Mrs. Zana’s Class

This week we are going to concentrate on academic integrity, specifically cheating. We would like your anonymous responses here, unless you want to give your name. Please pick a unique fake name; we want to be able to tell the difference between who is writing, even if we don’t know who you are. Please answer in as much detail as possible. The questions are:

1. Have you ever cheated on a test or quiz in school?
2. Have you done it this year?
3. If yes this year, how often?
4. If yes this year, for which subjects?
5. Have you lied on your reading logs? If yes, how often?
6. This year, have you purposely copied work from a book or the Internet and claimed it was yours? Note: we are not counting when you try to say it in your own words, but it comes out too much like the book. We’re talking about pretending the work is yours when you know it isn’t.
7. Have you copied a friend’s homework or classwork and claimed it was yours? We’re not talking group work here. If so, which class.
8. If you cheat, why do you do it?
9. If you cheat, are you proud of yourself, ashamed, don’t care, or just do what it takes to get the grades?
10. If you don’t cheat, why don’t you?
11. Do you plan to continue cheating in high school and college? If not, why not?
12. What would be the consequence for our society if everyone behaved like you? Would things be better or worse in our world?

I basically gave my reflection in the “I’m so proud” post below. Now, I’d like to hear the varied perspectives of those who:
1. went and stayed until 2:00
2. went and stayed til 12:00
3. could have gone and chose not to
4. wanted to go, but didn’t write the letters in time (but wrote later)
5. didn’t write any letters

Please add your comments here
How did you feel about your role in this project? Any regrets or things you would do differently? Things you feel good about? How should we proceed from here?

I went by again today for a couple of hours. It was awesome, and very different from Friday. Many more people, loud music blaring, someone videotaping, and the head of the organization spoke to us. She talked about how Operation Gratitude is spreading nationwide. Cool!

What an awesome day! I was so proud of everyone who went on the field trip. We delivered about 400 letters from Mulholland. The volunteers at the armory told me that you guys were the best kid volunteers they’ve had. They were impressed with how hard you worked and what good kids you all were. It sure felt good to do good today. Mr. Kashman and I are already thinking about planning another trip, and we’d like to take everyone next time. Stay posted for more updates.

For anyone who would like to volunteer this weekend – read the Operation Gratitude post that Dominick wrote for us. I will be at the armory on Monday from 10:30 to 12:30 and am happy to supervise anyone who wants to come without a parent. Leave a comment here to let me know. You will need to get another waiver signed by your parent, so have them come in to do that. You can come any of the other times they’re open as long as you have a parent with you.

I’d love to have your reactions to the day here as well. We’ll do some more reflecting and talking about it on Tuesday, but I think it’s a good idea to reflect while the feeling is still fresh in your mind.

We as a class are going to lift the spirits of our troops by writing letters to them. We want to support them and keep them motivated to fight for our country. If you are interested in supporting this cause you can find further information at: www.operationgratitude.com. Letters must be submitted before Fathers day weekend.

In your letters, please do not include personal information. Do not talk about war or killing.
Do not say “hope you don’t die”. Do not write about politics in the letter. We hope that many people will support our troops in this time of war.

If you live outside the Van Nuys area please send letters to…

Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Rode
Encino, C.A. 91436

If you live in the Van Nuys area you can help packaging at the support drive. The adress is below. No children under age 12 please.

The support drive will be held at the
California Army National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Blv.
Van Nuys, C.A. 91406
Corner of Victory and Louise

The time the drives will be held are…
May 27-29, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 17-18, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Fathers Day Weekend)

To get all the instructions for this activity, click on the Greek Olympics link on the right side bar. Any questions or comments about this activity can be posted here. Absent students can participate by checking the comments to this post. Kalitihi to each polis! (If that’s Greek to you, click on the speak Greek link.)

Since the old one is buried way back in April, I’ve started a new one. Dat, where r u?

Compare the movie to the actual myth. Click on the Hercules link listed under “Useful Sites”

Chapter Two–Ghosts or Worse

1. Describe how Mr. Hoo felt about the grand opening of his restaurant.
2. Who was Sandy McSouthers?
3. What surprised Turtle Wexler about the Westing house?
4. Describe Otis Amber.
5. Relate the story of the two “unfortunate fellows” from Westing town.
6. What does Chris notice through his binoculars?
7 – 13 Define these vocabulary words: tenants, exclusive, stocky, maggots, gruesome, stubble, asylum
Extra Credit: Research the author, Ellen Raskin. Include in your biography a list of other books that she has written.

Answer all questions in sentence form

Chapter One–Sunset Towers

1. What was unusual about Sunset Towers?
2. Why was the delivery boy described as uncommon looking?
3. What was unusual about Barney Northrup?
4. What did Barney Northrup say that caused Jake to wonder?
5. Where was Sydelle Pulaski directing a suspicious stare?
6. How did Barney finally convince Sydelle Pulaski to take the apartment?
7. Explain why Barney Northrup could be described as a very good salesman?
8. List the various types of people that would be the new tenants in Sunset Towers.
9. At the end of the chapter we are told that one of the tenants was a mistake. Which tenant do you think was a mistake? Explain your choice.
10.-17. Define these vocabulary words: tenants, exclusive, plush, stationery, warped, chandeliers, alcove, bookie

We are making a PowerPoint about fables. Post your comments here.

Here is the email I sent Dat yesterday, which he apparently didn’t receive. I’m glad he joined both classes today anyway!
Dat:

Hope you’re feeling O.K. You looked VERY spotted, but didn’t seem too sick. If you stay spotted but otherwise healthy, Mr. Kashman and I would like to try an experiment. We think you can participate in a lot of what’s happening in class from your home computer. For example, tomorrow in my class we are doing a project about Aesop’s fables. You and your partner could email each other, or post your comments on the blog. If you have powerpoint at home, you could even make some of the slides and then send them to him. What do you think?

Obviously, if you are itchy and miserable, you don’t have to do this. But, I know you get pretty bored when you’re at home. Think of all the advantages: you could chew gum, wear jeans, eat snacks, and listen to music and no one could stop you! It would be the perfect learning environment.

Let us know what you think.

Mrs. Zana