Mr. Gerald Staatz's Teacher Page

Elitch's, Picnic, Graduation

2011-05-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

8th grade will be at Elitch Gardens Friday May 20th. We are looking forward to the trip and a great time.
The 8th grade picnic, breakfast, and graduation will be on Tuesday May 24th. We are still in need of some items. Please see your homeroom teacher to find out what is still needed and sign up to bring in items. If you can not bring items, or would like to keep it simple, you may donate money that will be used to purchase any items still needed.

Let's make this a special day for our 8th grade class! :-)

Speech and Debate

2011-05-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Speech 1: We are finished with Cross Examination Debate and have started our unit on Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Students are learning about the historical origins of the popular forensics event, the rules, and how to effectively debate.

Speech 2: Students are writing, filming, acting, and editing their own sketch comedy show.

Speech and Debate

2011-04-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Speech and Debate students may earn extra credit by attending the School Board Election Forum/ debate Tuesday April 19th. Students who wish to earn extra credit should get a persuasive speech critique form to critique the campaign speeches given at the meeting. It will run late, so if a student stays for and critiques just the campaign speech portion, they may leave and still earn extra credit. Not only is this a real world example of Speech and Debate, but of democracy in action!

I hope to see you there!!

Student Council

2011-04-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Student Council is hosting a car wash in the school parking lot Saturday April 16th from 1-3 PM. If you would like to participate or get your car washed, please come by and help out. Donations will go to the 7th grade Washington DC trip on May 2, 2011. :)

Spring Dance!!
Student Council will be hosting a 7th and 8th grade dance on April 22 from 5-7 PM. Students who dress in the theme will receive a discount off of admission.

Speech and Debate

2011-04-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Speech 1:
We have started debate. Students are studying "The Vaccine War" from Frontline. We will begin debating the topic next week. Talk with your students/parents about your families views on this topic.

Speech 2:
We are still working on making the video accessible, but are still moving forward with new stories and projects.

Video

2011-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry the video has an error and won't play. We will work on fixing the problem.

Speech and Debate

2011-03-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Speech 1: We are presenting the persuasive speeches this week. We have also started looking at other forms of persuasive speaking.

Speech 2: We are continuing the news show, debates, persuasive speaking, improv, and body language.
Check out News Team One, and their newscast.

Speech and Debate

2011-03-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

Speech 1: All of the commercials were fantastic and quite entertaining. A few people may have a future in the infomercial business. ;-) We have chosen our topics for our formal persuasive speeches, done our research, outlined them, and now we are writing our first drafts. Periods 4,5, and 8 will start presenting them Wednesday, March 16th. Periods 2 and 3 will present Friday, March 18th.

Speech 2: News Team 1 is finishing final editing and should be ready this week. We made a background for the newscasts, practiced CX Debate, started Creative Story Telling/Improv, and News Team 2 is working on their newscast.

CSAP testing will begin March 15th. Please get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast to be ready for the test. It is time to SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW!

Speech and Debate

2011-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

Speech 1: We are practicing our first persuasive speech (commercials), and will perform them Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone is having a great time with them.

Speech 2: We are filming and editing our news stories, creating a backdrop for the news casters, having cross examination debates. News Team 1 should have their segment ready this week. News Team 2 should have their segment ready next week. I can't wait!

Speech and Debate

2011-02-15T08:18:00.000-08:00

Speech I- We are finishing up our informative speeches and oral interpretation pieces. We will be starting on persuasive speaking and reason. Students should be thinking of a topic they are passionate about that they want to write a persuasive speech for.

Speech II- We are filming interviews and editing for the news show. Students should be planning and scheduling interviews and stories. News Team 1 should have their segments done and aired by Wednesday March 1. News Team 2 should be done by the following Wednesday, and so on.

Parent-Teacher Conferences this week. Please stop by and discuss your child's progress.

Picture Day

2011-02-15T08:10:00.001-08:00

Our homeroom will be taking class and individual pictures on Wednesday Feb. 16, 2011.
Students must be in dress code.

Speech and Debate

2011-02-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

Speech I- We have been practicing our interp pieces and will perform them next week. We have access to the computer lab this week to work on our Informative speeches. Please make sure to have an approved topic to research and make your PowerPoint.

