Spring Break is Over! Lets become Informed Citizens...

Welcome back from Spring Break. I hope everyone is rested and ready to get back to the work of learning. 

So What Does This Mean...???

Questions for the Class: Let us take a moment to ponder...

• What is a Democracy? 
• What is the relationship between a democracy and its citizens?
• What is the relationship between a democracy and its non-citizens? Is there one?
• What is the difference between a well informed citizen and a non-informed citizen?
• How does a person become and remain a well informed citizen?

Here is a different perspective:

Why would a government or institutions within a government or organizations within a country NOT want well informed citizens?

Class Question: Can you give some present day or past examples (Govts, govt institutions, or organizations) of this? 

PREVENTING BECOMING POORLY INFORMED.

What are the ways you ensure you are a well informed citizen? Lets list them as a class:

THE CHALLENGE IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The METHOD 

IF THIS IS TRUE, HOW POWERFUL ARE YOU MAKING YOURSELF TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD????

March 24 (Tuesday): NJROTC, and The Way Ahead

Today, we are going to talk about our program and the future. Our program is the first US Navy JROTC program in the state of Connecticut. This is a picture of one of our cadets (Sergio) who was the Captain of the BMHS Soccer Team, but now he has moved on to other things. 

As the year approaches the last Marking Period, and our senior's will be preparing to move on after graduation, you the cadets who remain need to prepare for the future and the changes that come with it. I will give you a class brief on NJROTC and The Way Ahead and then talk to a number of you individually. 

This Week is a Short But Busy Week: 23 to 26 March (Mon to Thursday)

What does this mean? It means what we learn is what we become. 

Quote:

 "You let people know who you are by how you do your job?"

Alphonse Lambert

If your job is to be a student-cadet and to learn; how are you doing that job?  Based on the quote what does your level of learning say about you...?

Before we get into today's public speaking, lets look at our schedule for the week:

Schedule: 

March 23 (Mon):  Public speaking (Mr. Osinloye as Sub)
March 24 (Tues):  NJROTC, The Way Ahead (Schedule &                                             Future)Brief by LtCol Killackey
March 25 (Wed):  Uniform Day / Inspection
March 26 (Thur):  Survival Test / 90 minute Early release
March 27 (Fri):     No School for Students / Teachers Only

Class Activity: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Take 6 minutes and prepare an impromptu speech focused on the below topic. You are allowed to take up some bullet talking points but do not read them, instead give a speech. : 

Topic: What Quality Makes You Amazing?

You will describe that one quality that makes you AMAZING and give two examples of how you demonstrate that quality. As usual, have an introduction, description of the quality and provide two examples of how it makes you amazing, and then a conclusion. You have from a minute to a minute and a half to provide your impromptu speech. 



Note: Whichever cadets do not finish, you will finish after the personnel inspection on Wednesday.   

APPRECIATION 2: YOUR PEERS... YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS

We continue to learn from last week. Through our act of appreciation to those adults at BMHS that have made an impact on our and others lives came a suggestion from a student. Can cadets write a letter to a peer or a fellow student that they appreciate? I told that student it was a great idea and that is what you are going to work on today. 

Similar to last week we will watch a short video to get you focused on appreciation for your fellow students. This video is called the Science of Happiness, watch it and then you will write your letter of appreciation. Even though the video is not specifically about appreciating you fellow students, it will help you form your thoughts prior to writing. 

Class Activity:

1. Watch the video. 
2. Take out a piece of paper and print your name and class period on the paper.
3. Think about a student who you appreciate and why you appreciate them. Ensure you address that letter to that student.
4. Write a one page letter telling that student why you appreciate them and the impact they have on you and others. Review your work.
5. Turn that piece of paper into the Naval Science Instructor once you are complete. 
6. For Tuesday, you need to study the acronym, SURVIVAL and know what each letter represents. (See previous postings).

Appreciating The People in Your Life at BMHS

The theme for today's class is : APPRECIATION

With the recent passing of our well loved and respected BMHS security guard, Maurice Tomlin, it has inspired in many of us an appreciation of those around us everyday that we may otherwise overlook. 

