Monday, October 28, 2013

Address Book

The Vector Address book was sent out to all the parent's emails. Please check over your information and make sure it is correct. Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
RB

Friday, October 25, 2013

Extemp And Scripts

     Thank you for letting me discuss extemporaneous speeches yesterday in club! Extemp is a category that really develops key analytical skills as well as a good awareness of what's going on in the world.
      I just want to encourage everyone that's not competing in extemp this year to do two things: 1) Consider competing or 2) Sign up to download articles for our club online boxes. Just by reading the news daily you will have more information and examples to pull from for other speeches and other debate.
       We'll be covering extemp again next week, and I just want to remind everyone of the homework. Here's what to to:
      1) Find an interesting headline that is relatively important 
      2) Read the article/s
      3) Outline a brief explanation of the event 
     Bring the outline to club. I'll be having each one of you present for a minute or so, explaining the situation and the story surrounding the headline. Just remember--this isn't a huge speech. You're simply telling a story ;)


     Also, I understand that a few of you are unsure how to format/put together a script. I've uploaded a few for you to look at and use as models to help you build those scripts:
Don't forget to keep working on your scripts! The sooner you get it put together, the more time you will have to work on it, and the better your speech will be!

Have an awesome weekend, and see you guys next week!
-Clayton

p.s. - If you are still interested in joining extemp, shoot an email to the Vector extemp account at wekilltreesandlaugh@gmail.com 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

New Parents Judge Orientation -- Oct 31 & Nov 7 at 4pm

New Vector Parents, you may be asking, "What is involved in judging a round at a tournament?  How do I even begin to judge debate? What things do I need to know before a round?"  

Since judging at tournaments is a requirement for all competitors' parents, our goal is to prepare you so you will know what all is involved and can judge a round with confidence!  And the good news is: it's not nearly as hard as it seems -- in fact, it's quite fun!

Karen Kirkpatrick will be presenting Parent Judge Orientation for all New Vector Parents (and any old ones that want a refresher) from 4:00-5:00p on both Oct 31 & Nov 7.  Since she will cover different material each week you will benefit most by attending both sessions if possible.  She will cover things such as filling out ballots, judging the different forms of debate, criteria by which to judge each event, and time for Q & A. You don't want to miss this opportunity!

Please RSVP to karenekirkpatrick@gmail.com with any questions and to let her know you will be coming. 

Many Blessings,
Kim Millhouse

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Extemp, Blocking Interps, And ALL Debaters This Week at Club, Oct 24th!

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of a slight change in this week's schedule:

4:00-5:30 -- Speech (Extemp & Interps)
6:00-7:30 -- LD / TP Debate AND Parli Debaters working on Extemp (All Debaters should be there this week)

During the Speech hours Clayton and Logan will be teaching the Ins and Outs of Extemporaneous Speaking, and we will be doing some fun activities as a part of learning how to Block your Interpretive Speeches.

With the TP / LD Tournament coming up on Nov 1, Andrew shifted the Debate schedule to focus more on those events; however, Parli Debaters will still meet with Clayton and Logan in the Kitchen during the Debate hours to learn more about and practice Extemp.

I'm also looking for students to sign up for doing the 2 minute devotions at the beginning of club.  I would really like each of you to sign up for at least one.  You can do that online on the Devotion Schedule that Beckett set up, or you can sign up on Thursday -- Beckett will send around a sign-up list in club.

To get ready for blocking your Interpretives, take a look at these YouTube videos with your parents' permission (and you may find other good ones too!):






Looking forward to seeing you again!
Kim Millhouse


Monday, October 21, 2013

Apologetics Sharing

We are going to use google documents to share apologetics cards. (Note: You will need a gmail account to use this...so let me know if you need me to share it with a different email then you originally gave) I have set up a folder (called: Apologetics Cards) where everyone can upload the card they have written. 

If you have not used google documents for sharing stuff...here's how it works: 
Open the email you receive telling you I have shared a folder/document with you. 
Add folder to your "drive" 
Open your google drive to put your card in that folder.  
To do that, either create a document and type or copy and paste on there. Or upload your document to that folder (using the "upload" button next to the one that says "create") 
Name the document with the question you are doing. 

Let me know if any of this doesn't make sense. :P

Also, I've sent an email with template for apologetics cards to go on. Using this template makes it easy to print the cards onto index cards. 

Please email me if you're having any trouble with assignments. :) 

See you Thursday, 
Lily 

Super Detailed Post on Google Drive

Hey y'all!
Here is a super detailed post on how to use Google Drive, currently this is only used for Extemp but the same concept will be applied to Mars Hill and Apologetics to a certain extent.


