Holiday Break

What is the best part about being off school for 2 weeks? What is the gift that would make you the happiest? Tell me a tradition your family does?

My favorite gift would be anew camera, I really need one. I love to be off work to go visit family and friends. One of our traditions is we sing The 12 days of Christmas and each take a day and have alot of fun being pretty silly with the song.

Rescue

Many times in life you will have to think quickly. I have had to act quickly before. Once when I saw a student fall on their way into school. I first ran to them to comfort them because he was crying. I always make sure they are OK, as I wait for the nurse etc. Many times at my home I have had to "think quick" to help my own kids.

1. Is there a time you had to react quickly at school or home to an unexpected situation? What did you do? Have you or your family ever called 911?

Fairytales

Everyone has a favorite fairytale. My favorite fairytale is Beauty and the Beast. I have always loved the way she adored the beast even before he turns into a handsome prince. This year there was a royalty wedding with William and Kate.which was a true story,but seemed like a fairytale.

1. What is your favorite fairytale? Tell me why it is your favorite.

Jobs

Well ,right now you are only thinking about Dirksen and grades.But you will then one day go on to high school. But, there will come a time when you are done with school and will decide college or a job? Today I want you to think about that.

1. Do you plan to go to college after high school? Where at? If you plan to go to work at a job where do you picture your self working after high school graduation?

JOBS

Well right now you are only thinking about school at Dirksen and then on to high school. But, there will come a time when you are done with school and will decide college or a job? Today I want you to think about that.

1. Do you plan to go to college after high school? Where at? If you plan to go right to work at a job where do you picture your self working after high school graduation?

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder wrote his first song when he was only 12 years old. Wonder is a blind musician who sings, composes, and plays keyboards. They say when you lose 1 sense the brain makes your other senses increase. sight, touch, hearing. Helen Keller could not see or hear and was a very successful teacher.

1. Do you know anyone who has lost 1 of their senses and is still successful? What do you think would be the hardest sense to loose?

Stevie Wonder wrote his first song when he was only 12 years old. Wonder is a blind musician who sings, composes, and plays keyboards. They say when you lose 1 sense the brain makes your other senses increase. sight, touch, hearing. Helen Keller could not see or hear and was a very successful teacher.

1. Do you know anyone who has lost 1 of their senses and is still successful? What do you think would be the hardest sense to loose?

Your Full Name

Think today about people who go by their full complete name. Frank Lloyd Wright for example. He is never called Frank Wright. Always his full complete name. Martin Luther King is also known by his full name.My full name is Debra Jean Ann Kusnik, my middle name is after my grandmother. I did not like my name because my classes had many Debbys and, it was confusing. I wanted to be called Dj.

1. Write today your full complete name. Do you like your name? Were you named after anybody a relative or someone famous? Would you change your name if you could? What would your chosen name be.

Full Names

Think today about people who go by their full complete name. Frank Lloyd Wright for example. He is never called Frank Wright. Always his full complete name. Martin Luther King is also known by his full name.
My full name is Debra Jean Ann Kusnik, my middle name is after my grandmother. I did not like my name because my classes had many Debbys and, it was confusing. I wanted to be called Dj.


1. Write today your full complete name. Do you like your name? Were you named after anybody a relative or someone famous? Would you change your name if you could? What would your chosen name be.

You are Talented

December is a month of giving, and each and every person has unique gifts and talents to share!
My niece Pati is extremely talented. She paints beautifully and precise on glasses, plates, and vases. Her gifts are always my favorite gift. When I was your age I would write poems for my family in calligraphy style, it was fun.

1. Tell about a talent you have and how you could give it as a gift to someone.

Talents

December is a month of giving, and each

person has unique gifts and talents to share!

My niece Pati is extremely talented. She paints beautifully and precise on glasses, plates, and vases. Always my favorite gift. When I was your age I would write poems for my family.

1. Tell about a talent you have and how you could give it as a gift to someone.

Aviation

This is National Aviation Week. This week is in honor of the Wright Brothers who made the first self-powered airplane in history.
Copy and paste the questions, use complete sentences then go to Study Island

1. Have you even flown in an airplane? If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why would you go there?

Champion

Missy Franklin is 16 yr. old girl from Denver, Colorado. She is on the US Olympic Swim Team. She has won 5 medals, 3 which were gold medals. Today when you have finished your Blog, go to Study Island for 15 minutes, you need BLUE ribbons. When you have completed that go to Teen Bizz for the article on Swimming's Next Star
answer all parts of the question:

1. If you could, would you like to go to the 2012 Olympics? Why or why not?
Suppose you could talk to Missy Franklin. What questions would you ask her?

