Friday, March 25, 2011

Student Government Update


The next prom fundraising event will  be a bake sale, taking place Friday, April 1st at Walmart in Hamburg.

White Tiger

Every other Wednesday, and every Friday we have our exploratory classes:  TLC Publications, (SGA) Student Government, Culinary Arts, ROTC, Chinese, Intramurals, Boys 2 Men, Recording Arts, Pay It Forward and Cosmetology.  I love White Tiger Wednesdays and Fridays because it gives us a chance throughout the week to develop our interests and strengths.  It brings so much fun into our school days because the classes are innovative and unique to the traditional school system.  


Seeing as how our school is different from other Fayette County Public Schools, I believe this strategy works well for most of our kids. Why? For starters, students chose the exploratories they wanted through a teacher created Exploratory Fair.  Teachers bid for our votes with creative boards and tempting treats displaying what their exploratory would study.  The student votes determined the exploratories that would be offered to the students.  


Ultimately, the reason why it works, though, is because TLC students have a voice.  Being able to be hands on with our learning is process that should be incorporated in all schools.  I am very grateful I'm able to take these extra classes for credits while attending TLC.  For me, it has made all the difference!
                                                           
 -Mary Logan 

How Clean is Our Water?

   
http://bigfatboyfriend.com/?p=679

 In Mrs. Galla's Chemistry class, students are busy determining levels of alkalinity, turbidity, and the pH of tap water vs. fountain water. Many students avoid drinking out of the faucet, and some even bring bottled water from home. But how different are they really?
    While the tap water was found to be safe to drink, it's far from desirable. Turbidity measures the clairity of water. Tap water had a turbidity of 5 JTUs, while the water from the water fountain had a turbidity of 0 JTUs - meaning the filtering system does its job well. Turbidity affects alkalinity (the amount of alcohol in water) and conductivity (how well the water conducts electricity). Water is more conductive if there are more particles in it, and there is liable to be more alcohol is water with particles in it. So, what exactly does this all mean?
    Prepare for an explanation with more scientific terms.  Turbidity increases the acidity of water and raises its temperature. Although the acidity of tap water was only 7.5, which is a safe level, the filtered water was only 7 - which is neutral. The filtered water was an icy 54.6 degrees Fahrenheit but tap water was a tepid 74.6 degrees Fahrenheit. By removing the particles through the filter, the water's temperature decreases, its less conductive, its free from nitrate and iron oxide, and the alkalinity drops 40 ppm. The only thing that remains is the chlorine, which measured 20 ppm in both samples. These levels are safe since chlorine is not dangerous unless it exceeds 50 ppm.
    You might be wondering if the water fountain water is the same as your pricey bottled water? According to mysafecleanwater.com - yes! Over 40% of bottled water comes from municipal water systems, meaning its about the same as the water out of your tap. The reality is, that as long as you are buying water bottled in the same state that you live in - the bottling company is exempt from FDA regulations on bottled water and can essentially just bottle your tap water.  However, most bottled water companies purify their water with reverse osmosis or ultraviolet disinfection processes rather than adding chlorine, which most water utility companies will do because it's cheaper.  Is that really worth the $1400 the average American spends on bottled water in a year? All scientific terms aside, the reality is that drinking the same amount in tap water would cost a mere forty-nine cents a year. Think about that.

Clarissa

Exploratories : Student Government

By Clarissa 

http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/fac/socsci/criminaljustice.html

I have been sitting in on Student Government the past couple weeks, and while you might think a class of eight kids without a lot of instruction wouldn't get too much done – you'd be surprised. Students have already added multiple lunch options to the menu, including Bosco sticks and sparkling juice. Now they are responsible for inventing a new policy against smoking that expects effective results.  Currently, they are planning the first TLC prom and have many other projects in the works for TLC students such as a mentor program that involves high school students helping out middle school students.   With endless opportunities to exemplify leadership, future successes for the school and individuals is imminent.   So, what's next for Student Government? For TLC?  Keep checking www.tlcpublications.blogspot.com for current updates on how impending decisions by your student body will affect you! 