Yesterday evening our cadets supported the amazing Memorial Tribute to Maurice Tomlin by BMHS and the Norwalk Community. The positive and healing impact it had on the Tomlin family, his friends, and his fellow Senators from BMHS was apparent. 

Let's watch two short videos to give us an appreciation for the positive things in our lives. After viewing them, you will be given an in class assignment to write a letter. 

Class Activity:

• Think about an adult at BMHS that you appreciate. Select one that you greatly appreciate. (Not presuming anything, but it can't be the NSI or SNSI. )
• You are going to write a one page letter to that person and turn it into me at the end of the class period. 
• In your letter include:
• Who that person is by name
• Why you appreciate them
• The impact they have on you and others
• This will be an anonymous letter, so do not sign it. 
• Turn the letter into me by the end of the class period as I will turn it into that adult. 

Brainstorming for Upcoming TOPGUN Competition

Welcome back from break, I hope you enjoyed yourself. Tommorrow is uniform day so be ready with your appearance, bearing, and knowledge.

Today we will break up into small groups (group leaders chose teams) and brainstorm potential TOPGUN events for the platoon versus platoon competition. I want each group to come up with events for two categories: 

IN CLASS EVENTS: can be done in school during the class period.

OUT OF CLASS EVENTS: can be done  after-school and online.

Come up with a group list and then give to designated class scribe (see below) to write input on a Google Doc.

Google Doc: PROPOSED TOP GUN EVENTS  (Click on Link) 

PERIOD 2: Group Leaders are Bonilla and Velmani. 

Scribe is Tom Mirabella

PERIOD 4: Group Leaders are Ceja and Fequiere. 

Scribe is Kevin Martinez.

PERIOD 6: Group Leaders are Micheal Ragusa and Christian Araujo. 

Scribe is Michele Veliz.

PERIOD 7: Group Leaders are Mercy Stevenson and James Gray. 

Scribe is Robert Chavez.

Credibility...building up :credit" in your life

Your have a variety of relationships with others throughout your day and life, and you interact with a wide variety of people in those relationships. 

Definition of Credibility: the quality of being believable or worthy of trust. What reputation have you established based on proven performance and behavior. Are you responsible and do you hold yourself accountable. 

• Family: Son or Daughter, Sister of Brother
• Friends: Acquaintances, Good Friends, Best Friends
• Student: 8 academic periods (including lunch) where you interact with teachers administrators and your peers. 
• Significant Others: Boyfriend or Girlfriend
• Sports / Athletics: Player, Teammate
• Work: Worker

What is your credibility with the people in your life of those listed above? Do they trust and rely upon you because of your reputation and proven performance? 

Ferguson Missouri Shooting Overview

We are using the ongoing situation in Ferguson Missouri as a vignette in which to analyze the difference between subjectivity (opinions, emotions) and objectivity (facts) it is important to break down the major aspects of this situation: 

Alleged Crime --->  Police Response ---> Police Encounter --->

Shooting Incident ---> Public Response to Shooting / Protest --->

Police Response to Public Response / Riot --->

Post Incident Investigation (Local / State / Federal) --->

Public Response to Grand Jury --->

Discussion Considerations: 

• Role of Leaders 
• Family
• Community
• Local / State / Federal

• Role of Media 
• Reporting News or Making News
• Subjective Reporting versus Objective Reporting
• Impact of Social Media
• What Would You Do Differently?
• 
  

Developing an Aptitude for Objectivity...Going from what you feel towards what you know

WORD BANK / CONCEPT BANK:  

OBJECTIVE              OPINION VERSUS FACT       ANALYSIS
RACE                         ROLE OF POLICE                   PROTEST     MEDIA / PRESS        PERCEPTION VERSUS REALITY
RACISM                     ABUSE OF POWER                RIOTING     FAIR and BALANCED REPORTING                      LEADERSHIP
SUBJECTIVE

Definitions:

• Subjective: placing excessive emphasis on one's mood, attitudes, and opinions.  

