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Opinions Essay

Paying closer attention to the minds of our fellow class members

          Each year, new students come to our school. New students with different personalities and problems, different families and backgrounds. Each year, more and more students flood in through the doors to their classes, moving themselves around through the crowded halls like "little fish". Among those students - especially those in their freshman year - have a tendency to seek out drama, even if it means hurting the feelings of someone they care about.
          Bowie administration find it difficult to handle the 'situations', but they don't even look around the halls to stop the punches (both verbal and physical) that are thrown around like nothing, yet the words are taken to heart by most of these victims.
          Being a victim of these confrontations myself, I can reflect the pain received by most other victims. However, even though Bowie staff and student council members are so proud of their 'No Place For Hate' achievements, the school still undergoes a heartbreaking amount of students who pass from suicide. A concern of mine is how many teens lives have been taken through their own hands because they have nobody else to turn to for help.
          Over the last 5 years, about 8 teenagers from Bowie have taken their own lives, all because they were beaten down into the pit of depression. All of those deaths could have been either delayed or prevented if the district would put a little more funding to find some better, or some more, officers to patrol campus.
          Now, with this suggestion out at hand, I understand that coming up with the funding to save a blasted tree from dying, I believe that the school board or school community could help to raise money to help future subjects of depression, or to make a memorial to commemorate those who have already departed us. Over the course of this year, I have had many losses, one of which was a student at this school. Out of respect for the family, they have not asked me to say his name. But, killing himself opened my eyes and I wish I had known how to help while I still had a chance. Some kind of way to put out there that they can get help would be wonderful as well, alongside the memorials for past students.
          School board members also remember last year remember when the Senior Breakfast turned into a cruel Senior Roast. Mother of one of the roasted students, Josie Kendrick, spoke in an interview with CNN correspondents about the incident, saying "Suicide, depression in kids is real. It's a slippery slope. And I could see one of these silly awards hurting somebody so badly that they'll give up."
          The words we send and the things we say - both behind someone's back and to their face - each little thing should be thought out before being said. A cry for help may be small, but it's recognition is very much needed at this school - both for the past losses and those looking towards harming themselves in the future. 

Personal Essays - Q & A

1. ) What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that I can use as I start deciding on a topic?
     - One idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section was to stick to writing "Conversational Topics" to keep the reader/audience interested and keep them grasping for more.
2. ) What was one idea that the writer gave in the Opinion Pieces section that I should remember as I are writing my piece?
     - One idea that the writer gave in Opinion Pieces section was to use detail to draw the reader/audience in, to stay away from using broad/abstract phrases, and make emotions more visible.
3. ) List three suggestions the writer in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that I will use I write.
     - Make connections to outside sources/events.
     - Describe in great detail, as well as using all the senses to emphasize a greater connection between myself and the story to keep the reader/audience interested as the essay goes on.
     - Make sure to keep an eye on the construction of the essay; Stick to the same point-of-view, Use of vocabulary, Punctuation, and Grammar. 

Opinions Writing Preview Activity

Story 1. -  "Immigration laws getting out of hand"

1. Who wrote the story?

   - The Editorial

2. What is their story about?

   - The story is about the new immigration laws made by President Donald Trump based on out-dated, hateful stereotypes.

3. What is their direct opinion about the topic? 

   - The author's opinion on the topic is negative, against the Trump Administration and the heavily enforced laws to increase deportation, stating that the laws are "breaking families apart as well as disrupting the workforce".

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

   - No, the author did not address the other side of the argument, the "xenophobes and racists".

5. Were they wish-washy with their opinion?

   - With the opinion of the author, which was stated in the last sentence of the third paragraph, was not wishy-washy. The evident opinion is that the Trump Administration in office "needs to stop demonizing immigrants and refugees".

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

   - The few quoted areas in the story are small things like "The United States is the "melting pot" of the world", and "When hateful rhetoric like, "get out of my country" and "build a wall" is told to minorities, fear becomes laced within whole communities' both citizens and non-citizens". However, there are no direct quotes because nobody was interviewed.

