Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Editoral Final Draft
Minnesota Professional Sports just can’t keep the stars in Minnesota. Players like David Ortiz, Kevin Garnett, Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, and Randy Moss have moved on to bigger markets like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles and signed much larger contracts. Most have become Champions because of their move. If Minnesota isn’t careful, this scenario could very well happen again. This time, it could be one of our own hometown stars. If you ask any Twins Baseball fan, they’ll all say there is no possible way Mauer will ever leave Minnesota. From past moves, the impossible is anything but.
The newest report’s from inside sports reporters is that the Twins are unwilling to come to an agreement with Mauer. Apparently, the Twins organization is offer around 20 million to Mauer, but that is not enough for Mauer and his agent, Ron Shapiro. If the Twins and Mauer do not make process in the near future, Mauer could be on his way out the door to a big market ball club like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles.
If Mauer did end up leaving his hometown team, riots would begin in the streets of Minneapolis, newly opened Target Field would be abandoned, and the Twin’s hope for a title would vanish quickly. Now, he is not the only reason the Twins compete for the Central Division Championship each year, but he is a big piece of the championship puzzle Minnesota’s been building since their dismal year’s of the late 90’s. In Mauer’s first five years with the organization, he has won a MVP award and two American League Batting Champions. Mauer has done this all while playing the most demanding position in the game, catcher, where he has also won two gold gloves. For 130 games a year, Mauer gets behind the plate and bends down for nine innings. Most player’s careers are shortened, just because of the tole the position puts upon your body.
Mauer, has somehow find a way to become arguably, the best player in baseball and the first Prince of Minnesota since Prince himself. It’s not just about baseball either, Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman says, “I have known Mauer since his high school days. He is not only a great athlete but a super person.” Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since the magical championship run’s of 1987 and 1991, and if the organization isn’t careful, he could be gone before we know it.
The newest report’s from inside sports reporters is that the Twins are unwilling to come to an agreement with Mauer. Apparently, the Twins organization is offer around 20 million to Mauer, but that is not enough for Mauer and his agent, Ron Shapiro. If the Twins and Mauer do not make process in the near future, Mauer could be on his way out the door to a big market ball club like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles.
If Mauer did end up leaving his hometown team, riots would begin in the streets of Minneapolis, newly opened Target Field would be abandoned, and the Twin’s hope for a title would vanish quickly. Now, he is not the only reason the Twins compete for the Central Division Championship each year, but he is a big piece of the championship puzzle Minnesota’s been building since their dismal year’s of the late 90’s. In Mauer’s first five years with the organization, he has won a MVP award and two American League Batting Champions. Mauer has done this all while playing the most demanding position in the game, catcher, where he has also won two gold gloves. For 130 games a year, Mauer gets behind the plate and bends down for nine innings. Most player’s careers are shortened, just because of the tole the position puts upon your body.
Mauer, has somehow find a way to become arguably, the best player in baseball and the first Prince of Minnesota since Prince himself. It’s not just about baseball either, Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman says, “I have known Mauer since his high school days. He is not only a great athlete but a super person.” Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since the magical championship run’s of 1987 and 1991, and if the organization isn’t careful, he could be gone before we know it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Editoral Rough Draft
Minnesota Professional Sports just can’t keep the stars in Minnesota. Players like David Ortiz, Kevin Garnett, Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, and Randy Moss have moved on to bigger markets like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles and signed much larger contracts. Most have become Champions because of their move. If Minnesota isn’t careful, this scenario could very well happen again. This time, it could be one of our own hometown stars. If you ask any Twins Baseball fan, they’ll all say there is no possible way Mauer will ever leave Minnesota. From past moves, the impossible is anything but.
The newest report’s from inside sports reporters is that the Twins are unwilling to come to an agreement with Mauer. Apparently, the Twins organization is offer around 20 million to Mauer, but that is not enough for Mauer and his agent, Ron Shapiro. If the Twins and Mauer do not make process in the near future, Mauer could be on his way out the door to a big market ball club like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles.
