EXTRA CREDIT due ASAP

Please check back often as this list is regularly updated with new contests and activities.  Find a contest?  Send the information to me, please.  Perhaps I can add it here. 

EXTRA CREDIT THAT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE in Ehrlich's Classes 

(just in case your grade is not quite up to par... yet)

• ALL CLASSES - 15 points - EXTRA CREDIT - SOMETHING ROTTEN play review  - Due by 3/3 (info. posted on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM)

• 30 points - FL DOE - FLORIDA CONTIBUTIONS TO AMERICA ESSAY -  Due by 3/6 (info. posted on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM)

• 11th and 10th - Membean (TENTATIVE, based on funding) grade is based on completing 40-45+ minutes, with few to no "dubious"* minutes, AND at least 70% or higher score for the week - Will no longer give extra credit for this after  3/1

  1. Min. time met on Membean (40-45+ minutes, with few to no "dubious"* minutes) AND a 80%-100% score for the week = 100; 

  2. Min. time met on Membean (40-45+ minutes, with few to no "dubious"* minutes) AND a 70%-79% score for the week = 70; 

  3. Min. time met on Membean NOT met AND/OR with excessive "dubious"* minutes) AND/OR a less than score of 70% for the week = 0; 

* The computer tracks periods of "dubious" inactivity (running the clock, questionable lack of accuracy, etc.).  Excessive "dubious" minutes will often be noted as a ZERO in the gradebook. 

NOTE: Students that complete 60+ minutes of MEMBEAN, with few to NO "dubious" minutes, and SCORE at least 80%+ for the week, will receive an additional ten (10) points onto the MEMBEAN grade for the week

• KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR REGULAR UPDATES, as the year progresses

PREVIOUS EXTRA CREDIT; NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE; but, MAY be again 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - 30 points - EXTRA CREDIT - Holocaust Reflection Contest Submissions - Due by 1/30 (info. posted on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM)

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - 30 points - EXTRA CREDIT - ESU ESSAY -  Due by 1/30 (info. posted on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM)

• ALL CLASSES - NO LONGER AVAILABLE - Essay contest (must do the essay requirements for the extra credit; read the directions carefully) option, from the Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews.  Information and required form is here:  - 30 points for one entry (must do contest and complete proper forms).  Submit the ESSAY and APPLICATION  in a 9 x 12" manilla envelope.  Address on form (posted on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM).    Place $2 in stamps (or bring to the post office to be weighed for proper postage). DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE so I may review contents. 

• ALL CLASSES - NO LONGER AVAILABLE  - Shining Light from the Holocaust: Students Against Antisemitism and All Forms Of Hate 

Chesed (Kindness) Social Media Contest empowers The School District of Palm Beach County middle and high school students to use their creativity and influence to stand against antisemitism, bullying, discrimination or any form of hate. While the Holocaust was marked by immense cruelty and countless acts of hatred, there were also moments of profound kindness that offer lasting lessons. 

Inspired by these acts, students will create original social media posts that promote kindness, acceptance, and respect. By amplifying youth voices on platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, the contest encourages real change—shaping a culture of empathy both online and in schools.

Students may submit entries individually or as part of a group.

Official Rules and Guidelines​

​inSIGHT Through Education’s Chesed (Kindness) Social Media Contest is open to any full-time student in The School District of Palm Beach County middle and high schools. This is a student-driven contest, meaning all content must be researched, created, and submitted by the students themselves. Each participant must obtain parental or guardian consent, and a signed waiver must be submitted to confirm eligibility. Students are required to use their personal email address when submitting their entry. Submissions must be an authentic account of Chesed—an act of kindness or compassion—during the Holocaust, such as the actions of rescuers, hidden children, or the Righteous Among the Nations. Every entry must also include a clear connection between the chosen Holocaust narrative and a modern lesson about standing up to antisemitism, bullying, discrimination, or any form of hate while promoting kindness, acceptance, and respect. To ensure accuracy, each submission must include a list of sources used in researching the Holocaust narrative, and all information must be factually reliable. Entries may take the form of a short social media video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts) or an educational Instagram slide deck. All submissions must be original, student-created work, and any plagiarism, fabrication, or uncredited use of outside content will result in disqualification.

