The Final Quarter Things

Story # 1:

Teachers Planner

Teacher Interview Notes And Quotes

Teachers Prewrite

Teachers Postwrite

Teachers Reflection

Story # 2:

Vanica Planner

Vanica Interview Notes And Quotes

Vanica Interview Notes And Quotes Answers

Vanica Prewrite

Vanica Postwrite

Vanica Reflection

Story # 3:

House Planner

House Interview Notes And Quotes

House Prewrite

House Postwrite

House Reflection

Final Quarter Reflection: Final Quarter Reflection

Dedicated To Amalia: She Wrote It, I Provided Her The Blog! :D

Amalia Reyes   

All since elementary, the teachers and librarians tell you that you have to pay for lost books and such before you graduate. These small debts of school ID’s and a lost library book can easily spiral out of control into a huge monster that threatens your graduation.

 Some students at Miami Beach High owe a large amount of money to the school. According to Treasurer Mrs. Guido and Activities Director Mrs.Rivero, the highest debts in the school are $380 and $350. The names of these students are confidential and could not be disclosed. “Students don’t return their textbooks each year or pay their fees at the end of the year. Then, by senior year, each of the four years accumulates and the obligations are higher.” informed Guido.

                Freshman Alessia Pizzorni owes $60 to the school.  A club that she belonged to was doing a fundraiser but closed it early, leaving a debt for Pizzorni.  Freshman Vanessa Vigne owes approximately $170 to the school. She got this debt from not returning textbooks and library books. “I get lazy and don’t feel like turning in my books” stated Vigne.

Many students get entangled in problems with lost textbooks. Students usually say that their teachers that filed the obligation left the school and that they had returned their textbooks. Some even bring other books whose book numbers don’t match those on file. As a caution: Every book has a number.

 These obligations can easily become too large for a single student to handle. When a student cannot pay their obligation, they don’t receive their diploma. Although the student walks with their class, they are not cleared for a diploma.

House Season Finale: Final Episode Review

In the aftermath of the bus accident, House struggles with his head injuries and short-term memory loss, and must remember the symptom he saw before one of their own, who was on the bus with House, dies.

http://www.cinemablend.com/television/TV-Recap-House-Season-Finale-Human-Error-4465.html

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/05/20/183856.php

www.housemd-guide.com/season4/416heart.php

 

Also known as	House, M.D.
Format	Medical drama
Created by	David Shore
Starring	Hugh Laurie Lisa Edelstein Omar Epps Robert Sean Leonard Jennifer Morrison Jesse Spencer Peter Jacobson Kal Penn Olivia Wilde
Opening theme	“Teardrop” by Massive Attack “House End Credits”[1]
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English

Character	Actor	Positions	Fields
Gregory House	Hugh Laurie	Head of the Department of Diagnostic Medicine	Infectious Diseases Nephrology
Lisa Cuddy	Lisa Edelstein	Chief Hospital Administrator Dean of Medicine Member of the Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital Board Member of the Organ Transplant Committee	Endocrinology
James Wilson	Robert Sean Leonard	Head of the Department of Oncology Member of the Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital Board Member of the Organ Transplant Committee	Oncology
Eric Foreman	Omar Epps	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (1–3, 4.04–) Head of Diagnostic Medicine at Mercy Hospital (4.01–4.03)	Neurology
Allison Cameron	Jennifer Morrison	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (1–3) Senior Attending Physician in the Emergency Room (4–) Member of the Budget Committee	Immunology
Robert Chase	Jesse Spencer	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (1–3) Surgeon (4–)	Intensive Care Medicine
Chris Taub	Peter Jacobson	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (4.02–)	Plastic Surgery
Lawrence Kutner	Kal Penn	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (4.02–)	Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Medicine
“Thirteen“	Olivia Wilde	Physician, Department of Diagnostic Medicine (4.02–)	Internal Medicine

HOUSE Season Finale Link

http://www.hulu.com/watch/20984/house-wilsons-heart-part-2-of-2#x-0,vepisode,1

Blanca… Remember to watch this to write your article. -Blanca

Contact Information Of NMB:

Randy Milliken:

Contact Information

School Address:
1247 NE 167th Street
North Miami Beach, Florida 33162

Telephone: (305) 949-8381
Fax: (305) 949-0491

Features Story Planner #2 (Updated-Because Intern Left)

Intern Planner (Updated) ^.^

Features Story #2 Planner

Intern Planner

Features Story#1 Prewrite

The teachers have been having fun, somewhere other than school for a change.  Like the students, the teachers enjoyed the week of spring break by doing memorable and exciting things. Some of the teachers’ spring breaks were filled with breath-taking excitement at every turn by visiting distant places, new additions to the family, and doing things completely out of the ordinary makes their spring break smash the dull routine of school altogether.

Ireland, known for its excellence in scientific research, was visited by an unexpected visitor. Biology professor, Jennifer Russell left for Ireland and returned with interesting and amusing stories of her trip.

(Quote from Russell of her trip to Ireland- preferably the car story of her getting stuck in her car pulling the lever of what she thought was the brake, but instead was the windshield wipers, making herself known as the “idiot tourist”)

The birth of a baby is always a miracle and Nadia Zananiri, a World History teacher, gave birth to her child, (find out the baby’s name), over the spring break. (?) hours in labor and (her opinion of whether it was fun having a baby or not).

(I really need other people to interview, any suggestions?)

Features Story#1 Planner

Features Planner 

The Bunged Up Big Bang

The First Story:

FCAT Practices Planner 

FCAT Practices Notes And Quotes

FCAT Practices Prewrite

FCAT Practices Final Draft

FCAT Practices Reflection

The Second Story:

Community Service Planner

Community Service Notes And Quotes

Community Service Prewrite

Community Service Final Draft

 Community Service Reflection

The Third Story:

FCAT Planner 

FCAT Notes And Quotes 

FCAT Prewrite

FCAT Final Draft

FCAT Reflection

Mid-Marking Reflection: Mid-Marking Reflection

Final Quarter Reflection: Final Quarter Reflection

Community… Definitely Expandable!

