AVID 7 and 8- ESPN article

Read this inspiring story about a football player from TCU.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18358380/the-remarkable-story-tcu-rhodes-scholar-caylin-moore





Wednesday assignment...


As you're reading the article, please write down 4 higher level questions that we will share during the last 15 minutes of class.


These higher level questions should be written on Cornell Notes.  Please leave enough space between each question for people to respond (about a quarter page for each question)


Followup assignment...


After reading the article, please go through the article and copy and paste eight specific quotes, sentences or vocabulary that stick out to you.  Citing text, write a half pg. review and reaction to the article. Any part of this assignment not completed will be due for homework on Thursday.

7th grade Lesson: Monday December 11th

Today, your task is to read three articles of your choosing from the website:

http://tweentribune.com/

After reading these three articles, please choose one to summarize and react to on google docs.

The summary should include:

Who is involved in the article?
What happened to make this article newsworthy?
Where did this happen?
When did this happen?
Why is this important?

You should then react to the article... (2-3 sentences)
What are your thoughts about what you read, and why?
What is one question that you still have, or that you would ask, regarding the article?

Socratic Seminar Review

In your journal, and in paragraph form...


- What did you learn about the topic discussed?
- Do you feel that this is an important issue to discuss and why?
-  What is your stance on the topic (are you more for or against Social Networking)
- Write three reasons why you feel this way?


How do you think that you did on the Seminar?
Describe what you think you could have done better?


After completion of this entry, which should be 1-2 pgs, you may use the period as a Study Hall or read silently.


Enjoy!

Check out the two sides in order to prepare for our Social Networking Seminar...

Benefits of the Internet and Social Networking:


http://www.ehow.com/about_5246590_benefits-internet-social-networking_.html


Disadvantages of Social Networking:


http://www.rootsofaction.com/disadvantages-of-social-networking/




Don't forget- Socratic Seminar on Monday- I'll provide the drinks, if you'd like to bring snacks to share please let me know.

AVID Reflection

Review and Reflect on our recent learning in class: (1-2 pg Reflection in your Chromebooks-

bavroch@stamfordpublicschools.org)

1) What have you learned about our country over the past week in terms of:

- Presidential election

- Political Process

- Our Divided nation

- Issues (taxes, economy, defense,

education, health care, etc.)

2) What were you surprised to learn about this week?

3) What do you think should be the first area of emphasis for Donald Trump in his first 100 days in office?

4) How do you think you did in the Socratic Seminar on Monday? What should be your grade, why?

US Military College Reviews

Watch either one of the following videos about colleges that may be right for you:


Do you prefer the Army


https://www.youniversitytv.com/college/u-s-military-academy-army-west-point/


Or, is the Navy more your style?


https://www.youniversitytv.com/college/u-s-naval-academy/


Or do you want to take your life to the air, at the Air Force Academy


https://www.youniversitytv.com/college/u-s-air-force-academy/


Choose one to take 6-8  Cornell Notes on.

Election 2016: Socratic Seminar on Monday

In order to prepare for Monday's Socratic Seminar, we need to be informed on the 6 most important categories:


Economy and Jobs
Taxes
Education
Defense
Environment
Health Care


In order to find out more about each of these categories, and where Donald Trump and Hillary stand, please click on the tab below.


http://www.timeforkids.com/news/understanding-issues/463771




Today, we'll be taking C-notes in order to compare and contrast the two candidates.
Wednesday's Goal: 3 Topics
Friday's Goal:  All 6 topics
Monday: Seminar

One Pager: Study Skills

Name _______________________                          Date_________________

Mr. Avroch                                                                          AVID 7

                                    One Pager:  Study Skills

Summarizing

Include 4 or more sentences which shows your summary of the strategy(10 pts)

Include 3 sentences which shows your summary of the strategy (6 pts)

Include 2 sentences which shows your summary of the strategy (3 pt)

___________________

Evidence

Include a 4-5 sentence paragraph where you show your own personal reflection and an example. (10 pts)

Include a 2-3 sentence paragraph where you show your own personal reflection an example . (6 pts)

Include a 1-2 sentences where you share your own personal reflection. (3 pts)

_____________________

Creativity

Student decorated and filled up the entire page.  Borders and pictures are artfully diagrammed. (10 pts)

Most of the page is artfully created with relevant and colorful images. (6 pts)

Little care is taken in the production and design of the ‘One Pager’ (3 pts)

 

 

Vocabulary

Student used at least five vocab words in the context of the one pager. (10 pts)

Student used 3-4 vocab words in the context of the one pager. (6 pts)

Student used less than 3 Vocabulary words in the one pager. (3 pts)

 

 

 

 

Representative Simmons is coming to AVID!!

