Reader Raves

Mr. Marino's Term Paper

2010-04-19T10:34:00.008-04:00

Here are our tried and true reference links. Please get IDs and passwords from the library.

Gale Virtual Reference Library
Launch from the library Web page at www.hopatcongschools.org/hs/library. Inside the building, you do not need to enter a password.

EBSCOHost is found at search.ebscohost.com. Try a search at the Literary Reference Center.
Not all Web sites are created equally. A Google search may yield accurate information or totally unreliable data that could wreck your grade. Here is a list of reputable sources designed to help you accomplish your tasks quickly and accurately. If you have any questions, see me in the library or contact me at ppaugh@hopatcongschools.org .

Search 50 years of American Heritage magazine. americanheritage.com
Find a selection of recommended websites at History Matters.
Use A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust for images, timelines, and research about this time period.
Use the U.S. history tab at Shmoop.
Listen to your research at History and Politics Outloud.
Get the facts at HistoryNet.

Writing Questions
Find out what books are available at the high school library at Hopatcong High School Library.

The Purdue Online Writing Lab helps with composition issues.

For help writing citations, try Son of Citation Machine. High school papers are written in MLA format.

For even more help researching, organizing, creating citations, use Noodle Tools. User ID is hopatcong, password is hopatcong or high. Create your own sign-in to save your work.

Stop by the library for more help!

General Reference:
Refdesk.com provides a wealth of information. Find links to newspapers, SAT prep, political cartoons, and favorite columnists. Different search fields available.
The Internet Public Library is extensive. Use the search box on the top of the page or drill down by subject either by the navigation bar on the left side of the screen or the main body of the site.
How Things Work tells you just what the title suggests. Search field available.

Jersey Clicks http://www.jerseyclicks.com
Access this site directly inside the building. Outside the building, enter 28023 or use the barcode from your Sussex County or other public library to access this database.

Q & A New Jersey http://www.qandanj.org
If you need help with research, you can ask a librarian online 24 hours a day.

A Guide to the Accuplacer

2010-03-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

     The Accuplacer test is designed to help college officials decide what level of classes will work best for you. It consists of a series of English, math, and writing questions. It is called an adaptive test because the difficulty of the questions changes based on your answers. For example, if you answer one easy question correctly, then you will be given a more difficult question. You must answer every question. You should do your best possible work so college officials can make accurate decisions about your placement.
     Tips and helpful information on the Accuplacer can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer . Check the sample questions too.
     You can try an online algebra practice test from Montgomery College. After you answer the question, you can check your answer. The correct answer will be highlighted.
     Test Prep Review offers free online practice tests in every question area. Answers are the bottom of each section.
     Sussex County Community College has posted sample questions.
     Monroe Community College offer hints and sample questions at its site.
     Don't miss Monroe Community College's Accuplacer links if you want to brush up on English and math skills.
     Good luck!

Sociology research sites

2010-02-14T18:22:00.006-05:00

Internet Public Library

Digital Librarian social sciences

Questia
Use the advanced search box to choose sources.

Infomine http://infomine.ucr.edu

Saving files to a flash drive

2010-02-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

Here's how to save files to a portable flash drive:
1. Put the device into USB port.
2. Give the computer 10-20 seconds to register the device.
3. Go to My Computer.
4. Look for the removable device.
5. Then find the file you want to save.
6. Right click on the file you want to save.
7. Pick "save as."
8. Pick My Computer.
9. Pick removable device.
10. Double click to save the file.

A Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet--or Mrs. DeRose's Poetry Project

2009-05-04T11:50:00.002-04:00

Okay. I will refrain from all the corny poetic references. Here are accurate, reliable sites to conduct poetry research.

http://poets.org from the American Academy of Poets

http://maps.google.com to find an image of where your poet lived or lives.

http://www.poetryfoundation.org

http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/library.html sponsored by Lucidcafe. Scroll down to poets and don’t be distracted by the numerous other wonderful links.

http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor

http://www.shmoop.com/poetry by Shmoop of course.

http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/entry/48518 Poetry guide by the Internet Public Library

http://lii.org Search the Librarians’ Internet Index for your poet.