Community… 

Community service hours have gone from voluntary to mandatory; students no longer complete the required hours while doing something worthwhile, rather they find new ways of avoiding the responsibility and still getting the hours. The average student requires ten hours of community service, while the Scholars’ Academy students require 75; without these hours, a student does not graduate. This year the school has decided to prepare the freshmen students to do at least ten hours in their freshmen orientation class to give them a head start before their senior year.

(Quote from Ms. Austin explaining the previous year’s rush to get the hours and the freshmen advantage of time and how it is a mandatory)

There are some students who find this project an opportunity to give back to the community. (Quote some student with enthusiasm—Maria Morales? Voluntary, possibly?)

However, some students instead of finding the hours a prospect of giving back to the community find it dull and a complete a waste of time. Freshman Anna Banana (Anonymous: Amalia Reyes) said, “Community service hours can be completely pointless and you’re not giving back to community and you still get the hours.” (Useable quotes: “Also, it is forced onto the kids who don’t want to do so, thus lessening the probability of them doing so later in life.” “You’re forced to go against your own wishes just to be able to graduate from high school and it takes away from the time that you need to study.”)

There are even some accounts from students of community service hours that have been completely blown off and still counted as hours.

(Reiterate two stories…)

Planner Story 3

Planner

5 Ideas

1. The view some AVID students have against the Scholars’ Academy. There are many students who come up to me and ask if I am in Scholars’ and when I answer “Yes, I am”, the AVID students start saying that Scholars’ aren’t really smart and that there is no difference between AVID and Scholars’. I want to get the opinion of these AVID students and what Scholars’ students think about them. (Flaws: 1. Can really hurt people’s feelings 2. Can burn bridges.) The angle is the criticism the AVID students have against Scholars’ and what Scholars’ say about this.
2. Based on the AP night on March 4th, 2008, I wanted to see what others think about AP classes and what people (teachers, students, fculty) in AP classes feel about AP classes. The point of views are ranging from the teachers, students, and faculty.
3. Deperate Idea: The opinion of students of what makes a ’good’ teacher, the characteristics that teachers have to have to be a good teacher (or so said by fellow students).
4. Based on the Michael Krop article, about the community service hours and the way people kind of get it without doing much, my article could be about the students at Miami Beach Senior High who do the community service hours not for the community, but to graduate. How the lust of helping the community has ended and the only reason students are doing it is to graduate. Interviewing the students, especially Scholars’ who must accomplish 75 hours, on whathey think the community service is for.
5. Desperate Idea: My opinion on the FCAT. Pointing out what I see as the FCAT’s flaws and how it is stupid.

A Word…

Mr. Weiss,

Later today I will have the opportunity to compact all my work and the work I missed into a word document. I deleted before I left on my trip all my homework and will redo them tonight. Hopefully, my work is posted before you give me an F.

P.S.- Is the test going to be difficult? I wasn’t there to listen to your lessons, but I will try my best on the exam.

Thankyou,

Blanca

Work

Mid-Marking Reflection Piece

Mr. Weiss,

I would have more, but since I was gone for about a week I am a tad bit behind. On Friday, I will post my Reflection after I write my story. Okay? Umm… I know being away shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not have my assignments, but it the reason for my delay.

Thankyou,

Blanca

Classwork

Name: Blanca Jara

Editorial Topic: Parking

Deadline: February 13, 2008

To gather information, I’ll need to interview people who have specific background knowledge about the topic in question.  Two people who know specific facts about this topic are: 

First Person’s Name: Ariela Zuniga                                           

Date/Place of Interview: Journalism Class, 7th Period

Six initial questions I’ll ask: 

Who is in charge of the parking?

What do you think the administration should do to improve the parking situation?

What do you think of the boat show parking situation?

When do you get to school? At what time do you usually arrive to class?

Where do students usually park?

Where are students required to park now?

Why do you feel this way?

How do you feel about the constant moving around?

How pack is the student parking?How easy is it to find parking? 

Second Person’s Name: Rosann Sidener

Date/Place of Interview: Principal’s office

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who is in charge of student parking?

Who do you think should be allowed to park nearest to the school?

What is being done to help the parking problem?

When is it normally a problem?

Where are students parking now?

Where are the teachers allowed to park?

Why aren’t students allowed to park where the teachers are?

How are you trying to solve this situation?

Is there a plan for a better and more roomier parking lot?

I’ll also need to get an idea of what opinions and perspectives exist on all sides of this issue (remember, there may be more than two sides).  Two people with differing opinions about this topic are: 

First Person’s Name: Mr. Patrice

Date/Place of Interview: His Office?

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who is responsible for parking?

What is being done to address the student’s complaints?

When was parking first presented as an issue?

Where are the students parking?

Why is it only the student’s parking that is moved?

How come students complain more than teachers?

How often has the parking been change for students?
How often do students get into trouble by parking in the teacher’s lot?

Second Person’s Name: —

Date/Place of Interview: —

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who has the most trouble with parking, students or teachers?

What do you think is being done to help student parking?

When is it normally a prioblem parking?

Where should teachers park?

Where should students park?

Why is this a problem to you?

How do you think this problem should be resolved?

