Week 13

Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Dia de los Muertos - Pick a Person

I plan to construct a Dia de los Muertos altar about my cousin Priscilla Miller. She is known by many people for many different reasons. She is very pretty, caring and fun to be around.Others think she is fun and loving. This person is known for loving Hello Kitty. Priscilla always thought about others before her self, she also thought about getting married at the “Holly Cross Catholic Cemetery”, and always thought about helping others. Her hobbys were drawing, reading, music and spending time with her family. She never did any drugs or harmed anyone in any way. She was a great student, loved school and had good grades. She died in a terrible car crash. I selected this person because she is my cousin and I love and miss her very much.

Biographical Narratives: Housemates Character Traits

-Zj the student is immature because she is a freshman and just turned 14.
-Breanna the student is real because she tells the truth.
-Ema is upfront because she will tell you anything upfront.
-Jennifer the student is self fish because she does not like to share but will ask for anything and expect to get it.
-Tashanna is argumentative because she always likes to argue.

Biographical Narratives: Campus Adult Character Traits Competition

• Wayne, the boy side, manager is caring because he always wants what is best for me.

• Diana, girls 5 staff, is very loving because when I need someone to talk to she is always there.
• Ms. Green ,UROK teacher, is very devoted because she stays on me about getting my work done.
• Melissa, the girl side manager, is very sweet because she cares about how other kids are being treated.
• Josh, the manager, is strict because he doesn’t allow you to take money from the savings.
• Carolina, boys 105 house parent, is very patience because she can handle some much before she goes off.
• Robin,the secretary in the main office, strict and rude, you have to go through her before you do anything in the office.
• Mackenzie, the supervisor, understanding and supervisor, she listens and is able to do what she can for others.
• Desiree, house social worker, open-minded and caring, she’s there when you need her to listen and gives good advice.
• Jansen, The staff is sweet because she talks to me about my problems.
• Tia, the campus director is strict because she put people on restriction fro no reason.
• Lora, the staff is rude because she gets me in trouble a lot.
• Travis, the staff is really nice because he get what i have to say.
• Daniel, the staff Is very calm because she talk with a sweet voice.
• Veronica, the staff is fit because she works out a lot.
• Lisa,the staff is talkative because she like to talk a lot.
• Kruger, the teacher is very argumentative because he always argues with me.
• Priester, The teacher is weird because she does weird stuff.
• Beedle, the teacher is artistic because he know how to paint.
• Burgo, the coach is very rude he’s always rude to kids.
• Frank, the nurse is giving he always goes out his way to give us stuff.
• Ms, Raquel, the T.A is talkative because she always talks to us.

"Two Kinds" Plot Diagram

https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1tWaD1AsqCm2YgE4Nhb73Q2QTqz_ZvrTvl1mulJ68JTI&w=960&h=720

Dragons Den: Power Outage

On Thursday evening, I was on my way to the mall with my CASA, to get some new chucks but when we got there, all the stores in the mall were closing, and we were told that the power was out all threw out California. I got pissed off because I wasn’t able to buy my new shoes but then I came back on campus and watched the volley ball game. After the game, I played volley ball with a whole bunch of other people around the block on the grassy area by my house. Later, I came up to the café and hanged out with Jesus. It was fun every one seemed like they were having a good time, and we all got to stay out longer. After we were sent home, we were told that we can sleep in the living room, but I slept all alone in my room. When the power came back on, I did not even notice till the morning because I was asleep. I had a great time, and I hope it happens again some time, or we should just have the café opened like that every night.

Dragons Den: Shoes

 My favorite brand of shoes is Chucks. In case you never seen them, theses shoes are Converse. They come in all types of colors and sizes. They can be high tops or low tops. I do wear these shoes on a regular basis because they go good with lots of different types of outfits and are in style. I like these shoes because they are comfortable, come in different colors and are my style. If I saw one of my peers wearing these shoes, I would not say much because they are in style in many different places and a big variety of people wear them.

Dragons Den: Colors

A color that represents me is blue. I am similar to this color because I am a chill person and I am also a trustworthy person. I looked up the meaning of the color blue and I got that “Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed.” I also looked up that “Blue symbolism associates blue with freedom, strength and new beginnings. Blue skies are emblematic of optimism and better opportunities. Blue is the color of loyalty and faith. Blue is power. Blue is also the color of protection. Blue symbolism is nearly universal in meaning.” If you are around me a lot, you will see this color in my personality.

"Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" Before You Read: Paralyzed by Fear

I have always been scared of clowns. Every time I see a clown I get a weird scared feeling and I want to cry. My brother knows how I feel about clowns, and I know how to scare him. One time I scared my brother while him was on his lap top in his room it was during October, he got really mad and told me he was going to get me back. On Halloween, I was at my cousin’s party and everything was going fine. Then when I was walking to the car, a clown popped up and grabbed me. He had a knife in his hand and was acting like he was about to kill me. I got so scared, I started to cry and I felt as if I was about to die. In the end,  my brother was laughing at me for about a month and I am still scared of clowns.

