The book I read is Absolute Brightness by James Lecsens
This is a book about a girl named Phobe who lives with her mom and sister in Oregon. When her long lost cousin shows up Leonardo Phobe hates his guts but, when Leonardo dissapears. Phobe has to find him and herself I loved this book
-Zara
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Harry Potter
And the goblet of fire
J.K. ROLING
Per for mance
BY
Jim Dale
You have in hands the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry’s training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quiddirch cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about the Cho Chang, his crush[and maybe do more than dream]. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that’s supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition thathasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to by normal, founrteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry potter, he,s not normal—even by wizarding standards. And in his case, diffenrt can be deadly.
junior
And the goblet of fire
J.K. ROLING
Per for mance
BY
Jim Dale
You have in hands the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry’s training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quiddirch cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about the Cho Chang, his crush[and maybe do more than dream]. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that’s supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition thathasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to by normal, founrteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry potter, he,s not normal—even by wizarding standards. And in his case, diffenrt can be deadly.
junior
The Face On The Milk Carton
Caroline B. Cooney
This book Janie the main character who is fifteen, Is eating a peanut and butter sandwich, when she takes a drink of milk she glances at the back and the missing child on the back is her. She recognizes the dress with the itchy collar. And in that second her whole life is turned upside down and she tries to find out if her parents are kidnappers.
This book is Fiction.
-Haven
This book Janie the main character who is fifteen, Is eating a peanut and butter sandwich, when she takes a drink of milk she glances at the back and the missing child on the back is her. She recognizes the dress with the itchy collar. And in that second her whole life is turned upside down and she tries to find out if her parents are kidnappers.
This book is Fiction.
-Haven
S.E.S CRAFT FAIR!!!!!!!!!
Hey hey! Do you like crafts!? Do you like fairs?! Then we've got the thing for you: The S.E.S craft fair! It's on Saturday December 5th from 11am-4pm! It's too late to apply for a booth but you can still go and see your fellow sunny-siders and maybe even pick something up for yourself :]
So go to the craft fair and have a fun time!
Note:10% of every booths profits go toward marine biology trips!
--Ruby
So go to the craft fair and have a fun time!
Note:10% of every booths profits go toward marine biology trips!
--Ruby
Announcement!!! From Alfie and JB*
Jaleh and Alfie and important announcment!
The Roost art club is on every Thursday in the church (Which is located on 35th and Yamhill).
Today we will be making posters for "the organic snack shop" which is in front of the school everyday. We will also be preparing and holding a special meeting about the anime club!
The anime club has not yet been announced at morning meeting, but it is also held at the roost on thursdays. Jaleh and I are not sure what we will DO there, which is what the meeting is about. Next week we will hopefully be teaching/learning techniques on how to draw basic manga faces and heads.
BY THE WAY We will soon be making pterodactil jackets at the roost!
Note: The roost ends at 6:00 everyday
The Roost art club is on every Thursday in the church (Which is located on 35th and Yamhill).
Today we will be making posters for "the organic snack shop" which is in front of the school everyday. We will also be preparing and holding a special meeting about the anime club!
The anime club has not yet been announced at morning meeting, but it is also held at the roost on thursdays. Jaleh and I are not sure what we will DO there, which is what the meeting is about. Next week we will hopefully be teaching/learning techniques on how to draw basic manga faces and heads.
BY THE WAY We will soon be making pterodactil jackets at the roost!
Note: The roost ends at 6:00 everyday
Sadie's Book Summary
"The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoners Dilemma" by Trenton Lee Stewart
Our old heroes, Constance, Reynie, Stickey, and Kate are back in a mind boggling situation. Far away from their steady home Stonetown, they are held captive in an abandoned prison. Which is controlled by the evil Mr. Curtain, the twin of Mr.-Benedict, the inventor of a device called the whisper. After reading this adventurous fiction book, my hands felt a little painful from flipping the pages so rapidly. I couldn’t wait to see what these talented, genus minded kids would do next.
JB* says howdy do
My 75 word summary on the book 'The Outsiders' by S.E Hinton.
It actually has 45 words, but I might add some. some words don't even count as words like 'the'.
The Outsiders is a wonderful book that really makes you question yourself and where you belong in this world. The story tells of Ponyboy, a young 'greaser' who lives in some time around the 60's or 50's. Ponyboy and his friends live in constant fear of a group known as 'socs'.
One night, however, the 'socs' take it too far, and Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are forced to run for their lives, after this journey, nothing will ever be the same.
It actually has 45 words, but I might add some. some words don't even count as words like 'the'.
The Outsiders is a wonderful book that really makes you question yourself and where you belong in this world. The story tells of Ponyboy, a young 'greaser' who lives in some time around the 60's or 50's. Ponyboy and his friends live in constant fear of a group known as 'socs'.
One night, however, the 'socs' take it too far, and Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are forced to run for their lives, after this journey, nothing will ever be the same.
Alfie's book summary
Lois Lowry – The Messenger
Matty is the main character and is an orphan who lives with Seer, a blind man. Matty has the power to heal, but it drastically weakens him. Village is a place where everyone is accepted and there are no secrets, but recently, greed has is overpowering them. They have decided to close the village to newcomers (before newcomers were welcomed). Matty has to go out and warn the villages, but the forest has turned EVIL, trying to kill him with vines and twigs. The genre is realistic fantasy (yes, that’s a genre).
The book was short yet captivating.
This is the sequel to The Giver.
Matty is the main character and is an orphan who lives with Seer, a blind man. Matty has the power to heal, but it drastically weakens him. Village is a place where everyone is accepted and there are no secrets, but recently, greed has is overpowering them. They have decided to close the village to newcomers (before newcomers were welcomed). Matty has to go out and warn the villages, but the forest has turned EVIL, trying to kill him with vines and twigs. The genre is realistic fantasy (yes, that’s a genre).
The book was short yet captivating.
This is the sequel to The Giver.
the long hard road out of hell
The long hard road out of hell
Marilyn Manson
Ok this book is an auto biography by Marilyn Manson.
Marilyn Manson who’s real name is brain Hugh Warner.
Every chapter in this book tells a different story. One quote from the story I really liked was: gradually , i started 2 resent christian school and doubt everything i was told.it became clear that the suffering they had been praying to be realsed from was a suffering they had imposed on themselves and now us. The beast they lived in fear of was really themselves; it was man not some mythological demon that was going to destroy man in the end. And this beast had been created out of their fear.
The seeds of who I am have now been planted “fools aren’t born, there watered and grown like weeds by institutions such as Christianity” it also tells stories about when he was on tour and dealing with the girls, long road trips and drugs. I recommend this book to older children. The way I would describe the book would be repulsive well written and uncommonly addictive.
Cierra walker
Ruby's Book Summary!
The Lost Boy
By David Pelzer
By David Pelzer
Davids a young kid who's mother beats him relentlessly but will never touch his brothers. One day the school nurse sees the marks and next thing he knows he's in custody with Aunt Mary then Mr. And Mrs. Catanze but nothing works and he ends up in juvenile hall for a fire that wasn't his fault he still bounces around from home to home. This book is horribly sad but I recommend it.
Fahrenheit 451
Guy Montag is a firefighter that starts fires. Imagine an America where books are banned and the law stops no criminal. That is the world Guy lives in. Burning the houses and books of anyone who owns and reads a book is Guys job. But when Guy steals a book from a burning stack, his whole way of life changes. He opens his eyes to the way people are and how things changed. On the run from the authorities and a war on U.S. soil just hours away, follow Guy Montag throughout the book and learning more about the twisted world he is living in. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys dystopian novels. I liked it and would highly recommend this novel to anyone, it is a great classic.
The Face On The Milk Carton
By Caroline B. Cooney
This book Janie the main character who is fifteen, Is eating a peanut and butter sandwich, when she takes a drink of milk she glances at the back and the missing child on the back is her. She recognizes the dress with the itchy collar. And in that second her whole life is turned upside down and she tries to find out if her parents are kidnappers.
This book is Fiction.
-Haven
This book Janie the main character who is fifteen, Is eating a peanut and butter sandwich, when she takes a drink of milk she glances at the back and the missing child on the back is her. She recognizes the dress with the itchy collar. And in that second her whole life is turned upside down and she tries to find out if her parents are kidnappers.
This book is Fiction.
-Haven
Max's summary.
John Steinbeck
Of Mice and men is about 2 men named George and Lennie. George is small but he is smart, Lennie is Big but not very smart. They are traveling around California. They start working on a ranch bucking hay. They meet a man named Curly who keeps a glove of vasolineon so his hand is clean and soft for his wife. Then They met Slim who gave lennie a puppy. Later they meet candy, and old man who had raised his dog since it was a puppy. Later in the book Curly scares Lennie and lennie grabs his fist and crushes it. Then they meet a man named Crooks and Lennie tells him about Georges plan to get their own ranch with Candy.
Of Mice and men is about 2 men named George and Lennie. George is small but he is smart, Lennie is Big but not very smart. They are traveling around California. They start working on a ranch bucking hay. They meet a man named Curly who keeps a glove of vasolineon so his hand is clean and soft for his wife. Then They met Slim who gave lennie a puppy. Later they meet candy, and old man who had raised his dog since it was a puppy. Later in the book Curly scares Lennie and lennie grabs his fist and crushes it. Then they meet a man named Crooks and Lennie tells him about Georges plan to get their own ranch with Candy.
Lisa's Book Summary
Breaking Dawn By STEPHENIE MEYER
The happy newlyweds Bella and Edward living in Washington get themselves in to trouble when they find they are having a baby; a half vampire half human baby. After broken ribs, pelvis and back Renesmee is born leaving her mother left to die or become a vampire. A confused father Charlie, a broken up werewolf pack and an angry Voltouri get involved to bring in drama and action. An intriguing novel, finishing the Twiligh series. With a happy ending there is no reason no to read Breaking Dawn.
Sea of monsters
by Nathan, In this fantasy novel Perseus Jackson a 12 year old half blood boy a half blood is a half-god half-human person. In this case that half god in young Percy is Poseidon, the god of seas. Percy lives in a small apartment in New York city.
Young Percy goes through an horendis journey with his cyclops brother, an his friend Annabeth. His best friend Grover is captured by an half blind cyclops who thinks he's a girl cyclops so he's preparing a wedding and Grover's trying to stall as long as he can.
This is a great action packed book. If you're into skull smacking, sword battling, breath taking, life threatening, nerve wrecking, books this is the book for you.
Young Percy goes through an horendis journey with his cyclops brother, an his friend Annabeth. His best friend Grover is captured by an half blind cyclops who thinks he's a girl cyclops so he's preparing a wedding and Grover's trying to stall as long as he can.
This is a great action packed book. If you're into skull smacking, sword battling, breath taking, life threatening, nerve wrecking, books this is the book for you.
