Mark Braam » Greetings from Mr. Braam!

Greetings from Mr. Braam!

Hi, I am Mark Braam.
I am an English teacher at Fairfield High School. During the 2022-23 school year, I am teaching five bells of sophomores in College/Career-Ready English 10 and one bell of a fifth-year Journalism/Media course.
In addition to being an English teacher, I have been a journalist for the better part of a quarter century, working both in Washington, D.C., as a sports and political reporter and editor, and here as a news editor and designer at The Cincinnati Post and The Cincinnati Enquirer. You might see me at many school events with a camera in my hands and journalism students at my side!
I hope to meet you all, in the classroom, at parent-teacher conferences, or via Zoom, phone or email; meanwhile, here is my own webpage on the district website.
I have this page for a number of reasons:
1. So I can send home news (and sometimes share photos!) of what we are doing or will be doing;
2. So I can post reminders and class-specific files
3. So I can post some educational videos that I make from time to time;
4. So I can post some links to some great educational resources;
5. So I can permanently post some files, such as the class syllabus and class policies, and update them as needed; and
6. So parents and students can get an easy notification each time that I post something new.

How does this work? On the right side of this page, there is a "SUBSCRIBE" button. If you click on the subscribe button, and register, you will get an email notification every time that I post something new to the page. Please note that there is a separate page for class files, which is actually where most new things will get posted. That means you need to subscribe to both pages, please!

Now, not everything that I post will be earth-shaking(!!!), but at least you will know when and if I do.

This is a good and fast way to pass on news, get copies of homework assignments, and to permanently post some items (such as the class syllabus).

Take a look and see how it works! Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Mr. Braam
P.S. Many things are still different this year due to the COVID-19. THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO CHANGE!!!! That means there will also be many messages that will go back and forth, and sometimes from different platforms. PLEASE ... be patient as we all (teachers, students, parents and administrators) continue to adjust, sometimes on the fly.
 

Posts

Job Openings for Students (and maybe parents)!!!

Jobs ... Jobs ... JOBS!!!!

I had a student ask me today if I knew of any businesses hiring kids of his age (15).
I told him that Kroger and MacDonald's are almost always hiring, but that the high school also keeps a list of local job openings. Below is exactly what the Guidance Office secretary sent me about that information:
"There is a job board on the 2nd floor across from the attendance office. Students can take a photo of the flyers or take an extra if they are pinned to the original. 
I have also posted the jobs in FHS Counseling Department Google Classroom. Use class code cmil6wm. Lots of other good information posted there, too."
I heavily suggest that all students join that Google Classroom, not only to find out about job openings, but also about all college- and career-related items.
You have to fill out an application first, and then call the store and ask to speak with the HR person (whose name is Shelley). Explain who you are and that you have applied. Students under 16 have limited hours that they can work, but it can develop into a good job.
Good luck!

Proofreading mistake

Why We Proofread ... (A Continuing Series)

It’s always important to spellcheck.

Just ask the person who misspelled library – l-i-b-r-a-r-e-y.

It was part of a street marking painted in the parking lot at the Indianapolis Library Services Center.

A library employee says a contractor was responsible for the misspelling. Inn fact, the library PR person sent out a photo of the mistake with the caption "We don't see what is so funney?"

The error will be corrected.

(NOTE FROM MR. BRAAM: You still have time to find and send to me similar local examples of such mistakes for 1st-quarter extra credit!!!)

Bananas vs. bandanas proofreading

Why We Proofread ... (A Continuing Series)

From earlier in the pandemic, we learned that to protect ourselves from COVID-19, we could utilize masks, scarves and ... bananas?
This proofreading mistake (substituting "bananas" for "bandannas") is just one example of how students can pick up extra credit all year: 
1. Find a current, local mistake in spelling, grammar, major punctuation, or word usage in permanent business signs (not hand-drawn), newspapers, or newscasts. It has to be current and local, not just found on the Internet
2. Take a photo of it
3. Send it to [email protected]
4. Include what the photo is of, location, date, what is wrong with the sign, and how it could be fixed
5. It is first-come, first-served (no repeats of signs)
 
Again, this offer is for all year!
Jeapardy v. Jeopardy Proofreading

Why We Proofread ... (A Continuing Series)

Not quite sure how a newspaper as large as the Chicago Tribune could make a mistake this big, Alex Trebek would be sad.
This proofreading mistake (substituting "jeapardy" for "jeopardy") is just one example of how students can pick up extra credit all year: 
1. Find a current, local mistake in spelling, grammar, major punctuation, or word usage in permanent business signs (not hand-drawn), newspapers, or newscasts. It has to be current and local, not just found on the Internet
2. Take a photo of it
3. Send it to [email protected]
4. Include what the photo is of, location, date, what is wrong with the sign, and how it could be fixed
5. It is first-come, first-served (no repeats of signs)
 
Again, this offer is for all year!
Fleas vs. Flees Proofreading

Why We Proofread ... (A Continuing Series)

This error, er, "bugs" me. 
This proofreading mistake (substituting "fleas" for "flees") is just one example of how students can pick up extra credit all year: 
1. Find a current, local mistake in spelling, grammar, major punctuation, or word usage in permanent business signs (not hand-drawn), newspapers, or newscasts. It has to be current and local, not just found on the Internet
2. Take a photo of it
3. Send it to [email protected]
4. Include what the photo is of, location, date, what is wrong with the sign, and how it could be fixed
5. It is first-come, first-served (no repeats of signs)
 
Again, this offer is for all year!
 