Plot: Movie Plot Summary Paragraph

In the movie “Despicable Me,” the characters are Gru, the three little girls Margo, Edith, and Agnes and Vector. The movie starts in Egypt when they find out that the pyramid has been stolen and replaced with a fake one. Gru is a super-villain, working in his home that has an underground lair where he and his partner, Dr. Nefario, and thousands of short yellow minions plan their deeds. Gru always wanted to go to the moon since he was a little boy, so he had a plan to steal the moon. Gru had to steal a shrink ray first in order to complete his plan but once he got the ray, another new young villain named Vector stole it from him. Next, he had a plan to adopt three little girls that would  sell cookies so that he can get into Vector’s house. He adopted Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Gru then got the shrink ray back and his plan worked, but during the whole plan, he grew attached to the three girls and didn’t want to give them back for adoption like Dr. Nefario wanted him to. The three little girls had a ballet residual on the day that Gru had planned to steal the moon and Gru had pinky promised the girls that he would go. Once Gru had the moon in his hands, he tried to make it to the residual, but it was too late because vector had taken the girls and wanted to trade the girls for the moon. The climax was when Gru had stolen the moon and returned it and also kept Margo, Edith, and Agnes. At the conclusion of the movie, the three little girls have their own residual for Gru in the lair and Gru finally makes his mom proud.

First Day of School 2011

My first day of school was alright. At first I was nervous about who was in my classes and who my teachers were going to be. My first period class is English with Ms. Priester; class went by fast and easy. Second period class I have PE, I am glad that I have this class early because of the weather and so that I can get it out of the way.  Third period, I have Spanish 2, It is easy for me, Beedle is a great teacher and I like all my classmates. This year I ended up having second lunch, was confusing at first but I get it now. My fourth period class is Biology with Ms. Davis; I had her last year so I know how she works in class and I like my classmates in that class too. For fifth period, I have World History, so far it is not so fun, but then again I have never liked history. Then for my last period I have Geometry with Mr. Fenick; it is pretty easy so far but he talks a lot. At the end of the day, I was happy with all of my classes and I felt good about all of them too.

Persuasive Essay Final Draft

Breanna R

Per. 2 [Summer school]

07.08.2011

"Why should SPA students attend teen topic?"

    Why should students attend teen topic? Students are assigned to do teen topic there feelings out or a way to express what they have to say. Students do not have to do ten topic, but get paid to do it. I think teen topic is a reasonable thing to do and we get paid to do it.

     Kids should attend teen topic because we talk about interesting topics that are useful to us. At teen topic, you get to choose what you want to talk about., from what you did today to whatever you like. Teen topic is also a way to express your feelings and emotions.For example, one of the house social worker June, says that "going to teen topic gives us a chance to expand our horizons".
     
    Abuse and domestic violence in the real world is something that we have talked about in teen topic. If kids go to teen topic then they are getting prepared for all the things that go on in the real world. We talk about domestic violence, all types of abuses and ways to not get involved in it. Talking to kids about domestic violence is very vital because when they get older they know how to handle situations like this. Therefore, kids should know that being abused is not right and can harm others very much in many different ways.
     
       Teen topic is like a little mini therapy. You put your feelings out there so everyone or just an adult can understand you. It helps heal your wounded heart. Therapy or counselling is a way to help you deal with your worries now, so when you get older you won't have a melt down.
     
       Teen topic is reasonable, interesting, and helpful. Teen topic helps students express them selves in the assignment given. Teen topic also helps students let out what they have to say during the group conversations. Teen topic is good for teens in many ways.

Symbolism Assessment Project

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Irony & Ambiguity Assessment Project

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Theme Assessment Project

Breanna R. & Griselda S.

Period 2 English

7.7.2011

“The Sniper” & “Cranes”

Normally, stories of war do not involve enemies who know each other nor are friends. In the stories “The Sniper” and “Cranes,” the themes are alike because they both emphasize the importance of friendship over war. However, both themes are expressed differently in the stories. The message both authors convey through their stories is war tears families and friends apart.
     In “The Sniper,” a sniper kills his enemy, who happens to be another sniper. However, it turns out to be his brother. Both stories are about war, but in the story, one sniper has to choose between loosing his life and killing the enemy. The sniper makes a decision of following through with his duty. The sniper changes because he finally figures out that killing people isn't the way. Once he shot him he was happy but then he “revolted his from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy” (214). He felt guilty and remorseful. The author’s message is war destroys families.
    “Cranes,” is another story that demonstrates the cruelty of war. Songsam, one of the main characters, has to “escort” Tokchae “to Chongdan” (222). While they are walking together, they talk about the memories they had in the past. It is then that Songsam reconsiders his duty as a peace police officer. Ultimately, he lets Tokchae go, so he does not lose someone he really cares about. Songsam unties Tokchae and crawled away. Songsam made the right decision because Tokchae is his childhood friend and he would have lost him. 
Family and friends matter more than the war. One’s duty to ones work cannot replace family or friends.

In both stories, the main characters are conflicted between choosing family and friend over war. These stories are the same because of the two conflicts they have as their main point of view. Both main characters are into a conflict in were they would have to lose a member of their life. As the story goes to an end, they both realize at one point that they were inflicted with an important person in their family.

”Persuasive Essay Graphic Organizer."