Use either of the following websites to find information about Caroline Simmons and the issues that she deems important.


http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Simmons




http://www.carolinesimmons2016.com/

Columbia University Websearch

                Columbia University: Web search

 http://www.columbia.edu/                   

1.  What year was Columbia University founded?

 

1. Explain the ‘Doubled Magic’ of Columbia University.
    
2. Who is the President of Columbia University?
    
3. Many large Universities have “Schools” where that school is focused on a specific major.  How many “Schools” are at Columbia, and describe three that you would be interested in attending.

 

1.  Review Columbia’s Mission statement.  Summarize what it means to you and your partner.

                                                                                                                           

                 Lets look at some undergradulate student statistics from the fall..

1. What percentage of students were admitted to Columbia College in 2015?
2. For the year 2015-16, what is the tuition of the undergraduate term?

 

 

Lets look at the school’s athletics…

1. How many varsity sports are there for men and women?
2. Pick 2 sports.  Write a sentence about any current news that you see under that tab.

Take a virtual tour of the school, and name 3 buildings that we will possibly see tomorrow. Write a quick description for each building.   Type"columbia university virtual tour video".

AVID 8th grade Study Skills inventory!!

Please complete the following inventory,


http://sarc.sdes.ucf.edu/form-studyskills




After completing survey, reflect in your journals on the following questions:


Study Skills Reflection

In general, are you successful on tests and quizzes?

Why?

What did your inventory tell you about yourself?

Were you surprised? Why or why not?

What do you think you can start doing more (or less of)

in the future?

Was this Inventory helpful? Why or why not

Please have reflection completed for class on Monday

Study Skills Reflection

In general, are you successful on tests and quizzes?

Why?

What did your inventory tell you about yourself?

Were you surprised? Why or why not?

What do you think you can start doing more (or less of)

in the future?

Was this Inventory helpful? Why or why not

AVID 7th grade Study Skills inventory

http://sarc.sdes.ucf.edu/form-studyskills

8th grade College of the Day assignment

AVID College of the Week

 

In order to further AVID-ize the school and further educate ourselves about Colleges and Universities throughout our country, AVID students will be researching a different college every two weeks or so.  You may work with one another or by yourself in order to fulfill your research.

 

When working by yourself, you must find research on all aspects of the university, and current events associated with your school. You also must have a visual aspect to your presentation.  Your research will be displayed on the bulletin board outside of our classroom door- you will be given class time in order to put up your display. You will be required to read about your college during morning  announcements.

The only difference, if you choose to work with a partner, will be that you will be required to have MORE.  More pix, more info. more research, interviews of people, etc. (Think out of the box)

 
*Your College of the Week presentations will count as one test grade in AVID.

 

Have Fun! Learn! And Benefit from this research, Who knows? You may find the college of your dreams from these presentations.

 

 

 

College of the Week Research Guide-

       All information below must be completed in Cornell Note form. (Do not forget to include both the Subject/Questions on one side, and Details on the other)

 

School ________________________________________

Location _______________________________________

 

1) Percentage of students that were accepted into the college

 

2) Population breakdown (student-body, percentage male/female,  ethnicity)

 

2 a)Classroom #’s (student/teacher ratio)

 

3) High School Requirements- (GPA, extracurricular activities, test scores)

3 a) Majors that seem interesting here are:

 

4) Campus Life (what are some clubs, sports and activities to get involved with?)

4 a) Cost

4 b) Dorms- Do students live on campus or is it a “commuter

school”

 

5) Current Events associated with this college…

 

6) Things that you liked about this school…

 

 

 

Morning Announcement- College of the Day

OK- so you’ve taken a risk and are going to be speaking over the intercom- No Sweat!!

Just follow the guideline below and you’ll be set:

First, introduce yourself and your AVID college of the day

The script is up to you, but here are some ideas that have worked in the past.. Your announcement should be between 6-10 sentences (including your intro, and closing sentence)

• Name of the school, it’s location and the mascot
• What the school is known for
• The cost of attending
• Some of the most popular majors
• Some of the most popular clubs, activities, and traditions
• Famous alumni
• Any other interesting facts that might cause people to consider attending the school.

