Life's a Birch on Connect Island
Birch Hr Newsletter 4th Edition
The True Power of Education
Education is knowledge and knowledge is power. Education gives individuals the power to make choices and change the world around them. The following examples are only a few ways that education can change your life for the better.
1. Great education changes ECONOMICS: College graduates can expect to earn, on average, nearly a million dollars more over their lifetimes than high school graduates. Great schools can rebuild our economy and put the next generation on a prosperous path once again.
2. Great education changes DREAMS: We need only look at the story of Julius Bennett from New Haven, Connecticut. Julius was struggling at his old school and in danger of being placed in a special education program. Then he transferred to Amistad Academy, where he thrived, becoming one of the top students and scoring in the 93rd percentile on his PSATs. Now Julius is a sophomore studying at Bates College on a full-ride scholarship. Or take Andres Idarraga from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Andres was jailed on drug charges, eventually earning his GED in prison and gaining admittance to Brown University. At Brown his dreams expanded. He wants to improve education for all kids because he knows how it can change dreams. He just graduated from Yale Law School. Great schools allow kids to dream of anything and have the confidence that they can achieve what they set their minds to.
3. Great education changes HEALTH: People who continue their education after high school have an average life expectancy that is seven years longer than people who discontinue their education with high school. Sadly, babies born to less educated women are more likely to die during their first year. Obesity is linked to lower levels of education, too. Great schools teach people healthier behaviors and allow them to better consume medical information to live healthier, more productive, happier lives.
4. Great education changes COMMUNITIES: Education isn’t just about one person; the effects reach the entire community. Almost 75 percent of state inmates have not completed high school when they enter prison, compared to about 16 percent of young Americans overall. Fewer than three percent of inmates have completed college. One study found that a ten-percent increase in the male graduation rate would reduce murder and assault arrest rates by about 20 percent, motor vehicle theft by 13 percent, and arson by eight percent. Great schools can put kids on a path to college instead of jail and change the hopes and realities of an entire community.
Time Management Strategies
Why is it important to manage my time?
Time management refers to the ability to use one's time effectively and productively. Here are some tips for time management:
1. Schedule your time to fit your needs.
2. Avoid procrastination.
3. Stay away from distractions!
4. Prioritize! Tackle the most important/difficult tasks first.
5. Get an early start.
6. Make sure to get enough rest at night.
7. Make a plan!
Intro to "Stay Gold" Project
Checkpoint 1: A Poem for Two Voices should be completed by Friday, Jan 6th
Checkpoint 2: “Nothing Gold Can Stay” Analysis should be completed by Friday, Jan 6th
The novel should be read by Tuesday, January 10th.
Checkpoint 3: Expository Essay should be completed by Friday, Jan 13th
Final Products: Expository Essay/Dialectical Journal is due on Wednesday, Jan 18th
The Outsiders Reading Reminders
Student Led Tutorials Continue to be a Success! Great Job Kiddos!!!!!!!
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Keep the following dates in mind when you are planning your holiday schedule!
Use this CALENDAR to make a plan for your holiday homework.
- Internal and External Variations PFA (Ms. Lemarr emailed two reviews and flashcards)
- Plant's Party (MUST complete ALL checkpoints to be considered passing in science) This project was Due November 11th
- Let's Get Active Checkpoint 1 was due Tuesday, December 13th
MATH:
- Linear Relations PFA (Ms. Williams emailed a review, and you have access to the online textbook via the Pasadena Portal)
- Proportional Relationships Concept Unit (correct feedback and complete the final performance task) OVERDUE November 11th
- Algebraic Reasoning is due January 6th
HISTORY:
- Stay Gold Project (refer to the reminders above)
- Mexican National Era (Mrs. King emailed flashcards)
- Road to Texas (Mrs. King emailed flashcards)
ELAR:
- Stay Gold Project (refer to the reminders above)
- Sentence Types PFA (a review was emailed)
- The Writing Process PFA (a task card was emailed)
BHI News!
Happy Holidays From Connect Island!
BHI Connect
Email: cbirch@pasadenaisd.org
Website: http://educatingoutsidethebox.webbly.com/
Location: 11111 Beamer Road, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: 713-740-0420
Facebook: facebook.com/bhiconnect
Twitter: @bhiconnect