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Irony in “The Gift of the Magi’” by O.Henry

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Theme Graphic Organizer "Cranes"

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“The Skull and the Arrow” Content Paragraph: In the Cave

So I see this cave in the distance and I have been beaten badly, and nearly died. Then I see a big dark cave in the night when it’s raining. I don’t think twice about going in the cave. When I walked inside it was bigger than it seemed. I was looking around the cave and it was rocky, it was oddly shaped so the rain couldn’t get through. I have to wait until the rain clears up and decide my next move. Then I'm thinking about if there is a road or camp ground nearby. All of this will just have to wait until it has stopped raining.

Allegory in "The Skull and the Arrow" Graphic Organizer

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Symbolism & Allegory Mini Lesson

“The Lady or the Tiger” Which Door?

In the story, “The Lady or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton, the man opens the door and sees the tiger. The princess felt so jealous and the princess would not stand for him to be married to another woman and would most likely rather have him killed than lose him. Some quotes from the story about the princess are, “She didn't want the other girl to have him", “She kept giving him looks and he likes it” and “her soul at a white heat beneath the combined fires of despair and jealousy”. The man's fate was decided by the princess's jealousy.

"The Lady or the Tiger?" Ambiguity Graphic Organizer

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"The Lady, or the Tiger?" Before You Read: Choice

"The Lady, or the Tiger?" begins with a description of a "semi-barbaric" king who rules his kingdom with a heavy hand. For punishing criminals, he has built an arena featuring two doors. The criminal must choose his own fate by selecting one of the two closed doors. Behind one door is a hungry tiger that will eat the prisoner alive. Behind the other door is a beautiful lady, hand-picked by the king, who will be married to the accused on the spot. The people of the kingdom like this system of justice, because the uncertainty of the situation is very entertaining.

"Spelling Words" Wordle

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"The Sniper" Theme Paragraph

The story we are currently reading in the class is "The Sniper" bu Liam O'Flaherty. The theme is asbout war and killing people. Manin characters are the sniper and the gunner. Throught the story the gunner changes because he relizes that he shot his brother and if he knew who he was then no one this would havev ever happened. The sniper didnt change at all. Main problem is when the IRA sniper discovers the identity of the enemy sniper. It was resolved by killing. This theme relates to other areas of life because in life alot of things are based on violence

Theme Graphic Organizer

Theme Lesson

Summer School Plan

I hope to get off two hour, to be able to do me and have fun. Three examples of things that I am willing to do are. First, I will go to summer school. While in summer school I am going to be on task, get all my work done, and try my hardest. Second, I am going to keep to myself and not get into any drama. My third example is I am going to have fun by doing good and earning privileges. I feel good about this because I am going to actually try to succeed in summer school and life.

Resrearch Paper on Gangs!

Breanna R.

5/13/2011

Period 2

Research Paper

                                                                 Gangs
Many people believe that gangs are all about causing trouble and violence. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Members consider themselves part of a family and view their gang as a source of pride. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance, recognition and respect. People choose to join gangs for respect and protection.

A street gang is a group of people who share a name or symbol and join together for a reason. Marks or tattoos, symbols or names on their bodies. They wear particular items, styles, brands, or colors of clothing. Some gangs wear bandannas of a certain color or baseball caps of a particular team. Gang members use types of signs, to recognize each other, represent them self, and many other reasons. Some use special hand signs or handshakes to great each other or tell others the gang to which they belong. A gang sign or a symbol is a method used by gang members to make themselves known to rivals or allies. Traditionally speaking, these signs and symbols have manifested themselves in the form of gang-related tattoos, attire, graffiti and even hand signs.

Gang members all around the world have many reasons why they join a gang. A gang might be small in size and operate locally, or be large and have connections around the world. The major reasons for joining a gang are poverty, immigration, racism, discrimination, language barriers, family problems, community problems, male or female interest, money, materialism, independence, reputation, respect, retaliation, revenge entertainment. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance and recognition as well. Reasons for joining gangs are numerous and varied. Not only do they have to do with personal choices, but sometimes they are related to environment, race and fear. Understanding the reasons behind gang recruitment can go a long way in preventing people from joining gangs.

If gangs or gang members feel disrespected, retaliation or revenge is a guarantee. Retaliation can range from bullying or a beating, all the way to murder. It’s hard to escape the pressure to join a gang when your mom, your dad, your brother or grandmother is part of a gang. Some families have been involved with gangs for many years. A sense of belonging, acceptance and loyalty. Gangs may offer a sense of identity to their members and a way to gain attention or status. Kids who do not have strong ties to their families, communities, schools, or places of worship may turn to gangs for companionship and as a substitute family. Many people join gangs because they do not receive adequate family attention and the gang provides love, identity, and status; in turn they develop loyalty to the gang. Many people also feel that if they are gang affiliated they will be loved, respected, and protected with a group of people who are known as each other as family.

The need for physical safety and protection, in neighborhoods and areas where gangs are present, kids sometimes feel, or are told, that belonging to a gang will provide protection and respect from other gangs or people.People join gangs as a way to protect their own families, especially if family members are also involved in a gang, in which case they may be obligated to follow in their relatives' footsteps.In certain neighborhoods, gangs are a way of life, and those who don't join a specific one may be exposed to violence from both sides. Gangs provide a sense of family to those who lack a stable family environment. Most all gang members treat each other like “family"



References





Aufiero, Barbara. "Reasons Teenagers Join Gangs
eHow.com." eHow
How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life
eHow.com. N.p., 23 Jan. 2011. Web. 18 May 2011. ."Gangs." Lawton



"My Gangfree Life." Gang Alternatives Program (GAP). N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2011. .