Process

Step 1: Research & Reflect

• Choose a true historical account of Chesed (kindness and compassion) from the Holocaust. 

• Every submission must also include a source list​

Examples: rescuers, hidden children, or small acts of courage that showed humanity during dark times.Reflect on the lesson: Using the sources below: What can these courageous acts of kindness teach your generation about standing up against antisemitism, bullying, discrimination or any form of hate?Step 2: Create Your Message

• Turn that lesson into a modern message of kindness, acceptance, and respect.

• Think about how it connects to your peers’ lives — school, friendships, online spaces.

• Focus on influencing attitudes and behaviors to promote empathy.
   

Step 3: Choose Your Format

You can share your message in one of two creative ways:

• Social Media Video – engaging short content for TikTok or Instagram Reels.

• Can include graphics, live acting, skits, voiceover storytelling, or creative edits.

• Should grab the attention of peers.

Option 1: One video that is 60–90 seconds longOption 2: Short video series consisting of three (3) videos, each 30 seconds long

Videos should be creative, engaging, and able to stand alone as complete stories.

• Multi-Slide Instagram-Inspired Post  – educational, visual storytelling in a swipe-through carousel.

• Combine photos, bold graphics, and short text.

• Keep it clear, eye-catching, and meaningful

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A post consisting of 4–10 slides in portrait (4:5 ratio)Should effectively tell a story or inform on a specific topic through a thoughtful combination of images, graphics, and text. Each slide should contribute to the overall message and be visually cohesive.

Step 4: Inspire & Impact

• Submit your Entry

• Winning entries will be chosen based on creativity, impact, and engagement.

• The goal isn’t likes—it’s about influencing peers, sparking conversations, and
  combating  antisemitism, bullying, discrimination or any form of hate with kindness and compassion.

​All entries must be submitted electronically by 12/8 (for credit in the course).

Submit online at  https://form.jotform.com/252598827278072  and here (link or file). 

REMINDER: Entries may take the form of a short social media video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts) or an educational Instagram slide deck. All submissions must be original, student-created work, and any plagiarism, fabrication, or uncredited use of outside content will result in disqualification.

Make sure to use my name and email in your entry form (must enter the contest to receive credit; otherwise must complete the assigned Poetry Project) 

Name of Teacher: Richard Ehrlich

Teacher Email: richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org

All winners will be announced on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27th.

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - EXTRA CREDIT and potential college SCHOLARSHIP - DUE TO ME BY 11/14 (or by 11/17, in the morning)   - Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Essay Contest. Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage”.  

For more information, visit www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com .

There are many examples throughout our state’s history of Native Americans and their heritage. Using your own words, write about a Native American who has had a lasting impact whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be Florida Native American. 

Some examples are:

• Betty Mae Tiger Jumper – First woman elected as Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida

• Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas, Ulele

• Osceola (Billy Powell) – An advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s

• Noah Billie – An acclaimed Seminole painter

• Billy Bowlegs III – A historian who helped introduce Americans to the Seminole tribe in the 20th century

Using several credible sources with varying points of view, write about a Florida Native American’s heritage. The student should explain in their own words why the subject of the essay is worthy of recognition. Write your essay in a way that demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic and historical context. Be sure to properly cite your sources on a separate page. (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/)

May enter only one TYPED ESSAY, written in English, no longer than 500 words. - Entries should be brought to me in an envelope with $2 in stamps on it. DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE.   

Envelope should be addressed to: 

Volunteer Florida

Native American Heritage Month Committee 

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250 

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Essays must include student’s name, home address, telephone number, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, grade level, title of the essay and a word count.  MUST INCLUDE a LEGIBLE ENTRY FORM as well.  ALSO, must include a 200-250 word personal essay of why you believe you are deserving of the two year scholarship, what your plans are for the future and what you have done recently – during the past six months – to give back to your community.