Absolute Brightness
Absolute brightness By James Lecesne Is A book about a girl named Phobe who lives with her mom and her sister in oregon. When her long lost Cousin comes to visit, Phobe and her sister dont like the cousin Leonardo. But when Leonardo mystersley dissapears Phobe not only has to find Leonardo but herself. This book is a comedy and Mystery. I really loved this book and I couldint put it down everyone should read this book Zara
amy's book summary
In The Pact a eighteen year old boy named Chris and seventeen year old girl named Emily live together as children bonded by the waist. Like everyone expects they end up having something more then friendship. Emily winds up pregnant and decides that the only way out of pregnancy is to kill herself. But since Chris was the only one around when she decides to, the police thinks he shot her and goes to jail.
amy
amy
Alfie's book summary
Lois Lowry – The Messenger
Matty is the main character and is an orphan who lives with Seer, a blind man. Matty has the power to heal, but it drastically weakens him. Village is a place where everyone is accepted and there are no secrets, but recently, greed has is overpowering them. They have decided to close the village to newcomers (before newcomers were welcomed). Matty has to go out and warn the villages, but the forest has turned EVIL, trying to kill him with vines and twigs. The genre is realistic fantasy (yes, that’s a genre).
The book was short yet captivating.
This is the sequel to The Giver.
Matty is the main character and is an orphan who lives with Seer, a blind man. Matty has the power to heal, but it drastically weakens him. Village is a place where everyone is accepted and there are no secrets, but recently, greed has is overpowering them. They have decided to close the village to newcomers (before newcomers were welcomed). Matty has to go out and warn the villages, but the forest has turned EVIL, trying to kill him with vines and twigs. The genre is realistic fantasy (yes, that’s a genre).
The book was short yet captivating.
This is the sequel to The Giver.
Book Summary (Riding the Flume)
Riding The Flume, by Patricia Pfitsch. Is a book about a 15 year old girl named Frances Canvanaugh, who lives in a small town called Connersville. She finds a secret note written by her sister who had died in a lamdslide six years ago. She then finds her sisters diary and finds a will with her cousin, giving a giant sequoia to the sister when she was alive. So she rides an old lumber flume to a larger town to get help to stop the logging of the large sequoia.
-Heath
-Heath
Isaac's book summary
Artemis Fowl by: Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is a smart, rich twelve year old kid that lives in Ho Chi Minh City. His ancestor’s backgrounds are full of theft and robbery. Artemis is searching for a Fairy because fairies have gold, and lots of it. Artemis’s mother just lies in her bed waiting till her husband returns. Artemis has no idea what he’s in for. I gave this book four star because of the suspense it had. If you like fantasy this is the book to read.
Artemis Fowl is a smart, rich twelve year old kid that lives in Ho Chi Minh City. His ancestor’s backgrounds are full of theft and robbery. Artemis is searching for a Fairy because fairies have gold, and lots of it. Artemis’s mother just lies in her bed waiting till her husband returns. Artemis has no idea what he’s in for. I gave this book four star because of the suspense it had. If you like fantasy this is the book to read.
Abigail's Book
1984
George Orwell
1984 is a dismal portrayal of the future where every move you make is being monitored and even thinking something wrong could get you vaporized by the thought police. This is all the doing of Big Brother, the much loved dictator. The main character, Winston Smith, is begginning to doubt Big Brother and the "perfect" world he leads. This book is thrilling but hard to follow, I recommend it to advanced readers who really want something to really question the way they view the world.
Abigail O'Brien
George Orwell
1984 is a dismal portrayal of the future where every move you make is being monitored and even thinking something wrong could get you vaporized by the thought police. This is all the doing of Big Brother, the much loved dictator. The main character, Winston Smith, is begginning to doubt Big Brother and the "perfect" world he leads. This book is thrilling but hard to follow, I recommend it to advanced readers who really want something to really question the way they view the world.
Abigail O'Brien
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Julian's Book
Ta-Nehisi is growing up in the ghetto of Baltimore in the 80’s. He is raised by his dad with many brothers and sisters. Early he learned the harsh rules of the ghetto. Before he found his clan he was very close to his brother Billy. The important decisions that could change his life. It was a great non-fit ion book because it really opened my eyes to see what it was back like then. Something I would recommend.
Ta-Nehisi is growing up in the ghetto of Baltimore in the 80’s. He is raised by his dad with many brothers and sisters. Early he learned the harsh rules of the ghetto. Before he found his clan he was very close to his brother Billy. The important decisions that could change his life. It was a great non-fit ion book because it really opened my eyes to see what it was back like then. Something I would recommend.
Travis' Book
Angels and Demons
By Dan Brown
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Adventure
Robert Langdon is asked to identify a symbol branded into a mans chest
Then a deadly technology is stolen. He follows it to Vatican City, which is now on
top of a time bomb! To find it he must trace the killer how placed it He chases him
the church's of Rome, but will he be to late for the Vatican City or will he save it
just in time? Read Angels and Demons!
This was a really cool book! It is by the author of The Da Vinci Code. The
movie Angels and Demons just came out. I highly recommend this book to some
one how likes action.
-Travis
By Dan Brown
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Adventure
Robert Langdon is asked to identify a symbol branded into a mans chest
Then a deadly technology is stolen. He follows it to Vatican City, which is now on
top of a time bomb! To find it he must trace the killer how placed it He chases him
the church's of Rome, but will he be to late for the Vatican City or will he save it
just in time? Read Angels and Demons!
This was a really cool book! It is by the author of The Da Vinci Code. The
movie Angels and Demons just came out. I highly recommend this book to some
one how likes action.
-Travis
Trevor's Book Summary page 1-290
39 Clues
by Rick Riordan
This book is one of the best books I've read in a while. I read 39 clues. The main characters are Dan and Amy Cahill. They are brother and sister.Their family turns out to be the most important family in the world and they are on a quest to find out why. On the way, they face off against other family members and travel the world in search of the 39 clues. This book is fiction plus historical facts. I recommend reading this book!
-rowan
This book is one of the best books I've read in a while. I read 39 clues. The main characters are Dan and Amy Cahill. They are brother and sister.Their family turns out to be the most important family in the world and they are on a quest to find out why. On the way, they face off against other family members and travel the world in search of the 39 clues. This book is fiction plus historical facts. I recommend reading this book!
-rowan
Kaia's book summary
Thirteenth child by patricia c. wrede
This is a great book about a girl named Eff, who is born a thirteenth child. And her twin brother, Lan, who is the seventh son of the seventh son. Which means he is supposed to have amazing powers and she is supposed to bring doom to everyone around her.
In this book there are dragons and all sorts of mythical creatures, that Eff and Lan must face together. While Eff finds out who she really is and if she really is a thirteenth child at heart.
-Kaia
Levi Book Summary
Levi Book Summary
Roland Smith
When Q and Angela’s parents meet a whole new world starts for them. There parents band makes it big and Q and Angela learn what life is like on tour. While driving across the U.S the family meets an unsuspected guest. While Q learns that their new driver has a secret the whole tour is turned upside down.
"The Language of the Nude" at Reed College Field Study Summary by Claire
General Summary
Once we arrived at the Cooley Gallery in the library of Reed College, we listened and talked with Gregory MacNaughton about "The Language of the Nude" exhibit. I enjoyed hearing what Gregory had to say and the questions he asked that caused me to think deeper. Afterwards, we did our own three-minute sketches of our classmates. It was stressful but fun. I appreciated how Gregory had something positive to say about every one's pieces. We left Reed and got back to SES in time for lunch.
Essential Questions
1. What was your overall impression of the exhibit?
I though that "The Language of the Nude" exhibit in the Cooley Gallery at Reed College was interesting because the drawings showed how people viewed the human body in the 1400s and the 1500s. The way gods and goddesses were included in many of the drawings showed how gods and goddesses influenced people and gave them inspiration. I though about what Gregory said, "Some of these drawings probably aren't even anatomically correct." I totally agree, because, besides the Incredible Hulk, most people do not have muscles on top of muscles on top of muscles. Each country's artists had different styles, and it gave a glimpse of how people's lifestyles change from place to place.
2. How does the development of observational skills assist in areas of life and study?
If you take times to look closely at a drawing, you can learn so much. Looking at the drawings I thought about what Gregory was saying about how a straight on or profile sketch isn't too difficult but when you change the angle so part of the face or body is obscured the sketch becomes much more difficult. I realized how much time all the artists must have spent to get even just a forearm exact. Listening to Gregory I viewed the drawings in a different way than I would have without his thought-provoking questions. By looking at "simple" seeming sketches and then moving past the "simpleness" I noticed what peoples body positions could be saying. The poses could hint at emotions, speech, and thought. I thought it was interesting how Gregory said that if you knew your gods and goddesses you could "read" quite a few of the drawings because of how much gods and goddesses influenced people and showed up in their art.
3. How do you think society's impression of the human body has changed from Michelangelo's time to today?
In some ways, I don't think society's impression of the human body has changed at all from Michelangelo's time to ours. In the drawings there obviously was an ideal. Although the ideals were gos and goddesses, which are mythological, the idea is still the same as today: There are some people who are above us all and who give a message of, "You will never look as perfect as me but I can laugh at you as you try." Even though there are many female celebraties and models today that are thought to be perfect, everyday women still don't always have the same rights as men. 400 and 500 years ago, women had to hire private art instructors in secret because if they were found they would be executed. Today there are not such extremes but women still don't have the power men do and are often looked down upon. I think it is interesting that people who did art outside of certain art academies were (severely) punished, in contrast to today, especially in places like Portland, where people are encouraged to make art as a way to express themselves.
I also think that people who did the nude drawings would have been much more successful if they had been allowed to draw women. With one look at the drawings with women in them I could tell none of the artists had never seen the body of a real women. Even Olympic women athletes have a different body shape, bone and muscle structure than men and the images of the buff, bulging women in many of the drawings. The drawings portrayed women as men with neat, long hair. If those artists would have had a chance to sketch real women, I think a whole new series of drawings, thoughts, and techniques would have appeared in artists' work.
Once we arrived at the Cooley Gallery in the library of Reed College, we listened and talked with Gregory MacNaughton about "The Language of the Nude" exhibit. I enjoyed hearing what Gregory had to say and the questions he asked that caused me to think deeper. Afterwards, we did our own three-minute sketches of our classmates. It was stressful but fun. I appreciated how Gregory had something positive to say about every one's pieces. We left Reed and got back to SES in time for lunch.
Essential Questions
1. What was your overall impression of the exhibit?
I though that "The Language of the Nude" exhibit in the Cooley Gallery at Reed College was interesting because the drawings showed how people viewed the human body in the 1400s and the 1500s. The way gods and goddesses were included in many of the drawings showed how gods and goddesses influenced people and gave them inspiration. I though about what Gregory said, "Some of these drawings probably aren't even anatomically correct." I totally agree, because, besides the Incredible Hulk, most people do not have muscles on top of muscles on top of muscles. Each country's artists had different styles, and it gave a glimpse of how people's lifestyles change from place to place.