Palomares, Rueben . "Why Do Teens Join Gangs? - NAM." New America Media. N.p., 19 May 2006. Web. 18 May 2011.

Lawton Police Gang Unit, n.d. Web. 18 May 2011. .

Breanna’s Education Time line!

• Preschool-Kinder garden:Rancho De la Nacion in National City: I learned my first basic steps of being in school.

• First grade-Third grade:Loma Elementary in Spring Vally: I learned my addition and subtraction and also how to read.

• Fourth grade-Sixth grade: El Toyon Elementary in National City: I learned every thing i needed before going to middle school. I started learning my multiplication and division in the middle of fifth grade.

• Beginning of seventh grade: National City Middle in National City: I started there then ended up getting transferred to Granger Jr. High. I did not learn much because I was only there for about like a week or two.

• Rest of Seventh Grade-middle of Eighth grade: Granger Jr. High school in National City: I learned a lot at Granger, I learned algebra 1, World History, and some more.

• For the rest of Eighth grade, I went to Roosevelt Middle in Hillcrest: I did not learn much at this school cause most of it was review, but i did take computer class and learned how to type faster.

• Now for the Ninth grade, I am here and i will also be here for the Tenth grade.

Portfolio - Future!

I feel good about my future because I can do really good if I actually try and start to care. My goals for my future is to go to a two year collage and go into an art class so that I can get better at drawing and then get a job at a tattoo shop. If that does not work out, then I would go to a two year collage and would like to attend a beauty school and get a job at a beauty salon doing every thing that I learn from the experience of attending beauty school. I need to work on not day dreaming and spacing out as much, being able to focus with out getting distracted and getting all my work done on time. I think that no one can help me achieve my goals because it is my future and if any thing, the only thing anyone can help me with is their support. I think I can achieve my goals, because I believe in my self and know that I can do my best if I really try and put my all and effort into achieving it.

Portfolio – Greatest Accomplishment!

The incident happened in the beginning of this quarter and still now kinda. Once fourth quarter started, I was motivated to get a 2.0 or higher. In the beginning of this quarter I was on task and also doing extra credit. Once I had all good grades, I stopped trying so hard, started to do just my work and not extra. I now have good grades and I’m still trying hard to keep them up or get them up if needed. Once I found out that I was doing good and had good grades, I was proud of my self and wanted to keep it up. I tend to day dream a lot or space out, out of no where so it is hard for me to focus, but I still try my best in getting all my work done and not get distracted. The incident changed me by modifying me into getting good grades and doing well in school.

Portfolio – Greatest Obstacle of Freshman Year!

The incident happened before prom. I was trying hard in the beginning and end to get higher than a 2.0. In the beginning of third quarter, I was trying hard and doing all my work. Then in the middle I just started to not care out of nowhere and started to slack on my work. Once I found out that we had to have a 2.0 or higher to be eligible to go to prom, I tried to get back on task and was to late cause of progress reports. I felt mad at myself for not caring, also upset because I did not even have a 2.0 and not being eligible to go to prom. Even though the night of prom I had a really good time, I think I should have tried to get a 2.0 or higher anyways. After that and fourth quarter began, I changed my ways and I now try hard and do my work. The incident changed me by showing that it is important to focus in school work and if you get a 2.0 or higher you will have more privileges in life.

Romeo & Juliet Wrap Up Paragraph!!

The ones I think are responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet are Father Laurence, Balthasar, the messenger, Juliet’s mom and Dad, Juliet and Romeo. Everyone had a part in it. Father Laurence is responsible, because of the fact that he gave Romeo poison and also should have told him what he was going to do with Juliet in the first place. Balthasar has part in it because he had rushed to Romeo and told him Juliet had died and was in a funeral. Juliet’s mother and father are also responsible for trying to make Juliet marry the guy they want her to marry instead of the one she loves. The messenger is responsible because he was lagging it and was too late to give the letter with the plan in it to Romeo. Juliet is responsible for planning out the fake of her death without informing Romeo, also because she woke up late right after Romeo’s death, and then killed herself. Romeo is responsible for the death because he is one of the reasons why Juliet had to fake her death, because if Romeo had not have lost his temper and killed Juliet’s cousin it wouldn’t be much of a problem, also because he did not wait for information and rushed to Juliet and then killed himself too soon, right before Juliet had awakened. The two who are mostly responsible for their deaths are Romeo & Juliet.!

Romeo and Juliet – Range

The negative consequences of range are the results of your actions and where they take you. For example, in the play, Romeo gets really upset cause of what had happened to his friend that is now died in the play, what Romeo had went and killed Juliets cousin which is the one who killed his friend, because of his range. Another example is when, the two crouds argued about what was going on, because of their range, they are planning on cutting off Romeo’s head. My last example is when Juliets dad got really mad, because of the fact that Juliet doesn’t want to be with his friend and he thinks that she is ungreatful for that. Because of his range, Juliets dad yells at her and tosses her across the room and tells her to pick either she marries his friend or she leaves. This part of the play is relvent to modern life by how people react when the negative consequences of range happened then, still happens today.

