In the Classroom

End of Semester One 2011-12

2012-01-21T20:11:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone!

We have reached the end of the first semester for the 2011-2012 school year.

Shabazz classes will NOT be held on:

Thursday, January 26

Friday, January 27

Monday, January 30 (returning students off)

Monday, January 30th will be the New Student Orientation day for new Shabazz admits.

Classes for Quarter Three will begin with an All-School Gathering in the wood gym at 8:45AM on Tuesday, January 31. Classes as normal throughout the rest of the day.

Course schedules must be adjusted using Add/Drop forms no later than the end of Thursday, February 2.

BOE Vote on Madison Prep

2011-12-03T21:32:00.000-06:00

The Madison Metropolitan School District will conduct their final vote on the controversial Madison Prep Charter School proposal on December 19th.

Long Time Without Updates

2011-10-26T22:50:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!
It has been such a long time since I have updated this blog. That just says how busy life has been in the past year. New legislation, new outlets for energy, new classes, new staff. All have pulled me away from the blogspot. I will certainly try to update from now on. No promises though. Just keep checking back here once in a while.

Peace and good reading!

Current Labor Movement History in the Making

2011-02-19T10:22:00.000-06:00

Current Labor Protests against Gov. Walker's Budget Repair Bill

http://vimeo.com/20089255

Brrrrr!

2010-12-13T06:40:00.003-06:00

Folks,
Winter is here in practice (in policy as of December 21). Please remember that our heaters in the classrooms are not as efficient as we would wish. Dress in layers. Wear a hat and scarf. Stay healthy for the upcoming Winter Break.

Turkey Day

2010-11-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

Turkey Day is coming up on November 24th (the Wed. before Thanksgiving). This is our big, annual community celebration -- Shabazz's Homecoming! We welcome our alums, our current students' immediate families, and our district community partners. One of the main events of the day is the Talent Show. Audition signups have been slow-going. So, if you wish to perform at Turkey Day, please sign up for an audition spot on Denise's door. We will have several 1st hour auditions and lunch hour auds in the next two weeks. Auditions will close and the program will be finalized on Friday, November 19.

New Quarter Already

2010-11-04T11:27:00.003-05:00

Wow, folks! It is already the start of the second quarter. Welcome to all of the new students to Shabazz. Welcome back to all of the returning students. We have an exciting and busy quarter ahead of us with Turkey Day and Winter Break. Let's get off to a great start and make this the best quarter EVER!

New Academic Year

2010-08-20T20:07:00.006-05:00

Welcome Back!
It's going to be another fabulous year at Shabazz.

Parents Register/Enroll their Shabazz Student
-- Thursday, August 26, 2-6pm

Returning Student Course Scheduling
-- Tuesday, August 31
----If you missed Enrollment on 8/26, show up an hour early.

Seniors -- 10:00
Juniors -- 10:30
Sophomores -- 11:00

New Student Orientation Day
-- Wednesday, September 1, 8:30-3:00

First Day of Classes
-- Thursday, September 2
----All-School Meeting at 8:45 in the gym

Summer Time

2010-06-20T18:22:00.003-05:00

Summer is here.
Enjoy!
Make good decisions.
Read often.
Play in the woods more!

Seniors

2010-05-03T20:05:00.003-05:00

Graduation is just around the corner -- June 10th.

Seniors, if you missed the Senior Meeting today, check in with Anita or Aric about what you missed.

STUDENT SENATE MEETING POSTPONED

2010-05-03T20:02:00.001-05:00

This week's Student Senate meeting has been postponed to next week -- May 11.

Fourth Quarter

2010-04-07T18:31:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day of the last quarter of the 2009-2010 academic year. It appears that we are off to a great start. Most of the students were in attendance today. Senioritis was at a minimum. Students, overall, were in good spirits (as was the staff). Laughter was in abundance.

This final quarter of the year always flies along at an unbelievable pace. Enjoy it! Learn as much as you can. Try new ideas and activities. Challenge yourself to grow.

If you are a senior on schedule to graduate in June, take a bit of time to reflect on your high school experience. The graduation ceremony will soon be upon us. We hope that you will have a few things to say as we hand you the mic and watch you cross the stage to enter the next portion of a great life.

2010-03-25T18:02:00.003-05:00

Ahhhh.....Spring Break!

Have a safe vacation.

