Archives

2.3

Anyone in red today?

Digital Tutors has revised their home page, which should represent an improvement in navigation. Let me know what you think! Also, the folks at Lynda are asking about your user experience, (not training offered, just usability,) and I have a conference call scheduled with them next week. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Hope you are all compiling your pics for this month's creative challenge - all words for the month appear in the lower right corner; today's word for inspiration - freedom. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with, and share with each other. Have a GREAT weekend!

2.2

Groundhog Day - Our word/phrase of the day - I sure hope he does NOT see his shadow!

I'm back on track and will be getting grades updated today so I can post tomorrow. Progress reports will be completed next week, and I want to be sure they are accurate.

2.1

Celebrate! Our Creative Challenge this month involves a photo a day evolving around a daily word or phrase.

Check out the list in the lower right corner of this page - use this list for inspiration.

Use the camera on your computer, borrow one I have during class time, or use your phone to snap a pic.

Upload the photo to either our class FB page or Twitter using the hashtag #ftphotoaday. If you do not have a FB or Twitter account, at the end of the month, use your Photoshop skills to design a calendar/collage from the pics taken--you may decide to do this even if you do have those accounts.

Note: The list is purely for inspiration, however you interpret the daily prompt is up to you. There are no hard and fast rules, just be school appropriate and Have fun and enjoy!

Super Troopers - You're all awesome and I truly appreciate everyone working together to support the BPA projects that are entered today. We will be watching/viewing these entries in the near future as a class. For now, work hard on curriculum, and I'll be working hard to update your grades since progress reports go out next week :)

1.27

I'm away today at a professional conference, but am confident you will all work hard and help each other as needed.

1.25

I am very anxious to view the BPA team projects today! Excellence surely abounds :)

You are appreciated - Many of you helped with our Adopt and Angel program, and we received the following thank you note from our family: "I would like to deeply thank the sponsor of my family! My sons loved all of their gifts. I am especially thankful for the blankets! Thank you again for the hand up during our tough time."

Job Flash

1.24

Employment Opportunity - one or more students with Photoshop/Flash skills needed. The employer has requested before any contact is made, to view your portfolio. If you are interested in applying and feel you have an updated portfolio that represents these skills, let me know today, and I may include a link to your work in my reply to him.

Remember you make an impression each day concerning your work ethic and habits that directly relate to the type of employee you will be in the future. Are you doing your best? Using class time and resources wisely? Do you take initiative and problem-solve? Do you use social networking sites/Internet appropriately? Are you respectful and pleasant to be around? Employers ask me these questions when considering whether to interview you for a job, and I am always honest, because they usually value these skills over technical skills. Do not think that you can behave one way in class and "it would be different on a job". When I recommend you for a job and you receive that opportunity, it makes a huge impact on our program's reputation. It's also one of the MOST rewarding parts of my job - to see a student work hard, learn new skills, get a good job, and generate repeat requests for more great employees!

1.23

I is for Imagination!

BPA projects should be complete this week, and it's a good thing. I'm sure you are all ready to re-enter the curriculum world!

All grades earned this quarter have been published, please check for accuracy and let me know if you have questions. Also, if you are on a BPA Team, (not Computer Modeling,) you have been given all your hours except for 18. You should earn 9 this week, which works out if you finish by our Wednesday deadline; you will earn 9 additional hours during the last week of February when you are making your presentations.

P is for Passion!

1.20

Happy Friday! Don't forget, if you are on a BPA team and need an extra work day, I will be here tomorrow from 10 - 3. You're doing great, keep it up!

Competition Opportunity - Start Here Go Places

Blood Drive on Monday - see me for release forms today if you are a HS student and want to participate.

1.19

Hang in There! All BPA teams are surely experiencing stress and a little turbulence, but fear not, I'm confident you'll have a good ending to your projects, and the end is in sight :)

I've added several items to our Up Next section, to the right, that may be helpful for you to review, including a scholarship opportunity for adults, a blood drive oportunity, and OCCC orientation for new students.

Now, until January 23, if you would like to purchase hosting from Host Gator, instead of getting our deeper discount of 25%, you can get 30% if you use JAN30. Use the link above to purchase and our program earns revenue from Host Gator. That revenue is used to help send students to BPA Nationals, etc. If you are completing and are thinking about publishing a portfolio this spring using a tool rather than Behance, this is a good tool.

1.17

P is for Passion!

Tomorrow during lunch is our next Creative Cram session.

Adult students - the completed Otha Grimes Scholarship application is due in the Financial Aid office by 4:30 p.m. on January 25th if you are interested.

1.13

Happy Friday! Don't forget you are out of school on Monday, and have a 3-day weekend. Enjoy!

1.12

I'm out today for a recruitment activity at Deer Creek. Work hard, and help each other, if needed. I'll be checking my email periodically, if you need anything. I'm looking forward to an awesome report from the substitute teacher. IF you are on a BPA team, I'm hoping to see significant progress and portions of your nearly completed projects on Friday :)

1.10 - Welcome back - help me say hello to our new students, Stephanie, David, Ashlee, and Breona!

Job Flash

Practice lab will start on January 17 in room 1157. The make-up deadline for 2nd semester is May 17.

January Creative Challenge --YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED 3 WISHES! Get 3 craft sticks and a ribbon. On each craft stick, write 1 wish that you would like to have happen in 2012. When done, use a glue stick to attach your craft sticks to the ribbon.

January Professional Skill -- Anger Management

Anger is a secondary action, or reaction, that often results from any of the following:

1. Frustration, impatience, confusion

2. Depression, disappointment, hurt, sadness

3. Feeling ignored, unloved, unappreciated, rejected

4. Feeling insecure, embarassment, jealous, shame, fear

You have been named head peacemaker. Select three of the four categories listed above and write what you would do for each category do to eliminate these from happening. How will you maintain a peaceful environment? You can send me your writing in an email, or you can list it in a blog, and post a link to your blog on our class FB page.

