Category Archive

My daughter Elizabeth turned one today. It seems like yesterday that I wrote this post, but in fact in was 365 days ago. Last night I made a video montage of her first year of life. Here it is. I hope you enjoy.

Today we practiced collaborative writing using Google Docs. Some aspects went really well and some did not. I have shared a new google doc with you called, “What works? What Doesn’t?” This is not a graded assignment, however, it will allow you to have input concerning the google doc process, which we will be using throughout the year (for graded assignments). I am hoping that you will all be able to edit the document into one finished product. I am not looking for a bunch of individual paragraphs that say the same thing over and over. If someone said what you were thinking, then don’t add anything. If you think that you can say it better, then edit it. We need to not take offense if someone edits our work in this instance. That is what collaboration is all about. The idea is that we will edit and revise things until we have the best possible finished product. I know this is a new concept and you might find it difficult. It is ok. We learn by struggling through this together. You are all doing a great job considering you have never been asked to do something like this before. Learning how to collaborate will be a long process that we will go through together. I’m learning too . . .

Hi Everyone. I’m sure you’ve heard that we have a half day due to the impending storm.

Earl says "half day" and "no computer lab for Mr. Agins' class 1.:

The schedule has changed a bit. Here it is:

Day 1

8:15 – 9:00 Class 1

9:00 – 9:45 Class 2

9:45 – 10:30 Survey (Band/PE)

10:30 – 11:05 Class 3

11:05  - 11:25 Lunch

11:25 – 11:40 Back to Class 3

11:40 – 12:25 Class 4

Needless to say, this has changed our Computer Lab situation a bit. My 1st class will not have access to the lab. We will have one of the laptop carts. Sorry guys, no A/C. If we do not finish the assignment, I will sign up for the lab on Tuesday.

Mr. Agins and his bottle of Awesomesauce. The 2011 blend. Xtra-Awesome. Plus, it is organic!!

I have a serious problem.

I fully realize that it isn’t considered proper etiquette to start off a “welcome back” post directed towards a new class with a complaint. But wait, hear me out before you write this off. It is a good problem. In fact, it just might be the best problem I have ever had to deal with. Wanna know what my serious problem is? It is YOU. Whoa, whoa whoa . . . hang on a second. I’m not done. Let me tell you why I think that you are a problem. You are such a serious problem because I’ve heard how unbelievably awesome your class is. I have heard nothing but positive comments about your character, work ethic, imagination, and drive. I know you’re probably asking yourself, “So, Mr. Agins, what exactly is the problem, then?” Great question. See? You’re already asking awesome questions! The problem is that when you’re awesome you make me want to be awesome, and then if we’re both awesome for the next 182 days . . . well, let’s just say that no one knows if the World can handle such an intense level of extended awesomeness. We might break the World with our awesomeness. However, if we do, I’m sure that, being as awesome as we are, we’ll figure out a way to make it better than it was before we smashed it to bits with our awesomeness.

How’s that for a welcome back message? Actually, I think even saying “welcome back” paints the wrong picture right off the bat. You’ve never been to 8th grade before, so welcoming you back to it just seems wrong. So, instead, I will just welcome you to my class. I wish there were a way to express my excitement for the coming year in a manner that doesn’t seem fake, or forced, or generic. Just saying, “I’m excited for the upcoming year,” does not do justice to how I actually feel. This class is the first class that I have openly interacted with since your entrance to PMS. I already know many of you as either younger siblings of former students, or through video club, or my frequent visits to the Phish room (and Mrs. Cravinho’s room, too). This is the first class that I have watched grow up over the past three years, and I can honestly say that my anticipation for your arrival to 8th grade increased with each passing year. And now . . . here you are. So let’s make the most of our time together this year. Believe me when I say that 182 days flies by. Let’s enjoy those days, let’s learn things together (I mean I want to learn along side you), and let’s grow together in our Earth shattering awesomeness!

p.s. Here is an explanation of what you can expect on our quest for awesomeness.