Sports

Today is YOUTH DAY. A public holiday that celebrates all kids.
This holiday is celebrated with parades and parties in Greece. Many schools have team sports and participation is mandatory.

1. Have you ever played on a team? If yes write about your experience, did you like it? what sport was it? did you have to try out? If no write about a sport you might someday want to participate in.

Today is YOUTH DAY. A public holiday that celebrates all kids.

This holiday is celebrated with parades and parties in Greece. Many schools have team sports and participation is mandatory.

1. Have you ever played on a team? If yes write about your experience, did you like it? what sport was it? did you have to try out? If no write about a sport you might someday want to participate in.

Thanks

Today when you finish your comments here you will work

15 minutes in Study Island. When you are finished

you should be working on your your article assignment

in TEEN BIZ.You have a choice of topics for your

Are you most thankful for the things you've done, the places you've been, or the people you know? Explain.

Thankful

Today you will start with 15 minutes in Study Island. When you are finished you should be working on your your article assignment in TEEN BIZ.
You have a choice of topics for your BLOG today;

choose one from below:

1. Which would you rather have watch on Thanksgiving morning television: a football game or the Macy's Day Parade? Explain.
2. Are you most thankful for the things you've done, the places you've been, or the people you know? Explain.

Questions

On this day, in 1985, a 10 year old girl wrote a letter for all countries to be at peace. She wrote the letters to many fighting countries to ask them to stop fighting. Today think about if you had the chance to interview our president?

1. If you could write a letter to President Obama what would you ask him? Pick 3 questions to ask the President about anything you wish.

His family, friends, the taxes, the wars, you pick any 3.

Breakfast

Nutrition experts say that breakfast is your most important meal of the day.Many of us love to have our favorite cereal in the morning.Think about what you consider to be the most perfect breakfast.Today I had an English muffin, with raspberry jam and coffee. Usually I have a bowl of Cheerios or Shredded Wheat but,today I wanted something warm.

1. Tell me what you consider to be the perfect breakfast? Is breakfast different for you on the weekends then on a school day?

Breakfast

Nutrition experts say that breakfast is your most important meal of the day.
Many of us love to have our favorite cereal in the morning.
Think about what you consider to be the most perfect breakfast.
Today I had an English muffin, with raspberry jam and coffee.
Usually I have a bowl of Cheerios or Shredded Wheat but,
today I wanted something warm.
1. Tell me what you consider to be the perfect breakfast? Is breakfast different for you on the weekends then on a school day?

Seasons

We will soon be in our next season of weather. Today think about the weather you have the most fun and enjoy the most.

Winter will be here soon and we will think back to the beautiful days of summer.

1. Would you rather have a week of 90 degree weather or a week of the snow falling? Explain

Weather

As we start the next season I want you to think of the weather you prefer. Our weather will be changing soon and we will think back to the summer days.

Would you rather have a week of 90 degree days or a week of snowy days? Explain.

Veterans Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect, which then ended World War I on November 11, 1919,

Veterans Day in the USA is a holiday to honor all who have served in the United States Military Services.
Día del Veterano de Guerra in Spanish

1. Do you know anyone in the military now or in the past? Would you ever want to be in the military?

Substitute Mom

Hello, and happy Tuesday! We have another short week of school. All of you have had a substitute teacher before. Today I want you to think about how you would feel if this happened to you.

1. When you walked into your classroom this morning your MOTHER was the substitute teacher. How would you feel?

Substitute Teacher

Hello, and happy Monday. We have another short week of school. All of you have had a substitute teacher before. Today I want you to think about how you would feel if this happened to you.
1. When you walked into your classroom this morning your MOTHER was the substitute teacher. How would you feel?

Conferences

Hope to meet some parents tonight?
Are you coming to conferences? Do you think it is helpful for teachers to meet your parents?

November signs

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

The signs of the Zodiac can give us great insights into our day to day living as well as the many talents and special qualities we posses. You can discover a great deal of information about yourself through reading about your Zodiac sign.

1. Do you know what your zodiac sign is? Do you ever read your horoscope? Do You believe that your zodiac sign can help you know more about yourself?

November Signs

Scorpio October 23 - November 21
Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

The signs of the Zodiac can give us great insights into our day to day living as well as the many talents and special qualities we posses. You can discover a great deal of information about yourself through reading about your Zodiac sign.

1. Do you know what your zodiac sign is? Do you ever read your horoscope? Do You believe that your zodiac sign can help you know more about yourself?