12.22

Don't forget school does not resume until January 10. I will be checking my email if you have questions.

Beginning in January, the East and West doors will be locked for entrance into the building. The doors will be available for exit only.

Congrats to our Top Peformers for the second quarter! Sloan D., and Vincent N.

12.20

Tomorrow is the Creative Cram session during lunch--should be AWESOME!!!

Job Flash

12.19

Reminders

Please refer to the side margin for deadlines! Also, don't forget to take your ornament with you before leaving for Christmas break.

Don't forget | Snacks in the break room (During breaks)

Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be available Monday through Thursday | $1

Donuts will be available Tuesday and Thursday | .85

Other snacks, bananas, etc., will be available on Wednesdays | .50

12.16

Happy Friday!!!! I'll be updating/posting grades, getting ready for semester grades.

The last days for make-up this semester are Saturday from 8:30 am-11:30 am in our building, room 1036; and Monday from 3:15 pm-6:15 pm in building 5 Pod D & E.

12.15

Several of you have been asking about your last day this semester--we will be going through next Friday, December 23, unless you are a high school student, and your school is out earlier. Below is a schedule of local schools to help you determine your last day. If you are working on a BPA project and would like to attend through Friday, you are still welcome, although your school may be out.

Crescent- Monday, Dec. 19-Jan. 2

Deer Creek-Wed. Dec. 21 - Jan. 2

Edmond- Wed. Dec. 21 - Jan. 3

Millwood- Thurs. Dec. 22 - Jan. 4

Putnam City- Thurs. Dec. 22 - Jan. 4

Western Heights- Wed. Dec. 21 - Jan. 4

PROJECT HOPE- Thursday, Dec. 22 - 1/6 (Students are expected to be in Hope AND their Tech class through Dec. 21st)

School resumes on January 10; if you are working on a BPA project and would like to attend on January 9, that would also be fine, as long as you let me know before January 9 if that is your intention. Counting today, only about 17 more class days until our goal for completion of BPA projects, and only 12 class days in January!

Our next Creative Cram session is on Wednesday, December 21, during lunch, from 11:05 - 12:05, in Room 1036. This session will be presented by our own 3D students and should be a good one!

12.14

Only 1 week left until grades are finalized. Keep working hard, and don't forget to do your professional skills blog on Compassion as well as be sure you've turned in your ornament. Keep checking your gradesheets for accuracy and let me know when assignments are completed. All make-up time for attendance is due no later than December 20.

Creative Cram session - coming soon; presented by our own 3D students! It will be during lunch on 12.21, and it should be AWESOME :)

12.13

Passion | Strong love for something; desire to excel, be the best; committment to a goal

Are you passionate about 3D? If you're on a BPA team are you passionate about winning?

Passion + Talent = Winner

Job Flash

iPad drawing on Friday at 9:20 | We have two eligible students representing 3D! Good Luck Xavier and Colin - hope one of you WINS!

12.12

Grades are published, please check for accuracy. Only 8 more class days til final grades are posted. Who will be our outstanding performer for this quarter?

Any grades for college credit earned this semester should be finalized no later than Thursday of this week, because I must post them on Friday.

BPA Scholarship Information - Due February 1

12.9

If you're taking your ACT tomorrow - good luck, and think positive thoughts!

Did you check out our tree? It's looking snazzy with all the decorated ornaments you've provided AND it has gifts that you helped purchase for our lucky Angels. Thanks!

12.8

Check out these Creative Resume Designs for inspiration.

NEAT Photoshop Tutorial series

Combining 3D Objects in Photoshop CS5 (A series of three videos)

http://www.youtube.com/user/lightningsymphony#p/u/4/wT5zWYlA33k

http://www.youtube.com/user/lightningsymphony#p/u/3/F4dmHTU4PxY

http://www.youtube.com/user/lightningsymphony#p/u/2/9lsIrpPaasw

Snacks in the break room (During breaks)

Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be available Monday through Thursday | $1

Donuts will be available Tuesday and Thursday | .85

Other snacks, bananas, etc., will be available on Wednesdays | .50

12.7

IF you are taking the ACT exam on Saturday and you have not already attended, Ms. Roberts is offering an ACT Test Taking Workshop on Friday, December 9, 8:15-9:00 and 12:45-1:30. See me if interested.

If you are enrolled in any courses for college credit, those grades must be submitted to OCCC no later than December 16; please turn in work for those courses by December 14 so I will have time to grade assignments. For any OCCC courses not completed, an "I" will be posted. Work for this semester for FT grades is due no later than December 22, preferably December 21.

12.6

3D World magazine has an advent calendar featuring many giveaways you might find useful. I've added some of these free downloads to our resources page, under the 3D section, and will try to continue this throughout the month. Also, if you find neat resources/downloads that would benefit out students, please share on our class FB page or send to me so I can share with everyone. (Extra credit awarded for good, unique resources)

Blue & Gold orders will be ready for pick-up on Thursday, so please make arrangements to get your orders home/delivered. If you sold Blue & Gold, please see me today for your reward incentive :)

Grades, as of last Friday, are published. Please check for accuracy and be sure to help me keep you grade update--only 3 weeks, including this one, until grades are finalized for the semester. Also, if you have procrastinated, be sure you take any tests that may be remaining for attempted courses, or zeros will be entered for those grades if tests are not completed by the end of the semester.

Job Flash

12.5

If you are on a BPA team and I have not yet graded your storyboard, be prepared by Wednesday for this to happen. Be sure to let me know anytime you have questions!

If you're participating in the Thunder Pro Sports Career Day, your $25 fee is payable at the front desk by Wednesday.

AM students - Xavier and Colin put us over the top! Our a.m. class had the highest sales on campus, and today during the last twenty minutes of class, you are being rewarded with a pizza party!

