Greetings ALL

Hey there my faithful students! I am very sorry that I have not been keeping up on the blog. This year has brought about many changes in my personal and professional life. First, on December 18th Rich and I are going to get married!

~claps hands~ SOOOOO uber exciting!

Second, I am teaching high school this year and really learning so many new and wonderful skills!

So many of you have e-mailed me and asked for a pic of my dress, but it's bad luck for the groom to see...soooooo you will all have to tune in on Wednesday to FOX10 news on the 9:40am segment to see!

Miss all of you and hope to hear from y'all soon!

~waves~

Ms. Lines

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mother's day to all the Mothers on this blog (or follow to be sure your child is doing homework!) In honor of both Mothers day and teacher apprecitation week, here are some prompts to use to begin your post:

1.) Write an open letter to your mom.

2.) Write a poem in honor of teacher you remember or currently know.

3.) Write about your future using this statement, "I know my future kids will really love me because…"

4.) Write one of your favorite memories of mom. It could be a special time or event that you shared.

5.) Write a post about using Ishmael's voice: What kind of poem or post would he put about his Mom. You may use his step Mom or even Ms. Laura Simms as the Mother.

See my contribution below:

Dear Mrs. Langhbein,

I know that you gave me an F on my report card, so that I would work harder, and push myself to be the best, and who I am today. I am sorry that I rolled my eyes at you about how stricked you were with me and my classmates. I am however NOT sorry that I smarted off to you about the F you gave me for "spelling". You asked me a straightforward question about my grade and I replied to you in a very respectful, calm and educated way; Here is how that conversation went:

Mrs. Langhbein: Why do you not take this seriously? Spelling counts in more than the test, it counts in every subject!

Ms. Lines: I disagree that my spelling grade should count in every subject and on every paper I turn in. Besides,~puts one hand on hip while talking with the other~ one day, there will be a program that correct all the spelling mistakes. ~casually shrugs shoulders~

Mrs. Langhbein:~Stern voice~ Well, that is no excuse to not know how to spell and then, demonstrate your ability by writing it on paper. Besides, until this program of yours is invented, you will need to keep working with pencil and paper. Your ability needs improvement. My grade stands.

Ms. Lines: That is totally unfair! ~stomping foot~ I am at least trying, and now I have to take summer school!?!?!?!?

Mrs. Langhbein: Perhaps an extra six weeks, practicing will help you be a better speller?!?

Ms. Lines: Well, I can tell you that it won't help me lose weight! ~folds arms and pouts~

In honor of teacher week, here is what I have to say now: "Look! It's amazing! My prediction came true!"

~nods head~

Yes, I know that you students have head me say this too. Who know how wise she was? *hmpht*

~looks around~

Sadly, my parents made me go to summer school anyway. So, thanks for that! I got to read my books and write book reports for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, all my friends got to swim, hang out at the store, playing at the park and riding bikes. (Yes, that is sarcasm.)

All schnarkiness aside, I do want to thank you and remember you, for all that you molded us into the adults we are today. Rest in peace and may you know that your legacy lives on: "Spelling counts in EVERY subject".

Best regards,

Ms. Lines

The end of the new beginning

In chapter 21, Ishmael says, "I couldn't return to my previous life. I don't think I could make it out alive this time." page 203.

That statement is so profound. I couldn't help but think, how many other teenagers have the same thought? While most teenagers do not become soldiers, or have to kill or be killed by the age of 12, they still face challenges everyday. The feelings of being "stuck" in a situation that you can not possibly imagine your way out of. Most adults call that a milestone in the development of becoming an adult.

I have spent some time thinking about that statement over and over this weekend. I can't help but wonder if Ishmael was talking about mentally, physically or both.

Even after his rehabilitation, he was still faced with so many challenges. What motivated him to leave his family and country and why were more people not trying to do the same? Do the countries in Africa face a similar illegal immigration issue, as we do here in America?

What are some of your thoughts?

Ms. Lines

9th grade Journal week 2

I hope that each and everyone of you had a great weekend!

This week we will be introduced to the "conflict" of the book and the rising and falling action. The story also introduces us to how Ishmaels' journey lead him to the United States and allowed him to finish his education. (The who or what that helped him).

In addition to the Journal entries, we are going to be writing him a letter. Use the friendly letter style, asking him to come visit us here at our school. I will present the details of a "friendly letter" on Wednesday.

I am working on the details to arrange his visit. I want all the letters that go out to be the best work you are capable of. The rough draft will be due on Friday. Be prepared to have to write more and one copy, as we want to stand out.

Remember to complete and publish your journal entries daily and for maximum points, add the passage and page number that you are referring to. Be sure to leave me a message/comment below so I know that you completed the task.
Happy blogging,
Ms. Lines

9th grades journal project.

9th Grade: you will be journaling on a daily basis. Your journal entry should include the following to get maximum points...
1. Excerpt or passages from the book and the page number it is on.
2. Your thoughts and feelings about the passages or chapters you read.
3. Thought provoking questions about the subject matter, revelations about the material and about the situation that Ishmael faces in each chapter.
4. Correct use of grammar and SPELLING!!! No excuses with a spell checker!!!!

An example is that in the end of chapter 4, he and his friends need to steal food. Despite having monies, no one would sell them anything. Do you think that was morally just? When if ever is it ok to steal? Why? What about this story makes you change you mind about stealing?

Some of you may have more questions than thoughts, and that is ok. This is a discovery process. The discovery is about you as much as it is about Ishmael.

