May 15, 2008
Welcome to PIB Biology! (PIBB)
I am your biology instructor, Ms. Story, and this is my blog site, “Story Time.” This blog will become a very important part of our journey together over the next year. This will be “our” place to connect. I am so excited to be your instructor and I can’t wait to meet all of you! This is a VERY exciting time for biologists! New fields of study and possibility are emerging every day. We will have a great year together exploring the outskirts of many of them.
“Blogging” is a form of interactive conversations; conversations meant to express thoughts, opinions, knowledge and questions with others of that have similar interests. I’m sure that our blog connection here will evolve as time goes on, but for now, here are some of the ways that we will connect over time:
1. Our blog conversations will be located primarily on the “PIBB PAGE.” This is your class site. This is where I will make my “posts” for you.
2. Assignments will be initiated from here, reviewed here, or culminate here.
3. Comments, questions and reflections can be addressed here; between you and I and between you and your fellow PIBB (Pre IB Biology) peers.
So, now that you’ve found your PIBB blogging site, how about if you post your first response by:
1. Introducing yourself 2. Then tell me about your family and what you do as a family together, and 3. What you think your favorite topic in biology will be and why.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Hi everyone,
My name is Mako Ketch, I live with my mom, dad, and three sisters (their names are Yuko, Keiko, and Junko.) We moved here from La Maddalena Italy, my dad is in the Navy so we get to move around to fun places all the time. While we were in Italy we liked to travel around Europe and got around to nine different countries in the short two years we were there. I think my favorite topic in biology will be anything to do with genetics because it seems really interesting and I’m interested in hereditary traits.
June 7th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Hi, Ms. Story! I’m Ravynn Stringfield, one of your new “PIBB” students (by the way I thought that was a really cool acronym). I was just browsing my summer assignments booklet (call me crazy but I’m already working on all that stuff even though the school year’s not even over yet.) and I came across your blog website so I thought I’d check it out.
Well, I’m an only child and I live with my Mom and Dad and we’re basically just your average family. That’s about it for family.
I was delighted to hear that Pre-IB students get to go right into Biology. I am a fan of science so I’m sure I’ll love your class. I think doing the labs will be the best part of class but then again there might be more things I’ll like.
Alright, I’m going for now but I’ll be posting more as the summer gets going. Bye-bye!
-Ravynn (or just call me Rae)
June 9th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Hi Mako,
I remember you from the IB orientation. Good to hear from you. How cool that you’ve lived in Italy! Did you pick up Italian??? They say it’s a very romantic language! I’ve only been to the very Northern part of Italy and it was when I was 16. I was there with my family. My father thought the Italian boys were a little too friendly with his “daughter” and so we didn’t stay long!
I loved the windmills of Holland, the flower boxes on the homes in Bavaria and the weinersnitzel in Germany!
I love genetics, too! It’s a ‘hot topic’ right now so keep your eyes open for news in this area throughout the summer. Let me know what you might find.
Ms S.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Hi Rae,
Good to hear from you. Glad you’ve been cruizin’ through the summer assignments! That’s great. I was hoping I’d hear from some of my PIBB students soon and you and Mako have the honor of being the first two.
Glad to hear that you like science. Biology is a great field to start out in. There are many labs that are very interesting. You’ll be designing some of your own labs and carrying them through, too.
Thanks for checking in … enjoy starting on your summer projects.
Mrs. S.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hey Ms. Story,
My name is Heather Harcum, I live with my mom and my dad and I am also, like Ravynn, an only child. We are a typical family, and i’ve lived in the same house all of my life. I’m thrilled to be accepted into the IB program, and I can’t wait to start my freshman year with all of you, and you sound like a great teacher. It’s hard to choose what I think will be my favorite topic in biology, like they said, genetics sounds fun, and the labs sound cool too. I’ll just have to wait and see! I’ve finished my world history assignment already, and i’m hoping to do the first choice on the biology list. I love photography, so it sounds just about perfect to me. It was nice meeting with you.
June 11th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Hi Heather,
Nice to meet you! It’s pretty special that you’ve lived in the same house all your life. Not many young people your age can say that! One of the characteristics of the 21st century is increased mobility, families moving many times throughout their lifetime. It’s good to hear your excitement about the IB program. I’m very excited, too.
Have fun with your photography project!
Ms. S.
June 13th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
hey ms. Story! i cant wait to enter in Pre-IB Biology this year!!
June 14th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Hi Aaron … I’m looking forward to the class, too! I’m already planning. What are you doing this summer?
Ms. Story
June 18th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
going to summer school, unfortunately. I am also going to the beach!!!!!!
June 21st, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hey Ms. Story! You seem like a pretty cool teacher….which I’m glad about. I really don’t want to start my high school life out with bad teachers but you all seem nice and interesting…and crazy.
Anyways, I’m 14. I live with my mom, dad, and two younger brothers(Brendan and Brexdyn) I’m very active, I’ve assisted teaching religous classes at The Little Creek Amphibious Base since 6th grade. I was first chair sax in my school band. I play guitar and am active within the theatre, too (being the president of my school’s Drama Club 07-08.) I was in the Quest program from 4th-8th and before that I was in Step and Kind…
I have one question though….Will we dissect anything in your class?