12.2

Don't forget Monday is the deadline if you are planning to donate or buy anything this weekend for an Angel!

Go OU! They are playing on our holiday, 3December, so it should be a GREAT day!

12.1

If you are taking the ASVAB test today, let me know and head to Construction Trades immediately.

Autodesk University has some cool things going on!

11.30

Bedlam Blast today--get some yummy soup or chili in the break area for only $2 or a large cookie for $1! Also, it's the last day to donate pennies to our Sooner jug and silver/bills to the OSU jug :)

We have angels! Each year our class combines with the Web Design & Development class to make Christmas a little brighter for a Francis Tuttle student's family through an Adopt an Angel program. If you would like to donate an item, please bring it by Monday, December 5. Also if you would like to contribute money, we have a can on Ms. Sooter's desk. We will use this money to purchase items that are not brought.

Age 4 - Male: Clothing: 5T, blanket for bed, monster trucks, matchbox cars, winter clothes

Age 19 Mo - Male: Clothing: 18-24m, soft cars, blanket for bed, winter outfit

Age 27 - Male: Clothing M shirts, 32/33 Pants

Age 28 - Female: Clothing L shirts, 14 Pants

11.29

Tomorrow our Bedlam Blast ends - will my Sooners WIN or will I have to wear orange on Friday???? Ms. Sooter's class will be serving Sooner Soup and/or Cowboy Chili for $2 and a large Cowboy Cookie for $1--bring your appetites and wear your favorite team's color. All proceeds go towards helping students attend nationals in Chicago--that could be YOU!

ASVAB test is December 1 in the Construction Trades building.

Thanks to our Blue & Gold Salespeople - Xavier D., (qualified for the iPad drawing,) Emorie M., Brittani J., Jake S., and Colin L., (also qualified for the iPad drawing)

Employment Opportunities

Job Flash

Internship Opportunity - Customer Service/Office Skills - working during the third quarter at the front desk; applications are available at the front desk and are due no later than December 9.

Video Editor position - see me if your demo reel is ready and you are interested.

11.28

Hope you had an awesome break and are ready to crank out the work for the remainder of the semester!

Blue & Gold orders are due today--did we win a pizza party? Will one of our class members win an iPad?

11.22

Hope you all have a very wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and bring back lots of Blue & Gold sales :) !

Someone recently asked how to make a PS brush from an image

Open any graphic you would like to convert to a brush

Select the graphic

From the meu, Edit>Define Brush Preset

Save your brush

Remove Image Plane in Maya

From appropriate panel view, select View>Image Plane>Image Plane Attributes

Be sure Image Plane is selected; Delete

Job Flash

11.21

Only two days this week!

I'll be visiting with each of you today, completing progress reports.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and sell those Blue & Gold products :)

11.18

Happy Friday!

I'm calculating progress reports for your grades as of the end of class today, and should have them ready on Monday. Work hard and let me know as soon as work is completed so it will be an accurate report.

For an extra activity hour today, send me an email with the subject line Thanksgiving and share something you are thankful for. I am thankful to have AWESOME students this year :)

Make-Up Opportunities--take something to work on

Saturday, November 19 | 8:30 - 11:30; in the IT Building, Room 1036
Monday, November 21 | 3:30 - 6:30; Academic Center, Building 5, Pods D & E

Deadline for make-up time to be submitted this semester is December 20

11.17

College Resources

My College Options | Oklahoma College Costs | Oklahoma's Promise Rates

If you are an adult or 12th grade students interested in graphic design, marketing or advertising:

AcrobatAnt, a full-service advertising and marketing firm, is cooking up an open house for students and parents the evening of December 6, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. Join us as we mix together the ingredients necessary for you to learn what it takes to have a successful career in graphic design and advertising. Free hors d’oeuvres for everyone…you just can’t beat a deal like that! Pre-registration is required. Each student may bring an adult guest, over the age of 18, to this get-together. To register, or for assistance, call Robert Hyatt at 918-293-5296, or e-mail Rhyatt@okstate.edu by December 2, 2011.

OU | OSU halftime report - the latest score is posted on Facebook on the BPA page

11.16

Congrats to Will P. - he certified in Photoshop yesterday!

Tomorrow our cafeteria will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

11.15

It's Blue & Gold time - sausage, chicken, and bacon sales. Details follow:

I have the order forms - please let me know when you want one!

If you sell $500 worth of products, you are entered in a drawing for an iPad, and your name is entered again for each additional $100 in sales over the initial $500. Xavier WON an iPad last spring, and I'm sure we can have a WINNER again.

Ms. Roberts is sponsoring the class with the highest sales to a pizza party.

All sales must be pre-paid, and are due no later than November 28--be sure to hit those relatives and friends up during Thanksgiving.

This campaign will help send our 2nd place students to Chicago this year.

For your participation, you can earn 1 Activity hour if you sell at least 1 product.

Ms. Sooter's class has challenged us - which class will sell the most?

Job Flash

Creative Cram session - today during lunch, 11:05; Room 1036 | How to Design a Web Site in 20 minutes! Earn make-up time for attending.

11.14

You guys ROCK!!! Last week we went through our formal accreditation, and it was easy to brag on you!

Student Surveys

By now, you should know that your opinion is important, and we tuly value your feedback. Twice a year (Fall & Spring), we ask our students to participate in a program evaluation survey. This is your opportunity to give us feedback on what we are doing well, as well as to provide constructive feedback on ways in which we can improve. We take your feedback seriously, and encourage you to read each question carefully before responding.

Your responses will be anonymous and combined with those of your classmates.

Please use the comments fields to express additional observations about the program. Remember, your survey is anonymous. We certainly want to know how we can serve you better or what has been done that is particularly beneficial to you.

Please go to www.francistuttle.edu/surveys

Select Information Technology on the left side of the screen

Select the appropriate link (AM, PM, ONLINE, OFFSITE)

Select Instructor

Begin Survey

Creative Cram will be in Room 1036, at 11:05 on Tuesday, in Room 1036. Mobile devices (laptop, iPad, etc) are encouraged!

