March 26 (Thursday): Survival Exam

TODAY IS THE SURVIVAL FINAL. 

As per your pre-exam briefing, knowing what the acronym 

S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L stands for is important to your success. Since the class period is shortened you will be given only three survival scenarios to assess using the acronym. 

I want to see you apply the survival philosophy and you will be graded accordingly.

PS. TAKE FRIDAY OFF, YOU DESERVE IT. 

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).

Nothing Like a Snow Day, but Back To Work? Public Speaking

Okay everybody, we had a SNOW DAY and it is time to get back to work. Although it is Tuesday, we are going to treat it like a Monday and we will be conducting public speaking in class today. 

Purpose of the Activity: Cause you to reflect on and analyze yourself, formulate an impromptu speech, and articulate your ideas verbally to your peers.

Class Activity: Take 2 minutes and select a quality or an area for your self improvement. Take another 3 minutes and draft bullet talking points for a short 2 minute impromptu speech that: 

• Introduce yourself
• Identifies the specific quality or area for your self improvement.
• Explains the reason you selected that particular quality or area for self improvement. 
• Give two specific examples of how you will improve that quality or area for self improvement.
• Concluding statement.

 
You will be allowed to take notes up with you when you speak if you need to but only as a guide, not to be read from. 

ANY QUESTIONS???

No talking, you have 5 minutes before the first speaker....Get to work.

Chain of Command Group 2015 Group Activity

CARD ACTIVITY

READ THIS FIRST, Then watch the video!!

Chain of Command...? What does that mean and what is its purpose? Is it just a military concept? If so why study this concept if you are not in the military? If it has applications in non-military organizations then perhaps understanding the concept of a "chain of command" has other applications. Let's watch this video and see how you could apply this concept to other activities.... 

What examples would you give on how the concept of a "chain of command" applies to other organizations and activities? In your opinion, what are some of the universal purposes of a chain of command based on the activities and discussion you have had up until this point. 

Let's take a look at the NJROTC chain of command briefed by your fellow students.... Remember, chain of command will be a part of your mid term exam. 

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. 

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 .

What is Your Philosophy for Success?

We just finished a Memorial Day module, where our goal was to learn about a service-member so we could learn about the person not just the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine. They gave their lives so that you could have a choice on how you will live yours. Besides bearing witness, how do you honor the sacrifice they made for you...? 

Admiral McCraven shared his 10 lessons from SEAL training to be successful and have an impact on the world. This is a good foundation for this classroom assignment.

Classroom activity:

A. Individual Activity: Take out a piece of paper and reflect upon and answer two questions.

Question 1. What is your Philosophy for Success?

Question 2. What Do you expect from your Generation?

B. Group Activity: Teacher organizes you into three small discussion groups and designates a group leader for each. The group leader will facilitate each student sharing their responses per question with the group. Once they are done sharing their individual perspectives, they will develop a group collective response to those questions and the group leader will write those collective responses on the back of their sheet. 

C. Class Activity: We will reform as a class and develop a classroom collective response and write it on the whiteboard. Teacher will take a picture of the graphic using a smart phone to capture class end product. 

NAVAL TASK FORCE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING PLANE

As we prepare to organize into 7th Fleet Naval Task Force Groupings, we are going to conduct some background education into the recovery efforts that follow an aircraft accident and investigation similar to Malaysian Flight 370. This crash investigation is too immature to be able to analyze what happened, so we will look at another crash with more information available.

In a recovery effort over the ocean there are generally a number of factors affecting the search:

• Flight Plan for the plane (Where the plane is supposed to fly)
• Radar Flight Path (Where the plane actually flew) to determine when you lost contact with the missing plane. This also helps determine where to start your search. 
• Once the search is initiated they generally use three methods to find the plane:
• Visual Sighting (air crews and sea crews looking for survivors or wreckage)
• Surface Radar: from surface craft and aviation assets to find the survivors or wreckage on the surface of the water..
• Sonar is used to find the plane or (find flight data recorder)

There was a previous crash Air France 447 that departed from Brazil to France when it crashed. The only way transportation authorities can determine what might have happened to cause the crash is if they recover the remnants of the plane and the flight data recorder which has considerable detailed information. Your mission will be to recover the flight data recorder, but it is important to see how that recovery effort fits into the bigger question,We will watch a video which will give us some background:

This crash and the recovery effort will give your teams some perspective on your upcoming task.           

Recovery Efforts Cost Money   

Monday: Its Impromptu Speaking Day!