Speech II- We are finishing our Lincoln-Douglas Debates and working on our news show.

Speech and Debate

2011-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

Speech I- We are starting to look at and create oral interpretation pieces. Students should bring in their favorite books, poetry, screen play, or play. They will use these for their oral interpretation pieces.

Speech II- We have started to plan for our news show. We will be dividing up into news teams and planning stories, interviews, and on location filming.

Speech and Debate

2011-01-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

Speech I- We have finished introductory speeches and have started working on Informative Speeches. Students should be brainstorming topics and beginning to research their topic.

Speech II- Has started to look at Lincoln-Douglas Debate and reviewing persuasion and reasoning.

Speech and Debate

2011-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Introductory Speeches will be presented Thursday. Students should practice using a mirror or the rest of the family. Presentation cards should have only the speech outline, so they don't read to us.

Practice, breathe, stay calm, keep your knees bent, and know that everyone else is nervous too.

Good luck!

Speech and Debate

2011-01-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

Speech 1- We have started introductory speeches. They are due on Wednesday January 12th. Students will want to practice their speeches at home as well as in class.
Speech II- We are also reviewing introductory speeches, but they are due Monday January 10th.

Winter Dance Friday January 21st

2011-01-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Student Council will be hosting a winter dance on Friday January 21st. The dance will go from 4:30-6:30 PM. Attendees please be sure that you are picked up promptly after the dance. The cost is $2 to get in and snacks, drinks and pizza will be available for purchase.

WELCOME BACK!

2011-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to welcome everyone back from break and say how excited I am about the next semester. A new group of Speech 1 students are going to learn about public speaking and debate. Speech II students will hone their speaking and debate skills as well as start a weekly news program. The Speech II weekly news will cover happenings in the school as well as sports, weather, and current events. We will start in the next few weeks so look for updates.

Speech and Debate

2010-12-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

Speech has come to an end for the semester. Some students may be continuing Speech II next semester or next Fall. I am looking forward to the holidays with my family and a new group of students next semester.

Enjoy your time and have a safe and happy holiday!

Speech and Debate

2010-12-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

To make space for the Snowflake Shop, my classes will be held in various rooms in the building.
Period 1 will be in Mr. DeMeyer's band room.
Period 2 will be in Mr. Seymour's room.
Period 3 will be in Mrs. Frazier's room.
Period 4 will be in Mr. Ripko's room.
Period 5 will be in Mrs. Rayon's room.
Period 8 will be in Ms. Ashley West's room.

Thanks to everyone for being flexible, those teachers who have given us access to their classes during their planning period, and students for making an extra effort to be in a new place on time and ready to learn.

We are still working on debate. Periods 1-5 are starting impromptu debate and period 8 is finishing CX debate.

Speech and Debate

2010-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Periods 1-5 are continuing debate for the rest of the semester. We have completed our first full formal debate. This coming Monday we will vote on our next debate topics and review our first formal debate. Keep thinking of what you would like to debate in class.

Period 8 will review our first mini-debate and start researching and writing for the first formal practice debate.

Kuddles for Kids

2010-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone, especially the office staff, for making Kuddles for Kids such a great success. More stuffed animals were collected than anticipated. Thanks to our wonderful school community for all of your support!

Speech and Debate

2010-11-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

Periods 1-5 are continuing our debate unit and researching North Korea and US support for a debate. This is a hot current topic that should have everyone talking.

Period 8 has completed persuasive speeches and is now reviewing. We will start our debate unit on Thursday.

Speech and Debate

2010-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Periods 1-5 have finished persuasive speaking and are now moving on to the debate unit. Discuss with your family what a debate is and what careers use debate skills and practices.

Period 8 has finished writing the Vaccine War persuasive speech and will present speeches starting Friday November 19th. Students should have their outline, rough draft, final draft, and presentation cards to turn in when they present.

If you know in advance that you are going to be absent for the upcoming holidays, it is your responsibility to inform me so arrangements can be made for your presentation.

Speech and Debate

2010-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

We are working diligently on persuasive speeches. Periods 1-5 should have their final draft finished and copied onto note cards for Monday, November 15th. Period 8 should start their 2nd draft of the "Vaccine War" speech.

Halloween Dance November 5th

2010-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone that made the dance such a great time.
Mrs. Rayon and Ms. Ashley West and Mrs. Isham and Mrs. Drake and Mrs. Harroll all helped out and we greatly appreciate it.