This session will be hosted by two of our Web Design & Development students. The topic: How to Build a Website in 20 minutes--everyone needs a website to showcase their work! You will learn what is needed to get a URL and be live on the Internet. The students will also be showing Wordpress! If you attend, you can earn make-up time. (There will be a sign-in sheet.) Pizza will be served, so please RSVP to me no later than today.

Blue & Gold Sales start this week - our biggest fundraiser to help 2nd place students attend BPA Nationals. Sales last through November 30, so you can hit up all your relatives and friends during Thanksgiving break :)

11.10

Seasonal Job Opportunity 1 | Opportunity 2 -- Earn extra $$$ for the holidays!

Bedlam Blast Update
OU 17.18 | OSU -15.65 |

11.9

Contest Opportunities

Earn scholarships with OSU-IT in the Genesis Competition

Digital Tutors monthy contest

11.8

Weekly Job Flash

This week we'll have visitors in our classroom, and I'm excited for them to see the best students in the school!

Next week progress reports are due, so work hard, earn an awesome grade and report, and remember that progress is factored into the course grade each mid-point, and also at the end of the quarter. Let me know if you have questions.

We are nearing the end of the semester, there's a couple of releases of new games this week, and some of you may need to do make-up time for various reasons. Don't forget--a schedule of different opportunities for make-up time is posted on our class site.

If you are interested in taking the ASVAB on December 1, let me know.

11.7

Neat Opportunity--be a part of the Faces of Change! For each FT 3D student in my class who participates by 11-11-11, I'll match @Digital_Tutors donation; $1 each pic or $2 each pic in an orange shirt.

Blue & Gold sales are just around the corner--next week--and the class with the most sales gets a pizza party! Also, if you sell more than $500 in products, you are in the running to win an iPad, with an extra opportunity given for each additional $100 in sales over $500.

Only 8 days until our first Creative Cram session!

Grades are published, please check for accuracy.

11.3

WOW!!! I'm starting to see some of the final projects and the IShowU videos--you guys are not only creative, but many of you have great speaking voices and did a good job organizing your thoughts. I know it's probably not your favorite, and it's hard to do the IShowU for the first time, but it will get easier.

Starting this quarter, whenever the activity packet asks you to post a reflection to Facebook, you should email it to me instead. Also, do the same for the Professional skills blogs - by the way, our writing prompt for Compassion is posted this week, (below) so you can email anytime.

NOTE: the Professional Skills blog and the Creative Challenge are worth 1 hour and 10 points each and will be reflected on your grade in the Professional Skills section. If you have questions about this, please let me know.

Are you planning to return next semester? Our career advisor will be coming around in a couple of weeks to process re-enrollment forms. Remember, you must also be in good standing--academic, behavior, attendance, and progress--if you want to return next semester.

11.2

Bedlam Blast!!! The BCS has ranked OSU #3 and Oklahoma #6! It's going to be a GREAT Bedlam Blast! Are you ready to support your team? Who will the IT building be rooting for?

Pennies count for positive points. Silver and dollars count as negative points!

This means you want to put your pennies in the jug for your favorite team and put your Silver and dollars in the opposing team. For example, put your pennies in the Sooner jug and put your Silver and dollars in the OSU jug!

Every Wednesday we will get our "quarter" score reports.

On November 30, we will have our last minute scoring drive! We will have a "Tail Gate" in the break room! We will have food for sale during break and we want all students to wear their team's color!

On December 1, we will play the fight song of the winning team at the beginning of the AM and PM class.

On December 2, ALL the IT Faculty and Staff will wear the team's color that the IT building has selected to Root for! (I don't want to wear orange.)

Jugs will be placed at the front desk in the lobby.

Looking forward to Bedlam Blast and hopefully lots of money raised to send students to BPA Nationals!

Compassion in Action

Our DECA students are collecting travel size shampoo, lotion, and deoderant for women in Afghanistan. The suplies will benefit former FT student Staff Sgt. Jaclyn Scott, who is making history by serving on an all-femals army team. A drop-off box will soon be located in our building.

Our DECA students are also collecting pop tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. I have a red cup on the round table in front of my office if you have any tabs to donate.

Congrats to Hillary M., she certified in Adobe Photoshop today!!

11.1

Happy November!

You'll notice we have a new creative challenge--decorate an ornament; and our professional skills topic is now compassion. In the spirit of compassion, we are combining with the Web Design & Development class to adopt an angel this season. As soon as we are assigned a family, I will share additional details. Our family of angels are students that attend school here at Francis Tuttle, so it's extra neat we get to help our own--as you know, most students don't have as much income to provide for their families. You'll notice a bucket at the front of the room if you wish to make a donation for this purpose--even spare change helps!

Only 14 days til the Creative Cram session--How to Make a Web Page in 20 minutes, sponsored by the Web Design & Development class. Next month is our turn . . . and I'm sure it will be awesome :)

Professional Skills Writing Prompt: Compassion - How does showing/Having Compassion relate to being a great Modeler, Animator, or Special FX Artist?

10.31

Happy Halloween!!!

Wait for it to load . . .

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Congrats to Rayna B., Adobe Photoshop Certified!

10.28

Happy Friday! Monday is the last day for our Fall Food Drive. Anything helps, but items needed most include canned meals, such as chili or pasta (spaghettios, etc.); and hamburger or chicken helper complete meals. You can earn 1 extra credit hour for each 5 items you bring, up to 2 hours. Thanks.

10.27

Reminder -I have a special cloth for cleaning the monitors and tablets. The germ sanitizers are to be used on the keyboards and desktop only. Let me know if you need to clean your screens. Thanks for keeping your work area clean.

Our culinary program has yummy Halloween treats for sale during breaks and at lunch through Monday. If interested, they are in Building #1, where you were to get enrolled, just past the bookstore, near the cafeteria.