• Objective: not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice, based on facts, unbiased.

Task: Discuss the meaning of the words and concepts above. 


Food for Thought: This is foundational to start our journey on developing an aptitude for looking at each situation objectively and developing the ability to simultaneously maintain a balance between intellect and emotions.  

CASE STUDY: 

MICHAEL BROWN

FERGUSON, MISSOURI

DARREL WILSON

Task:  Take out your notebook and think about these three words and write what you know about them.  

What Is Your Least Valued Character Trait...?

Each one of you shared your most prominent or valued positive character trait about yourself in the form of a short impromptu speech. Self analysis is a critical skill to develop as an adult in society. You are expected  to regulate your own personal and professional behavior and conduct to be successful in life. There are no guidance counselors or housemasters in the adult world, only bosses, co-workers, authority figures, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and family.

You may not have the benefit of having a "Julius" in your life to tell you like it is or what you need to hear. You may need to be your own Julius....

Class Assignment: 

1. I will form you into groups and you will discuss what negative character trait bothers you the most (about yourself or others) and discuss why. 

2. Have one person in the group take notes for the group, and when we gather together as a large group you will share your groups feedback. 

WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO YOU AND OUR COUNTRY

Dan Caporale, USMC Vietnam Vet

ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF former Staff Sergeant Dan Caporale, a USMC Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. He is a recipient of the Silver Star for heroism in combat was wounded and received the Purple Heart as well. He served with the MACV SOG (Special Operations Group). The veterans you see in the next few days served when they were a little older than you and were participating in the defense of our nation. 

TODAY WE WILL WRITE A LETTER IN CLASS THANKING OUR VETERANS AND TELLING THEM WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO YOU AND TO OUR COUNTRY.

Instructions for In class assignment: 

1. Single piece of paper write a letter addressed To A Veteran
2. First paragraph thanking them for their service to their country.
3. Second paragraph telling them what veterans day means to you. 
4. Print your name as your signature. 
5. Turn in your letter to SNSI. 

Remember tomorrow is Veterans Day and uniform Day in order to attend you need to bring your permission slip in and be in uniform and conduct yourself accordingly. 

Contest: Best Advice for First Year Cadets

There is a saying from a former German General named Bismarck which is "Only a fool learns from their mistakes, I will learn from the mistakes of others."  While we all certainly makes mistakes and hopefully learn from them, the intent of Bismarck's quote is to learn from others experience any time you can. This can help you avoid negative experiences or minimize them, and increase performance or accomplishments which is positive. Sometimes others offer advice and sometimes you ask for it. 

Classroom Activity: You will form into two cadet groups and you will develop a five minute verbal presentation centered on the following intent "What advice can I give a First Year Cadet?" This group task will last 5 minutes. You will present this in a future class. Use your imagination on making the best presentation. The best presentation will win the contest and give their presentation to a First Year Cadet class in the near future.  

Class Schedule:
Tuesday: Brainstorm, Outline, & Prep
Wednesday: Uniform Day and Inspection (remaining time can be used for collaboration.)
Thursday: Refine Presentation & Give it in Class.
Friday: Finish any remaining teams presentations if necessary

Your designated teams are listed below in the Comments section of the blog by class period. 

Good Luck. 

Debate: US Re-engage Military Against ISIS versus Let Middle East Countries Deal With It

This week our public speaking assignment will be about the debate behind whether or not the United States should militarily re-engage against an Islamic extremist group, ISIS / ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria / Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). From the perspective of large conventional forces, the United States is now out of Iraq and Afghanistan with the exception of US military advisers training their military.  Some say that in order for Islamic Extremists to be successful they need Western infidels to remain in the Middle East as motivation for recruiting young Muslims to continue to fight against the West. Despite the immorality of the act, but was the beheading of the Western reporters a dramatic ploy to draw the US forces back into fighting in the Middle East? What do you think?  