Five New Ideas

1. The Boat Show and how it is affecting lunch. The boat show is desrupting the lunch schedule and is causing block lunch (2 different lunches) for Thursday and Friday. I plan to interview students, administration, etc. and how they feel about this limited space and being seperated from the people they eat lunch with.  The problem, at least for some, is that the school has decided to let cars park in the basketball court, creating less space for students to eat lunch. An interesting thing that Ms. Austin was talking about is that teachers have talked about during meetings about having block lunches next year.
2. High prices on pizza. Pizza now cost two dollars and many students believe that it is a rip off. I want a student point of view, to express how they feel about such high costs.
3. The Valentine’s Day rip off. The school has decided to give roses, balloons, messages to a loved one on the 14th, but do they cost too mich? I want a student’s point of view on these holiday high prices.

Second Draft

FCAT Practices

Because of the dismal grade that Miami Beach Senior High received last year on the FCAT, all throughout the school, students are being drilled on FCAT practices. Twice a week, half an hour of class time is dedicated to these activities. There are two parts to these practices, A Show-Not-Tell activity and FCAT workbook assignments. The Show-Not-Tell writing technique was developed to help students take a telling sentence and create a showing paragraph that has description, imagery, and a vivid picture. The Show-Not-Tell is molding a student’s mind into one which not just explains an event or object in layman’s terms but rather helps them express their creative side. “At first it seems annoying but then you realize that your writing is improving,” said Freshman Maria Morales. The FCAT workbooks mimic the actual exam so that students are accustomed to the question format and what is expected of them as an answer. The majority of the student body has a negative opinion on these drills. “The FCAT practices have been tedious and completely useless. They’re a waste of valuable class time that could be easily used for something productive, not FCAT”, states Freshman Amalia Reyes. The students are complaining about the lost class time and, by proxy, the lost knowledge. Reyes states, “The FCAT practices seem to teach the FCAT and not the general knowledge in the curriculum.” The administration has regarded these practices as a crucial part to passing the FCAT and has taken all measures possible to make sure that the teachers are cooperating. They have been going door-to-door to assure themselves that the whole school is participating in the prescribed FCAT lessons. Nobody knows whether or not this practice will be continued after the exams and only time will tell whether they have any effect.  

1st Draft

1st Draft

All throughout Miami Beach Senior High students of every grade level have been preparing for the upcoming 2008 FCAT by doing FCAT practices that help with writing, reading, and math. Every Wednesday and Thursday, in every period these practices take place.The Show-Not-Tell has helped students take a telling sentence and create a showing paragraph that has description, imagery, and a vivid picture. The Show-Not-Tell is helping mold student’s minds into not just explaining things, but help them use their creative side. Freshman, Maria Morales said, “At first it seems annoying but then you realize that your writing is improving.”Not all students are feeling as good about these practices, freshman, Amalia Reyes states, “The FCAT practices have been tedious and completely useless. They’re a waste of valuable class time that could be easily used for something productive, not FCAT.”The administration have taken these practices very seriously and have set aside at least thirty minutes or so of class time to refresh the students minds of the questions that might appear on the FCAT.  [Completely clueless how to end it].

Assignment #1

Editorial Planner: Story 1

3rd Semester: Thursday, January 24th, 2008

The Other Article- Interim Assessment

interim-results.doc

I think this should be improved drastically.

Under this bulletin, there you can find the two versions of the “Teachers Being Tested” Article.

Two Versions Of First Draft

Both Versions of the same first draft. “Teachers Feeling Tested”

2nd Version

1st Version

My Revised Article

dfy-it.doc

My Work Shown, I Hope It’s Awesome With An A+

my-article.doc

evidence-of-reflection.doc

evidence-of-prewriting.doc

Check This Roberta, As Well As The Two Previous Articles

P.S. Give Carlos some ideas, from the list that we came up or from your mind. Thanks! [Blanca]

P.S.S. This is carlos, now not before, you can text me to the phone number Margeret gave you. Gracias. [Carlos]

Here Are The 5 Brainstormed Stories

Hopefully, instead of me covering the elections that I know nothing about, I can do one of the following:

• DFYIT canned food drive.
• Dr. Sidener taking 10-15 percent off all clubs.
• Kids dropping out of Beach High.
• MIDTERMS: tips, dates, class, and grading system.
• Next years incoming freshmen will need to enroll into academies.

I’m doing a story on the Miami Beach Elections? (Roberta…)

Okay… I don’t know anything on this, they’re holding elections? I believe you should assign this story to another person more informed… unless someone can inform me what are these things?

The rest of the news reporters and I brainstormed awesome articles I hoped to do one of them.

I will post them later to my blog… during 7th period, (stay attentive).

P.S. Roberta I saw you leave a stack of newspapers in my French class, though we weren’t properly introduced, now I know who you are.

Brainstorm Of New Article

I’m running out of ideas…

1. New Attendence Policy?

2. An exclusive on a school club

I am open to any ideas you suggest, Roberta and Mr. Weiss.

Thanks.

The Two Stories

I have to complete two stories. One that you assigned me and one Mr. Weiss assigned me. I didn’t have the quotes of both stories on my recorder, but on someone else’s voice recorder. Pardon me if instead of using quotes, I explained what they said. You’ll see, probably it makes the article better. I also feel bad that I let the Beachcomber down.

Here is story #1: graduation-requirements-story.doc

Here is story #2: the-day-of-the-living-dead.doc

Seriously, I hoped you enjoyed the news articles. 

Thankyou, Roberta.

Umm…

My quotes are in Wendy’s recorder. So, I’m going to start my first draft on Monday though it is due Monday. I’m sorry. :0

5 “NEWS” Story Ideas

1. Why is everyone learning the school district’s way?

2. What about this new attendence policy?

3. How many students do actually graduate from high school?

4. More graduation requirements for those students entering highschool 2007-2008.

5. Background information and information on a club.

My Five New Brainstorm Ideas

1. An exclusive on a school club.

2. Has the attendence policy improved the number of absences and tardies?

3. Hold a poll: oes the attendence policy improve the number of absences and tardies you have at this school? Yes or No?

4. Hold a poll: Is there enough time for lunch?

5. What is being done to raise Miami Beach Senior High from a “D” to at least a “C”, “B”, or possibly even “A”?

Group: Oscar, Daniella, Amalia, Natalie, Blanca (I corrected it even further than Oscar.)