If you dress for Halloween on Monday, no masks are allowed, and attire must be school appropriate. Let me know if you have questions.

10.26

Congrats to Vincent N., Adobe Photoshop certified and listed on our Kudo's page. Next?

Don't forget your mask and your October Diversity blog are due by next Monday. See below for prompts for your Professional Skills topic.

Diversity strengthens teams, and, in some cases, products. Dr. Pepper has 23 flavors! Take this quiz and post your results our class FB page in the Discussion area, along with answers to the following questions.

What are your colors? Were the results accurate? What did you learn about yourself?

If you had a new company, and you were hiring new employees, how would you seek out diversity in your team? What skills would you require?

10.25

Please help me welcome our new students.

Today in the break room during break, counselors will be available to provide information about taking the ACT. Our OCCC counselor will also be here today.

Don't forget to take the Photoshop certification test!

10.24

Thanks to those who have contributed to our Fall Food Drive. You can still bring your donations through October 31 and will receive extra credit this quarter.

Many of you are completing your first final project. Be sure to read all the guidelines and review the rubric before starting. The IshowU video should be between 2 - 3 minutes. Let me know if you have questions.

Tomorrow in the IT breakroom during break, counselors will be providing helpful information about the ACT

How to sign up--online & packets

Study guides

Oklahoma college admissions requirements

Test taking tips

10.18

I'm out attending the BPA fall leadership conference today. today is the FIRST day of the new quarter, and anything completed today counts for grades during the second 9-weeks. Work hard and please don't get behind. Will YOU be our Top Performer for this quarter?

WOW!!! Congrats to Kimberly G. and Vincent N.--they were our Top Performers for the first quarter. Also congrats to Zachary H., our first Adobe Certified User for Photoshop. All our listed on our Kudo's page. Who's next?

Tomorrow Ms. Sooter and I have a fun activity planned for you that involves respect for others, creativity, a review of color theory, photos, celebrations, food, and a little effort. All you need to bring is a flexible, "can do" attitude and a SMILE:)

Job Flash

10.17

Grades for the quarter must be finalized by the end of class today. After today, anything you are working on will count on next quarter's grade. I've plugged in hours for your KeyTrain work, and it makes a difference.

Congrats to Hillary M., Zach B, Greg B., and Xavier D., for devoting the most time towards academic improvements this quarter! Soon, our Top Performers for the quarter will be posted :)

Cool contest - Design for Change; win a iPad

10.14

Updates/Upcoming Events

Future plans - on Halloween, be prepared to have a group picture taken with your awesome masks.

In November, be prepared to TOP Ms. Sooter's class in sales of Blue & Gold products--we've been issued the challenge that they will do best! Have you heard me say I am competitive?

Ms. Sooter's class is doing better with the fall food drive. Can we have a couple of items, in order to make a decent showing? (I have canned food envy!)

Coming Soon - Creative Cram sessions - monthly "mini conference" to be held during lunch on a topic related to new technology, creativity, tutorials/workshops, or other FUN, informative areas you are interested in learning about. Special speakers, presentations, new technology--Suggestions? Post a suggested topic to our class FB page before break today and get Extra Credit. Post should begin with the words: Creative Cram Session Topic Suggestion

All work for this quarter is due Monday; your productivity grade will be plugged into your course at this time.

The marketing class is collecting the tabs from the tops of cans, such as soda. If you purchase a soda at break, before you recycle the aluminum can, please pull the tab. There should be a container soon for these, or you can give to me. Thanks!

Dorritos contest - win a million bucks!

10.13

Today I'll be coming around for the IShowU Orientation videos for new students, updating your grades, and checking to see how you are doing with upcoming deadlines. When you are doing an IShowU video for your final project, try to keep the length between 2 - 3 minutes.

10.11

Tis the season for certifications! Can't wait to see many of you earn your first Adobe certification in Photoshop. Set up your account today and then see me about a practice test.

we have our first Quack Contender, and I am expecting many more in the coming weeks--good times!

If you haven't done so already, please use this link to join dropbox; it is likely I will be using this to publish your grades next quarter. If you have already signed up, you may need to complete your registration by installing the application on your personal desktop computer.

Job Flash

10.10

Simply Awesomeness - that's what you deliver! Keep up the great work.

Grades have been updated, please check for accuracy. Only 1 week remains for this quarter--get all projects submitted. Who will be our outstanding performers for the quarter?

Don't Forget

Fall Food drive - earn extra credit

Creative Challenge - mask | Professional Skill - Diversity

MANY upcoming deadlines - see right margin for details.

10.7

I'm out today, but am expecting ANOTHER stellar sub report! Have a Happy Friday. I'll be answering emails if you need anything. Help each other, but don't be chatty!

10.6

If you are taking the ACT on the next testing date, Ms. Roberts has three slots left for her mini "How to Take the ACT Test" meeting in her classroom on Wednesday, October 12, 10:00-10:45 and 2:30-3:15. To sign up, let me know immediately.

Today at 9:50 and 12:40, there is an optional meeting for those interested in learning more about opportunities with the Arts Institute. Even if you are not planning to attend an Arts Institute, sometimes you get good ideas for your portfolio - it's good to see what other creatives are doing. If you price tuition, you might also appreciate the value for what you are learning in our class! Let me know if you wish to attend.

10.5

Laffy Taffy fans, anyone? What do you call a lazy baby kangaroo? A pouch potato! Have a great day, and work hard, because all work for this quarter is due in 10 days! (Reminder: 5 items for fall food drive = Extra Credit!)

10.4

College Credit, anyone?

If you want to enroll with OCCC to receive college credit for the courses you are taking, please see me this week to fill out the appropriate forms, available on our college info page. I can meet with you individually to complete your paperwork. High School students pay $8 per credit hour; adult tuition is free.

