Using a Smartboard to Make Math Interactive in Middle School

John Marshall Community High School
Ms. Lacey Beatty is teaching math to an eager group of middle schoolers.

The community school is a philosophy of "schools as centers of community life."  At John Marshall Community High School, grades 7 through 12 are offered  classes in English, mathematics, reading, R.O.T. C., art, physical education, band, choir, and business. 

 

Students can participate in a variety of after school activities such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, book club, rifle team, drill team, color guard, the leadership bowl, or academic bowl.

 

Ms. Lacey Beatty is teaching mathematics to an attentive group of middle school students using Smartboard Technology.

 

-Written by: Christina Shepard

Media Specialist

College Bound Reading Class Reads "The Pigman"

"The Pigman" by Paul Zindel is on the Harvard bound list for students, meaning it is a suggested book to read if you would like to attend an Ivy League school.  I used a study guide and test from Glencoe Publishers, and the discussion questions from Sparknotes to teach this book to my high achieving 7th graders.

All the elements of literature are included, and easy to teach in "The Pigman." The book takes place in 1968, but the characters John and Lorraine deal with the same issues faced by students today.  John and Lorraine are very fortunate to have a special friend like Mr. Pignati. 

-Mrs. Christina Shepard

Teaching in and Urban School Setting

To dispel a few myths of teaching in an urban school setting,  I am grateful for the opportunity to blog on the issue.

Question: How do you teach urban students?
Answer: You teach the same content, or standards, as you teach in a rural, or suburban environment. 

Some tools that have worked for me include:

Ruby K. Payne's "A Framework for Understanding Poverty"

Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong's book
"How To Be An Effective Teacher:  The First Days of School"




Students living in a rural environment, or suburban environment have challenges as well.  These resources can be used in any teaching experience.

-CRMS-

 

 

John Marshall Community High School Patriot Page Turners (Book Club) Compete in the "Battle of the Books" at Ben Davis High School

Patriot Page Turners (Book Club) at the Battle of the Books competition on Ben Davis campus

For the first time, the John Marshall Community High School Patriot Page Turners (book club) competed in the Battle of the Books at Ben Davis High School in the spring of 2015.  Last year, one of the books we read was Conan Doyle's "Sherlock Holmes" to build vocabulary.  Ironically, the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre was offering the play.  Book club was able to attend, and wants to go again this year.



Christina Shepard, MLS and book club student

Book club has their first meeting of the 2015-16 school year this Thursday in the media center.  We are planning a field trip to Barnes & Nobles, hopefully, another play at the IRT, and to compete in the Battle of the Books again this year.

Represent Your College Day at John Marshall Community High School

First Sergeant repping Indiana University, and Mrs. Shepard repping Indiana Military Academy

Today is "Rep Your College Day."  Teachers and students wear their college gear to inspire the students to go to college.  I did not want people to forget our military academies, so I wore my old battle dress uniform (BDU) jacket with my Lieutenant rank.  Students got quite a kick out of seeing this old uniform, and hearing the stories behind it.

 

I used Bill Wither's song "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" to explain what the feeling of being away from home is like for soldiers.

 

***

Other than that, my reading students got their Google Docs, and their Goodreads accounts.  We talked about the 5 standards their ELA predictor test for ISTEP indicated they needed to improve, and about taking ownership of their education.  My students know the standards, but they may not share the experiences with the administrators who write the test.  Because of this, we also watch Channel One, so when the students write, they at least can give supporting facts about current events, despite any cultural differences.

 

One area we are suffering with is using supporting documentation.  If you are not around people who are reading about their profession, you may not understand the importance using academic journals, or supporting documentation.  

John Marshall ROTC support Major Christina Shepard, their Media Specialist

John Marshall ROTC, and their citizen-soldier Media Specialist, MAJ Christina Shepard

Being included in the John Marshall Community High School Patriot family is very special to me.  Robert Wood, who is now graduated, came into the media center every day asking when I was going to become a Major. 

I had been a Captain for several years, for many reasons.  One, I have family commitments.  Two, there are not many slots available to females in the Indiana National Guard for Major because we are an infantry state.  Three, vision.

Having Robert, and the JROTC students to inspire me, I was able to earn my Major rank through changing branches.  I am now in an infantry brigade, as a public affairs officers.

Since this photo, I have begun working towards becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. 

-MAJ Christina Shepard
-Mrs. Christina Shepard, MLS
*It's the same person*