June 24th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hi Brandon,
I remember going through lots of reeds. I’ve also been involved in teaching religious classes. I am a Christian … what religious faith do you practice? I don’t play guitar, but I have played lots of piano and keyboard.
Sounds like we have some things in common … I, too, played alto sax in H.S. But, I’m not sure I remember now!
Yes … we will be doing some dissections as we study the various animal and plant phylums and classes. Do you think you’ll like dissections?
June 24th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hey Aaron … good luck in summer school. Go for your best!
June 24th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hi Ms.Story.
I’m so glad that I got in to the IB program. Honestly at first I really wasn’t going for it. But after the Parent information night it really sounded interesting and fun! I am 14, I’m learning how to play the electric guitar, and right about now a famous subject of mine is history/world geography. But maybe after I have your class, biology might be my favorite subject! Also I live with my sister Skye and my Mom. For my summer vacation, me and my sister are going to go visit our Dad and our other family members in St. Thomas for a little over 3 weeks and my Mom, sister, and I are going to my Moms family reunion in Florida! What are you doing this summer Ms. Story?
June 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
HELLO.
i am very interested in Biology, it seems as if it will be fun…i am thinking that one of my favorite things will be the labs and genetics too.
My name is Mollie, i am 14 and i live with my mommy. my daddy lives in Del. but he travels alot, he is leaving for Australia tomorow as a matter of fact, me and my daddy are still close even though i dont get to see him as much as i would like too, but it is ok…yes, my parents are divorced but its better that way, they get along much better now:-)i have two older brothers but thankfully they do NOT live with me!!! Johnathan(22) Alex (18)…I could say that i have a little sister too but we are not even related, her name is Lacey and she is 3 we spend lots of time together and we are really close:-) I am a cheerleader…i cheer for Spirit All-Stars and have for the past 7 years, cheerleading is my passion and please dont question it being a sport because it is very dangerous and it IS a sport!!! This year i am trying out for KFHS cheerleading too and hopefully i will be able to make varsity and be able to balance my busy schedule
I am very excited to be in the IB program
I cant believe that i am saying this but i am ready for school to start i think that these next four years will be the best ever
June 26th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Hi BriAnna,
You could probably tell that we, your teachers, are pretty excited too. And, yes, of course I think biology will be your favorite subject! HA! At least I know you’ll definitely enjoy the conversations when we combine history and biology. 
Glad to hear from you. It’s good to know that you have a new sense of excitement about the IB program from the parent night.
I’m going to Milw, WI for a couple of days in July. My parents live in WI and so I’ll visit them and a few friends there. I was raised in WI, went to HS in Milwaukee and that’s where my I had my first teaching positions. Although I’ll enjoy my visit there, I think going to St. Thomas sounds much more exciting! Do you snorkel or scuba dive?
Ms. Story
June 26th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Hi Mollie,
Good to hear from you! Thanks for sharing all about cheerleading … I can’t wait to see you cheer. Good Luck on tryouts! I, too, think that cheerleading is a sport. It has become very competitive and I know that you’ve spent a lot of time practicing many routines. You will have a very busy schedule, but sounds like you are up for to the task!
Believe it or not, when I first started teaching I coached cheerleading for quite a few years. At one HS in Milw, I coached 6 squads and the varsity squad was co-ed. It was lots of fun!
Enjoy your vacation and see you in Aug.
Ms. Story
June 26th, 2008 at 9:32 am
i wish that KF’s varsity squad was co-ed that is soo much easier to stunt with but i dont really think that many of the guys would go for it. haha
June 28th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hi!
I’m Elena (pronounced A-lane-a), and I’m 14. I have an older sister named Vivian who is 18 but she’ll be 19 soon , and a litte brother named Tony who is 5. None of our relatives live in Virginia, so every chance we get we pack up the car and drive to New York to visit my Dad’s relatives, or we drive to Miami and Tampa to visit my Mom’s relatives.
I play field hockey and during the past season I was the only keeper (goalie) on the team. Field hockey is probably my favorite sport. I feel bad that I will be leaving my team, but I hope to play for KFHS.
I am really excited to be in your biology class because I really like to learn new things about animals, and I am really interested in the medical field. I can’t wait to start your class!
June 29th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
um…hello. im andrew. about me: im really tired, ready to get rich, and figure i should come here somtime but still dont see why you need to know so much about me… ok… about my family: i have 3 brothers. Luke is 12. Daniel is somwhere around 23, in the navy working with the marines, and hopes to become a navy seal. Samuel is 24, in the army, a West Point graduate, and today (the day im typing this post 6/29/08) is leaving for a year to afghanistan. both are strong mentally and physically. i have 1 sister. her name is Molly, shes 17 and goes to school at Windsor (you dont need to know why). My dad works in the army and is constantly on trips. my mom works at home. as a whole (family), we dont get to do much together because 2 of my brothers are already out of the house, my dad is out of the house as much as he’s in, my sister goes to another school, my younger brother goes to the middle school, and i dont relate to my mom in many ways. about my summer: a few days ago i got back from a 2 week backpacking trip in new mexico. i will be going to a wedding somtime this summer. hopefully ill have some time to chill out after all these summer assignments. as far as biology goes idk what ill like, because idk much about it yet.