My Spellchecked Version of the Article

Cleanliness! (Read Me)

Final Draft

2nd Draft (A Work In Progress)

First Draft

First Draft

Mr. Weiss I haven’t really gotten quotes and since I’m working with Wendy and doing the article about the school cleanliness, do you want us to focus on the rodent problem or the littering?

Can you please give me until next class by then I’m to have enough quotes for the story?

(If this article is to be checked by a group… I’m sorry I don’t have my first draft I’m new to this particular story. I don’t know where to begin, I’ll have to talk to my partner.)

Won’t Comment It On The Comment Box

1. Miami City Ballet School
    2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl.
    305-929-7007
    miamicityballet.org

2. Miami Children’s Hospital
    3100 S.W. 62nd Avenue, Miami, Fl.
   305-666-6511
   WW.MCH.COM

3. Panamerican Pediatrics
     1177 71st Street, Miami Beach, Fl.
     305-867-5805 (24 hours a day)

4. Bar-B- Que Beach
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    Conveniently located at the Anchor Shop Garage
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    305-538-7201

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      Certified Public Accountant
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     560 Lincoln Road, Suite 304, Miami Beach, Fl. 33139
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     Fax: 305-672-2392
     E-Mail: david@cpa-fl.com
     Website: WWW.CPA-FL.COM

Didn’t Have Enough Time In Class To Finish Classwork

5 W’s and an H 

1. Who- Miami Beach Senior High students and faculty

   What- The cleanliness of the school

   Where- Miami Beach Senior High

   When- Now

   Why- The school is unkempt in some areas…why is that? (I have no idea.)

   How- People litter and don’t recycle.

Summary (5)

Miami Beach Senior High students and faculty are a contributing factor to the cleanliness of the school. This school year, the principal advises students to pick up after themselves because this isn’t their house. The principal also advises not to feed the rats and cockaroaches. Most of the rats come from the construction going on in the new building. Throwing garbage away in the proper manner will help the environment and provide cleaner lunch areas.

Summary (1)

This school year as well as previous school years at Miami Beach Senior High, the students and faculty contribute to the appearance and cleanliness of the school, and the principal advises everyone to not feed the rats and roaches nor to litter, the appearance of the school affects the way it is seen and if it’s clean then it’s seen as a good learning environment and as a bonus you help the environment by properly disposing of garbage.

 5 Quotes

No quotes have been given.

New News Planner

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: Cleanliness of the School

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

People I need to talk to for quotes / informationn and When?

1.   Janitors                Whenever Available                                                                                         

2.   Dr. Sidener          Appointment Needed                                                                           

3.   Random Students   Whenever Available                                                                                       

4.   Random Teachers     Whenever Available                                                                                    

Six initial questions I’ll ask: 

Who? Who is in charge of maintaining the cleanliness of the school?

What? What is being done to clean the school?

Where? Where do you feel is the dirtiest area in the school? the cleanest?

When? When is it that it is scheduled to clean the school?

Why? Why is important to help clean the school? Why should students help clean the school? 

How? How is the cleanliness a factor to learning?

Other questions I’ll need to ask: Will there be events involving the cleanliness of the school? Will it count as community service hours? Is the cleanliness of the school not important since the construction crew is tearing these building down anyway?After reading this story, the reader should have a clear idea of: How clean is the the school are and how students, teachers, etc. feel about it and what are ideas to help clean the school.   

Change of Article (News and Features Prewrite)

1. Use the News and Features Prewrite to identify the 5 W’s and an H to your article.
2. Write a five sentence summary of your article.
3. Write a one sentence summary of your article.
4. Identify the five most important quotes for your article.
5. Begin the first draft to your article – due Thursday, 10/11.

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: The cleanliness of the school

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

In general, this story is about: How clean is the the school are and how students, teachers, etc. feel about it and what are ideas to help clean the school. 

The facts of this story are:                                                                             According to:

Who? Who is in charge of maintaining the cleanliness of the school?

What? What is being done to clean the school?

Where? Where do you feel is the dirtiest area in the school? the cleanest?

When? When is it that it is scheduled to clean the school?

Why? Why is important to help clean the school? Why should students help clean the school? 

How? How is the cleanliness a factor to learning?

Which of the above are the most important elements of the story? I guess all my questions?????My lead for this story is: and how.This year, Miami Beach Senior High students and faculty are helping maintain the school clean to________(why)___________ by ____________(how)_______________. Terms or ideas I will have to explain through my own words or quotes include:Other schools promoting cleanliness.What is gained by clean hallways, clean classrooms… Names of sources I will quote in this story are:

1. Dr. Sidener

2. Teachers

3. Students

4. Janitors

Homework

Name: Blanca Jara  

Story: Teacher of the Year 

Section: News 

Deadline: Next Class

 People I need to talk to for quotes / information and When? 

1. Mr. Camarotti    Whenever available

2. Dr.Sidener          Whenever available

3. Students              Whenever available                                                                          

4. Teachers              Whenever available                                                                            

 Six initial questions I’ll ask: 

Who? Do you know who is teacher of the year?

What? What is significant about being teacher of the year?

When? When did you decide to be a teacher, Coach Camarotti?

Where? Where else have you taught?

Why? Why do feel you deserve to be teacher of the year?

How? How do you feel this will motivate other teachers? 

Other questions I’ll need to ask: 

Is this your first year being teacher of the year?

What do you try to teach students?

Is educating your passion?

Do you value students and their minds?

What would you say to students as a message based on your life and career?