*THE FORMS that you need are at: https://www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-NAHM-Essay-Contest-Grades-4-12_Guidelines.pdf    

NOTE: In addition to the 500-word essay, entry form, and personal essay, each student must also submit a letter of recommendation (no more than 250 words) from an educator (teacher/principal/coach).  You may include such a letter or I WILL ADD A LETTER FROM ME IN THE ENVELOPE.  SO, DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE.  THIS IS WHY you must submit this to me by 11/14 or no later than 11/17 (in the morning). 

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• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -11th grade - Use painted paper mache, colorful foam, or other artistic mediums to create a colorful and eye-catching three-dimensional Writing Burger to demonstrate the conventions of a standard five paragraph essay formula.  Each part of the burger (Top Bun, Tomato, Lettuce, Burger, Bottom Bottom) must be labeled appropriately (e.g. Introduction, Body Paragraph, Body Paragraph, Body Paragraph, Body Paragraph, Conclusion). - May complete one for basic Writing Burger per year for fifteen+ (15+) points. Adding additional details on the burger (such as adding onions or pickles on top of each of the body paragraphs to represent college-level transitions (e.g. "In addition," "However," "Some would argue that...) or adding olives, held on by toothpicks to the top bun, to provide different types of grabs or hooks (label appropriately with different types (e.g. scene-setting, use of a quote, etc.) will earn additional points   REMINDER: This is NOT a drawing, poster, digital medium, etc.  NOTE:You can make this as weird or as creative as you want!   - 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -12th grade, AP LIT - AP PROGRESS CHECKS are required for the course. Each quarter we will complete a series of AP PROGRESS CHECKS on the AP CLASSROOM. If you earn a 75 PERCENT OR HIGHER PASSING SCORE ON EACH for the quarter, 30 points will be added at the end of the quarter to a grade - 30 points 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -12th grade, ENGLISH IV Honors Due by 10/10 - Create a vision of the future (36 years).  NOTE: I chose 36 years since that is the amount of time from publication to the setting of Orwell's 1984.   Must be based on CURRENT trends and directions.  No wars, apocalypse, zombies, alien invasions, robots or animals taking over the world, global flooding, EXTREME weather changes, etc.   REMINDER: This are current trends moving forward. No drawings.  DETAILED, color paintings are acceptable.   No poetry or short stories (though you can write and perform a scene from YOUR play).   No projects that use FOIL or that involve recycling/upcycling clothing, etc.  BE ORIGINAL. Be creative.  Songs--with lyrics written by you--are accepted.  You must perform!  DO NOT USE PRE-MADE SONGS unless you rewrite the lyrics.  DANCE or non-verbal performances,  etc. must include narration/explanation.   Animations!  Cartoons!  YES!  Make your own LEGO movie!  Nothing on 8 ½ x 11” paper (unless DIGITAL MEDIA). No performance art pieces.   Don’t just drop a feather.  No Prezi, PowerPoint, Google Slide, or other multimedia presentations.  You can make a documentary-style film though. This is PERFORMANCE!  Bring the FUTURE alive!  Expect subjective grading for creativity and originality! - 30 points 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -ALL CLASSES - AVAILABLE ONLY until 10/10: Write ONE free-verse or rhyming poem on "THE HIDDEN LIFE OF SPICES". Submission: Submit entries online link: https://forms.gle/EJzd4csvGnkSF1R56 .  Possible topics related to the 2025 NCW theme include: Turmeric, Aroma, Eugenol, Cinnamon, Capsaicin, Gingerol,  Chili, Cinnamon, Molecules, and / or Fragrances. Your poem must be no more than 40 words and in the following styles to be considered (NOTE: The contest allows other forms (Ie. haiku, etc.) but I only accept these FORMATS for the extra credit): ODE - FREE VERSE - END RHYME - BLANK VERSE.    READ THE ENTRY FORM ONLINE FIRST: https://forms.gle/EJzd4csvGnkSF1R56 .  