WEEK IN RAP!

Romeo and Juliet – Conflict in Verona and San Diego!

Conflicts that exist in Verona that would take place in San Diego today are taking sides that interfere with each other like gangs, or disrespecting someone by flipping them off or biting your thumb at them, and also by adult pressure. The first example is when one side interferes with the other side and ends up fighting until the announcement of the prince coming. Another example is before that, when the guy bites his thumb at the other guy as a sign of disrespect and another way of flipping someone off. The last example is when Juliet’s mom and nurse try not to convince her into get married with a guy way older than her and is not yet fourteen but then discussed that the marriage would have to wait at least two years. This is relevant (connected to) modern life by gangs today, disrespecting people by flipping people off and teaching their kids right from wrong.

Structure of Shakespeare's Tragedies

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Free Write!!

I was unable to attend prom, because I had a 1.0 GPA average for 3^rd quarter. Instead of going to prom, I stayed on campus and hanged out. After school, I kicked it with my Dork (Alex Caves), and my Star (Jabriel Jordan), but then at three, everyone had to be in their own side, or the gym. So instead of staying inside, I went to the gym and kicked it with Jesus and my Dork. Then while dinner hour, I went home and tried to finish watching the movie “Paranormal Activity 2”, by myself but wasn’t able to finish it because I got scared. After dinner hour, my Dork and Jesus came over and we kicked it for the rest of the night watching “Step Brothers”. I had a great weekend even though I did not go to Prom.

WEEK IN RAP

Romeo & Juliet Before Paragraph

I have never read the book Romeo & Juliet. As most people know I do not like reading at all unless it is very interesting to me. I have heard that this story is good and that it is about love and romance. I also have heard that the story is very interesting in the ancient times and Shakespeare is too. I have read about Shakespeare in history class last year and I think I also learned something about Romeo & Juliet, but I forgot what I had learned. I kind of have an idea of the story Romeo & Juliet because of the song by Taylor Swift. In the song by Taylor Swift, it explains how they want to be together but are not allowed by Juliet’s father so they sneak around to see each other until Romeo finally gets permission to marry Juliet. I am willing to read this story to be able to get to know more but for now I would like to research about it.

Here are three questions for the upperclassmen:

~What did you think about this play?

~Do you recommend this play as a really good play?

~ What are some suggestions that you could give about this play?

WARNING THIS IS MY FIRST DRAFT!!

[Intro]


Many people believe that gangs are all about causing trouble and violence. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Members consider themselves part of a family and view their gang as a source of pride. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance, recognition and respect. People choose to join gangs for respect and protection.

[Body Paragraphs]

A street gang is a group of people who share a name or symbol and join together for a reason. Marks or tattoo symbols or names on their bodies. Wear particular items, styles, brands, or colors of clothing. Some gangs wear bandannas of a certain color or baseball caps of a particular team. Gang members use types of signs, to recognize each other, represent them self, and many other reasons.

Gang members all around the world have many reasons why they join a gang. A gang might be small in size and operate locally, or be large and have connections around the world. The major reasons for joining a gang are poverty, immigration, racism, discrimination, language barriers, family problems, community problems, male or female interest, money, materialism, independence, reputation, respect, retaliation, revenge entertainment. Gangs are looked to for protection, loyalty and a sense of identity. Members consider themselves part of a family and view their gang as a source of pride. Gangs may fulfill the need for acceptance and recognition as well.

If gangs or gang members feel disrespected, retaliation (or revenge) is a guarantee. Retaliation can range from bullying or a beating, all the way to murder. It’s hard to escape the pressure to join a gang when your mom, your dad, your brother or grandmother is part of a gang. Some families have been involved with gangs for many years. A sense of belonging, acceptance and loyalty. Gangs may offer a sense of identity to their members and a way to gain attention or status. Kids who do not have strong ties to their families, communities, schools or places of worship may turn to gangs for companionship and as a substitute family...

San Diego County Third-Person Paragraph!

Most people go to the beach for many different reasons. One of the reasons is to swim and play in the sand. Some people go to the beach but do not like to get in the water, so they play in the sand, get a tan or exercise by walking, jogging and running around the beach. Some go for parties and or bomb fires. A lot of people go while it is hot like during summer, but there is some that go when it’s windy because they like to watch the waves or like to feel the breeze. People also go to the beach to surf in the waves. There are many other different reasons why people may go to the beach, but here is a variety of reasons why someone would go to the beach.

Comment-Seeking Post!

My Free Comment-Seeking Post is on my future career. When I graduate, I am willing to search for a way to become a tattoo artist. I love to draw and listen to music, so it would be a good job for me. Whenever I get the chance to do either one, I do it. I have been told that I can draw really well and have the ability to not use much of my eraser. At first, I wanted to go to beauty school but I then thought about it more and then wanted to be involved with music somehow or dance for my career, but I now realize that I want to do tattoos as a career. I believe that music calms me down and drawing gets me focused on something. Some people say that listening to music is a distraction and so that is why we cannot listen to music during school or work, but if I would be able to listen to music during school and work, I believe that I would be doing way better on my work, like I do while drawing. Music and drawing is very important and means alot to me!

