Get started today by either following the link on the iLibrary@ITC Link List to the right or by clicking here.
Mr. Sohoski
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Summer Reading Part 2
Have something to say about the books you have been reading? Join the discussions on the new ITC Summer Reading Blog!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A New Place with a New Face
As many of may you know, ITC will be temporarily moving into Levy as our school is being remodeled. What you might not know is that in addition to a larger library you will also be getting a new librarian!
My name is Mr. Sohoski and I will be your new ITC librarian. My journey to ITC has been an interesting one and has included experiences such as working as a chemical engineer and teacher, to SCUBA diving with sharks and traveling through Europe.
I look forward to working with all of you to create a new library at Levy that will not only meet, but exceed our needs.
Sincerely,
Mr. Sohoski
PS - Let us all send our best wishes with Mrs. LeFever as she transitions into another exciting position within the Syracuse City School District!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Summer Reading
Happy summer vacation!
A bit of exercise will keep your brain in great shape for the new season of learning that kicks off in September! What better to train your brain than a good book?
We bought the book for you, now all you have to do is pick it up so you can start exercising (a.k.a. reading and discussing)! For now we will use this blog as our means of communicating. Soon enough, we will have other activities in which you should participate as well, so check back here often for more details!
Freshmen - Entering 9th graders will receive a copy of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson during UTC this July. Check out the details about this book on Anderson's Web site!
Students entering grades 10-12 will need to stop by the ITC office at 258 East Adams Street (435-4300) to pick up a copy of the assigned reading as follows:
Sophomores - Students entering 10th grade will be reading A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Check out the Web site for this book!
Juniors - Our newly promoted eleventh graders will read Unwind by Neal Shusterman. Shusterman has a great site that even includes a fanmade trailer!
Seniors - ITC's first ever 12th grade class will read State of Fear by Michael Crichton. More details can be found on the official Crichton site!
Be prepared to provide a reflection about the book to your Humanities (ELA/SS) teachers during the first days back from summer vacation in September!!
Questions? Click the comment link below this post. Then check back in a few days for a response. Happy summer vacation and happy reading!!!
A bit of exercise will keep your brain in great shape for the new season of learning that kicks off in September! What better to train your brain than a good book?
We bought the book for you, now all you have to do is pick it up so you can start exercising (a.k.a. reading and discussing)! For now we will use this blog as our means of communicating. Soon enough, we will have other activities in which you should participate as well, so check back here often for more details!
Freshmen - Entering 9th graders will receive a copy of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson during UTC this July. Check out the details about this book on Anderson's Web site!
Students entering grades 10-12 will need to stop by the ITC office at 258 East Adams Street (435-4300) to pick up a copy of the assigned reading as follows:
Sophomores - Students entering 10th grade will be reading A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Check out the Web site for this book!
Juniors - Our newly promoted eleventh graders will read Unwind by Neal Shusterman. Shusterman has a great site that even includes a fanmade trailer!
Seniors - ITC's first ever 12th grade class will read State of Fear by Michael Crichton. More details can be found on the official Crichton site!
Be prepared to provide a reflection about the book to your Humanities (ELA/SS) teachers during the first days back from summer vacation in September!!
Questions? Click the comment link below this post. Then check back in a few days for a response. Happy summer vacation and happy reading!!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Humanities Independent Assignment 2
Role – movie/book critic
Audience – blog-reading high school students
Format – movie/review review
Task – to critique one movie and one book
Due Date: June 14, 2010
Part I: You are a movie critic. Your editor asked you to review a film that high school students could watch to deepen their understanding of US History. Research movies about 20th - 21st Century (1900+)life in the United States. Watch your selected movie. Write a movie review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the movie
Paragraph 2 – critique the movie
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the movie as part of a US History course
Post your movie review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.
Internet Movie Database
Part II: You are a book critic. Your editor asked you to review a book that high school students could read to deepen their understanding of US History. Research books about life in the United States during the 20th - 21st Century (1900+). Read your selected book. Write a book review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the book
Paragraph 2 – critique the book
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the book as part of a US History course
Post your book review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.
SCSD Catalog (includes reviews)
**Note: It is a good idea to type your movie/book reviews in word document to make use of the spelling & grammar review tool before posting. Then all you will need to do is copy and paste your reviews to post them to the blog. This also avoids any unnecessary loss of your work if there is a technical difficulty while you are posting to the blog.