Absolute Deadlines

2010-03-16T18:50:00.004-05:00

My grading window closes at the end of the day on Friday, March 19th. That means any and all projects and missing assignments must be in to be eligible for credit. Incompletes are given only in special circumstances.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2010-03-13T20:55:00.004-06:00

Monday -- March 15 --All-Day Staff Inservice for Shabazz & Affiliated Alternatives
(P.M. only for other schools)

Tuesday -- March 16 -- Quarter 4 Registration
Seniors -- 8:45
Juniors -- 9:30
Sophomores -- 9:55

Tuesday -- March 16 -- Student Senate Meeting
6-7:30 PM
Room 103 Doyle Bldg.
545 W. Dayton Street
Agenda Priority -- Meeting with Super Dan

2010-02-24T20:12:00.001-06:00

Student Senate Meeting

Tuesday, March 2

6-7:30 PM

103 Doyle Building
545 W. Dayton Street

2010-02-24T20:09:00.001-06:00

Parent Conferences

February 25, 2010

10:30 - 6:00

Please attend with your parents!

Student Senate Meeting

2010-02-13T17:56:00.003-06:00

Student Senate Meeting

Tuesday, February 16
6 - 7:30
Room 103
Doyle Administration Building
545 W. Dayton

Let the Shabazz Voice be heard!

SNAPS!

2010-02-13T17:31:00.003-06:00

Snaps to all participants and supporters of the New Student Welcome Activity on Thursday, Feb. 11th. It was a fabulous event with much laughter, great energy, and awesome food. I hope the connections made between students will endure.

NSWA

2010-02-07T09:46:00.000-06:00

NEW STUDENT WELCOME ACTIVITY

Thursday, February 11th

First & Second Hour Activity -- Shabazz Exp. & CLASS Students
Third Hour -- Cleanup -- CLASS Students

Super Dan Visits CLASS

2010-02-03T18:47:00.008-06:00

Super(intendent) Dan Nerad visited my education leadership course on February 3. Responding to a series of questions generated by the leadership class students, Dr. Nerad offered a wealth of information about his role and district policy. Dr. Nerad gently challenged students to lead from the middle and collaborate with district decision-makers to change our state's current education funding structure, to generate a deeper sense of civic responsibility within our community, and to create better-informed perspectives on our alternative program.

Week One Follow-Up

2010-01-31T17:42:00.005-06:00

I think we had an awesome start to the new quarter at Shabazz. It seems like students are happy with their class schedules. Attendance in my classes was pretty good this first week. Students were enthusiastic, positive, and curious.

Snaps!!

Reminders:
Tuesday evening -- February 2 -- Student Senate Meeting, Room 103 at the Doyle Bldg. 6-7:30 pm

A New Semester

2010-01-23T06:52:00.004-06:00

First semester classes have come to a close. Thank you to all students who worked diligently to develop their skills and move forward toward their academic goals. For those who may have been stuck in old habits that created academic roadblocks, second semester is a new start for you. Let us hope that all embrace the opportunity to grow and take educated risks in the months ahead. Let us also hope that spring comes swiftly!

Welcome New Shabazz Students! New Student Orientation is on Monday (8-3).

Start of the Quarter All-School Meeting is on Tuesday, 1/26 -- 8:45 in the gym.

THIRD QUARTER CLASSES

2009-12-11T18:06:00.005-06:00

My student teacher, Mai Vang, and I will be offering the following classes in the third quarter of the 2009-10 academic year.

First Hour -- C.L.A.S.S.
Second Hour -- The Creative Female
Third Hour -- The Reader's Workshop
Fourth Hour -- Prep Time
Fifth Hour -- Cinema History -- Part I (birth -WWII)
Sixth Hour -- The Reflective Imagination

Mai, a pre-service teacher from Edgewood College, will be leading second and sixth hours.

A Few Words ....

2009-11-25T17:25:00.004-06:00

A few simple words to the Shabazz Community….

As I drove home from Turkey Day on Wednesday afternoon, I found it incredibly difficult to put my feelings into focused thoughts or words. I felt overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude and regenerative positivity stemming from the day’s events.

At times, teaching can be exhausting and vampiric in its demands upon my time, energy, and creativity. But today, I witnessed so much love, courage, joy, perseverance, resiliency, artistry, patience, respect, humor, and generosity. Shabazz’s Turkey Day not only feeds the body with a fabulous community meal, but it also feeds the soul. Although our culture often challenges our educational system with great cynicism and criticism; today, the Shabazz family rose above that reductive dialogue to illustrate and celebrate what is possible. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this learning community.

Thank you!