7. What point of view did they write in?

   - The point of view in the story is 3rd (third) person point-of-view. 

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Story 2. -  "Betsy DeVos unfit to serve as U.S Secretary of Education"

1. Who wrote the story?

   - Reagan Wallace, Staff Writer

2. What is their story about?

   - The appointed U.S Secretary of Education and how she should not be allowed in office, due to her lack of knowledge on the matter.

3. What is their direct opinion about the topic? (With a quote)

   - Wallace's opinion on the Secretary of Education Betsy DeVous is that she should not be allowed in office, with the lack of pre-requisite jobs or educational insight. Her opinion is openly stated "much to many teachers and parents' dismay".

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

   - Wallace does briefly address the positive side of the argument in the second paragraph, quoting that "DeVos has displayed beneficial visions for lower-income students and families".

5. Were they wish-washy with their opinion? (With support)

   - Wallace was not wishy-washy with her opinion on her side of the argument, keeping a firm stance on her side (the negatives) on Betsy DeVos' being appointed Secretary of Education.

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

   - There are no direct quotes in this story because nobody was interviewed other than the questions within the mind of the author. 

7. What point of view did they write in?

   - This story, unlike the first one, was written in 1st (first) person point-of-view. 

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Story 3. -  "Going above the norm for college"

1. Who wrote the story?

   - The writer for this story is Staff Writer, Jake Brien.

2. What is their story about?

   - This story is about the usual expectations for colleges nowadays and what you can do to stand out, not to mention the author's advice and research on the costs for college. 

3. What is their direct opinion about the topic? (With a quote)

   - It's hard to pick out where the opinion is stated and what it might be, but the opinion that I've found in this article was "the night's always darkest before the dawn" in the fifth paragraph, saying to be positive and try to keep your head up as high school can get you down but college can become the beacon of light that leads yo to your ideal future. 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

   - Brien does in fact talk about both of the sides, talking about the hardships and as well as the gifts that going to college can provide on the American students.

5. Were they wish-washy with their opinion? (With support)

   - I would say that this article was in fact, the most wishy-washy with it's support because of the back and forth switching between saying "college is essential" to "very hard to get in".  

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

   - Since there was nobody interviewed in this article other than Brien, there are no quotes. 

7. What point of view did they write in?

   - This article, like the first one, is written in 1st (first) person point-of-view. 

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Story 4. -  "Our great tree worth saving"

1. Who wrote the story?

   - The author of the story is Commentary Editor, Ian Miller.

2. What is their story about?

   - This story is about the tree in the courtyard and how the student body should try to make contributions to gain the money so that the school can save the almost 150 year old tree. 

3. What is their direct opinion about the topic? (With a quote)

   - The direct opinion stated in the article is "it's absolutely worth the price [from the money contributions] to save it". 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

   - They, like most of the articles, briefly mention the opposing side of the situation, but do not go into detail about the whole thing. 

5. Were they wish-washy with their opinion? (With support)

   - No, I would have to say that Miller is not wishy-washy in his opinion on this subject. If anything, he is headstrong and confident about his stance that the tree should in fact be saved by the school and community, no matter the cost. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

   - There are, like all of the other articles in the Commentary section, no quotes because nobody other than the author themselves was interviewed. 

7. What point of view did they write in?

   - Just like the majority of the stories in this section of the newspaper, it is written in 1st (first) person point-of-view. 

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Story 5. -  "The importance of physics class"

1. Who wrote the story?

   - The author of this article is Staff Writer, Abby Ong.

2. What is their story about?

   - This article is just as the headline states, the importance of physics class, even though it is no longer a required class to take unless you're in a STEM endorsement.  

3. What is their direct opinion about the topic? (With a quote)

   - The direct opinion of Ong is that "students should consider  it", and says that "physics is [still] applicable to everyday life". 

4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?

   - In this article, the mentioning of the opposing side of the argument is briefly mentioned somewhere in the middle of the article, but it isn't taken into a lot of consideration and is more pushed to the side. 