CST Testing Reflection!

The first day of testing, I was really nervous. Then I read the stories and kept on day dreaming or spacing out, I then kept on having to reread the stories and finally got the English test done. It was pretty easy once I got the hang of having to reread the stories and was able to answer the questions easy too. The second day, I was a little more nervous than the fist because it was algebra. I then went through the questions and thought most of them were easy and some were kind of hard that I had to make an educated guess. I feel ok about how I did on the test but think that if I was to have studied harder and more, I would have done better. Though I still have tomorrow to take the science test and I am very nervous about it. I hope I did and I’m going to do good on my tests.

Test Prep Handouts Graphic Organizer!!

Link to Graphic Organizer: https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1y3DHp3MuHZaK_0Sc1AW6MUk6byBndWnmDMv6kX10vl8&w=960&h=720

My Feelings about the Upcoming CSTs!!

I feel scared and nervous about taking the California Standardized Tests. An example of how I feel about taking this test is as if I was about to get on a huge and fast rollercoaster, I would to be scared and nervous at first but would go through it anyway. Another example is getting my belly button pierced, I was first scared then nervous to get it done, but I then just did it. My last example would be going to juvenile hall, when I was on my way to juvii I was scared and nervous, but I then went through it and I no longer felt that way. I currently feel really nervous about this upcoming test, but I know that I have to go through it one way or another.

Free Choice Blog Post!!

Free blog posts are not cool. I really do not like it when we get “Free Blog Posts.”  If we were to have to do this type of post, it would be better if it would to be Monday’s homework assignment so that we could have something to write about like the weekend or something. I rather though like to have something already assigned for me to write about because either I don’t have anything to write about or never think of anything to write about. Its better when I am assigned because then I know what to write about and would be faster for me to do. For example, I did not know what to write about so I wrote about this free blog post assignment.

UnGoogleable Research Paper Highlight Reflection!

Reading and highlighting the sources for my UnGoogleable research paper helped me to go back and find the information that I found important an easier and faster way. I learned that a way of finding a good website is first it has the authors name and when it was published. It has a little amount of ads or none at all, and if it has good information and has a lot of facts. I can break my information into three sections. One section is “Why do people choose to join gangs?” Another section is “What is it like to be in a gang?” The third section is “How does it feel to be in a gang?” My next step to write a research paper should be to make a graphic organizer, get all the facts and information together, and then put it all together in a research paper.

UnGoogleable Research Paper Website Selection Reflection!

Today in class, I searched for websites that were on the form, I used the Hakia website the most. When I found the website related to my focus question, I read through it and decided whether or not it had good information. I knew some of the websites I found were unacceptable because either they had more ads than information, the author was a student, and was unorganized. I know the websites I selected are good because they had good information when I read through them quickly, it had the authors name and when it was published, and the ads and information was organized with not so many ads. Tomorrow, I expect that Ms. Priester will tell me to look through my website that I picked and get information out of them and put it together in a short summary.

Third Quarter Awards Review!

The assembly Friday was for third quarter. It was during fifth and sixth period in the auditorium. Everyone goes even the teachers, and it’s held after every quarter.  The assemblies are to recognize students that were caught doing well or whose grades were really good. The assembly first started with the pledge and then an intro. Then they introduced the guests that came to our assembly and teachers.  They then gave out the awards, certificates, and money.  During the assembly, I noticed that a lot of students have tried harder and have gotten their grades up. When the assembly was over, the students who got recognized got soda and pizza. For the next assembly, I am hoping that I would be one of the people to get recognized because I am trying harder and doing all my work this quarter.:)

UnGoogleable Research – What I Already Know

My focus question is “Why do people choose to join gangs, how does it feel to be gang affiliated and why is it that it may be dangerous?” I already know why some people choose to join gangs. My perspective is that people choose to join gangs for respect and family. People back up their hood by expecting respect when some one from a different hood comes by. When I say hood I mean the place they grew up in and live in. Also, people are in gangs because of their family members or close friends also known as hommies, they know that their family member or hommie is in the gang, so they also want to be in it, to be their for their family member or hommie to protect them. I also know how it feels to be gang affiliated. Being gang affiliated is like having another family to go to. It’s a feeling of being protected and knowing that someone always has your back. Being gang affiliated is a feeling of trust and respect. Additionally, being gang affiliated may be dangerous in some ways, but the main reason it would be dangerous is if somebody disrespects you or your hood. There could be serious damage to that person, his hood, and the people in his hood. By doing this research, I hope to learn other reasons why people may think that gangs are dangerous and  more about gangs.

UnGoogleable Research Website Evaluation!

UnGoogleable Research Paper – Website Evaluation Tips

I am doing Gangs. I chose this because of the interesting facts that people don’t know about and because of the way they say gangs are all about danger when it is not. I asked an upperclassman, how can you tell if a website is a good resource for writing a research paper she said, “If that site tells you everything you need to know about the subject or if it helps you. For example if you have a question and the site will answer it for you”. I interviewed an adult, and asked her the same question and she answered with “If the website has all the information you need for what ever you need it for then it should be a good research website and if it explains it in a good and easy way for you too.” I then asked another adult and they said, “If the website has a good explanations and good advice with examples and will help you then it if a good website to use for a research. The advice that they gave me would help me by being able to find the rite website with the good amount of explanations and information for my research.