Kuddles for Kids

2010-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Student Council is sponsoring a stuffed animal drive to help out underprivileged kids in our area. Kuddles for Kids is our effort to give those kids something soft and cuddly for the holidays. If you would like to help out with this, please bring in a new or good condition stuffed animal to the front office and say it is for Kuddles for Kids. We will be collecting from now till December 1st.

Speech and Debate

2010-11-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

We have started working on persuasive speeches. Students are all writing to persuade one side or the other about the "Vaccine War". It is an interesting topic and should spark some great conversations. Parents talk to your children about how hard it is to make those decisions. Kids talk with your parents about your thoughts and feelings on the subject. Check out the video and interviews at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/vaccines/.

Periods 1-5 are wrapping up the last few speech presentations and will review them Thursday November 4th. On November 5th we will research for our next persuasive speech, so come ready with your approved topic.
Period 8 final drafts of Vaccine War persuasive speeches are due Wednesday November 10, 2010.

PORTRAIT FUNDRAISER!!

2010-10-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

We are very fortunate to have nataliebeckphotography helping us out with a fundraiser donation. Call and make an appointment at 720.837.5378 or e-mail natalie@nataliebeckphotography.com. The dates are coming up very soon. She has greatly discounted the packages and sitting fee, making this a great value and a great help for our students. You can check out her work and company at http://www.nataliebeckphotography.com/.

Thanks to Natalie Beck for doing this for our students!

PINK THURSDAY!!!

2010-10-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Pink Thursday was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who participated and donated for breast cancer. One of our students, who is a Student Council Homeroom Representative from Mr. Tate's class, was featured on Fox 31 News for coming up with such a great idea for Student Council to sponsor. We are so proud of everyone for being so supportive and helping out. Check out the video of Mrs. Harrell and his interview using the link below.

http://www.kdvr.com/videobeta/2c9a191e-1f02-45ac-887b-5f1e6ab76172/News/Students-ditch-uniforms-and-wear-pink

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Student Council is sponsoring a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure on Thursday Oct. 14th. Students and faculty may wear dress code bottoms and a pink shirt by donating $1 to support breast cancer awareness and research. All proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Please help us to support this worthy cause.

Informative Speeches

2010-10-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

In Speech class we are starting our Informative Speeches. We have started researching and writing informative speeches. Many students are choosing to use a PowerPoint as their visual aide and doing a great job. Speeches are due on Thursday Oct. 14th. Students should also be sure to cite all sources used for their speeches.

Thanks!!

2010-10-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made the 7th and 8th grade dance on Friday such a success. Everyone had such a great time. Special thanks to Mrs. Aramburo, Mrs. Rayon, and Mr. "Bust-a-move" Tate for their help chaperoning and having fun with the kids.

Reader's Theatre

2010-09-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

We have started practicing our reader's theatre pieces. We will be performing from 6 different plays of classic literature. Students will get a copy of the script and should practice their lines. Students should also make sure to use the elements of good interpretation as they practice. (Voice, Pitch, Body Movements, Inflection, Volume, and Pauses)

I would like to record these but the camera I have makes their voices sound very high. If anyone has a digital camcorder with an external microphone jack, and would let us borrow it, that would be greatly appreciated.

2010-09-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Student Council REVENGE OF THE NERDS dance is on Friday Oct. 1st from 4:30-6:30 in the cafeteria.

Contest for the best theme dressed boy and girl!

Food, sodas, candy, and glow stuff will be sold.

Complimentary chips and lemonade.

Only $2 to get in.

Only $1 if dressed in the REVENGE OF THE NERDS theme.

Join us to dance and have a great time!

Car Wash to be rescheduled

2010-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Due to the cold and damp weather we will be rescheduling the car wash for a later date.

7th grade Sponsorship Fundraiser

2010-09-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Sponsorship Letter Fundraiser is a no sell fundraiser that could help you earn a great deal of money for your trip.
-First, write a letter asking friends, family, and local businesses to help sponsor your trip by donating money. (See example in Friday Folders or on Explorica.com)
-Next, send out the letters or e-mails to as many family friends, family, and local businesses as you can. Get your parents help to gather addresses and e-mail addresses.
-Finally, follow up on the letters and e-mails with a call or e-mail.