Here are our tried and true reference links. Please get IDs and passwords from the library.

Gale Virtual Reference Library
Launch from the library Web page at www.hopatcongschools.org/hs/library. Inside the building, you do not need to enter a password.

EBSCOHost is found at search.ebscohost.com. Try a search at the Literary Reference Center.

Jersey Clicks http://www.jerseyclicks.com
Access this site directly inside the building. Outside the building, enter 28023 or use the barcode from your Sussex County or other public library to access this database.

Q & A New Jersey http://www.qandanj.org
If you need help with research, you can ask a librarian online 24 hours a day.

So You're Studying Shakespeare?

2009-04-26T07:49:00.007-04:00

Quick! Which actor has NOT played a Shakespearean character in a movie?
A. Laurence Fishburne
B. Leonardo DiCaprio
C. Mel Gibson
D. Jim Carrey

If you guessed Jim Carrey, you're right. Please come to the library to pick up your prize.

And now for our regularly scheduled program. Below are links to help you research various topics about Elizabethan England.

Hopatcong High School Library
Click on Gale Virtual Reference Library and entered the search term Elizabethan.

Internet Public Library

Libraians' Internet Index

EBSCOHost Enter the Hopatcong user ID and password. Click on EBSCOWeb and conduct a search in either the History Reference Center or Literary Reference Center. Try Elizabethan as your search term.

As always, if you need help, you know where to find me.

Sprechen sie Art?

2009-04-02T10:42:00.002-04:00

Try these sites to help with your German project:

Go to the Hopatcong High School library Web site and select the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Use the search terms on your worksheet to find information.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Museum of Modern Art
ArtLex about Expressionism
Dada--The Anti-War Art Movement
Links to medieval German art
Graffiti in German; translation available
Librarians' Internet Index features of myriad of item. Type your search terms in the field at the top of the page.
Berlin Wall Museum and other helpful links to German museums.
Extensive links about the Berlin Wall art
If you find information to share with your classmates, click on the comments link below and add your findings. Thanks!

A Guide to the Accuplacer

2009-03-04T08:55:00.006-05:00

Find Accurate and Reliable Information Quickly

2009-02-26T08:00:00.023-05:00

Not all Web sites are created equally. A Google search may yield accurate information or totally unreliable data that could wreck your grade. Here is a list of reputable sources designed to help you accomplish your tasks quickly and accurately. If you have any questions, see me in the library or contact me at ppaugh@hopatcongschools.org .

General Reference:
Refdesk.com provides a wealth of information. Find links to newspapers, SAT prep, political cartoons, and favorite columnists. Different search fields available.
The Internet Public Library is extensive. Use the search box on the top of the page or drill down by subject either by the navigation bar on the left side of the screen or the main body of the site.
Librarians' Internet Index offers indepth information on a multitude of topics. You can use the search field on the homepage or drill down based on your subject.
How Things Work tells you just what the title suggests. Search field available.
EBSCOHost is The Boss of resource. Get user ID and password from the library.

Literature and Poetry:
Pick either the literature or poetry tabs at Shmoop.
Poets.org offers all things poetry, even readings, compliments of the American Academy of Poets.

History:
Search 50 years of American Heritage magazine. americanheritage.com
Use A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust for images, timelines, and research about this time period.
Use the U.S. history tab at Shmoop.
Get the facts at HistoryNet.

Writing Questions
The Purdue Online Writing Labhelps with composition issues.

Dictionaries:
Merriam-Webster
Ninja Words
Dictionary.com

Research Citations and MLA Format:
Noodle Tools is our preferred subscription method for creating citations and note cards. User ID and password available at the library.
Use Citation Machine to create MLA citations for your Works Cited page and parenthetical or in-text citation.
Wonder if your paper follows MLA format? Compare it against an online sample paper at http://ollie.dcccd.edu/library/Module5/Sample.htm

Science:
Visit Science U in your search for answers on math, geometry, and the solar system.
Find a periodic table at Infoplease.

Math:
Algebra.help is designed to help students and teachers.
Interactive Mathsolves all types of math problems for you, but you still have to do your homework. It shows only the answer, not the work.