Trick or Treat

I amazed at the talents in carving pumpkins, Some people are so artistic. Here are 3 Halloween riddles and their answers.

Q. What do you call a witch who lives at the beach? A sand-witch

Q. What's it like to be kissed by a vampire? A. It's a pain in the neck.

Q. Why did the vampire need mouthwash? A. Because he had bat breath.

Now copy and paste the next 3 riddles and answer them

Q. Why does a cemetery have to keep a fence around it? A...

Q. What do you call two witches living together? A...

Q. Who does Dracula get letters from? A...

Sports

Do you watch sports? Think about the World Series, the 2 teams that play tonight will see who is the champion of baseball. Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals will have the final game of the world series tonight. Think today about professional athletes.
1. Is your dream to play in a World Series? What team are you for? Do you think it is more fun to be at the big games in person or to watch it with your friends at home on a big screen TV?

School Spirit

Today we are showing "School Spirit" anyone wearing Dirksen colors today will get Dirksen $$$. We all have favorite teams, favorite movies and favorite snacks. Today think about your favorite snack. My favorite snack is peanut butter and celery. I eat it after school, watching TV and when we take a trip in the car. so yummy I love it! :-)
1. Tell me your favorite snack and how often and when do you like to eat it?

Teams

Today we are "teaming up against drugs"
Having a favorite team is a fun way to show spirit. My favorite teams are all the teams that play for Chicago. When I am watching sports I have a favorite snack too. My favorite snacks are popcorn, apples and my favorite is celery with peanut butter, yum yum!

1. What is your favorite snack after school, how often do you have your favorite snack?

Welcome to the Literacy Lab

Hello, I am so glad you are here! In this class you use 3 websites. Our Blog, Study Island, and TEEN BIZZ. Very seldom do you need paper and pencil in this class. Always answer the question of the day and remember to ALWAYS be school appropriate, everyone can read what you write.After the Blog go to Study Island.You will answer the question of the day and then go to Study Island. Copy and paste the question in your comments.

1. You are walking in a costume shop when suddenly your favorite costume comes to life. What would that costume be and why?

Welcome to the Literacy Lab

Hi I am glad you are here! We work in 3 websites in this class. The first site you use everyday is our Lab Blog. Everyday you will be expected to respond to our journal question of the day. Always copy and paste the question into your comments then respond. Remember everyone can read your answer, check spelling and of course always be school appropriate.

1. What do you like best about your personality?

Last Day of 1st Quarter

I can't believe that 1st quarter is over already. Today is your last chance to bring your grade up. PLEASE have your best behavior today, anyone not following procedures will have detentions & referrals. Go to Study Island next and get rid of any red triangles. After study Island you will go to TEEN BIZZ and do the article on FUN in the Sun. Please be good.

You are in a costume shop and 1 of the costumes you pick will now come to life, who would you pick, why?

Last Day

Today is the last official day of the Literacy Lab for 1st quarter. I am very blessed to have worked with each of you this quarter. To my 8th graders good luck with the rest of your 8th grade year. To 7th and 6th see you next year. Today you have a sub, my expectations are the same, PLEASE make me proud and do your work. Be sure to go to Study Island first, it is a part of your grade, work on those red triangles then, go to TEEN BIZZ.

Imagine you are in a costume shop and one of the costumes comes to life. What would you do and what costume is it?

Your favorite

With the end of our quarter this week I want you to think of all your FAPA classes. Today tell me, besides PE, what is your favorite FAPA class and why. Don't worry you can speak truthfully and not worry about my class. I just really want to know. And if PE is not your favorite tell me that also.
My favorite FAPA class is.....because....

GRADES

Well, you have 2 more A days. I need you to work hard and do your VERY BEST to up your scores. Do Study Island first then I will tell you when to go to TEEN BIZZ. Everyone needs to work hard and end this quarter with some high scores.

If you could changes places with anyone who would you pick and why?

Grades

You are now in the last week of the 1st quarter. In Study Island time to get rid of your red triangles. In TEEN BIZ time to make sure you are continuing to get your Activity Points. Ask for help if you are not seeing success on your multiple choice. Do your best work and have a great Monday!

If you could permanently change places with someone who would you choose?

Responsible Peace Builders

Today our article in Teen Biz is on Bullying. Did you know even President Obama was bullied in Junior High because of his name and his ears? Everyone does things they regret. Maybe you saw something and did not report it, maybe you did not want to say anything to someone you knew was being rude and disrespectful. I want you today to think of a time you could have acted more responsible as a peace builder at Dirksen.

