Service Learning Reflection 6/03/08

On the last service learning meeting, me and my group cleaned out the school store room. We mopped, and took tables. After that we all got into two groups. One group went into the library, to finish the bill for the store. We wrote as far to what the requirements are to work in the store. The our group went to K-mart with Ms. Swidegwick. There they looked at prices for supplies what might be sold in the store.
It was a very productive meeting.

Service learning: May 12- May 16

1. What I learned about our group topic which is starting the school store, I learned where the store is located in
the school. It is in the basement where the lunch room is. What I have learned about my self is that I don't think I would want to
work in the school store because the room is about the size of a closet. If I were in charge of this group, I would I pick a better room if I could. I know that room has a label saying "school store" but it is to small.

2. For Thursday's meeting I think we should start cleaning out the room for the store. Right now there are a bunch of tables and stuff.
We also need to contact places like BJs for stuff to sale in the store.
Finally I think we should get shelves, and mini table for the store as well.

3. Things I found:
One person in my group discussed how they finish writing the letter to Gilder Lerman for money.
Juliene wrote about how the meeting with Dr. Davidson went about having the store.
Tabitha discussed said the same thing as me.

Test Questions.

1. What was the problem with Curley? Why was he so arrogant?

The problem with Curley is that he is the shortest on the ranch. He is so arrogant because, he feels self conscious. He want the bigger men to fear him, and make them think he is better then them. Just because they are bigger.


2. What was the turning point in the game plan of George, Lennie, and Candy's Farm?
The Turning point in the game plan of George, Lennie, and Candy's Farm, was when Lennie killed Candy's wife. Lennie and George would have had to run away again and start over leaving Candy behind if George never killed Lennie.


3. What questions would you ask of Candy about his old dog after it died?
The questions that I would ask of Candy about his dog after it died would be:
1.

Symbols in Of Mice and Men

There are symbols just about every where you go. On bathrooms, restaurants, schools, and even books.
Just like in the book "Mice and Men". The symbols in the book are not seen visually like most symbols. They are things ,or places that represent as a symbol of meaning. Three symbols in "Mice and Men", that I recognized is the Farm, Lenny's puppy, and Candy's dog.


Now, Everyone has a dream that they wish to come true. In "Mice and Men", Lennie, George, and Candy had a dream to own their own farm one day. The dream farm is a symbol. Its a symbol of peace, and, success. To have their own farm meant that they would not have to deal with anyone else but them selves. They would be at peace in there own little harmony. Success would come from the ideal of being on their own. Being able to work for themselves, and not anybody else.


The next symbol I recognized is Lenny's puppy. In the book the character Lenny favors puppies. When he learns that his co-workers dog gave birth to puppies, he immediately wanted one. Now, Lennie is a very strong, but mentally challenged. So, he has a record of not being careful with little fragile things: mice and puppies. Fortunately, for Lennie he was given a second chance and received a puppy. This Puppy is a symbol of hope, and opportunity. Lennie now has the chance to have a puppy for a long time with out harming it. Lennie now has the opportunity and hope to prove that he can have something with out destroying it.


Also, I recognized that another pet in the book "Mice and Men" is a symbol. Old man Candy's dog is a symbol. The dog is old, and helpless. He looked as if he was going to fall out and die any minute. The men that knew Candy and his dog, figured that they should take the dog out of his misery. Candy being old his self, hesitated about this. But, eventually considered it. Candy's dog represents death and, the sadness of being useless. Because, since the dog was useless they killed him.


After I finished reading "Mice and Men", I learned that there not just symbols in bathrooms, restaurants, and school, but also in books. Books do not have visual symbols, but things or places that represent as a symbol with meaning. Three symbols that i recognized where the Farm that represent peace, and success. Lenny's puppy, which represents hope, and opportunity, and Candy's dog represent death, and uselessness. Now, that I have this knowledge I will look for symbols like these in every book I read.

Service Learning Reflection

Last Thursday, I did not attend The meeting. I was absent. But, I heard it went pretty productive. Letters where written by, Veesna for grants.