Career Information:
Occupational Outlook Handbook is the source for job prospects and training, all for free.
Career Cruising features inventories of career, talent, and educational interests. Password and ID available in the library.

SAT Prep:
College Board provides basic information about the SAT.
Prepare yourself for the SAT with the daily official question of the day.
Take a SAT sample critical reading test a al college board.
Take a math practice test.
Take the essay practice test.
Take the official 2008-09 SAT Practice Test.

Audio Books:
ListenNJNW lets you download books to computer or MP3 player. You need a Sussex County library card or another New Jersey public library card to use this site. Free interface must be downloaded and installed.

Wanna win it? Get it in!

2009-02-19T07:56:00.004-05:00

     Congratulations to Mr. Jensen's fourth- and sixth-period classes for taking the torch and running with it. In other words, kudos for working on the History Uncovered contest.
     Now you've really got to start thinking. Brainstorm at least 15 people, places, or events in your chosen category and then narrow it down to 10.
     Then ask yourself how can you justify these people, places, or events. What is the criteria you used to make your selections? If you develop a specific framework for adding people, places, or events, it will be easier to defend your choices and prepare your final project.
     Think of yourself as an Olympic judge with a checklist in front of you. How would judge the athletes? How do you justify giving the American gymnast a perfect score?
     Ready. Set. Think. ABC-CLIO will help.
     If you're looking for modern hints, information from Time magazine might help.
     Don't forget to keep a list of MLA citations. It must be presented with your final project. Noodle Tools is a perfect way to do that. You also can use MLA citations included with ABC-CLIO's articles.

Mr. Batche's Great Inventors

2009-02-19T07:45:00.002-05:00

Want fast, accurate information for your project? Try ABC-CLIO, a respected history database. If you are asked for a user ID and password, they are the same, HopatcongStudent. It is case sensitive so make sure you type the capitals.

Celebrate National Love of Reading Week

2009-02-17T09:04:00.003-05:00

Go ahead. Spill it. What's the name of your favorite book? Add your title below and perhaps a short explanation why. You also can stop in the library and tell us your favorite book. We'll post your recommended read on a flier in a library window.
If you need a reminder, here are some students' favorite titles:
Go Ask Alice
Twilight
Glass
Vampire Kisses
Generation Kill
InuYasha
Blue Bloods
Atlas Shrugged--Yup.
War and Peace--Not really. Just seeing if you're paying attention.

Not Something to Tell your English Teacher--I Can Write that Story in Six Words

2009-02-13T08:48:00.003-05:00

     What can you say in six words? Can you tell a whole story? Author Ernest Hemingway did when he wrote, "For sale, baby shoes. Never worn."
     The six-word story is gaining popularity. I haven't thought of a great one yet, at least not one I want to publicly share. But if you do, please post it under comments below.
     If you're looking for inspiration, try the Web site, Six Word Stories.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Help

2009-02-05T12:05:00.002-05:00

Use the sites below for help with research on The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

http://www.shmoop.com/intro/literature/robert-louis-stevenson/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde.html

http://www.bookrags.com/notes/jek

http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/audiobooks/Jekyll/mp3/index.htm

Yes We Can Remake America

2009-01-20T14:02:00.002-05:00

     President Barack Obama issued a challenge to every American during his inaugural speech.
     "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
     Are you ready to heed the call? If so, what are you willing to do?
     Share your vow here as I share mine.
     I vow to be the best public school teacher that I can be. That begins with kindness, consideration, and respect for every student I am lucky enough to work with. It requires that I continually acquire new skills and knowledge. If one way of learning doesn't work for a student, it is incumbent upon me to find another. I must listen and maintain an open mind.
     Can I do it? Yes I can.
     What can you do? Click on the comments link below to share your vow.
Full text of Obama's speech

