This week is going to be a busy one! Tiger Dance Company is up and running and the Jazz A performance at the basketball game on Feb. 18th is going to be great! (Check out the TDC page for a sneak peak of the dance.) Swimming is beginning to slow down - the season, not the swimmers of course. Sectionals are this Thursday and Saturday. Please be sure to check the Swimming Page for up to date times and details about buses and what not!
Both English 11 and Speech are starting new units this week. Both classes need to be sure to keep up on class readings as well as notes. Please see your class pages for up to date notes and assignments.
English 11 - "A Nation is Born" Unit 2 will be a fast one- also expect your essays back a week from the day you turned them in! Narratives will be back Wednesday and Persuasive will be returned by Friday.
Speech - Great work on all your first Speeches. I was blown away by the hard work and I can't wait to see what you all come up with next for the Impromtu Speeches and Mechanic Speeches.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thankful..... VERY Thankful.
Well this past week was a busy one! Tiger Dance Company started up and is going to be better than last year, swimming had two successful meets and all my classes have begun the first of many projects.
Just when I thought the week couldn't get any better, it did. After a late bus ride home on Thursday night, I decided to just come in early and finish up grading and Tiger Dance Company odds and ends. Since I would be leaving home so early, I opted out of doing my hair, or dressing up for what I thought would be a normal Friday.
I got to school and finished up all the grading, got things updated on the class website/blogs and even had the classroom ready to go for my first class of the day. I then checked my email, I had a few reminders about a convocation that ALL STAFF had to attend. Normally if I am not needed, I stay in my room and prep, or grade. But this email (plus many others) strictly said all needed to be there.
As the homeroom bell rang I wandered down to the cafetorium, (not before stopping and getting some much needed coffee) said hello to other teachers and even questioned what this was all about. Nobody seemed to know! I did see our Superintendent Wayne Barker there so I knew it must be important. When I walked in the cafetorium I noticed a camera so I figured the school was getting another award (we are a wonderful school after all!) Then.... my heart sank as the students and news caster began to read the letter. Turns out- the award was for me and the day just flew by after that!
Through the nomination of a few of my former students I received the "Golden Apple Award" from Indiana's News Center.
Here are some videos of the surprise, and interviews. You can also go to the BHS Bloggers website for a full student article. This story will also be on channel 21 on Wednesday!
I have never been so surprised or thankful. Just when you think you come in early or stay late and nobody notices, or you write that extra positive comment on the last page of an essay.... they really do notice. I adore the students I work with and I couldn't be happier anywhere else. I am a Bluffton Tiger. Thank you.
Though I would love to end on a happy teacher note- I do need to remind all parents and students of upcoming events in class.
English 11 - Rough Drafts and Final Drafts for your Autobiographical Narrative are due this week! Your vocabulary list # 3 is also posted.
Speech - Don't forget your note cards. Speeches start Tuesday, you only have one more day in the computer lab! All dates are posted on the "Speech" page.
Just when I thought the week couldn't get any better, it did. After a late bus ride home on Thursday night, I decided to just come in early and finish up grading and Tiger Dance Company odds and ends. Since I would be leaving home so early, I opted out of doing my hair, or dressing up for what I thought would be a normal Friday.
I got to school and finished up all the grading, got things updated on the class website/blogs and even had the classroom ready to go for my first class of the day. I then checked my email, I had a few reminders about a convocation that ALL STAFF had to attend. Normally if I am not needed, I stay in my room and prep, or grade. But this email (plus many others) strictly said all needed to be there.
As the homeroom bell rang I wandered down to the cafetorium, (not before stopping and getting some much needed coffee) said hello to other teachers and even questioned what this was all about. Nobody seemed to know! I did see our Superintendent Wayne Barker there so I knew it must be important. When I walked in the cafetorium I noticed a camera so I figured the school was getting another award (we are a wonderful school after all!) Then.... my heart sank as the students and news caster began to read the letter. Turns out- the award was for me and the day just flew by after that!
Through the nomination of a few of my former students I received the "Golden Apple Award" from Indiana's News Center.
Here are some videos of the surprise, and interviews. You can also go to the BHS Bloggers website for a full student article. This story will also be on channel 21 on Wednesday!
 |
| The award and actual "Golden Apple" |
Though I would love to end on a happy teacher note- I do need to remind all parents and students of upcoming events in class.
English 11 - Rough Drafts and Final Drafts for your Autobiographical Narrative are due this week! Your vocabulary list # 3 is also posted.
Speech - Don't forget your note cards. Speeches start Tuesday, you only have one more day in the computer lab! All dates are posted on the "Speech" page.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Big events and a short week!
I love this time of year! Swimming is coming to an end- but the competitive side of coaching starts, and dance will be under way on Wednesday. If you have any questions about dance please see the Tiger Dance Company page on this site.
I also love this part of both Speech and English 11. We will be starting our first Speech - "Speech of Introduction" this week AND we will be starting our first formal essay - Autobiographical Narrative this week too! A big (and busy) week is staring me in the eyes and I can't help but smile.
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Burman
I also love this part of both Speech and English 11. We will be starting our first Speech - "Speech of Introduction" this week AND we will be starting our first formal essay - Autobiographical Narrative this week too! A big (and busy) week is staring me in the eyes and I can't help but smile.
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Burman
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Fresh Beginnings!
A new semester has begun! This semester will be full of new ideas and projects. By following along on this website students and parents alike can see what is happening in class, as well as details for assignments. Parents please follow by email (see icon to the right) so you can be up to date with classroom rules and happenings.
I plan to leave up current assignments for the rest of the week so students can see what an assignment looks like. This will also give all viewers a chance at playing with the website so all become comfortable. If there are any questions please email me!
I have attached the course rules and expectations. All this will be covered with the students today and tomorrow. Take a look!
I am very excited about this semester and all the fun things that are in store. I adore teaching and see it as an opportunity to inspire and empower. As a teacher, I want my students to excel, not only up the educational ladder but also in life. My educational philosophy is built around engaging learners with research-based Instructional Strategies. Cooperative learning and setting personal objectives are ways I plan to help further my student's education experience. I feel that each teacher must a create a personalise teaching experience for every student to help them take ownership of their education. With all that said, I am looking forward to working with all the students in my courses this semester.
If you would like to see the first post in August follow the link, there you will find reasons for begining a class website and ideas for blogging in English 11. One will also find more information about me!
Best,
Amanda Burman
I plan to leave up current assignments for the rest of the week so students can see what an assignment looks like. This will also give all viewers a chance at playing with the website so all become comfortable. If there are any questions please email me!
I have attached the course rules and expectations. All this will be covered with the students today and tomorrow. Take a look!
I am very excited about this semester and all the fun things that are in store. I adore teaching and see it as an opportunity to inspire and empower. As a teacher, I want my students to excel, not only up the educational ladder but also in life. My educational philosophy is built around engaging learners with research-based Instructional Strategies. Cooperative learning and setting personal objectives are ways I plan to help further my student's education experience. I feel that each teacher must a create a personalise teaching experience for every student to help them take ownership of their education. With all that said, I am looking forward to working with all the students in my courses this semester.
If you would like to see the first post in August follow the link, there you will find reasons for begining a class website and ideas for blogging in English 11. One will also find more information about me!
Best,
Amanda Burman