If Mauer did end up leaving his hometown team, riots would begin in the streets of Minneapolis, newly opened Target Field would be abandoned, and the Twin’s hope for a title would vanish quickly. Now, he is not the only reason the Twins compete for the Central Division Championship each year, but he is a big piece of the championship puzzle Minnesota’s been building since their dismal year’s of the late 90’s. In Mauer’s first five years with the organization, he has won a MVP award and two American League Batting Champions. Mauer has done this all while playing the most demanding position in the game, catcher, where he has also won two gold gloves. For 130 games a year, Mauer gets behind the plate and bends down for nine innings. Most player’s careers are shortened, just because of the tole the position puts upon your body.
Mauer, has somehow find a way to become arguably, the best player in baseball and the first Prince of Minnesota since Prince himself. It’s not just about baseball either, Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman says, “I have known Mauer since his high school days. He is not only a great athlete but a super person.” Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since the magical championship run’s of 1987 and 1991, and if the organization isn’t careful, he could be gone before we know it.
The newest report’s from inside sports reporters is that the Twins are unwilling to come to an agreement with Mauer. Apparently, the Twins organization is offer around 20 million to Mauer, but that is not enough for Mauer and his agent, Ron Shapiro. If the Twins and Mauer do not make process in the near future, Mauer could be on his way out the door to a big market ball club like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles.
If Mauer did end up leaving his hometown team, riots would begin in the streets of Minneapolis, newly opened Target Field would be abandoned, and the Twin’s hope for a title would vanish quickly. Now, he is not the only reason the Twins compete for the Central Division Championship each year, but he is a big piece of the championship puzzle Minnesota’s been building since their dismal year’s of the late 90’s. In Mauer’s first five years with the organization, he has won a MVP award and two American League Batting Champions. Mauer has done this all while playing the most demanding position in the game, catcher, where he has also won two gold gloves. For 130 games a year, Mauer gets behind the plate and bends down for nine innings. Most player’s careers are shortened, just because of the tole the position puts upon your body.
Mauer, has somehow find a way to become arguably, the best player in baseball and the first Prince of Minnesota since Prince himself. It’s not just about baseball either, Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman says, “I have known Mauer since his high school days. He is not only a great athlete but a super person.” Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since the magical championship run’s of 1987 and 1991, and if the organization isn’t careful, he could be gone before we know it.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Editoral Pre-writing
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
A: Parking Lot, Economy, College Pay, Signing Joe Mauer.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
A: The Twins need to stop worrying about spending too much and sign Joe.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
A: Show the reasons why Twins Baseball needs to keep Joe Mauer.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
A:
1. MVP, 2-time Batting Champ
2. Hometown Hero
3. Best Player in Baseball (Hitting, Fielding, etc.)
4. Amazing Teammate
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
A: Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since Kirby Puckett.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
A: Keeping a local star in Minnesota
A: Parking Lot, Economy, College Pay, Signing Joe Mauer.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
A: The Twins need to stop worrying about spending too much and sign Joe.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
A: Show the reasons why Twins Baseball needs to keep Joe Mauer.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
A:
1. MVP, 2-time Batting Champ
2. Hometown Hero
3. Best Player in Baseball (Hitting, Fielding, etc.)
4. Amazing Teammate
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
A: Joe Mauer is the best thing to happen to Twins Baseball since Kirby Puckett.