Exploratories: ROTC

 ROTC By Tiffany

ROTC is a class led by Mr. Helfing, a former marine; it is based on teaching kids more about career opportunities within the military. In ROTC, the kids are taught about honor, integrity, and leadership. They also participate in activities, such as drill and PT (Physical Training). It is a great program for kids who are considering joining the military sometime in the future. This program is both rigorous and fulfilling. Members of ROTC depend and trust each other, no one gets left behind, which is a lesson highly applicable to all students at The Learning Center.

Members of ROTC depend and trust each other, no one gets left behind.


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Reader's Theater at Northside Library



Student Script

The grant funding came from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. 
The partnership was between the YMCA of Central Kentucky, Lexington Public Library Northside Branch and Fayette County School The Learning Center.

 Student Input

When Northside Library came to The Learning Center we wrote scripts on different books we read.  We were placed in different literature circles, so we could  have group discussions on the books.  Additionally, we got snacks once a week for six weeks. I loved that part!  They  took us to their library and introduced to all types of technology.  The Apple Computers were like flat screen televisions!  It was a great experience; we got to work in the music and video recording rooms.  We also learned how to use editing programs like Garage Band.   Several of my classmates, including myself, explored the amine section; they had quite a selection of books and magazines.  It made me want to get a library membership.   I can't wait to go up there on my free time out of school and check out some books!

-Jordan-

Friday, March 11, 2011

MASQUERADE PROM


Official Update on Prom Next Year
-Tiffany and Clairissa
This year many of you have heard that  Student Government has planned to do a prom for TLC students. However, the timing and preparation needed was in short supply and it would have proved very difficult to pull through with. Regardless, an activity has been planned to involve students in an end-of-the-year activity. Student Government does intend to start early and plan a prom for next year. With more time it may prove easier to book a hotel, find a caterer, sell tickets, buy decorations, and set a theme - let alone ask other students to be involved.  We are very excited to see how this all pans out.

Prom at TLC
 Tiffany  and Clarissa 
 Today, members of TLC Publication sat in on a meeting of Student Government. The goal was to discuss potential prom ideas and fundraisers. Considering, this is the first prom ever at The Learning Center, it’s a really big deal! Student Government is embracing the idea of having a masquerade themed prom. They are currently in the midst of putting together a prom committee, and several fundraisers, such as a bake sale and a car wash.   Another potential money-raising idea is to make and sell masks before and at the prom. Overall, everyone involved is very excited at the proposition of helping TLC pull off their very first prom. 

Prom is an essential part of a high school student’s career. No one should have to leave high school without experiencing the often referenced “night to remember.” Contrary to most school proms, this event will not be exclusive to only juniors and seniors but will also integrate freshman and sophomore students. Middle school students, do not despair - as Ferris Bueller would say,”Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Your time will come soon enough.  Approval is pending on whether or not students outside of The Learning Center would be able to attend. The attire will be formal, so anyone who does attend will be encouraged to wear typical prom dresses and suits.  Of course, your attire can have an added masquerade flair!  

 
Masquerades originated in 14th century Italian Renaissance at Venetian Carnivals. The masks became a way for the wealthy to broadcast themselves, and were often adorned with precious metals and valuable jewels. As the popularity increased, so did the masquerade ball’s reference in pop culture. In Edgar Allen Poe’s famous The Mask of the Red Death, the play takes place at a masquerade and ends in the inevitable Poe fashion. The popularity decreased, but the tradition has never disappeared. Now The Learning Center hopes to incorporate the age-old Venetian ideas into a  contemporary and original prom we’ll all want to attend.
Attached: MASQUERADE PROM!!
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Exploratories: Culinary Arts

Culinary!
 


In Culinary Arts, we are currently working on a TLC "Throw Down." This is going to be similar to the show on the Food Network "Throw Down with Bobby Flay."  The students will be in groups and making the same dishes. We will have a competition to see who makes the best dish within a four course meal.   We also prepare dishes from all around the world and learn about the foods in different cultures. This is a very fun class!!  


Courtesy of Casey