"What others are thinking about our school..."

a. Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Chang? Why or why not?
Yes, I do agree with mister Chang because our school is constantly criticized by other schools and we have to set a good example for our school.

b. What can you do to make Animo Venice a better place in the eyes of visitors and of the
community?
We can stop throwing trash on the ground and stop breaking rules that keep us in line or doing unappropriate things.

c. What can the school do to make Animo Venice a better place in the eyes of visitors and of the community?
The school can let students know when visitors are going to come and tell students how to act or what not to do. They can also tell people to visit when we have a good day.

"It's Like You're Climbing Mount Everest."

a. From this article, why do you think these students dropped out of high school?
Because they crumbled under the pressure they put upon themselves. (Teen pregnancies, gangs, etc.) School got too hard and they got too lazy.

b. Which students in this article do you find most interesting? Why?
David is the most interesting for me because he was enrolled in honors classes and was involved in baseball, but gave it all up because he thought it wasn't worth it. He made a big mistake.

c. Based on what you read, what are the major differences between Birmingham High School and Animo Venice?
Animo Venice cares more about attendance and grades. It calls home if a student is truant or make sure students are "on the ball" with the new advisory classes.

d. Let’s say you were a member of the “Outsiders.” How would you want the newspaper to write about your high school story. Write one paragraph that you would add to the newspaper article. In that paragraph, show what you hope your high school experience will be like until the day of graduation.

Although most of his friends from the "Outsiders" failed and dropped out, Omar Khan kept his high GPA and graduated in June of 2005. "I just kept my head up and did all my work," Omar said when asked what set him apart from the others. "It really is sad." Omar tried to persuay his misdirected friends into staying on track, but says he "failed". "Hey, if you work your a** off now, you might not have to in the next 30 years or so."

The Vanishing Class

a. Write 3 sentences about 3 things that you found interesting in the article.
That of 18 studentsthat attended 3 or more schools, only 1 graduaded. How one girl lost her boyfriend after he was shot in the chest 7 times. Only 48% of students (in LAUSD) that started 9th grade in 1999, graduated 4 years later. All of these things are only interesting because they are tragic.

b. Why is dropping out of high school such a big deal for students? Why is it a big deal for society? What does the article say? What page do you find this information?
Because high school dropouts live harder lives, make less money, and require more public assistance. This info is on page 1. EDUCATION=BETTER FUTURE

c. Do you know of any dropouts? If yes, what were their reasons for dropping out.
Yes, my half-brother. He dropped out because he had to support himself and help pay rent.

d. What would be the most likely reason that you would dropout?
I would most likely dropout to take care of or support a family member.

e. What can Animo Venice do to help you graduate from high school and go to college?
Just keep doing what it's doing bacause my mind is set. I won't dropout and I will go to college.

The Vanishing Class

At this site I chose the picture of the girl at her father's grave. She loos sad and heart-broken. Maybe that's why she dropped out of Birningham High school. Beacause she couldn't habdle all the pressure put on her.
I chose this picture because it is the one that touched me more than all the other ones. It's sad how she dropped out, but she has recovered and is now encouraging her little brother to continue with his education.

You can visit this slideshow by clicking here.
http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-012906dropouts_day1-f,0,407230.flash