 After reading this story, the reader should have a clear idea of:  

The reader should understand the behing the secnes Mr. Camarotti and that he is teacher of the year. The purpose of why he educates and if teaching is his passion as well as salsa and weight training. 

All the President’s Men

All the President’s Men

My News Planner

My New Story

Juan Camarotti is the new teacher of the year and I will interview him. The reader should have clear idea of the background that got Mr. Camarotti to be chosen as Teacher of the Year. They should know that he is to represent Miami Beach Senior High in the annual District Teacher of the Year. What his inspired him to educate and what contributions he has brought upon Miami Beach Senior High and it’s pupils.

Cell Phone Policy (Recent Draft)

Cell Phone PolicyCell Phone Policy

No more cellphone usage but, points of view.

 “Abuse of the cell phone technology is all around us, and the time has come to create some social order out of the cell phone chaos.” -School Board Policy (Cell Phone Etiquette)The school board has formed a policy governing the use of cell phones. Located in each home learning planner, the school board policy states, “The use of cell phones is permitted before 7:30 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m. Cell phones should be powered off and put away during school hours.”

 “…school is for eduction not for fun, not for your personal time. Phones should be used after school and in my opinion, cell phones shouldn’t be used at all,” responded Lawanda Joyner.

Dr. Sidener states, “The purpose of the cell phones [policy] is not due to FCAT scores, first of all to enforce the school board policy… the purpose of cell phones [policy] is to eliminate distractions, if you’re texting your friend, you’re not paying attention to the teacher…” The main question that is on the students’ minds is “Are teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?” Mrs. Aguado responds this question by saying,”Teachers are not allowed to use their cellular phones neither. How can I say you are not allowed to and I do it? How can I say I do not allow chewing gum in my class and I start chewing gum and blowing bubbles in front of you. No! It applies to everybody!”

Amalia Reyes, a current ninth grader says, “I believe it’s incredibly unfair,  I mean if the students aren’t allowed to do it, the teachers shouldn’t be allowed to do it either.”On the other hand, Dr. Sidener replies, “You need to understand that you are a child and they are adults and there are some rules that are for children, that don’t apply to an adult.” 

Will the school board lift the policy? Some questions have uncertain answers. One thing is certain and take this as a tip, keep your cell phone out of sight and turn it off during school hours. Teachers repeat this rule constantly, and they are very serious.  

First Draft- – - Cell Phones

“Abuse of the cell phone technology is all around us, and the time has come to create some social order out of the cell phone chaos.” -School Board Policy (Cell Phone Etiquette)

The school board has formed a policy governing the use of cell phones. Located in each home learning planner, the school board policy states, “The use of cell phones is permitted before 7:30 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m. Cell phones should be powered off and put away during school hours.” 

“…school is for eduction not for fun, not for your personal time. Phones should be used after school and in my opinion, cell phones shouldn’t be used at all,”  responded a fellow security guard. 

Dr. Sidener states, “The purpose of the cell phones [policy] is not due to FCAT scores, first of all to enforce the school board policy… the purpose of cell phones [policy] is to eliminate distractions, if you’re texting your friend, you’re not paying attention to the teacher…” Doesn’t our curriculum revolve around preparing us for FCAT? The banning of cell phones, if indeed does reduce distractions then, won’t it help us pay attention in class in order to do well on the FCAT?

The main question that is on students’ minds is “Are teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?”

Mrs. Aguado responds this question by saying,”Teachers are not allowed to use their cellular phones neither. How can I say you arenot allowed to and I do it? How can I say I do not allow chewing gum in my class and I start chewing gum and blowing bubbles in front of you. No! It applies to everybody!”

Amalia Reyes, a current ninth grader says, “I believe it’s incredibly unfair,  I mean if the students aren’t allowed to do it, the teachers shouldn’t be allowed to do it either.”

On the other hand, Dr. Sidener replies, “You need to understand that you are a child and they are adults and there are somes rules that are for children, that don’t apply to an adult.” 

 Will the school board lift the policy? Some questions have uncertain answers. One thing is certain and take this as a tip, keep your cell phone out of sight and turn it off during school hours because the way teachers repeat this rule constantly makes it seem that they’re serious. 

News and Features (Luanda Johnson?)

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: Cellphones?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

In general, this story is about:

The cellphone toleration has gone to a rule that has been enforced at Miami Beach Senior High.

The facts of this story are:

Not in actual quotes!                                           

Who?: Students shouldn’t use their phones at all!

What?: School is for education not for fun!

Where: In the office, you should use call someone, in an emergency.

When?: During an emergency, one can call using an office phone.

Why?: “For one, school is for education not for fun, not for your personal time. Phones should be used afterschool and in my opinion, cellphones shouldn’t be used at all.”

How?: No how.

 Which of the above are the most important elements of the story?

 The quote school is for education…

My lead for this story is:

The quote. stated previously.

News and Features (Amalia Reyes)

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: Cellphones?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

In general, this story is about:

The cellphone toleration has gone to a rule that has been enforced at Miami Beach Senior High.

The facts of this story are:

Not in actual quotes!                                           

Who?: No one is an exception to this rule.

What?: Nothing is to improve by the banning of cellphones. 

Where or When: None Available 

Why?: Scores improving and banning of cellphones have no correlation.

How?: Teachers are warning us by repeating it until it is clear.

 Which of the above are the most important elements of the story?

 No impact to test scores.

My lead for this story is:

The no correlation between test scores and cellphones. Yet cellphones are banned.

News and Features (Mrs. Aguado)

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: Cellphones?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

In general, this story is about:

The cellphone toleration has gone to a rule that has been enforced at Miami Beach Senior High.

The facts of this story are:

Not in actual quotes!                                           

Who?: No one is an exception to this rule.

What?: Cellphones are not permitted during school hours. 