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
A: Keeping a local star in Minnesota
Monday, March 15, 2010
Feature Story Final Draft
DP: Doughnuts & Pop
Every week, sixth graders in District 196 attend a class that no other sixth graders in the state experience. This class is like no other class in the state. The curriculum of this class includes drug prevention, refusal skills, decision-making, and overall life lessons. The curriculum is not what makes this class unique however. What makes this class unique and different from anything else in the state is who teaches the kids. The teachers are not paid or hired by district or school administrators, but rather high school seniors that are chosen through a rigorous process. Laura Appleton, best describes Developmental Psychology (DP), “DP is a program that puts seniors into leadership positions, in which they go to local middle schools and teach the 6th graders drug education. Along with drug education, we also teach about bullying and decision-making. It’s a program that is unique to District 196 and gives seniors the opportunity to be leaders and grow close to people who have many of the same values as themselves.” Interest meetings start right before Christmas of the student’s junior year. After meetings, interested students fill out an application that includes numerous questions and surveys. Then, students must complete two interviews. The first interview is a one-on-one interview with one of the DP teachers. The second interview is more of a discussion with other peers applying for a spot in front of all DP teachers. After completing each step of the process, around forty students out of nearly 80 applicants are chosen to be a member of DP for their senior year.
The first quarter of DP is arguably the most important quarter of the year. The first day of school, eleven to fourteen students walk into the same room and sit in a circle for the first time. Some might know each other; others might have never seen their faces before. Appleton explains how her group has evolved, “I have basically made a whole new circle of best friends. We all help each other through difficult times and in turn grow. I can see us all 30 years in the future still keeping up with each other. It’s just a given at this point.” Either way, these groups of people are really going to get to know each other over the next nine months. Within the first month of quarter one, students focus on creating bonds with each other and becoming a team. They also write up their commitment to each other to stay sober throughout the entire year. The first month is where the group will either succeed or fail. However, most groups create a strong bond in this first month. After that, the focus switches to the sixth graders. The group will take the better part of the next month preparing to teach. Students learn all they can about how to teach, how sixth graders learn, and what makes a good lesson; all leading up to the nerve racking first day. When the eleven to fourteen students walk into class this day, nerves are higher than even the very first day of school. Everyone is quiet, double and sometimes even triple checking their lesson plans and supplies, making sure they did not forget anything. After getting through a shaky first day, the nerves usually evaporate within a couple of weeks and teaching becomes the norm. Michelle Dumonceaux, one of three Developmental Psychology teachers in the building comments on a normal day in DP, “ There really isn’t a normal day of DP. It depends on the time of the year—and the curriculum we’re working on. At the beginning of the year, the focus is on getting to know your fellow group members and preparing yourself for the first weeks of teaching. Later in the year, we fall into a more typical routine of prepping for a day, teaching two days a week, and fitting our senior curriculum into the other available times.”
More and more people are buying into the stereotypical teenager, (disrespectful, rude, etc.) but the members of DP are trying their hardest to crack this generalization everyday. The only way to break this stereotype is by setting a good example and become a positive role model for the young sixth graders. Being a positive role model for these students week in and week out is not as easy as it sounds however. DP member Kayla Hestness explains how hard teaching can be, “Sometimes it gets tiring and you really would just rather skip that day because you just don't feel like putting up with the sixth graders’ attitude. But then you just remember why you're doing it and you just hope that maybe you're changing at least one kid’s decision making down the road.” Hestness is not the only DP member feeling the pressure of teaching. Matt Lilledahl comments on his teaching experience, “Teaching sixth graders each week can be a pretty fun job, but it can be frustrating at times if the students don't cooperate. Overall, it is a really fun experience getting to know the sixth graders and serving as a role model for them.” The role models that the senior’s create do not come without benefits. Dumonceaux, a former DP student herself, comments on the effects this unique course has had on the district, both for sixth graders and the seniors, “The effect over the course of this 30 year program has been significant. For sixth graders, we can trace the instance of drug use and abuse based on the MN Student Survey and note that most sixth graders get their drug information from their senior peer and view chemical use as negative. The most impact that is experienced is by the seniors themselves. Most senior students express that regardless of the type of group or sixth grade teaching experience they had, the experience on the whole of being in DP is insightful, time well spent in their senior year, and often times, creates long-lasting relationships with peers. Many former DP students actually end up in teaching as their career—and many of these teachers actually teach in our district. There is a strong argument, therefore, that DP is also a teaching program that mentors interested seniors into the field of teaching.”