-andrew
July 1st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
hey, im ethan. basicly, im here to do what i have to do and be done with it. I have a mom and a dad that work, and 2 sisters, one older, and one yonger. i am the middle child and the only boy. i like to do things in my own way, and my own style but i like to adapt different styles into my own. this goes for everything. my personality can’t really be describe, although other might have their own perceptions of it, for those who know me and those who think they do. as for what i want out of bioligy, i can’t realy say at the moment, but i hope to find out real soon.
July 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Hi Elena,
Sounds like you do a lot of traveling! Visiting family is fun. I’ll be visiting my parents next week in Milwaukee, WI and I’m looking forward to seeing them and a few old friends. I’m glad you are looking forward to biology.
Enjoy your summer,
Ms Story
July 5th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for sharing some about your family. How did you like your backpacking trip? Do you do it often? Can’t say I’ve ever been backpacking.
Quite a few of your family is involved in the arm forces. Becoming a navy seal is quite a goal for one of your brothers. My bro is an officer in navy intelligence. He is stationed with his family in Japan now.
I’m curious about your goal to be rich…
Enjoy your summer assignments.
Ms Story
July 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hi Ethan,
I’m glad you’ve posted here … as requested! I’ll look forward to having you in biology and watching you develop your own style as a biologist. Having an independent style can be an asset in the proposal and discovery of new ideas and possibilities in science. Now, in our global society, collaboration has also become extremely valuable.
I look forward to seeing your bio summer project.
Enjoy your summer.
Ms. Story
July 7th, 2008 at 11:04 am
ya i go camping alot.
um my dad has been to japan i think twice
i want to be an aerospace engineer and im pretty sure they get paid alot. lol i was jk at first but ok
-andrew
July 7th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
It’s about time I got back on the computer huh? Well actually I have never did both. I believe my dad said he would take me and my sister snorkeling or scuba diving. I can’t remember which one. Honestly though, I’m kind of scared to go scuba diving. I know it would be fun. So I guess the only way to find out if I like scuba dinving is if I try!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Hi BriAnna,
I hope you have a chance to try either/or both! I’m sure you’ll be able to snorkel and, yes, scuba diving is a little more scarry! Be assured that everyone feels that way about their first scuba experience … you can take it slow and start with not going very deep! You’ll always have a ‘buddy’ with you, too! The variety of life on the coral reefs is amazing and well worth the experience.
Keep me posted!
Ms. Story
July 8th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Hi Andrew,
Welcome to the blog! Where do you go camping and with whom do you usually camp?
What a great goal you have! I’m assuming you like the combination of math and physics … do you? Any interest in NASA’s astronaut program?
Enjoy your summer.
Ms. Story
PS: Although I appreciate you’re texting ‘lingo’, I’m going to ask that you write on the blog with proper English! So sorry! Perhaps it seem “dumb”, especially when blogging seems to be a good forum for texting lingo, but I still need you to write your contributions to the blog with the same English grammer that we will be expecting on your writing assignments. THANKS!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hello.
I’m Becca. I live with my mom, dad, and sister in north suffolk. We’ve always had pets, and right now we have two birds and two cats. I just got back from UVA writing workshop, so I guess my post is a bit late. Two things that I like about biology are classification and agronomy. I’m really looking forward to this class.
~Rebecca Forbes
July 10th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Hi Rebecca,
Welcome back from UVA. How was the workshop? What did you learn? Is your sister younger or older?
Agronomy is a very interesting field of science and one that will only become more and more important in the future as we look to plants to help feed and care for our booming global population.
Enjoy your summer days.
Ms Story
July 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Wow. There are actually two Ethans. That’s a first.
I’m an only child and live with my mom and dad (but my dad is currently serving in Iraq. Thankfully, he’s not on the front lines.) We live in North Suffolk, too. I actually live in the same community as Becca.
We don’t have any pets, though I’ve always wanted a dog. I’m not sure what type of dog, but it would be awesome.
I love the theatre, play piano and guitar, write a lot, am active in Scouting (click to get to my troop’s [inactive] website), and am looking forward to doing the IB program. ^^ I love photography. You can probably guess which assignment I’m doing.
I do some artsy things, though I’m not the best artist in the world. Especially my drawing abilities. I support graphic arts through computers, since contrary to popular belief, the computer is a tool, not a guide. (Anyone who’s ever used Photoshop or the Gimp can attest to this!)
Bands I love lately: Nightwish, Kamelot, Epica, Within Temptation, Leaves’ Eyes, Relient K (as always), Evanescence, Secondhand Serenade. And I really don’t like the mainstream. Just because one band gets radio play doesn’t mean those who don’t aren’t good. A lot of the bands I like are foreign (mainly the northern part of the European mainland and Scandinavia).
