Grade 9 finished Romeo & Juliet with short, modern-day film adaptations and/or revisions of scenes from the play. Some of them were surprisingly well shot and edited. You can check them out here: youtube.com/playlist?list=… #Shakespeare #sja_jeju

Convincing 9th graders that they can be poets is never easy. After discussion and exemplars, I gave them a pile of abstract adjectives and nouns to turn into concrete phrases and post. Not bad work! miro.com/app/board/uXjV… #sja_jeju #poetry

Our Capstone Scholars (top Capstone students) presented their year to their peers, especially with advice to incoming Seniors to not procrastinate (as they do). Here's to the 2021-22 cohort of Capstone graduates! #sja_jeju #capstone

Gd 9 fin8shed their end-of-the-year SLAM competition. They were very scared to do it in the beginning, but today I heard confident voices sharing everything from a love letter from an alarm clock to facing racism in the USA to mourning a lack of free-throw ability. #sja_jeju

The interview about the Capstone program that I lead in curriculum design for the HS came out today in The JoonAng (3rd largest newspaper in Korea). joongang.co.kr/article/250788… #sja_jeju

My parents are loyal members of americanair, but after my experiences with horrendous customer service, they're reconsidering their options for their next vacation.

Student feelings affect academic ability. In the beginning of the year, I ask students to let me know if they're having a rough day so I can give them a break in class. I have a 'meditation' jar (water and glitter) that's available for use when they're feeling stressed, 1 of 2

to monitor their emotional health and know who to check in with. I also have stuffed animals that even seniors like to hold while they're working or stressed. I've found trusting that they're allowed to feel feelings helps a lot with their academic growth. 2 of 2

Having fun with our new school mascot! GO HILLTOPPERS!! #sja_jeju

I just read an article with my Gd 9 students about dystopian governments vs. dystopian fiction. This article will be a perfect beginning to discuss this idea as we start The Hunger Games. #sja_jeju apnews.com/article/middle…

My classroom comfort animals two years ago vs. today. It's wild how even seniors love them. #sja_jeju

Today, students practiced writing using character voice and descriptive language by giving eulogies for Rue from The Hunger Games. They loved walking in to the decorations and my greeting of serious thanks for coming to Rue's funeral. #sja_jeju

😁Anonymous 9th grade review: "This was my first time that I felt English class is fun... I used to 'hate' reading, but now I'm into reading. I realized that reading can be fun. This was my 'best' English class ever. Not 'one' of the best, just the one and only best." #sja_jeju

Gd 9 presentation prep started with an impromptu elevator pitch to "sell" their partners as a best friend or future romantic partner. They get practice speaking off script and get to feel good about themselves in one short exercise. #sja_jeju

Spirit week photos from Backwards Day, Twin Day (teachers twinning with principals iconic vest ensemble), and Decade Day (1950s, obv). I also learned that it's best to ask a student who's constantly obsessed with their looks to take your photo. 😉 #sja_jeju

Gd 9 completed their modern-day film versions of important scenes from Romeo and Juliet. I love what creative projects bring out in normally shy students. #sja_jeju youtube.com/playlist?list=…

My annual Arts Review is better than ever, with students doing layout and all artistic contributions. sjajeju.kr/the-arts/visua… #sja_jeju

My 9th graders are writing emails home each week to their parents in their home language. My favorite line this week: "I learned that even a small difference in word choice can change the overall mood of a poem, and that just because it rhymes, it is not a poem." VICTORY!

From a Gd 9 reading reflection: "Even though I am also “something” because I exist, I feel like I am “nothing” to others. However, Even though I feel “nothing” now, it’s just the beginning of the story of my life." Beautifully put, my sweet student. #SJA_jeju

It's Shakespeare time in English again... but this year, I got a backdrop and props for some proper in-class performances! #sja_jeju