2. How does the development of observational skills assist in areas of life and study?
If you take times to look closely at a drawing, you can learn so much. Looking at the drawings I thought about what Gregory was saying about how a straight on or profile sketch isn't too difficult but when you change the angle so part of the face or body is obscured the sketch becomes much more difficult. I realized how much time all the artists must have spent to get even just a forearm exact. Listening to Gregory I viewed the drawings in a different way than I would have without his thought-provoking questions. By looking at "simple" seeming sketches and then moving past the "simpleness" I noticed what peoples body positions could be saying. The poses could hint at emotions, speech, and thought. I thought it was interesting how Gregory said that if you knew your gods and goddesses you could "read" quite a few of the drawings because of how much gods and goddesses influenced people and showed up in their art.
3. How do you think society's impression of the human body has changed from Michelangelo's time to today?
In some ways, I don't think society's impression of the human body has changed at all from Michelangelo's time to ours. In the drawings there obviously was an ideal. Although the ideals were gos and goddesses, which are mythological, the idea is still the same as today: There are some people who are above us all and who give a message of, "You will never look as perfect as me but I can laugh at you as you try." Even though there are many female celebraties and models today that are thought to be perfect, everyday women still don't always have the same rights as men. 400 and 500 years ago, women had to hire private art instructors in secret because if they were found they would be executed. Today there are not such extremes but women still don't have the power men do and are often looked down upon. I think it is interesting that people who did art outside of certain art academies were (severely) punished, in contrast to today, especially in places like Portland, where people are encouraged to make art as a way to express themselves.
I also think that people who did the nude drawings would have been much more successful if they had been allowed to draw women. With one look at the drawings with women in them I could tell none of the artists had never seen the body of a real women. Even Olympic women athletes have a different body shape, bone and muscle structure than men and the images of the buff, bulging women in many of the drawings. The drawings portrayed women as men with neat, long hair. If those artists would have had a chance to sketch real women, I think a whole new series of drawings, thoughts, and techniques would have appeared in artists' work.
Claire's Book Review
"Hold Still" by Nina LaCour
In "Hold Still" by Nina LaCour, sixteen-year-old Caitlin, the main character, overcomes the death of her best friend Ingrid, who committed suicide. Over the course of the book, set in a suburb of San Fransisco in the twenty-first century, Caitlin meets Dylan,the new girl, mends her relationship with her favorite teacher Ms. Delani, and learns what friendship means. This fictional novel was painful, intense, and wove an intricate story that was always hopeful, despite the harshness. I enjoyed this well written book.
Claire
In "Hold Still" by Nina LaCour, sixteen-year-old Caitlin, the main character, overcomes the death of her best friend Ingrid, who committed suicide. Over the course of the book, set in a suburb of San Fransisco in the twenty-first century, Caitlin meets Dylan,the new girl, mends her relationship with her favorite teacher Ms. Delani, and learns what friendship means. This fictional novel was painful, intense, and wove an intricate story that was always hopeful, despite the harshness. I enjoyed this well written book.
Claire
Sunday, November 1, 2009
6 grade project
hi had a really fun time today doing my 6 grade project i had a plant and seed exchange with my block and I got to see a lot of our street getting together and having fun so that's cool.
I also have an idea that we could do for our class we can make money by putting caprisun package's and getting 2 cents off each one for the school the website caprisun.com/terracycle if everyone is interesting you can ask me any questions or tell me if you think it is a good ides so frank if you want to help set it up that would be great.
sadie
I also have an idea that we could do for our class we can make money by putting caprisun package's and getting 2 cents off each one for the school the website caprisun.com/terracycle if everyone is interesting you can ask me any questions or tell me if you think it is a good ides so frank if you want to help set it up that would be great.
sadie
Monday, October 26, 2009
350 on the Willamette
This weekend I participated in the 350 activities. Joining over 100 boaters, we floated on the Willamette and got ourselves into the 350 position.
Please go to 350.org to learn more about this important number and the global movement behind it!
Frank
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
We miss the sixth graders
We miss having the sixth graders here at school but are doing some pretty interesting health rotations. I hope you all have an amazing time at Outdoor School.
Abigail
Abigail
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Where I'm From Poem
Prior to Eagle Fern, students finished a random autobiographical poem that was shared in class. This week, we began listing for a second poem. The listing items focused on where students are from. Please talk to your student about this assignment. It is a great way to think of shared moments in your lives together.
We finished listing today and began writing poems. I have asked that students bring in a draft of their poem on Monday.
We finished listing today and began writing poems. I have asked that students bring in a draft of their poem on Monday.
Current Event Assignment
Just like each day brings new wonders and events to your life, things are happening to people all around the world. To gain a better understanding of cultures, people and traditions around the world, our class will present current events all year long.
The following information is required for this task:
1. On a 4 x 6 index card, write the Title of the Article, Date and Source (where you got the article, ex: New York Times, BBC, Oregonian, etc)
2. Write a 4-5 sentence summary of the article that includes the important locations, people and ideas in the article.
3. Prepare a 1-2 minute presentation that you will give to the class to educate us all on this event. For the presentation, you will have to identify the location of the country and region on the wall map.
Regions:
Africa - Asia (excluding China) - Central & South America - Europe - Middle East - China - US / Canada / Mexico
The following information is required for this task:
1. On a 4 x 6 index card, write the Title of the Article, Date and Source (where you got the article, ex: New York Times, BBC, Oregonian, etc)
2. Write a 4-5 sentence summary of the article that includes the important locations, people and ideas in the article.
3. Prepare a 1-2 minute presentation that you will give to the class to educate us all on this event. For the presentation, you will have to identify the location of the country and region on the wall map.
Regions:
Africa - Asia (excluding China) - Central & South America - Europe - Middle East - China - US / Canada / Mexico
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Movie on Friday
This is Tajanae's mom--she and I are going to see FAME (the movie) on Friday. It's about students at an arts high school in New York City, PG rated. Don't know what time yet, but probably at Lloyd. I thought we'd spread the word in case anyone else wants to come! I'll post the time on Thursday, or you can ask Tajanae...
Thursday, September 24, 2009
essay of consern
have u ever wonderd where your makeup comes from?? or how its safe for u well most of the time its tested on animals.in animal testing feslitys they will kill millions of rabbits,guinea pigs and meany others.they don't just test make up they test medicen on them to.like for burn creams they will hold down a rabbit and use a blowtorch on it.or for a cure for the cold they will inject a monky with the cold virus and see if he gets sick then trys there new cure on them.95% of all animals forsed to indure this end up dieing a slow and painful death.not olny that but these animals are treated with crulty.bearly fed and beaten and forsed to injest tolit bowl ceaner.my whole goal in writeing this is to raise awareness about these inseadents.if you want grater detail look up a orginazation called peta2 .so the next time u buy tolit bowl cleaner or eyeliner look for a sticker.it will tell you if this product uses animal testing.
-cierra
-cierra
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sicence
I tried the sicence project home exept I used a big jug it diddint look to good lol well see you guys on monday ta-ta
Zara
Zara
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Belmont Street Fair
The fair today was really cool!
There were like 50
Vendors there and our sunnyside booth.
I had alot of fun.
It was great!
HeAtH
There were like 50
Vendors there and our sunnyside booth.
I had alot of fun.
It was great!
HeAtH
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Fun stuff
I can't wait to go to eaglefern and go on the 7th grade marine biology!
It will be so much fun!!!
hEaTh
It will be so much fun!!!
hEaTh
Field Study
I had alot of fun today at the field study.
I cant wait for the next one on tuesday.
We have a great class this year!
And a great teacher! Thank you Frank!!!
-HeAtH
I cant wait for the next one on tuesday.
We have a great class this year!
And a great teacher! Thank you Frank!!!
-HeAtH
great day
today was so cool we went to colonel Sumner's park. for a moment i had no idea where we were going as soon as we got there I got there every thing was clear. It was a nice day the sun was shining and every one was happy. I had fun playing two man tag,blob tag, and fire in the jungle. i hope to have even more fun on the next field study later
Rowan
Rowan
Lots of Excitement
The 2009 school year has gotten off to a great start. The students in this class are amazing, have lots of positive energy and are really supporting each other as we build a community that will be together for the year. I've left each day happy and excited for the next.
Today is our first field study. It is a bit of a practice trip in that it is a short one and the goal is to understand field study safety and etiquette for traveling to and from the bus stop and how to be polite, respectful TriMet passengers. The weather forecast is showing sun.
Today is our first field study. It is a bit of a practice trip in that it is a short one and the goal is to understand field study safety and etiquette for traveling to and from the bus stop and how to be polite, respectful TriMet passengers. The weather forecast is showing sun.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year! I would like to take a little of your time to introduce myself, let you know about some of the exciting things that will be happening this year, and ask for your help in making this a wonderful year.
It is amazing for me to realize that I have spent six of the last seven years deeply involved with the Sunnyside Environmental School (SES) community. This will be my fifth year as a Core teacher at SES. After completing my student teaching at the Environmental Middle School (pre-SES), I taught at SES for two years and then, after the 2005-2006 Year of the Mountain, I joined the Peace Corps and moved to Guinea, West Africa. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was placed by myself in a small village and taught mathematics at the local middle school. Some immediate differences were that I taught in French and my class sizes ranged from 85 to 100 students! Unfortunately, political unrest and forceful military response caused the evacuation of all Peace Corps Volunteers in Guinea and the eventual suspension of the program. At that point, I embarked on an extensive trip through West Africa before returning to Portland and Sunnyside.
The Year of the Forest is filled with interesting projects and activities. The fall will primarily focus on ecology, botany and the native tribes who lived here. The Pacific Northwest is beautifully situated in the temperate rain forest and an excellent place to learn these topics. A highlight will be an overnight trip to Eagle Fern.
The many activities that take place at Sunnyside require a lot of help from you, the parents. Most Tuesdays, our class will take a trip within the greater Portland area. In order to make this possible, at least one additional adult must be available to travel with me or the class will be unable to go. Volunteering on field studies will be greatly appreciated by this class and is a great way to participate in your child’s education while meeting their friends. If you (or a family friend) have a special expertise even remotely related to the topics of this year, please contact me as it is wonderful when outside community members visit the class.
There are also many ways to showcase your skills and abilities while helping out in the classroom. Just let me know what you would like to do to help!
In addition to the curriculum taught during the year, I feel that it is extremely important to build a strong community within the classroom that fosters respect for all members and a curiosity in learning. Please let me know if there are any needs that your child requires as the year progresses.
I am very excited to be working with your children and am looking forward to a wonderful year.