BRRR...The Cold War Pathfinder

2009-01-16T08:33:00.004-05:00

     Here are places to look for reliable, accurate information on your Cold War topic. If you find a great site, please share it by adding a comment at the end of this blog.
     We have a trial version of ABC-CLIO, a history database, just in time for your Cold War projects.See how lucky you are! If you are asked for a user ID and password, they are both HopatcongStudent. It is case sensitive so be sure to type the capital letters.
     Access EBSCOhost, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Noodle Tools, World Book Online, and Facts on File from the library Web site.
Librarians' Internet Index
     In the first column, click on history under Arts and Humanity. Then do a keyword search for the Cold war.
Shmoop
     Check on the U.S. History tab and search for Cold War information.
CNN Cold War
     Includes excerpts from interviews with important Cold War figures, primary documents, a glossary of Cold War terms, and people profiles
American Heritage magazine
     This Web site includes information from the magazine for the past 50 years.
Cold War International History Project
     The Cold War International History Project reevaluates the history of the Cold War in light of newly released sources, especially from the former Soviet Bloc.
Cold War Policies 1945-1991
     Outline history of the Cold War containing links to online documents and other Internet sources. Also includes lists of Cold War links, books, and films.
Essay Rater
     This writing tool proofreads your paper and helps you avoid plagiarism, poor grammar, spelling errors, weak word choice, and punctuation mistakes.
     Don't forget to check out the library for actual books on the Cold War. Yeah, books. Remember them?
     Reminder--please post any interesting sources you find below.

History--Heroes and Villains

2009-01-16T08:05:00.009-05:00

     Identify the 10 greatest people, places, or events that shaped the course of history. Who or what comes to mind? Hitler? Shakespeare? Fleming? The Manhattan Project?
     ABC-CLIO, publishers of reference materials, is sponsoring a contest asking high school students to answer that question. Entries can be submitted in a variety of formats from essays to videos. Contestants work in teams of two to six members each. Of course, winners will garner prizes. Did I mention cash?
Check out ABC-CLIO's History Uncovered contest for more information.
     For the contest, you must use ABC-Clio's database in your work. Its address is http://www.socialstudies.abc-clio.com .
     From that address, you can launch databases on world geography, ancient history, world history, American history, American government, U.S. geography, U.S. at War, and Issues.
     Your user ID and password are the same: HopatcongStudent. Both are case sensitive.
     Keep track of where you gather information. You will need to cite sources in MLA format when you submit your project. I suggest using Noodle Tools. (You saw this coming, right?)
     Find nitty gritty details about the History Uncovered contest here.
     Entries will judged based on:
     • Students’ understanding of the historical significance of their selections
     • Students’ demonstration of critical thinking
     • Clear and effective communication of ideas
     • Accuracy of the students’ research and citations
     • Synthesis, or composition and flow of the Entry
     "Scores are not impacted by a team’s choice of Entry format (essay, audio podcast, animation, video, or slide show), or by a Team’s specific selections of people, events, and places," according to ABC-CLIO.
     What persons or things do you think have affected the lives we lead now? It's an interesting question.
     Come on. Let's win some cash and prizes!

Post your poetry--I triple dog dare you

2008-12-21T19:42:00.002-05:00

     Time for true confessions--I wrote a poem today. It is entitled "The Other Catwoman," and it is a tad sad to say the least. (Did you notice that rhymed?) Remember, though, today was the darkest day of the year, the winter solstice, so I am allowed a little blackness.
     I'll tell you what. You post some of your poetry, and maybe, just maybe, I'll post mine.
     And for those of you working on a manuscript, fear not. As soon as you write it, you are pretty much covered by copyright law.
     Please note: this is a triple dog dare.

Peter Biedermann rocks our world...again!

2008-12-21T19:18:00.002-05:00

     Hopatcong High School is not part of Peter Biedermann's daily itinerary. He lives in Butler and works in New York City. Yet, Thursday the guitarist showed up at school, this time bearing gifts.
     He brought a bagful of music CDs of his original music for students who studied and marveled at his finger-picking a few weeks ago.
     "The students were so great," Biedermann remarked as he handed over a full bag of CDs.
     Pain was etched in this face. Personal tragedy can do that to you this time of year.
     Word quickly spread throughout the school of Biedermann's generosity. One by one or sometimes in pairs, students showed up and stared in amazement as Biedermann's CD passed into their hands. Each one extolled the guitarist's action.
     "We've got to do something for him," Dave said, quickly hatching a plan.
     There is one thing we can do for Biedermann and his wife: Send him our thoughts, love, and prayers.
     Anyone who was in that audience knows Biedermann taught us much that day. Now we can reciprocate by sharing ourselves. Sometimes the best gift can't be seen, only felt.

