https://medium.com/@joshuamedcalf/those-destined-for-greatness-must-first-walk-alone-in-the-desert-2a101ae7f780
Last week of Quarter 3, let's go!
This is the time of the quarter when I send out my Hat Tips and Encouragements to all. I'll make it short and sweet:
1. Hat Tip to everyone who has worked diligently to keep on top of their due dates. Rest easy this Spring Break, yay you! Enjoy your break.
2. Encouragements to those who got a bit behind. Take advantage of the upcoming two weeks when nothing is due! Slow and steady complete the race, so commit to a consistent amount of time each day to get caught up with coursework.
**This asterisk section is for those who need a Hail Mary to pass the class. Kidding aside, if you are in despair or feeling that you just can't anymore, please email me or attend tutoring. We'll go over where you are in class, how many hours you have left, and what we both can do to help you successfully complete your class. Act now before it's too late.
IMPORTANT:
1. Seniors! I will add some scholarship opportunities to our English Google classroom resources and QCVA website. There are many $$$ to be had for all types of students and GPAs. Do not despair, just keep your mind open to opportunities and take action when they come.
2. Tutoring is still open for this week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 to 9:45 AM https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew
3. Middle Schoolers' Huddle still happening
Thursday, March 9 · 1:30 – 2:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
WORDS TO LIVE BY:
Last week, I sent out a snippet about "The Path to Mastery." I hope that y'all took the time to contemplate about how it applies to you. This week, I'd like to share the article written by Joshua Medcalf, you can read its entirety below. He starts off by quoting Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during World War II, "Those destined for greatness must first walk alone in the desert." The writer, Joshua, then lists some of the remarkable figures in history who walked their figurative deserts in order to become great such as Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning, Steve Jobs, and so on. He explains what a "desert" is and why it's character-altering to cross it. It made me think that some people do not seek to become "great" or that "destined" sounds predetermined. I also think that crossing a figurative desert might be a bit too much for the heavy-laden or traumatized to attempt alone. Although I agree with Joshua that there are several adventures, pathways, or circumstances where one would have to travel by their lonesome in their figurative desert, I disagree with how he qualified a desert. I think that "desert" can also describe one's routine or daily tasks. I mean, life can be monotonous, right? So the droneness of life can be described as a desert. In order to be great, or better (like SELF version 2.0), one has to "walk alone in the desert." In daunting and challenging times, walking alone means being able to rely on or count on yourself even when you're a sigh away from giving up. It means betting on yourself even when you yourself doubt you. It means investing in your future especially when you put other people's needs ahead of your own's.
As we end this quarter, I challenge you to be consistent with yourself. "Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." You are in charge of YOU. Happy Spring Break, everyone!
Hat tips and Encouragements to all! You are great!
The Path to Mastery
(by George Leonard)
This week has been such a blur! Why is it Thursday already? LOL.
A few things:
1. Our Week 6 and Week 7 announcements are posted on my, Mrs. Rogers, website. Click here! As to why it is on the website and not in our Google Classroom... don't ask! I think I had several moments last week.
2. Save the Dates for State testing, please see the document and block out those days for state testing. We have review materials located on the QCVA website, please check them regularly as facilitators add more stuff weekly. Study for the tests that only pertain to your grade level. There are four tests:
AASA for Grades 7 and 8
ACT Aspire for Grade 9
ACT for Grade 11
AzSci for Grades 8 and 11
3. JUNIORS!!! I hope you have been working on your 11th Grade Academic Success class, it will help you review content for the ACT (state testing for Grade 11). The class ends on March 10 😅 Please note that the English portion of the ACT is reading comprehension AND half is punctuation and grammar. So please, please, please review for those. For information about the breakdown of the ACT and sample test materials can be found on the "Get Ready for ACT" slides here. A student can have a feel of the actual ACT test by doing the sample test through Test Nav > UNDER Practice Tests. https://tn.actonline.act.org/client/index.html You do NOT have to log in, just click on PRACTICE TEST and select TIMED. Again more info about this procedure can be found on the ACT preparation PowerPoint here. Juniors will also create an ACT account before testing on March 28-31 in order to receive their scores. Please familiarize yourself with the test so you do not feel overwhelmed when you take it.
4. SENIORS!!! If you have NOT ordered your cap and gown, the extended deadline is March 10, click here for links. Please make sure to order. If you are NOT participating in the graduation, we are so sorry that we will miss you. I'm sure you will get the reception fit for a Senior Graduate wherever you are! Please respond to the email sent out by QCVA so you can stop getting more emails about graduation LOL.