Each review posting should include:
1. Title of the movie/book all in CAPS
2. List the director/author
3. Three paragraph review per the directions
4. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure - no “texting” language
Grading Criteria:
Writing Mechanics
Content/thoroughness
Creativity/authenticity in embracing RAFT format
Media Literacy (accessed books/movies; correctly posted review)
Audience – blog-reading high school students
Format – movie/review review
Task – to critique one movie and one book
Due Date: June 14, 2010
Part I: You are a movie critic. Your editor asked you to review a film that high school students could watch to deepen their understanding of US History. Research movies about 20th - 21st Century (1900+)life in the United States. Watch your selected movie. Write a movie review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the movie
Paragraph 2 – critique the movie
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the movie as part of a US History course
Post your movie review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.
Internet Movie Database
Part II: You are a book critic. Your editor asked you to review a book that high school students could read to deepen their understanding of US History. Research books about life in the United States during the 20th - 21st Century (1900+). Read your selected book. Write a book review in which you:
Paragraph 1 – summarize the book
Paragraph 2 – critique the book
Paragraph 3 – evaluate the use of the book as part of a US History course
Post your book review to the ITC Library blog via the comment link below. Mrs. LeFever will demonstrate how to correctly post to the blog.
SCSD Catalog (includes reviews)
**Note: It is a good idea to type your movie/book reviews in word document to make use of the spelling & grammar review tool before posting. Then all you will need to do is copy and paste your reviews to post them to the blog. This also avoids any unnecessary loss of your work if there is a technical difficulty while you are posting to the blog.
Each review posting should include:
1. Title of the movie/book all in CAPS
2. List the director/author
3. Three paragraph review per the directions
4. Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure - no “texting” language
Grading Criteria:
Writing Mechanics
Content/thoroughness
Creativity/authenticity in embracing RAFT format
Media Literacy (accessed books/movies; correctly posted review)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Virtual PD
Web 2.0 Tools for Inquiry
I have developed a virtual professional development opportunity for all you. The topic of the module is Inquiry and Web 2.0 Tool Integration, and I believe it has something that could benefit everyone, especially as we continue to move towards technology-rich project-based instruction. The module is an overview of Web 2.0 Tools I have found to be most beneficial in classroom instruction including tips on selection and integration. If you would like to be paid for your participation in the learning module, please follow these directions:
1. Email me (llefever@scsd.us) to let me know your planned level of participation:
Level 1 - View the 30 minute tutorial and complete a 10 question reflection/feedback survey
Level 2 - Level 1, plus creation and submission of a lesson plan/project overview that incorporates one or more of the technologies listed (or similar technologies) by June 18, 2010
2. View the module at the following link: Web 2.0 Module
A. When you open the PPT, make sure to ENABLE MACROS in the security window.
B. Play the slideshow from the beginning in full screen mode to hear the narration.
C. Video links will open in an internet browser window. Login to the filter with your district username/password.
D. When videos end, return to the PPT via your status bar or dock, and move to the next slide.
3. Complete the survey linked on the last slide of the PPT. You must complete all 10 questions for PD time.
4. Email me to let me know you have completed the module and survey. I will have you fill out a time card at this point.
5. If you choose to complete level 2, email me your lesson by June 18, 2010 at which point I will have you fill out another time card. If you need any help working on the lesson, let me know, and we will schedule a collaboration session.
Classroom 2.0 Webinars
I emailed you a list of Webinars available this coming week. I have often found the offerings from Classroom 2.0 to be enlightening. You will have to register for an account to participate, but membership is free. I also extend you the opportunity to earn an hour paid PD time for each you complete. Simply sign-up, participate and reflect by posting your answers to the following questions to the library blog via the comment link below.
Questions:
1. Summarize the Webinar. What was it about?
2. Discuss how information in the Webinar will affect your instruction.
3. Share any "aha" moments you had during the Webinar.
4. What questions/needs did this Webinar bring to mind?
5. What else?
Please see me if you have any questions at any time. I would be glad to help.
I have developed a virtual professional development opportunity for all you. The topic of the module is Inquiry and Web 2.0 Tool Integration, and I believe it has something that could benefit everyone, especially as we continue to move towards technology-rich project-based instruction. The module is an overview of Web 2.0 Tools I have found to be most beneficial in classroom instruction including tips on selection and integration. If you would like to be paid for your participation in the learning module, please follow these directions:
1. Email me (llefever@scsd.us) to let me know your planned level of participation:
Level 1 - View the 30 minute tutorial and complete a 10 question reflection/feedback survey
Level 2 - Level 1, plus creation and submission of a lesson plan/project overview that incorporates one or more of the technologies listed (or similar technologies) by June 18, 2010
