Dupont Challenge Science Essay Competition

Dupont: The DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition

The DuPont Challenge encourages students to delve deep into their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math and express themselves with creativity and purpose. Ours is a growing world that faces new challenges each day, and DuPont wants students to share their ideas for how science can help keep our global population supplied with food, safety, and clean energy. Essays must be between 700 to 1,000 words in length, include a list of research sources, and fall under one of four categories: Together, we can feed the world; together, we can build a secure energy future; together, we can protect people and the environment; or together, we can be innovative anywhere. Maximum award: U.S. Savings Bond of $5,000 at maturity; expenses-paid Orlando trip; Britannica Digital Learning E-book collection, including Britannica Illustrated Science Library (67 E-book volumes total); and Britannica's 5 iOS science apps. Eligibility: students currently enrolled in grades 6 through 12 in public, private, or home schools in the United States, Canada, or their territories. Deadline: January 31, 2015. More

http://thechallenge.dupont.com/essay/students/student-awards.php

Three Things to Know About the U.S. Bishops’ Recent Discussions on Catholic Schools // Alliance for Catholic Education

Three Things to Know About the U.S. Bishops’ Recent Discussions on Catholic Schools // Alliance for Catholic Education

Online Learning Opportunity for Junior High Students

The University of Wisconsin - Madison is offering a program called Program A Missions. There are many missions available to choose from and they are designed to extend learning in the classroom. Students selecting to get involved in this program must be passionate about the subject matter they are pursuing.

Visit www.wcaty.wise.edu for more information. See Mr.Plummer if you wish to pursue a mission.

No, You Can't Do 'Extra Credit' - Work in Progress - Education Week Teacher

No, You Can't Do 'Extra Credit' - Work in Progress - Education Week Teacher

5 Keys to Avoid Being a Bullying Bystander

I received the following 5 keys in an email from Dennard Mitchell. He speaks to students across the nation on motivation and bullying.

Bystander Bullies If there is one thing that Bullies like more than being a Bully, is employing an audience. The more the merrier as far the as the Bully is concerned and is the fuel to ignite the fire they need as they humiliate someone else; something that far too often leads to   violence. Bystander Bullies are just as harmful to a bullying situation, especially if that fire gets lit. A bystander bully is described as someone who is indirectly involved with the increase of bullying to someone else. Children seeing bullying situations far more often than they should. Often time that are not sure what to do when they happen upon a situation like that. Many of them just want to go along for the ride and see what all the chaos and commotion is about. However there are many in those crowds that would like to break up the situation, but out of the fear of retaliation for being a whistle-blower or a 'goody-two shoes', decide against it. Besides preventing ourselves from being an audience to add fuel to the bully's fire there are still other things we can do to increase the message that bullying will not be tolerated.

5 Key Tips to Avoid Being a Bully Bystander.  1. Be a Friend. Sometimes simply being nice to someone who is being bullied is helpful. Letting them know that you do not agree with it and asking if there is anything you can do lets them know that someone cares. Encouraging them to, 2. Talk to an adult. Talk to an adult is also being a friend. If this is not something that they feel comfortable with then as a friend you should find an adult you trust to handle the situation before it gets worse. If there is no adult around and the situation seems to escalate then you can,   3. Assist with an Escape. Create a distraction so that the attention is off of the bully. If the bully doesn't have the needed audience then there's no reason to go on. Only intervene on bullying situations when it is safe to do so. And do not intervene through the use of violence. This only escalates the situation and a bystander should be able to, 4. Set a Good Example. Be a leader to those around you. Encourage them about the negative effects of bullying and actively participate in anti-bullying projects and initiatives. Promote the motto of respecting individuality and giving awareness to cultivating a bully FREE culture. And again, the number one thing you can do to prevent being a Bully Bystander is 5. Don't Be an Audience. Prevent the fire before it starts.