Here is a list of researched (possible) things to have in the school store:

Servive Learning Reflection

Last Friday me and my group met for the third time. This time we discussed the booklet for "how to survive high school", and the school store. We discussed the grants and bills that are going to be needed in order for the school store to be made. In our group we all split up in groups to work on separate things. Juliene, two 9th graders, and Brandon worked on the work. Vee and I worked on the grants. While, Jessica, Mo, Gribbon, and Arlett worked on other stuff. Sadlt during our meeting we losted two people. Its all is well anyway.


Im not sure what is happening This week. We probably our going finish working on the book, and talk to the student government about the store, and money.

Empire of the Sun- Growing up fast (GRADE THIS)

Growing Up Fast:

In all your adolescent years your told by many grown ups to take your time in growing up. “Enjoy your youth”, they say. “Stop trying to grow up so fast”. This may be annoying, but at times it is taken advantaged of. While one boy might be in a rush to able to shave his face, another boy name Jamie Graham is being forced to be stripped of his innocence at the age of 11. How? Well in this essay I will explain.
Now, Jamie Graham was a British young man living wealthy in China. With a room filled with jets and planes, and pool in his backyard, Jamie had everything he could possibly want and need. He lived with his mum, dad, and servant waiting on his every need. He attended a prep school and singed in the choir. He had big dreams of planes, and of one day being able to fly one. At this time, Jamie was pretty innocent. He enjoyed everything about his life. While, Jamie, and his family where living in harmony a war was occurring between China and Japan that would change Jamie forever.
Then, One day the Japanese attacked China. The British where to evacuate out of China, and go back to England ,to escape the chaos in China. Unfortunately, Jamie got separated from his parents, and was left alone. Jamie is alone and vulnerable. After, being brought in to contraction camp, and associated with many different nationalities: British, American, and Japanese, he try’s to be accepted by all of them. To do this, he had to learn how each of them talk, and their beliefs. Jamie was even forced to do dangerous and life threatening deeds in order to be accepted. All, this and more changed Jamie from that sweet innocent boy to a, more serious, strong, and tainted young men.
After many years in camp, the war between China and Japan was about over. At, this point Jamie was a 15-year-old boy with the mind of a 30-year-old man. The things that he saw and witness, stripped him of his innocence against his on will. Eventually, he just learned to forget it all. He learned to forget about his parents, his love for planes, and his home. Everything that he had before the war started.
Then, just when Jamie was about to give up, he gets reunited with is parents. At first this father didn’t notice him as he walked right by him. He couldn’t tell that he was his son, for Jamie’s face physically changed from what had happened. But, when his mother laid eyes on him she knew he was her son. A mother never always knows her child. Jamie see his parents, and realizes who they are.
So, the next time you are told by a grown up to “Enjoy your youth”, and “Stop trying to grow up so fast” you better listen. Do nit take your innocence for granted. For there are kids out there who have no choice to grow up faster then they should like Jamie.
Jamie was a 11-year-old boy who had the good life, and the perfect child hood. Then just out of nowhere that was changed within a few years due to a war. He had to grow up. He had not choice if he wanted to survive. We have a choice. Which one will you chose?

4/17/09 Service Learning Reflection-

I as absent on this day. I did not attend the meeting. But, I did hear that folks where dropping out, because the first plan of a student lounge didn't work. Apparently the idea was already taken. So, to save the group, the idea to have a school store came. The store would sale hoodies, candy, school supplies, and etc.
I really like this idea, and would love to work in the store.

Group Service- Reflection!

For my group service learning I', working on either a "student lounge" , or "How to survive CHS" booklet. I really not the student lounge idea. I think it would be nice to have a room where the PEACE group could peer mediated, a room for tutoring, or just to relax. The booklet would be cool too, because writing how to survive CHS from a student point of view would be helpful to a lot of people.