Turkey Day

2009-11-21T16:50:00.005-06:00

Turkey Day 2009
Schedule of Events

8:45 - Report to Classes as Usual

9:45 - Report to Second Hour Classes for Attendance

10:00 - Shabazz Talent Show (Gym)
[Check in with your third hour teachers during the second half of the show.]

Post Show Various Activities
Movie – Wall-E (Denise’s Room)
Movie -- ? (Katie Jones’s Room)
Children’s Film & Activities (Robert’s Room)
Basketball Shoot-around & other Games (in Gym)
Decoration Creating and Face Painting (Martha’s Art Room)
Board Games (Gene’s Room)
Taboo Tournament ( Monica’s Room)

1:15 - The Feast -- Sherman Cafeteria

2:30 - Clean Up -- (We always need help with this!)

PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR FOOD CONTRIBUTION -- YOUR FIRST HOUR TEACHER SHOULD TELL YOU WHAT TO BRING.

Auditions are Closed

2009-11-20T20:15:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all who participated in the Turkey Day Auditions in a responsible manner. We offered 6 sessions (4 during first hour period and 2 during lunch hours). Please continue to practice your pieces for the actual performance for Wednesday's show. It's going to be a long program of very nice acts. Please have your music, instruments, and enthusiasm ready to go. Gobble Gobble Gobble!

Turkey Day Talent Show

2009-11-14T17:49:00.009-06:00

Talent Show Auditions -- Part III

Next Auditions scheduled for:

Performance Audition:
Tuesday, November 17 -- First Hour

Coordinator of Ceremonies Auditions
Thursday, November 19 -- First Hour

Performance Audition:
Friday, November 20 -- Lunch in Gene's Room "last minute" auditions

The program will be finalized on Friday, November 20th. All performances must go through the audition process with Denise. NO EXCEPTIONS!

We have lots of wonderful musicians among us -- are there more poets and dancers waiting in the wings???

Talent Show Auditions -- Part II

2009-11-06T12:14:00.004-06:00

The next round of Turkey Day Talent Show auditions will be held:

Friday, November 13 -- First Hour in Room 35
Friday, November 13 -- Lunch time in Gene's Room -- for staff and those who have conflicts with popping out of their first period class to do their auditions.

Bring that talent! Our lineup is fairly sparse right now, so we need your creativity!

Are there poets out there?? Jugglers?? Dancers??

TALENT SHOW AUDITIONS

2009-10-26T19:49:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION ALL OF YOU TALENTED SHABAZZ FOLKS!

The first audition session will be held during first hour on Tuesday, October 27th.

The second audition session will be held during first hour on Tuesday, November 3rd.

PLEASE COMPLETE AN AUDITION RESERVATION FORM AND PLACE IT IN THE ENVELOPE ON DENISE'S DOOR (RM. 35). A student from the CLASS course will retrieve you from your own first hour class when it is time for your audition.

If you are interested in trying out for the role of Coordinator of Ceremonies for the Talent Show, we will be holding those auditions in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

First Quarter Coming to an End

2009-10-26T19:06:00.003-05:00

As we wind down the quarter, please be sure to complete all assignments and check on your absence totals with your teachers.

The Grading Window for all of Denise's & Angee's classes closes on Wednesday, October 28th. No assignments will be accepted after that date to allow for effective evaluation.

Be sure that you complete an evaluation using our FileMakerPro computer system before the end of the quarter -- preferably yet this week.

Enjoy the long WEAC weekend!

Remember that next week is a short week, too. You will have classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then, you can enjoy another long weekend prior to the start of Quarter Two.

Second Quarter Course Descriptions

2009-10-15T19:39:00.003-05:00

Errors Galore!

Hey folks, there were many errors made in the Second Quarter Course Description booklet. Please check with all of your teachers to make sure that you will be registering for the correct classes and for the correct type of credit.

The original AND CORRECT course descriptions that I submitted for the booklet are posted on my classroom door -- Room 35.

Resource re: H1N1

2009-10-14T18:23:00.002-05:00

Flu.gov

site maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

WSJ Article on Swine Flu Questions

2009-10-14T17:50:00.003-05:00

We had a lot of questions today about the H1N1 flu vaccine to be offered to our MMSD students. This WSJ Article Link may help with some of the basic inquiries. I will continue to post information as it comes to light.

Wish Listing for Games, Games, Games

2009-10-11T17:30:00.000-05:00

I am looking for strategy and board games to use in my Mind, Body, and Soul class. These activities will help to build those mind muscles in our students in a fun and non-threatening way.

