6/11/2016 June 11, 2016Congratulations, Class of 2016! May your high school years be filled with enriching learning experiences, the companionship and support of old and new friends, and the confidence to know that you can accomplish great things. Believe in yourself and understand that goals worth reaching are always worth the effort. Find your passion. Remember the quote on the computer lab wall by the legendary football coach Lou Holtz: Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. We have worked on a variety of skill areas this year, including: critical thinking organization of information evaluating websites writing/communication skills analyzing and synthesizing information time management research skills comprehension of informational text crediting sources choosing appropriately licensed media working with images formatting spreadsheets writing formulas in spreadsheets blogging See the quotes from Class of 2016 from the Social Issues Website Evaluation assignment Thoughts shared with previous graduates: The most important ideas I hope you take away from this past year are a better sense of time management, attention to detail, and learning how to learn. By that I mean, in this time of digital overload of information, how do you know what is true, what is right, what is safe? We can no longer say, "No one ever taught me that" because all we have to do is find someone on YouTube or Twitter who is an expert in that skill we need to learn. We can sign up for an online course or learn about a topic in so many ways. Teaching you correct use of digital tools and providing you with opportunities to think, analyze, and create is our way of "teaching you to fish", rather than just handing you some fish. There is a wonderful world out there. Continue to learn what is worth keeping and what to throw back. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4) If I can ever be of any assistance to you in your high school years as you cast your net out over the sea of knowledge, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to know of your high school adventures. Be safe in the physical world and in the digital world. Keep your digital footprint (digital tattoo) clean. I recommend you also read this article about subtweeting. God bless you all! Note: Your Google account will remain active until June 20, and the email restriction will be lifted so that you may access and share any of the contents of your school account to your personal email. After that date accounts will be suspended. Mrs. Ruffing Comments are closed.
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