But feel free to take a look at some of my old announcements. You're really diving in deep if you're here, huh?
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The Chapter 2 test will be given on Wednesday for IM 1 and IM 2.
IM 1 Without giving you the direct questions, here's what you should know: Growth (Slope) and Starting Value (y-intercept) from a Graph Where can you find it - 2.1.4 Math Notes - 2.1.4, 2.2.2 HW Questions: 2-18, 2-43, 2-67, 2-98, 2-108 Slope from Two Points Where can you find it - 2.1 Math Notes - 2.1.4 HW Questions: 2-72, 2-85, 2-108, 2-41, 2-64, 2-85 Graphing from Slope-Intercept Form Where can you find it - 2.1.4 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 2-49, 2-62, 2-106 Information from a Situation Where can you find it - 2.2.2 and 2.2.3 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 2-58, 2-66, 2-112 Tile Patterns Where can you find it - 2.1.1 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 2-6, 2-43, 2-61 Function Machines Where can you find it - Chapter 1 Math Notes - Chapter 1 HW Questions: 2-21, 2-51, 2-103 Exponent Rules Where can you find it - 1.3 Math Notes - 1.3.2 HW Questions: 2-7, 2-33, 2-59, 2-97 IM 2 Similarity (Definition and Ratios) Where can you find it - 2.2 Math Notes - 2.2.2, 2.3.1 HW Questions: 2-42, 2-62, 2-78, 2-82, 2-86, 2-108, 2-115, 2-117 Triangle Similarity Statements Where can you find it - 2.3 Math Notes - 2.3.1, 2.3.2 HW Questions: 2-78, 2-84, 2-94, 2-114 Angle Pair Relations Where can you find it - 1.3.1 to 1.3.4 Math Notes - Chapter 1 HW Questions: Chapter 1 Area Models Where can you find it - 1.3.1 Math Notes - 1.3.1 HW Questions: 2-55, 2-79, 2-106, 2-119 Conditional Statements (Converses) Where can you find it - 2.1.3 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 2-27, 2-80, 2-104 Well, that's it. Good luck! -Mr. F With the start of the year, the class had a chance to earn class points. The first 100 point prize is Paper Toss, one of my favorite activities. All students got a piece of paper and very largely, with a marker, wrote the words, "I MADE A MISTAKE". Then, the students crumpled up their paper and stood behind Team G. "You are going to make mistakes in this class. You are going to be frustrated. You're going to want to throw your paper across the room." I said, confidence booming, coffee in hand. "So, instead of just taking out your frustration on the paper, why don't you take your frustration out on me?" Yeah, so the students got ready...some fired a little early... With big smiles and visions or hurting me... Look at how happy they look...do you see the projectiles? They threw right at me! Students really enjoy taking out their frustration on me and constantly ask to throw more paper, but I don't have that kind of time or that kind of tolerance. After all the papers have been tossed, students found the paper they threw and returned back to their tables. As the students opened up the paper, they then started taking markers and added color, following along the creases of the page. Then, I hit them with the symbolism. "When the paper is crumpled up, it represents your brain. See all the wrinkles? When you are working through the material, you will get angry and frustrated. Sometimes, you just want to stop and throw your brain away. Sometimes you want to take it out on me, and you did. The important thing is that you went back and got your brain after you threw it." Some of the students looked confused, but then I explained the color. "Your brain makes connections and memories by transferring information between neurons via the synapses. Every time color is added to the page, that represents the synapses firing between your neurons, and thus, your brain is learning and making connections." Whenever a student makes a mistake, get frustrated, or completes a particularly hard problem, I instruct him/her to add color to the page. As the year goes on and as more color is added, we can see how much the brain is growing.
Now, paper toss doesn't mean the paper NEEDS to be tossed at the teacher, the papers can be thrown at the board. But, I find the students have a little more buy in when I'm stuck in the middle. Either way, I love this activity. However, don't take that as an invitation to throw paper at people! My son doesn't watch a lot of TV through the day. We're usually more into running around outside or dancing to Raffi Radio on Pandora. He enjoys chasing after the dogs, making a mess with paint, helping in the kitchen, and doing puzzles. However, just like his father, he does enjoy his Saturday morning cartoons. Summer mornings were filled with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and Sesame Street. He loves to sing and dance with these shows. Sesame Street, The Wiggles, and Choo Choo Soul songs on YouTube are present while he gets ready for bed. It was during one of these YouTube runs when we came across this video, as many of my students saw in class. We have talked many times about the power of yet. If you're not good at something, you're just not good at it yet. We have established that, in class, we need to look at things with a growth mindset. We discussed changing our words and slapped on post-it notes.