It is amazing for me to realize that I have spent six of the last seven years deeply involved with the Sunnyside Environmental School (SES) community. This will be my fifth year as a Core teacher at SES. After completing my student teaching at the Environmental Middle School (pre-SES), I taught at SES for two years and then, after the 2005-2006 Year of the Mountain, I joined the Peace Corps and moved to Guinea, West Africa. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was placed by myself in a small village and taught mathematics at the local middle school. Some immediate differences were that I taught in French and my class sizes ranged from 85 to 100 students! Unfortunately, political unrest and forceful military response caused the evacuation of all Peace Corps Volunteers in Guinea and the eventual suspension of the program. At that point, I embarked on an extensive trip through West Africa before returning to Portland and Sunnyside.
The Year of the Forest is filled with interesting projects and activities. The fall will primarily focus on ecology, botany and the native tribes who lived here. The Pacific Northwest is beautifully situated in the temperate rain forest and an excellent place to learn these topics. A highlight will be an overnight trip to Eagle Fern.
The many activities that take place at Sunnyside require a lot of help from you, the parents. Most Tuesdays, our class will take a trip within the greater Portland area. In order to make this possible, at least one additional adult must be available to travel with me or the class will be unable to go. Volunteering on field studies will be greatly appreciated by this class and is a great way to participate in your child’s education while meeting their friends. If you (or a family friend) have a special expertise even remotely related to the topics of this year, please contact me as it is wonderful when outside community members visit the class.
There are also many ways to showcase your skills and abilities while helping out in the classroom. Just let me know what you would like to do to help!
In addition to the curriculum taught during the year, I feel that it is extremely important to build a strong community within the classroom that fosters respect for all members and a curiosity in learning. Please let me know if there are any needs that your child requires as the year progresses.
I am very excited to be working with your children and am looking forward to a wonderful year.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thanks!
I wanted to thank all of the students for a wonderful school year. Your energy, enthusiasm, desire to learn and ability to form a strong and entertaining community in the classroom made the year special. I hope that everyone has a summer doing the things you enjoy and spending time with your family.
See you all in September!
See you all in September!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Iron Chef
Iron Chef Menu
*Sun dried tomato, Swiss chard and Asian green Ravioli with a hint of blackberry
*Amazing mixed greens, radish and broccoli salad with a blackberry vinaigrette dressing
*Blackberry crepes
Today featured Stage 1: Preparation of the first annual SES Iron Chef competition. In our class, each student was given a garden plot this spring to cultivate. The garden squares are approximately one square foot that each student was charged with planting, weeding and watering. We are still trying to find the best way to have 30 students garden a 2 x 13 strip of land but we are learning and having fun as we go. I was excited along with the students to see crops take off and grow. Some were successes, others not. Some plots had a recent surge in tomatoes - volunteers from last year's crop. Today, many of the plots were harvested and students will be preparing the soil for the next crop.
In addition to our garden plots, we harvested and froze blackberries in the fall and used the solar dryer to prepare sun dried tomatoes. Eggs were brought in by students who have chickens or are taking care of a few nice hens. Honey was brought in from a a student's hive.
Several items were purchased/bought and these include:
*Milk which was used in the crepe batter and the making of our mozzarella cheese
*Sugar for the crepe batter
*wheat berries which was ground into flour for the crepe batter and ravioli dough
General items of use from the community kitchen included salt, vinegar and oil.
I think that we had an enjoyable time gardening and preparing this meal. The final touches will be put on tomorrow as our dishes are judged at Sunnystock. Please come by at 12:30 and stay through the family picnic after school.
For photos of the preparation of this meal, please click garden
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Washington D.C. Trip
April 31st
While I was in Washington D.C. I went to see the Capital Building. My Grandma was able to get us a private tour of the building. The Capital just finished building the new visitor center. Before we could go to the visitor center we had to have an ID card that was visible. We also had to put our bags through security. On the way to the tour we walked through a hall with tons of pictures hanging on the wall. Some of the pictures where amazing to look at.
I saw the ceiling of one of the rooms and it had a mural painted on it. Maggie, our tour guide, told me that once the congressmen climbed up a flight of stairs and stood on the mural.Maggie was also telling me how each state has at least two statues, they have donated, spread out around the Capital. I found one of Oregon's statues.
In the Capital Dome there is a place you can stand, and listen to other people standing at another spot. It sounds as thought there is a speaker attached somewhere.
Once we had arrived back from the tour I took a picture of Congressman Kurt Schrader's office. Then the secretary let me sit in his chair I felt like royalty.
This was my favorite part of the trip; getting to visit the Capital Building.
-Madeleine
Monday, May 4, 2009
Washington D.C. Trip-Gettysburg Battlefield
Today we went to visit the Gettysburg Battle Field. It was raining really hard so we didn't get out of the car at many of the sites. The Battle Field museum was very interesting. There was this 45 pound bag you could try to lift and that bag was what the soldiers had to carry around. I couldn't lift it with one hand, and I could barely lift it with two hands. There were a few short shows we watched and on long show we watched. After the show we got to look at this painting called a cyclorama with sound effects and lights to make it look like we were on the real battle field. In three days, 6,000 men died on the battle field. I found this one of the most exciting things I did in Pennsylvania. I will add a bit of family history.
The Herr family farm was located just a few miles from Gettysburg. When the soldiers came through, they took horses from the farm. One of my ancestors, a very young boy, was hidden in a hay stack so he would not be taken by the army.
- Madeleine
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Washington D.C. Trip
May 2nd
Today we went down to the Union Station and looked at some of the items in the gift shops. It is a huge building where thousands of people pass through every day as they travel by train.
We also went to the Washington National Cathedral where there was a flower festival going on. We had a really hard time finding parking. There was an amazing stained glass window in the Cathedral. It had many different colors. It was a great enjoyment. To get an understanding of the size of the Cathedral, the Washington Monument could fit in it lying on its side.
After we had gone to the Cathedral we drove down to Pennsylvania. We went to the hotel to unload the car and then we went to dinner. We are back at the hotel and I am going swimming.
-Madeleine
Today we went down to the Union Station and looked at some of the items in the gift shops. It is a huge building where thousands of people pass through every day as they travel by train.
We also went to the Washington National Cathedral where there was a flower festival going on. We had a really hard time finding parking. There was an amazing stained glass window in the Cathedral. It had many different colors. It was a great enjoyment. To get an understanding of the size of the Cathedral, the Washington Monument could fit in it lying on its side.
After we had gone to the Cathedral we drove down to Pennsylvania. We went to the hotel to unload the car and then we went to dinner. We are back at the hotel and I am going swimming.
-Madeleine
Washington D.C. Trip
Madeleine’s Washington D.C. trip
Attractions
Baltimore Inner Harbor: Lost in Baltimore
Arlington Cemetery: The Tomb of the Unknowns and the John F. Kennedy Grave Site. While we were at The Tomb of the Unknowns we saw a guard change. People where doing little acts with the gun, inspecting each other to make sure they looked professional. It was interesting, at first I didn’t want to go, but my Grandpa talked me into it.
The Lincoln Memorial: The Lincoln Statue has a change to the face; on one side Lincoln is smiling and on the other he is frowning. The Lincoln Memorial had a great view of the mall, but it was cloudy so the pictures didn’t turn out well.
The Vietnam Memorial: the Vietnam Memorial was very sad. The war was not called for; many innocent people died for no reason. I made a rubbing of the names Willard and Wideman, both family names. This was really fun to get to see people who have the same last name.
Korean War Memorial: Men were all spread out looking as though they didn’t know what was going on. All of the men in the scene looked like they thought there was enemy behind every bush.
Roosevelt Memorial: The Roosevelt Memorial had many things and memories for me to look at. I feel very safe and protected here. This was my favorite memorial; I copied the pose of Eleanor Roosevelt.
The National Air and Space Museum: The Space Museum was very interesting; I had a lot of fun. While we were here I bought Alec an airplane. I hope he likes it. There where lots of different planes to see, I got to go in to a few of the them. Their layout was amazing. All of the controls the pilot use look very complicated.
The Jefferson Memorial: the Jefferson Memorial was very nice; we went there during the early night so it was all lit up. The Memorial has a great view of the Washington Monument. My favorite part was posing on the big square post in front of the memorial.
-Madeleine
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My Connections to Climate Change
Global Climate Change Awareness
An Essay by Emma
As global climate change becomes a more frequent topic in the media, we are shown statistics, charts, and graphs depicting our world’s situation. If those aren’t enough to convince people to decrease their carbon footprint than the shocking photos should be proof that our planet is transforming. We need to stop thinking of global climate change as phase. As of now it is a never ending road.
Every day when the sun sets, my house darkens. Every day I need to turn on lights to counter that darkness. Each light I turn on creates more watts of electricity and more energy. When I am cold I turn on my gas fireplace and use one more BTU of gas. With one wish and one flick of a switch we can command energy and fuel to meet our every inclination. No thoughts of the CO 2 released and the increasing temperatures. In Portland we are not yet hit by the impacts of global climate change, just the emotional impact when shown photos or statistics. We need to pull that fear and compassion for the ones less fortunate and for thought of future generations, and use it to inspire our every wish. We need to be more than conscious of the photos. We need to feel the pain of every child who’s home has been washed away.
Books are constructed with an introduction and continue with rising action until the climax appears. As books decline and are brought to a close the reader is left with a sense of conclusion and finality. This cannot be the way that we view energy use. The effects of our energy choices will be felt for long after the energy is used. All around the world, unaffected people continue their lives with that sense of finality; no sense of the continuing effects that their actions will have. They have the notion that other people (or governmental agencies) are working the prevent the problems the world is facing. Still others refuse to let global climate change pass as a subject untouched, but they believe we are at the rising action or climax of our disaster and think it will conclude safely. The smallest percentage of people reject these false peaces of mind one could fall into, and see it as a never ending book. Each time we switch on a light, or turn on our gas fireplaces we add another chapter to our ever lengthening book.
Any one thing someone does to help our earth is a drop in the bucket of our goal. As the media shows us the photos, graphs, charts, and statistics we are all encouraged to make that drop in the bucket. This time, when the sun sets and the room is darkened, I will turn on only as many lights as I need. I applaud all those who are likewise inspired and use that to power their next wish. It will take many small actions and many large ones to create a solution strong enough to tackle this vast, serious problem.
An Essay by Emma
As global climate change becomes a more frequent topic in the media, we are shown statistics, charts, and graphs depicting our world’s situation. If those aren’t enough to convince people to decrease their carbon footprint than the shocking photos should be proof that our planet is transforming. We need to stop thinking of global climate change as phase. As of now it is a never ending road.
Every day when the sun sets, my house darkens. Every day I need to turn on lights to counter that darkness. Each light I turn on creates more watts of electricity and more energy. When I am cold I turn on my gas fireplace and use one more BTU of gas. With one wish and one flick of a switch we can command energy and fuel to meet our every inclination. No thoughts of the CO 2 released and the increasing temperatures. In Portland we are not yet hit by the impacts of global climate change, just the emotional impact when shown photos or statistics. We need to pull that fear and compassion for the ones less fortunate and for thought of future generations, and use it to inspire our every wish. We need to be more than conscious of the photos. We need to feel the pain of every child who’s home has been washed away.
