My Opinions Story

1. Write something you have a strong option about and that you are interested in.

2. Add a few facts in the essay and make sure they are accurate.

3. Make connections by giving real examples, use a personal perspective, and make sure the essay is written in a way that helps the reader have a good idea about the topic.

There are so many different controversies in the equine industry. Stalling is one of the main topics when dealing with horse owners. I am a horse owner and I have never nor will I ever, stall my horse, unless he is very sick or injured to the point where he can’t stand on his own four feet. 

Stalling a horse is basically locking it in a confined space with a layer of wood shavings spread along the floor and the horse is usually fed on a schedule. People usually stall their horses because they are scared that their horse might get hurt or the weather is too cold or hot. The issue with keeping a horse in a stall is that it can hurt the horse more than keep it safe from nature; the place that a horse is most adapted to.

I have seen horses that have severe arthritis because they don’t have a pasture to roam to increase blood flow in their hooves. I know a lot of horse owners will feed their horses twice a day, which is also a huge problem that many people don’t understand. 

My friend had a horse that was usually stalled and fed on a schedule. Her horse ended up getting colic, which is when the horse’s gut gets twisted or when there is abdominal pain, causing discomfort. That horse ended up having to be put down and I believe being in a stall most of the time had something to do with it. A horse’s digestive system is always producing juices that digest coarse hay, but when a horse doesn’t have hay available 24/7, those juices build up and cause lots of pain and problems for the horse. When her horse was fed that night, she over-ate and the hay shocked her digestive system.

    

Horses are animals that need to move, even if you have a lazy horse like I do, they need to at least have the option to be able to move. A dusty little stall could never compare to the great outdoors and if a horse could speak, they would agree with me.

There is also a scientific view of the importance of movement alongside the wellbeing of a horse: Exercise increases metabolism and even walking stimulates a horse’s gastric system, therefore helping the digestive system operate healthily.

When a horse has a minor injury, many people mistakenly freak out and throw them in a stall so they don’t get even more hurt. Unless the horse has a broken leg or can’t walk at all, the best thing to do is keep them in a pasture to relive stress and increases blood movement to the injury, which can further help their recovery.

Horses get hurt all the time and if people put a horse in a stall for every bump and scrape they get, then that horse will suffer from being in a stall all the time. The injury itself most likely won’t kill your horse, it matters about how much time it’s owner is willing to give in order to care for the injury and keep the horse happy.

My horse’s happiness is my main concern as horse owner. Stalls decrease healthy blood flow, they don’t provide the horse with a natural environment, and they increase the risks of injury and sicknesses. I love my horse and I want what’s best for him, and a safe pasture with other hoses is where I will always keep him, not a stall.

Student of the Month Story

Who- Bryce Andrews
What- Student of the month
Where- Bowie High School
When- April 1, 2017
Why- Dedication, good grades, kind, and volunteer work
How- He joined a lot of clubs and his grades went up as he tried harder in school



Bryce Andrews has been awarded Student of the Month of April in 2017 by the Bowie administration. He says that he was very surprised that he was nominated, but feels honored to be chosen. Andrews has joined many clubs on campus and he plays for the varsity basketball team. His family is proud of Andrew's accomplishments although they say that they aren't surprised to know that he is making the best of his high school experience. "I have progressed socially and I used to be shy and self-conscience", Andrews says.

Andrews feels that being student of the month has helped keep him focused on academics and school in general. "I naturally wants to challenge myself and school has really helped me think about things in different ways," Andrews explains. He views himself as an average guy, but he says that anyone can become student of the month if they step out of their comfort zones and try new things like he did.

Andrews has realized that by trying and contributing that he has become a happier person. He shares some advice for shy people trying to make it in school: "Don't be afraid of other people because they most likely are dealing with their own things to be worried about what you do with your life". He says that he became confident by doing what makes him happy and not others.

Although there are thousands of students attending Bowie, Andrews says that he gets recognized quite frequently. He says that most of the staff know him from events, clubs, and now from being student of the month. "I have been taught to have self-value and to be kind and that is what I want to be seen as by my peers and teachers", says Andrews.