Apple and Mac computers forever! If only we used them in school…
My personal style is very hard to describe… I guess it’s just what I’m feeling like on any one day.
As for what I like in biology, I’m not really sure. I haven’t had the exposure to develop an interest in one area or the other (being forced to study one limited curriculum every year–and not always with the best teachers). That’s another thing I’m looking forward to in your class. Hopefully I’ll have this experience.
Well, I think I’ve written enough. Perhaps. Maybe.
Ethan
P.S. I know another friend who went to the UVA Young Writers Workshop, but she got in for songwriting. Unfortunately, I never heard about it until a few weeks after they stopped accepting applications. But I’m going to apply to do it for fiction next summer.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Sorry about the broken HTML. The link was supposed to just be for the word here. I usually work with BBCode and prefer it, so HTML seems strange to me.
Ethan
P.S. I forgot to add that I also love reading.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hey! Becca! I didn’t know you were going to be in IB, too!!!! This is so awesome!! And Elena!! I don’t have your phone number! HOW do you expect me to get a hold of you for our study group? Try my email. It’s my first name, my middle initial; R, and my last name. Oh, @hotmail.com. And no capitals.
Hi, Ms. Story. I’m Emily. I have one brother, one half-brother, and one half-sister, but my half-siblings live in California. My dad was in the Coast Guard, but luckily retired before they started sending the Coast Guard to Iraq.
To tell the truth, I wasn’t interested in IB at all, because you couldn’t go to IB and Governors School of the Arts, and if I had to choose, hand down it would be GSA. But my mom told me not to close doors, and it turned out I didn’t get into GSA, but I DID get into IB. As I learned more about IB, I realized IB was probably better for me than GSA.
I am excited about biology, and have already started the PhotoJournal. I LOVE taking pics! But what’s also cool is that a lot more of my friends are going to IB than I thought! It’s really cool.
Ms. Story? One thing I want to know is if we’re going to delve very far into genetics. Last year… well, in eighth grade (It seems weird to say Last Year), we had to read a non-fiction science book for, well, Science, obviously. I had to choose between a book about the solar system, for and easy A, or a book about Genetics, which I didn’t know much about, but was interested in. I chose genetics, and now I’m even more interested in it.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
OH! Ms.Story, I forgot to ask you something. For the PhotoJournal, is there any specific way you want the pics to be presented? Any comments you have on the PhotoJournal would be appreciated.
Emily
July 14th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Hi everyone,
Hi my classmates and Mrs. Story. I’m Trevor Hall and I live with my mom and dad and two dogs. I am an only child and happy to be one. I guess I’m a little late posting, sorry for that. I have been on vacation and I haven’t been able to post. I’ve been in Suffolk all my life. I think science is pretty cool and I think you will be a cool teacher. I’m currently working on your assignment and looking forward to meeting you in this next school year. My favortie part of biology is cells so I’m looking forward to attending your class this year.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Hi Emily,
I’m sorry you didn’t get you first choice,
but I’m really glad that you went ahead and applied to the IB track program! YEA!
Yes … we will be studying lots of genetics. It’s one of the hot topics of the 21st century and so we’ll spend a considerable amount of time in and around the topic.
I’m lookin forward to meeting you. Thanks for sharing about your family.
Ms. Story
PS: Take a look at the Assign. #1 post and look at some of the conversation happening there. If you still have questions, just post them there.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Hi Trevor,
Thanks for posting … you’re not late! I hope you had a good vacation and now enjoy some more of the summer back here in Suffolk.
I’m looking forward to this year starting and having you all in class. We’ll be taking some very adventurous adacemic journeys, so it will be fun for all of us.
See you soon,
Ms Story
July 17th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Hello, again.
My name is Sharon. I am 14 years young and trying to enjoy life. Well, I was born in SanDiego, CA but moved to Virginia Beach when i was still a baby. Then I moved to Suffolk in 2 grade. I have to say that i VERY much prefer virginia beach rather than suffolk, but ANYWAYS… I enjoy the internet, drawing, and not being bored.
My dad’s side of the family lives in New York while my mom’s side of the family lives in the Phillipines. I live with both of my parents and i have one older sister who’s 18 at the moment. I dont really see much of my parents though because they both work alot.
I’m not sure what I’ll like about biology but I hope it’s everything cause I definately don’t want to be bored all year. teehee.
And that’s all.
July 21st, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hey…
My name is Alana Glover. I turned 14 Apr. 15, I was born in Portsmouth Va and moved to Suffolk in going in to first grade. I like to spend time with my friends and talk on the phone lol.
My moms side of the family is from Maryland and my dads side is from Pennsylvania. My mom owns a daycare center in Portsmouth and is always busy and my dad is part owner of a health insurance bussiness in VA beeach but he talks more about football than he does his job.
