JROTC Goes to Downtown Indianapolis to Celebrate Veteran's Day

John Marshall Community High School JROTC and their school library media specialist, MAJ Christina Shepard celebrate Veteran's day, Nov. 11, 2015.

Originally I wore my uniform for Robert Woods, who inspired me to get my "oak leaf," or earn the rank of Major.  As a wife, mother, media specialist, and Indiana Army National Guard soldier, not much time is left.

When you consider:
*less than 0.5 percent of the population serve in the United States Armed Forces
*Only 18% will become an officer in the United States Army
*16,399 of all U.S. Army officers are Majors
*15.5% of the United States Army are female
*While 71% of male officers are married, only 51% of female officers are married

That means only 1,291 out of 318.86 million people people in the United States are married ladies who serve in the United States army and have attained the rank of Major.  

Robert graduated, and another student was jealous that I had not taken the photo with him in it, so we took another one this year.  1SG Richard Woodcox now calls it a tradition.

I am greatly honored to be able to wear the uniform, and to have such support as the JROTC program at John Marshall Community High School.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Major Christina Shepard

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

Fall Break in Paris

My first view of the Eiffel Tower.

I would like to share with you my first view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  My husband, son and I went all over Paris for fall break.  The apartments of Napoleon at the Louvre were completely forgotten once we arrived in Versailles. 

 

***

 

Celebrating a great work year with Mike Smiley, Nikki Smiley, Daryl Odom and Christina Shepard.

 

When we got back home, we went to hubbie's event for work at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, the largest Marriott in the world.  You will have to excuse his shaggy hair and beard, he is growing out his fur in celebration of retiring from the United States Army.  I made him promise to donate his gorgeous auburn hair to Locks of Love.

 

College, Careers and Entrepreneurship Resources

Research a new career!

John Marshall Community High School (JMCHS) recently received a grant from the Central Indiana Community Foundation to provide resources for college, careers, and entrepreneurship. 


www.myilibrary.org/IPS
Contains databases, websites, search engines, home access, and the Destiny card catalog for the media center.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Bureau of Labor and Statistics, authoritative website for job outlooks, education, salaries, work environment, and similar careers.

https://www.petersons.com/
Complete guide to college programs for you!

-CRMS-

-Christina Rose Marie Shepard-

Resources for Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Project

I am creating a resource page for a financial literacy project for a grant I am writing to Central Indianapolis Community Foundation's Library Fund. 

*This is a work in progress for John Marshall students.*

www.playspent.org
Players can try different jobs such as a "temp," a warehouse worker, or a waiter/waitress, and experience what it is like to on a budget of $1,200 a month.

Billionaire app (iphone)
This is an iphone app that allows players to start a business, grow your business, and sell a business. 

SAMR Model apps for teaching and learning

 http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/resources-for-teaching-financial-literacy.html
The National Education Association website offers resources for teaching financial literacy such as standards, lesson plans, online games, and more!

-CRMS-

 

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-