Books are constructed with an introduction and continue with rising action until the climax appears. As books decline and are brought to a close the reader is left with a sense of conclusion and finality. This cannot be the way that we view energy use. The effects of our energy choices will be felt for long after the energy is used. All around the world, unaffected people continue their lives with that sense of finality; no sense of the continuing effects that their actions will have. They have the notion that other people (or governmental agencies) are working the prevent the problems the world is facing. Still others refuse to let global climate change pass as a subject untouched, but they believe we are at the rising action or climax of our disaster and think it will conclude safely. The smallest percentage of people reject these false peaces of mind one could fall into, and see it as a never ending book. Each time we switch on a light, or turn on our gas fireplaces we add another chapter to our ever lengthening book.
Any one thing someone does to help our earth is a drop in the bucket of our goal. As the media shows us the photos, graphs, charts, and statistics we are all encouraged to make that drop in the bucket. This time, when the sun sets and the room is darkened, I will turn on only as many lights as I need. I applaud all those who are likewise inspired and use that to power their next wish. It will take many small actions and many large ones to create a solution strong enough to tackle this vast, serious problem.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Population Explotion
Hello Everyone,
This is a video of the population over world history. It shows the year and the large event or time period happening at that time. Watch for the plague, you can see it Europe really well. Enjoy!
~Emma
This is a video of the population over world history. It shows the year and the large event or time period happening at that time. Watch for the plague, you can see it Europe really well. Enjoy!
~Emma
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Trip Around the World
Students are embarking on a virtual trip around the world. They will visit at least three countries during this trip and will post information both here - stay tuned! - and on a "wall" blog in the classroom.
New links have been posted on the right column to help students research.
New links have been posted on the right column to help students research.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Errol Hights
Today we went down to Errol Hights to learn GPS mapping.
We started by metting on the dirt path, that leads into Errol Hights. We arrived about 15minutes early so we waited. While were waiting Frank came around and told us what group we would be in.
I was in group one, along with Miles, Olga, Jeffery, Amanda, Robin, and Lee. Meagan was our group leader. We where given three GPS's, a compass, and a clipboard with numbers for the GPS's.
The leaders had hid five different plastic bags with riddles around the area. Our job was to find the bags. We where to answer the riddles and write down the answers.Once you found and answered all the riddles, certain letters where to be put togeather to form a word. Our group did find out the word it was W-E-T-L-A-N-D-S.
I have been learning a lot from these trips and lessons. I have found thesetrips to be of a great enjoyment. I can't wait for future trips.
-Madeleine
We started by metting on the dirt path, that leads into Errol Hights. We arrived about 15minutes early so we waited. While were waiting Frank came around and told us what group we would be in.
I was in group one, along with Miles, Olga, Jeffery, Amanda, Robin, and Lee. Meagan was our group leader. We where given three GPS's, a compass, and a clipboard with numbers for the GPS's.
The leaders had hid five different plastic bags with riddles around the area. Our job was to find the bags. We where to answer the riddles and write down the answers.Once you found and answered all the riddles, certain letters where to be put togeather to form a word. Our group did find out the word it was W-E-T-L-A-N-D-S.
I have been learning a lot from these trips and lessons. I have found thesetrips to be of a great enjoyment. I can't wait for future trips.
-Madeleine
Friday, April 10, 2009
Climate Change Teach-In
Today, we are finishing up a four day teach-in surrounding the topic of Climate Change. A whirlwind of activity has swept through the school over these days. Some student highlights include:
*discussing science, effects, policy and energy with core teachers,
*walking to the Bagdad to watch the NOVA Extreme Ice (see post below for link)video,
*listening to Gary Braasch, author of How we Know What we Know About our Changing climate present at morning meeting
*hearing Vinh Mason describe Portland's climate goals
*attending break-out sessions. On Thursday, 18 different sessions were taking place throughout the building.
Whew, it has been a fun week so far.
*discussing science, effects, policy and energy with core teachers,
*walking to the Bagdad to watch the NOVA Extreme Ice (see post below for link)video,
*listening to Gary Braasch, author of How we Know What we Know About our Changing climate present at morning meeting
*hearing Vinh Mason describe Portland's climate goals
*attending break-out sessions. On Thursday, 18 different sessions were taking place throughout the building.
Whew, it has been a fun week so far.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Museum Night
Thanks to everyone that came out to view the Sunnyside Environmental Ancient Museum. The students worked hard to create the museum and the night had wonderful turnout with a good feeling of accomplishment.
To view photos of the Ancient Greek museum, click --> Ancient Greeks
Friday, March 27, 2009
Refugee Installation @ Global Exchange
For several weeks, the students in this class have had an art/poetry installation at Global Exchange on Hawthorne (between 35 and 36th). The installation represents part of the learning that took place during a refugee unit in January. Please stop by and see this piece and leave a comment for the students.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
While you are sitting home during spring break, take some time to watch this new NOVA video: Extreme Ice
Friday, March 13, 2009
SES Climate Change Teach-In & Hero
From April 7-10 we will abandon our normal schedule for a climate change teach-in. At the moment we are scheduling speakers and break-out leaders. Please let me know if you can help provide a contact for this event.
Also, nominations are being accepted for a Portland Climate Change Hero. The SES web page contains a link to the online nomination.
Please go to the SES web page.
Thanks,
Frank
Also, nominations are being accepted for a Portland Climate Change Hero. The SES web page contains a link to the online nomination.
Please go to the SES web page.
Thanks,
Frank
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Field Study Summary
Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum
by Emma
The walk to the bus stop proved almost more than I could handle in the wet, cold, day of this field study. My nose was running constantly and something in my hip was bothering me. Five minutes in I was already sidestepping puddles and was glad I’d worn my old Converse. They day was typical for Portland, one of the examples people give for not moving to our city yet, or one of the days real Portlanders are always out in-- walking dogs, riding their bike, or just walking for the fun of it. We got on the bus happy to be out of the drizzle but then having to find a seat next to someone we didn’t know. Going on a city bus is always a gamble because of the smell, sometimes it is like cleaning products, sometimes the smell vacuums make when the bag is full, but more often then not it smells like urine and wet sidewalks. We were blessed with a reasonably un-smelly ride on the way to the church but it was only five minutes so it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. When we got off the bus I was slightly disoriented because we had to walk some distance before getting to the church. That walk was fine in the beginning but soon we started to see the evidence of a wet night: worms. Worms are a large phobia of mine so every time we saw one I would jump to the side and hold in a girlish squeal.
The outside of the cultural center was short, wide, and extended far to the back as well. The bricks were light in color and alternating darker, that combined with its squat shape gave it a more welcoming look than most churches. The building had many protrusions and rooms that extended beyond the perimeter of the rest of the building, giving it a misshapen look like someone had dumped it quickly from a jar it had spattered on the ground. We were invited in and sent to a large room that used to be a gymnasium with lines still painted on the floor. A nice lady waited for us there and began a presentation about Greek art in its many time periods.
We then walked up stairs to the exhibit. A woman briefly explained some artifacts and a man there played a traditional Greek instrument. After that we visited the church part of the center. The pastor invited showed us around the church and explained a little about Greek Orthodox. The church had high ceilings on which were carving and stained glass depicting scenes from the Bible. I really appreciate the center letting us come and learn more about Greek culture.
by Emma
The walk to the bus stop proved almost more than I could handle in the wet, cold, day of this field study. My nose was running constantly and something in my hip was bothering me. Five minutes in I was already sidestepping puddles and was glad I’d worn my old Converse. They day was typical for Portland, one of the examples people give for not moving to our city yet, or one of the days real Portlanders are always out in-- walking dogs, riding their bike, or just walking for the fun of it. We got on the bus happy to be out of the drizzle but then having to find a seat next to someone we didn’t know. Going on a city bus is always a gamble because of the smell, sometimes it is like cleaning products, sometimes the smell vacuums make when the bag is full, but more often then not it smells like urine and wet sidewalks. We were blessed with a reasonably un-smelly ride on the way to the church but it was only five minutes so it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. When we got off the bus I was slightly disoriented because we had to walk some distance before getting to the church. That walk was fine in the beginning but soon we started to see the evidence of a wet night: worms. Worms are a large phobia of mine so every time we saw one I would jump to the side and hold in a girlish squeal.
The outside of the cultural center was short, wide, and extended far to the back as well. The bricks were light in color and alternating darker, that combined with its squat shape gave it a more welcoming look than most churches. The building had many protrusions and rooms that extended beyond the perimeter of the rest of the building, giving it a misshapen look like someone had dumped it quickly from a jar it had spattered on the ground. We were invited in and sent to a large room that used to be a gymnasium with lines still painted on the floor. A nice lady waited for us there and began a presentation about Greek art in its many time periods.
We then walked up stairs to the exhibit. A woman briefly explained some artifacts and a man there played a traditional Greek instrument. After that we visited the church part of the center. The pastor invited showed us around the church and explained a little about Greek Orthodox. The church had high ceilings on which were carving and stained glass depicting scenes from the Bible. I really appreciate the center letting us come and learn more about Greek culture.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Persuasive Letter
Dear Prime Minster of Australia:
Kevin Rudd,
Why is it that the people who contribute least to climate change are the ones affected by it first? As you already know, there is a string of islands near Australia called Kiribati. Every day, due to climate change, Kiribati is becoming smaller and smaller, the islands are being consumed by the ocean. Buildings that were once on the coast are now out at sea. These people’s homelands are disappearing and Australia needs to give them a place to live.
A climate change refugee is a person who has to leave their home because the land becomes unlivable either because of a receding coast line, contaminated fresh water, disappearing food sources, or storms becoming more frequent or severe, these things are caused by climate change. In the past, land being submerged under water was never a problem, but now the problem is all too real. Every year sea levels rise about three mm. It may not seem like much, but if you think about how large the ocean is and the amount it will add up to in the next decade, it’s a lot. The UN predicts that 250 million people will be displaced by climate change in the next 50 years.
The President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, has thought long and hard about Kiribati disappearing, the last thing he wants is to move his country. But the more he learns, the more it is confirmed that even if we miraculously managed to drop our Co2 emissions to zero, there is no saving Kiribati. That is why he is asking for the help of other countries to allow his people to take residence on their land. The people of Kiribati need a place to go, and it would make sense for them to go somewhere within their region, (i.e. Australia). So far Kiribati has had to move twenty-one homes, a church, and their soccer field because of rising tides. Also taro (their main food source) is harder to grow, fish are becoming scarce, and the coconut trees are dying. But one of the scariest things is that wells are drying out and salt water from the rising ocean is contaminating the fresh water. Some scientists believe that the people of Kiribati will die of thirst before the island disappears completely.
