High School Reflection

As we hit the end of the your 1st semester of your senior year at Smithtown, I'd like you to take the time to reflect on your experience here at East. What are some of the positive things that you will take away from your experience here? What will you miss the most? Do you have any regrets? What good advice would you give the underclassmen coming up to the high school? What are your future plans for next year and beyond? Use this last blog entry as a way to reflect on your overall experience at Smithtown, offer advice to the upcoming freshman, and a brief look ahead to the future. BEST OF LUCK NEXT YEAR AND WITH YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS!!! CARPE DIEM (SEIZE THE DAY!)

Security Solutions

After the many tragic school shootings that have taken place in our country in the past few years, what can we do to as a nation to make sure our children are safe? Reflect on the national, state, and local responsibilities associated with securing our schools. Also, reflect on our district in Smithtown. Do you feel that current security procedures in place are working? If not, what can we do to change our current system? Be specific and detailed with your responses and offer solutions to the problem.

Social Media & Glorifying Violence

Read the following article and write a thoughful response. http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/04/justice/ohio-rape-online-video/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Breeding Violence

Read the following ( 2 ) articles about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. Offer your insightful reflection on the wave of violence that seems to be becoming a sickening trend in our current society. Offer solutions and insights with regards to gun control, mental illness, the role of parents and educators, the media, etc. How do we prevent future violence from occurring? http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2012/12/17/poll-sandy-hook-shooting-a-sign-of-big-societal-problems/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/16/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-mental-illness-conversation_n_2311009.html

Holiday Memory

Every holiday season, I often find myself thinking back to my childhood memories of Christmas. My mother died two days after Christmas (30 years ago), and sometimes it feels like it was yesterday. Unfortunately, my most vivid Christmas was a tragic moment in my life that I will never forget.....presents that remained under my tree for months and so much more that will be forever etched in my memory. Please share your most memorable holiday tradition or memory. Explain its significance to you.

"We Wish You a Generic Holiday & a Happy New Year"!

1. Read the following article about the latest controversy regarding the holiday season. Write a thoughtful response below. http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/providence/providence-tree-feud-to-be-brought-to-light?hpt=us_bn4 2. More and more we hear greetings this time of year expressed as "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas." Because of that, we hear more and more dissatisfaction in private conversation over the use of this politically correct, generic greeting. Are we becoming too polically correct in today's society? Read the following article and write a thoughtful response. http://theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/539318/Can-we-be-politically-correct-an---.html

In America

What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the relationships you choose to have or your generation? Explain your in-depth view of the ever-changing American identity. .