December 3-7, 2012

I hope you are enjoying the unseasonably warm weather as we near the semester break.  There's so much to fit in!  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  We begin Unit 3 this week and will have the first two lessons due on Wednesday along with the memory passages. 

Spanish I:  Remember there is a new calendar to get us through the remainder of the semester.  Don't lose your original calendar, we'll be back on track by January.

Spanish II:  Follow your calendar.

AP World History:  Test Ch 16-18 on Tuesday.  The remainder of the time will be spent working on writing.

World History:  Test on Wednesday.  Don't for get your homework!

Arts and Humanities:  Your powerpoint project will be due on Thursday the 13th.  This week you will be painting!

Nov 26-30, 2012

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Thanksgiving break!  Here’s a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  On Monday and Tuesday we will discuss the most recent lessons and their application.  On Wednesday and Thursday we will take the Unit 2 Bible Test.

Spanish I and Spanish II:  Spanish II will follow the regular calendar.  Because some interruptions have caused us to miss class time in Spanish I, I will pass out a replacement calendar to get us through to Christmas Break.  Don’t lose your original calendar; we’ll be back on track by January.

AP World History:  We will quiz over chapter 18 and then test over chapters 16-18 this week.  The remainder of the weeks between now and Christmas break will be spent reviewing and working on your writing skills.

Arts and Humanities:  We continue our study of classic movies.  This week I’ll introduce the movie star project that will constitute 50% of your quarter grade.

World History:  Don’t forget your homework this week and the opportunity for a test pass!  We should finish our study of the Renaissance this week and be ready to test late in the week.

November 12-16, 2012

Only one full week before Thanksgiving break!  I can taste the turkey and dressing now...but first, here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:   Lessons are due this week and we'll have a verse quiz on Wednesday.

Spanish I and II:  we resume daily quizzes, so make sure you have your vocab list to study.  Because of the recent interruptions there will be some adjustments to the calendar - we'll discuss those in class.

World History:  Test Tuesday.  Don't forget to do your homework!

AP World History:  Quizzes on Tuesday and Friday.  Map work will be key this week.

Arts and Humanities:  We will begin "You Can't Take It With You" - a Pulitzer prize-winning play converted to an Academy Award-winning movie.  I think you'll like it.

October 29 - November 2, 2012

Here's hoping that this cold, chilly week is a safe and blessed one for our teams that will be travelling and competing!  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  Because so many students will be missing this week we will work on our lessons on Monday and Tuesday but watch a special documentary on Wednesday and Thursday.  There will be no verse quiz.

Spanish I and II:  Unfortunately, the calendars will have to be adjusted because of the national tournament.  Depending on when the teams leave on Tuesday I will have more information about how much we can cover.  Before you leave, though, you will have been given all your assignments and will know when tests/makeup tests will be given. 

World History:  During class on Monday and Tuesday we should be able to cover all the notes about the pre-reformation church.  We will test later in the week; those who attend the tournament will take the test when they get back.

Arts and Humanities: We continue unabated with our classic cinema segment.  I hope you are enjoying it!

AP World History:  We will be reviewing for our 4 chapter test.  Please keep track of where we are!  Those of you on the trip will have quite a bit to make up when you return - take your material with you!

October 22-26, 2012

Wow, I'm not sure what happened, but this blog had 90 page views on a single day last week - the highest ever (and pretty impressive since I only have about 65 students in academic classes).  Maybe this would be a good time for me to share some political views...or recipes, I don't know.  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  Lessons 9 and 10 are due on Wednesday, along with a memory verse quiz.

Spanish I and II:  We're on track - just follow your calendar.

AP World History:  Also follow your calendar.

World History:  We'll test on Tuesday.  Remember to do your homework!

Arts and Humanities:  We'll continue with our segment on silent films - I'm glad you enjoyed Friday's clip.

October 15-19, 2012

I hope you've all had a great fall break and are ready for a new quarter! Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible: We'll review the Unit 1 tests and introduce Unit 2. There will be no lesson due this week or memory verse quiz.

Spanish I and II: Follow your calendars! We're right on track.

AP World History: We'll use your book reviews to cover some important writing keys. Remember your chapter quiz on Wednesday!

World History: We'll be covering the fall of the Roman Empire. Get a good start to the quarter by doing your homework!

Arts and Humanities: We begin our classic movie segment - I hope you enjoy it!

Oct 1-5, 2012

One week left until Fall Break!  But...there's so much that stands in our way!  Here's a look at the week ahead:

First, let me point out that the Gov. Huckabee event on Tuesday night takes full priority and will doubtless disrupt the best laid plans of mice and men - so the following plans are targets that just might or might not be reliable.

Bible:  On Monday we'll finish the unit test.  On Wednesday we'll take the memory verse test (lessons 1-8).

