smile? I think smiling is my favorite expression. Do you know I smile because I think about me having a big house and a nice car when I grow-up? I smile about a lot of things in my life. I am glad that I have a great smile."
	Mrs. Anderson: "Smile! I ask myself, "Why do I smile as often as I do?" Well, I'll share a few reasons why I've smiled lately. The other day, Tiara brought in her homework folder with a note attached. Her mom explained that the dog ate her homework. While reading the note, I smiled. The bite marks in the paper tickled me. Jermaine also brought a smile to my face. He insists on crooning during instruction time. Although I would rather reprimand him for interrupting my lesson, I took a glance into the future and imagine him singing before shouting fans. I smile! My most recent source of amusement in class, was when Angel shared his method of forecasting the weather. He stated that it's more accurate to predict the weather by putting saliva on the tip of your finger and holding it up in the air to judge how the wind blows. He continued very convincingly that the direction of the wind will tell if there is going to be a storm. Isn't that hilarious?

Greetings from Micky Niego and Norman

You make me blush!  I am so happy to have made your acquaintance and to have been so well-received by all of the students as evidenced by the cards that I received in today's mail.  Norman's teacher, Micky