October 3 Job Flash

Reminder from Ms. Lindsey: Under no circumstances should a student share medication, prescribed or over the counter, with another student. Disciplinary action will be taken if this occurs.

BPA Competitions - around the corner! Events you may want to consider include those listed below, and although optional, if you have the passion, you are encouraged to compete! Read the guidelines for each event thoroughly. Let me know, complete this form, or send me an email with any questions, along with the name of the event(s) you are considering. (Other events are also available.)

Computer Animation (Team of 2 - 4)

Computer Modeling (Individual Event, new this year)

Information Technology Concepts (Written objective test)

Global Marketing (Team of 2 - 4)

Graphic Design (Individual Event; may require preliminary entry by December)

Presentation Management Team (Team of 2 - 4)

10.3

Fall 2011 Food Drive starts today

Help re-stock the Francis Tuttle Pantry and help our students and the community! Earn 1 Activity Hour for each 5 items you bring, up to 2 hours each quarter. (Donate by October 15 to receive credit for first quarter; NOTE: it's possible to receive credit BOTH quarters.) Suggestions for needed items include: granola/cereal bars, jelly, Hamburger or Chicken Helper Complete Meals, Macaroni/Cheese (microwave), soup or individually wrapped crackers (peanut butter or cheese). THANKS!

Grades are published, check for accuracy and keep working hard--the quarter ends soon!

New Creative Challenge posted - Decorate a mask! See details in lower right side of page.

Diversity is our Professional Skills Topic this month. Diversity strengthens teams, and, in some cases, products. Dr. Pepper has 23 flavors! Take this quiz and post your results our class FB page in the Discussion area, along with answers to the following questions. (Due October 31; post by October 15 if you want to receive credit on this quarter's grade.)

What are your colors? Were the results accurate? What did you learn about yourself?

If you had a new company, and you were hiring new employees, how would you seek out diversity in your team? What skills would you require?

What would your "help wanted" ad say?

SMILE - were you spotted at the picnic? Check out the SLAM Picnic album on facebook to see.
9.29

OUTSTANDING job in my absence--you guys rock! Thank You :)

Tomorrow is our SLAM picnic - free hot dogs, chips, drink; volleyball, basketball, music--should be a fun day. PC students will be out, but the bus will run, just in case you decide to attend.

9.28

I'm out today attending a meeting in Stillwater, but am confident I will be receiving a stellar report. I will be checking my email periodically, to see if you have messages for me.

Everyone, please Vote for your favorite picture - I'll post results soon.
NOTE: Voting selection appears ABOVE the image.

Reminder - Please do not go to your cars, sit in your cars, or leave campus during break.

9.27

If you're interested in earning a FREE Triple Play at Sport Clips, let me know.

Job Flash

I'll be out tomorrow, so if you anticipate needing anything, just let me know. When I return, I'll have the scoop on BPA Competition for this year and will be excited to see what we can do. How about you?

9.26

Work hard this week so you can be sure to enjoy the picnic on Friday.

Reminders

Creative Challenge assignment and Goal Setting blog due Friday.

New Students - IShowU demonstrations AND Brainbench certification tests due October 15

Grades, as of last Friday, are published. Please check for accuracy. If you have not received credit for an item completed, check to be sure you have published to Behance.

Contest Opportunity

You have an opportunity to express how we can improve our schools, communities and local businesses to keep Oklahoma thriving. All forms of submissions are welcome (poem, painting, paper, video, drawing, poster, etc.,) but must be easily transported or mailed to The Oklahoman. If you are interested and want to compete, I have additional information. (Entry cannot exceed 10 Mb)

Overall Grand Prize Award of a one-year tuition waiver to any public university in Oklahoma, $2,500 for the classroom of the winning student, and Creative SPARKS! Award plaque presented at the State of Creativity Awards Gala on November 3, 2011. (Grades 11-12)

Grand Prize Award - $2,500 for the classroom of the student winner, $500 cash prize for the student, and Creative SPARKS! Award plaque presented at the State of Creativity Awards Gala on November 3, 2011. (Grades 7-12)

9.23

Happy Fall! For the most part, you guys lived up to the expectations! It makes my day when others think you are the BEST also :) Please remember when we have guests, substitutes, or other visitors in our classroom, everyone has a different personality style, philosophy, and preferences, and you should always be very respectful. On the job, you'll often work with various supervisors with different preferences and management styles--adapt as needed.

Starting Monday, I'll have a sign-in sheet at the door you can use instead of the digital sign-in. Let me know if you have questions.

9.22

I'll be in and out today, but please work hard and impress our sub, because that's what the BEST students on campus do!

Contest Opportunity

You have an opportunity to express how we can improve their schools, communities and local businesses to keep Oklahoma thriving. All forms of submissions are welcome (poem, painting, paper, video, drawing, poster, etc.,) but must be easily transported or mailed to The Oklahoman. If you are interested and want to compete, I have additional information. (Entry cannot exceed 10 Mb)

Overall Grand Prize Award of a one-year tuition waiver to any public university in Oklahoma, $2,500 for the classroom of the winning student, and Creative SPARKS! Award plaque presented at the State of Creativity Awards Gala on November 3, 2011. (Grades 11-12)

Grand Prize Award - $2,500 for the classroom of the student winner, $500 cash prize for the student, and Creative SPARKS! Award plaque presented at the State of Creativity Awards Gala on November 3, 2011. (Grades 7-12)

9.21

Send me an email within the first 15 minutes of class with the subject line: life is a melody, and in the body, tell me your favorite song.

9.20

WELCOME New Students! We have the BEST class on campus, and I'm betting, the friendliest, too. AM Students - please be sure to introduce yourself to at least one person you have not yet met.

Job Flash

9.19

Many of you have been asking questions about colleges--Which ones offer a degree in an area related to 3D or Special FX? Which ones are affordable? Where are they located? I've been asking our advisors, and they have recommended three sites for you to visit that should provide this information:

OKCollegeStart | OK State Regents for Higher Ed
OK Career Information System (Username/Password stored in Professional Enhancement course in blackboard.)