Where?: You can go to the office to use a phone and her phone. Only when necessary!

When?: You can go to the office to use a phone and her phone. Only when necessary!

Why?: Teachers aren’t an exception because it’s unjust.

How?: Cellphones get taken away because it rings during class. So I recommend, turn it off.

 Which of the above are the most important elements of the story?

 No one is an exception to this rule.

My lead for this story is:The side she took and said no one is an exception to this rule.

News and Features (Dr. Sidener)

Name: Blanca Jara

Story: Cellphones?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

In general, this story is about:

The cellphone toleration has gone to a rule that has been enforced at Miami Beach Senior High.

The facts of this story are:

Not in actual quotes!                                           

Who?: The school board made the no cellphone policy.

What?: Cellphones are not permitted during school hours. 

Where?: In school, during school hours, phones are not permitted.

When?: In school, during school hours, phones are not permitted.

Why?: Cellphones are not permitted because of the distractions they cause and the policy.

How?: This will not help scores at all.

 Which of the above are the most important elements of the story? The school board made the no cellphone policy.Cellphones are not permitted because of the distractions they cause and the policy.This will not help scores at all. My lead for this story is: Dr. Sidener and the way she said that to this rule and students have to abide by it.   Terms or ideas I will have to explain through my own words or quotes include:    Names of sources I will quote in this story are: 

1.

2.

3.

4.

Actual Interview 4

Name of Reporter: Blanca Jara

 Story: Should cellphones be confiscated before school, during lunch and after school?

 Section: News

 Deadline: Next Class

 Name of person being interviewed (CHECK SPELLING!):

Dr. Sidener 

Notes and Quotes:

* Was very explanatory.

* Answered questions with many, many details!

Dr. Sidener: “The purpose of cellphones is not due to FCAT Scores, the purpose of limiting cellphone use is first of all to enforce School Board Policy. So I didn’t make that up, that’s the School Board Policy, which is here to fore has not been implemented in this site. Uhhh… the purpose of cellphones is to eliminate distractions, if you’re texting your friend, you’re not paying attention to the teacher and it also eliminates the distraction, in terms of, they stole my cellphone…”

“It’s not to be seen.”

Actual Interview 3

Name of Reporter: Blanca Jara

Story: Should cellphones be allowed during lunch, before and afterschool?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

Name of person being interviewed (CHECK SPELLING!): Luanda Johnson?, Security Guard. Will get spelling by asking her.

Notes and Quotes:

* Was very responsive.

* Acted very kindly and politely.

* Stood by her opinion.

B for Blanca, S for interviewvee

B- “Why do you think cellphones should not be allowed in this school?”

S- “For one, school is for education not for fun, not for your personal time. Phones should be used afterschool and in my opinion, cellphones shouldn’t be used at all.”

 

 

 

Actual Interview 2

Name of Reporter: Blanca Jara

Story: Should cellphones be allowed during lunch, before and afterschool?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

Name of person being interviewed (CHECK SPELLING!):Mrs. Aguado (Teacher)

Notes and Quotes:

*Teacher was very cooperative.

*Gave her answers and explained herself.

*Was opininated and gave background information to support her side.

A- Mrs. Aguado, B- Blanca

A-”At what time? During school hours, No way!”

B-”But afterschool and before school and…”

A-”Okay, the problem is if it’s not going to intefere with school, the classes, I will say YES. But I have seen a tendency that if you use it before school you forget to turn it off or you have a tendency to use it during school, class time you know. That’s what I’m afraid.”

 

B-”Do you think this rule is an exception towards teachers? Like teachers are they allowed to use their phones?”

A-”No. Teachers are not allowed to use their cellular phones neither. How can I say you’re not allowed to and I do it. How can I say do not allow chewing gum in my class and I start chewing gum and blowing bubbles in front of you. No! It applies to everybody!”

B-”Everybody. No exceptions?”

A-”No exceptions, for me.”

 

Actual Interview

Name of Reporter: Blanca Camila Jara

Story: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, after school and during lunch?

Section: News

Deadline: Next Class

Name of person being interviewed (CHECK SPELLING!): Student: Amalia Reyes

Notes and Quotes:

*Ms.Reyes responded questions thoroughly

*Acted Professionally.

*Spoke what was on her mind.

- – Q: “Do you believe it’s unfair if teachers, staff and faculty get to use their cellphones but not students?”

- – A: “I believe it’s incredibly unfair, I mean if the students aren’t allowed to do it, the teachers shoudn’t be allowed to do it either.”

- – Q: “How are students being warned about this?”

- -A: “Well, personally, my teachers just keep repeating it and repeating it until it’s stuck in your head.”

- – Q: “Do you think the banning of cellphones will help improve our student’s FCAT Scores?NRT Scores? PSAT Scores?

- – A: ”I think that has absolutely no, nothing to do with it.”

- – ME: “So, no impact?”

- - HER: “No, not at all.”

 

- - Q: “Do you believe a right has been taken away from taking away our cellphones?”

- – A: “Not really…”

Interview 4: Teachers

Name: Blanca Jara

Person to be Interviewed: Random Teachers

Date / Location of Interview: Before School, After school, During Lunch

Deadline: September, 3, 2007Topic: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school?Important Background information:

Teachers are allowed to take away phones. 

Cellphones have been banned throughout the school , even out of class, and students have been warned of severe consequences.

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who? Who do you turn in the confiscated phones to?

What? What is making you confiscate phones?When? When is the usual time  where phones are conficated?Where? Where do you believe students should be able to talk?

Why? Why are faculty confiscating phones?

How? How are you warning students about the confiscation of phones?Other questions I’ll need to ask:- Do you believe the banning of cellphones on this campus will better our FCAT Scores? NRT Scores? SSS? SAT? PSAT? AP?- Are teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?- Do you take this rule seriously?