2. View the module at the following link: Web 2.0 Module
A. When you open the PPT, make sure to ENABLE MACROS in the security window.
B. Play the slideshow from the beginning in full screen mode to hear the narration.
C. Video links will open in an internet browser window. Login to the filter with your district username/password.
D. When videos end, return to the PPT via your status bar or dock, and move to the next slide.
3. Complete the survey linked on the last slide of the PPT. You must complete all 10 questions for PD time.
4. Email me to let me know you have completed the module and survey. I will have you fill out a time card at this point.
5. If you choose to complete level 2, email me your lesson by June 18, 2010 at which point I will have you fill out another time card. If you need any help working on the lesson, let me know, and we will schedule a collaboration session.
Classroom 2.0 Webinars
I emailed you a list of Webinars available this coming week. I have often found the offerings from Classroom 2.0 to be enlightening. You will have to register for an account to participate, but membership is free. I also extend you the opportunity to earn an hour paid PD time for each you complete. Simply sign-up, participate and reflect by posting your answers to the following questions to the library blog via the comment link below.
Questions:
1. Summarize the Webinar. What was it about?
2. Discuss how information in the Webinar will affect your instruction.
3. Share any "aha" moments you had during the Webinar.
4. What questions/needs did this Webinar bring to mind?
5. What else?
Please see me if you have any questions at any time. I would be glad to help.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dygert - English 11 Advanced
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
This novel is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the particularly tumultuous summer of 1964. The movement for civil rights, though always important, came to a political head during this period in American history. At this time, the rights of minorities were called into question with regard to equal rights under the U.S. Constitution.
First, review MLA Citation by viewing this tutorial:
MLA Tutorial
Second, take this quiz to assess your knowledge of MLA citation:
MLA Quiz
You will receive a username in the library.
The password is English11ADV (case sensitive).
Next, choose one of the following topics and research its historical context according to the directions you receive from Ms. Dygert.
Topics:
• Jim Crow Laws
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• President John F. Kennedy’s work with Civil Rights
• President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s first congressional address
Resources:
Project Guide
Print Resource Note-taking Sheet
Electronic Resource Note-taking Sheet
The best databases for your research are available @
Library Links Databases
Look for:
Facts on File (Super Search)
Opposing Viewpoints (News)
ABC-CLIO Social Studies (SS)
Annals of American History (SS)
Some good Web sites include:
Civil Rights Digital Library
JFK Library
The White House
PBS
World Digital Library
Library of Congress
Whatever you do, make sure you follow the directions on your project guide including keeping track of sources you use while you research! Good luck!
This novel is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the particularly tumultuous summer of 1964. The movement for civil rights, though always important, came to a political head during this period in American history. At this time, the rights of minorities were called into question with regard to equal rights under the U.S. Constitution.
First, review MLA Citation by viewing this tutorial:
MLA Tutorial
Second, take this quiz to assess your knowledge of MLA citation:
MLA Quiz
You will receive a username in the library.
The password is English11ADV (case sensitive).
Next, choose one of the following topics and research its historical context according to the directions you receive from Ms. Dygert.
Topics:
• Jim Crow Laws
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• President John F. Kennedy’s work with Civil Rights
• President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s first congressional address
Resources:
Project Guide
Print Resource Note-taking Sheet
Electronic Resource Note-taking Sheet
The best databases for your research are available @
Library Links Databases
Look for:
Facts on File (Super Search)
Opposing Viewpoints (News)
ABC-CLIO Social Studies (SS)
Annals of American History (SS)
Some good Web sites include:
Civil Rights Digital Library
JFK Library
The White House
PBS
World Digital Library
Library of Congress
Whatever you do, make sure you follow the directions on your project guide including keeping track of sources you use while you research! Good luck!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Book Reviews
What are you reading? Tell us about it! Not sure what to read? Click the Book Reviews link above to discover what professional readers think about books at the New York Times or read posts here to find out what your classmates are reading. What should you include in the post:
1. Well, starting with a TITLE would be great! That way someone else can find the book!
2. An author is helpful too...obvious reasons.
3. What did you think of the book?
Not sure what to say? Again, check out the NY Times Book Reviews Linked to the post title above, but keep yours a bit shorter if you can. Happy reading!
1. Well, starting with a TITLE would be great! That way someone else can find the book!
2. An author is helpful too...obvious reasons.
3. What did you think of the book?
Not sure what to say? Again, check out the NY Times Book Reviews Linked to the post title above, but keep yours a bit shorter if you can. Happy reading!
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