About Me

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I graduated from Loyola University New Orleans (Geaux Wolfpack!) with a B.A. in Psychology. I recently completed two years as an AmeriCorps member during which I found a home at the Washington Middle School for Girls. Prior to WMSG, I worked as an adult education instructor for the Corrections Organized for Re-entry program (CORe). My mission at WMSG is to empower the students and stregnthen their voice. I hope to inspire a love of learning and a love of self.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Cheers To Life: NCC

Cheers To Life: NCC: Hey, NCC here I kind of feel like we just jumped into this blog without a formal introduction so here goes. First of all this blog is about ...

Cheers To Life: Time to get to WORK

Cheers To Life: Time to get to WORK: Last week was my leisure week when I got to relax. Now it is time to complete my homework. There will be more work and less relaxing as usua...

life in the fast lane: Censorship Speeches

life in the fast lane: Censorship Speeches: Me

JC Killer Fashion: "POLO"

JC Killer Fashion: "POLO": SEE THIS WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST ON "POLO" ....AND ONLY HERE AT JC KILLER FASHION!! Ralph Lauren

Random Crazy Things :]: Christmas Post

Random Crazy Things :]: Christmas Post: MERRRRRRRRRRRRRR Y CHRIST MAS EVER Y BODY HOPE EVERY BODY GOT WHAT TH EY WANT

Letter from your LAR Teacher: Happy Holidays!

Dear Xavier and Trinity, 

 As we continue this Epiphany season, I would like to wish you not only a merry Christmas, but also a Happy Kwanzaa! Every year, after celebrating Christmas day, my family comes together to observe the Nguza Saba, or seven principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are all about unity, hard work, creativity, and faith. For my family, Kwanzaa is a time where we remember the struggles of our progenitors, as well as contemplate  ways that we can improve ourselves and our community. This ties in perfectly with the season of the Epiphany as we await for the revealed Christ. 

How do you celebrate the holidays? Share as a comment OR on your blogs!! 

Kwanzaa is an celebrated by people of African descent throughout the world for seven days from December 26th through January 1st. 

The word Kwanzaa is Swahili for "the first fruits" of the harvest.

It is rooted in the ancient celebrations of the harvest held throughout the continent of Africa - North, South, East and West.

 Dr. Maulana Karenga formulated and celebrated the first African American Kwanzaa in 1966

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are at the hear  of this celebration and are symbolized by the seven candles of the Kinara and embodied in Swahili words
 for each principle: 


1) Umoja for Unity

 2) Kuchichagulia for Self Determination

3) Ujima for Work and Responsibility

4) Ujamaa for Collective Economics, 

5) Nia for Purpose

6) Kuumba for Creativity

7) Imani for Faith


A candle is lit each night for the principle of that day, and added to the candles lit for the previous nights.  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

WINTER BREAK ASSIGNMENTS (and extra credit)

GUM
  1. LESSON 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18 ( DO THE ODD NUMBERS)
STUDENTS WILL BE REVIEWING: 
  • COMPLEX SENTENCES
  • ADJECTIVE CLAUSES
  • ADVERB CLAUSES
  • INFINITIVE PHRASES
  • PARTICIPIAL PHRASES

Monday, December 19, 2011

CONTRAVENE

contravene
vb (tr)
1. to come into conflict with or infringe (rules, laws, etc.)
2. to dispute or contradict (a statement, proposition, etc.)
[from Late Latin contrāvenīre, from Latin contra- + venīre to come]
contravener  n
contravention 

  • A person who knowingly contravenes WMSG procedures is liable to receive reflection.


  • Contravenention of the rules can also lead to suspension!


  • Do not visit businesses that directly contravene equal opportunities policy.


  • WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED - CHANGE OF PLANS!

    WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR STAR ASSESSMENT:

    1. FIRST, CHECK OUT AMERYST'S BLOG.
    2. THEN, GO TO YOUTUBE AND SELECT ONE VIDEO ON RACHEL CARSON (DO NOT WATCH IT, YET! )
    3. SIGN IN TO YOUR BLOG AND WRITE - TOPIC? YOUR CHOICE! :D

    Wednesday, December 14, 2011

    Christmas in Puerto Rico

    Want to take a journey to Puerto Rico
    with Ameryst and her family? 



    Take a peek at her online photo narrative. Bon Voyage! 

