New Location, Same Great Stuff

Greetings to my students, parents, et.al.

Just a heads up to everyone who is used to getting information from me here on this website; I'll be moving the entire operation to Google Classroom effective immediately.  The reason for this move is that most of the other teachers are using Google Classroom already, and it will just be easier for students to hold it all together if I post from the other format.  I will continue to do what I've been doing here: post materials, relative YouTube videos, and what I hope are helpful how-to videos that I'm recording myself.  Please check Google Classroom on a daily basis for the latest updates.

Parents, if you don't have access to Google Classroom yet, please email me at johnstoe@hsd.k12.or.us and I'll add you as a guardian.  

See you on the other format!

Mr. J

Indian Removal Helper Video 2

Hey guys, here's the second helper video for this week's project (the first one is at the bottom of yesterday's post):

Indian Removal Video 2 (sorry, it was too big to embed!)

The Indian Removal Act

This week we're taking a look at the Indian Removal policies of the 1830's.  Specifically we're trying to answer the essential question: Why did people in the 1830's support Indian removal?  Jackson wasn't the only colonizing white American to think Indian removal was a good idea, and even some Native Americans believed the best policy was for Native Americans to move to the other side of the Mississippi River.

It is best if you go in order:
1. Watch this video! Take notes if as needed, especially about the Cherokee people.
2. Review the timeline, and mark it up as needed.  You can use this info in your final response.
3. Read both documents, marking them up as needed.
4. Answer the Guiding Questions.
5. Complete the writing assignment.  This should be submitted to Mr. J through google docs.  

I will be posting all these materials on the Google Classroom as well, so if you want to access the assignments from there, it might be easier to turn in.

Here's a short video to help get you started:

Hey guys, I'm working on grading all the digital material you've been turning in this week.  Please note that I'm going to mark assignments as missing so that when you go to StudentVUE you can see an accurate account of what you have and haven't turned in. 

April 16th Update- How to turn things in

Hey guys, I've started grading the work that is coming in.  If you've turned something in, try to go back and look for my comments... in some cases I'm asking you to try again, and if that's the case you should take another shot at it, and shoot me an email when you're done.  Thanks!

How to check your school Email

Are you having trouble opening your school email?  Here are the steps:

1. Go to mail.hsd.k12.or.us
2.  Enter your usual username and password

Andrew Jackson: Character Analysis & Article

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday you need to complete a character analysis of Andrew Jackson.  Using a variety of videos, compare and contrast different opinions about Andrew Jackson.  Follow these links to get to the paperwork end of things:

• Andrew Jackson: Character Analysis

Fun Facts about Andrew Jackson: Watch our Educational Video for kids on ...

Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil, and the Presidency

History Channel: #7 Andrew Jackson

History vs. Andrew Jackson

April 14th Update

Note: Kami will let you share a url, so if you've finished and you don't know how to turn things in, just hit the share button, copy the link, and send it to me via email!

April 13th Update

Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West

For your Monday and Tuesday assignment we're studying Lewis & Clark.  Above is the video, and below is a link for the worksheet.  Both are due Friday, April 17th.

• Lewis & Clark Worksheet

A Word from our Prinicpal

Message to Students and Families

Students and Parents: 
Please review the following communication guidelines for the Hillsboro School District Distance Learning plan.  These guidelines apply to student interaction with their classroom teachers and other school staff. This may include, but not limited to: principal, counselors, grad coaches, student success coaches, instructional coaches, or support staff.  If you have any questions please contact your student’s teacher or building administrator to discuss these guidelines. 

Guidelines for Emails or Computer Chats: 

·       Educators will adhere to the staff expectations relayed in the HSD staff code of conduct when interacting with students. 

·       Communication with students may occur via email, video conferencing, and phone calls.

When telephone communication is used, the guidelines are as follows: 

·       Teachers will adhere to the staff expectations relayed in the HSD staff code of conduct when interacting with students.  

·       Consideration should be given to the time of day for telephone communication. Contacting students outside of school or working hours is discouraged. 

·       Home or parent telephone numbers are encouraged to be used when contacting students. 

·       Staff are encouraged to engage the parent/guardian when making a telephone call, noting the purpose of the call and addressing any concerns the parent/guardian may have. 

Online Etiquette for Distance Learning

As we move into distance learning over the coming weeks, this will bring opportunities and challenges that do not always exist in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom. Following some basic guidelines about engaging with learning online, will help facilitate a smoother transition to distance learning for families and staff. While distance learning may appear less formal than traditional learning, the expectations are the same. Here are some tips to help with distance learning etiquette:

·       If possible, create a study zone that is clear from distractions. Set up this space with your school supplies and digital device. Try to select a backdrop that is neutral and not distracting for the purpose of participating in video meetings like Google Meet.

·       When participating in a video call (like Google Meet), be aware that everyone on the Meet has a glimpse into your surroundings. This includes your clothing, items hanging on your walls, and other people in your house who may be in the background. Remind other people in your house that you are participating in a Meet before you begin.

·       When utilizing the chat feature in Google Meet, comments should be related to the learning discussion and school appropriate at all times. We will continue to follow all standards of student conduct during distance learning.

·       Be kind, friendly, and positive. Inside jokes and sarcasm don’t translate well to an online learning environment. Support one another, even when people make mistakes.

·       This is an academic setting, not social media. Follow normal academic guidelines for chats and school work including proper punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. 

·       Practice academic integrity. Use your own knowledge & experience to complete your coursework. When utilizing outside resources, be sure to include citations and paraphrase when you are able.

-Justin Welch

Principal/Director - South Meadows Middle School

Go Hawks!

¡Adelante Hawks!

April 6 Update

Are you having trouble opening your school email?  Here are the steps:

1. Go to mail.hsd.k12.or.us
2.  Enter your usual username and password

April 2 Update

Distance Learning Phase 1

Hello everyone, and welcome to a whole new way of practicing education!  Today begins Phase 1, which is supplemental materials.  These lessons were put together by someone in the district office, so no need to turn them in to me for grading.  This is geared to keep the brain alive!

• Link to HSD Social Studies Supplemental Materials

I will start putting out new material starting Monday, April 13th, so be ready to do school again!

The Impact of Social Distancing

Hey everybody!  Hope your extended spring break is going well.  I just posted a link in Google Classroom for an optional assignment, some feedback an connection opportunity for those of you looking for something to do.  Enjoy!

A Quick Note About the Grade Book

To all my students and families:
I know times are crazy, and I hope everyone can enjoy and long spring break.  I just went through the grade book, and have entered all of the assignments that I currently have in my collection.  So as of right now the grade you see in StudentVUE should be correct.  If you log on and it seems wrong, feel free to email me right away and we'll figure out what's going on. 

For flipgrids that were recently responded to, I gave feedback if you entered your email address.  Just check your email and you should see a note from me.

Something important to remember: The grades in the grade book are from before everything went sideways, and I'm not adding anything newer to the grade book until after spring break. 

I hope everyone is safe and healthy!

Mr. Johnston