Spanish I and II: Follow your calendar - even if we aren't in class the assignments are still due!

Western Civilizations:  We'll finish Rome and test by the end of the week.

AP World History:  Test Wednesday over the previous 3 chapters (9-11 or 14-16, depending on your text. 

Let's have a great week!

September 24-28, 2012

I hope you are enjoying this fall weather as much as I am!  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  On Monday we have special speakers - missionaries from Africa who will be sharing their ministry with us.  On Wednesday and Thursday we will have a test over Lessons 1-8; please be prepared!

Spanish I and Spanish II:  Follow your calendars exactly!

Arts and Humanities:  We will be working on poetry all week long - remember the due dates that are approaching!

Western Civilizations:  We continue our lecture about Greece.  The test should be by the end of the week.

AP World History:  Quizzes over chapters 10 and 11 (or 15 and 16) are Tuesday and Friday.  You have an essay due Wednesday (CC) along with the worksheet packet.  We'll spend every available moment talking over the history we've covered recently - be ready to take notes!

September 17-21, 2012

I hope you've enjoyed the gorgeous weekend weather! Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible: Lessons 7 and 8 are due this Wednesday. We will take a test over the first 8 lessons on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Spanish I and Spanish II: Keep following your calendars! See me to purchase another one if you've lost the one you were given at the beginning of the school year.

AP World History: Follow your calendar. Test on Wednesday - don't forget your writing assignment.

World History: Test on Wednesday. Don't forget your homework!

Arts and Humanities: We'll finish and review our poetry introduction. You'll have some class time to compose your own poetry and to research your poet for the presentation.

PS - anyone who leaves a comment on this page will have a homework pass in Spanish I or Spanish II.  Thanks!

September 10-14, 2012

Hopefully this week represents a return to normality!  Thank you for the good report you earned from the substitute teacher last week, I appreciate it.  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  Verse quiz on Wednesday - Lessons 5 and 6.

Spanish I and II:  please follow your calendars!  Let me know if you have a question.

AP World History:  Quizzes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Work hard!  Remember that we will have to deliniate between "old" and "new" books - there is a 5-chapter discrepency between the two.

World History:  Lecture this week - test will be early next week.

Arts and Humanities:  We will begin our poetry presentation on Monday and then introduce our poetry assignment. 

Have a great week!

September 3-7, 2012

Hooray for a three-day weekend!  I hope you are enjoying the rain as much as I am.  Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  Because of last week's special activities I think we'll wait a week before making Lessons 5 and 6 due.  On Tuesday we'll sum up our discussion from last week; on Wednesday and Thursday you'll have time to work in your text book and study the lives of the Judges.

Spanish I and II:  We will proceed according to the calendar in both classes.  Please be prepared for class each day!

Arts and Humanities:  This week all about the artwork - there will be opportunities to practice as well as some special instructional videos.

AP World History:  Test on Wednesday, quiz on Friday, as discussed last week.  Please be prepared to do a DBQ in class on Tuesday and Thursday.

World History:  Test on Tuesday.  We'll have a special in-class assignment to give you an opportunity to practice the "art of historical detection."

Lesson plans 8/27-8/31

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful weekend!  Here’s a look at the week ahead:

Bible:  You are responsible for lessons 3 and 4; the work and memory verses are due on Wednesday.   However, Coach Stein will be with us Tuesday through Thursday to lead the class in teamwork challenges.

Spanish I and Spanish II:  This week should follow the calendar exactly.  Email me for an electronic copy if necessary!

Arts and Humanities:  We will finish the documentary “How Art Made the World” on Monday and spend the rest of the week doing sketch work.  Bring a lead pencil to start your sketch; I’ll provide the charcoal pencils for the rest.

AP World History:  Quizzes on Monday and Wednesday over chapters 4 and 5.  Our special focus this week will be on writing so we’ll do more writing exercises.  Also you’ll read your first document for analysis.

World History:  This week we will lecture in preparation for Test 2.  If all goes as planned the test should be next Monday (Sep 3).  Your homework this week will be of special significance and will count as a half-test grade.  It is your response to the “Guns, Germs, and Steel” episode we watched in class.

August 20-24, 2012

Hello!  It feels like we're returning from a long weekend after our merit trip last Friday, so I hope you are well-rested and excited for the upcoming week.  Here's a look at what's ahead:

Bible class:  This week we will record our first grades.  There will be a memory verse quiz on Wednesday - the verses are found in the text book for lessons 1 and 2.  Also on Wednesday I will grade the homework for the first two lessons.  Please have them done completely and on time!

Spanish I and II: this week will follow the calendar without interruption.  If you need another copy or and electronic copy of the calendar please contact me!