    Prayer of St. Francis

    In French 
    Seigneur, faites de moi un instrument de votre paix.
    Là où il y a de la haine, que je mette l'amour.
    Là où il y a l'offense, que je mette le pardon.
    Là où il y a la discorde, que je mette l'union.
    Là où il y a l'erreur, que je mette la vérité.
    Là où il y a le doute, que je mette la foi.
    Là où il y a le désespoir, que je mette l'espérance.
    Là où il y a les ténèbres, que je mette votre lumière.
    Là où il y a la tristesse, que je mette la joie.
    Ô Maître, que je ne cherche pas tant à être consolé qu'à consoler,
    à être compris qu'à comprendre,
    à être aimé qu'à aimer,
    car c'est en donnant qu'on reçoit,
    c'est en s'oubliant qu'on trouve, c'est en pardonnant qu'on est pardonné,
    c'est en mourant qu'on ressuscite à l'éternelle vie.
    Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
    Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
    Where there is injury, pardon.
    Where there is doubt, faith.
    Where there is despair, hope.
    Where there is darkness, light.
    Where there is sadness, joy.
    O Divine Master,
    grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
    to be understood, as to understand;
    to be loved, as to love.
    For it is in giving that we receive.
    It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
    and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
    Amen.

    Conflict Resolution Styles




    Collaborating

    Also described as:
    Problem solving We both win.
    "Two heads are better than one."
    Description: Assert your views while also inviting other views. Welcome differences; identify all main concerns; generate options; search for solution which meets as many concerns as possible; search for mutual agreement.
    Perspective on Conflict: Conflict is natural, neutral. So affirm differences, prize each person's uniqueness. Recognize tensions in relationships and contrasts in viewpoint. Work through conflicts of closeness.
    Collaborating IS good when: *   you have the time and want to work something out that satisfies all sides.
    *   you care about the other person(s) and also feel strongly about the issue.
    *   you want to get thoughts and feelings out on the table and deal with them, so they don’t cause problems later.
    "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. and a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." -James 3:17-18 (NRSV)
    Collaborating is NOT good when: *   you don’t care that much about the issue.
    *   you need to do something quickly. ("Fire! Everybody out!")
    "…clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other."
    –Col. 3:12-13 (GNB)

    Compromising

    Also described as:
    We meet half-way. "Let's split the difference."
    Description: Urge moderation; bargain; split the difference; find a little something for everyone; meet them halfway.
    Perspective on Conflict: Conflict is mutual difference best resolved by cooperation and compromise. If each comes halfway, progress can be made by the democratic process.
    Compromising IS good when: *   you need a quick solution and can both give up something.
    *   you both want exactly the same thing and it can be divided up or shared.
    *   you are willing to let chance decide it (flip a coin).
    *   you have tried to satisfy each one completely and it isn’t possible (or would take too long).
    "Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him." –Matt. 5:25 (NRSV)
    Compromising is NOT good when: *   you might work a little longer and find a solution that pleases each one better.
    "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you."
    –Matt. 7:12 (NRSV)

    Accommodating

    Also described as:
    Giving in I give in.
    "I don't care that much; have it your way."
    Description: Accept the other's view; let the other's view prevail; give in; support; acknowledge error; decide it's no big deal or it doesn't matter.
    Perspective on Conflict: Conflict is usually disastrous, so yield. Sacrifice your own interests, ignore the issues, put relationships first, keep peace at any price.
    Accommodating IS good when: *   you are, or were, wrong about something.
    *   you care more about the other person than you do about the issue.
    "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way." –1 Cor. 13:4-5 (NRSV)
    Accommodating is NOT good when: *   it happens a lot and you wish you could speak up more often.
    "Instead, by speaking the truth in ... love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head."
    –Eph. 4:15 (GNB)

    Avoiding

    Also described as:
    I leave. "I'd rather not deal with it now."
    Description: Delay or avoid response; withdraw; be inaccessible; divert attention.
    Perspective on Conflict: Conflict is hopeless; avoid it. Overlook differences, accept disagreement or get out.
    Avoiding IS good when: *   you don’t care that much about the issue.
    *   you (or someone else) are very angry and need time to cool off before discussing the issue.
    *   you are in a dangerous situation and don’t need to be there.
    "Do everything possible on your part to live at peace with everybody. –Rom. 12:18 (GNB)
    Avoiding is NOT good when: *   you rarely want to deal with the conflicts in your life.
    *   you care about an issue but are afraid to speak up.
    *   you keep being bothered by a disagreement with someone you care about.
    "Let ... us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. –Eph. 4:25 (NRSV)

    Forcing

    Also described as:
    I take charge. "Might makes right."
    Description: Control the outcome; discourage disagreement; insist on my view prevailing.
    Perspective on Conflict: Conflict is obvious; some people are right and some people are wrong. The central issue is who is right. Pressure and coercion are necessary.
    Forcing IS good when: *   you need to do something quickly.
    *   your conscience tells you to do or not do something that displeases others.
    *   you know you are right and it is important to you that the others recognize that.
    "[The high priest said] ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name [of Jesus]’.… But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’"
    –Acts 5:27-29 (NRSV)




    Found Here
    *   you use it often with people you care about or will need to spend time with in the future.
    *   you want people to feel they can discuss and disagree with you openly.
    "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself."
    —Lev. 19:18 (NRSV)

    Sunday, December 11, 2011

    Love Flows Smoothe!: darian mundell censorship essay

    Love Flows Smoothe!: darian mundell censorship essay: censorship is when the goverment ban books, music, and books. censorship affects hummaniyt when you listen to music and hear breaks. the gov...