Once I witnessed someone...

Describe

This week is Noah Webster's birthday. He is the founder of the dictionary. Today you will be describing you or a member of your family. You will use 4 different adjectives and tell me why that is a good adjective for that person.
Example
Kristin my daughter:
she is sensitive because she doe not want to hurt any ones feelings
she is funny because she can always make people laugh
she is athletic because she works out all the time and is in good physical shape
she is pretty because she is a good person and she is my daughter :-)

Describe YOU

In honor of Noah Webster, who created the Websters Dictionary, today you will describe your self or a family member. Tell me who you are describing and use 4 adjectives to describe that person.
My son Kevin:
he is kind, because he is a good caring person.
he is sensitive, because he is very aware of other peoples feelings.
he is athletic, because he works very hard to stay in excellent physical shape
he is handsome because he is my son :-)

I will describe ...

Seasons

We have 4 seasons and this is my favorite season right now. I love fall because the temperature is awesome, the trees are radiant. It is apple season and I love taffy apples. I also like to watch football and, football is a fall sport.


1. Spring 2. Summer 3. Fall(Autumn) 4. Winter

Today think about your favorite season and why you like it best. Give me details.

Fall & October

October is my favorite month of the year. The humidity is gone, the temperature is perfect, the trees are radiant with color and football is one of my favorite sports to watch. I love the pumpkin patch and taffy apples. Think about your favorite season and month.

1. Explain your favorite season and month to me and why you like it the best?

Health Day

The first Monday in October is Child Health Day. Pretend you are a newborn baby. Write a short note to your parents explaining what they should do to keep you healthy and safe as you grow up. Remember this is pretend, so yes, you as a baby can write a letter :-)

Dear Mom please keep me healthy....

Mascot

We are called the Dirksen Senators in honor of our Illinois former Senator Dirksen. He was very tall , well respected, and known to have a very calming voice. His last name was Dirksen that is why he is our mascot.
Imagine that you have been selected to choose your new Dirksen school mascot. What would you choose? Explain why this is a good choice for our school.

Dirksen Senators

We are called the Dirksen Senators in honor of our Illinois former Senator Dirksen. He was very tall , well respected, and known to have a very calming voice.
Imagine that you have been selected to choose your new school mascot. What would you choose? Explain why this is a good choice for our school.

Exercise

Please have your best behavior for class today. When finished with the BLOG go to Study Island then your assigned prompt.

Imagine that your PE teacher is out for the day and you are in charge of the class. What activity would you plan to be sure that everyone has fun and still gets exercise? Explain

Invisible

Happy Friday. When you are done with your BLOG, begin in Study Island immediately. You will have 30 minutes and then begin your writing prompt. You may earn free time today with good behavior.

Write about a time when you would have like to have been temporarily invisible.

Johnny Appleseed

When finished with the blog go to Study Island then continue working on your assigned prompt. YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR PLEASE.

Today is Johnny Appleseed's birthday. He traveled around planting apple seeds in hopes of having a land with blossoming apple trees and no one would ever be hungry. If you could travel across the country helping people, what one thing would you do? Explain.

Expectations

Today I am at a training class at JFK. I know my students will work at the same level of respect and effort as when I am here. You start a new prompt today. Make sure you are using facts and research your reasons for support on your topic. A good report from your substitute today will get you free time rewards next time I see you.

1. Write about a time when being courteous paid off for you. Or tell me a time where you saw someone using excellent manners towards someone.

RESPECT

Showing respect for one another is a quality we ALL need. Respect is earned. The best way to show respect is to take people's feelings,needs, and thoughts into consideration. We listen to other opinions and respect what are other classmates are saying.
In Japan they have a National Day of Respect.


1. Tell me someone you respect and why that person deserves your respect?

RESPECT

RESPECT is a word we hear often in school. Respect means you admire that person for certain qualities. Acting respectful to others is the best quality your character can have. In Japan they actually have a "Respect your Elders Day" People do need to earn respect and appreciate different opinions.

1. Tell me someone you respect. It can be friend, a relative, a neighbor, or someone else you know. Why do you feel this person deserves to be honored with your respect?

Breakfast

September is the National Breakfast month. Nutrition experts say that breakfast is your most important meal of the day. Many of us love to have our favorite cereal in the morning. Think about what you consider to be the most perfect breakfast.

Today I had an English muffin, with raspberry jam and coffee.Usually I have a bowl of Cheerios or Shredded Wheat.

1. Tell me what you consider to be the perfect breakfast? Is breakfast different for you on the weekends then on a school day?