Even though Developmental Psychology has had a major positive effect on District 196, this program is one of many programs that are being cut for the 2010-2011 school year. Dumonceaux explains what those cuts will be, “The DP program will experience about a 28% cut from our overall program, plus we will lose our current coordinator. This will mean that students will only have one hour of DP for the first quarter of the year and then a double hour for the rest of the year. It also means that about three to six Drug Education teaching weeks will be removed from the curriculum.” Over the past thirty years, thousands of seniors throughout the district have come and gone through the Developmental Psychology program. Each member has built and continued a legacy that has changed many young students lives, and put a positive role model into those lives where without them, they might not have anyone to look up to. The budget cuts for next year will deeply change the program from what it stands at today, the challenge will be to keep having a positive effect on the district’s future sixth graders.
Every week, sixth graders in District 196 attend a class that no other sixth graders in the state experience. This class is like no other class in the state. The curriculum of this class includes drug prevention, refusal skills, decision-making, and overall life lessons. The curriculum is not what makes this class unique however. What makes this class unique and different from anything else in the state is who teaches the kids. The teachers are not paid or hired by district or school administrators, but rather high school seniors that are chosen through a rigorous process. Laura Appleton, best describes Developmental Psychology (DP), “DP is a program that puts seniors into leadership positions, in which they go to local middle schools and teach the 6th graders drug education. Along with drug education, we also teach about bullying and decision-making. It’s a program that is unique to District 196 and gives seniors the opportunity to be leaders and grow close to people who have many of the same values as themselves.” Interest meetings start right before Christmas of the student’s junior year. After meetings, interested students fill out an application that includes numerous questions and surveys. Then, students must complete two interviews. The first interview is a one-on-one interview with one of the DP teachers. The second interview is more of a discussion with other peers applying for a spot in front of all DP teachers. After completing each step of the process, around forty students out of nearly 80 applicants are chosen to be a member of DP for their senior year.
The first quarter of DP is arguably the most important quarter of the year. The first day of school, eleven to fourteen students walk into the same room and sit in a circle for the first time. Some might know each other; others might have never seen their faces before. Appleton explains how her group has evolved, “I have basically made a whole new circle of best friends. We all help each other through difficult times and in turn grow. I can see us all 30 years in the future still keeping up with each other. It’s just a given at this point.” Either way, these groups of people are really going to get to know each other over the next nine months. Within the first month of quarter one, students focus on creating bonds with each other and becoming a team. They also write up their commitment to each other to stay sober throughout the entire year. The first month is where the group will either succeed or fail. However, most groups create a strong bond in this first month. After that, the focus switches to the sixth graders. The group will take the better part of the next month preparing to teach. Students learn all they can about how to teach, how sixth graders learn, and what makes a good lesson; all leading up to the nerve racking first day. When the eleven to fourteen students walk into class this day, nerves are higher than even the very first day of school. Everyone is quiet, double and sometimes even triple checking their lesson plans and supplies, making sure they did not forget anything. After getting through a shaky first day, the nerves usually evaporate within a couple of weeks and teaching becomes the norm. Michelle Dumonceaux, one of three Developmental Psychology teachers in the building comments on a normal day in DP, “ There really isn’t a normal day of DP. It depends on the time of the year—and the curriculum we’re working on. At the beginning of the year, the focus is on getting to know your fellow group members and preparing yourself for the first weeks of teaching. Later in the year, we fall into a more typical routine of prepping for a day, teaching two days a week, and fitting our senior curriculum into the other available times.”