THEN, create a physical drawing of the poem.  It will be judged on...

Artistic Merit - Color, quality of drawing, design & layout

Poem Message - Must be fun, motivational, inspiring about yearly theme

Originality and Creativity - Must be unique, clever and/or creative design

Neatness - Must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. 

The text of the poem should be easy to read.    

No clipart or unoriginal images can be used. No use of AI. Only one entry per student will be accepted.  Only use unlined paper or software. 

YOU MUST UPLOAD to the GOOGLE FORM.  Make sure that my name "Richard Ehrlich" is noted for the teacher and my email "Richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org" for the teacher's email. 

NOTE: Make a screen shot of the completed form BEFORE submitting.  UPLOAD the screen shot AND a copy of the poem and artwork to the GOOGLE CLASSROOM (posted) . - 30 points extra credit

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -12th Honors / ENG IV  - Art and Emotion: Consider how art conveys emotion in BEOWULF. Then, create an original artwork reflecting a specific scene and emotion from the story.  Include an explanation of choices based on the text. - 15 points 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -12th Honors / ENG IV  - Create a digital museum exhibit with symbols and artifacts representing the personality and perspective of a character from BEOWULF.  Include explanations of choices based on the text. - 15 points 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE -12th Honors / ENG IV  - Create a music video with either an original song about Beowulf and his epic battles or take a popular song and re-write the lyrics to create a song about Beowulf and his epic battles. The video/performance must not exceed 5 minutes in length. - 15 points 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - May complete one per year - Pick a poem that has been in one of the lessons.  Make a digital video that displays and animates the poem. Note: I reserve the right to accept or reject based on creativity, effort, etc.  - Must email either an .mp4, an .mov., or an .avi - 30 points extra credit.  EXAMPLES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJicmE8fK0Egxi0hgy5Tw-NFyLcpJ4bzJ 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - ALL CLASSES SUBMIT by 2/7 - Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Student Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.    INFORMATION posted on 1/24 for ODD CLASSES and posted on 1/26 for EVEN CLASSES.  Check GOOGLE CLASSROOM for more info.

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - ALL CLASSES - one POEM for this contest may be submitted for the year - Due by 12/15 for Quarter II  - How do our words and actions impact others? Our communities? What can we say and do to help promote a more just, humane, and compassionate world?  Write a poem on the theme of The Power of Our: Words and Actions. 

Should be between 15 and 30 lines (complete sentences; properly capitalized; punctuated (sorry, no e.e. cummings in here), etc.) and contain at least two forms of imagery and make use of symbolism (and irony?). 

Express through YOUR OWN original poem how you can positively impact others and/or your community by what you say and do. 

NOTE: Attached (with tape, not a staple) the completed entry form (Fill out the form completely (in ink), cut it out on the dotted line (do not include whole brochure), and attach securely to the back of your entry with tape (do not staple). - 3o points for ONE POEM (with the completed entry form taped to the back).  Click here for the form needed. 

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE - ALL CLASSES - Due by 10/6 - Type ONE poem (does not have to rhyme) that is original (your work)

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE - FLORIDA BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating African-American Contributions to Florida’s History".  Students in grades 4-12 may use this online form to submit the documents required for the essay contest.  Official rules and guidelines are available for download here (right-click and choose "Save Link As"). . Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  All entries must be received by 5 pm (ET) on Friday, February 18, 2022.  Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines: Student contest forms and educator nomination forms may be submitted online (http://floridablackhistory.com/student-essay-entry-form.html) or at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.  Screen shot the application and provide a copy of your written essay to me at richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org for 30 points for one written, submitted essay. 