Breakfast

September is called National Breakfast month. The nutrition experts have told us that breakfast is our most important meal of the day. Think today about what you like for the perfect breakfast at your house.

I love shredded wheat for breakfast. It is my favorite all time cereal. I also love bacon and sometimes on the weekend I make a BLT sandwich for breakfast.Yummy!

1. What did you eat for breakfast today? Is breakfast at your house different on the weekends from breakfast on school days?

Full Moon

WE had a beautiful full moon last night. The moon is a ball, so the sun only shines on the side facing the sun. When the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth it lights up the whole face of the moon. Some people say a full moon gives them energy and they feel stronger and better about them self after a full moon.

1. Do you believe that a full moon can give you energy and power? Do you believe in ware wolves or vampires? Explain why?

Labeling People

Many times we judge people by how they look. We all need to all try a little harder to not judge by appearance. Everyone needs to know the person on the inside and not by how they appear on the outside.

1. Have you ever felt frightened or awkward at a restaurant or mall when you saw someone that their appearance looked different to you?

Labels

Many people in school or work get labels. People assume they know someone by just looking at them. We all have to be careful not to judge someone by just their appearance.


1. Have you ever felt scared or threatened when you were at a park or in a restaurant on just the looks of someone?

American Flag

All week we are taking a minute to remember 9-11. I realize all of you were very very young. Today think about our American Flag that hangs in front of our school. We all see flags in front of many public places. The American flag is a symbol for our country. Many things have a symbol, we all know what the golden arches symbolizes but, do we know what our American flag symbolizes?

1. Tell me today why do we fly a flag in our classrooms and in front of our schools? Where are other places you see our flag?

OUR FLAG

The Star -Spangled Banner is our country's national anthem. The American Flag is our nation's symbol of freedom. When you see the golden arches you would think of McDonald's. When you see the American Flag, we should think of all the soldiers who fought in the battles and won, to create the free nation we have today.

1. Tell me today, where are places you see the American flag? why is it there?

TGIF

TGIF, thank goodness it's Friday!

When you leave school today it will be the start of a long 3 day weekend. We do not have school on Monday for Labor Day which is always celebrated the 1st Monday in September. Most businesses are closed as well as schools on Labor Day. Enjoy your day off :-)

Copy the question and paste then go to Study Island

1. Tell me something you want or will be doing on this holiday weekend?

1st grade

You are all Junior High kids now. However, you started school as a 1st grader. Today think back to that 1st grade classroom. I personally think that 1st grade is the hardest grade to teach. Those teachers have more difficulties then any other grade level teachers.

1. Where did you go to 1st grade and who was your teacher? Tell me the best part and the worst part of your 1st grade.

1st grade

You are now all in Junior High. Today I want you to think about your 1st grade class. I always think that is the toughest grade to teach. The students are scared and really don't understand school rules and the school routine yet.

Copy and paste then go to Study Island!

1. Where did you go to 1st grade? What do you remember most about 1st grade. What was your favorite part and the worst part?

Aviation

This week we celebrate The Wright Brothers birthday. The Wright Brothers were the first pilots to fly an engine powered plane. Today think about the thrill of flying. Answer the questions below then go to Study Island.

1. Have you ever flown before? Where did you go? If you could fly anywhere where would you go and why?

Aviation

This is National Aviation Week. This week is in honor of the Wright Brothers who made the first self-powered airplane in history.

Copy and paste the questions, use complete sentences then go to Study Island

1. Have you even flown in an airplane? If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why would you go there?

I have a Dream

Today is Friday HOORAY! On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King gave the speech "I have a Dream". MLK wanted all races to work together, and play as equals. His speech gave a positive look at our future. Today write about your dream.

Copy and paste the question. Remember to give details in your answer. when completed go to Study Island

1. A dream come true for me would be that..... your dream can be personal or about the world.

Today is a beautiful day. Do you notice it is getting darker earlier? Fall is in the air. I want you to think of different awards you could get someday. Maybe you will a professional athlete or an actor or actress.

Copy and paste the question in the Blog then go to Study Island. Go for Blue Ribbons!

1. Which would you rather win an Academy Award for a movie. Or the MVP of your favorite sport? tell me why?

I was happy to see so many parents last night at Open House. Many of you came to show your parents your rooms and meet your teachers. Today you have a choice for the blog question. Choose which award you would want to win. Remember to then copy and paste the question in comments..

1. Would you rather win an Academy Award for a movie you were in or you were the MVP of your favorite sport? Why?