Andrews shares that he really tries to make good grades in school even though he could improve them. He says that his favorite subjects are science and history because they relate to life and that they help him with connecting ideas. "I believe that I wouldn't have become student of the month without my science teacher, Mrs. Smith because she really inspires me to be more every day", Andrews says. Andrews feels prideful in his school and he says he's excited about what else he can accomplish in senior year.

Nut Graf

A journalism term that describes the newsworthiness of a story. Nut grafs are supposed to enhance the value of a story and entices an audience to keep reading an article. A nut graf's purpose is to be the most important part of a story and it also tells readers why they should keep reading.

The term can be spelled nut graph, nutgraph, nut 'graf, or nutgraf and it means "in a nutshell". A nut graf should include the point of a story, why the story matters, and it also provides a transition to the rest of the story if a person wants to read the whole article. 

Opinions Writing Preview Activity

Story #1 (Immigration laws get out of hand)

1. Editorial

2. How Trump is enforcing deportation, how unfair it is to minorities, and how it is indirectly effecting racism.

3. "Much of President Trump's rhetoric was based on demonizing minority groups and casting them as criminals."

4. no

5. No, the writer didn't include any insight on what people disagreeing with the topic probably because there aren't many people that disagree with them.

6. no

7. 3rd person POV


Story #2 (Betsy DeVos unfit to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education)

1. Reagan Wallace

2. The article is about Betsy DeVos and how she has recently been U.S. Secretary of Education and that she has helpful views on education, but she is simple not qualified to lead such an important position.

3. "She is an influential woman, but she was given an opportunity to lead a sector of politics she is unqualified to lead."

4. Yes, that even though she is unqualified to lead the sector of education, she has displayed beneficial views for lower-income students and families.

5. Yes, because she expressed that DeVos is not qualified to lead the education sector, but at the same time, the writer said many good things about DeVos and how she's an inspirational woman in politics.

6. No

7. First person POV


Story #3 (Our great tree is worth saving)

1. Ian Miller

2. The story is about the huge tree in the school courtyard and how it is dying. The question is it worth the money to save the tree?

3. "In my opinion, its absolutely worth the price to save it."

4. Yes, he says that it would cost the school a lot of money to save such a large tree.

5. No, he was firm about his opinion on how important it is to revive the tree.

6. No

7. First person POV


Story #4 (Going about the norm for college)

1. Blake Brein

2. How difficult it is to get into top colleges, and enrolling in a community college then getting transferred into a good college is more realistic. Although it is up to the student to exceed in education if they want to get into any college they want.

3. "It is about self-preservance and a determination to succeed beyond the norm."

4. Yes, he explored options for students who don't have a lot of money to go to college or high enough grades to get in.

5. No

6. No

7. 3rd person POV


Story #5 (Importance of physics class)

1. Abby Ong

2. How important it is to take physics and how it helps students understand life and get into college.

3. "I believe all students should take it regardless of endorsement or future career choice"

4. Yes, if a student is interested in another science, take it, but don't brush off physics.

5. no

6. no

7. 1st person POV


Further Questions:

a. The hard news stories were more about the world and shared views of all sides, while people writing their opinions were about less serious topics and rarely talked about the other side.

b. The page is mostly about expression of opinions and writing, not visual purposes.

c. politics, education, and the meaning of important events (like the women's march)

Peer Review SoM

http://suminsphotojournalismblog.blogspot.com

Paragraphs: 50

5 Quotes: 20

Inverted Pyramid: 25

Extra Credit: 0

TOTAL= 95

SLO Practice

1.  D

2.  B

3.  C

4.  D

5.  B

6.  C

Captions:

1. Canadian, Alena Smith, visits the Canadian prime minister on January 2, 2017 at a government building for winning the world champion science fair. Smith is a senior in high school and she has a very real goal of being a biologist.

2. Shruti White smiles at her admirers as the Canadian prime minister guides her down the red carpet at a women's rights convention on April 4, 2017. White is the first Indian woman to travel across the world and speak about her experiences, as a woman, in India.