For those of you who were not present in class (half of sixth period or any parents reading), this growth mindset works so well for a lot of aspects in your life. Can't sink that corner three? Keep working and practicing. You just can't hit it...yet. Struggling with a new instrument? Dedicate that time and effort towards it for a few weeks. You'll be knocking out four chord wonders in a heartbeat. Can't fix things around your house? I have many stories of me taking twice as long to do things (basically because I had to do it twice) trying to fix things. I'm just not simply that handy...yet. Now, it only takes me one and a half times as long! The point is, yet can be applied to almost everything. The same goes with math, English, whatever. If you're not good at it, you're not stuck. You're just not good yet. Keep working, practicing, trying, putting forth your best effort. You'll get there. You have only YET to discover what you're capable of. There, a bad pun. That's the power of yet! -Mr. F Finals week is finally here and thus we will end my year of instruction of Math 2.
Most of you (if not all) are very excited to be done. A final consists of all the material that we have covered this semester and it is the last opportunity to show what you know. Why should I miss out on all of the fun? The least I can do is endure a final of my own to help prepare me for the next year, just as you will do this week. So, in an effort to always make myself better, I will have something prepared for each student after they complete their final. It is the least I can do to show that I am invested in you as a student. I hope you keep it for as long as you deem it valuable and remember my words when you need them most. For now, this is Mr. Freds, signing off on the final class announcement of the 2015-2016 school year. Good luck on your finals and to all your future campaigns. -Mr. F The following is an e-mail I received from our principal, Mr. Mark Babiarz. These events really define our school.
Enjoy. -Mr. F This is BEAR NATION Sometimes students, SHS staff, parents, district staff, Board members and community members do not have the opportunity to see and attend all the events that occur throughout the school year that really define our school, district and community. Below are just a few of the highlights from the month of April to the end of school that you need to share with students, SHS staff, district staff, parents, Board members and community members. This is what defines Selma High. This is BEAR NATION! This is BEAR NATION Top 25 Awards banquet honored the top graduates from the Class of 2016 along with their nominated teacher and parents. The Class of 2016 could have 26 Valedictorians which would be the highest number for any graduating class. This is BEAR NATION Doctor’s Academy awards night honored the Class of 2016 students with many who are going to a four year university with a majority of the students majoring in biology with future plans of studying medicine. As was expected, many of these seniors were also in the Top 25 award event as these students are a representation again of the outstanding Class of 2016. This is BEAR NATION The annual school musical this year, “Band Geeks”, displayed the artistic and musical talents of SHS students. Students worked long hours after school and into the evenings to learn lines, learn music and work out blocking to ready for their run of performances. This is BEAR NATION In the area of spring sports, SHS is seeking a total of three Valley Championships for the season with boy’s tennis already crowned Valley Champions. Softball and baseball will look to make a sweep of their sports for SHS this weekend. The dedication of all of our student-athletes is reflected in the grade point averages for our teams along with their results on the courts or field. In addition, do not forget the Girl’s State Wrestling Champions, the boy’s wrestling Division 2 championship and the boy’s basketball Valley Championship title game at Selland Arena. This is BEAR NATION The CNA graduation and Urban/Rural Fire graduations demonstrate the importance of College and Career Readiness for students supported by outstanding teachers and support from VROP. These graduates from both programs are now certified and prepared to enter the work force this summer with many already finding employment or soon to find employment. This is BEAR NATION The AVID Banquet allowed senior students and their parents to be honored for their commitment to college preparedness. These seniors are often the first in their families to attend college and we now have alumni coming back to visit the AVID program with Bachelor degrees and graduate degrees. The AVID program and teachers demonstrate a daily commitment to preparing our students for their future. This is BEAR NATION The Bigs Award night brings together the high school students (Bigs) and their elementary student (Littles) along with their parents and community members to showcase the incredible positive impact this program has on both high school and elementary students. To hear a high school senior describe her relationship with her Little leaves one speechless. Likewise, to hear a sixth grade student state that she wakes up on Thursdays just because she knows she will see her Big today will bring tears to your eyes. This is BEAR NATION The Senior Scholarship awards will again showcase the outstanding students from the Class of 2016 who have earned financial support to continue their goals after graduation. This event also demonstrates the commitment from individuals, service organizations, community members and local businesses as they support the future of Selma and beyond. As mentioned in the smarties and dum-dums kahoot quiz, i recently was nominated for teacher of the year. I didn't win, but it's still a great accomplishment.
