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