Idk what my favorite part of bioligy will be but to be honest im jus ready to go to school and learn about new things in pre IB
- See you in september, Alana
July 21st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I forgot my bro Denzel who will be attending Virginia State University and my dog simba : )
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 am
Hey Ms. Story.
I’m Kaitlin DiDomenico. o: I love getting nicknames though, so feel free to call me what you want as long as it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I’m fourteen. :3 I’ve lived in Virginia for like, always, but moved to Suffolk when I was seven.
Like Sharonnnn, I lived and love Virginia Beach.
And I surf the web ( kinda one of those losers that goes on forum sites ) ;-; Which is why I keep using these emotes.
I have an older brother and an older sister. :] My brother is aultistic and graduated from highschool in June, he’s 21. He’s going to attend TCC in Fall. And my sister is turning 20 in September and is plaining to go to ODU soon. (And hopefully move out.) My mom and dad got remarried in Feburary and now we’re a happy family. :D!
I love all of my friends dearly, some you’ve already met like Mako and Trevor. o: But I love my best friends Bri and Eric the mostest. <3c: They’re the people that keep me doing this summer work. xD;
So, later days dudes.
Kaitmonstahh.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Hey, my name is Gary Wade; one of your students coming from Kennedy.
My family lives in New York; with my father and mother (who is deceased) living in Virginia. My brother has been out of college for three years, his degree was in Computer Programming. My sister just graduated, her degree was English. My father and brother work at a family-owned computer store- Express PC Solutions, on Holland Road- and has been open for past a decade. My sister is working on/off, her current job as a waitress at the Pisces restaurant in downtown Suffolk.
For me, I don’t work; I am mostly intrigued with computers and science. While I’ve tried a lot of items pertaining to computers (Coding, graphics design, etc.), they didn’t keep my attention. Don’t expect a lot of trouble from me, I’m calm and silent. There’s not much to explain, but this year looks promising. I guess I won’t be bored in this class.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Hi
If we do the “Bio” Historical Journey does the person we interview have to be from America?
July 27th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hi Gary! Thanks for the introduction. Very cool that your family is very connected to the computer world. Running a small business is quite an accomplishment for your family. I suspect it takes a lot of time, patience and business smarts!
I look forward to having you in class. I certainly hope you will not be bored this year! So, if you start to get bored, you better let me know!
Welcome to the class. Ms. Story
July 27th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Hi Sharon,
Nice to meet you! I look forward to keeping you challenged! I think you will really like our lab time, especially the ones that call for drawing … which is anything and everything that you will observe under the microscope. It’s lots of fun. Sounds like you have a nice family … one that is working very hard.
See you soon. Enjoy the rest of the summer and stay safe.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Elena,
No, they certainly do not have to be from the US! Please, feel free to interview outside of our country.
Enjoy!
Ms Story
July 29th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Hello Ms. Story,
My name is Demond Evans (as you can see) and I was born in CA. My favorite subjects are math and science. I am 13 yrs. old and will turn 14 on November 30th. I am the youngest of 2 and a half children.
My mom was born and raised in Mount Vernon New York while my dad was born and raised in Detroit MI. With my dad being in the military we move around alot so we have been just about everywhere. Both my parents work all the time so I hardly ever see them. My dad will be retiring from the military ( he has done 22 yrs.) sometime in August. My family is scattered around aome are far while some are near. I have 2 brothers and one half brother. My oldest brother is 22. I have a brother in college and he turned 20 in May. and I have another brother that turns 19 August 18th. I have no sisters.
Im not really sure what my favorite topic in Biology will be but I think I will like Biology overall.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hi!! =] My name is Courtney Evans. Well I don’t really know what to say.
Ummm…well my dad is in the navy so I have had the chance to travel all over the world. I lived in Naples, Italy from first to fourth grade. =] While I was there I had the chance experience a whole new culture I never knew about! Which was pretty awesome!
I am really really excited to be in the “Pre-IB” && I am looking forward to meeting you! Cause you seem like a really cool & awesome teacher!!!!! =]
Well I don’t really know what else to say so….see you soon!
~~Courtney <3
July 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
My name is Josh Jahnsen and I am an only child(although I have a lot of cousins so it doesn’t seem like it) and I live with my mom and dad. my family likes spending time together watching t.v. and just spending time together. I am just going to love biology because I love any kind of sciences and I can;t wait for PIBB.
July 30th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hi Dezmond,
Thanks for the introduction! I guess moving around a lot comes with the territory of having a parent in the military. Congrats to your Dad for all his years of service!
Looking forward to having you in class.
Ms. Story
July 30th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Hi Courtney!
How cool that you’ve lived all over the world! That will be a great asset to the IB program! I’m so glad you will be a part of our class. Every culture certainly has its own unique traditions, habits, and worldview. We are alike, biologically speaking as Homo sapiens, yet so very different in so many other ways.
I look forward to learning from you about some of your experiences. Many of the IB students have traveled about, like yourself. I look forward to the rich conversations that we will be able engage in with the wealth of experiences that you have had.
See you at freshman transition …
Ms. Story
July 30th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Hi Josh …
Welcome to PIBB! I’m so glad that you are looking forward to the class, as are many of your classmates.