Independent Service!!! Peer Mediation

It has been 2 weeks so far at my training in PEACE program. So, far I learned that what to expect when I mediated two people. I learned that I'm not there to solve their problem, but Im only there to guide them threw the steps to solve it. I also learned that everything that happens in peer mediation. I cannot speak about what happened out side those doors. Im really enjoying it!

2 more weeks left!!!

-Morgan W.

Group Service

This year I would like to do Tutoring.
I want to teach the future.

The subject I would want to tutor in
is English, and Math.

I want to tutor grades 3-5th.

Independent Service

On Feb 20th, i received an email from the Office Administrator of "The Committee of Seventy".
The Committee of Seventy is a volunteering company that aids elections in Philadelphia.
They, ask for volunteers to work in Citizen Field, Office Volunteer, and Legal Volunteer.

I and my mom are working in "Office Volunteer", at the Center City Region Office.

Our training for this is not yet sheduled.


http://www.seventy.org/volunteer

NDH Reflection

This year for National History Day I did a paper. My topic for my paper was "Slavery in New York". At, first I thought a paper was going to be really hard to complete. But it wasn't. The only challenge for me was, outlining what I was going to write. Once that was done writing came to me fluently. I used a lot of primary and secondary sources. I even got two interviews for New york National Historical Society. As i wrote my paper, I learned how huge of role slavery played in New York's development. This was my thesis. New York was the most populated northern state with slaves. Slavery in New York last for about over 200 years.
When New York was declared a free state, it took awhile to completely abolish it.
When NHD Day came, I was excited. I knew my paper was good. I had 11 pages, and and over 2,000 words. I had my Cousin who is a tutor read over it, and Mrs. Madhi. They all said it was good, and helped me add and change a few things. So when I went to my judge, Mr. Ackerman I was ready. He read it thoroughly and said it was "solid". I was pleased.
Even, though I didn't go to the next round, I received a 100% on my paper. Thats an A+. My parents are so proud, and so am I.

News Article-"This Spring Yellow is Out and PINK! is In"

By: Morgan Williams

------- Clear skies, birds chirping, and the gentle warmth
of the sun finally emerges as you wake up on a beautiful
Spring Saturday morning. You get out of bed and head to your closet,
and decide what to wear. Usually you wear your huge hoodie, sweat
pants,and maybe even Uggs. Today, you throw all that in the
back of your closet, and whip out those light Spring colorful clothes.
But what color is the new trend this season? Could
it be the razzle dazzle bright red that was in 2 years ago?
No, maybe its citrus crazy orange that everyone loves to wear
on there summer dresses. Or, could it be bright fun yellow to
warm up every ones day when they see you? No, this year the color
is hip, sexy, fun,and flirty. The one and only PINK!.
Okay, so I know what your thinking. Pink isn't a color
for everyone. Yes, this is true but, if you just wear your favorite
spring color outfits and accessorise it with PINK! you cant go wrong.
Or, you can use the color pink to your on style. It doesn't have to
portray "girly".
Lets take the rich famous Mary Dalton for an example. We all
know Mary isn't the "girly type" so pink probably isn't her favorite color.
But just last week we spotted her with bue Jan, and a black boy down town
wearing this:


Now, you see how Mary made her pink clothes into her own
edgy style. Shes wearing a pink rebel tank top, blue jeans, hot pink and white polka dot belt, pink bag, and retro pink rings and bracelet. This screams rebel. Just like Mary, who we have not seen lately after that day. Her father probably saw that top she was wearing and forbid her to come out for a while. Oh well.
So, as you go threw your wardrobe make sure you add some PINK! into your spring outfit or, wear pink your way. Cause whether you like it or not, this season trend color is defiantly hip, sexy, fun, flirty. The one and only PINK!.

Story Questions

Knowledge

1. Who spoke to Bigger in the beginning of the story about not being a man?

In the beginning of the story Bigger's mother spoke to him about not being a man. She was addressing Bigger on getting a job to help support his family.