Grading Standards Can Elevate Teaching - Education Week

Grading Standards Can Elevate Teaching - Education Week



I especially like this quote in the conclusion, "we need to free ourselves from an antiquated, unclear, and essentially discredited system that weakens teachers’ effectiveness and their credibility."

It’s Time to Stop Averaging Grades

It’s Time to Stop Averaging Grades

Middle School Summer Challenge

Washington University in St. Louis is hosting a Middle School Summer Challenge. The program "combines advanced curriculum and leadership development" this upcoming summer. More information can be found at summerexperiences.wustl.edu.

Honor Roll? Really?

Honor Roll? Really?

7 tips on raising caring and compassionate children

7 tips on raising caring and compassionate children

Pray in Thanksgiving for our Priests

I found this in an email and I thought I should share it.

November Novena Novena for Priests - Starting on Tuesday November 18th - Wednesday November 25th, Feast of Thanksgiving is November 26th - that we give thanks for our Priests http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/priests.htm Jesus, Good Shepherd, You sent us the Holy Spirit to guide Your Church and lead her faithful to You through the ministry of Your priests. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, grant to Your priests wisdom in leading, faithfulness in teaching, and holiness in guarding Your sacred Mysteries. As they cry out with all the faithful, "Abba, Father!" may Your priests be ever more closely identified with You in Your divine Sonship and offer their own lives with You, the one saving Victim. Make them helpful brothers of one another, and understanding fathers of all Your people. Renew in Your priests deeper faith, greater trust in You, childlike reliance on our Mother Mary, and unwavering fidelity to the Holy Father and his bishops. Holy Mary, intercede for your priests. St. Joseph, protect them. St. Michael, defend them. St. John Vianney, pray for them.

Regina Students Job Shadow

The following was sent to Mrs. Zoulek from Nancy Young at the Workplace Learning Connection.

Regina High School has several students who are considering a career in law enforcement. So six of them (Tanner Rios, Jarod Kaufman, Danny Sullivan, Mason Simpson, Olivia Wolfe, and Sarah Lehman), along with teens from several other area high schools, spent part of their day at a Workplace Learning Connection Job Shadow.  An FBI agent talked with them about how to get into the FBI Academy, what to expect in both the Academy and in the career, and gave inside tips on how to survive in such a high-adrenaline job.  Then, they got to start playing with the gear that an FBI agent uses! 

In the photo:

Rios – front row with door ram (ready to bash in some doors in a raid!)

Kaufman – front row in the white hazmat suit (the type used recently to deal with Ebola patients)

Sullivan – wearing the bullet-proof FBI vest

Simpson – front and center, holding the raid shield

Wolfe and Lehman– wearing handcuffs like ‘perps’ in the back row

Article on grading

What can we do to make sure the focus is on learning and not a letter? How do we change our grading practices without hurting our students' chances at getting into the college or university they wish to attend?

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/2014/11/why_its_time_to_give_up_grades.html?cmp=ENL-TU-NEWS3

Interview with Carol Dweck on praise

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/11/too-many-kids-quit-science-because-they-dont-think-theyre-smart/382165/2/

Write Women Back in History Essay Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                               CONTACT: Kristen Corey

November 3, 2014                                                                                 Office on the Status of Women  515-281-4470 or women@iowa.gov

31^st Annual Write Women Back Into History Contest Announced

2015 theme focuses on “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives”

DES MOINES – The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women is seeking entries for the 2015 Write Women Back into History Essay Contest from students in grades 6–9. The theme of this year’s contest is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.”

In partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and the State Historical Society of Iowa, the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women within the Iowa Department of Human Rights, invites students to participate in order to gain a deeper and more relevant appreciation of women’s roles in history. The contest helps highlight stories of women's achievements that are integral to the fabric of our history.

The Write Women Back into History Essay Contest is held as part of Iowa’s observance of Women’s History Month. March is often designated as Women’s History Month by the governor, the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives, the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress, and will be celebrated in hundreds of communities and thousands of classrooms nationwide.