Grades, as of last Friday, are updated and published--please check for accuracy.

9.16

Today we are celebrating Constitution Day! During break in the commons area, there should be opportunities to win prizes--and FREE food (donut holes am | cookiers pm)

The Culinary students will be selling YUMMY funnel cakes during break.
$2 powdered sugar | $3 Baravian cream w/chocolate.

Don't forget, if you've posted an acronym, you need to "use your design skills" to make your acronym stand out, print it, and give it to me.

Have you done your Keytrain this week?

YIPPEE!!! Colin L. and Sarah S. have agreed to serve as our class representatives in the IT Executive Council, and they are listed on our Kudo's Page. I'm certain we will all help them out and provide excellent support for the great activities and opportunities they will share. BPA will ROCK this year!

Top Tip by Digital Tutors - neat, move an object along two axes at once, but not all three!

9.15

Tour Time! We'll have a tour come through this morning, and possibly another this afternoon. Our visitors may wish to watch you work, ask questions, etc. As the BEST class on campus, I know you will be courteous and show your skills!

Don't know if you watch America's Got Talent; I do, and it was neat to see a car detailer win top honors! Believe, work hard, and good things usually happen.

9.14

AM Students - Please look at your sheet and fill out your progress report. (Right-Click, Save As; complete in Excel, Print, Save for our conference.)

September 12 Job Flash

9.13

NEAT Opportunity to participate in an event, "Visualizing Tomorrow's Architectural Designs", sponsored by PL Studios, the parent company of Digital Tutors, located in Oklahoma City.

This is part of the Oklahoma Autodesk User Group Meetings they sponsor on a regular basis. You will have the opportunity to meet the artists at Digital Tutors and hear a guest speaker from Skyline Inc. The event will be on September 20, at 6:30 p.m., and you must RSVP to attend for free; if not, admission is $10. You may take family members or guests, as long as space permits, and you RSVP for them as well. View this video of a past event, which includes some of our former students during a portfolio review session!

Grades are published! You should note that since we are at the mid-point of the quarter, your progress rate has been factored into the course grade in the mid-point evaluation section.

Please look at your sheet and fill out your progress report. (Right-Click, Save As; complete in Excel, Print, Save for our conference.)

9.12

I'll be updating grades today and publishing by tomorrow. When published, please be sure to check for accuracy - progress reports will be completed at the end of the week. If you missed class on Friday, see me about your KeyTrain account!

Interested in entering the BPA Pin Design Contest? You can use your graphic design skills! View guidelines.

Adults - Otha Grimes scholarship applications are due to the Financial Aid office tomorrow.

9.9

You can't win the game if you don't have a plan with goals and strategies to back it up! Sometimes, you even need back-up strategies for strategies that fail! Today we will spend some time developing goals and strategies!

Class Meeting today after break, and we have plenty to discuss! At the first of class, at 8:15 and 12:45, Ms. Roberts will be working with our class to get started on KeyTrain, which will help with academics and ACT scores; we will be working on this for an hour each week. She is an awesome resource that is always available to help and give individualized tutoring as well as be a personal cheerleader and reviewer when we get ready for BPA State and National competitions! I know I don't need to say it--because you are all WINNERS, but please be respectful and give her your full attention.

9.8

In order to complete your Professional Skills blog, you will need to follow the FB link on the right, select Discussions, and the appropriate link for the topic Goal Setting. You should address the following:

Our theme this year "Get in the Game," definitely involves goal setting. You may be preparing for a job, acquiring new skills or certifications, applying for college scholarships, becoming a national winner at the Business Professionals of America competitions, striving for personal improvement - there are so many different goals you may have.

"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." . . . Albert Einstein

List five goals that you have, and for each goal listed, answer the prompts below.

1. In order to succeed at each goal, what are the "rules" needed to be successful?

2. For each goal, how will you "play better" than anyone else?

3. What needs to be done this month, this semester, this year?

9.7

Interested in Leadership Opportunities?

If you are interested in serving on the Superintendent's Leadership Academy, be sure to get your paperwork submitted to the marketing department no later than September 16. Let me know if you have questions.

If you are interested in serving as a class representative on the IT Executive Council, (involves leadership with BPA,) please let me know. You would need to attend meetings regularly, represent our class, keep our class informed of events and activities, encourage participation in community service, fundraiser activities, and generate support for your Program of Work.

Adults - If you are applying for the Otha Grimes Scholarship, applications are due to the Financial Aid office no later than September 13.

September 6 Job Flash - Remember, you need to register with the FT database to apply for these jobs.

Grades, as of September 2, are published. Progress reports go out next week, so please check for accuracy and kick it up a notch, if needed. By the end of this week, you should have completed 54 hours of curriculum. Let me know if you are not able to check your grades online using the account information provided on your sheet given to you during orientation.

9.6

GOALS - professional skills blog and Creative Challenge are due by the end of the month. How about this handy work with post-it notes to inspire your creativity?

9.2

Congrats to Kimberly G | Hillary M
Zach B | Demetrio C | Brittani J | Will P | Jake S | Monica M | Emmy M

They get a prize for being able to read and follow directions! I'm hoping next time EVERYONE gets a prize. Be sure to read the announcements daily!

I have a couple of internship opportunities available - both using Photoshop skills. See me if interested.

Video Contest Opportunity - on your own

We are getting several job opportunities posted for students. We received 20 requests in one day, so please check the FT Database for jobs often if you are looking. These jobs are for several different positions related to areas served by all the programs in our school. Instructions for checking the jobs database are on the page when you select the link above, and a link is also always provided in the margin of resources to the right side of this page. Let me know if you have questions.

Hope you all have a fantastic 3-day weekend, 4-day if your home school is also out on Tuesday!