AP World History: BIG CHANGES!  Due to the fact that some text books still haven't arrived and the mix-up with the test/quiz material that was sent the calendar will change somewhat this week.  We will still quiz on Monday (as announced) but the test scheduled for Wednesday will be moved to Friday.  This throws off the calendar for the rest of the month so a new one will be issued.

World History:  We will test on Wednesday.  Please study your notes and keep up with your online homework at www.robertakers.blogspot.com .  Following the test we will begin the excellent documentary "Guns, Germs, and Steel" in class.  There will be a related assignment that will count as a test grade.  I will introduce it on Thursday.

Arts and Humanities:  We will begin working with concepts from "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" this week.  Keep studying your poetry!

August 13-17, 2012

Hello, I hope the first week of school was enjoyable for everyone! This week will be capped off by a special merit trip to Kings Island - be sure to turn in your response form asap! Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible Class: We will cover lessons one and two this week. Beginning Wednesday, Aug 22 we will begin our weekly Bible verse quizzes. I also need to collect paper products from each student - one box of tissues, one roll of paper towels.

Spanish I and Spanish II: Remember that all your assignments, quizzes, and tests are listed on your calendar. Because of the merit trip on Friday we will make some adjustments to the calendar but those will depend on how things are going in class day by day. If you lose your calendar or would like an electronic copy please send an email to robertakers@somersetchristian school and I'll pass one along.

AP World History: This class will also follow the calendar that was passed out last week. Remember that your first chapter quiz is Tuesday - read and be prepared!

Arts and Humanities: We will continue our introduction to the study of aesthetics, finishing the film "Dead Poets Society" and do our first art project.

World History: Remember to do your homework at www.robertakers.blogspot.com. Lecture this week will move into the pre-classical early civilizations. The first test will be early next week, depending on how far we get in the lecture over the next few days.

Welcome to the 2012-2013 School Year!

Welcome to a new school year - it's going to be a good one! This is where you will go every week to find my lesson plans and (some) sneaky opportunities for extra credit. Some classes (Spanish I, Spanish II, and AP World History) will have a separate schedule of assignments, quizzes, and tests - you will need to keep that document! This website will only announce changes to the schedule. Lesson plans will be posted late on Sunday evenings or early on Monday mornings. Check in weekly!

February 6-10, 2012

I hope you haven't overeaten at your Super Bowl party! Here's a look at the week ahead...
Bible: We have finished our units and are ready for the unit test (Monday and Tuesday). We should have a special guest to do some leadership activities on Wednesday - Friday. No Bible verse Quiz.

Spanish I: Follow your calendar exactly.

Spanish II: Follow your calendar exactly.

Arts and Humanities: Final creative writing assignment is introduced as well as test over architecture.

US History: Keep up with your online homework! We should finish and test over the election of 1912. If you haven't already, print your materials!

AP US History: Test on Wednesday (Review Monday, Tuesday), writing the rest of the week.

January 23-27, 2012

I hope everyone has had a blessed, relaxed, and refreshing weekend! Here's a look at the week ahead:

Bible: Once again we will step out of the text book this week - we're waiting on new books to arrive for our new students! We will be discussing scripture and (hopefully) having a special guest!

Spanish I: Lesson 16 test is on Tuesday, meaning we've finished the chapter. Because of the merit trip on Friday I've decided to postpone the chapter test until Monday - which is NOT what I announced in class last week. I've had a change of heart...and I'm trying to be nice!

Spanish II: Like Spanish I, we'll test Tuesday over lesson 5.3 and I'll put the chapter test off until next Monday.

Arts Appreciation: Back to our study of architecture - but keep working on those creative writing assignments!

AP US History: Chapter 22-25 test on Monday, follow the calendar for the rest of the week!

US History: We'll wrap up our discussion of the Progressive Era and begin preparing for the test. The day of the test will depend on how much we're able to cover in class over the next couple of days. Study every night!

January 16-20, 2012

Short week this week! Having missed a day of school last week and a "partial snow day" this week's schedule is off a bit. Here's a look at what's ahead:

Bible: We'll step away from the text book to view a video series on the life of Apostle Paul and other early church leaders that I think you'll find interesting. We still have a verse quiz to make up - probably Wednesday.

Spanish I: You all REALLY have the messed up schedule since we were interrupted twice last week. However, we'll switch the calendar events of Tuesday and Wednesday (delaying the test one day) and soon be back on track.

Spanish II: We're doing good - follow your calendar exactly.

Arts Appreciation: This week we do our second stage of the creative writing experience...the MYSTERY!!! Hope you've got some good ideas!

US History: We are ready to test. I'll answer any questions you have on Tuesday, test on Wednesday.

AP US History: One more presidents quiz without political parties! Follow your calendar for this week.

Drama is in high gear - let's get going!