Perspective on Why the US Should Not Get Directly Involved: 

ISIS is not the US's Fight

War on ISIS will backfire on West


Perspective on Why the US Should Get Directly Involved: 

Classroom Activity: The class will be divided into 2 groups assigned by the teacher. One group will debate for US intervention against ISIS and the other group will debate against US intervention. You will conduct your research today, complete your homework (see below) and you will form and prepare debating groups on Tuesday and then debate in class on Wednesday.  

Homework: Your homework tonight (Monday) is to read the two articles and watch the two videos to prepare for the debate. Tonight, you will add a comment and include your first name and the class period you are in with your homework comment. In your comment (short response) on the blog, tell me whether you agree or disagree with US's intervention in the Middle East against ISIS and why. 

You Saw Coach Boone and the Titans Do It - How Can You Increase Cadet Involvement

We watched Remember The Titans from the perspective of observing two separate groups that were not committed to work together and were not involved with each others transformation. 

Link to Previous Activities: You were required to take notes as you observed the film on techniques or procedures the leaders and followers used to influence and shape the two group's transformation into one group. 

Organization: We will form into the same groups as yesterday and develop a group list to accomplish the following task:

Task: Provide a Group List of Specific Ideas on how to improve Cadet involvement in the NJROTC program. 

• Be specific: for example if a student suggests more challenging activities that is too vague. Provide some specific challenges you feel cadets would want to be involved in. 

Product turned in: Group Leaders will provide a group list of your suggestions to the NSI at the end of the class. 

Purpose for Activity: As we start the new school year, I want to harvest your ideas to incorporate into the program this year. 

Group Read of Pep Talk for September

You will be formed into small groups and you will read Peter Berger's PEP TALK FOR SEPTEMBER. 

You will perform a group reading and then your group will provide a review of what you agree and don't agree with the article. 

Lastly, what was my motivation for giving you this assignment. 

Lets Talk About Commitment and Being Involved as a Cadet

This is a picture of Jackie Calzada who is now a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. She was a member of our NJROTC program and after graduating she committed to her country by joining the military. Other cadets who graduated committed to getting a college education, civil service, and foreign service. 

Let's talk about the words: involvement and commitment.

INVOLVEMENT:(VERB) to include as a necessary circumstance, condition, or consequence;imply; entail, to engage or employ. 

COMMITMENT: 
(NOUN) the act of pledging, engaging,obligation, and involvement. 

As you watch the film Remember The Titans, thinks about how the followers choose to commit to leave their group and get involved in the process of joining a new group. 

Think of how the leaders (coaches and team captains) get others to commit and get involved in forming a new team just like we are trying to improve our NJROTC team.   

Short Attention Span and Much Work Still To Do... How Can We Improve

It is pretty apparent that many students feel that school is over and the teacher's didn't get the memo...students openly trying to sleep in class...providing the answer "I don't know" when asked a routine question where they could provide input. These are all indicators that many students have lost the motivation to focus. There is only problem: SCHOOL IS NOT OVER YET and FINALS are right around the corner. 

Today, you will be organized into three groups to perform two tasks on a rotational basis for 15 minutes each:

CADET PARTICIPATION DISCUSSION TASK:  You will discuss how to improve cadet participation in drill, community service, and military ball. Feel free to reference the rubric you filled out. Designate one person to take group notes to capture your ideas on how to increase cadet participation. 

RUBRIC TASK:  You will be given a hard copy of the BMHS Personal Responsibility Rubric. I will conduct a quick overview. You will then review it and Self Assess Yourself. Based upon the time left available you can discuss as a group. 

Final Comment: Based upon time remaining we may conduct a class-wide review of the tasks. I will conduct your individual student rubric self assessments and your small group discussion notes. 

STAY ON TASK AND FOCUS.

2014 Senior JROTC Final EXAM: Setting Yourself for Next Year College / Work Force

2013 SENIORS NJROTC FINAL EXAM

Failing to Plan is Planning To Fail.

Purpose: The purpose of this final examination for Senior Cadets is to create a financial planning product that will have relevance to your post high school plan for this upcoming fall. You should be able to use what you learn from this examination during the summer as you plan for the fall.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Spend time prior to the exam analyzing your future financial situation in the fall, consider the below expense factors (feel free to add any more you feel are relevant) and develop (synthesize) your financial plan.