I noticed the unique spelling of your last name … Scandanavian?? If so, which country? I’m guessing Swedish?
I think we’re going to have a great year together!
Ms. Story
July 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
You are correct my last name is Swedish thank you for asking.
July 31st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
*pouts* Ms. Story, you didn’t reply to me!
Thought I might post a quick update since I’m on.
Yesterday was my birthday!
And I saw The Dark Knight at the IMAX! It really lives up to the hype. It was one of the best movie experiences I’ve ever had. It’s not a superhero movie… it’s art.
Okay, random post over.
Ethan
July 31st, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Oh, wait! Re-reading my post, I just realized I didn’t say what branch of biology I like. Sorry!
A lot of things about biology fascinate me. For example, genetics. Don’t ask, but I always enjoyed making the little Punnett squares. I really hope that’s normal. Genetics is one of my favorite branches.
Cytology (cells, right?) is too complicated for me. I can never remember the diffence between the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic reticulum (yet I can seem to get the names right!), and beyond that, there’s just something about it that turns me off. Maybe I’ll like it this year. I’m like that, my interests change a lot.
Ecosystems and ecology are interesting to me, especially in light of the climate crisis. I really hope it hasn’t gone too far for us to clean it up. It’s like the stain humans have left on the earth. Animal interactions within an ecosystem and its food chain are interesting too. Food chains and webs represent the domino effect and the importance of balance as well. If one producer dies out, the whole chain may. This can be applied to global warming as well. What will happen if animals start dying off from the heat? How will it affect humans?
Well, for once, I actually don’t know what else to write.
Ethan
July 31st, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Ethan G.
Oooops … you got me! I did miss responding to you the first time! Sorry.
You’ll have to let me listen to a sample of some of those bands you mentioned. I can’t say that I’ve heard anything from any of them. Of course, that’s not too hard these days!
My son totally agrees with you about the Mac!
I’ll try to help you like cytology. It’s one of my favorite. The inner workings of a simple cell is amazing. Cells are intricate, biochemical factories incorporating complexities at such a minute level (of course they are huge compared to viruses,) which is what makes them so fascinating to me. I hope you’ll give them another chance!
Thanks, Ethan for your contributions.
Ms. S.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hey Ms. Story!
I hope you didn’t make the mistake of clicking on my post… I messed up with the link. *winces*
Yeah. Macs are awesome. I’m typing on one right now.
You probably haven’t heard much of them because they’re not as mainstream on this side of the Atlantic. Nightwish is Finnish (with one Swedish member), H.I.M. is Finnish too, Within Temptation is Dutch, Kamelot is Floridian (nothing to do with Europe!), I’m not really sure where Epica and Leaves’ Eyes are from, and Evanescence is from Ohio (I think). They’re the most mainstream of all of them. If you’ve ever heard Call Me When You’re Sober, Bring Me To Life, or My Immortal on the radio, that’s them. I’m not as into Secondhand Serenade anymore.
I have read this really book dealing with cytology and the microcosm in general. Well, not exactly the whole cell. More like one mitochondrion. It’s called A Wind in the Door, and it’s the second one in the A Wrinkle in Time series. Really good book. I recommend it highly. But it seemed really cool. Maybe that was just the lyricism of the book.
I’m staffing a National Youth Leadership Training course this week… It’s a course by the Boy Scouts, and a camp at the same time. Hopefully I can get some assignments done in my free time… *winces*
Ethan
August 4th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Have a great week at Leadership Training! I’ll check out the resources you shared. Thanks.
Ms. S.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Whats Up Ms. Story,
Im Drew and i have 2 sisters, one with a genetic disorder called trisomy 18 and she is 8 years old. My other sister is 11 and goes to john yeats middle. (the wackest school ever!) My mom is a family practice doctor and my dad is a former Coast Guard member but now he is a carpentar. I play football and have since 6th grade. Im playing for Kings Fork this year. Bulldog for life. Some things i do with my family is go on vacation alot. We have a time share in Mexico. it is so gorgeous down there. If the school systems were better or if Obama becomes president im gonna move down there! I think my favorite part of Biology is going to be the genetics part. Just because my sister has trisomy 18. I love her to death and will do anything for her. But anyways, im really looking forward to Biology this year.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I have another question about the interview assignment. How many questions do we need?
August 6th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hi Drew … nice meeting you. I remember meeting you and your Mom in May. Thanks for sharing about your family. Great to have you playing FB for the Bulldogs! I just met the new coach this morning out here at school, actually.
No leaving for Mexico~! I’m expecting you in my class ALL YEAR!
I can certainly understand your interest in genetics. I’m so glad to hear your love for your sisters! Awesome.
See you at KFHS transition!
Ms. Story
August 7th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hey, Mrs. Story!