You must share your script with me via Google two days before morning announcements.

Don’t forget to practice the night before in front of someone.  The more that you practice the more comfortable you’ll be on Monday morning!!

 

 

 

Student Feedback

Hi AVID family, 


I've had a ton of fun with you guys so far this year, and I have some very high expectations of how far we can go as a class, in terms of academic success.  I'd like you to share with me what you think you may need the most help in for next week...


-Study Skills
- Organization of binder/bag
- Time management
- Public Speaking
- Homework help
- Classroom Behavior Management


Thanks for all of your suggestions, and have a great rest of the day.
Mr. A

Welcome Back To School!

Welcome back 7th and 8th grade AVID family- I hope that you have all had a relaxing, exciting, and memorable summer.

Over the summer,  I met a bunch of awesome teachers from around the country at our AVID Summer Institute in Philadelphia.  Together we shared a lot of cool ideas that I'm hoping to share with you as the year goes on.  I'm looking forward to helping make this year's AVID class a place where you look forward to coming to each day.  The AVID site team at TOR includes, Mr. Butera and Ms. Klein in 6th grade; Ms. Dietrich, Ms. Malozzi, Mr. Pavia and Ms. Fields in 7th grade;  Mr Lennon, Mr. DeFilippo, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Restivo, and Ms. Stowe in 8th grade.  These teachers will all support you in their own classes and in our AVID class.

In AVID, the year will start out with a few team building activities, a review of expected standards in and out of AVID, and going over the core basics of what it will take to be a successful student in our class.  Along with these items, you can expect more of what were key components in AVID last year.. Guest speakers, tutorials, Cornell Notes, exposure to colleges,  and all elements of WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reflection.

Just as you had the opportunity last year, you will have the chance to become an appropriate digital citizen; Web Searches, Blogs, and analyzing articles are imperative to achievement in education and in society.  That opportunity will come in the form of being able to use a Chrome Book each day as needed. You must sign the school's digital citizenship form in order to begin using the classroom's technology. Upon doing so, we will once again review the standards and practices in appropriate use.

I'd like to stress 3 E's for our AVID group this year: "Efficiency", "Enthusiasm", and "Excellence".  I noticed at times last year, we lost our way in terms of our ultimate goals at Turn of River.  By always keeping these 3 E's at the forefront of our thinking, you will become a success and go into high school and beyond well prepared.

In conclusion, I am enthusiastic to start this school year.  Just as in every family, I am sure that there will be laughter and tears, conflict and friendship, laughter and anger; However, I encourage you to always be honest with eachother and to have eachothers back.  If we can always support eachother, we will all be successful.

Mr. Avroch

Choose one of the following articles to summarize and write about....

Malia Obama has graduated from high school.. What's next?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2016/05/01/malia-obama-is-going-to-harvard-but-taking-a-year-off-first/

A really interesting story about a girl who turned her back on an Ivy league life...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/05/31/columbia-student-says-she-went-missing-and-remade-herself-all-to-escape-her-ivy-league-life/

A 12 year old getting into college... Are you kidding me?
http://money.cnn.com/2016/05/23/technology/tanishq-abraham/


Your assignment for the day:
Summarize one of the articles above ( 4-6 sentences)
Analyze and reflect with your own opinion to the article (3-5 sentences)

After sharing this with me via Google Docs, you may use the period to work and prepare for your remaining finals.  Level of noise should remain at a minimum.

If you follow these rules, we will have a fantastic last week of school!! Good luck.

Movie Assignment: Due Friday 5/27 (plus don't forget 2 pgs of C-Notes)

The Giver- Movie analysis

Choose one of the following questions to respond to from the movie.

1)    This book is one of the most censored books in America.  Some people say the author, Lois Lowry, is promoting a world of ‘Sameness’, where there is no violence or even bad memories.  Others say she is warning us about avoiding this kind of world where everyone is the same. Which of these do you think the author was thinking about.  Use examples from the movie.  Then make connections to our world.

2)     Compare and contrast the beauty and horrifics of our society, and of Jonas’ society.  Which society needs to change more?  Use specific examples from our world and of the world we saw in the movie.  Which society would you prefer to live in and why? 