UnGoogleable Graphic Organizer!!

Link to View Graphic Organizer:)

Fourth Quarter Kickoff Reflection!!!

My experience during the Fourth Quarter Kickoff was fun. It started with a hunt, we walked around the campus and collected clues, and then my team ended up collecting the chocolate chips at the end. After, we went to Sarah’s class and made “monkey munch”, then went to Ms.Priester’s class and made monkeys and hung them up on the class window. After the morning activity we went to lunch. After lunch we went to our teams. I was in team six. We started with a game of ball flag in the gym and we won that game. Next game was baseball, with a ball with holes in it and a plastic bat, we won that game also. The last game was the best. At first we had to hold an egg on a spoon and run back and forth.  Then after that we had to sit on the grass and pass cups of water and sponges filled with water in order to fill up a two litter. We won that game too; after we won they got the water and dumped it on Mr. Orozco. Team six won every game that we played and had a good and fun time.

Fourth Quarter Goals!!

My greatest accomplishment of last quarter was my portfolio. I was able to go back and look for all the assignments and found some that I did not turn, but was done. My goal for this quarter is 1. Complete and turn in all assignments. 2. Pay attention and focus by not day dreaming during class. And 3. I am willing to try my hardest in getting a 3.0 or higher.

Blog Jog

what i learned in the third quarter of 9th grade

Historical Approach to “American History” Graphic Organizer

https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1wbI1C6HyCbVVYuvpjoLRdmK37gePy9-z_HgBSYtj594&w=960&h=720

What I Learned in the Third Quarter of English 9/10!!

This quarter I have learned a lot more than last quarter. I was able to understand most of the work and did most of my homework. I have learned and memorized the meanings of symbolism, allegory, poetry, imagery, figurative language, primary source, and secondary source.  At first I had no clue what allegory meant and now I know that it means that it is, stories in which characters and places stand for something beyond themselves usually virtues and vices. The other words I had somewhat of an idea of what they meant but now know exactly what they mean. I have learned all these meanings of words by taking notes, reading about them, making graphic organizers and doing other class work and homework. This quarter we were able to eat in class for a story that we read, I got to teach the class and also learned about John F. Kennedy. I learned and understood a lot more this quarter.

“American History” Memorable Day Paragraph!!

It was in the beginning of January of 2010 when I was hanging out at the park with my homegirl Smiley and my homie Birdy. Birdy at the time was my boyfriend but, now is like my best friend. We kicked it at the park for most of the day and then went to my pad and kicked it on the front of the porch. While we were there a lot of my other homies passed by and kicked it with us. We all planed to go out later that night. Smiley and I lived together and would always sneak out to kick it or go do something. That night Birdy called me and asked me to come to his pad and be with him instead. So instead of ditching my homegirl I went with her for a while and then got a ride to Birdy's house. I was so happy to be with him and I was able to meet his mom and I got permission to stay over for as long as I wanted. I stayed over that night until six something in the morning. We had a great time; we talked about lot of things, did a lot of things and had lots of fun. This day is important to me because of the things we talked about and did. I do not think I will be able to forget this day. This day is one of my most memorable days.

Primary and Secondary Sources Comparison!!!

Primary and secondary sources both write about one subject, person, event or thing. Primary source is written in a one person point of view of the person that was there to witness the event and what happened. A few examples of primary are a dairy, a letter, and or an interview.  Secondary source is written in the persons perspective of what happened and or a summary about what happened and saw.  A few examples of secondary would be magazine articles, news paper articles and or reference books. Primary and secondary sources are helpful because, Primary, it directly expresses the thoughts and feelings or a writer. Secondary, it is based on several different viewpoints.

"A Warm, Clear Day in Dallas" Summary!!

The President Kennedy died by driving in the streets of Dallas. While waving at people he got shot in the throat and then in his head. He then died. “At one o’ clock, the president was pronounced dead; an hour and a half later, aboard Air Force One, Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the sworn in as the 36^th president of the United States.” Later, “At 2:15 that afternoon, a young man named Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested the murder of John Kennedy; two days later,” Then,  “John Kennedy was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on November 25, 1963.”

Songs Containing Figures of Speech from Boys/Girls #!!!

B.O.B. - Airplanes


“Can we pretend that airplanes

In the night sky

Are like shooting stars”

Kayne West – Amazing

“Yeah we warriors”

Taio Cruz – Break Your Heart

“Imma tear you apart”

T.I. - Dead and Gone

“The old me is dead and gone”

Usher - Moving Mountain

“It’s like moving mountains “

Jason Mraz - Im yours

“I tried to be chill but your so hot that I melted”

Burno Mars - Talking to the moon

“Talking to the moon”

B.O.B. - Don’t Let Me Fall

“Lookin down at the sky”

Keisha Kole - Love

“I remember when my heart broke”

Justin Bieber- Never say Never

“I conquered the giant so now I got the world in my hands I was born from two stars, so the moon's where I land”

Similes + Metaphors + Personification = Figurative Language!!!

1. Write a metaphor about each of the following themes:
Love is what everyone needs in their hart.

Hate is a way of making me famous.