5. Were they wish-washy with their opinion? (With support)

   - No, Ong was not at all wishy-washy with her opinion. Maybe a little flexible, but not wishy-washy. 

6. Are there any quotes in the story?

   - Again, there no quotes because the only person that would have been interviewed would have been the author, Abby Ong. 

7. What point of view did they write in?

   - The point-of-view of this article, like the second article, is in 1st (first) person point-of-view. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

A. What do I think the major difference between a hard news story and an opinions piece?

   - Only shows one side of the argument.

   - No quotes from people being interviewed, because nobody from the author of the article was interviewed for the information in the article.

   - Articles can be written in either 1st (first) or 3rd (third) person point-of-view.

B. Why do I think there aren't very many photos on the pages A6-A7 of The Lone Star Dispatch newspaper?

   - I think there aren't many pictures because there aren't ways you can take pictures of an opinion.

C. What are three topics I think would be good to write an opinion piece on?

   - Lack of memorials to passed students on Bowie grounds.

   - Aggravating way that classes are arranged with pre-requisites nearly impossible to get into or grade limits. 

   - Lack of writing extra-curricular clubs on campus for underclassman. 

Peer Review SOM

Review of Aidan Smith's blog post - "Student of the Month Full Story"

      On Monday April 10, 2017 Jenna Larner won the student of the month award. The award was given at Bowie High School last night. 

      Larner got the award at Bowie High School for being an outstanding student in all ways academically and her personality. There was an interview that was being asked for the student of the month. She was the most talented musician which got her far in the voting for the student of the month throughout the whole entire school.     

        Larner is involved with different school activities and is hoping to do more next year. "I am in band this year and I am hoping to be in marching band as well as band my sophomore year," Larner says. Larner would like to do more things for the school as well and is hoping to take a role in the school to make them happen. "I would like to become Vice President of the school or in student council and I would like to change the school by remodeling the whole school to make it a nicer campus,"Larner states.    

      As the student of the month Larner was asked some questions about what she would like to do in her future. Such as what college she would like to go to as well as where she would like to like. "I would like to be a physicshiatrist as well as go to UT. But I would like to stay somewhere in Texas," Larner states. Warner was expressing all that she wanted to accomplish in life and how she felt that she wanted to be an influence for her family as well as everyone else around her. She wants to help others but stay close to home to stay near to her family. She is already getting a good start to helping people by being in girl scouts and learning necessary life skills. "I am currently in girl scouts and loving every minute,"Larner says.   

  

     Larner wanted to show the importance of academics and the affect that it would have on everyone in the future. "The classes I will be taking next year are all pre-ap classes except for geometry. I will also be taking electives that will go along with what I want to do in my future,"Larner states. She is a very hardworking individual that knows what she wants. " I think that a trait I would be described as is hardworking,"Larner exclaimed! All of her teachers adore her and believe that she will go far in her career as well as schooling. She looks up to one teacher who has made a big impact on her life. "I look up to my teacher Mr. Thomas the most out of all of my teachers. He is so inspiring,"Larner states. 

     "Jenna Larner got awarded for student of the month because of her positive attitude to get through the good and the bad and her excitement to learn everything,"says Larners teacher Mr. Thomas. The next student of the month will be posted early May as teachers are now evaluating next months candidates.

Paragraphs - 50 pts.
 5 Quotes - 25 pts.
Inverted Pyramid - 23 pts.
Extra Credit? - 0 pts.
TOTAL = 98%

SLO Practice Q & A / Caption Writing

Q & A

1. In the following, which news value is most clearly represented in the caption below?
     Caption - "Courtney Suel and Lesia Bridges navigate a flooded Aquaria Springs Drive in San Marcos on Tuesday. One gauge in the city recorded nearly seven inches of rain.
     Answer - Conflict.

2. In the following, which news value is most clearly represented in the caption below?
     Caption - "Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday in Nogales, Ariz: "This is a new era. This is the Trump era. The lawlessness, the abdication of the duty to enforce our immigration laws....are over."
     Answer - Human Interest.