The problem with Kiribati’s request is that other countries will not see the urgency of Kiribati’s situation until it hits them. When Kiribati presented its case in front of world leaders, other countries said making climate change the top priority would put the economy in a downspin. New Zealand has made an effort to help by selecting seventy-five people a year by lottery to come take permanent residence in New Zealand. But seventy-five people isn’t much compared to the hundred thousand people living in Kiribati.
The Prime Minster of New Zealand and yourself, the Prime Minister of Australia, say that you will not “put up the white flag” just yet. You want to try and slow climate change before we have to move people around. But unfortunately it is too late for that. Kiribati is shrinking, if we put in a big effort we may be able to slow the process, but we can’t stop it. The only thing to do now is to make plans for the future. To do this, Australia needs to give the people of Kiribati a place to take residence when the time comes for them to move.
Time is running out, you must act now. The sea levels are rising and with it the fears of a nation. Land is disappearing and food and water are becoming scarce. No one is willing to understand the urgency of this situation and soon these people will have no where to go. We do not want to see a Nation lost to climate change, so we must help these people now.
Before I go, I wanted to leave you with one last thought. It may be too late to save Kiribati, but it isn’t too late for the rest of the world. We need to do everything we can to slow climate change; we are the ones who have the power to do something about it. Together, we can save the world. Thank you for reading this letter, I hope you make the right decision.
-Sophia
Sunnyside Environmental School
Portland, OR USA
Kevin Rudd,
Why is it that the people who contribute least to climate change are the ones affected by it first? As you already know, there is a string of islands near Australia called Kiribati. Every day, due to climate change, Kiribati is becoming smaller and smaller, the islands are being consumed by the ocean. Buildings that were once on the coast are now out at sea. These people’s homelands are disappearing and Australia needs to give them a place to live.
A climate change refugee is a person who has to leave their home because the land becomes unlivable either because of a receding coast line, contaminated fresh water, disappearing food sources, or storms becoming more frequent or severe, these things are caused by climate change. In the past, land being submerged under water was never a problem, but now the problem is all too real. Every year sea levels rise about three mm. It may not seem like much, but if you think about how large the ocean is and the amount it will add up to in the next decade, it’s a lot. The UN predicts that 250 million people will be displaced by climate change in the next 50 years.
The President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, has thought long and hard about Kiribati disappearing, the last thing he wants is to move his country. But the more he learns, the more it is confirmed that even if we miraculously managed to drop our Co2 emissions to zero, there is no saving Kiribati. That is why he is asking for the help of other countries to allow his people to take residence on their land. The people of Kiribati need a place to go, and it would make sense for them to go somewhere within their region, (i.e. Australia). So far Kiribati has had to move twenty-one homes, a church, and their soccer field because of rising tides. Also taro (their main food source) is harder to grow, fish are becoming scarce, and the coconut trees are dying. But one of the scariest things is that wells are drying out and salt water from the rising ocean is contaminating the fresh water. Some scientists believe that the people of Kiribati will die of thirst before the island disappears completely.
The problem with Kiribati’s request is that other countries will not see the urgency of Kiribati’s situation until it hits them. When Kiribati presented its case in front of world leaders, other countries said making climate change the top priority would put the economy in a downspin. New Zealand has made an effort to help by selecting seventy-five people a year by lottery to come take permanent residence in New Zealand. But seventy-five people isn’t much compared to the hundred thousand people living in Kiribati.
The Prime Minster of New Zealand and yourself, the Prime Minister of Australia, say that you will not “put up the white flag” just yet. You want to try and slow climate change before we have to move people around. But unfortunately it is too late for that. Kiribati is shrinking, if we put in a big effort we may be able to slow the process, but we can’t stop it. The only thing to do now is to make plans for the future. To do this, Australia needs to give the people of Kiribati a place to take residence when the time comes for them to move.
Time is running out, you must act now. The sea levels are rising and with it the fears of a nation. Land is disappearing and food and water are becoming scarce. No one is willing to understand the urgency of this situation and soon these people will have no where to go. We do not want to see a Nation lost to climate change, so we must help these people now.
Before I go, I wanted to leave you with one last thought. It may be too late to save Kiribati, but it isn’t too late for the rest of the world. We need to do everything we can to slow climate change; we are the ones who have the power to do something about it. Together, we can save the world. Thank you for reading this letter, I hope you make the right decision.
-Sophia
Sunnyside Environmental School
Portland, OR USA
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Snowed Out Again!
Unfortunately, today's field study was canceled due to the weather. Our tour guide for the visit to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial was snowed in at her home. It does not seem that we will be able to make it to this wonderful memorial tucked away in Washington Park. If you have time and please go visit and report back to the class.
More information can be found by clicking on: Oregon Holocaust Memorial
More information can be found by clicking on: Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Monday, January 26, 2009
At Its Worst
At Its Worst
By Isaac
The jeans shop is warm.
Sometimes, not worth it. But dropping the denim
To spend the remaining daylight hours dancing with my companions
This is where I’m from.
Then again, I am from that one dark, moonless night,
when someone, and no one took me and taught me how to slaughter.
Standing in line with others
To kill
my race, my age,
my religion,
even my home town was shared by many
we were not worth our money: free.
We were the walking dead.
Still I have nightmares about it
about his face.
“Please brother, I am from peace.” He said
Still, knowing the consequences of not doing so,
I pulled the trigger at point blank range
His face exploded in color
Yet…
Somehow, his expression was blank
The words fresh on his lips
Echoed through the shadowed canyon
Of my once clear conscience
“Please brother, I am from peace”
This is where I’m from
That was past, this is present
I flee.
I flee when the moon shines brighter
and the stars shine brightest
“lets split”
I am at a refugee camp living with others
But still, alone.
Like the loneliness is a disease
Spreading,
it would sweep the nation,
The globe!
If not for the prison walls of this refugee camp
I too, brother am from peace.
By Isaac
The jeans shop is warm.
Sometimes, not worth it. But dropping the denim
To spend the remaining daylight hours dancing with my companions
This is where I’m from.
Then again, I am from that one dark, moonless night,
when someone, and no one took me and taught me how to slaughter.
Standing in line with others
To kill
my race, my age,
my religion,
even my home town was shared by many
we were not worth our money: free.
We were the walking dead.
Still I have nightmares about it
about his face.
“Please brother, I am from peace.” He said
Still, knowing the consequences of not doing so,
I pulled the trigger at point blank range
His face exploded in color
Yet…
Somehow, his expression was blank
The words fresh on his lips
Echoed through the shadowed canyon
Of my once clear conscience
“Please brother, I am from peace”
This is where I’m from
That was past, this is present
I flee.
I flee when the moon shines brighter
and the stars shine brightest
“lets split”
I am at a refugee camp living with others
But still, alone.
Like the loneliness is a disease
Spreading,
it would sweep the nation,
The globe!
If not for the prison walls of this refugee camp
I too, brother am from peace.
PBS NOW: Paradise Lost
This video was shown in class today. It supports student materials on their current persuasive writing topic.
Paradise Lost
The video shown last week was: God and Global Warming
Paradise Lost
The video shown last week was: God and Global Warming
Sunday, January 25, 2009
I am from hitchhiking across the border
I was taken to hospital #36 after injured
A piece of shrapnel stuck out of my leg like a unicorns horn
I am from two dozen or so casualties in the market attack
And the smell of blood in the air
I am from relatives dieing during the transfer to hospitals
I am from no more drugs to help the wounded
Only what people could spare from their medicine cabinets
I sent his family to Ingushetia to stay with a cousin
Because there was nothing left but chaos and bodies
Because they would they would die
I have transferred 3 families in the back of my truck
I am form heavy artillery and solders in the sounding hills
I have to pay over 1000 dollars for my family and me to cross the border
My name is Akaev I am from Georgia and I am 47 years old and I am a refugee
By lee
I was taken to hospital #36 after injured
A piece of shrapnel stuck out of my leg like a unicorns horn
I am from two dozen or so casualties in the market attack
And the smell of blood in the air
I am from relatives dieing during the transfer to hospitals
I am from no more drugs to help the wounded
Only what people could spare from their medicine cabinets
I sent his family to Ingushetia to stay with a cousin
Because there was nothing left but chaos and bodies
Because they would they would die
I have transferred 3 families in the back of my truck
I am form heavy artillery and solders in the sounding hills
I have to pay over 1000 dollars for my family and me to cross the border
My name is Akaev I am from Georgia and I am 47 years old and I am a refugee
By lee
REFUGEE POEM - By: Madeleine
I come from a place called Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan is located in China and is near Russia.
I was arrested
Put in jail in Kyrgyzstan,
Because of political reason.
I come from a place where I was a musician.
I was a professional
Playing in the orchestra as a refugee I couldn’t get a job.
I come from a place I had to leave.
I had to leave my hometown;
I had never lived anywhere else
So it was like a dark room I had never entered before.
I came to a place called London.
I came to a place so magical
That it made my old hometown look like an unpolished pot.
But this place looked polished and brand new
I had a new life and I was excited.
I came to a place where I was called a refugee.
I didn’t know what the word me so when I was called “refugee”
It scared me,
I didn’t what to think.
I came to a place where people spoke English
I never knew what anyone was saying
Because did not speak their language. I started going to school to learn English.
Then I started understanding what people were saying
and English came to me like it was my own language.
I came to a place I was not accepted.
I came to a place that I now fit into.
I now live in a place where I belong.
Kyrgyzstan is located in China and is near Russia.
I was arrested
Put in jail in Kyrgyzstan,
Because of political reason.
I come from a place where I was a musician.
I was a professional
Playing in the orchestra as a refugee I couldn’t get a job.
I come from a place I had to leave.
I had to leave my hometown;
I had never lived anywhere else
So it was like a dark room I had never entered before.
I came to a place called London.
I came to a place so magical
That it made my old hometown look like an unpolished pot.
But this place looked polished and brand new
I had a new life and I was excited.
I came to a place where I was called a refugee.
I didn’t know what the word me so when I was called “refugee”
It scared me,
I didn’t what to think.
I came to a place where people spoke English
I never knew what anyone was saying
Because did not speak their language. I started going to school to learn English.
Then I started understanding what people were saying
and English came to me like it was my own language.
I came to a place I was not accepted.
I came to a place that I now fit into.
I now live in a place where I belong.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Lily-pad: Global climate change refugees
Here's a really cool idea about a safe place for future refugees who are escaping global climate change. Click here to see it.
I am from a Chance-Zsuzsa
I Am From a Chance-Zsuzsa
By Sasha
I am from a clamor of voices,
So many different nationalities
Multi-ethnic Yugoslavia,
Its rolling green hills,pastures of livestock,
When the Serbs, the Hungarians
Resided together in peace
Not caring about their differences
I am from growing up
Causing the realization
That nationalities did make a difference
Hit me like a bullet
I am from interacting with new people, times and places,
Especially my husband
And my proud college graduation,
My children, and the horror
Of war
I'm from traveling to Croatia
Where in the picturesque
Yet deceiving landscape
A war broke out
And we were unable to return to our country
I am from friends
Who helped us in our
Eventual return to Hungary
And the beautiful
But somehow inconceivable
Thought of life returning
To how it used to be
I am from the shock of Quarantine
The odor of sweat and decay
Of too many bodies
In too small a space
The sound of the harsh voices
Piercing us like knives
The feel of cold icy bunks
Digging into our skin.