5. Middle Schoolers, we have our last Informal Huddle this Thursday. Please come! We have a raffle to declare our March winner. We are talking about how to be concise in writing 😁
Middle Schoolers' Huddle with Mrs. Rogers
Thursday, March 9 · 1:30 – 2:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
** This week, same old same old, see you for Tutoring. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 to 9:45 AM, please click on the link to join via Google Meets https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew
Finally, I would like to share this diagram from the book "The Path to Mastery" by George Leonard. The diagrams represent (1) what we want- which is continued growth exponentially, (2) how the journey of mastery feels- which is like a roller coaster, and (3) what the path to mastery is- which is like stairs. He said that the real path to mastery follows a pattern: (a) short growth spurt where you are introduced to a skill and you begin to do it, then (b) a slight dip- now you can to that skill but has not mastered it all the way yet, then (c) a long plateau because you have to keep practicing in order to perfect it. Last, you have to repeat (a) to (c) until you master the entire craft or skill set. Every time we learn something new, we bring the bar of learning higher and higher when we "master" that skill set. It's like unlocking a new level of yourself every time you do something new! So do not be disappointed if you feel like you're on a roller coaster while trying something new out. It's normal. The path of mastery takes time and it has several steps so be patient with yourself. Take learning one step at a time!
I think I have covered everything. Keep on going QCVA, friend! The end of the school year is getting closer, last leg, you can do this! Take care!
Hello QCVA Friends!
I hope you spent your three-day weekend how you wanted it. I was busy and was thankful to have Monday as an extra day to prepare for the week. I hope y'all enjoyed your Presidents' Day weekend and took a moment to reflect on how our leaders have shaped and directed our nation. I always think about the quote, "Be careful where you lead, because others may follow." Sometimes, we are presented with a leader that has our best interest at heart. Other times, we have one who leads yet gets others astray. As individuals with minds and abilities to choose, let us rally behind any leader and any cause that is right and true. (Although "right and true" is subjective). Collectively, we can bring about change through our action and inaction. As the year progresses, I hope that you will take the time to evaluate our leaders and decide which "causes" to push along, and which to halt.
Onto QCVA matters, please mark your calendars for state testing. Grades 10 and 12, you are off the hook this year. Other grades, I'm sorry, but state testing is mandatory 😁
The QCVA website offers in-depth details about each tests and provides videos and links on how to prepare. Please click here to be directed to the website. I will be sending out videos soon so please take the time to view them and do not ignore!
IMPORTANT THIS WEEK:
We continue with our tutoring, ACT review, and Middle Schoolers Informal Huddle. See you there!
Howdy everyone! I hope that all is well!
February is flying by, isn't it?!
Let's make things a little more exciting. Would you like to win a $30 Harkins gift card while earning EXTRA credit? Say YES!
The purpose of this Writing Prompts activity is to get your creativity and writing skills going. Complete all the prompts and submit by May 7 at 11:59 PM to enter a chance to win a $30 Harkins gift card AND get extra credit!
THREE lucky submissions will be drawn on May 8 to receive a $30 Harkins gift card. Winners will be notified in the English Google Classroom and District Gmail.
ALL submissions will receive extra credit. A 100% score will replace your lowest scored Unit Test, Essay, or Project- whatever coursework will improve your Actual Grade more.
Please complete this Google Slide IN YOUR ENGLISH GOOGLE CLASSROOM by May 7th at 11:59 PM. Don’t forget to include your name on this PowerPoint AND carefully follow the directions for each prompt.
I can’t wait to ready your responses. Happy Writing!
IMPORTANT:
JUNIORS- I have set up a meeting to answer your questions for ACT. Attend! Also, we have a raffle to win gift cards, so please attend.
ACT Prep 11th Grade QCVA (virtual)
Wednesday, February 15 · 10:00 – 10:30am
Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jcg-gjor-zxu
Middle Schooler's Huddle- We are moving this week's Thursday meeting to a Wednesday. Please come!
Thursday, February 16 · 1:30 – 2:00pm
Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
We also have English tutoring available, click to join:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9:00 to 9:45 AM https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew
REMINDER:
Please continue to check our QCVA website for information on State Testing and how to prepare.
Hello February! How is everyone? How was your weekend? Mine was busy and productive.
This week we are going to put a spotlight on how you can receive tutoring from the facilitators. We are available via Google Meet and phone call and email, click here! Please know that we are here to assist you, no question is too simple or grand. Always come prepared by reviewing your lessons, completing coursework, or having questions prepared. If you need a retake and want to prepare for it, attend tutoring to maximize your points.