Architecture Pictures

Details


Light














Patterns


Angles and Shapes













Surroundings

Inverted Pyramid

School Uniforms

1. What is your name?
Gabby Welsh

2. Do you think that having uniforms are beneficial to the district?
No, because they are a sign of control which will only make the students more unwilling and unmotivated to participate in school.

3. How do you think uniforms will change the school day?
Everyone will look the same and the atmosphere will be dull.

4. Do you think students will appreciate uniforms?
Most of the students will resent the uniforms and I think they won't change anyone's mindset, if not negatively effect the school.

5. How will this new policy affect individuals in the district?
Uniforms won't allow students to express themselves and this could create confusion within certain students. 

6. Will uniforms help students focus on academics?
I do think that students will be less focused on what they wear to school, but their attention could be directed to even more serious thinks like drugs and alcohol rather than looks and academics.

7. What made the district decide on uniforms?
The school probably wants a better reputation and make the students look more educated and formal with uniforms. They might also want to stick out from the rest of Austin ISD.

8. What are some advantages on school uniforms?
It could bring the focus of clothing to other issues, and lessen the pressure of competition between individuals.

9. What are some disadvantages on school uniforms?
The atmosphere could become boring and students will most likely retaliate.

10. How will uniforms affect bullying issues?
People might stop people from bullying others involving visual aspects, but uniforms can't stop cyber bullying or issues not involving looks.

12. How will uniforms affect the school staff?
Students won't be dress-coded by adults anymore, but the staff have to dress appropriately/semi-professional so they won't be affected by the change.

13. Are teachers affected by the uniforms?
Yes, the teachers will have to wear the colors, but not necessarily the uniform that students wear.

14. Will uniforms support the idea of equality?
If everyone is equal relating to looks, then the students won't be able to find people like them. Without uniforms, students can express themselves and show a piece of their personality so uniforms create a false sense of equality.

15. How do you think most students will react to uniforms?
I don't many students will like uniforms (I, myself don't care about uniforms as much as other students) , and there may be a petition to get rid of them.

16. How will uniforms be enforced on campus? 
Students will be sent home if they aren't wearing the uniforms and there are none available for them on campus.

17. What punishments will students who don't wear uniforms face?
Students will be sent to the office and they will have to call their parents to pick them up.

18. Do you think uniforms will help attendance rates?
In a way, girls won't spend as much time picking out a daily outfit. Boys probably won't be as affected.

19. How will uniforms affect the students' creativity?
Students won't be able to express themselves as much and this can dull their personalities, and this can created un-motivation.

20. Will uniforms affect how students view themselves and each other?
Students will have to get to know other students instead of judging their attire beforehand. Also, students won't have to compare themselves to other students as much.

My First Interview

1. What is your name and grade?
Bryce Andrews

2. What does being "student of the month" feel like?
I feel surprised, but I like knowing that I have accomplished something that has made a difference in my life.

3. How do you think you got chosen to be the "student of the month"?
I have joined a few clubs and I try to help others that seem confused during lessons. I also play basketball on the varsity team here, I've basically been invested in school and what it has to offer.

4. Was becoming "student of the month" a specific goal that you wanted to accomplish?
I actually didn't even know there was student of the month, but now that I know of it, I feel good that my efforts have been recognized.

5. What do you think is the most important part in being "student of the month"?
I like being known as a good kid at school and I'm glad that I've contributed to the campus in a positive way.

6. What does your family think of your accomplishment?
My parents are proud of this award and they love that I'm making the best of my high school experience.

7. Was there certain things that made you stand out from the other students?
I'm fairly average, but I just think that if people step out of their comfort zones and help out others like I did, then anyone can be student of the month. 

8. How often do you get recognized as "student of the month"?
Most of the staff recognizes me, not many of the students, but I don't really care if I am recognized as student of the month to be honest.

9. Has this award affected your school life in any way?
It keeps my head in the game and focused on academics and school in general.

10. What are some positives in being "student of the month"?
This award shows me that I have progressed in social standards, because I used to be very shy. This award has really helped me break out of my shell and just be myself.

11. Are there any vices in being "student of the month"?
Not really, except the fact that it only lasts one month.

12. Is being "student of the month" important to you?
Yes, it has helped me mentally become confident in myself and prideful of my school.

