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

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.

 

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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.