More and more people are buying into the stereotypical teenager, (disrespectful, rude, etc.) but the members of DP are trying their hardest to crack this generalization everyday. The only way to break this stereotype is by setting a good example and become a positive role model for the young sixth graders. Being a positive role model for these students week in and week out is not as easy as it sounds however. DP member Kayla Hestness explains how hard teaching can be, “Sometimes it gets tiring and you really would just rather skip that day because you just don't feel like putting up with the sixth graders’ attitude. But then you just remember why you're doing it and you just hope that maybe you're changing at least one kid’s decision making down the road.” Hestness is not the only DP member feeling the pressure of teaching. Matt Lilledahl comments on his teaching experience, “Teaching sixth graders each week can be a pretty fun job, but it can be frustrating at times if the students don't cooperate. Overall, it is a really fun experience getting to know the sixth graders and serving as a role model for them.” The role models that the senior’s create do not come without benefits. Dumonceaux, a former DP student herself, comments on the effects this unique course has had on the district, both for sixth graders and the seniors, “The effect over the course of this 30 year program has been significant. For sixth graders, we can trace the instance of drug use and abuse based on the MN Student Survey and note that most sixth graders get their drug information from their senior peer and view chemical use as negative. The most impact that is experienced is by the seniors themselves. Most senior students express that regardless of the type of group or sixth grade teaching experience they had, the experience on the whole of being in DP is insightful, time well spent in their senior year, and often times, creates long-lasting relationships with peers. Many former DP students actually end up in teaching as their career—and many of these teachers actually teach in our district. There is a strong argument, therefore, that DP is also a teaching program that mentors interested seniors into the field of teaching.”
Even though Developmental Psychology has had a major positive effect on District 196, this program is one of many programs that are being cut for the 2010-2011 school year. Dumonceaux explains what those cuts will be, “The DP program will experience about a 28% cut from our overall program, plus we will lose our current coordinator. This will mean that students will only have one hour of DP for the first quarter of the year and then a double hour for the rest of the year. It also means that about three to six Drug Education teaching weeks will be removed from the curriculum.” Over the past thirty years, thousands of seniors throughout the district have come and gone through the Developmental Psychology program. Each member has built and continued a legacy that has changed many young students lives, and put a positive role model into those lives where without them, they might not have anyone to look up to. The budget cuts for next year will deeply change the program from what it stands at today, the challenge will be to keep having a positive effect on the district’s future sixth graders.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Interview Answers
Interview with DP student: (Kayla Hestness)
1. What is DP?
DP is a 2 period class where you get to know 12 other students in your grade really well, you help and support each other in making a committment to be chemically free your entire senior year. You learn a lot about different drugs, and the affects they have on your body; and then you go and teach a group of 6th graders what you want them to know about not just chemicals, but other "life lessons" once a week.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
at the beginning of the week we usually just take the first period to talk about what we did over the weekend; sort of like a "weekend check", and the rest of the week is either spent planning for our next lesson, reading a certain book (Tuesdays with Morrie), team building stuff and just getting to know each other better.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
I've become really good friends with people that i may have never even talked to if it wasn't for DP. I've always had a committment to myself to not use any sort of chemical, but it's so much better to have a big group of people who you know have made the same committment as you to be chemically free.
4. How have you developed through DP?
I think DP has helped me become more open with people and just more outgoing in general. When you have other people to back you up on why you don't want to drink over the weekend, it just makes you a little more confident and stronger.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
Sometimes it gets tiring and you really would just rather skip that day because you just don't feel like putting up with 6th graders attitudes; but then you just remember why you're doing it and you just hope that maybe you're changing at least one kids decision making down the road. It's so rewarding when they actually understand what you're saying and they thank you for being a great teacher; it all pays off:)
6. What connections have you made through DP?
Several. Some of my best friends have been made through this group.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
i was homeschooled...so no:(
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I figured since i already have stayed chemically free my entire life, it'd be really cool to have a group of people who had the same committment to support each other and people i know i could hang out with when everyone else was maybe not making such great decisions. It's one of the best choices I've ever made; I dont know if this year would be as great as it's been if it wasn't for my DP group.