Comprehension

2. What differences exist between the characters Bigger and Gus?

The differences between the characters Bigger and Gus is that one is a fraud and one is real. Bigger comes off to be very strong and fearless. He shows off as if he is this big tuff black guy, but really he is a coward. Gus, is not afraid to show fear, unlike Bigger. For example, when their gang was talking about robbing a white man, Bigger was acting like he was up to it when really he wasn't. Gus, admitted he wasn't sure about it, and was a little worried.


Application

3. What questions would you ask of "Mary and Jan" if you where in the car with them an bigger going to Ernies Kitchen?

If I was in the car with Bigger, Jan, and Marry I would ask Jan and Marry two questions.

- Do you usually eat in black owned restaurants?
- Why don't you want to go to your University? Do you not like it
there?

Analysis

4. What do you see as other possible outcome of how Bigger could of dealt with Marry and her mother when he dropped her off in her room?

Another possible outcome of how Bigger could deal with Marry and her mother when he dropped her off in her room, would be to just relieving that he was their, and not be afraid. He could explain to Mary's mother that Marry had a bad day at school and was really tried so he rested her in bed. Since the mother is blind, he has a good chance of proving this.


Synthesis

5. How many ways can you come with plans for Bigger to cover up killing
Mary?

I could come up with two plans Bigger could use to cover up killing
Marry. They may or may not work, though.
My first plan would be to tell Mrs. Dalton after he put Mary's
body in the his car, that Mary asked him to take her to Baltimore that night. He could tell her that she has an assignment from school were she has to do research there. Once he would get there he would dump her body some where and start a new life in Baltimore.
My second plan would be to leave Mary's dead body in her bed and carefully sneak out of the room, pass Mrs. Dalton, and then re-enter later. Pleading that when we went to pick up Mary from school she wasn't there and later on found her on a corner of a street passed out. He could then tell her that shes not breathing, and he didn't know what to do so he came here for help.
Theses two plans are far fetched, but they might help Bigger cover up killing Mary.


Evaluation

6.How would you feel if you were Bigger's family?

I was Bigger's family I know I would be a family was disspointment in their Bigger. Well Ill tell you why.
Bigger is the oldest man in his family. There for he must take responiblites. He must help his mom provide for his family. Does Bigger do that? No. Bigger's mother had to yell and threaten Bigger inoder to finally get a job. Which would make me as a mother feel like he doesnt even care about his families needs enough to be willing to get a job.
Bigger doesnt show respect to his family either. He treats his mother like she is an ant and completly ignores her. He disrepect his sister by, by not being sensative to her fears of rats, and not caring to hear her opinion on things.
Bigger doesnt respect his brother that much, but still.
This is how I would feel if I was Bigger's family disrepected.

Chapter Anaylize- A Princess Thoughts

Chapter 1
"Wake Up" pg. 1-8

This chapter is about Bigger and his family's morning. When they all wake up to a huge rat. The rat was about over a foot long. After gettin dress, Bigger's mother see's the rat and screams. Bigger grabs a skillet and goes after the rat with the help of his brother. His mom and sister stood on their beds and screamed. Finally, after a chase Bigger kills the rat, and then taunts his sister with it by picking it up and putting it in her face.
Richard Wright, wrote this chapter to show how Bigger needs to wake up to the reality of how ugly and volient his life is, which is sybolized in the rat. The all live in a small cramped room. Then, this chapter also shows how Bigger isnt serouis about life because, he taunts his sister with the rat.

Chapter 2
"A Mothers Love" pg. 9-14

This chapter is about how Bigger's mother lectures with him, on how he is not being a man. She wants him to get a job to help support his family so they can have food to eat. She is tried of him, not having a job, and not supporting his family. Bigger hears her, but he is not listening.
Richard Wright, wrote this chapter to show how ever more that Bigger doesnt care that he is throwing his life away. Hi mother is trying to get this in he's brain, but he doesnt care.