THIS WEEK:
JUNIORS- I have set up a meeting to answer your questions for ACT. Attend! Also, we have a raffle to win gift cards, so please attend.
ACT Prep 11th Grade QCVA (virtual)
Wednesday, February 8 · 10:00 – 10:30am
Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jcg-gjor-zxu
Middle Schooler's Huddle- We are moving this week's Thursday meeting to a Wednesday. Please come!
Wednesday, February 8 · 1:30 – 2:00pm
Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
Grades 9 to 12- Please review this scholarship opportunity for $5,000! "I'm Sarah Johnson, Program Manager for the Laboratory for Energy And Power Solutions (LEAPS) located on the ASU Polytechnic Campus. We are hosting a scholarship competition for high school students. Click here for more details. Details are also available on the competition website: Military Infrastructure Resiliency Challenge, click here.
We also have English tutoring available, click to join:
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9:00 to 9:45 AM https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew
It's now February 6th. It sometimes feels like time is dragging but at the same feels like flying by so fast. You may have questions about the future, maybe some uncertainties, or just feeling the pangs of doing the same things over and over. I can relate to that feeling of uneasiness because life seems mundane or monotonous. Stuff seems hum-drum because it's the same routine day in and day out, year after year. As we all know, life comes in stages. We often hear, "its the journey, not the destination." However, sometimes one can feel a sense of being lost especially if the road being traversed is taking forever. Like, "when will I get there?" You have been in school since you were five years old. I know how you feel! Let me assure you that being in school is a great path to take for adulthood. Not only because society requires workers to have graduated with a high school degree or GED, but because education (though some information may be irrelevant) teaches us the basics for learning- reading and writing, math, applied science, humanities appreciation, art, philosophy, critical thinking, and a whole lot more. Please note that school will not teach you everything you need for real life because living/adulthood is so complex, one can't expect 4 years of high school to do the trick. 2019 statistics say that only 37% of Americans graduate with reading comprehension skills proportional to their grade level. This means that only 37% of 12th graders can read proficiently given a 12th-grade-level text. What is a 12th-grade level text? Think of procedures on how to take a prescription, directions on a technical multi-step manual, or works written by Shakespeare. It's concerning that a good majority of the literate population is underskilled. This means that you should take pride in what you do for you have some more school years ahead of you. Also, take this statistic as a challenge! Time flies, but you are the pilot so take yourself to new heights. Although you may not know exactly what the future holds, take confidence in knowing that you are on the right path by being in school. "It feels good to be lost in the right direction"
The future is bright! Life may be repetitive but it sure offers all of us opportunities to grow, to be better individuals, and to help others along the way. Celebrate your small wins and be proud of the things you have accomplished. Tackle that challenge and don't be a statistic.
Again, Juniors and Middle Schoolers, I will see you on Wednesday, February 8. Please check your Gmail for invites or click on the links above. Take care!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12HQSX1E-BYR4pVP1Y_fZX1qOA_H5tICS/view?usp=sharing
https://usafacts.org/data/topics/people-society/education/k-12-education/12th-grade-students-or-above-proficient-reading/
Week 4 went by super fast, didn't it? Now it's week 5 and just like that we are now mid-way through Quarter 3. I hope that everyone has gotten their routines down 😁 To our new transferees, welcome to QCVA!
In this announcement are "All About English Class and Edgenuity" and "English Class & Resources" poster. Please take the time to review these documents as it has important information about our program.
This week, I would like to put a spotlight on how to download guided notes from Edgenuity and how to take your very own e-notes. Please know that you can use your hand-written notes, as well as your e-notes during your final test/cumulative exam so I would suggest that you take advantage of it! Hint hint- You may copy and paste lectures in your notes. https://youtu.be/Yupw3Icaclw
Important this week- please review our Writing Tools. There are links within the slides. Topics include understanding the prompt, VOICES, Elaboration strategies, FLEE map organizer, Informative and Argumentative essay format, and rubrics among others. It's a one-stop-shop resource. Please take the time to view these simple yet effective tools especially when you get stuck with your writing projects. Please go to CLASSWORK to view the PowerPoint and videos or click here.
General plug- Please visit the QCVA website for announcements and resources- https://sites.google.com/qcusd.org/qcva/announcements
MORE IMPORTANT STUFF:
Middle Schoolers- see you on Thursday, February 2, for our Informal Huddle featuring Argumentative Writing. As always we have a weekly raffle and a monthly raffle. Please join and do not miss out! In the following weeks, we will discuss preparations for the upcoming state testing AASA and AzSci. Click on the video link to join:
Middle Schoolers' Huddle with Mrs. Rogers.