Interview with DP student: (Laura Appleton)
1. What is DP?
DP is a program that puts seniors into leadership positions, in which they go to local middle schools and teach the 6th graders drug education. Among drug ed, we also teach about bullying and decision making. Its a program that is unique to district 196 and gives seniors the opportunity to be leaders and grow close to people who have many of the same values as themselves.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
We are usually lesson planning for our teaching days, or learning about what we will be teaching the kids about later in the week. Fridays are usually our more relaxed days where we will go to "Friday Friends", playing games with our fellow classmates from the special education dept. or doing group bonding activities. Either way its a pretty awesome experience.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
DP has made a major impact on my senior, it has given me the awesome opportunity to meet a bunch of new people and grow really close to them. A majority of the students in my class were perfect strangers to me, but now, their some of my best friends. Its also helped me to stay strong in my decision to remain chemically free. I have never used chemicals, and its incredible to have a group that will honestly support everyone else when faced with adversities that many highschoolers have to overcome.
4. How have you developed through DP?
I have learned to come out of my shell and just be more comfortable with me. This has happened through the close bonds with my fellow members. I never have to "fake" being happy or pretend to be having a good day. The always know what to say to make me feel better and being able to be real has really helped me to step up my leadership skills and discover who I am.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
It's a great experience, although super nervous going into it, after getting to know all of my kids i can't wait for wednesdays and thursdays when i get to go back and teach them. I have become a role model to them and that is both a responsibility and a priviledge. Knowing i can make an impact on these kids lives is so amazing, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
6. What connections have you made through DP?
Like previously stated, i have basically made a whole new circle of best friends. We all help each other through difficult times and in turn grow. I can see us all 30 years in the future still keeping up with each other. Its just a given at this point.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
I really don't remember alot from Drug Ed in my 6th grade year, thats sort of my inspiration for this year in teaching the kids. I want to make sure to make a positive impact and have them remember DP as a great learning and growing experience.
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I have remained chemically free my entire life and knowing that, as a senior, we are faced with a lot more pressure, it was a great idea to me, to have a whole group of people who thought and acted like me, to support me in that decision. I also loved the idea of teaching 6th graders, being that teaching is a career I may want to pursue in my future.
Interview with DP student: (Matt Lilledahl)
1. What is DP?
DP stands for Developmentatl Psycholohy and is a class where high school students go on a weekly basis to teach drug education to local sixth graders.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
On a normal day of DP we do a variety of different things. Most of the time we are preparing for teaching by writing lesson plans, creating fun activities for our students, and studying the topics we will eventually teach our students. Other than lesson planning we also do a lot of different activities to get to know our classmates and get closer as a group. It has been a great experience forming friendships with the people in my DP group.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
DP has had a very positive affect on my senior year. By joining DP I have made the choice to stay chemically free throughout the year. And at the same time I have made many memories from senior year that I would not have made if I would not have been in DP.
4. How have you developed through DP?
DP has helped with my leadership skills a lot. Every week when I teach the sixth graders it is my job to be a positive leader for them and it has really helped me improve upon my leadership skills.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
Teaching sixth graders each week can be a pretty fun job, but it can be frustrating at times if the students don't cooperate. Overall though it is a really fun experience getting to know the sixth graders and serving as a role model for them.
6. What connections have you made through DP?
So far this year I have been pretty surprised about all of the information I have learned about in DP, and all of this information will be useful in my future.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
I do remember being in Drug Education as a sixth grader. I think the thing I remember most is looking up to my teacher, and learning how to make the right decisions. I always looked forward to Drug Ed. in when I was in sixth grade.
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I wanted to be in DP because I remembered Drug Education from sixth grade and I always wanted to be a drug ed. teacher when I was a senior since my experience in sixth grade. And I also wanted to be a role model for sixth graders in our community.
Interview with 6th grade student:
1. What do you like/dislkike about Drug Education?
Erika-Learning in groups
Isaiah-Dislike meeting in groups
Liam-Dislike: takes up gym time. Like: Learning
2. What have you learned from Drug Education?
Erika-Not to take drugs
Isaiah-Cocaine and Crack are the same thing
Liam: Excitablities
3. What can the teachers do to make Drug Education better/more fun?
Isaiah-more games
Liam: Make more fun work
4. What has been your favorite part about Drug Education so far?
Erika-The play.