    Jazmin, Aneia,Charly Living The Dream!!!:        By: Jazmin Thurston CensorshipCensorship ...

    Jazmin, Aneia,Charly Living The Dream!!!:
    By: Jazmin Thurston
    CensorshipCensorship ...
    : By: Jazmin Thurston Censorship Censorship is when people are banned things that they are band and that are what the FCC is trying...

    Confessions: Da'Nesha Smith (essay)

    Great start, but much like AG's essay it is not finished.

    18/ 50

    Missing: Opposing Argument, Conclusion, & Call to Action

    Confessions: Da'Nesha Smith (essay): I am writing about why music should be uncensored. And about what censorship is. Censorship is is when things are restricted on the radio...

    Confessions: My personal speech on censorship by: Ava Graham

    Unfinished: no conclusion or call to action

    Grade: 32/50
    Confessions: My personal speech on censorship by: Ava Graham: In my life I feel that I am affected by censorship. I feel that most music/TV shows, should be censored. I mainly feel that TV shows shou...

    Random Crazy Things :]: Wendys report

    Grade: 34/40

    Introduction - 9

    Presenting Both Arguments - 17/20

    Conclusion - 8

    Call to Action - ? missing
    We will discuss Monday
    ( There are many grammar errors - remember to edit!)

    Random Crazy Things :]: Wendys report: Wendy Wilson Reading Ms. Humphries 12/7/11 I.S.C.W. Why T.V. should be censored? I think T.V shou...

    Random Crazy Things :]: Uncensored We Need!!! by: N'Deayah Hamlin

    Grade: 41/50

    Introduction: 9

    Presenting both Arguments: 16/20

    Conclusion: 8

    Call to Action: 8

    Random Crazy Things :]: Uncensored We Need!!! by: N'Deayah Hamlin: NO Censorship!!!! Censorship is when the FCC blocks something they don't want kids or teens to see. Censorship affects humanity ...

    Random Crazy Things :]: Maikel Censorship Essay!

    Grade: 31/40

    Introduction: 9/10
    ( Very linear and clear)

    Explanation of Both Arguments: 15/20
    You address that there are two sides, but I would have loved to read more.

    Conclusion: 7/10

    Call to Action - ? Did you have a call to action? Maybe we should discuss this further in class.

    Random Crazy Things :]: Maikel Censorship Essay!: What is censorship? Censorship is something that is blocked on the radio or television. Censorship effects humanity because they...

    !! Dreams Come True !!: Censorship; Dezare' Thomas

    Grade: 36/50


    Introduction - 7/10

    Explaining both Arguments - 16/20
    You did a good job providing examples of opposing arguments.

    Conclusion - 5/10 ( I did not see a clear conclusion)

    Call to Action - 8/10

    !! Dreams Come True !!: Censorship; Dezare' Thomas: Dezare' Thomas Sunday, December11,2011 Language Arts Ms.Humphries I.S.C.W. ...

    Cheers To Life: Censorship Essay NCC 12/11/11

    Great Job!

    Grade: 46/50 A

    Introduction - 10/10

    Presenting both Arguments - 17/20

    Conclusion - 9/10

    Call to Action - 10/10



    Cheers To Life: Censorship Essay NCC 12/11/11: America *Uncensored* Censorship is when the government limits what is heard in music and television. Censorship happens when there is ina...

    Saturday, December 10, 2011

    DO NOT FORGET - DUE SUNDAY!

    THIS IS JUST A REMINDER THAT ALL CENSORSHIP ESSAYS ARE DUE TOMORROW, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH.


    I LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR ARGUMENTS.

    Tuesday, December 6, 2011

    Homework

    READ FOR REAL
    Read Sections:
    Responding to Injustice, Bringing Civil Disobedience, and A Simple Life

    On a separate sheet of paper
    1. write the main idea of each section
    2. write three supporting details for each main idea
    ESSAY
    1. write the main idea of each of your paragraphs
    2. write the supporting details that you provided to support your main idea

    Friday, December 2, 2011

    ESSAY OUTLINE

    PARAGRAPH 1 - INTRODUCE CENSORSHIP
    PARAGRAPH 2 - INTRODUCE TOPIC
    PARAGRAPH 3 - INTRODUCE YOUR POSITION
    PARAGRAPH 4 - INTRODUCE OPPOSING VIEWS
    PARAGRAPH 5 - JUSTIFY YOUR POSITION - DEBUNK OPPOSING VIEWS
    PARAGRAPH 6 - SUMMARY AND CALL TO ACTION

    STAR READING

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