Research Tip: Use the Research Guide

The next time you are on the FHS Library website, scroll down on the right under the heading Library Resources and take a look at the FISD HS Research Guide. This is your roadmap to bringing you through the entire research process or even just one component of it. It includes instruction and tips on how to develop a specific research question, narrowing your topic, getting background information on your topic, taking workable notes, organizing your information and how to create a works cited page. Link to it here: HS Research Guide

I promise you it will be a great resource. Not only here at FHS, but it will provide you a better foundation when you to off to college and need to tackle a major research paper.

You may also find out that your English teacher will use it in class during an upcoming research project. This way you will be one step ahead of the class!

You by Charles Benoit

You is the story 0f 15-year old Kyle Chase and the devastating choices he makes. Bright, but unmotivated, Kyle is sucked into the sinister world of Zach, a wealthy, manipulative classmate who can see right through Kyle's vulnerability. Kyle's internal thoughts are so vivid and real, showing distrust, rage, betrayal and empathy. As the story unfolds, the reader will easily see how Zach defends, charms and then seeks to destroy Kyle.
Never have I read a story that is so powerful and gripping. I felt like everybody could see it coming, but Kyle. It truly helped me to see into the world of some teens and the ultimate effect they can have on others. Highly recommended!

Why it pays to have a college education

According to a recent report aired on ABC News, it pays to have a college education.
Their statistics show that:
1) College graduates earn almost 30% more then high school graduates.
2) For every two guys who graduate college, three women do. They are calling this a "reverse gender gap". This mostly applies to women under the age of 30.
3) Single women under the age of thirty currently make more then men.

The more educated you are, the more chance you have at success. This is a great incentive to work hard during high school and not wait until your junior or senior year to make your future plans. If you are not sure where to get started, see your counselor or the librarian. Either can point you to some great resources to start planning.

http://www.abcnews.com/

50th anniversary celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird

2010 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Pulizer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee. Ms. Lee recently quoted in a letter to Oprah Winfrey said, "Now, 75 years later in an abundant society where people have laptops, cellphones, iPods and minds like empty rooms, I still plod along with books."

To read all about the celebration of this award winning book, logon on to To Kill a Mockingbird-50 year. Read all about events being held throughout the U.S.

Sources: http://www.dallasmorningnews.com/;

http://tokillamockingbird50year.com/

Can you turn a Smartphone into an E-Reader?

The answer is yes! You don't really have to have a separate piece of hardware to read e-books from most of the major online bookstores. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble (just to mention a few) have e-reader software that works on phones and computers. Even though the above mentioned e-readers have an easier-to-read grayish screen, major e-book apps have a setting that allows you to change the background on your smartphone. Most of the common choice of colors on the apps include sepia, white or black. The apps also offer the ability to change the size of the screen text as well.
If you have come across any other great e-reader apps online, please leave a comment and share the name.

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/
graphics: http://www.clipart.com/

The focus of the Teen Speak Blog is to provide content geared toward teens. Where they are at and where they are going. If you see a slant toward college and career readiness, this is intentional. You won't be at Frisco High School forever so depending on what grade you are in, you should be thinking about your future or you are already planning for it. If you don't know where to start, start with the library. Check with Ms. Bivins about online sources of information. There is a wealth out there and she can help you to sort through it and find the information you want. If you don't know it, the library has a great college and career section. Ask to see it.

On a final note, check the September issue of U.S. News & World Report. The entire issue is focused on the college bound and rankings for the best college. It is loaded with information. Check it out at: http://www.usnews.com/