What does it mean to be Muslim?

2008-12-18T11:00:00.010-05:00

     Nothing beats a solid dose of facts to shake up stereotypes. Hopatcong resident Bilqis Ansari did just that when she visited our school to talk about what it means to be Muslim.
      "People are people," Ansari told Mrs. Kenny and Mr. Ryder's global mosaic classes today.
      Ansari advised students not to confuse being a Muslim with the terrorists who commandeered four jets and wreaked havoc on our country 9-11-01. Terrorists are criminals.
      Muslims do not condone such heinous, criminal activity in the name of Islam, Ansari explained.
      Indeed, she said, a conversation with someone of the Muslim faith begins with a prayer for peace.
      "'As-salaamu-alaikum,'" Ansari related. Roughly translated, it means, "Hey, how are you?" or "Peace to you."
      "Wa-alaikumu-salaam" is the response. "Peace to you too."
      Ansari, a media specialist at Morristown High School, chooses a modest form of dress, including a scarf to cover her hair. However, not all Muslims dress the same.
      Muslims believe in heaven and hell, do not eat pork or consume alcohol, pray five times a day toward Mecca, and worship Allah, the Arabic word for God. Muhammad was the last living prophet of Islam. His predecessors included Jesus, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Adam.
      Muslims mark Ramadhan, a month-long observance that prohibits followers from eating and drinking during daylight.
      Sometimes people confuse the Islamic faith with rules imposed by the governments in the countries in which Muslims live. Some countries require women to cover themselves from head to toe. In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive.
      Misconceptions about Muslims can also occur because of cultural differences. Because someone is Muslim doesn't mean they come from a woman-hating, third world country.
      Ansari is a prime example. She is a Jersey girl, born and bred, and a living example of the Muslim commitment to charity. Today, she shared invaluable information with us.

Snap! Share your favorite library moment

2008-12-03T16:30:00.005-05:00

     Moments of pure magic occur in our library. I'm talking about kindness, caring, and helpfulness. These instances never fail to renew my faith in humankind. Just think about when Ryan helped us master Noodle Tools. Remember when we all thought we hated Noodle Tools? Now we wouldn't want to live with it.
     You may not know it, but Susie and Grace came to my rescue when I broke three toes on the first day of school last year. Grace never left my side as Susie ran for help.
     Today was no exception. Two students came in seventh period beaming over the prospects of our upcoming play, Miracle on 34th Street. They eagerly welcomed an Asian newcomer to our school.
     Within a minute, Vikki's mile-long smile radiated across the room.
     "I can speak Chinese," she proclaimed.
     I am blessed to watch these events every day. Thank you.
     Do you have a favorite moment to share? I'd love to hear about it.

Peter Biedermann--You Rock!

2008-11-25T19:10:00.004-05:00

     Anyone lucky enough to be in the library for the last three periods today got an earful--a pleasant one that is.
     Butler guitarist Peter Biedermann filled the room with beautiful acoustic riffs. We got front-row seats to watch some awesome fret board technique. He finger-picked original tunes on three instruments he brought, one six-string and two 12-strings.
     Besides the great musical performance, Bierdermann shared some of his thoughts and philosophies. They include:

Pursue what you love.
Be humble.
Don't be discouraged by people who challenge your new ideas. Chances are, they are insecure.
Read to learn new things. (I swear I didn't ask him to say that. I swear!)
Commit yourself to a life of growth and discovery.
Success doesn't always equal talent. There are plenty of commercially successful musicians who aren't that talented.
Seek out new artists.
Explore your musical mistakes. They will lead you to new territory.
If you feel depressed, get help. Talk to someone.

     To learn more about Biedermann, check out his Web site:
http:www.peterbiedermann.com
     It's impossible to recreate the music in words, but Biedermann promised to return next year.
     Based on the student questions and attention, it's obvious we have talented musicians in our school. You were a wonderful, appreciative audience. Great job, everyone!

Vampire--Your Dream Date?