9.1

Boomer Sooner! In the spirit of our "Get in the Game" theme, feel free to support your favorite team by wearing your fan gear on Fridays. If you are supporting a college team, OSU will be tolerated . . . Texas--not so much!

Don't forget, NO SCHOOL on Monday! Also, IF your home school is out on Tuesday, then you do not need to come to school; if your school is out and you do come, you can earn make-up time.

When you get to Lesson 8 of Photoshop, there is an error. Let me know when you find it, and if you have questions. The Activity Packet has been updated to reflect this mistake.

Send me an email today, (before break,) with the subject line - I read and follow directions. Don't tell your classmates and see what happens.

Starting this month, we will begin blogging on our class FB Discussion board area about our Professional Skills topic. This month's topic is Goal Setting. Follow the prompts listed on the Discussion Board and use complete sentences with paragraphs. It must be completed by the end of the month, but why not go ahead and just do it NOW?

8.30

Meeting today with OCCC Reps for new students. If you THINK you might be interested in college credit, you should attend. Details in margin.

Check your Behance account and confirm that I'm following you! Also, please accept your invite to the "inner circle". If you don't have an account yet, please set it up today. Let me know if you have questions.

I'll be meeting with all new students about grades and meeting with each of you to be sure your grade is updated. Your grade should be published soon for viewing.

August Job Flash - these will be posted periodically.

8.29

If you did not receive a student Agenda during the scavenger hunt, let me know and I'll get you one.

FYI - Flags have been lowered to honor Oklahoma soldiers who have died in combat.

8.26

Happy Friday!!!! Checklist -

Activate accounts: Lynda | Behance | Digital Tutors

Complete Handbook, Safety, and Attendance tests

Extra Credit - earn one activity hour: Within the first hour of class today, send me an email, (my email address is in the footer of this page,) let me know the following:

How are things in this class going for you?

Suggestions for improvements?

Can you navigate our class site okay? Do you check announcements daily?

Need help with anything? Are you comfortable asking for help when needed?

Do you like this class? Is it what you thought it would be? Better or worse?

What is one thing you would change, if you could?

Do you have a good understanding of what to do each day? If not how can I help?

What's your favorite television show? Why?

8.25

Today's our scavenger hunt at 9:30 and 1:30. I'll have maps and instructions for you to use. Also, if you've completed your All About Me form, you should have received emails for the following:

Lynda Account | Digital Tutors Account

Behance invite | Dropbox invite

There have been a number of scheduling and transportation problems this year. Our school is trying to work through these challenges, so be patient and let me know if you have any concerns. We will continue to add a few students to class, so please be sure to make them feel welcome, show them around, and help each other whenever needed. Tomorrow, and probably through the weekend, I'll be working on grades and next week will be discussing grading procedures. Be on the lookout for an Extra Credit opportunity!

8.24

HS Student Orientation today with Ms. Lindsey at 9:45 and 2:00 in Room 1036.

Be sure you've completed the All About Me form, (link provided below,) so I can email you invites for your Lynda and Digital Tutors accounts.

8.23

EVERYONE should now be working on curriculum--please be sure you let me know anytime you have questions and work hard. The fun begins!

8.22

Glad we're all here now and ready to complete our first full week of school. I think it's going to be an AWESOME year! This week, we'll focus on completing any remaining orientation requirements and getting started on your first course.

Complete Requirements this week -

Everyone: All About Me Activity

First-year students (handbook, safety, attendance tests, etc.)

Second-year students

8.19

Happy FRIDAY and welcome to all Edmond students. It's great to have ALL students here, finally.

NOTE: Class meeting at 9:50 and 2:20

8.18

Welcome PC students!

8.17

Interested in developing leadership skills? Consider applying for the Superintendent's Leadership Academy. Applications due September 16.

8.16

Program Hours:
8:00 - 10:55 | 12:30 - 3:25

First Assignments

1. Internet Scavenger Hunt -

Select a question, research the answer, and post both the question and answer to our class facebook page. You can only use questions that have not already been answered; once it has been posted to our page, it is no longer available as an option, and you must select another question.

Search Facebook for 3D Animation and Visual FX, or visit http://www.facebook.com/3DClass

While you’re there, LIKE our class :)

On the left side of the class page, select Discussions, select the Internet Scavenger Hunt topic, and post your question and answer as a reply, along with a brief introduction of yourself and why you selected our class to help you achieve success in your future.

2. Creative Challenge! Refer to the Challenge box located on the bottom right corner of this site and get started on your profile and sketch.

One-hour time limit! :)

Required - grade will be taken and an activity hour will be awarded.

Use your computer, or ask for a sketch pad to draw your character.

Use the computer to write your character profile. (See examples in Creative Challenge box in the lower right corner of this page.)

3. Complete Orientation Requirements -

Everyone: All About Me Activity

First-year students

Second-year students

view calendars & campus maps (including make-up opportunities)

quack awards

Archives

2.3

2.2

2.1

1.27

1.25

1.24

1.23

I is for Imagination!

P is for Passion!

1.20

1.19

1.17

P is for Passion!

1.13

1.12

1.10 - Welcome back - help me say hello to our new students, Stephanie, David, Ashlee, and Breona!

12.22

12.20

12.19

12.16

12.15

12.14

12.13

12.12

12.9

12.8

12.7

12.6

12.5

12.2

12.1

11.30

11.29

11.28

11.22

11.21

11.18

11.17

11.16

11.15

11.14

11.10

11.9

11.8

11.7

11.3

11.2

11.1

10.31

10.28

10.27

10.26

10.25

10.24

10.18

10.17

10.14

10.13

10.11

10.10

10.7

10.6

10.5

10.4

10.3

9.29

9.28

9.27

9.26

Contest Opportunity

Contest Opportunity

9.6

9.2

9.1

8.30

8.29

8.26

view calendars & campus maps
(including make-up opportunities)