13. Has this award changed you in any way?
Yes, I can now recognize my flaws and except them because by just being myself, I have received this award.

14. What was your initial reaction to becoming "student of the month"?
I was surprised, excited, then glad that I was able to be chosen over many other great students.

15. What do you enjoy doing during school?
I love science and geography because they relate to life and they really help me apply the criteria to real situations.

16. What teachers have inspired you?
Mrs. Smith, my science teacher has really helped me by being there when I have questions as well as telling me to sign up of the school science fair where I won 3rd place.

17. How much are you invested in your education?
I could make better grades in certain classes, but I do try to understand my more difficult classes.

18. How are you going to use this accomplishment in the future?
I will be more expressive and help people in need of assistance. I will also volunteer and try to make a difference in the world.

19. How do you view yourself after receiving this award?
I'm glad that I can make an effort of being part of this school and I do think that I'm a lot more confident.

20. What advice do you have for future students picked to be "student of the month"?
Just volunteer and do things that you like doing. You don't need to be social, you just need to try to be active and show interest in what you learn. And most importantly, be yourself.

Portfolio analysis

(Part 1)

Runner-up Videos:

1. #5 

a. Josh Birnbaum

b. sports

c. There were no special "moments" captured that grabbed the judges' attentions, the focus wasn't on the subject at times, the photos didn't capture their attentions very much.

d. Some of the photos had good angles and good general ideas.

e. I don't like how impatient he seemed, like he didn't want to wait for a special moment. I like the settings of where his photos were taken, they kept his photography interesting.


2. #6

a. Sam Adams

b. bikes

c. Some of the angles captured unnecessary things in the frame, sometimes the subjects weren't doing anything, and some of the pictures weren't close enough to see what was going on.

d. The photos were captured in great lighting and the settings of them were very well chosen.

e. I liked his photos a lot because they told a story behind them, but I do agree that the photographer could have chosen better angles to capture his pictures.


3. #9

a. Anthony Souffle

b. birds and emotions

c. Some of the photos didn't capture the whole story, some pictures didn't focus on the subject, and in some pictures the judges had to guess what the photographer was going for

d. Most of the pictures told an interesting story and they also captured the light just right.

e. I really like the photographer's pictures because they were emotional and seemed raw. There were a few pictures that weren't very interesting to look at.



Winning Portfolio:

a. The color composition was very well thought out and there was a lot of diversity as well as angles.

b. The strengths were that he waited for the right moments to take each picture and then captured it with the right angles and techniques. The only weakness is that he did photoshop a little too much on some pictures.



Contest Recap:

a. They decided the winner because his portfolio had the most diversity and he had no bad photos. The others had some good pictures and then had bad pictures, or the style that they were going for didn't work well.



(Part 2)- Individual Images

1. In the third video, I agree with all the photos because they have very good lighting and coloring, and they each have very good angles.

2. In the second video, I do not agree with the second place winner because it isn't very interesting and it just looks really messy, and the lighting doesn't go with the picture.

Student of the Month Interview

Assignment #1 (dress code)

Resources: Principal, students, teachers

1. What is your name?
Gabby Welsh

2. Do you think that having uniforms are beneficial to the district?
No, because they are a sign of control which will only make the students more unwilling and unmotivated to participate in school.

3. How do you think uniforms will change the school day?
Everyone will look the same and the atmosphere will be dull.

4. Do you think students will appreciate uniforms?
Most of the students will resent the uniforms and I think they won't change anyone's mindset, if not negatively effect the school.

5. How will this new policy affect individuals in the district?
Uniforms won't allow students to express themselves and this could create confusion within certain students. 

6. Will uniforms help students focus on academics?
I do think that students will be less focused on what they wear to school, but their attention could be directed to even more serious thinks like drugs and alcohol rather than looks and academics.

7. What made the district decide on uniforms?
The school probably wants a better reputation and make the students look more educated and formal with uniforms. They might also want to stick out from the rest of Austin ISD.

8. What are some advantages on school uniforms?
It could bring the focus of clothing to other issues, and lessen the pressure of competition between individuals.

9. What are some disadvantages on school uniforms?
The atmosphere could become boring and students will most likely retaliate.