Games Sought:

chess
checkers
cribbage
Cranium
The Worst Case Scenario Survival Game
Battleship
Scrabble
Jigsaw Puzzles (challenging with all pieces intact)

Please remember that any donations are tax deductible if you itemize deductions on your annual income taxes. We can give you a receipt.

New Citation Formats

2009-10-10T08:35:00.005-05:00

Hey all of you Research Paper Authors.....

The Modern Language Association (MLA - keepers of the rules of writing use for language arts disciplines) have made changes in their citation rules. Please bookmark the following resource for future reference: OWL (Purdue University) MLA Formatting Page.

Classes

2009-10-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

Denise & Angee's Second Quarter Class Lineup

First Period -- CLASS
Second Period -- prep hour
Third Period -- Angee's Multicultural Literature
Fourth Period -- Advanced Film Analysis (pre-req. of intro to film)
Fifth Period -- The Reader's Workshop
Sixth Period -- Mind, Body, and Soul

2009-11 Contract

2009-09-26T10:09:00.002-05:00

Teacher Unit Contract

MTI and the MMSD have reached a settlement on contract negotiations for the 2009-11 school years. This LINK to the press release outlines the major negotiation points. Thank you to all who worked so hard to finalize this agreement.

On The Road

2009-09-19T07:31:00.003-05:00

Fieldtrips

Both the Pine Ridge "Remember" Trip and the E3 Trip Group will be out of the building this week (September 21-25). Gene's Pine Ridge trip actually left on Friday afternoon. E3 will be leaving early Monday morning.

May both trips be highly effective, safe, and wonderful educational, community-building experiences.

Appeal for Assistance with Fieldtrip Subs

2009-09-09T20:27:00.003-05:00

This is a serious appeal to our Shabazz Family Community:

A foundational piece of the Shabazz Way is the opportunity for experiential (out of the classroom) learning; i.e., fieldtrips. These fieldtrips (FTs) may look like the extended trip classes that take students and staff out of the building for a week at a time. Or, the FTs may look like a 1/2 day or full day visit to sites like Cherokee Marsh, Aldo Leopold Center, American Players Theatre, or the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives. Funds have become very limited for classroom coverage (substitute teachers) while instructors are off-site with a smaller group of students. Substitute teachers cost us $150/day. And, that doesn't even begin to address the issue of transportation costs to FT sites or any equipment rentals/site fees.

In order to continue with this foundational piece of our curriculum and approach to education, we need your financial support. Any assistance you can give to our substitute teacher fund will significantly help our program, our students, and ultimately your community. A large number of our students cannot afford to pay a fee for a FT.

If you can help, tax deductible donations may be made out to Shabazz City High School (with Fieldtrip Subs written in the memo line of your check).

Thank you for your ongoing support !!!!

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-04T18:57:00.001-05:00

Have a great long weekend, everyone!

Enjoy the beautiful, early fall weather.

Honor your labor time on Monday by sitting back and taking it easy.

2009-08-31T18:54:00.004-05:00

Welcome Back!

All-School Meeting

Wednesday
8:45

Sherman Gym

Raffle Drawings as Usual!

Fall 2009-10

2009-08-05T17:19:00.004-05:00

Course Scheduling

August will be over before we know it. Remember that Shabazz Registration is on August 27th--the usual time frames for students.

Returning Shabazz Students:
Seniors -- 9:15
Juniors -- 10:15
Sophs -- 11:15
Frosh -- 11:45

New to Shabazz Students: Registration and Orientation Day, Tuesday, September 1, 8:00 AM sharp!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE E3 PROJECT MUST SIGN UP FOR ALL SIX E3 CLASSES. IT'S A PACKAGE DEAL!

My course lineup for Quarter One is:

First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Intro to Film
Third Hour -- Intro to Film
Fourth Hour -- Prep Hour
Fifth Hour -- The Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- E3 -- The Walking Naturalist (must be enrolled in whole E3 sequence of classes)

Summer Students

2009-07-01T15:36:00.005-05:00

Students Completing Independent Study Assignments during Summer:

Keep going with your projects. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at daulik@madison.k12.wi.us. Sorry, I can't be reached by telephone between August 1 and August 27.

Where are the Books?

2009-06-18T08:35:00.007-05:00

Non-Returned Books

Copies of this book were replaced and/or returned!!!!

They are available once again for check out.

Thanks, Folks!