Winning essayists will be awarded prizes, announced on the floors of the Iowa House of Representatives and Senate. They will also be recognized at a special ceremony at the State Historical Building during Women’s History Month, and each finalist will receive a certificate signed by the governor. All winners’ names will be released to the press, and a special effort will be made to inform media outlets in the students’ communities of their honors. 

Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online by clicking here or by contacting Kristen Corey at 515/281-4470, 800/558-4427 or women@iowa.gov.

The deadline for entry is January 23^rd, 2015. Anyone with questions may contact Kristen Corey in the Office on the Status of Women at 515/281-4470, 800/558-4427 or women@iowa.gov.

###

Regina Advanced Placement Program

What is AP?

AP courses are created and reviewed by a group of college faculty and AP teachers from across the country. The courses cover the information, skills and coursework that correspond to the comparable college course. AP courses are not a more difficult high school class or a college preparatory class. AP courses are college level classes taught in the high school setting.

Teachers of AP courses are required to submit a course audit. This is a highly detailed course syllabus that must be approved by the College Board.

AP Exams are given in May. They are a cumulative examination of the courses content and skills. They are developed and reviewed by a team of college faculty and AP teachers. The free response section of the exams are scored by teams of college faculty and AP teachers.

What AP courses are offered at Regina?

          AP Courses taught by Regina teachers

          Biology

          Calculus AB

Calculus BC

English Language & Composition

English Literature & Composition

United States History

World History

AP Courses offered online

Chemistry

Macroeconomics (content certified mentor)

Microeconomics (content certified mentor)

Physics – not available in 2014-2015 due to course update

Psychology (content certified mentor)

Spanish Language (content certified mentor)

Statistics

U.S. Government and Politics

All AP courses taught at Regina have been approved by the College Board (U.S. History is going through a renewal due to a new teacher and course update). All online courses are also approved by the College Board. Online courses are conducted through Apex Learning or the Iowa Online Advanced Placement Academy (IOAPA). Students taking courses through IOAPA have an online teacher.

         

Recent AP Timeline

          2006-2007              6 courses taught at Regina, 8 courses online; 67 students – 153 exams

          2007-2008              5 courses taught at Regina, 7 courses online; 51 students – 102 exams

          2008-2009              6 courses taught at Regina, 6 courses online; 54 students – 91 exams

          2009-2010              6 courses taught at Regina, 8 courses online; 67 students – 125 exams

          2010-2011              6 courses taught at Regina, 8 courses online; 84 students – 199 exams

          2011-2012              6 courses taught at Regina, 8 courses online; 77 students – 164 exams

          2012-2013              7 courses taught at Regina, 8 courses online; 85 students – 174 exams

          2013-2014              7 courses taught at Regina, 7 courses online*; 73 students – 158 exams

          2014-2015              7 courses taught at Regina, 6 courses online*; ? students – ? exams

What is the AP Index?

The AP Index is the ratio of the number of AP exams taken to the number of graduates in a specific year. Each year’s AP Index is based on the previous year’s graduates and exam administration. For example, the 2014 AP Index is based on the number of AP exams taken and graduates in 2013.

Regina has ranked high on the AP Index since its inception in 2005.

         

	AP Index	Small School Ranking	Nonpublic School Ranking
2005*	1st	1st	1st
2006*	2nd	1st	1st
2007*	3rd	1st	1st
2008	1st	1st	1st
2009	3rd	1st	1st
2010	7th	2nd	1st
2011	3rd	1st	1st
2012	2nd	1st	1st
2013	3rd	1st	1st
2014	3rd	1st	1st

How do Regina students perform on AP exams?

Five-Year Trend for % of Total AP Students with Scores 3+

	Regina	Iowa	Global
2010	65.7	63.9	60.2
2011	70.2	65.1	60.2
2012	67.5	64.0	61.5
2013	67.1	62.9	60.9
2014	78.1	63.0	61.3

What do Regina graduates say about AP courses?

