Pictures from Science Fiction/ Fantasy

In our study of Ray Bradbury, we assembled inventions that would solve the problems in his Martian Chronicles stories. Very inventive, don't you think?

Wow, it's been a while

This year has been more hectic than I expected! I'm sorry I haven't posted more pictures of the exciting happenings in room 2028

Mythology Day

Science Fiction/Fantasy students researched different cultural myths this month and then showed off what they learned in their groups. We had many cultures represented. Norse, Greek, Irish, Welsh, African, American Indian, and Egyptian heroes "visited" class to tell us their stories.

Mustang Spirit

I got to take tickets at the Herriman vs. Riverton game on October 21st. What a great time! I've never heard so many excuses for not bringing Student ID in one evening! The night was chilly, but the school spirit was soaring. Here are a few pictures. I'm so glad I get to teach at Herriman!

MMAD - Mustangs making a difference

Students in Professional and Technical Writing and Communications are learning to function in the real world. They have researched various service learning opportunities and last week they gave presentations on their recommendations. Our classes will choose a service project to work on during the year, whether in groups, as a class or as a group of all three classes. Here are a few pictures of the future of our community. They worked very hard, were very prepared and boy, do they look great in professional dress. We will be doing at least two more major presentations this year - I can't wait to see what they will be able to do by June!

Pro Tech Comm's latest team challenge

Taking a break from working on our service presentations, the three Pro Tech Comm classes took the team challenge to create the alphabet from different odds and ends. Almost every group was successful in coming up with all 26 letters. I am going to have to do a harder challenge next time.

Students should be working on their 2-hour service project and on the presentation for a PROPOSED (that means it is just a suggestion) service project.

Junior Honors

Juniors have been working on polishing essay-writing skills. Our literary focus is Early American Literature, including some memoirs and speeches by the likes of Patrick Henry and Jonathan Edwards, among others.

Analysis and peer review have been in the forefront this past month. Students are learning the benefits of being "productively messy" on a piece of text.

Coming up, we have the Dreaded Fold-a-Book. If you have a hard time with turning things in on time, or pacing yourself on a big project, this may be your undoing! More information this week.

We are working on the initial stages of our service-learning project. Students are choosing a project to present to the rest of the class. In the process of this, students will learn about memos, data collection, questioning, and presenting professionally.

The two-hour service learning assignment is due on October 20. If students worry whether or not the service they have chosen is appropriate, they should come see me.

This class will be a little different for most students. I am using a business model. Students must meet deadlines, they should give me professional-quality work (or at least work that looks like they tried for professional-quality), and they need to show mature, responsible behavior in class. I am stressing preparation, punctuality and personal accountability. My goal is to have these students ready for the real world by June, since they will be expected to compete in a world that is very demanding. I will always give them a way to redo and resubmit work, but ideally, I would like to encourage them to do it right the first time. So far, I am very encouraged.

A special visitor in Science Fiction/Fantasy

Phillip "Big Dog" Jones came to visit our class on September 16. As usual, he brought his wonderful sense of humor, encouragement about writing and the opportunity to learn more about his story and his journey to being published. Phillip is working on creating a script for a movie, along with Books Two through Six of the Crystal Moon Fantasy Series. A frequent visitor to our classroom, Phillip will be coming again on October 25th. I'm in the middle of his first book now.

Fantasy/Science Fiction and the Sorting Hat

Our intrepid writers took the challenge of reading about their heroes wearing the famous Hunter Sorting Hat. Students were able to create their own hero and try their hand at some creative writing. Not only stylish, these students are talented as well.

Pro Tech Comm's Weight Bearing Structures

On the second day of class, 5th, 6th and 8th period Professional and Technical Writing and Communications students worked together to build a weight-bearing structure. Some were incredibly resourceful and creative. Obviously, we have fine minds at work here.

Herriman High's First Assembly

Just wanted to say how proud I am to be a Mustang! Here are pictures from our first assembly. The senior class seems to realize what an important role they have in setting a high standard and creating a legacy.

Welcome to Herriman High!

This year will be pretty exciting. It's the inaugural year for Herriman High and I am happy to be teaching Mustangs this year. Everything in the school is new - desks, books, and the awesome technology. Everyone will probably get lost the first few days, so if you do, it won't be embarrassing.

You can find me in room 2030, right next to the writing lab. On A days, I will be teaching Honors English for Juniors 1st and 4th, and Science Fiction/Fantasy during 2nd period. My Professional and Technical Writing and Communications (Tech Writing or Pro Tech Comm) is on B days, 5th, 6th and 8th. I can usually be found in my room after school if you need me.

I'm looking forward to meeting my new students and getting things going.

Junior Honors Gatsby Test

To test their knowledge on The Great Gatsby,
junior honors student browsed through Jay Gatsby's artwork in order to analyze how his artwork reflects his life and the plot of the book. This was a great way to say goodbye to Gatsby as we make our way towards the last unit of our year together. William Shakespeare.

Science Fiction/Fantasy Classes: Boondocks!!!

On April 29th our first and second semester science fiction/fantasy classes got together at Boondocks for laser tag war. What started off as a battle of the semesters turned into an exciting day as we all had fun laughing, playing games, and racing each other on go karts. It was a blast!

Science Fiction/Fantasy Classes: Laser Tag

On Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. first and second semester Science Fiction Fantasy will be battling it out in a friendly game of laser tag. Which one will walk out the winner?????

Science Fiction/Fantasy Class: Beastie Books

Students did an excellent job creating books about magical creatures and where to find them. These are just a few examples of the great job the students did. :)

Science Fiction/Fantasy Movie Day! Alice in Wonderland!

On March 26, 2010 we took an adventure to the movie theater to see Alice in Wonderland. We had an awesome time, and the movie was so much fun. Although it was the same day as prom, many students showed up for our adventure. Some even went all out and came in their prom attire. :)

Science Fiction/ Fantasy Class due dates

March 22nd: Beastie presentations

March 24th: Beastie books are due

March 30th: Lit circle book advertisements

After that we start Science Fiction!

Junior Honors Due Dates

March 19th/22nd: Bring your American poet assignment to class.

March 23rd/24th: Trading Day

March 29th/ 30th: Bring Gatsby

March 30th/31st: Poetry Test

Sophomores: Dante's Inferno Interpretive Dances

The Sophomore classes performed their interpretive dances for Dante's Inferno; they were quite creative.


















Dante assignments were given out, they will be due on March 30.