Happy Hunting!!!

Laptop Distribution and Online Instuctions

On Tuesday, underclass A-K students received their laptops. (L-Z will receive them Thursday.)

A-K logged in for the first time to both Google Classroom and to NoRedInk.com through Clever and saw our assignments there. Students were also supposed to subscribe to both my Home Page and my Homework page on the district website.

Instructions on how to log in to all these sites and more were distributed in class, and they are also attached electronically here.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS!!!! (Note some sites, such as Study Sync, do not need to be logged into at this time)

P.S. An additional Google Classroom assignment will be made in the next two days.

Mark Braam 2020-21 Welcome Video

Fairfield English/Journalism teacher Mark Braam introduces himself for the 20-21 school year, utilizing a previous video and adding various comments for the current school year.

Final Days and Grades

Greetings,
We are now headed into the last days of the 2019-20 school year. As such, there are NOT any new assignments for Mr. Braam's classes. Hooray!!!
However, assignments that have not yet been sent to me can still be turned in for credit.
My final due date for turning things into me is Monday, May 25, so that I may get all items graded and into Progressbook on time. 
My biggest advice? Communicate with me. I will be sending out a huge number of emails and making phone calls, particularly to those people who are in danger of not passing the course. Again, if you have issues getting things turned in, COMMUNICATE WITH ME!!! I will literally come to you to pick things up if necessary.
Please, do not just ignore this message and hope it will go away. I have attempted to contact everybody that I have not heard from several times, both by phone and emails to both the student and the parents, and while some people have responded, others have not. Some people contacted me, but then sent me only one or two assignments, then stopped.
If you are missing assignments, please let me know if you do not intend to turn anything else in for the rest of the year.
Need a list of assignments? Here they are: https://bit.ly/BraamHWGoogleDoc
Need to reach the CCR English assignments? http://bit.ly/BraamHWPage
Need to reach the Journalism class assignments? http://bit.ly/BraamJourHW
Need to communicate with me? [email protected]

It has been a pleasure teaching you this year, and I am saddened that we do not get a chance to say goodbye in person. I hope that we do find a way to see each other again, particularly those of you who are headed to Butler Tech.
 
As usual .... STAY SAFE!!!

Locker Cleanout Days and Instructions

Locker Cleanout – For grades 10-12

Wednesday, May 20, Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22 (Divided by alphabet) from 9 a.m. until noon and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. 
Please bring a bag(s) to carry your items! It is our recommendation that students wear a mask and gloves. By order of the Butler County General Health District, all students must have their temperature taken before they will be permitted to enter the building.

· Last name A-H: May 20

· Last name I-P: May 21

· Last name Q-Z: May 22

PLEASE NOTE: By order of the Butler County General Health District a limited number of students will be permitted in the building at a time. Parents will not be permitted to enter the building. We will have volunteers stationed throughout the school to ensure students are practicing appropriate social distancing.
 
We will take everything students need to turn in, including laptops, textbooks library books, etc. Yearbooks will also be available to anyone who ordered one. To order a yearbook, please visit the following website: ybpay.lifetouch.com. Yearbook ID code is 12875720. Yearbooks are $75.

JOB ALERT: Full-Time Custodial Position Open at East

PARENTS WHO NEED JOBS:

As a public service, I am forwarding this message from the district:

Job opportunity in the Fairfield City School District! – full-time 2nd shift Custodian at East Elementary School!
Please click the link to apply online.

https://www.applitrack.com/…/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp…

Here are the details from when you click on the above link:

Full-time 2nd shift Custodian  - East Elementary                                           

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
General Responsibilities: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, and cleaning rooms, halls, stairs, kitchen/breakroom, workroom, restrooms,  and removing trash from all areas.  Ability to lift up to fifty (50) lbs. on a routine and ongoing basis.  Other building(s) and duties as assigned 
Application Procedure: To be considered for a position or substitute opportunity at Fairfield City School District, complete an online application.  Begin this process by clicking on the red Apply button at the top of your screen.  
Applicants that are offered a position shall be required to submit to an FBI/BCI criminal background check.  Failure to satisfactorily pass the criminal background check based upon the discretion of the Board of Education will preclude an individual from employment with the Fairfield City School District.
Hourly rate beginning at $16.03 commensurate with experience
Questions? Please email:  [email protected] or call the Office of Human Resources at 513-829-6300.
Fairfield City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 