Thursday, February 2 · 1:30 – 2:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
Calling all Freshmen! State testing is coming soon but do not fret. You have until April to prepare. Please mark your calendar for ACT Aspire on April 18 and 19. An overview of the state test can be located here https://sites.google.com/qcusd.org/qcva/aasa-azsci-act-aspire-act
Calling all Sophomores! You have it easy, no state testing for you this year!
Calling all Juniors! Please do not ignore invites for ACT Preparation sessions via Google Meets. Yep, you read it right! ACT is just around the corner and we want you to be ready for it. I know that Ms. Reid and Mr. McDonald have already launched their series so please join. Mine was on January 12-13, the material is posted in our English Google Classroom and the QCVA website state testing page https://sites.google.com/qcusd.org/qcva/aasa-azsci-act-aspire-act
Calling all Seniors! Letters about graduation have been sent out. Please read them carefully and order your cap and gown soon. Check the QCVA website for recent announcements and information about after highschool pathways and scholarships for both CAREER and COLLEGE. https://sites.google.com/qcusd.org/qcva-seniors/scholarships
Again, QCVA friends, I believe that you have the power within you to succeed! And when I say succeed, like "having attained success," I don't mean getting test scores of 100%. By "succeed" I mean "being better than last year", succeed means "putting more effort and mindfulness into your tasks", succeed means "being proud and tired because you've given your best and more." This is what succeeding looks like (to me)! Please know that even though most of you do not attend our Google Meets or our Tutoring sessions, I always root for you! I care even if I only get to see you during finals week and I mean what I say in those Edgenuity notes.
As you finish this week, please take the time to pat yourself on the back, and repeat these words- "I am trying, I am enough, I will succeed."
Take care, everyone! Please review our resources this week. I'll see you next week!
Semester 2 Week 3 already?
How's it going QCVA Friends?! I hope that all is well and that you are back in the routine of things. How was winter break? How was coming back from break? I hope all good news!
January 17 marks the 100 days of school! Yay, everyone! That means that we only have 80 school days left. I know what you are thinking, 80 days is a ways away! Well... if you were able to hang in there for 100 days, then 80 should be a doozy. This semester will go by quickly, with Spring Break and State Testing sprinkled in, the next thing you know is that you will have another school year in the books. Yes to another school year to your accomplishment!
With this in mind, for Semester 2 I encourage you to keep doing what you're doing. Maybe this semester, sprinkle in a little bit more gumption, gusto, or enthusiasm. If you are feeling tired and just about ready to give up... do not just yet. Hang in there a little bit more. "Courage doesn't always roar, sometimes it's the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering I will try again tomorrow" - Marry Anne Radmacher.
It's going to be a busy and fast semester so make every day count! Stay on track by completing your coursework on time, scoring above 70% for all assessments, and communicating with the facilitators if you are having issues. Students should have an action plan in order to pass classes this semester, so don't be without one. Again, QCVA is here to assist you so don't be shy and ask for help when needed 😁 (Sometimes, I feel like a gif, I keep repeating myself). Anywho, I hope everyone has an amazing rest of the semester!
7th and 8th grades- we pick up on our weekly meetings starting this Thursday, January 19
Middle Schoolers' Huddle with Mrs. Rogers
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uom-afvv-hfn
12th grade- please review your transcript in Synergy. It shows your cumulative GPA. If your GPA is over 3.25 you are eligible for Merit, Academic, or President's Scholarships for Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona universities. Your transcript should also show last semester 1's percentile ranking compared to the rest of your graduating class. There are a lot of scholarships out there for CAREER and College. Completing your FAFSA application will open doors for you to get those scholarships so please complete your FAFSA soon, like in a week or two kinda soon.
IMPORTANT- today is the deadline to submit your request to have your elective replaced IF you do not like it. Please view the QCVA website for an elective change request- https://sites.google.com/qcusd.org/qcva/announcements
Live Session/Tutoring with Mrs. Rogers
Mon, Tues, Fri 9:00 to 9:45
Click here to join via Google Meet
https://meet.google.com/hfe-dtwc-xew
I hope you all have a great week! Take care!
The year has begun. Whooo hooo!
I'm making this announcement short and sweet!
Please view our QCVA website for our activities this week.
JUNIORS: We have ACT Prep Meetings this week. A calendar invite has been sent. A recording of the meetings will be posted soon.
Welcome back, QCVA Friends!
I hope you had an amazing break.
Cheers to the new year!