I’m Kendrick and I have 1 younger brother, Everett who is 11 years old. I’m so happy that I’m in your Pre- IB biology class knowing that you will be a awesome teacher and i look forward to doing many fun experiments. Science is my favorite and best subject so i hope your class will go in a breeze. I like biology because it expands my mind and is challenging. (Oh yeah forgot to talk about myself) I am 14 and my birthday was last month. My dad works at EVMS and my mom is a teacher just like you! I played for the JV Nansemond River baseball team and hope to play for the varsity BULLDOGS team! WOOF WOOF! My favorite MLB team is the Yankees and my favorite player is Derek Jeter and A-Rod. Right before we start school, my family and I will be going on a cruise to JAMAICA and I am so excited!!!( I will bring back some pictures to show you.) I love biology because it explains the parts of living things, how they function and most of all i love looking at cells and genetics! See you soon!
August 10th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Hi Kendrick,
Good to hear from you. Thanks for the fun info about your family. I’m looking forward to seeing those pictures from Jamaica! There’s some really cool plant life and animal life there.
Glad you’re going out for baseball. I was a big Milwaukee “Braves” fan (this will certainly date me!) and then Milwaukee Brewers. I lived in Milw. through my high school years and a few beyond. Sitting in the bleachers at a night game was “THEE” thing to do for a cool date night! ha. (At the time, it was pretty cheap too! $2.00 a ticket!)
I’ve also lived in MI … Kalamazoo, MI. as a matter of fact. Derek Jeter was a Kalamazoo high school player! We can be Jeter fans together … but maybe not the Yankees!
I’m glad you are looking forward to biology.
See you soon.
Ms. Story
PS I’m curious … what does your mom teach?
August 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
How’s it going, Ms. Story?
I hope you’re having a great summer! My name is Craig and I am 13 years old and I turn 14 in November. I have one sister that is 15 and is going to the 10th grade. I live with my mom and dad. Before school starts again, we are going to take a trip to Florida to visit my family and to go to Universal Studios. I also play the violin and am going to continue to do so during high school. I can’t wait to start Pre-IB Biology this year. It’s going to be a blast! I’m most looking foward to genetics. The fact that traits get passed along throughout generations fasinates me. See you there!
August 13th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hello again Ms. Story,
I am of course the one-and-only Julius Williams reporting for duty lol. I can tell now you are a super-duper awesome teacher. I am 14 years old since May. I live alone with my dad but I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Uhhhhhhh………..oh yeah my favorite football team is the New Orleans Saints ;P…….. I recently went to the Carolina Panthers at the Indianapolis Colts game and the Panthers won (that sucks). I was born in Norfolk and I came to Suffolk with my dad in the 6th grade… I enjoy hanging out with family and friends… My dad and I have been traveling some…..during Spring Break, we went to Atlanta, Miami, and the Bahamas. 2 weeks ago we went to Greenville, NC. I am soooooo excited about Pre-IB, but Biology is what i am really waiting for.I have alot of friends in Pre-IB from last year.wow, thats alot.
Se ya real soon,
Julius
August 20th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Hi Craig,
Welcome to the Story Time blog. Sounds like you will have a good time in FL.
Congrats on playing the violin. Glad you are going to continue.
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
Ms. Story
August 20th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hi Julius,
Thanks for sharing about your family. It’s great that you and your Dad travel together. I bet you have some good memories already … with many more to come in the future.
It’s just great that you are excited about the IB program and biology! YEA. I’m really looking forward to your class, too! We are going to have a great year with lots of VERY interesting topics, especially in genetics.
See you soon.
Ms. Story
August 21st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
My name is Sophia (duh) and I’m 14. I love to read, write and draw (mostly manga) and I like to do random stuff (yay!)
I have a mother and step-father, 3 sisters (one full, one half, and one step) and a brother (step).
We don’t do much, but when we do, it’s usually fun, like going shopping or going to a base ball game.
We went to the 2005 game Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Baltimore Ravens, the Jags won, and the Ravens lost their bus! It was too funny! Especially since it was our bus they came to!
I think I’ll like anything about Biology as long as it doesn’t involve Math! (ugh…)
See ya!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Hi Sophia,
Thanks for introducing yourself. I’m looking forward to having your artistic talents in class. I envy the artist … you will see QUICKLY that my diagrams on the board require LOTS of imagination!
You have to promise not to laugh!
You are in luck … biology has a limited amount of math at this point!
Ms. S.
August 26th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
hi, sorry i havent posted in a while, ive been overloaded with work. i have a question: do the Pre-IB reachers love to give out a lot of work just to torture us? but anyway……..i love science, it is my best subject. i won’t like to dissect stuff though, i am squeamish, so that will stink.
l8r,
Aaron
August 28th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Hi Ms. Story! I’m Nicole Tsetsilas. After I got home from orientation I realized that I have only posted a comment about the Heifer website, but haven’t intoduced myself. So…. I guess all you need to know about me to teach me, is that I’m an avid reader. I mean once I start reading I can’t put the book down. once my teachers realize that I’m not listening to them { sorry, I’ll humor you but then I’ll start reading again } they usually take my book away.
lol But I’m used to it so go ahead.
Um… what else. I have a older brother Alex, {if you’ve had him as a student don’t judge me} lol were nothing alike. He’s going to be a junior this year. I also have a younger sister who is three.