3. Which of the following is an example of a present tense action verb?
     Answer - Paints.

4. What is the MOST wrong with the following headline?
     Headline - Big win
     Answer - The lack of a subject.

5. What information is missing from the first sentence of this caption?
     Caption - "On Wednesday, March 13th, senior Sarah Smith captured the flag."
     Answer - The location.

6. What information is missing from the second sentence of this caption?
     Caption - "On Wednesday, March 13th, senior Sarah Smith captured the flag in the annual senior games event held at Bowie High School. Smith lives at 10405 Johnston Street in Austin.
     Answer - Some background information about the senior games.

Caption Writing

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, walks through a church down the red carpet with feminist movement leader Ail'lah Nadi to a ceremony for women's rights. Planning for the ceremony had been arranged to help inspire girls to live up to their full potential - Nadi was glad to see that the ceremony did, in fact, inspire some girls. 

Student of the Month Story

     At James Bowie High School, it is almost like a rewarding tradition to, at the every month, to choose one student from each grade who has done exceptionally well in their classes - Meaning high grades and perfect attendance for that month. And, for the month of March, this achievement has been bestowed upon freshman Gail Roggerman. After a few words with the Student Body Class President - Brooke Everette - the two decided that she would get a certificate and the announcement would be plenty to announce her accomplishment and success to the rest of the school.
     However, when asking around with a few other students at the school, they were all curious as to how the Student of the Month was chosen. Taking advantage of that little question, in a meeting with Everette, she explained a little more about the process of choosing the Student of the Month as well as why she had voted for Gail Roggerman to be the perfect fit.
     "Choosing the Student of the Month," she said, "is difficult. However, you have to remember that you rewarding somebody who deserves it. We try to look for a student who has the best combination of good grades, volunteer hours, and close to perfect attendance. Looking over the nominations, it was definitely evident that Gail [Roggerman] was the perfect fit for this award," clarified Everette. Soon after word of Everette's interview, Roggerman agreed to an interview with the school newspaper, a few questions about both the process of selection, her reaction to the news, and Roggerman herself, were answered.
     Asking about how Roggerman thought she had earned the award, she responded eagerly. "I keep my things organized and am encouraged by my parents to make a strong effort towards my schoolwork. Making time for my schoolwork is important, as is keeping time made out for my job and hours at the local animal shelter, but family is always my #1."
     Then a question about her reaction after hearing the wonderful news. "I was at a party with my friends and parents. I heard the news from my friend, who actually also nominated me, Ashley Johnson. I got so confused and excited that shock was barely even an emotion I felt at the time. I immediately ran over to my parents to tell them the news, who embraced me and told me they were so proud of me. That was one of my best moments," said Roggerman.
     After Roggerman had finished the explanation of her reaction, she stated she had advice for any students looking towards achieving this goal for any of the next 3 Students of the Month (April, May, and June). "You need to study and keep your things organized. Don't think that being with your friends will harm your grades, unless you're spending too much time with them," Roggerman said. "Find out what strategies for studying work best for you, and do projects as soon as you can. Also, skipping class can seem tempting, but do you really want that one absence to work against you for your EOC passes? Just try your hardest, do your schoolwork as soon as you can, get involved in extra-curricular activities, and enjoy high school."
     One more meeting with Everette clarified that "news of the next Student of the Month will be announced on May 6th".

Nut Graf

      A "Nut Graf" is a journalism slang term referring to the sentence/combination of sentences that summarize and capture the essence of the subject/topic of the story. "Nut Graf"s are usually the second and third paragraphs that are combined with evidence and details in relation with the topic and statements made. 