 

Interview 3: Security Guards

Name: Blanca Jara

Person to be Interviewed: Security guards

Date / Location of Interview: Before School, After school, During Lunch

Deadline: September, 3, 2007

Topic: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school?Important Background information:Security guards are in charge of taking away your cellphones if they catch your cellphones in their sight.Cellphones have been banned throughout the school , even out of class, and students have been warned of severe consequences.

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who? Who do you give the cellphones you confiscate to?

What? What do students normally say when you are confiscating their phones?

When? When do you believe students should use their cellphones?

Where? Where should tudents be allowed to use their cellphones?

Why? Why should the cellphones be confiscated?How? How does the student’s cellphones  affect you?Other questions I’ll need to ask:- Do you believe the banning of cellphones on this campus will better our FCAT Scores? NRT Scores? SSS? SAT? PSAT? AP?- Are teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?- Do you take this rule seriously? 

Interview 2: Random Students

Name: Blanca Jara

Person to be Interviewed: Random Students

Date / Location of Interview: Before School, After school, During Lunch

Deadline: September, 3, 2007

Topic: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school?Important Background information:Some students feel this rule as unfair. And feel that a privilege has been taken away from them. Others feel that it is one less electronic to deal with.Cellphones have been banned throughout the school , even out of class, and students have been warned of severe consequences.

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who? Who do you think made the no cellphone allowed on campus rule?

What? What do you think caused the principal to take this action?

When? When do you feel you should be allowed to use your cellphones?

Where? Where do you think this rule started from?

Why? Why should we be allowed to use phones?

How? How will you contact people when you can’t use your  phone?

Other questions I’ll need to ask:- Do you believe the banning of cellphones on this campus will better our FCAT Scores? NRT Scores? SSS? SAT? PSAT? AP?- Do you believe it fair if  teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?- Do you take this rule seriously?

 

 

Interview 1: Dr. Sidener

Name:  Blanca Jara

Person to be Interviewed: Dr.Sidener

Date / Location of Interview: Principal’s Office and September 1, 2007

Deadline: September 3, 2007

Topic: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school? 

Important Background information:

The principal took action against the using of cellphones. She is a woman and she can be found lurking around the school.

Cellphones have been banned throughout the school , even out of class, and students have been warned of severe consequences.  

Six initial questions I’ll ask: 

Who? Who is the person who banned cellphones from school?

What? What made you take this action?

When? When is a person allowed to use their cellphones?

Where? Where can you use your  cellphones in school?

Why? Why are you banning cellphones from school and during free  time?

How? How are you taking action against the rulebreakers? 

  Other questions I’ll need to ask:

- Do you believe the banning of cellphones on this campus will better our FCAT Scores? NRT Scores? SSS? SAT? PSAT? AP?

- Are teachers, faculty, and staff an exception to this rule?

- Do you take this rule seriously?

Selected News Story!

Name: Blanca Jara 

Story: Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school? 

Section: News 

Deadline: Next Class (Homework) 

People I need to talk to for quotes / information       When?

1. The Principal (Dr.Sidener)  1. During a private session, or  the lunch journalism class.

2. Random Students 2. During lunch period, before school and after school.

3. Random Teachers 3. During lunch period, before school and after school.

4. Random Parents  4. Before and Afterschool.

5. Faculty and Staff 5. During lunch period, before school and after school. 

Six initial questions I’ll ask:

Who? (Parents)  Who side are you on for the no cellphone rule?

What? (Dr.Sidener) What has made you ban cellpones from the campus?

When? (Dr.Sidener) When do you believe is a good time for students to talk on their cellphones?

(Students) When do you believe you should be allowed to talk on your cellphone? 

Where? (Dr.Sidener) Where are students allowed to talk on the phone in case of an emergency?

Why? (Students) Why should we, students, be allowed to talk on our cellphones?

(Dr.Sidener) Why all of a sudden  the no cellphone rule?

How? (Teachers, Faculty, Staff) How do you feel about the no cellphone rule?

Other questions I’ll need to ask:

(Dr.Sidener) Does the school district agree with this policy?

(Students) Do you feel a privledge has been taken away from you?

(Faculty, Staff, Teachers) What are you doing to help enforce the no cellphone rule?

After reading this story, the reader should have a clear idea of:

The reader should understand why the sudden enforcement of the no cellphones  rule. Understand the side of the principal.

My Three Story Idea Proposals

Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school?           I propose this to be a story we cover in the school newspaper.  This is about the sudden no cellphone tolerated rule that has been enforced at Miami Beach Senior High. It is understandable to not have cellphones out while class is in session but why not during our free periods? We should cover the thoughts of students of this rule, look for an explanation from the principal for this rule. This topic has atleast seven of the eight requirements to make good news. It has no humor in it but it has two point of views, the ones mentioned earlier. It has been reminded to every student everyday so it is technically recently and it is at Miami Beach Senior High, (how much closer can you get?), where this rule is being enforced. This rule is affecting every student that has a cellphone, (that is a very high percentage), and these will be mainly the people who will read this article. The name of recognition in this article is Dr. Sidener. We can talk to the students, principal, security guards, faculty and staff.When does construction really end?          I propose that we cover the construction of new building. The principal may say one date but what does the construction crew say? It is currently being constructed at Miami Beach Senior High. Teachers may find this important because they might be interested in when their classes will soon move into the new building. Students may want to know if they are one of the ones who get to move into the new building. Dr. Sidener, again, is the name of recognition. There is no conflict nor drama in this story. We can show the point of view of the principal or the point of view from the construction crew. This story may interests the faculty and staff at Miami Beach Senior High and students and even students come into the school next year. There is no humor in this story. We can talk to Dr.Sidener and the construction crew.When is the rodent infestation to stop?           Even it is nice to have a new school mascot that isn’t a high tide doesn’t mean that are health isn’t at stake. The principal mentions a lot don’t feed the mice yet no one has seen one. Even if we haven’t seen one there is supposely mice.  We should cover this story from a health issue perspective to help students realize to not get near these rats but to call an adult in the school. You may never know how contagious these animals are. It a problem now at Miami Beach Senior High. It is important to everyone who goes to the school because it is there health at stake. There is nothing entertaining about it. We can ask teachers who have seen the rodents, the principal, the construction crew. 

