Thursday, March 23, 2006

WICCA 101
We are not evil. We don't harm or seduce people. We are not dangerous. We are ordinary people like you. We have families, jobs, hopes, and dreams. We are not a cult. This religion is not a joke. We are not what you think we are from looking at T.V. We are real. We laugh, we cry. We are serious. We have a sense of humor. You don't have to be afraid of us. We don't want to convert you. And please don't try to convert us. Just give us the same right we give you--to live in peace. We are much more similar to you than you think.
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Today we had the privilage of having my 4th hr. TA talk to all classes about the religion of Wicca. It was a very interesting presentation because she was able to help us shed the stereotypes about witches and witchcraft. Christy became Wicca in the 7th grade, I met her when she took my 9th grade spanish class and we were able to travel to China together last April. This class (4th hr.) had many amazing questions for Christy and we were able to get into very interesting discussions. Posted by Picasa
THE CIRCLE
This is a circle, which a witch will use to focus their energy. Elements such as earth (salt shaker), air (incense), fire (candle), water (glass bottle on left) are represented. In the middle is Christy's caldron, she made it in art class! Posted by Picasa
Christy told us about celebrations and festivals of Wicca. Is was interesting to see how some of the pagan festivities coincided with religions dates and practices traditionally claimed by Christians. In this picture, Chelsea is getting a closer look. Posted by Picasa
Christy read Tarot cards for Jana and Torie during 3rd hr. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, March 15, 2006



STUDYING ISLAM




It is a great time to be studying Islam. This week we began to study the Middle East and have spent time studying the 3 monotheistic religions of the Middle East, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Students were very surprised to learn that Christianity, Judaism and Islam have very similar roots.
We began with Islam because it has been in the media every day since Sept. 11.
After learning about the basic beliefs of Muslims and the 5 pillars of Islam, we talk about the pight of Muslim Americans since 9/11. Many Americans have developed a fear of Islam and of Muslims fed by the stereotypes sought by most media outlets. Today we discussed the facts about Islam and compared them to some of the information that has become prevelent in
American society. We also watched a short documentary about the Hajj and marvelled at the beauty and poetry of the Muslim pilgrimage. A muslim ABC reporter took us into the places in Mecca were non-Muslims are not allowed. In the pictures you will see a Muslim American family and also the Kaaba, in Saudi Arabia.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

WHAT JODEE HAD TO SAY
After school today, all teachers got to attend a lecture by Jodee Blanco. We went to Hayes to hear here. It was great to hang out with my colleagues, catch up and listen to an interesting speaker. She spoke to us about things we can do and resources we can extend to you guys when you feel bullied. She told us that she spent over 3 hrs. talking to some of you about your issues. I hope that those of you got the opportunity to speak to her got some real help. There was no time for questions since most of us had to get home to our kidlets and to our lives. Too bad cause I had fun. Posted by Picasa
OPEN YOUR ARMS TO OUR KIDS!
Jodee gave us some great advice about understanding teens and some good tips to help with students who are being bullied. Posted by Picasa
JODEE BLANCO MEETS MRS. RAGATZ
In this picture, she is standing near a person who rubs elbows with huge, important and very accomplished people like YOU!!!
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GEOGRAPHIC ISSUES IN RUSSIA p. 427-431
Ok guys, here are slides of the short section that I need you to read for tomorrow's quiz. I apologize that we do not have enough textbooks to go around but I am very happy that you have been very patient. We do what we must, right? OK This is the second half of p. 427. The first half is just a picture of some kids playing basketball in Russia. Click on the picture to make it large enough to read. Posted by Picasa