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE  YES!  The Palm Beach Branch of the English-Speaking Union invites you to enter our 2022  English Essay Contest for students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The following is this year’s essay topic: Choose a character from a novel or play that has impacted your life and interview him or her in a podcast.  Choose a name for the podcast (essay) and write between 500-700 words.  The podcasts (essay) will be will be judged on their content, dialogue, adherence to the genre, level of engagement, and style.   GUIDELINES FOR ENTRIES: 1) Email  a PDF copy of the podcast, typed and double spaced.  Do not put YOUR name on any copy of the podcast (essay).  2)  Include a title page identifying the student (your name), grade level, school: Dreyfoos School of the the Arts, teacher (Mr. Richard Ehrlich), and a title identifying the name of the podcast (essay) and the character being interviewed.  Only one title page is necessary.  3) Submit the title page and the podcast (essay) to me by  2/28.  Contest winners will be notified in early April and awards will be made at the Annual Meeting of the English-Speaking Union April 12.  Winners will receive monetary prizes.  - 30 points for one typed, submitted podcast (essay) with the title page.    BRING ME a PRINT COPY OF THE TITLE PAGE paperclipped to the ASSIGNMENT by 3/8

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE - Check out http://www.floridablackhistory.com/student-contests.html for information on GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS' AND FIRST LADY CASEY DESANTIS' BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART AND ESSAY CONTESTS.  Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12. WINNERS will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Entries can be submitted electronically through the online submission form: http://floridablackhistory.com/student-essay-entry-form.html . All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 26, 2021. Entries submitted electronically will receive email confirmation.   Forward the email confirmation to richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org for EXTRA CREDIT (50 points).  

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE - Want to REPLACE one low CLASSWORK grade for this quarter?  Try this Poetry Challenge by 1/22: Honor MLK By Describing How You Dream A World.  Submit the poem at the link provided AND email me a copy of your poem at richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org .  Check out https://www.npr.org/2021/01/18/956827920/poetry-challenge-honor-mlk-by-describing-how-you-dream-a-world for more information.   

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE (due date was 11/30) - □ Art □ Essay □ Oratorical □ Performing Arts □ Photography □ Poetry . MARTIN LUTHER KING JR COORDINATING COMMITTEE 2021 Annual Competition.  THEME: "His Dream was a Moment, Our Success is a Movement!"  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., here are a series of contests in which you may wish to participate (and EARN PRIZES and EXTRA CREDIT).  Here is a link to the GUIDELINES and application (application is on page 3): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nWl3I-swdvAzdWNBz0VCTLT8z5V9HEup/view?usp=sharing  - 30 points for entry into the ESSAY CONTEST and/or 30 points for entry into the POETRY CONTEST.  Scan both the ESSAY (page 5) and the completed application (page 3 or download as needed from their website: www.mlkccpbc.org  ) for the points and/or scan both the POETRY (page 10) and the completed application (page 3 or download as needed from their website: www.mlkccpbc.org  ) for the points. Email the scans to richard.ehrlich@palmbeachschools.org in ADDITION to mailing to the contest.    You MUST MAIL the entry and the application by the end of November for this extra credit: MLKCC-WPB - Attn: Edith C. Bush – 1444 8th Street – West Palm Beach, FL 33401 .  This extra credit ends on 11/30.  NOTE: You are welcome to participate in ANY of their contests but extra credit is ONLY for either/both the essay contest or/and the poetry contest.  Again, you MAY do both.  Each is worth 30 points.  Mail in separate envelopes.  NOTE: There is also a COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP opportunity on pages 11 and 12 (all you need is a 2.0 or higher GPA).

  • NO LONGER AVAILABLE (due date was 10/15) - ESSAY contest and an opportunity to a FOUR YEAR SCHOLARSHIP.  Each student will submit one essay, no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme: “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida”. One high school student will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.Student contest forms (and educator nomination forms, for those with kind hearts who wish to honor a teacher) may be submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com . http://floridahispanicheritage.com/student-essay-contest/ All entries must be received by 5 pm (ET) on September 25.  After you complete the form, take a screenshot (SNIPPING tool) and email me the screenshot BEFORE submitting.  Also, submit the essay on the assignment placed on the GOOGLE CLASSROOM.  - 30 points for one.   All entries must be received by 5 pm (ET) on October 15. This extra credit ends on 10/15.

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