10. How will uniforms affect bullying issues?
People might stop people from bullying others involving visual aspects, but uniforms can't stop cyber bullying or issues not involving looks.

12. How will uniforms affect the school staff?
Students won't be dress-coded by adults anymore, but the staff have to dress appropriately/semi-professional so they won't be affected by the change.

13. Are teachers affected by the uniforms?
Yes, the teachers will have to wear the colors, but not necessarily the uniform that students wear.

14. Will uniforms support the idea of equality?
If everyone is equal relating to looks, then the students won't be able to find people like them. Without uniforms, students can express themselves and show a piece of their personality so uniforms create a false sense of equality.

15. How do you think most students will react to uniforms?
I don't many students will like uniforms (I, myself don't care about uniforms as much as other students) , and there may be a petition to get rid of them.

16. How will uniforms be enforced on campus? 
Students will be sent home if they aren't wearing the uniforms and there are none available for them on campus.

17. What punishments will students who don't wear uniforms face?
Students will be sent to the office and they will have to call their parents to pick them up.

18. Do you think uniforms will help attendance rates?
In a way, girls won't spend as much time picking out a daily outfit. Boys probably won't be as affected.

19. How will uniforms affect the students' creativity?
Students won't be able to express themselves as much and this can dull their personalities, and this can created un-motivation.

20. Will uniforms affect how students view themselves and each other?
Students will have to get to know other students instead of judging their attire beforehand. Also, students won't have to compare themselves to other students as much.


Assignment #2 (student of the month)

1. What is your name and grade?
Bryce Andrews

2. What does being "student of the month" feel like?
I feel surprised, but I like knowing that I have accomplished something that has made a difference in my life.

3. How do you think you got chosen to be the "student of the month"?
I have joined a few clubs and I try to help others that seem confused during lessons. I also play basketball on the varsity team here, I've basically been invested in school and what it has to offer.

4. Was becoming "student of the month" a specific goal that you wanted to accomplish?
I actually didn't even know there was student of the month, but now that I know of it, I feel good that my efforts have been recognized.

5. What do you think is the most important part in being "student of the month"?
I like being known as a good kid at school and I'm glad that I've contributed to the campus in a positive way.

6. What does your family think of your accomplishment?
My parents are proud of this award and they love that I'm making the best of my high school experience.

7. Was there certain things that made you stand out from the other students?
I'm fairly average, but I just think that if people step out of their comfort zones and help out others like I did, then anyone can be student of the month. 

8. How often do you get recognized as "student of the month"?
Most of the staff recognizes me, not many of the students, but I don't really care if I am recognized as student of the month to be honest.

9. Has this award affected your school life in any way?
It keeps my head in the game and focused on academics and school in general.

10. What are some positives in being "student of the month"?
This award shows me that I have progressed in social standards, because I used to be very shy. This award has really helped me break out of my shell and just be myself.

11. Are there any vices in being "student of the month"?
Not really, except the fact that it only lasts one month.

12. Is being "student of the month" important to you?
Yes, it has helped me mentally become confident in myself and prideful of my school.

13. Has this award changed you in any way?
Yes, I can now recognize my flaws and except them because by just being myself, I have received this award.

14. What was your initial reaction to becoming "student of the month"?
I was surprised, excited, then glad that I was able to be chosen over many other great students.

15. What do you enjoy doing during school?
I love science and geography because they relate to life and they really help me apply the criteria to real situations.

16. What teachers have inspired you?
Mrs. Smith, my science teacher has really helped me by being there when I have questions as well as telling me to sign up of the school science fair where I won 3rd place.

17. How much are you invested in your education?
I could make better grades in certain classes, but I do try to understand my more difficult classes.

18. How are you going to use this accomplishment in the future?
I will be more expressive and help people in need of assistance. I will also volunteer and try to make a difference in the world.

19. How do you view yourself after receiving this award?
I'm glad that I can make an effort of being part of this school and I do think that I'm a lot more confident.

20. What advice do you have for future students picked to be "student of the month"?
Just volunteer and do things that you like doing. You don't need to be social, you just need to try to be active and show interest in what you learn. And most importantly, be yourself.