I look forward to reading your daily posts. (Monday through Friday except this week, b/c we started on Tuesday) Each entry is worth 5 points, a 25 total each week. Remember Thursday is the field trip and you are still responsible for the entry.

Happy blogging!
Ms. Lines

The count down to summer....

Summer is almost here! Every year keeps getting shorter and shorter.

That is why it is VERY important to get in all your homework turned in on time. Don't wait until the last week of May. If the first few weeks were too stressful, here is a list of possible make-up assignments:

1. Fiction Book report.
2. Various reading comprehension handouts.
3. Geography/Social Studies worksheets.
4. Essay writing assignment: writing prompts.
5. ANY test, quiz, homework assignment can be corrected and turned back in for a possible 100%.

Students: All you need to do is see me before or after school for assignments. This will not take the place of an assignment, rather help you with your final grade. You make take full advantage of the "correct and return" policy. This is your chance to get 100% on any assignment. Remember that the correction sheet needs to be stapled to the front of what ever assignment you want a better score on. ***Tests, quizzes and homework**** ANY!!! Everyone should have an A!!!!!!

Parents: Please email me: (kmlines513@gmail.com or klines@vistasleadership.org ) or call with any questions. Corrections to the test, quizzes and homework assignments should be done weekly. The sooner I get them back, the sooner I can correct and modify the grade.

Ok, now class, we are burnin' daylight! Lets get to it!
Ms. Lines

Midterm Make-up writing prompts

There is an old adage that states, "...ask and you shall receive". You all asked for make up assignments and now *poof* YOU get them!!! ~waves wand over computer~

Practice identifying the following:
1. Subject?
2. Audience?
3. Purpose?
4. Form?

Next, create a web to help organize what your topic and focus will be. After you finish, then do a free write. Once you complete that, then write your first draft. Finally, you will turn in the piece for review from Ms. Lines and I will let you know, if it is ready to be "published" on your blog.

The following are writing prompts that you can use for make up essay questions:
1. Imagine that you have been elected as the President of our country. What kinds of new laws might you make? What would life be like? What political changes would you want to make? Us vocabulary words from unit 1-20.(Valued 20 points)

2. Write a book report on the last book you read. (50point value)

3. Write a story using the following story starter:
"Get out of the way!" said the school principal as the storm moved closer. Use vocabulary
words from all year (unit 1-20). (20 point value)

4. Write a poem: You may choose from the following formats: haiku, rhyming, limerick, "Roses are Red", shape poem, free verse, or ballad. Some suggested objects are: a mirror, rainbow, an itch, a slice of cheese, sunset or sunrise, city sky line, a balloon or a picnic. The poem should have emotion expressed such as: Jealousy, pain, anger, happiness, silly, fear, embarrassment, hope or frustration. (15 point value)

Each student who wants to complete this make up assignment needs to label the hand written page, and submit to Ms. Lines in the folder. They will be marked and returned. If they are ready for publishing, the students will add to blogger at that time.

Students will then leave me a message on my home page to let me know that the last "I" is dotted and "T" is crossed.

Happy make up work time! I am excited to read all of your submissions.
Ms. Lines

Assignments January 11-15

7th & 8th Grade: This week we will be writing Bio poems. Only Teacher approved poems will be posted to the students' blog. Here is an example of a Bio poem I wrote several years ago:

I am from the winds of the North and the Cascade Mountains to the East.

I am from where the crosswinds blow the hint of Pine, Fir, and Tamarack trees. In the Spring you can smell the apple and cherry blossoms, and the sweet smell of wheat fields on a cool spring day. Where the four seasons are welcomed like a new dawn, on a fresh day.

I am from the young love of high school sweethearts that grew into the adults that gave me the strength and wisdom beyond my young years. Who taught me that life is not always fair. They gave me the ability to earn what you want and appreciate what you have.

I am from my Grandparents Southern influence and religious teachings. Saturday mornings at church and afternoons on nature hikes in the woods. Games of Scrabble, aggravation and debates about the world, at our lake retreat. Mornings drinking coffee and playing search a words in bed.I am from wise strong women who raised children and had careers, long before it was popular, women who were not afraid to have some fun and adventures with their children and grandchildren, take kids to Disneyland and snow skiing in the winter.

I am from the warm desert wind that smells of cactus flowers and orange blossoms. I am from a sister that is a mother, a daughter, a sister and herself a wise strong women. She is a teacher for her young children, and an inspiration to me, for my future family.

I am from my Lord and Savior who would not have taught me all that I have come to know, if it didn’t have a purpose. Who has shown me that Miracles and unanswered prayers are open windows, from the closed doors. That life is not always fair, which is why he died so that I could live.

Remember you need permission PRIOR to POSTING. Have a great week and I look forward to reading your rough drafts!

Ms. Lines

Happy New year! Jan. 4-8 Assignment.

Happy New Year!

Dear students,

This term we are, "going back to the drawing board" and re-learning the six traits of writing. The class focus will be on the actual writing process with paper and pencil, IN CLASS.

~Pauses for the students reactions~

Yes, students, I know that many of you are somewhat relieved, while others are "groaning" at the idea. Don't worry, we will be posting only our "finished" final drafts here over the next semester. The writing prompts will still be posted as they are assigned, and copies to those who have a spiral journal, will still be made.

In addition to this writing practice, we will be working with idioms or words and phrases journals. The purpose of our written journals will be for the brainstorming and help constructing rough drafts. Only approved final drafts will be "published" to our blogs.

Have a Happy New Year and enjoy our writing practice!

Ms. Lines