So, obviously, I'm at the top of my game. I can't get any better, right? You can call it being stubborn, you can call it being strong willed, you can call it be competitive, but the answer to the question above is a glaring NO. As great as I am (I'm pretty great), there is always room for improvement. This is becoming more and more clear to me as I sit in on this training for technology. I have always thought that I'm pretty savvy when it comes to tech, but as I age, I find it easier and easier to stick with what I know and not try new things. If it has worked until now, then it should still work, right? I have a quote on my computer that says, "If you try something, your risk failure. If you don't, you ensure it." This quote remains true for me today. Of course I can sit back and keep doing what I'm doing, but it's the constant change of teaching that keeps me on my toes. There are so many things that I want to do in the classroom to make your learning better. My classroom gets better every year to the point when you come visit me in a few years, you'll say, "How come you didn't do that when I was here?" I will always respond with, "I get better every year." You should never be complacent with where you are, because there is always room to be better. Complacency will be the death of you, so get to it! I have some new things planned for next year, so if I see you next year, expect great things. -Mr. F The Chapter 9 test will be given on Thursday. The test is five questions (some multiple parts) including one extra credit. Here is the breakdown:
One question (multiple parts) about transformation of the standard parabola. One question on systems of quadratics. One question about changing forms. One question about quadratic inequalities One question about polygon angle sum. One question about combining functions. So, without giving you the direct questions, here's what you should know: Polygon Angle Sum Where can you find it - 8.2.1 Math Notes - 8.2.2 HW Questions: 9-9, 9-33, 9-83, 9-99, 9-144, CL 9-154 Transforming a Quadratic or Absolute Value Function Where can you find it - 9.1.2, 9.1.4 Math Notes - 9.2.1 HW Questions: 9-16, 9-30, 9-42, 9-81, 9-82, 9-98, 9-109, 9-141, CL 9-146, CL 9-151 Rewriting Equations of Quadratic Functions Where can you find it - 9.1.3 Math Notes - 9.2.1 HW Questions: 9-44, 9-57, 9-88, 9-143, CL 9-148 Intersection Points of Linear and Quadratic Functions Where can you find it - 9.2.2 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 9-67, 9-86, 9-96, CL 9-149 One-Variable Inequalities Where can you find it - 9.2.1 Math Notes - 9.2.2 HW Questions: 9-54, 9-87, 9-121, CL 9-150 Functions through Arithmetic Operations Where can you find it - 9.3.4 Math Notes - None HW Questions: 9-118(c), 9-135 Closure Problems to pay attention to: CL 9-146 to CL 9-151, CL 9-154 Well, that's it. Good luck and make sure your notebook is up to date. -Mr. F A couple weeks ago, the entire staff gave an empathy lesson on dress code.