Inverted Pyramid

Basic Inverted Pyramid

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Detailed Inverted Pyramid

My First Interview - Student of the Month Interview - Answers

1.) How do you spell your name?
     - Gail Roggenbauer.
2.) Which grade did you say you were in?
     - 9th grade.
3.) Were you surprised to find out you were chosen to the "Student of the Month"? Why or why not?
     - Yes, I didn't think I was that good of a student.
4.) What extra-curricular activities are/were you involved with?
     - I'm in Dance and Key Club.
5.) What would you say was your best class of this year?
     - I think I'd have to say that my favorite class of the year is English.
6.) Who nominated you for to be "Student of the Month"? Was it a teacher or student?
     - A student, my friend Ashley Johnson was the person who nominated me to be Student of the Month.
7.) How did your friends and family react when they found out you earned the title to be the "Student of the Month"?
     - My family and friends were proud that I earned this achievement.
8.) Was it hard for you to maintain the grades/attendance that earned you "Student of the Month"?
     - No, because I love working hard and keeping myself organized.
9.) After finding out that you had earned this achievement, did it cause a lot of stress on you?
     - No, it actually motivated me to work harder.
10.) Now that you have gotten the accomplishment of "Student of the Month", will you be working to gain the title again for another nomination?
     - I won't be working for it, but I'll be happy to accept if I do win again.
11.) Do you think you did anything that would make you a good example for other students at school? How so?
     - I like to get my work don e on time and turn it in as soon as possible. It helps me relax knowing that I don't have to turn anything in last minute.
12.) How would you want the school to find out/know that you are the "Student of the Month"?
     - Probably a poster or announcement. Nothing too big.
13.) Are you in any AP classes that could have helped you to earn the title of "Student of the Month"?
     - Yes, I'm actually in AP World Geography.
14.) When did you find out you earned this honor?
     - I learned that I had been honored as "Student of the Month" while hanging out at Starbucks with a few friends of mine. 
15.) Would you consider that class to be your favorite? Why or why not?
     - No, even though English is my best class, Algebra is my favorite class. 
16.) Is studying important to you or can you get by without needing to study?
     - Studying is definitely important for learning and understanding the subject you're going over in your classes. 
17.) Who would you say was your inspiration / role model who pushed you to go the extra mile that led to earning this title?
     - My parents were a huge encouragement and definitely a large part of my inspiration. 
18.) Would you say that organization was a big part of you getting this achievement?
     - Yes, because it helped keep my things in order and make sure that I had everything that I needed for the day. 
19.) How many volunteer hours did you earn this month?
     - I'd have to say that this month I volunteered for about 5 hours or so.
20.) Any advice for students looking to earn this title in the future?
     - It's important to understand the material you're learning, so get help if you need it. Grades aren't everything. Also, it pays to be kind to others, so keep that in mind - Help others when you see that somebody may need help. 

Learning How To Interview - Part I - Student of the Month

Topic #2 - Student of the Month

The following are 20 questions that I would ask the "Student of the Month", if tasked with interviewing them;

1.) How do you spell your name?
2.) Which grade did you say you were in?
3.) Were you surprised to find out you were chosen to the "Student of the Month"? Why or why not?
4.) What extra-curricular activities are/were you involved with?
5.) What would you say was your best class of this year?
6.) Who nominated you for to be "Student of the Month"? Was it a teacher or student?
7.) How did your friends and family react when they found out you earned the title to be the "Student of the Month"?
8.) Was it hard for you to maintain the grades/attendance that earned you "Student of the Month"?
9.) After finding out that you had earned this achievement, did it cause a lot of stress on you?
10.) Now that you have gotten the accomplishment of "Student of the Month", will you be working to gain the title again for another nomination?
11.) Do you think you did anything that would make you a good example for other students at school?How so?
12.) How would you want the school to find out/know that you are the "Student of the Month"?
13.) Are you in any AP classes that could have helped you to earn the title of "Student of the Month"?
14.) What would you say is your best class?
15.) Would you consider that class to be your favorite? Why or why not?
16.) Is studying important to you or can you get by without needing to study.
17.) Who would you say was your inspiration / role model who pushed you to go the extra mile that led to earning this title?
18.) Would you say that organization was a big part of you getting this achievement?
19.) How many volunteer hours did you earn this month?
20.) Any advice for students looking to earn this title in the future?