Isaiah-Learning
Liam: The skit
5. Would you be interested in teaching Drug Education when you are a senior?
1. What is DP?
DP is a 2 period class where you get to know 12 other students in your grade really well, you help and support each other in making a committment to be chemically free your entire senior year. You learn a lot about different drugs, and the affects they have on your body; and then you go and teach a group of 6th graders what you want them to know about not just chemicals, but other "life lessons" once a week.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
at the beginning of the week we usually just take the first period to talk about what we did over the weekend; sort of like a "weekend check", and the rest of the week is either spent planning for our next lesson, reading a certain book (Tuesdays with Morrie), team building stuff and just getting to know each other better.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
I've become really good friends with people that i may have never even talked to if it wasn't for DP. I've always had a committment to myself to not use any sort of chemical, but it's so much better to have a big group of people who you know have made the same committment as you to be chemically free.
4. How have you developed through DP?
I think DP has helped me become more open with people and just more outgoing in general. When you have other people to back you up on why you don't want to drink over the weekend, it just makes you a little more confident and stronger.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
Sometimes it gets tiring and you really would just rather skip that day because you just don't feel like putting up with 6th graders attitudes; but then you just remember why you're doing it and you just hope that maybe you're changing at least one kids decision making down the road. It's so rewarding when they actually understand what you're saying and they thank you for being a great teacher; it all pays off:)
6. What connections have you made through DP?
Several. Some of my best friends have been made through this group.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
i was homeschooled...so no:(
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I figured since i already have stayed chemically free my entire life, it'd be really cool to have a group of people who had the same committment to support each other and people i know i could hang out with when everyone else was maybe not making such great decisions. It's one of the best choices I've ever made; I dont know if this year would be as great as it's been if it wasn't for my DP group.
Interview with DP student: (Laura Appleton)
1. What is DP?
DP is a program that puts seniors into leadership positions, in which they go to local middle schools and teach the 6th graders drug education. Among drug ed, we also teach about bullying and decision making. Its a program that is unique to district 196 and gives seniors the opportunity to be leaders and grow close to people who have many of the same values as themselves.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
We are usually lesson planning for our teaching days, or learning about what we will be teaching the kids about later in the week. Fridays are usually our more relaxed days where we will go to "Friday Friends", playing games with our fellow classmates from the special education dept. or doing group bonding activities. Either way its a pretty awesome experience.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
DP has made a major impact on my senior, it has given me the awesome opportunity to meet a bunch of new people and grow really close to them. A majority of the students in my class were perfect strangers to me, but now, their some of my best friends. Its also helped me to stay strong in my decision to remain chemically free. I have never used chemicals, and its incredible to have a group that will honestly support everyone else when faced with adversities that many highschoolers have to overcome.
4. How have you developed through DP?
I have learned to come out of my shell and just be more comfortable with me. This has happened through the close bonds with my fellow members. I never have to "fake" being happy or pretend to be having a good day. The always know what to say to make me feel better and being able to be real has really helped me to step up my leadership skills and discover who I am.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
It's a great experience, although super nervous going into it, after getting to know all of my kids i can't wait for wednesdays and thursdays when i get to go back and teach them. I have become a role model to them and that is both a responsibility and a priviledge. Knowing i can make an impact on these kids lives is so amazing, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
6. What connections have you made through DP?
Like previously stated, i have basically made a whole new circle of best friends. We all help each other through difficult times and in turn grow. I can see us all 30 years in the future still keeping up with each other. Its just a given at this point.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
I really don't remember alot from Drug Ed in my 6th grade year, thats sort of my inspiration for this year in teaching the kids. I want to make sure to make a positive impact and have them remember DP as a great learning and growing experience.