Chapter 3
"Why Cant I?" pg. 15-22

This chapter is about how Bigger and his friends discuss about how, they are limited to do things becaused of their race. On page 16, they all notice a plane in the sky. As they see te plane they become envious, because their not allowed to attend schools to be able to fly. Bigger, seems to be the most annoyed by this. His, other friends like Gus just seem to accept this, and no really mind. Later, on i the chapter the boys begin to play "white" in their own words. Its a game where they pretend to have jobs, that only white people could have. At the end of the chapter, Bigger states that he think somthing bad is going to happen to him. He thinks this because, he is black and white people are white and have more oppurnities, then he does.
Richard Wright, wrote this chapter to show how blacks where limited in life, and how it affected then. Bigger is one example of those who were, affected by this in as a set back. He feels that he is restricted, and is not giving the chance to do things in like that other white people are. Gus, is a example of those who were, affected by this by just accepting it. Gus, knows and realizes he is being set back, but he seems to just go with the flow, and be igronant. He doesnt seem to care, and seems to just know it, accept it, and move on.

Teenage Girl Fears

I. Relantionships
A. heart break
B. fake friends
C. losing friends
II. School
A. getting good grades
B. teachers
C. school status
III. Family
A. parent problems
B. addition of sibilings
IV.Growing up
A. body changing
B. sex

English- The Fears of Teenage Girls

Links

1)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/jan-june07/divided_01-25.html

2)
http://www.coxwashington.com/reporters/content/reporters/stories/2005/10/03/BC_NY_SLAVERY02_COX.html

3) http://www.nydivided.org/AboutExhibit/news.php

4)http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/headlines/nyexhibit111606

5) http://gothamist.com/2007/06/13/new_york_state.php

Annotated Bibliography

1) Webb, James W., ed. "The Disturbances on Wednesday Night"" Morning Courier and New York Enquirer for the Country 15 July 18341
This source helps me understand my topic, by saying why New York wanted slaves, and why they where afraid of losing them. It is an article on the response to abolitionist. “Abolition would destroy the economy of the South and of New York”. “Blacks and white will marry and have mixed children”.


2) "More Slave Trouble." The Herald 12 Apr. 1837.
This source helps me understand my topic, by telling how abolitionists fought for slave’s rights. In the article a runaway slave arrested. He was committed to prison. The abolitionist caused the slave to be held on trial, instead of just being sent to jail.


3) Douglass, Frederick, ed. "Men of Color, to Arms." The Douglass Monthly Mar. 1863.
This source helps me understand my topic, by stating how blacks participated in the fight for freedom, in The Civil War. The “Governor of New York refused to permit the regiment.” “Black New Yorkers joined the 54th Massachusetts.


4) Clay, E W. “The Fruits of Amalgamation”. 1839. New York. New York Divided. New York: John Childs, 1839.
This source helps me understand my topic, how showing how abolition affected New York. New York had two fears of abolition “lost of money and position if slave were abolished.” “blacks & whites race would marry and produce mixed-race off spring.”

Interview Questions

Interview

1.How did slavery in New York start? What year what you say it began?

2.What was the relationship between New York and the South’s economy? How did New York benefit?

3. What kind of labor where slaves forced to do in New York? Where they similar to the South slave labor?

4.What type of role did abolitionists have in Slavery in New York? Would you say they had more power or less power then pro-slavery people?

5.When did slavery in New York become illegal? How did it affect New York?

6) When slavery was abolished in New York, how did the relationship between New York and the South change?

7.Even though slavery became illegal in New York? Were African- American’s still enslaved?

8) With (some) African-Americans free in New York, how did this affect the society of the state? How were free African- Americans treated?

9. Do you think slavery in New York had a huge influence on how huge New York’s economy is today?

10. Do you have any other statements, facts, or advice that you think I could benefit from on completing my project for NHD?

NDH

This year for NHD Im working on the topic of "Slavery in New York". I'm researching on how slavery in New York started and ended. Also, I'm researching on how slavery in New York influenced its culture and economic industry. I already have 14 sources, and Im have a person to interview. Im really excited.