Five New Story Ideas In Eight News Values

-When does construction really end? :

Nearness: Here at Miami Beach Senior High.

Timeliness: Happening now.

Importance: Teachers want to see when their new classes are done. Students may want to know when they are to move into the new building.

Name Recognition: Dr. Sidener.Drama or Conflict: No drama.

Variety: We can show the point of view of the principal or the point of view from the constructio crew, two ways.

Human Interest: Faculty and staff of MBSH, students and teachers.

Humor or Entertainment: None.

-Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school? 

Nearness: Here at MBSH.

Timeliness: Now.

Importance: Very high percentage of the students.

Name Recognition: Dr. Sidener.

Drama or Conflict: The conflict is that many students believe that they should be allowed to talk over their cellphones during this periods of free time.

Variety: We can get it from the point of view of students, the teachers, or the principal, 3 ways. 

Human Interest: High percentage of students.

Humor or Entertainment: None.

-Not enough lunch tables.

Nearness: Here at MBSH.

Timeliness: Now.

Importance: Somewhat important.

Name Recognition: None.

Drama or Conflict: Unsure.

Variety: Students point of view, one way.

Human Interest: Somewhat high percentage of students.

Humor or Entertainment: None.

-When is the rodent infestation to stop?

Nearness: Here at MBSH.

Timeliness: Now.

Importance: Important to the student, teacher, and faculty’s health.

Name Recognition: Dr.Sidener.

Drama or Conflict: Do the new “school pets” have diseases.

Variety: Unsure.

Human Interest: Teachers, faculty, some students.

Humor or Entertainment: None.

-Bus Pass Dilemma.

Nearness: Here at Miami beach Senior High.

Timeliness: Now during the beginning of the school year.

Importance: Students riding the bus.

Name Recognition: None.

Drama or Conflict: Bus passes are being given late or not at all to students.

Variety: Students point of view, Assistant principal’s point of view, bus driver’s point of view, school bus company’s point of view.

Human Interest: Students who ride the bus.

Humor or Entertainment: None.

Broward Teachers Get 5.6% Pay Raise

Who- Broward’s Public School Teachers, Dane Ramson (the Broward Teachers Union’s chief negotiator) and Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter.

What- Contract calls for an average 5.59 percent raise and boosts starting pay for teachers to the highest in the region.

Where- Broward County When- For next year.

Why- To make Broward competitive with other area school districts in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade for recruiting purposes.

How- By an all-night negotiating session,the district has taken a number of cost-saving steps, like reducing the number of bus stops, holding on to school buses longer and deciding not to fill some open positions. Notter said they are trying to shave $4 million off the district’s $65 million power bill as well.

Summary- Broward public school teachers, Jim Notter, and Dane Ramson have had an overnight session to raise the starting salary for next year by having an all-night negotiating session, also district has taken a number of cost-saving steps, like reducing the number of bus stops, holding on to school buses longer and deciding not to fill some open positions and this is to make Broward more competitive against Miami Dade and Palm Beach

Brainstorm Five New Story Ideas

1. When does construction really end? <<Go behind the scenes and figure out when the new building will be finished. The principal says one date but what does the construction crew say.

2. Should cellphones be unallowed before school, lunch and after school? <<Figure out why cellphones are now not tolerated. Cellphones are taken away the only free time we students have. During class it is understandable why we shouldn’t use our cellphones but why not during lunch or before and after school?
3. Not enough lunch tables. << We can eat inside and outside the cafeteria yet there isn’t enough space to sit everyone down to eat lunch. Find out why there isn’t enough space for everyone to sit and eat.
4. When is the rodent infestation to stop? <<The principal mentions a lot not feed our little friends yet no one has seen one rat. Though their appearance or grand entrance hasn’t been properly introduced to us, students, this is a hazard to us because what if our school rats carry diseases and end up infecting us. 
5. Bus Pass Dilemma. << Bus passes had been distributed during the summer and most people were assigned to the wrong bus number. The school faculty and principal want you always to come to school and yet your having problems to reason with the bus driver that this is supposed to be your bus. The school  issues out bus passes to ride a bus but they take to much time because they must have permision from the School Bus Company. We should figure out why do they take such a long period of time just to give us a slip of paper stating this person is to ride this bus.

Broward schools try to remove fear factor for freshmen (http://www.miamiherald.com/295/story/208800.html )

Who: Schools Superintendent Jim Notter and his team of Broward County.

What: Are using strategies to reinvent the Freshman experience.

Where: Pompano Beach High, all of Broward High Schools.

When: Now, recently this new school year.

Why: To remove fear factor of the upcoming freshman, to help them incubate in a new setting (The Highschool.) ”A successful freshman year is critical — it’s the year they are most likely to quit school because they fall behind or get lost in a sea of upperclassmen. Ninety percent of kids who repeat ninth grade drop out, Traeger said.”How: By strategies: “Sticking name tags on their shirts, including an A, B or C to designate which team they are assigned to. The team concept — a throwback to middle school — is a key part of the ”ninth-grade academies” created at every Broward high school this year.”

“The format keeps a set of kids together for most classes, helping students bond and allowing teachers to watch the neophytes closely, said Dan Traeger, who oversees Broward’s high school reform.“

Summary: Broward County is devising strategies to help remove the fear factor between the incoming freshmen and highschool.