I am from our release into Hungary
The feeling of finally escaping
Dimmed by the abominable and unavoidable
Life in the Refugee Camp
Where my children did not speak
Of their nationality
If they could help it
I am from the hope
Induced by the offer of a job
Educating and bonding
Children of all different nationalities and ages
Giving them the strength they needed so desperately
I am from the pride
Of being able to repair
The wrongs of the people before me
As if slowly stitching together
The remnants of the hearts
That were crudely torn apart
By the cruelty of Quarantine
I am from the delight and honor
Of the ability to
Save a boy from a horrible fate
And sparing his education
As it slowly dissolved into nothingness
I am from being given a chance
And helping others from
Leaving their futures
Lying in the dust
By Sasha
I am from a clamor of voices,
So many different nationalities
Multi-ethnic Yugoslavia,
Its rolling green hills,pastures of livestock,
When the Serbs, the Hungarians
Resided together in peace
Not caring about their differences
I am from growing up
Causing the realization
That nationalities did make a difference
Hit me like a bullet
I am from interacting with new people, times and places,
Especially my husband
And my proud college graduation,
My children, and the horror
Of war
I'm from traveling to Croatia
Where in the picturesque
Yet deceiving landscape
A war broke out
And we were unable to return to our country
I am from friends
Who helped us in our
Eventual return to Hungary
And the beautiful
But somehow inconceivable
Thought of life returning
To how it used to be
I am from the shock of Quarantine
The odor of sweat and decay
Of too many bodies
In too small a space
The sound of the harsh voices
Piercing us like knives
The feel of cold icy bunks
Digging into our skin.
I am from our release into Hungary
The feeling of finally escaping
Dimmed by the abominable and unavoidable
Life in the Refugee Camp
Where my children did not speak
Of their nationality
If they could help it
I am from the hope
Induced by the offer of a job
Educating and bonding
Children of all different nationalities and ages
Giving them the strength they needed so desperately
I am from the pride
Of being able to repair
The wrongs of the people before me
As if slowly stitching together
The remnants of the hearts
That were crudely torn apart
By the cruelty of Quarantine
I am from the delight and honor
Of the ability to
Save a boy from a horrible fate
And sparing his education
As it slowly dissolved into nothingness
I am from being given a chance
And helping others from
Leaving their futures
Lying in the dust
Where I'm From Poem: Assumani
Where I’m From: Assumani
By Sophia
I am from a large family, the youngest of seven.
I am from South Kivu Province. From the mountains and the all-too-familiar forests that encircle the lake I once swam in.
I am from my father’s death and the gun shots on my country’s soil, which forced me to leave.
I am from arriving home to a locked empty house that my family had fled from, leaving me in a sea of people, pushing and shoving; trying to escape.
From feeling truly abandoned, and alone.
From spending hours calling to my family, even though deep down, I knew they were already gone.
I am from having to leave my home wondering, did I abandon my country? Or did it abandon me?
I am from running for nine months, fleeing through six different countries, none of them feeling like home.
From unfamiliar places and people.
Now I am from a foster family, and a new home.
From nice people, and peace.
From finally being able to stop running, but I do worry that someday my fears will catch up to me.
For now I, Assumani, am from South Africa.
By Sophia
I am from a large family, the youngest of seven.
I am from South Kivu Province. From the mountains and the all-too-familiar forests that encircle the lake I once swam in.
I am from my father’s death and the gun shots on my country’s soil, which forced me to leave.
I am from arriving home to a locked empty house that my family had fled from, leaving me in a sea of people, pushing and shoving; trying to escape.
From feeling truly abandoned, and alone.
From spending hours calling to my family, even though deep down, I knew they were already gone.
I am from having to leave my home wondering, did I abandon my country? Or did it abandon me?
I am from running for nine months, fleeing through six different countries, none of them feeling like home.
From unfamiliar places and people.
Now I am from a foster family, and a new home.
From nice people, and peace.
From finally being able to stop running, but I do worry that someday my fears will catch up to me.
For now I, Assumani, am from South Africa.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Zsuzsa by Emma
I am from white stone work
Dusty roads
The scent of bougainvilleas wound around the trellis in the courtyard
I am from seeing the cobblestone vanish beneath me
From watching a baby bird take flight
and from seeing my freedom
I see the way of my life
A giant web intercepted by others
My family my friends
I am from the savory aroma of stuffed peppers
The smell of my pencil shavings
I sit cramped in my small school desk
I’m from the feeling of strength the earth emanates
From dancing fires
and
Laughing children
I am from my hopes to become a school teacher
From watching the proud eyes of my family
When I reached that goal
I’m from watching my husband rush to Hungry
From escaping the war
and hearing many languages spat from neighbor neighbors
I will never be from the frightful journey to the camp, my family by my side
Or the iron bed of quarantine
Being treated like I was something nasty to wipe off a shoe
Or the taste of food that’s not like home
Never will I savor the house made from canvas
The clingy crowded stench of sweat and fear
From seeing my freedom from beyond my reach, like a caged bird, longing to be let loose
I will bind up my thoughts and release them into the wind, the world must engulf
I will shackle the sights and let them flow into the waters
I will imprison the sounds and burn them to ashes
3 years went by,
Our only hope is Australia
As our dreams falter we settle in Hungary
At night we still watch for the sunrise of returning home
I will always be from my mothers good cooking
My child’s small laugh
and the nights of telling stories by the fire
Dusty roads
The scent of bougainvilleas wound around the trellis in the courtyard
I am from seeing the cobblestone vanish beneath me
From watching a baby bird take flight
and from seeing my freedom
I see the way of my life
A giant web intercepted by others
My family my friends
I am from the savory aroma of stuffed peppers
The smell of my pencil shavings
I sit cramped in my small school desk
I’m from the feeling of strength the earth emanates
From dancing fires
and
Laughing children
I am from my hopes to become a school teacher
From watching the proud eyes of my family
When I reached that goal
I’m from watching my husband rush to Hungry
From escaping the war
and hearing many languages spat from neighbor neighbors
I will never be from the frightful journey to the camp, my family by my side
Or the iron bed of quarantine
Being treated like I was something nasty to wipe off a shoe
Or the taste of food that’s not like home
Never will I savor the house made from canvas
The clingy crowded stench of sweat and fear
From seeing my freedom from beyond my reach, like a caged bird, longing to be let loose
I will bind up my thoughts and release them into the wind, the world must engulf
I will shackle the sights and let them flow into the waters
I will imprison the sounds and burn them to ashes
3 years went by,
Our only hope is Australia
As our dreams falter we settle in Hungary
At night we still watch for the sunrise of returning home
I will always be from my mothers good cooking
My child’s small laugh
and the nights of telling stories by the fire
Noah
1-15-09
King Dickson: Life of a Refugee
I am from getting half a bag of rice for two people
Oil and beef and beans monthly
From not having any supervision
At the refugee camp
I am from cutting down
Firewood to make money
From having been given a knife
To kill my father
From settling into a refugee camp
For six years
I am from escaping from Liberia
With complete strangers
From not trying to escape
Because if I did
The rebels would cut off my ears
From the rebels bursting into my house
And beating us
I am from going to Lola
To start high school
I went back to the camp
To finish high school
I am from hopes and dreams
Of becoming a doctor
And giving my country what it lacks
1-15-09
King Dickson: Life of a Refugee
I am from getting half a bag of rice for two people
Oil and beef and beans monthly
From not having any supervision
At the refugee camp
I am from cutting down
Firewood to make money
From having been given a knife
To kill my father
From settling into a refugee camp
For six years
I am from escaping from Liberia
With complete strangers
From not trying to escape
Because if I did
The rebels would cut off my ears
From the rebels bursting into my house
And beating us
I am from going to Lola
To start high school
I went back to the camp
To finish high school
I am from hopes and dreams
Of becoming a doctor
And giving my country what it lacks
Where I'm From: Cecilia
Where I'm From: Cecelia
by Francesca
I am from the sunny, flat plains of Sudan
feet hitting the ground and fists clenched
my parent's surreal death etched into my mind forever
terror and sadness propelling me forward, to Belgium
I am from one fateful night
the police raid shattering the silence as I slept
panic turning my blood cold as I was driven to the detention center
chained helplessly to my roommate as the stars shone through the clouds
I am from a crowded dark room
the presence of twenty others closing in on me
I am from the dread of going back to Sudan
sickening and constant, eating away at my health
I am from animal-like treatment, cruel and unforgiving
bending to fix my shoe earning me a harsh shove from the guard
my head slamming into the cold tile floor
anger tightening my throat and clouding my vision
I am from a court full of distrustful strangers
salty tears drowning out my words
living again in Belgium without papers
everything distorted by fear
“I just want to be somewhere and continue with my life
and to form another family because right now
I don't have anyone anymore.”
by Francesca
I am from the sunny, flat plains of Sudan
feet hitting the ground and fists clenched
my parent's surreal death etched into my mind forever
terror and sadness propelling me forward, to Belgium
I am from one fateful night
the police raid shattering the silence as I slept
panic turning my blood cold as I was driven to the detention center
chained helplessly to my roommate as the stars shone through the clouds
I am from a crowded dark room
the presence of twenty others closing in on me
I am from the dread of going back to Sudan
sickening and constant, eating away at my health
I am from animal-like treatment, cruel and unforgiving
bending to fix my shoe earning me a harsh shove from the guard
my head slamming into the cold tile floor
anger tightening my throat and clouding my vision
I am from a court full of distrustful strangers
salty tears drowning out my words
living again in Belgium without papers
everything distorted by fear
“I just want to be somewhere and continue with my life
and to form another family because right now
I don't have anyone anymore.”
Tree Planting this Saturday - great community project
For more info: www.friendsoftrees.org
Kerns, Laurelhurst & Sunnyside Planting (NT) - Portland
When Sat, January 24, 8:45am – 1:00pm
Where Sunnyside Methodist Church, 3520 SE Yamhill St, Portland OR (map)
Description
Neighbors will plant trees in their neighborhood. Click on "Order Street & Yard Trees" to set up an account to buy trees for your yard or parking strip. Once you set up an account, Friends of Trees will arrange for the city of Portland to inspect the planting site and issue a permit. For this planting, you must create your account by Nov 24 and order your trees by Jan 5. Questions?
Contact your Neighborhood Coordinator.
Laurelhurst: Lisa, 503-233-8235 or ladajian@msn.com.
Kerns: Cain, 503-282-8846 x 21 or caina@friendsoftrees.org
Sunnyside: Peter, 503-823-7507 or peternierengarten@hotmail.com.