Financial Expenses Factors for Fall 2014

• Living Arrangements
• Living at Home
• Rent
• Food
• Make meals / cook
• Eat Out / Fast Food
• School
• Tuition
• Books
• Room and Board
• Transportation
• Car
• Insurance
• Gas
• Bus / Subway
• Pass
• Phone
• Data Plan
• Other Expenses
• Medical
• Dental
• Prescription
• Income Plan:
• How will you earn money?
• How will you pay for these expenses?

Your Final Exam: Based upon your pre-exam preparation above, you are required to conduct two graded tasks (one written task prior to the exam and one verbal task during the exam):

• Pre-Exam Task: Complete a detailed two to three page Fall 2014 Personal Financial Expense Plan which include each category of expenses (Living Arrangements, Food, School, Transportation, Phone, Other: Medical & Dental) and how you plan on paying for these expenses. Turn this plan in during the exam to the SNSI.
• You need to develop a spreadsheet which lists the expenses and your plan to pay those expenses as well.
• Exam Task: Using your Fall 2014 Personal Financial Expense Plan, and associated spreadsheet to brief the SNSI on your personal financial plan for the fall. Ensure you address not only the specific expenses by category but how you plan on paying for each expense based on your required income as you will be assessed based on your ability to articulate your plan.

THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR FINALS ARE PUBLISHED BY THE SCHOOL.

If you have any questions make sure you contact me AT BOTH rfkillackey@gmail.com and killackeyr@norwalkps.org .

2014 Upperclassmen Final Exam: Using Your Summer To Set Yourself Up for Success Next Year

2014 Upperclassmen JROTC Final Exam

Purpose: The purpose of this final examination for Upperclassmen (9,10,11 graders) Cadets is to create a product that will have relevance to your plans this summer to prepare yourself for next year both professionally and personally. You should be able to use what you learn from this examination during your summer and to help you attain goals in the future.

Cadet Sposato and Chief Pascoe

Pre-Exam Preparation: Spend time prior to the exam analyzing your summer, consider the below factors (feel free to add any more you feel are relevant) and develop (synthesize) your summer plan.

Summer Tasks:

• Work
• How can you earn money this summer?
• Where, Doing What, Hours, Salary
• Volunteer / Community Service
• Where can you perform community service or volunteer?
• Where, When, For Whom
• Exercise and Health
• President’s Physical Fitness Program
• Other Physical Activity of Your Choice
• Relax / Vacation
• Traveling (with family if possible)
• Stay-cation: Day Trips from home
• Professional Development
• College Prep: Generic College Essay
• Check Out Colleges Online (Which Ones)
• College Tour (Local or while on Vacation)
• SAT / ACT Prep (How, Where?)
• Personal Development
• Family Relationships
• Parents and Guardians
• Siblings (Brothers & Sisters)
• Other Relatives
• Friend Relationships
• Reading (What Books?)
• Select two Books You Want To Read This Summer that will assist in your personal or professional development.

Your Final Exam: Using your pre-exam preparation, you are required to conduct two graded tasks (one written task prior to the exam and one verbal task during the exam):

• Pre-Exam Task: Complete a detailed two to three page 2014 Personal Summer Plan and turn it in at the beginning of the class period during the scheduled exam to the SNSI.
• List and explain all of the specific tasks (Work, Volunteer / Community Service, Exercise and Health, Relax/Vacation, Professional, Personal, Reading) you plan to perform.
• Place all of these specific tasks on a calendar. You will use this calendar during the Exam Task.   
• Exam Task: Using your 2014 Personal Summer Plan, and associated calendar brief the SNSI on your personal plan for the summer. Ensure you address not only the summer tasks but specifically how you plan to accomplish them and when by using the calendar.  

THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR FINALS ARE PUBLISHED BY THE SCHOOL.

If you have any questions make sure you contact me AT BOTH rfkillackey@gmail.com and killackeyr@norwalkps.org .