Ahhhhh, summer......

2009-06-10T20:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks for a great year everyone!

Congratulations Shabazz Graduates of 2009!

Returning Shabazzoids -- See you in September.
Have a safe and happy summer.

Read lots of books !

Almost There !

2009-06-05T19:11:00.005-05:00

Have you returned all LMC and classroom books?

If you find that you need or want to take Summer School, there are information packets in the office and on the info table in the upstairs hallway.

Graduating Seniors -- Have you thought about what you wish to say on stage during the graduation ceremony?

Final Projects -- Absolute Deadlines

2009-06-02T07:25:00.005-05:00

Grading Windows are closing!

All work for the Reader's Workshop class needed to be in by the end of the day on June 1st -- several reminders about this were made last week.

All assignments for Finding Self: Space and Place in YA Literature are due on Friday, June 5th. That includes the in-class final essay to be completed on Thursday and Friday. If you are away on a fieldtrip, you must turn in the assignments before you leave. If you miss a day of the Th/F essay writing, you must make up that time on your own or complete the essay effectively in one class period.

CLASS class assignments were due at the beginning of May. If you don't have them in hand on June 2nd, you are not eligible to earn credit in the course.

All work for Amanda Rhyner's 1st and 3rd hour classes must be in to her in its final form on Friday, May 5th.

This is the end of the quarter. No Incompletes are available. Delayed Credit is ONLY available per verbal contract with your instructor. There must be proof of special circumstances that affect your attendance. Those verbal contracts should have already happened.

End of the Year

2009-05-29T05:37:00.006-05:00

We are almost done, Folks!

The year is winding down quickly. Please return all books and materials you have checked out from the LMC or our classroom libraries. If you have textbooks out, make sure you turn them in to your instructor (even if you are no longer attending the class). Books and materials eat up a huge portion of our budget. Many cannot be replaced. So, please search for those books at home and return them.

Thank you!

DAY AWAY

2009-05-25T15:23:00.003-05:00

Hey Shabazzoids!

Our DAY AWAY is this Wednesday, May 27th. We will be leaving from school around 8:45am and traveling to our Lake Farm Park destination via yellow bus. Good community building, service to the environment, excellent food, and fun/games are all on the day's agenda.

Wisconsin weather is unpredictable, so dress in layers, wear STURDY SHOES and socks, bring mosquito spray, and carry sun screen/hat. We'll bring the band aids! :)

See ya there!

Information from MMSD on Swine Flu

2009-04-29T08:59:00.004-05:00

Please click on the link image below for more information from MMSD on Swine Flu (symptoms, precautions, and additional links for info).

Stay healthy -- WASH YOUR HANDS!

FIELDTRIP STUDENTS

2009-04-28T06:32:00.004-05:00

ARE YOU PART OF THE GREEN CLASS?

If so, please make sure that you are up to date on ALL of your work by the end of this week. You should talk with your teachers about getting next week's work ahead of time. If your instructors do not have those materials available yet, please be prepared to catch up upon your return after your 4-day fieldtrip next week. The future of our fieldtrip programs depends on you holding up your end of the bargain. Please make sure you are fulfilling your classwork obligations. Thank you!

All students who have a number of fieldtrips in their class schedule also should make sure that all of their instructors know when they will be absent. Students ARE responsible for work that they miss when on fieldtrips in other courses. ASK YOUR INSTRUCTORS WHAT YOU MISSED!

Presidential Puppy

2009-04-12T16:10:00.003-05:00

After a long wait. . . .

Introducing..... Bo Obama, First Dog of the Obama Administration.

Thought Point: What does all the media hype and attention around this element of the First Family say about us as a nation?

Happy Spring Break!!

2009-04-04T08:03:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone (students and staff, alike) enjoys a safe and relaxing Spring Break vacation. We will return on Tuesday, April 14th for the short sprint to summer. I look forward to hearing what you were reading and learning during break !

New Quarter !

2009-03-28T10:22:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Fourth Quarter of the 2008-09 academic year. After a long winter and a long third quarter, this will be a great one as we slide into summer.

The All-School Meeting will be held during first period on Tuesday, March 31 in the gym.

Please remember that all course schedule changes must be made by the end of the day on Thursday, April 2. All students must complete an Add/Drop form to change their schedule. You can acquire those schedule change forms in the Main Office or from the Guidance Office.

THANK YOU!

2009-03-19T17:24:00.002-05:00

A Huge Thank You goes out to the Wolfe family for their ever-so-generous donation of a class set of Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Such donations allow us to keep our curriculum current and in line with student interests.