Good luck!

ESPN the Magazine Fundraiser

2010-09-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

We are running a fundraiser with ESPN magazine. It is a great deal for the kids and each subscription sold earns them $30 toward their trip. Please see Mr. Staatz in room 221 for sales sheets and turn in your sales and money on Mondays so we can be sure to get the subscribers their magazines.

Speech and Debate

2010-09-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

We have been working on oral interpretation. Students should have brought in their favorite piece to cut and write an introduction for. We are practicing Monday and will perform on Tuesday September 14.

MAP TESTING

2010-09-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

My 8th grade homeroom has MAP testing starting Thursday Sept. 9, 2010. It is very important that everyone tries their best on MAP tests so we have the best data to improve instruction. Please make sure to get a good night's rest, a good breakfast, and a good attitude. :)

Speech and Debate

2010-09-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Please remember to bring in your favorite book, poem, lyrics, film scene, or other interp material for Wednesday.

2010-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the parents that came to the Washington DC information meeting for 7th graders. If you would like more information please contact me or have your child get the packet from me.
The new discount code for signing up is Fall100. Sorry for any confusion the erroneous code may have caused.
Another great fundraiser that requires no selling is the "Sponsor" letter/e-mail.
Basically you and your child write a letter to friends and relatives asking them to help by sponsoring the child and donating some money. If they make the donation out to the school it will be put in the child's trip account and will also be tax deductible. I will have an example letter for students tomorrow. It is recommended that they hand write the letter and put it in their own words.

Here's to a great year and a great trip.

2010-08-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

Washington DC trip informational meeting will be held Tuesday August 31, 2010 in the cafeteria from 6-7 PM. If your child is in 7th grade and would like to go on the trip, please attend or contact myself or Mrs. Sheldon.

2010-08-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Speech and Debate class will be learning the elements of speech today and tomorrow. My Infinite Campus is fixed now and I will be updating grades over the next day or two.

2010-08-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am very excited. Our new speech textbooks have arrived and we will be able to start using them. The introductory speeches were a lot of fun to watch and it was great to learn more about each other.

Student Council elections are going to be held on Friday September 3, 2010. If anyone is interested in running for Homeroom Representative or an officer position please let me know, and get the information and permission form ASAP.

We are going to start learning about the different forms of communication this week, and getting to know each other better.

2010-08-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that came to see what is going on in Speech and Debate. I am very glad to have met everyone. Don't forget that we are having an informational meeting about the 7th grade DC trip on Tuesday 8/31 from 6-7 pm in the cafeteria.

2010-08-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Students may be coming home with ESPN the Magazine fundraising materials for the Sea Camp and DC trips. Please help your child sell as many of these as possible, because your child will receive 75% of the money earned for their trip. Please have checks made out to the school and turn in all orders on Mondays until April. This is an on-going fundraiser so it is important that we get the orders as soon as we can to keep the subscribers happy with their decision to help out your child and our school. I hope that everyone takes advantage of this wonderful educational opportunity.

Informational Meeting Wednesday August 31, 2010 from 6-7PM in the cafeteria.

2010-08-16T13:13:00.001-07:00

The first week of school was great. I really enjoyed meeting all of the new students. In speech class, we are starting our introductory speeches. We are doing the writing in class. If you don't finish on Tuesday 8-17, you will need to finish it for homework. We will be revising and re-writing them Wednesday. We will practice on Friday and present on Monday 8/23. Make sure that you bring a good attitude and do your best.

Speech

2010-08-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

We have had an exciting first couple of days. We are learning about and practicing impromptu and creative storytelling.

7th Grade Washington DC Trip

2010-08-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

We will be holding an informational meeting on Tuesday August 31, 2010 from 6-7 PM in the school cafeteria. All parents of 7th grade students are encouraged to attend. We will discuss the itinerary for the trip, costs, fundraising, and any questions that you may have. Hope to see you there!

Welcome

2010-07-27T10:32:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my class website. I am very excited about the upcoming school year. The 7th grade will be taking a class trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring. We will be holding an informational meeting soon so look for more information coming soon. I hope that you had a wonderful summer and are energized to have a fantastic year!

Thanks

Mr. Gerald Staatz