Classroom Task: Public Speaking

• Choose a Color or a Number that best represents you. 
• Develop a short 1:30 minute impromptu speech about how that particular color or number best represents you. Be prepared to give it in class today. 
• Remember the Basics
• Enthusiasm & Believe-ability
• Be You, show your personality
• Intro / Key Points / Conclusion

Let Us Grade Homer

Purpose of this Task in Class: To become more familiar with the school-wide rubric (assessment tool) which will be used for you to assess and evaluate yourself, your peers, and that the teacher will utilize to assess and evaluate you. 

Administrative Instructions: 

• Provide every student with their own hard copy of the rubric (BMHS Problem Solving / Critical Thinking / Innovation).
• Have students write their own name and class period on the top of the rubric.
• Rank the criteria in sequence from (Step 1) Define the Problem through (Step 6) Develop A Plan of Action to familiarize them with the process. 
• Write the name of "Homer Hickam" on the upper right corner of rubric sheet. (He is the "student" they the "teacher" will conduct a summative assess on from the movie the October Sky. Homer Hickam was one of the West Virginia Rocket Boys who through his passion for space, creativity, and innovative spirit launched amateur rockets in high school. 
• Have each student split each criteria assessment box in half by drawing a line. See below picture. 
• Conduct a quick review of the rubric criteria (6 criteria) and assessment ratings (basic, goal, developing, exemplary)
   

CLASSROOM TASK:  The discussion associated with the assessment ratings is more important than the assessment ratings themselves. 

Step 1: (Your Summative Assessment of Homer Hickam) Review rubric content and scoring criteria by yourself. In the teacher evaluation column grade Homer in each of the six rubric criteria and assign one of the following assessment ratings (B,G, D, or E). (Individual Summative Assessment)

Assessment Ratings: Basic, Goal, Developing, Exemplary (refer to rubric for definitions of each rating for each category)

Step 2:  (Group Collaborative Feedback on Hickam Summative Assessments) Form into 4 person small groups and discuss your grades with the group. Annotate the group grade on the rubric sheet. Taking the BMHS Problem Solving / Critical Thinking / Innovation school wide rubric, in small groups you will grade Homer Hickam's performance in his big idea project.

Steps 1 and 2

Step 3: (Formative Self Assessment on Your Big Idea Project) Remain in your small group seating arrangements. Now that you are somewhat familiar with using this rubric to assess someone else (Homer Hickam) as well as discussing how other in your small group used it to assess Homer Hickam, now you will conduct a formative self assessment of your performance thus far on your Big Idea Project using the rubric. Do not collaborate during this step. Your candid assessment of yourself is key. Your assessment DOES NOT EQUATE TO YOUR GRADE. 

Steps 3 and 4

Step 4: (Group Collaborative Feedback on your Formative Self Assessment) Once your self assessment is done, now you will collaborate and share your formative self assessment (Big Idea Project) per criteria with your small group. Collaborate and give each other constructive input on how each can improve.  

Step 5: (SNSI Teacher Formative Assessment of Student's Performance on their Big Idea Project). Teacher will use the rubric to assess each cadets present level of learning on their Big Idea Project at this time. Their assessment rating score will be entered in the bottom quadrant of the student score box for this evolution. 

Note: If you were absent see the teacher to make up this assignment.

The Rubric is a tool to evaluate and assess student learning and can be used to measure the effectiveness of student centered activities. It assists the teacher in how to navigate the depth and direction 

Student-Cadet Autobiography 2013

The key to a successful student - teacher team has to do with the three R's: Relationship, Relevance, and Rigor. The term Relationship has to do with the professional rapport (empathy & understanding) between the student and the teacher. The term Relevance has to do with the teacher ensuring the student understands "how" the curriculum being taught relates to what the student needs and wants to learn. The term Rigor relates to the teacher ensuring the relevant curriculum being taught is challenging and causes the student to reach in their learning.    

PURPOSE: 
To share some things about yourself so your teacher will understand you better and support your self development to learn.   

IN-CLASS TASK: 

• This is an in-class assignment where you will complete a written assignment with the purpose of telling your SNSI about yourself. 
• This will be a minimum of two pages in length and is between you the student and the SNSI. 
• Your Autobiography will include the following: 
• NAME AND GRADE
• DESCRIBE YOURSELF
• FAMILY BACKGROUND
• STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
• HOBBIES & INTERESTS
• GOALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
• GOALS FOR NJROTC
• GOALS FOR LIFE
• ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK IS IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE?

TURN IN THIS ASSIGNMENT BY THE END OF THE CLASS PERIOD.