"Cogito ergo sum!" or "I think, therefore I am!" is a famous statement made by renowned philosopher Rene Descartes.  It espouses the idea that merely by having rational thought, one indicates their existence.  Some have argued that this statement oversimplifies the idea of existence and understanding of reality.

Essay Assignment: Write your own ideas of this particular issue in a persuasive essay.  This must be a researched essay with at least two sources. 

Length: 7 Pages, typed, 12 point font, and double spaced.

Note: This prompt is available for honors students and is available for this week as an extra prompt. 

Here at Country Gardens, we are now halfway through our second full week. We are learning the rhythm and rhyme of the school schedule. For the newer teachers, we are learning of our students, and the methods of this well established school.

All students, please keep in mind that prompts are expected to be completed in a timely manner. If students do not complete a prompt until after the two week "grace period" for homework is done, they will be two weeks behind. This is not a place that any student should be happy to be in. This will be especially important during periods in which "final grades" are due for a grading period.

Book rental is an option for students that need to acquire a book and have no other options available. There is no excuse that will be accepted, especially if a student has not made mention of this difficulty to me.

Take responsibility.

One of the efforts I have made in my first weeks as teacher at CGCS, has been to improve access to technology as needed.  To this end, I have been searching through various online sites to locate the assigned readings.  I have been mostly successful, but for some of the texts, I have been unable to make them accessible online.

The following texts are not available as a link on my website.  "The Catcher in the Rye", and "Summer of My German Soldier".   This will put some of the 8th and 9th grade students behind if they have not been able to gain access to these books from a local library or bookstore.  

As my first posting as a teacher of Country Gardens Charter School, I would like to state that the greatest distance is meaningless if you are willing to make the journey.

I am a former resident of Pittsburgh, PA. A month ago, my wife and I sold our home and drove a little over two thousand miles to make a big life change. Despite the long distance, and knowing few people in Arizona, we knew that we could thrive if we took the chance.

Some of the most exhilarating stories begin with the main character being willing to go the extra step. Whether it is Harry Potter deciding to take the next challenge with his friends, or Robert Frost speaking of taking the path less taken in his famous poem.

Each of us is the protagonist in our own story, and the difficult journeys we take stand before us. Whether it is two thousand miles to a new home in an unknown place, or overcoming anxiety at being in a new school or grade.

Persevere, and no challenge will find you wanting.