“Cal Poly is so much more than I expected. There is so much to do here both in school and out. I'm thinking about joining a club that builds a formula1-hybrid car (electric race car) from scratch and races it. As for AP credits I have enough to technically be a sophomore in the engineering program.”

-        Jared Geraets class of 2014 (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA)

“It is great to save money and be receiving college credit, but I didn’t realize how much it frees up your schedule for you to take classes you are really interested in. I have freed up enough time to be able to graduate in 4 years and study abroad, so that is wonderful!”

-        David Rudolph class of 2012 (Oklahoma)

“AP credits helped me skip ahead to higher class levels that count as honors courses. It also will help me save money by not paying to take classes I was able to take in high school. Most importantly, it helped give me a better idea of the work load and level of responsibility necessary to do well in college classes, especially the online classes that were essentially self-paced.”

-        Mia Boldt class of 2014 (University of Michigan)

“The material and knowledge that I was taught in AP absolutely is used in freshman and sophomore courses and by taking AP classes, whether or not I got credit for it, I was given a head start.”

-        Greg Ward class of 2012 (University of Northern Iowa)

“Taking AP classes definitely helped my all around experience in high school. They taught me to start thinking in different ways than I ever had and gave me a more complete education. They prepared me well for the difficulty of college classes. AP classes do require more time and effort outside of school which seemed difficult at the time, but it taught me how to effectively balance schoolwork with activities. On top of that, I'm now going to the University of Iowa with a full year's worth of credit which puts me ahead of many of my peers. I recommend AP classes to anyone who is up for the challenge but is also looking to reap the benefits from the AP process.”

-        Adam Ries class of 2014 (University of Iowa)    

Cartwheel challenge

Here is the link to my G+ video post.

https://plus.google.com/104665945911905398369/posts/bYNNuuuZR95

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT will be given on Wednesday, October 15. The test starts at 8:20.

Any 10th and 11th grader may take exam. We have a limited number of tests. The fee for the test is $14.

See Mrs.Zoulek for more information.

2015 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest

Please share the information with your student. This is a great opportunity fro our students to showcase their talents and get a nice prize.

Eligibility: All students in grades 9-11

Theme: How does education influence freedom, liberty, and responsible citizenship in a culturally diverse society?

Requirements: Essay between 500 and 700 words using at least 5 sources of information (cited), color photo (headshot), complete student information form (see Mrs. Zoulek or Mr. Plummer)

Top Honors: 3 winning essayists will receive a trophy, 1st place - $1,000 gift card, 2nd place - $300 gift card, 3rd place - $200 gift card

Deadline: March 31, 2015

See Mrs. Zoulek or Mr. Plummer for more details.

Homecoming Week Activities

No activities (just dress up days) on Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday

Please join us for Mass at 1:35 in the Jr/Sr High Gym.

Thursday

8:20-8:30      Report to Homerooms/Via

8:30-10:30    Justin Fatica Presentation

10:30-11:38   Hallway Decorating

11:38-12:00   Lunch HS @ 11:35 JH @ 11:45(eat in Via) 

12:00-12:10   Homeroom/Via Check In

12:10-12:40   Sign Making for Iron Man

12:40-2:10     Iron Man Volleyball (11 vs 12)

Friday

8:20-8:30      Report to Homerooms/Via

8:30-9:30      All School Family Feud 

9:30-11:38    Movie time-report to selected movie

11:38-12:52   Lunch/Finish Movie/Play Board games

1:00-2:15       All School Sidewalk Chalk

2:15-3:10       Pep Assembly/Court Obstacle Course

7:00               Football Game - Coronation at halftime

Saturday

8:30-11:00    Dance

Homecoming Kickoff is Sunday night

We kickoff Homecoming Week Sunday night. The powderpuff football game will start at 6:00. It will be followed by the presentation of the homecoming court and the bonfire. We hope to see you there Sunday night.

Open Minds, Open Doors Conference

Open Minds, Open Doors is a great Conference for 7^th and 8^th grade girls.  It is Oct. 14 at Coe College in Cedar Rapids.  The cost is $12 per girl and schools come from our areas.  For more information and a list of presenters go to www.gwaea.org/openmindsopendoors/conference.html.