Student Senate Liaison Election

2009-03-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

Your classmate, Jake Oen, is running for the position of Student Senate Liaison to the MMSD Board of Education. Please offer any possible support. He needs to obtain signatures from students at each of the 4 main high schools and Affiliated Alternatives to be eligible to run in the initial primary. Most needed are student contacts at LaFollette High School.

Jake's Blog is linked here.

International Women's Day

2009-03-08T08:42:00.004-05:00

Today marks the annual celebration of International Women's Day. To read more about the history of this event or to learn about the conditions of women globally, please check out the IWD website.

Daylight Savings Time

2009-03-06T07:15:00.002-06:00

Yes, spring is certainly on its way. This weekend marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, so we all lose that precious hour of sleep on Saturday night. Set your clocks and change your batteries in the smoke alarms.

Literary Birthdays Today

2009-03-02T18:18:00.003-06:00

Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) -- 1904-1991

Tom Wolfe (1931- )

The Final Class List 2008-09

2009-02-23T21:20:00.006-06:00

Q4 -- revised 2/23/09

First Hour -- Writer's Workshop (Amanda's new class)
Second Hour -- Finding Self: Space and Place in YA Literature (new)
Third Hour -- Reading Toni Morrison (Amanda's class)
Fourth Hour -- Prep
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop (repeatable)
Sixth Hour -- C.L.A.S.S. (repeatable only with special permission, written appeal needed prior to Registration)

Q3
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- PREP
Third Hour -- Vampire Image
Fourth Hour -- Cinema By the Decade
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- The Reflective Imagination

Q2
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Images: Media and Gender (Katy)
Third Hour -- Advanced Film Analysis
Fourth Hour -- PREP
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- Short Fiction (Katy)

Q1
First Hour -- CLASS (Community, Leadership, Action, & Solutions in School)
Second Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Third Hour -- Prep / Free Hour
Fourth Hour -- The Reader's Workshop (Katy)
Fifth Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Sixth Hour -- The Creative Female (Katy)

Books to be used:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
American Born Chinese
Animal Farm
The Arrival
Beloved
The Bluest Eye
Caucasia
Dracula
Growing Up Female (selections)
The Hobbit
Lord of the Flies
Pride and Prejudice
A Sand County Almanac
Voices of a People's History (Zinn) ?
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
(also -- choices on "Finding Self" YA Literature list)

A Shout Out to the School Librarians

2009-02-16T06:23:00.004-06:00

School Library Media Specialists are finally getting good press!

Here's a recent video and related article from the New York Times on the role of the ever-important school librarian.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

2009-01-28T18:13:00.000-06:00

A huge Thank You goes out to the Clingan family for the generous contribution of much-needed books for a new young adult literature class to be offered fourth quarter. Such donations are incredibly important to maintaining strong and innovative curriculum.

Third Quarter Begins

2009-01-23T18:53:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the Spring Semester and Third Quarter

As usual, we will begin the quarter with an All-School Meeting in the gym -- promptly at 8:45 AM on Tuesday the 28th.

See you there! We have great raffle prizes!

Pending Assignments

2009-01-16T05:52:00.006-06:00

Due to the closing of Madison schools for the past two days, some of you may be concerned about pending assignments in my classes, especially with the end of the semester looming. The only students who still have outstanding work obligations are some enrolled in the 5th Hour Reader's Workshop class. It is expected that all students will have those assignments ready to hand in to me at the start of class time on Tuesday. (Keep in mind, you do not have classes on Monday in observation of the MLK holiday.)

If you wish to email your assignment to me, you may do so at daulik@madison.k12.wi.us. I will reply to all emails to let you know the assignment is received and readable. Don't assume your email went through until you receive a confirmation reply from me.

My student teacher, Katy Ainslie, has a plan for her students. Follow the guidelines she established on Wednesday before the cold weather hit us.

2009-01-09T14:59:00.002-06:00

A huge Thank You goes out to Barbara Avery for the generous contribution of several much-needed books for a new young adult literature class to be offered fourth quarter. Such donations are incredibly important to maintaining strong and innovative curriculum.

Winter Break is at an end.

2008-12-19T05:39:00.005-06:00

I hope that everyone had a joyful and peaceful Winter Break.

Thank You!

2008-12-16T05:44:00.002-06:00

A huge Thank You goes out to the family of Ryan Stickley for the generous contribution of an awesome All School Meeting Raffle Prize. Wait and see . . . it's a coveted one!