Life is a mystery.

Friendship is a sign of being their for somebody.

2. Write a simile about each of the following items:

Community meetings are like twelve step programs.

Passes are like an escape door from SPA.

The gym is like a park inside doors.

My house is like a place full of emotions.

3. Write a sentence about each of the following objects using personification.

The Moon shined on the children playing in the dark.

The flower Laughed when the bee tickled her pollen.

The Phone yelled at me to answer the phone call.

The Car waited paitently while the red light turned green.

SPA Poem!!!

Life on our Campus is like a zoo for foster kids.

Life on Campus is as if we are caged with orange groves.

Life on campus is a way of saying life at a zoo.

Life on campus is like a Rubik’s cube. It is full of confusion.

San Pasqual extends its arms to new comers.

Life on campus is a mystery of people and personalities.

Life on campus.

Woman Work Parapraph!!

The author does not like doing chores because she is constantly having to do them and always getting the job done right without any rest. Some chores that I do around the house are washing the dishes, vacuuming, and picking up the house and what looks like needs cleaning. I do not mind doing chores, because when I am bored I like to clean and organize things. I just really dislike doing the dishes. I think the author is trying to tell us that she was tired of doing all the chores that she does and needs a rest.

Memorable Valentine's Day!!

My Memorable Valentine’s Day was last year’s Valentine because I was living in National City in San Diego and I was with Birdy the whole day and night. At the time I was on the run. We spent the morning at Mc Donald’s and then walked down to the park and kicked it there for a while. Then Birdy’s brother came and picked us up and we went to the mall and watched a movie. After the movie it was already late so we went to his house. I had met his house that day and got to spend the night with her approval. Usually when I would spend the night with him I would have to wait till his mom was asleep for him to let me in. I felt comfortable with him and did not feel guilty that night because I got permission to spend the night .We stayed up almost until morning. I had a great time and it was a Memorable Valentine’s Day!

"Fog" and "Fire and Ice" Grapic Organizer!! July & Jennifer C.

Link to original view: https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1tRa1hOB33x3YDSivdiQGw3QM-XOhOSsIT6hxxAs1aGE&w=960&h=720

"Country Scene" Graphic Organizer!!!

Link to original image:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=11lEMc0D4dJ8oTkA6TCi0Ny5Lf4Ukij7rJPzAS8BVMDE&w=960&h=720

Haiku Graphic Organizer!!

Link to original view:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1G_9M9PLKuVYPUs9AKiXrrEwwyEaHnVPj953kUtdAS1U&w=960&h=720

"The Blessing" Reading Activity!!

For the original size, click here

Paragraph to Persuade You to Read My Poem

     The name of my poem is "Folding Won Tons In" by Abraham Chang. Someone should read it because it is very interesting and has a lot of Chinese culture in the poem. You shouldn’t read this poem because it is only describing how the family makes the food. But yet, if you like cooking or if you are looking for something to cook you can use this poem as an idea of a reference. The best part of the poem is “My hands powder-dusted; acquainted with each new blossom. I line them up like newborns huddled together, waiting to be fed to their distant fathers.” Because it compares the blossoms to babies and how they were so close together like they were ready to be nurtured.   

Imagery in a Selected Poem!!

 Link for accual size:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1OU_FxR5JaUnmMIykWPCSE1_jmgMOd1kBIh6nIrzZMtc&w=960&h=720

What does it take to be a good teacher? Wordle!!

Link:
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3029870/Untitled

Symbolism String!

1. My ring that I always wear symbolizes my cousin Juanita because she gave me this ring when I had gottin all my rings jackedand she gave me a lecture, that ment a lot to me.


2. My little Cookie Monster symbolizes when I was at my foster home because I got it when I lived their, it was my first and only foster home that I had been to that they wernt my family and it brings back a lot of memories.

3. My huge Stewie symbolizes my homie Silent because we had not seen each other for a minute and when we finnaly got to hang out we went to the mall, entered the arcade and he won that Stewie for me.

4. Birdies shirt symbolizes him “Birdy” because it was and is his shirt and he means a lot to me.

5. My green ipod nano with the instaled video camera symbolizes my thirteenth birthday because I got it when I turned thirteen on my birthday and it had a lot of memories in it. I now do not have it because someone came up on it when I came to San Pasqual Accadamy.

6. My gold Rosery symbolizes my homie Wacko because he had bought it for me and I’ve known him for a long time and he also means a lot to me.

Allegory in "The Skull and the Arrow" Graphic Organizer

link to original image:
https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1j5Y7S5zvEKLsLwHfzKmIBGTSWukZyWXB428Lb5KMmyY&w=960&h=720

“The Skull and the Arrow” In the Cave!

If I had been badly beaten, people thought I was dead and I was wandering through the wilderness in the rain. When I would to see the cave, I would probably go in and stare at the bear on the ground for a good five minutes or more. Then I would probably leave the cave, right after I had stared at the bear and the arrow and I would walk away hoping to be heading somewhere safe or most likely also I might have just stood their confused and not know what to do or where to go. I really do not know what I would do, because when ever I see something like that I would just stare at it and be really curious and not know what to do. I would want to know more about it and see where my curious mind takes me.