Of course, as expected, when I was going over parts of the dress code, I was hit with many moans, groans, and other weird noises that I didn't know the human body could produce. I was also asked many questions, complaints, and all around comments about the dress code. The point of the lesson was to deal with empathy, as in, the dress code isn't in place to please you, but it is in place to try and protect others. One of the discussions that came from the lesson actually arose in third period when students were asking why tank tops weren't allowed. I tried to show empathy by listening to their words and trying to see the issue from their side. I also tried to get them to show empathy by explaining how some students may feel threatened if a muscle-bound tank top student flexed some intimidation on smaller students. No matter your thoughts of the dress code, I'm sure there is probably one aspect that you would like to change. Whether you want to wear jeans with holes (if it's in the knee, is that really revealing?), wear sports / college teams (if we can act civilized towards our rival teams and agree not to wear Bulldogs because of gang culture, is that acceptable?), change your hair to have color or specific shavings (I don't think Drake distracts many people with his hair style, let alone changing part of it to a dark shade of red?), or even use your cell phone on campus (I text during lunch, why can't you?), did you know that you have the ability to change it? Well, let me reveal the secret of how to do it. First, remember empathy? Think about why the dress code restriction is in place. Do your best to get opinions and facts from ALL sides of the argument. This is generally how you should go about preparing for any debate. If you understand how others feel about a topic, you can help them see your side. This exchange is CRUCIAL to get people on your side. Second, find others who agree with you. Form a petition and have students sign and get on board with your ideas. Ask others what they think and practice your empathy to keep your proposal fair. It would also be helpful to find some teachers (preferably tenured) who will stand with you. Third, think about who makes the rules. We, as teachers, are simply enforcers, so empathize with us when we tell you you're out of dress code. The rule makers are the school board. Attend school board meetings and present your petition and arguments to the school board. They ultimately have the power to change dress code. This has happened before and it is the reason why you are allowed to wear flipflops and open-toed shoes on campus. You are not powerless, you have the ability to make a difference. Keep empathy in mind and you can change what seems unchangeable. Complaining will get you nowhere, but action will take you everywhere. Good luck! -Mr. F Sorry, no class announcement this week. I'm getting caught up on grading tests. Instead, enjoy this throw back:
Being a Lifelong Learner posted May 6, 2014, 1:53 PM by Christopher FredericksI’ve been in the hunt for a new barber. I was tired of making the trek to Fresno every time I wanted to get my hair cut. Plus, with the addition of the beard, the Mrs. has been very adamant about keeping my hair clean. Normally, I would go two, possibly three months between cuts. Let the shag cover the ears, style differently, clean up the sides as needed. But, no more. Shaggy with a goatee? Fine. Shaggy with a beard? Not professional. So, I’ve been trying out different places close by, both to home and work. Recently, I stopped in at the Barber Shop across from the feed store. I asked if they took walk-ins and a barber took me back. I sat down in the chair. He asked what I wanted, I told him, then introduced myself. “Junior,” he said, as he shook my awkwardly placed hand behind me. As he started cutting my hair, we began making small talk. I asked about his work, how long he’s been in the business, if this is all he’s done. I don’t know exactly what I said, but I ended up getting his life story. Junior finished high school with plans to go to college, but it didn’t feel right. He mentioned that school wasn’t really for him; wasn’t necessarily the strong academic type. He ended up moving into the field of construction. He spent most of his time building cabinets and working on houses. He spent time learning all the tools of the trades. But, it wasn’t what he wanted to do. The money was great, especially for a kid out of high school. But, the opportunity wasn’t there. So, he talked to a friend who got him a job at a grocery store. He started from the bottom, working customer service, moved up to meat clerk, and finally to butcher. He learned all the different parts of the cow and the pig. Tri-tip, chops, roasts, shoulder, you name it, he knew it. But, it wasn’t what he wanted to do. Sure, it was nice to be inside and out of the heat, but the cold air began to take a toll on his hands, making it harder to do his job. So, he found his way to barber college and found his passion. After graduating, he worked at various barber shops around the valley, building a clientele. He opened up a small shop in Selma and ran it for ten years, learning how to run a business, manage expenses, and being the boss. He would hire new barbers, help them develop their skills, and then send them off to be successful. But being the boss and running a business wasn’t what he wanted to do. He wanted to focus on his clientele. So, he sold his shop and ended up at Selma Barber. After he finished cutting my hair, we continued to talk about other facets of our lives. Work, kids, sports, and so forth until I noticed that another customer was waiting. I thanked him for the cut and the story and went on my way. Now it may seem that this is a glorified tale of Junior, but the point of the announcement is this: Junior was a lifelong learner. Often, when people hear lifelong learner, they think sitting in a dusty class room and being forced to do Algebra until their hand falls off. Being a lifelong learner is having the want and need to learn a new skill or trade. It’s being flexible with learning new things. It’s the will to share your knowledge with other people so that you have a chance to grow yourself. And this is what Junior has successfully done. He has been able to adapt to different situations with the willingness to learn. That is what you need to do. Not just with school, but with anything that comes your way. You must be willing to learn as not only you, but also society and the world changes around you. Be willing to learn new things and to push yourself into trying them. It will help you achieve balance, serenity, and most importantly, happiness. Because when Junior was showing me pictures of his granddaughter on his phone, he was expressing nothing but happiness. When he was telling me about what he’s done with his life, I can hear his happiness. And when he was cutting my hair, I could see his happiness. All because he was willing to learn. |
AuthorMr. Fredericks is a teacher, a thinker and on occasion, a food enthusiast. Archives
June 2019
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