I babysit all my neighbors kids, dogs, cats, fish, and plants. lol I seriously have a key to almost my whole court.
Like I said when I’m not hanging out with friends I’m without a doubt reading. My room is filled with books, I can’t stand to rent books at the library I have to always buy them. Cuz I re-read them
Um.. I like to skate and swim and take pictures! And thats about it.. I guess.. Idk.
Oh ya and if you asked Ravynn apparently I’m horrible at telling time.
Nicole
August 28th, 2008 at 11:32 am
hi again, i just took the quiz on the “what do you know about plastics?” and i apparently do not know very much about it at all. i got 3/6 right. but i was suprised about the answers that i recieved.
see ya l8r,
Aaron
August 29th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Hi Nicole,
What a great introduction! You seem to know yourself very well. I even “lol” with you! I’m looking forward to having you in class … books and all!
Ms. S.
Hi Aaron … I love your admission with an “apparently” statement!
Not to worry - Glad you took the quiz.
Ms. S.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Hey it’s Nicoltte Santora and i thought i should comment you since it looks like i am the only one who haven’t done it yet, and sorry about that i don’t really like getting on the computer that much.
Also trust Nicole about her reading, she may be the biggest book worm i know. She has about seven book shelves filled with books it’s crazy :).
Also just to let you know there is not much to me.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:12 am
on the supply list you said to get a 4 x 4 graph notebook, i got a 5 x 5, is that ok, or does it need to be a 4 x 4
see ya l8r,
Aaron
August 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Hey Coley-oley.
lol.
I was gonna tell no one about ur inablity to tell time but now that you mention it…*cough cough TWENTY FOUR HOURS*
August 31st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Aaron … the squares are so small with a 5X5. Do you have very small handwriting or printing? Even then, I find it tough to read. I hate to ask you to buy another, but I would prefer the 4X4 if you can exchange it.
Mrs. S.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Hi my name is Jessica and i’ve lived in several places before I came here to Virginia. I play advance soccer leauge for Chuchland. I also like to make random little videos with my friends. My family is a average family who is very friendly ,and loves to have partys. I live with my Dad, Mom, little sister, and dog. We travel alot and have many experiences that most poeple don’t get to witness. I thik this year in biolgy will be fun, and different from most other science classes, because this willbe about living things. I love learning anything about animals so i think this will be a very fun class.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Hi, Ms. Story.
This is BriAnna. I’m sorry that I will not be at Kings Fork any more. I know your class would have been fun! Ecspecially the dissecting part. I transferred to Oscar Smith High School for the IB program out in Chesapeake where I live . I just wanted to blog one more time before the school year started. I also wanted to say HEY! and a sad GOODBYE to my friends from JYMS. I’m going to miss ya’ll. Oh! and ya’ll better do good in this progam!BYE
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Hey Mrs. Story,
sorry about the late post =(
My name is Tommy and I’m 14 years old. You might know my brother (Kenneth Byrd) from previous years but i would have to say that we are not all that alike. I have 1 brother and 1 sister and a half brother from my dad’s remarriage. I am an uncle to my sisters boy, who is 5 months old. I live in Suffolk, Virginia with my mom and brother. During fre time with my family we love to play raquetball. As of late we haven’t been to the YMCA alot but you can usually find us there a couple times a week either swimming or playing raquetball. My favorite topic in biology will most likely be cells, both plant and animal.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:27 am
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for posting and introducing yourself. It sounds like you have a very nice family.
Hi BriAnna … so sorry to not have you in class
We will miss you! But, congrats on starting at OSHS. You will have a great teacher there and I think you will love their IB program. Thanks for posting and saying good-bye! You are always welcome to post on our blog … stay in touch!
Ms. Story
Hi Tommy,
Glad you found the introductory post. I will remember that you are different than your brother. It’s good that you have your own ID. Congrats on being an uncle!! Welcome to IB.
Ms. S.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hello everyone,
My nuame is Lucas and im 14 years old. My dad is in the navy and my mom works at home. My dog’s name is Princess and she is a beagle. I like most music bt not all, and i love chilling with my friends and riding my bike. I play travel hockey and lacrosse, the best sports in my opinion. I like to read but i have to be really bored before i start to read a book. I am really looking forward to this year especially getting to dissect worms and frogs!!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Hi,
It’s D’Shawna.I have two younger sisters and an older brother. We live with my mom. My dad is in Missouri, due to the army, but he should be home soon and i can’t wait =) !! I’m a pretty quiet student and it doesn’t take much to please me. Even though we’ve already met (sorry about the late blog), I’m still looking forward to having a wonderful year of biology with you.
September 7th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Hi,
My name is Ashanti and I live with my younger brother,mom, and stepdad. I have 3 dogs that go by the names of Jamaica, Chopper, and BB. I’m pretty quiet if I’m not around my friends and very easy-going. I love to dance,sing,and shop!!!! I feel like I’m going to have a good school year and I’m looking forward to it as well.