THANK YOU!

2008-12-02T09:49:00.003-06:00

A big "Thank You" goes out to the Olvera family for the donation of four books needed for the new Young Adult Literature class to be offered during fourth quarter.

Course Lineup Revised for Quarter Three

2008-11-29T07:30:00.012-06:00

This is a revision of Denise's Class lineup for the year.
(Revised 11/29/08)

Quarter One -- schedule is set
First Hour -- CLASS (Community, Leadership, Action, & Solutions in School)
Second Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Third Hour -- Prep / Free Hour
Fourth Hour -- The Reader's Workshop (Katy)
Fifth Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Sixth Hour -- The Creative Female (Katy)

Q2
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Images: Media and Gender (Katy)
Third Hour -- Advanced Film Analysis
Fourth Hour -- PREP
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- Short Fiction (Katy)

Q3
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Prep / Planning Hour
Third Hour -- Vampire Image (upper level reading -- college prep)
Fourth Hour -- Cinema by the Decade (new survey class -- non-college prep)
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop (reading levels vary by student choices)
Sixth Hour -- The Reflective Imagination (moderate level / writing intensive)

The following quarter plan is tentative!

Q4
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Finding Self: Space and Place in YA Literature
Third Hour -- ?
Fourth Hour -- Prep
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- ?

Books scheduled for the year :
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Q4)
Accidents of Nature (Q4)
American Born Chinese ?? (Q4)
The Arrival (Q4)
Caucasia (Q4)
Dracula (Q3)
Growing Up Female (selections) (Q1)
The Hobbit (Q3)
Keesha's House (Q4)
Lord of the Flies (Q4)
Luna (Q2, Q4)
Parrotfish (Q2, Q4)
Pride and Prejudice (Q1)
A Sand County Almanac (Q4)
Speak (Q2)
Story of a Girl (Q2,Q4)
Voices of a People's History (Zinn) ?
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain (Q4)
(also -- choices on "Finding Self" YA Literature list-- Q4)

Stay tuned for updates in this entry.

Thank You!

2008-10-14T18:08:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to the Vitale family for contributing a set of bookshelf speakers to my classroom. My film classes can now view and analyze movies with proper sound.

Wooo Hooo!

Struggling with Technology

2008-10-12T06:28:00.004-05:00

This is why we need to be ensure the presence of trained, certified, and professional information specialists (librarians) in our schools. Those professionals cannot be replaced by Google. Students need a deeper understanding of logic and rhetoric.

"As important as it is for students to expand their sense of community and learn to collaborate — it is more crucial that they learn how to sift thoughtfully through increasing amounts of information. The Internet presents a unique challenge to scholarship — many of the questions that once required extensive research can now be answered with 10-minute visits to Google. The issue now is distinguishing between rich resources and the online collection of surface facts, misinformation, and inexcusable lies that masquerade as the truth. It will be hard for our students to be thoughtful citizens without this ability to discern the useful from the irrelevant. This is especially clear during this election season. If they are never asked to practice dealing with this new onslaught of information, they will have to practice when the stakes are much higher."
from Matthew Kay's "Putting Technology in Its Place" -- OpEd piece, New York Times Opinion, October 12, 2008

Parent Conferences

2008-10-03T05:42:00.002-05:00

Snaps to all parents and students who attended conferences on October 2nd. Katy and I enjoyed talking with everyone. We wish that we had more opportunities to have those very important discussions (on contracted time).

Student Senate Meeting October 7th

2008-10-01T12:57:00.003-05:00

Please note that the district Student Senate Meeting on October 7th will be earlier than usual. The meeting times are 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Doyle Administration Building.

Superintendent Nerad will be joining the meeting to talk with students.

Wishlist1

2008-09-25T06:23:00.002-05:00

Needed for English Dept.

Bookshelf-sized speakers for a video / digital projector unit.

Voter Registration

2008-09-17T06:07:00.004-05:00

Are you or will you be 18 on or before November 4th, 2008? If so, and you have not yet registered to vote, Lori Bennett and Denise are certified to register you. Lori can register only people who live in the City of Madison. Denise can register anyone who resides in the State of Wisconsin. Please see us to complete the appropriate form.

Do it now! Don't wait! The deadline to early register (and have us mail in the form) is coming up.

And, if your parents or other Wisconsin relatives have yet to register (because of name changes, new voter status, or change of address) -- please have them come in before school, after school, or during parent conferences -- and See Denise.