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I have remained chemically free my entire life and knowing that, as a senior, we are faced with a lot more pressure, it was a great idea to me, to have a whole group of people who thought and acted like me, to support me in that decision. I also loved the idea of teaching 6th graders, being that teaching is a career I may want to pursue in my future.
Interview with DP student: (Matt Lilledahl)
1. What is DP?
DP stands for Developmentatl Psycholohy and is a class where high school students go on a weekly basis to teach drug education to local sixth graders.
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
On a normal day of DP we do a variety of different things. Most of the time we are preparing for teaching by writing lesson plans, creating fun activities for our students, and studying the topics we will eventually teach our students. Other than lesson planning we also do a lot of different activities to get to know our classmates and get closer as a group. It has been a great experience forming friendships with the people in my DP group.
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
DP has had a very positive affect on my senior year. By joining DP I have made the choice to stay chemically free throughout the year. And at the same time I have made many memories from senior year that I would not have made if I would not have been in DP.
4. How have you developed through DP?
DP has helped with my leadership skills a lot. Every week when I teach the sixth graders it is my job to be a positive leader for them and it has really helped me improve upon my leadership skills.
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
Teaching sixth graders each week can be a pretty fun job, but it can be frustrating at times if the students don't cooperate. Overall though it is a really fun experience getting to know the sixth graders and serving as a role model for them.
6. What connections have you made through DP?
So far this year I have been pretty surprised about all of the information I have learned about in DP, and all of this information will be useful in my future.
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
I do remember being in Drug Education as a sixth grader. I think the thing I remember most is looking up to my teacher, and learning how to make the right decisions. I always looked forward to Drug Ed. in when I was in sixth grade.
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
I wanted to be in DP because I remembered Drug Education from sixth grade and I always wanted to be a drug ed. teacher when I was a senior since my experience in sixth grade. And I also wanted to be a role model for sixth graders in our community.
Interview with 6th grade student:
1. What do you like/dislkike about Drug Education?
Erika-Learning in groups
Isaiah-Dislike meeting in groups
Liam-Dislike: takes up gym time. Like: Learning
2. What have you learned from Drug Education?
Erika-Not to take drugs
Isaiah-Cocaine and Crack are the same thing
Liam: Excitablities
3. What can the teachers do to make Drug Education better/more fun?
Isaiah-more games
Liam: Make more fun work
4. What has been your favorite part about Drug Education so far?
Erika-The play.
Isaiah-Learning
Liam: The skit
5. Would you be interested in teaching Drug Education when you are a senior?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Interview Questions for Feature Story
Interview with DP teacher (Ms. Dumonceaux):
1. What is DP?
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
3. What effects does the program have on the 6th graders and the seniors that teach it?
4. What role does the teacher play in the class?
5. What cutbacks will be made to the program next year?
Interview with DP student:
1. What is DP?
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
4. How have you developed through DP?
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
6. What connections have you made through DP?
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
Interview with 6th grade student:
1. What do you like/dislkike about Drug Education?
2. What have you learned from Drug Education?
3. What can the teachers do to make Drug Education better/more fun?
4. What has been your favorite part about Drug Education so far?
5. Would you be interested in teaching Drug Education when you are a senior?
1. What is DP?
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
3. What effects does the program have on the 6th graders and the seniors that teach it?
4. What role does the teacher play in the class?
5. What cutbacks will be made to the program next year?
Interview with DP student:
1. What is DP?
2. What goes on in a normal day of DP?
3. How has DP affected your senior year?
4. How have you developed through DP?
5. What is it like teaching 6th graders every week?
6. What connections have you made through DP?
7. Do you remember being in Drug Education as a 6th grader? If so, what did you take away from it?
8. What affected your decision to apply for DP?
Interview with 6th grade student:
1. What do you like/dislkike about Drug Education?
2. What have you learned from Drug Education?
3. What can the teachers do to make Drug Education better/more fun?
4. What has been your favorite part about Drug Education so far?
5. Would you be interested in teaching Drug Education when you are a senior?
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