2008-11-20T17:59:00.002-05:00

     What a difference a century makes! Remember the good old days when vampires were, well, scary. Not so anymore, at least among the Cullen boys. Just mention Edward, a protective, sparkly vampire from the book and movie Twilight, and many females are likely to get a faraway look in their eyes. Some would gladly toss over their current warm-blooded boyfriends for a shot at eternity with Edward.
     How did Twilight author Stephenie Meyer transform vampires from villains to love interests?
     Does anyone long for the good, old days when we could count on vampires for blood-chilling terror? Are you sick of dazzling blood suckers?

Attention Twilight Fans

2008-11-20T08:05:00.003-05:00

The day of reckoning has arrived. It's time to cast your ballot. Who would you spend the rest of your life with? Edward or Jacob?
Guys, would Bella be your dream date?
Click on comments link under this blog to cast your vote.

Sue the Plagiarists

2008-11-18T19:33:00.008-05:00

Does plagiarism hurt anyone? Yes...me! By now, you know I was personally affected by plagiarism. For the record, let me reiterate I was the victim, not the offensive offender. Most of you advised me that I should have sued. I'm thinking about what all of you said.
So what do all of you think about plagiarism? Here the results of the survey 100 of you answered in class.

38 percent said plagiarism hurts someone.
11 percent thought plagiarism was not hurtful.
The remaining 49 percent of respondents were undecided.
Only 11 percent said they had plagiarized in the past.
One person said plagiarism is more important "in the real world" rather than in school.
A whopping 56 percent agreed schools waste too much time teaching about plagiarism.

If you're tired of hearing teachers harp on plagiarism, then help us spread the word. Choose one of the four assignments below. Write your answer as a response to this blog. Your work counts as a class participation grade. Please use appropriate language to ensure your response is posted and graded.
1. Personify plagiarism in a pargraph. In other words, give plagiarism human qualities and discuss his or her characteristics. For example, call her Patsy the Plagiarist or Carl the Copier. Describe his or her personality traits. What does he or she look like? What role does he or she play in the community, family, or world? Identify the plagiarist's best friend, worst enemy, and greatest wish. Think creatively about this and it just might be fun.
2. You have joined the Plagiarism Police Squad. As part of your job, you must write arrest reports on the last three copiers you collared. In each short account of four to six sentences each, be sure to explain what the perpetrator did and how he or she did it. Add quotes when the plagiarist cracked during interrogation.
3. You are writing a public service announcement explaining why students should not plagiarize. Write a catchy, memorable one-minute script.
4. Write a skit about a friend involved in some type of plagiarism escapade. Identify the characters by typing their names first followed by their dialogue.
Mo: I'm going to call Plagiarism Central to get a paper on that dude Shakespeare.
Curly: Wait just a second there, Mo. I wouldn't make that call if I were you.
5. Have another idea? Ask Mr. Boatman or me.
Be creative and have fun.

Now boarding the Information Super Highway

2008-10-27T16:47:00.004-04:00

   Welcome to Hopatcong High School's library blog. No passes needed. This is the place to share your thoughts on books, literature, Poetry Out Loud, and just about everything else connected to them. Here we will explore pressing questions such as:
1. Edward or Jacob? (Twilight readers will understand.)
2. What is it about vampires anyway?
3. What makes Sarah Dessen so appealing?
4. Is Holden Caulfield crazy? Your answer may change the older you get.
5. What book would you require for summer reading? (None is not an acceptable answer.)
6. What is the worst book ever written? (All is not an acceptable answer.)
7. What book is worth rereading?
8. What was the book that showed you reading was much more than homework? This is the book that remains on your list of great reads.
9. Is poetry dead? Oh, please, please, please don't say no.
   Young adult poet Brod Bagert says the age of great poetry is yet to come, and he writes about boogers, adolescence, and other gross things. If anyone has a few thousand dollars to spare, I want Bagert to visit our district. You have to read Hormone Jungle: Coming of Age in Middle School.
   Let me know what you think. Just bear in mind, I have administrative rights to this blog and I know how to use them. Translation: Don't try to post anything offensive. I'll see it first, it won't get published, and you might lose your library privileges permanently, or at least until I ream you out.
   Now have a nice day. I mean it!