Voting is not only your right but also your responsibility as a U.S. citizen.

Happy Constitution Day

2008-09-16T18:00:00.007-05:00

September 17th is Constitution Day.

Please take some time to reflect upon and celebrate the freedoms and responsibilities outlined in our nation's ideological doctrine.
Keep those ideas close to your heart as we enter the final stretch of our national election.
Get involved in your government -- locally, state-wide, and nationally.
Raise your voice.
Let your vote count.

Tentative Course Offerings for the Whole Year 2008-09

2008-08-21T07:05:00.021-05:00

Quarter One -- schedule is set
First Hour -- CLASS (Community, Leadership, Action, & Solutions in School)
Second Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Third Hour -- Prep / Free Hour
Fourth Hour -- The Reader's Workshop (Katy)
Fifth Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Sixth Hour -- The Creative Female (Katy)

Q2
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Images: Media and Gender (Katy)
Third Hour -- Advanced Film Analysis
Fourth Hour -- PREP
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- Short Fiction (Katy)

The following quarter plans are tentative!

Q3
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Third Hour -- Vampire Image
Fourth Hour -- Prep
Fifth Hour -- Cinema By the Decade
Sixth Hour -- Mind, Body, and Soul

Q4
First Hour -- CLASS
Second Hour -- Finding Self: Space and Place in YA Literature
Third Hour -- The Dissident Press & Zines
Fourth Hour -- Prep
Fifth Hour -- Reader's Workshop
Sixth Hour -- The Walking Naturalist /MBS ?

Books to be used:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
American Born Chinese ??
Animal Farm
The Arrival
Beloved
The Bluest Eye
Caucasia
Dracula
Frankenstein ?
Growing Up Female (selections)
The Hobbit
Lord of the Flies
Pride and Prejudice
A Sand County Almanac
Voices of a People's History (Zinn) ?
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
(also -- choices on "Finding Self" YA Literature list)

Stay tuned for updates in this entry.

Katy's Standard Shabazz Instructor Introduction

2008-08-13T21:13:00.003-05:00

Subject: English / Language Arts

How long I’ve been at Shabazz:
I was a Jagora back in 2005 for a semester. Might have been 2006…no, it was 05. I will be a student teacher with Denise for the Fall 08 semester.

What's the first thing (about school) that you think of in the morning?
I’ll let you know on the first day of school.

What are three things that students should know about you?
I like to laugh, I’m easily amused, and an impulsive shopper.

What made you want to come to Shabazz?
I love the atmosphere and think the students that attend this school are some of the most intelligent and creative people I have ever met!

What should new students know about Shabazz?
Backwards it’s zzabahs.

What's your favorite thing about Shabazz?
I have my own desk. Oh yeah, I’m cool.

What's your most used saying?
Dude, get out of my space.

Denise's Standard Shabazz Instructor Introduction

2008-08-13T07:53:00.009-05:00

Hi! I'm Denise. Here's a little bit of information about me. The questions were created by our students.

What subject do you teach? English / Language Arts
How long have you been at Shabazz? 10 years

What's the first thing (about school) that you think of in the morning?
Do I have everything I need? Copies, books, word of the day, coffee?

What are three things that students should know about you?
I take my role as a teacher VERY seriously.
I crave creativity.
I require honesty and integrity in those around me.

What made you want to come to Shabazz?
Challenging students, creative freedom, and support to develop as a professional.

What should new students know about Shabazz?
Although it is a place to grow and find yourself, it is still a school. You need to work hard. Do your best to focus; ask good questions; take academic risks.

What's your favorite thing about Shabazz?
The freedom to think, create, debate, and articulate our visions of the world.

What's your most used saying?
"Find the love!”

First Quarter 2008-09 Class Offerings

2008-08-12T20:51:00.007-05:00

The following classes will be offered by Denise and Katy during Quarter One, 2008-09. All courses are located in Room 35.

First Hour -- CLASS (Community, Leadership, Action, & Solutions in School)
Second Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Third Hour -- Prep / Free Hour
Fourth Hour -- The Reader's Workshop (Katy)
Fifth Hour -- Introduction to Film Analysis
Sixth Hour -- The Creative Female (Katy)

There are no prerequisites for these courses other than a strong motivation to succeed.

2008-08-12T14:00:00.004-05:00

Coming Soon....
Links to Denise and Katy's classes at Shabazz -- Quarter One 2008-09.
We'll include our course expectations and guidelines.