In addition, there is also a part-time substitute custodial job available: Substitute Custodian  - Fairfield City School District               

Summary: District-wide substitute opportunities, hours may vary (primarily 2nd shift) and are considered an as-needed basis
Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
General Responsibilities: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting, and cleaning classrooms, halls, stairs, cafeteria, restrooms, clinic,
 gymnasium, and other school/building locations.  Removing trash from all areas.  Ability to lift up to fifty (50) lbs. on a routine and ongoing basis.  Other duties as assigned.                                                      
Application Procedure:  To be considered for a position or substitute opportunity at Fairfield City School District, complete an online application in the
 AppliTrack system and attach the completed application to the appropriate substitute job posting.  Begin this process by clicking on the red Apply button at the top of your screen.  Following a review of all internal applicants, Fairfield will review new applicants who have completed an online application and will make contact with potential candidates. Candidates must have a complete and  submitted application to be considered.  Approved candidates must complete a substitute conference.
Applicants that are offered a position or substitute opportunity shall be required to submit to an FBI/BCI criminal background check.  Failure to satisfactorily pass the criminal background check based upon the discretion of the Board of Education will preclude an individual from employment with the Fairfield City School District.
Substitute hourly rate beginning at $11.25 per hour.
Questions? Please email:  [email protected] or call the Office of Human Resources at 513-829-6300.

ALL SOPHOMORES MUST READ AND RESPOND BEFORE MAY 29

PLEASE READ AND RESPOND. This is required by the district for ALL current sophomores. Failure to respond will leave no options.

FHS Families: 

Next year, our current sophomores will have the opportunity at FHS to take one of four tests on an "Option Day" in October. They will be able to select which test they would like to take, with the default being the Practice ACT if they do not select one. 

Here are the options (access to details about each option is available below):

  • Practice ACT 

  • PSAT 

  • ASVAB

  • WorkKeys 

In order to determine what test students are interested in taking on Wednesday October 14, 2020, they will need to take this survey this month - during May 2020, with the deadline for submissions being Friday, May 29

This will help FHS plan during the summer and account for the various tests they will need to order.

The survey has more detailed information about each test, as does this document FHS created to streamline details about the various testing they do throughout the year.

Parents/Guardians - please take the time to sit with your student and carefully select which is most appropriate for him/her to take.

NOTE FROM MR. BRAAM: Once you choose an option, you will not be allowed to change, so choose wisely. Confused? Don't know which one to pick? Talk to your counselor!!!

Thank you for doing this sometime before Friday, May 29!

Anyone who does not make a selection by May 29 will automatically be signed up for the Practice ACT, as this is still a required day of school and a mandatory testing day (the only option is which test is taken).

Note about Why to Complete and Hand In Assignments

As we enter the final month of school during this extremely different educational experience, I want to remind all of my students to continue working on and handing in assignments.
Why?
* Because it helps your education (this is a great opportunity to practice writing and analytical skills)
* Because it helps your grades, 
* Because it helps your future ... the higher your grades, the better your GPA will be, and the more likely colleges and employers will look favorably upon you.
* And, because, when it comes time two years from now to write college and job recommendations, both myself and other teachers will remember who kept trying unto the end.

I know there many obstacles in some of your pathways to getting things turned in, but what I ask of you then is to stay in communication with meHave issues? Let me know ... and still keep in touch each week to keep me updated.
Stay safe everybody ...and keep striving.

Update about this week's due dates

Happy Thursday!
It just occurred to me last night that this Friday and Monday are technically days off from school, so I will adjust the due dates for the Week 3 HW accordingly (Last Night of the World and the two NoRedInk.com assignments).
They will now not be due until Tuesday, April 14.
I will still have Week 4 HW posted by the morning of Monday, April 13, but that will be for those people who would prefer to get working earlier on the week's assignments!
Also, I may answer emails on those two off-days, but I may take a little longer to respond (I have been sitting in this chair 12-14 hours per day, and need to catch up on my life, too!).
Also, any work being turned in from earlier weeks is appreciated at any time (the sooner the better).
Trying to keep track of what has been assigned? Go to
which has assignment names and due dates.
Stay safe,
Mr. Braam

A Favor to Ask from Mr. Braam

Greetings!
One quick favor to ask.
I truly appreciate the innovative ways people have been finding to send me their HW, but -- if you can -- if you are taking a photo of your work, please send it to me so that it is:
A. Vertical
B. The camera is looking down at the paper (and not from an angle)
C. Your paper is well-lit and not in the dark!!!!
That would really help me not have to twist my neck to a weird angle and so that I do not have to squint at your writing.
Thanks!
Mr. Braam