Kerns, Laurelhurst & Sunnyside Planting (NT) - Portland
When Sat, January 24, 8:45am – 1:00pm
Where Sunnyside Methodist Church, 3520 SE Yamhill St, Portland OR (map)
Description
Neighbors will plant trees in their neighborhood. Click on "Order Street & Yard Trees" to set up an account to buy trees for your yard or parking strip. Once you set up an account, Friends of Trees will arrange for the city of Portland to inspect the planting site and issue a permit. For this planting, you must create your account by Nov 24 and order your trees by Jan 5. Questions?
Contact your Neighborhood Coordinator.
Laurelhurst: Lisa, 503-233-8235 or ladajian@msn.com.
Kerns: Cain, 503-282-8846 x 21 or caina@friendsoftrees.org
Sunnyside: Peter, 503-823-7507 or peternierengarten@hotmail.com.
Monday, January 19, 2009
I am from being a refugee
I am from the country I fled
Terrified of my governments punishment
I wish I could have stayed
I am from the smuggler that helped me flee
Not caring where I went, just needing to leave
Only to be detained on arrival
I am from the country that detained me
A supposed asylum from my troubles
I am from the medical treatment I needed
But was not provided with
I am from the isolated walls of the detention centre
That sealed us away from the world outside
I am from Italy
The country I was transferred to
Even when I couldn’t walk
That gave me real asylum
I am from the medical treatment I needed
That I was finally provided with
I am from the system that helped me
Even if it is not perfect
I am from the language I needed to learn
Even though many classes would not let me in
I am from my experience as a whole
Even though it was a painful one
I am from being a refugee
Even though a terrible experience
It made me stronger too
By Jeffrey
Terrified of my governments punishment
I wish I could have stayed
I am from the smuggler that helped me flee
Not caring where I went, just needing to leave
Only to be detained on arrival
I am from the country that detained me
A supposed asylum from my troubles
I am from the medical treatment I needed
But was not provided with
I am from the isolated walls of the detention centre
That sealed us away from the world outside
I am from Italy
The country I was transferred to
Even when I couldn’t walk
That gave me real asylum
I am from the medical treatment I needed
That I was finally provided with
I am from the system that helped me
Even if it is not perfect
I am from the language I needed to learn
Even though many classes would not let me in
I am from my experience as a whole
Even though it was a painful one
I am from being a refugee
Even though a terrible experience
It made me stronger too
By Jeffrey
Friday, January 16, 2009
I AM DEATH
I am from dancing
Dancing on the beach
Dancing on Ramadan
To the crashing of the waves
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from running
At gun point
To new life
Of death
And fear
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from kill or be killed
From where they say death is better than life
And it is no lie
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from holding gun to helpless head
A trigger pulled
A life forever vanished
A million possibilities
Gone
I am death, death and dancing
I am from that day
Hid in a bush
Truly an important day
All my hopes
And dreams
At the gallows
But I escaped
I am free!
I am death, death and dancing
I am from those thieving border guards
And bribes
And the Hell in that Hell they call “prison”
The demons in this Hell
They wear uniform
And carry whip in devilish hand
I am death, death and dancing
I am from Jimmi Bagbo
And escape
And lost parents
And war
I am death
I am refugee
Miles
I am from dancing
Dancing on the beach
Dancing on Ramadan
To the crashing of the waves
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from running
At gun point
To new life
Of death
And fear
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from kill or be killed
From where they say death is better than life
And it is no lie
And I am from death, death and dancing
I am from holding gun to helpless head
A trigger pulled
A life forever vanished
A million possibilities
Gone
I am death, death and dancing
I am from that day
Hid in a bush
Truly an important day
All my hopes
And dreams
At the gallows
But I escaped
I am free!
I am death, death and dancing
I am from those thieving border guards
And bribes
And the Hell in that Hell they call “prison”
The demons in this Hell
They wear uniform
And carry whip in devilish hand
I am death, death and dancing
I am from Jimmi Bagbo
And escape
And lost parents
And war
I am death
I am refugee
Miles
I am from Liberia
I am from Liberia
I had to run away though
With my aunt and cousins we all ran
I am from my feet being sore
And not eating for days
I am from running across the border
to Sierra Leone
I am exhausted
I am from people being kind to people threatening us
I am from sleeping in a mud hut all together
I am from a refugee camp
Where slept on the ground
I am from people getting sick
to dying
Mainly from water problems
I am from going to school there
To arranged concerts
To soccer games
And a church
I am from making friends
I am from war starting in Sierra Leone
I am from busses picking people up
I am from the busses being so full we couldn’t fit
It was like a zoo
Crazy
I am from getting split up from my aunt and younger cousins
We didn’t know where they were
I am from worrying about them
I am from staying at a college campus
Again there was no room for us
I am from sleeping in the sand
I was warm
Rocks and stones dug into my back
I am from deciding to go back to Liberia
I am from a fight starting there again
I am from running
This time to Guinea
I am from two days without anything
I was tired
I am from not knowing their language
The sounds all a blur
I am from learning there are no refugee camps in Guinea
I am from all of us staying with a friend my cousin made
I am from getting money and food from the Red Cross
I am from learning that my aunt and younger cousins moved to America
I am from arranging to join them
I was so happy
December 25, 1997
I am from getting kicked out of our house
A suspicion was that we were rebels
I am from having enough money to rent a house
Our applications to America were progressing
October 1998 we came to America
We had a party
I am from laughing and crying
I was happy to be there
I am from looking back at my memories
Thinking about my past
I am from arriving and going to high school
Now I am a freshman at the
College of Staten Island
I am 21 years old
I am from feeling at home here
I am from having trouble at school
I struggle and get stressed
I am from being expected to be like everyone else
I am from hearing gun shots and cries for help
It comes back to me fresh
I am from it being hard to concentrate
People do not understand
But I’m still trying
Intuma
I had to run away though
With my aunt and cousins we all ran
I am from my feet being sore
And not eating for days
I am from running across the border
to Sierra Leone
I am exhausted
I am from people being kind to people threatening us
I am from sleeping in a mud hut all together
I am from a refugee camp
Where slept on the ground
I am from people getting sick
to dying
Mainly from water problems
I am from going to school there
To arranged concerts
To soccer games
And a church
I am from making friends
I am from war starting in Sierra Leone
I am from busses picking people up
I am from the busses being so full we couldn’t fit
It was like a zoo
Crazy
I am from getting split up from my aunt and younger cousins
We didn’t know where they were
I am from worrying about them
I am from staying at a college campus
Again there was no room for us
I am from sleeping in the sand
I was warm
Rocks and stones dug into my back
I am from deciding to go back to Liberia
I am from a fight starting there again
I am from running
This time to Guinea
I am from two days without anything
I was tired
I am from not knowing their language
The sounds all a blur
I am from learning there are no refugee camps in Guinea
I am from all of us staying with a friend my cousin made
I am from getting money and food from the Red Cross
I am from learning that my aunt and younger cousins moved to America
I am from arranging to join them
I was so happy
December 25, 1997
I am from getting kicked out of our house
A suspicion was that we were rebels
I am from having enough money to rent a house
Our applications to America were progressing
October 1998 we came to America
We had a party
I am from laughing and crying
I was happy to be there
I am from looking back at my memories
Thinking about my past
I am from arriving and going to high school
Now I am a freshman at the
College of Staten Island
I am 21 years old
I am from feeling at home here
I am from having trouble at school
I struggle and get stressed
I am from being expected to be like everyone else
I am from hearing gun shots and cries for help
It comes back to me fresh
I am from it being hard to concentrate
People do not understand
But I’m still trying
Intuma
UN Human Rights - 60 years old
To see the video - click here
10 December 2008
Stephen Marley, Angelique Kidjo and Hugh Masekela are just a few of the renowned musicians from around the world to take part in a musical project, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The song and video, The Price of Silence, also features the talents of Belgian singer Natacha Atlas (best known for her work with Transglobal Underground), American singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant (formerly of 10,000 Maniacs), Chali 2na from hip-hop outfit Jurassic 5, French-Algerian musician Rachid Taha, Michael Franti (of American band Spearhead) and Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo.
10 December 2008
Stephen Marley, Angelique Kidjo and Hugh Masekela are just a few of the renowned musicians from around the world to take part in a musical project, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The song and video, The Price of Silence, also features the talents of Belgian singer Natacha Atlas (best known for her work with Transglobal Underground), American singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant (formerly of 10,000 Maniacs), Chali 2na from hip-hop outfit Jurassic 5, French-Algerian musician Rachid Taha, Michael Franti (of American band Spearhead) and Tibetan singer Yungchen Lhamo.
Recent computer activities
To support the learning in this refugee unit, students have spent some time on the following web pages:
1. Against All Odds: a computer game that simulates flight from a country
2. Beyond the Fire: teen stories from teens who have left their country due to war
1. Against All Odds: a computer game that simulates flight from a country
2. Beyond the Fire: teen stories from teens who have left their country due to war
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Upcoming Service Opportunities
Martin Luther King Jr Week-End of Service
Friday
k-1-2 Service Day 9:30 am School and grounds
Family Hunger Banquet 6:30 pm SES Cafeteria and auditorium
Saturday
El Ultimo
Bi-lingual environmental fair 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm 525 SE Stark Street
Monday
Freedom Camp
10 am to 3:00 pm
Ainsworth United Church of Christ ( 30th and Ainsworth)
Ages 5 though adult call 503-758 -9867 to register
Sisters of the Road March and Celebration 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
1615 SW 5th Ave.
Beyond
Presidents Day Rally at the State Capitol
Stand ( 9:00 am to 3:00 pm )
Energy Festival and Dance at SES
January 31st 7 to 9 pm
At home
*Take books to Powells and bring book cards to the office for classroom books
*Do a liter pick up with friends and families
*Plan a family hike and pull ivy
*Plan a neighborhood food drive
*Watch a civil rights film with a group of friends and another family
*Go through your closets and collect things for PPS clothes closet
Friday
k-1-2 Service Day 9:30 am School and grounds
Family Hunger Banquet 6:30 pm SES Cafeteria and auditorium
Saturday
El Ultimo
Bi-lingual environmental fair 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm 525 SE Stark Street
Monday
Freedom Camp
10 am to 3:00 pm
Ainsworth United Church of Christ ( 30th and Ainsworth)
Ages 5 though adult call 503-758 -9867 to register
Sisters of the Road March and Celebration 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
1615 SW 5th Ave.
Beyond
Presidents Day Rally at the State Capitol
Stand ( 9:00 am to 3:00 pm )
Energy Festival and Dance at SES
January 31st 7 to 9 pm
At home
*Take books to Powells and bring book cards to the office for classroom books
*Do a liter pick up with friends and families
*Plan a family hike and pull ivy
*Plan a neighborhood food drive
*Watch a civil rights film with a group of friends and another family
*Go through your closets and collect things for PPS clothes closet
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