We are limited in the number of students we can bring to this conference so have your child register with Mrs. Zoulek ASAP. Regina will cover the cost of the conference and provide transportation to and from the conference.

1st Quarter Midterm

Believe it or not the 1st Quarter midterm is this Friday, September 19. Parents should be checking their child's grades on Powerschool. Teachers will be contacting any parents whose students have low grades. Any questions or concerns should be communicated to your child's teacher.

Teacher emails can be found at www.icregina.com. Email addresses are firstname.lastname@icregina.com (all lower case).

Iowa Supreme Court Justice Visiting Regina

Justice Mansfield will be visiting Ms. Mehegan's Government class tomorrow at 9:00. Justice Mansfield will speak to the students about “Checks and Balances in the Judiciary” and then answer questions.

Justice Mansfield was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011. Justice Mansfield was born and raised in Massachusetts. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard in 1978, and his law degree from Yale in 1982. After law school he clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Justice Mansfield worked as an attorney in private practice until his appointment to the Iowa Court of Appeals in 2009. Justice Mansfield also has been an adjunct professor of law at Drake University since 1997.  

Justice Mansfield is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, having served as Chair of the Trade Regulation Section from 2004-2006. He is a member of the Polk County Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association. Justice Mansfield also serves on the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa, and is a past Chairperson of this organization.

On Thursday, September 11, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Iowa City (two cases, information below). The proceeding will take place in the West High School auditorium. The session will begin at 7 p.m. As always, oral arguments are open to the public. This is a unique opportunity for Iowa City area students and parents to see the Supreme Court at work and to meet the justices.  Please encourage your students and fellow teachers to attend the oral arguments. The session will begin with a brief explanation of the appellate process followed by a summary of the cases and oral arguments. A public reception with the justices will follow the oral arguments in the theater lobby. 

State of Iowa v. Zachariah J. Rogerson, No. 13-1329, from Dubuque County
The defendant is charged with four counts of serious injury by operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Rogerson was granted discretionary review from the district court's order allowing some of the state's witnesses (the victims who reside out of state and witnesses from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory) to testify at trial using the Iowa Communications Network (ICN). Rogerson argues it would violate his rights under the Confrontation Clauses of the United States and Iowa Constitutions to allow the state's witnesses to testify from outside of the courtroom via the ICN network when the state did not present any evidence of the necessity to allow remote testimony.

State of Iowa v. Yvette Marie Louisell, Case Number 14-0175, from Story County
The state appeals from the resentencing of Louisell who was convicted of murder in the first degree in 1988 for an offense she committed at seventeen years of age. The state argues the principles of cruel and unusual punishment allow a district court to strike down an unconstitutional sentence, but do not authorize it to create a determinate sentence. The district court imposed a 25-year sentence that, in light of Louisell's credit for time served, would result in her immediate release from prison. The district court's resentencing order was stayed pending the resolution of the state's appeal.  

Paul Engle essay contest

Sophomores can participate in the Paul Engle Glory of the Senses Essay Contest. Awards will be given (including a full year's tuition at the UI) and winners will be recognized at the Iowa City Book Festival.

More information, including registration, can be found at http://cityofliteratureusa.org/paul-engle-essay-contest-2014/.

Cyberbullying Sites

Mrs. Belknap shared the following information with me. These sites breed bullying. Please encourage your child to stay away from these and like sites.

Common Sense media flagged these sites and bullying tools.  

Anonymous question sites
What they are. Sites such as Ask.fm, Spillit, and Spring.me (formerly Formspring) let kids create a profile page where they can field questions from other users who can remain anonymous. Cyberbullying is common on these sites, as anonymity can encourage kids to be bolder -- or crueler -- than they would be otherwise. 
What to do. Discourage your kids from using question sites. If that fails, encourage them to block anonymous questioners if possible and use the strictest privacy settings the sites allow.