THIS IS IT!!!

Dear Students:

I do apologize for the delay.  The past month has been a whirlwind of grading and answering questions.  I cannot believe that today, the last day of the 2012-2013 school year has arrived.

HOORAY! HOORAY!  HOORAY!  As the late Michael Jackson said, "THIS IS IT!!!!"

I would like to thank you for a WONDERFUL school year.  It has been amazing to see your growth in  regards to critical reading/thinking and writing.

Please remain in touch throughout the summer.  I will be updating my blog on a weekly basis.

Now, put on your favorite sneakers, and get ready to do the Cupid Shuffle!  Trust me, I will be shuffling all the way home starting @ 3:12pm.

Love y'all!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h24_zoqu4_Q&feature=share

"Gal, You Better Know Your Place": Harper Lee, Jim Crow, and Racism in 2013

This week, my Freshmen and I will be reading Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill A Mockingbird.  In order to prepare for this journey, I have been reviewing information regarding Jim Crow.  Also, I saw 42.  While in the theater, I asked myself the following question:

Does Jim Crow still exist?

My response:  Yes.

Last week, I asked my Freshmen what was the relevance of teaching Lee's novel in 2013.  Surprisingly, the majority of my students stated that due to America's issues with race, the book must be taught.  Inwardly, I agreed.  Despite the fact that President Obama was re-elected, racism is alive and well in 2013.   As a woman of color, who holds a Ph.D., I am constantly having to "prove" myself.  I've had to bite my tongue so hard that I am surprised that I have any taste buds. One of the worst incidents of racism that I have experienced occurred two years ago.  A former colleague said, "Dr. Cobb, would you please "water down" your vocabulary?  It makes others feel somewhat inferior." 

How does one even begin to respond to a comment of this nature?  

Yesterday, I sat back and watched the depiction of Jackie and Rachel Robinson's life.  I watched as Hollywood attempted to share Mr. Robinson's ordeals with his teammates and America.  It was the "salve" that I needed.  For, if he could handle adversity of this nature, then my so-called problems are minuscule.  I said, "Cicely, as your mother told you every day last week, you are authentic.  Remember that."  

My 2nd hour class stated that America's new racist is their age group.  I cringed.  This is the first generation where interracial marriages and biracial children are the "norm"; however, they contend that this same group should be society's most feared.

What can be done to change this?  Whitney Houston urged us to "teach the children" in order for them to "show us the way."  We are doing that; however, my friends, who take public transportation, recently heard a group of children repeatedly saying the N-word.  Across America, are children simply wearing masks while in school, and once the bell rings, their true self emerges?

Freshmen, in order to understand Jim Crow, I encourage you to see 42.

Oh, Harper Lee, if you were to write a novel in 2013, what would you have to say about America and race?  As my friend, Dr. Gwen Tarbox, would say, "Cee, it's time for you to begin where Lee left off and write. that. book."

English 101 and Your Summer Plans

Dear Seniors:

Recently, I have received emails from parents inquiring about what their child can do in order to prepare for college writing.  I shared with your parents that you should take ENG 101/102 at the local community college and/or the university of their choice.  College writing can sometimes be a harsh reality.  For the past 17 years, I have taught Freshman composition; I am extremely acquainted with the, "Dr. Cobb, I earned nothing but "As in high school (English).  HOW can you give me a "D" on this paper?  Did you even read it?" 

If you perform well in the course, the grade can transfer to the university of their choice.  If the grade is poor, this will allow you to be introduced to your  writing strengths/weaknesses at the college level.


Do take the course in person rather than online.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to post a comment or ask me in class.

Let the graduation countdown BEGIN!!!

Hippity Hop!

Dear Students:

I am wishing both you and your family a WONDERFUL Easter weekend!

Celebrating DIFFERENCE!

Dear Students:

Recently, I was moved to consider writing a post regarding the need to celebrate difference.  As young adults, you will find yourself realizing that not everyone looks nor acts like you.  You cannot take for granted that everyone's parents are married; each parent is married to someone of the opposite sex, etc . . .  Also, realize that our nation is composed of individuals who embrace alternative lifestyles.


I am requesting that you CELEBRATE change.  Celebrate and TOLERATE difference!  If you see these differences, do not succumb to laughter and gossip.

Go Thunder!

DO SOME SPRING CLEANING!!!

Dear Students:

I hope that you are enjoying your Spring Break.  Indeed, you deserve it!   :)

I would like for you to take a moment and read the following article:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20681679,00.html

Dr. Constantino's Access Books emerged from her dissertation.  She focused upon the impact that luxury has on children.    Each of you are aware of the importance of literacy to me.  I have shared with you about my family's history with illiteracy and the importance of education to my relatives.

This Spring, as your mother says, "Go into that room and CLEAN OUT that closet!," I would like for you to comb through your bookshelves.  Ask yourself the following questions:

* Which of these books impacted me?  How would these same books transform the lives of others?
* Why should I donate books?
* How would my life be different if I had not been exposed to the library? Parents who could afford to take me to Barnes and Noble?

GIVE BACK.  Throughout Ahwatukee, there are bins to donate books.  You can also donate books to the Phoenix Public Library.

Speaking of books, did you read anything over break?  Currently, I am reading The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat.  It is a decent, Dr. Cobb-needs-to-escape-from-reality-with-a-capital-R read.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday!

EXTRA! EXTRA!: Dr. Cobb 's COVER STORY!

Dear Students and Parents:

Please review the following video.  I would like to THANK YOU for your support.  I am extremely thankful to the Ahwatukee Foothills News.  Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to be featured as the COVER STORY!!!  Ms. Kelly Mixer and Ms. Diana Martinez, THANK YOU.  To David Jolkovski, AFI's wonderful photographer, THANK YOU!!!!!  Mr. Kent Johnson, thank you for your wonderful paper and GREAT STAFF!!!

Go Thunder!