7th grade AVID assignment: 4/25

In preparation of our final Socratic Seminar for the year, your assignment will be to read two articles today... The first discusses possible Federal Restriction on school lunches.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/junk-food-may-be-prohibited-school-lunches-fall-pending-federal-law-sparks-obesity-debate-300344

After reading the article, using the link above, you'll be required to write a 5-7 sentence summary and 3-4 sentence review.  Please type this as a Google Doc and share with me. (25 pts)

The second article discusses the pros and cons of banning junk foods in school... You are required to have a page of Cornell Notes, divided up as 'Pros' and 'Cons', based on this article. Please hand in your notes to the sub, or to me at the very beginning of class on Tuesday (25 pts)

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=10853

If you had any difficulty with this assignment, please email me. Also, don't forget about Tutorials tomorrow. Thanks!!

8th grade Career Research Due for Monday- Presentations to start next week!

Find most of the info that you need from the following site:

http://www.bls.gov/k12/content/students/careers/career-exploration.htm

Due by the end of class on Tuesday:
All career research notes

Due by the end of class on Wednesday:
All college related notes

Thursday and Friday are work periods for the visual aspect of the project.
- Powerpoints
- Poster Boards
- Flyers
- Videos

8th grade March Assessment: Test Friday

Engage
Jubilant
Languish
Emblazon
Articulate
Consternation


Quizzes and Tests study skills


Monmouth
Oklahoma St
College of your choice

7th grade March Assessment

For Friday's Test...

Nolan Zeide- Vet

3 colleges

2 careers (not yours)

Waver

Impede

Unfettered

Consternation

Articulate

Languish

Obstinate

Meritorious

Should students in middle school be given homework?

On Wednesday, we'll be having a Socratic Seminar that deals with the pros and cons of homework in our education.   Today, (3/28) your task is to find an article online that deals with this topic. Read the article while filling in dialectical notes, then write a comment on the blog.  Your comment will receive a 10 pt. grade.  The most insightful comment will receive a 10 pt. grade, plus extra credit.

8th grade March Madness Exhibhition- Due Wed. 3/16

8^th grade AVID March Madness Exhibition

Objective: you will be creating a tri-fold board that follows the following format:

The presentation will be viewed by the entire 7^th and 8^th grade, administrators, and possibly News 12.  These displays should be attractive, informative, professional, and well organized.

 

We will have three days over the next week to work in the computer lab in order to access information that will be displayed on your tri-folds.  You will also have two days in our classroom in order to prepare your presentation. We may also have one family night, where families can also get involved for extra credit. In order to be successful in the project, you will definitely need to work outside of school with your partner.   

Due Date of project: March 16^th

Presentation Date: Friday, March 18^th

Due Dates:

- Full color sketch of your presentation and along with all unique presentation ideas: Monday, March 7^th 

-Complete Cornell Notes of all accurate College information for the board: Wednesday, March 9^th 

- All materials, and colored pictures and supplies brought into school: Thursday, March 10^th (for the Family Night)

 

AVID-8- College Research Points of Emphasis

Section of Focus: Environment

In terms of researching your college’s environment, you will need to put you “Social Studies Cap” on.  Report about the type of town or city that your school is located in- not just the immediate vicinity of the campus.  A key part of recruiting college students is “selling” the location.

 

Section of Focus: Academics

Create a list of the most popular majors on campus.

Describe which major you would be most inclined to take and                    explain why.

Analyze some of the intern possibilities that a student has when    taking these classes.

 

Admissions

Identify the location of the school.

Calculate the cost of attendance with and without living expenses.

Describe and explain to your audience:

            student:teacher ratio

            male:female proportion

            average SAT and GPA scores of incoming freshmen

            selectivity of the school and acceptance rate

 

Section of Focus: Financial Aide/Scholarships

Explain some of the scholarships that your school offers?

Calculate the total amount of financial aide given each year?

Calculate the avg. aide that each student receives?

 

Section of Focus: Unique Features

Has your school been in the news recently?

Analyze what famous celebrities, CEOs, entrepreneurs, politicians have attended your school as students?

Justify why is your school so important, cool, or famous?

 

Graphics

Design or print in color a pictures of..

• Your school banner               -Students on campus

Your campus and/or a main building on campus Section of Focus:

 

Section of Focus: Campus Life and Sports

Identify what can the average student experience on campus:

            Sports- Division I, II, just recreation?

            Clubs and Activities?

            Social Outreach programs?

            Greek Life?