Psychology students...

Interested in five bonus points towards your chapter one test?  If you were pursuing a career in psychology, which type discussed in class last week would you choose?  Explain why!  Make sure you post by the end of school this Friday, September 12th!

Civics Students...

We have spent this week discussing different forms of government.  If you were starting your own nation, which form would you choose and why?  Post a short response for five bonus points by Tuesday, September 9th.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back students!  Getting back into a school schedule isn't always easy, but hopefully you're enjoying the start of the year.
Please remember that there are several ways you're able to contact me:

• phone: 440/774-1051, ext 2498
• email: jpluta@lcjvs.net
• class websites: www.lcjvs.com/jpluta
• remind app: www.remind.com/join/mrspluta (Civics) or www.remind.com/join/010b7 (Psychology)

Welcome Summer!

Finally!  Summer has arrived.  Enjoy yourselves and I'll see you in the fall.

Ending the Year

This year, the blog hasn't received as much attention as it should.  Sometimes things get out of hand and we

have to put something on hold.  This year, it was the blog.  Next year will be better!

For the Juniors that are still in the building, make sure you're not putting school on hold right now.  School is in session until June 9th.  Stay on track until then!

Happy New Year!

The new year is always a chance for fresh starts.  Lots of people set New Year's Resolutions each year.  I'm not one of them, but if you are--good luck!  If not, enjoy the football, sauerkraut, or any other tradition you have for ringing in the new year.  I hope 2014 is your best year yet!



Hello Winter Break!



Just a reminder that our Winter Break begins at the end of the school day on Friday, December 20th.  Make sure you return to school on Monday, January 6th!!



Believe it or not, but December has arrived!  Please remember in the midst of all the holiday fun that this month brings, we're also finishing up the first semester of classes.
Stay focused and earn those half credits!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all enjoy your break from school.  More importantly, I hope you're able to spend some time with family and friends and truly appreciate all we have.  See you next week!

Annual JVS Food Drive

Each year, students at the Lorain County JVS collect food to donate to our local food bank.  While all donations go to Second Harvest, please be aware that they also supply the smaller food banks across our county.  Our yearly food drive is one of the largest, so please donate!

Recognizing Our Veterans

Take time on November 11th to thank those that have served for their committment to our country.  We're lucky to have a military that is made up of volunteers, some who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.  Show your appreciation by thanking a Veteran today.

Caption Contest!



Are you interested in some bonus points to start the second quarter?  Just think of a creative caption for this adorable picture and share it below.  Remember to include your name.  Post your captions by the end of the day on Friday, November 8th, and you'll earn five bonus points!



Election Day!

On Tuesday, there are a number of communities holding elections.  If you're unsure of your own, check the Board of Elections to see what races will be held in your town.  If you haven't registered to vote, there's a link at the Board of Elections webpage or you can pick up a form in my classroom.  Be a great citizen and exercise your right to vote!

Turn Your Clocks Back an Hour!

Sunday marks the end of Daylight Savings Time.  Before you go to bed on Saturday, turn your clock back an hour.  This is the time change we like--we get an extra hour of sleep.  Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

Do you know how our Halloween traditions came about?  It wasn't as popular in the United States until the middle of the 19th century.  While I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, a lot of people are.  It's pretty obvious since almost every house on my street has had decorations up since the beginning of the month.

If you're a huge Halloween fan, share one of your favorite memories.  Post by midnight on Halloween night to earn five bonus points!

What a busy month!

October has been a very busy month.  In addition to completing lots of work, we're also nearing the end of the first quarter on November 1st.  Students are hopefully on their way to earning a half social studies credit. 

Evening Conferences



Evening Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 24th.  I will be in my classroom from 4-7:00 if you have any questions or concerns.  If you're unable to attend, please call or send an email .  You can also contact our guidance department to reschedule a parent conference.



We celebrate WHAT in September?

Some of you may know that we celebrate Black History Month in February and Women's History in March. But did you know there are some special celebrations in September too?

To start off, this month is blueberry popsicle month, national honey month, and chicken month! In addition, it's Hispanic Heritage Month, National Piano Month, and International Square Dancing Month. That's a lot to celebrate. Hopefully you all recognize National Courtesy Month, because we can all use a little kindness in our lives. Enjoy!

Constitution Day 2013

 On September 17th, we celebrate Constitution Day.  This is our chance to celebrate this most important document in our nation's history.  In addition, it's still the supreme law of our land.  No city, county, or state can pass a law that trumps the U.S. Constitution.
In American Civics, we will have the opportunity to explore the Constitution and become experts in knowing and understanding our rights and responsibilities as American citizens.


This is our Constitution Flag



Our Constitutional Delegates



Thoughts on Psychology?

What do you think of psychological disorders?  We've had a few discussions that preview this topic.  In addition, our notes on the history of the field show that this hasn't always been a trusted field of study.  This cartoon shows that for some people, it's not only a trusted field, but one that can almost be celebrated.
Share your opinion below, by Wednesday, September 18th, and you can earn five bonus points!