Welcome Northside Scholars!

Hello Young Scholars,

As you will surely find out this year, I am here because I believe that WHAT WE CAN DO, WHAT WE SHOULD DO, AND WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD. Just stop and think about that. We are going to change the world.  And we have two choices: One, change the world into something better. Two, make it worse.  My job is to assist you in becoming critical thinkers who are prepared to make this world better.  If you ever feel like I could do more to help you on your journey to become life-long learners and meaningful contributors, please let me know. I don’t want to you to tell me what you think I want to hear, but what I need to know so that I can better serve you and the community of Akron. I taught in Aurora, Colorado for the past five years in a school with some similarities to North. The name of the school was Aurora Central High School, and just like North, it was the most diverse school in the state.  Although I may look like another boring white guy, I sincerely love being surrounded by diversity daily.  My passion is to teach and learn from all the cultures that exist in this world.  Hopefully, I can inspire you as much as you will inspire me. 

About Me: 

Hobbies: Believe it or not I could beat you in basketball, and if you don't believe me, just let me know when and where you want to play (after school of course).  I actually enjoy reading and writing, but tbh I watch way more television than I should. Sometimes after teaching and grading papers all day, I just want to watch some shows or sports. I know how to use snapchat and do pretty frequently. Having lived in Colorado for a while, I really loved snowboarding and hiking. My favorite hobby is just kicking it with good peoples, family and friends. 

Favorite TV Shows: Breaking Bad, The Wire, True Detective, Veep, Arrested Development, VICE News, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, House of Cards, Twin Peaks

Favorite Sports Teams: Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavs, Cleveland Indians, OSU Buckeyes, Akron Zips, Napoli (soccer)

Favorite Music: Wu-Tang Clan, Danny Brown, Drake, Schoolboy Q, J. Cole, Action Bronson, Arcade Fire, A$Ap Rocky, Volcano Choir, How to Dress Well, Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Band, Van Morrison, The Doors, Bob Marley, Grizzly Bear, The Tallest Man on Earth, Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack, The National, Stevie Wonder, BB King, and the list goes on. 

Rules and Procedures

Alright, I get it ya'll are in 12th grade, and if you are anything I was in 12th grade, you are probably thinking "seriously is this dude for real about to go over rules and procedures." Well, to answer your legitimate questions, the answer is "yes."  If you are anything like me, you also like to know why you need to know something or why you have to follow a rule or procedure. Hear is the best explanation I can give you: Creating and maintaining certain expectations for how to behave, act, respond, and be prepared in class makes life easier for every one. I don't want to create extra stress for you or me. I want you to be aware of what I expect, and I promise you the only reason I make rules and have expectations is because I want you to succeed. You may already behave and do all the things that I am going to be talking about in this section, and I am sorry you have to sit through this, but it helps to have a reminder.  And, I can't tell you how many people will tell you what you already know throughout your life, so I promise I will make this as painless as possible because I get annoyed when people treat me like I have no clue about how to do something I have been doing for years.

Mr. D's Rules: 

1. BE READY TO LEARN WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH MY DOOR.
2. BE WILLING TO TAKE RISKS THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMARTER AND PROUDER
3. BE RESOURCEFUL - USE WHAT'S AVAILABLE - education is all about survival and the more aware you are of the tools available to you, no matter how limited, the more success you will experience and the more prepared you will be for anything that is thrown at you. 
4. BE RESPECTFUL AND EMPATHETIC - when I talk about respect and empathy, I am talking about really thinking and putting yourself in someone else's shoes before criticizing them or making a snap judgement.  
5. BE HONEST WITH ME AND YOURSELF - don't make excuses. You only hurt yourself when you lie about something. Trust me, I am a human being and I understand that sometimes life will literally make it impossible for you to do homework. Just talk to me when you have an issue that prevents you from completing an assignment, and I will treat you like an individual and how I would want a teacher to treat me. 

Mr. D's Classroom Procedures:

1. Bring your materials to class everyday: I will do what I can to help you stay organized, but you guys are young adults if not adults already, so I feel like the more you can be prepared on your own, the more prepared you will be for the world. 

• Materials: 
• Pen
• Paper
• Notebook
• Assignments
• A folder with graded past work 

2. How to enter class: When you come in to my class, please do the following . . .

• Say what up to me on your way in. 
• Read what is on the board. It will most likely give you instructions for what you will need and what we will be doing that day.  
• Sit in your assigned seat, take out whatever materials you need, and begin working on whatever assignment is on the board. 

3. Cell Phones: There are going to be lots of times that I want you to use your cellphone, but there will be times when I really need you to have them away. I will always let you know when it is appropriate to have them out. If you are using your cellphone during a time that I need it away, I will ask you nicely to put it away. If I have to ask you a second time, I will just be asking you to give me your phone until the end of class. I won't make a scene and neither should you.  

4. How to leave class: Turn your assignment or exit ticket in, put your book back on the shelf or in your backpack if you need to take it home, clean up whatever mess you may have made, and if you really feel like being a boss, clean up whatever else you see needs cleaned. 

5. Food: You can have water in my classroom, but please don't eat food. If I don't know you have food or that you are eating, then I won't be concerned. 

6. Bathroom Pass: Try to go to bathroom between periods, but I understand that sometimes we gotta go. So if you do have to go, try to pick out an appropriate time and get my attention. Then just take the pass and do your thing. Don't wander around for twenty minutes, please. I will know.