Step One: 
Open the news source you would like to add an article from. Also, make sure you have your email open and your CleanPrint tab up. (In this case, I have both my personal email and the Vector extemp email up- both of them have access to the Extemp google drive, so it doesn't matter, however make sure that the email you use has access.)
Highlighted in this picture: the email tabs, the article I'm going to add to the drive, and the CleanPrint tab

Step Two:
After you've clicked on the article, click on the CleanPrint button.
Highlighted in this Picture: the CleanPrint button


Step Three: 
Once the CleanPrint pops up, click the arrow to reveal more options.
Highlighted in this Picture: arrow to reveal more options

Once you've clicked that click on the GoogleDrive icon.
Highlighted in this picture: GoogleDrive Icon


Step Four:
Click on the GoogleDrive Icon and choose to Save to GoogleDrive as a PDF
Highlighted in this Picture: the Save to Google Drive as PDF option


Step Five:
If you have more than one email open it will prompt you to choose which email. Make sure you add it to the email that has access to the file. (Again, I could choose either- if you need it shared with another gmail, email me and ask.)
^This tab will pop up, at this point it is saved in your google drive! Now to transfer to it the right spot!

Step Six:

Click on the little squares next to your email to find your GoogleDrive
Highlighted in this Picture: the little square thingie that has no name :)

Click on the GoogleDrive Icon
Highlighted in this Picture: The GoogleDrive icon


Step Seven:
Find the article and drag it to the Vector Extemporaneous 2013-2014 (If you have access to last years file, remember to add it the 2013-2014 file)

Highlighted in this Picture: The Extemp 2013-2014 file and the article pdf


Step Eight:

Continue dragging the article into more subfiles until you find the one that it belongs in. If you have any questions as to where file something- add it to the TO ORGANIZE file and email Logan, Clayton, or myself (Rachel.)
This particular article goes:
Vector Extemporaneous>Domestic>Government>Policy:HealthCare>ObamaCare



Voila! You're done!




I know it seems like it takes forever because of how many steps I broke it into, but it really only takes about 10-30 seconds per article. I normally save all my articles into my drive in one big dump and then go and file them all.


Also: Extempers- we will be teaching Extemp during speech for the next two weeks, please come at the speech time for instruction. 

Policy and Values Debate the Next Two Weeks

Distinguished Debaters,

We will be focusing on Policy and Values debate the next two weeks to prepare for the tournament at the beginning of November. Those of you who are only in parli are not required to attend. Everyone else, please be ready to discuss policy and values.

Andrew Ferguson

Friday, October 18, 2013

T-Shirt Winner!

Congratulations to David Watson for designing an awesome t-shirt! We'll be ordering shirts soon. Our club shirts will be Royal Blue, but just to remind you, here's a picture of the T-shirt y'all voted in!


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Apologetics, Extemp, and Mars Hill

Mars Hill
Everyone remember that your summaries need to be in by next week. The summaries need to be pretty conclusive (like at least  2 paragraphs) and then there's additional paragraph about the biblical aspects :)

Extemp
Since we haven't heard from anyone about having problems downloading google drive, we assume everyone did it ok. I emailed a few of you a little bit ago about some of you not having gmails. YOU MUST HAVE A GOOGLE ACCOUNT TO COMPETE IN EXTEMP. Please email me your gmail address if you would like to compete. Assignments are going out tonight. Clayton will be sending out an email to the extempers soon to explain how to add them to the drive. (If you know how to add it to the drive- go ahead and start)

Apologetics 
Remember to do your assignment!

We talked about the Apol party on the 26th, everyone should go, it will be so awesome and help us out immensely!

Apologetic Preparation Party for November 9th
Limited Prep Speech Tournament
When: October 26th
Time: 1:00-4:00
Where: Snyder Home: 431 Lily’s Way, Winchester, VA 22601
Goal: To brain-storm 12 world-view questions onto a google site for competition purposes for the November 9th
How: Students and parents sit around a table, working and brainstorming together.
This method has been used for a couple of years now and is always productive and a lot of fun.
Bring: computer, commentaries, books, etc.
Parents welcome to help brainstorm but parental involvement is not required.
**Snacks, tea, & coffee provided
Questions:
Mrs. Snyder
debbievirginia@gmail.com
540-535-8539





SIGN UP FOR THE NOVEMBER 9th TOURNEY!!!!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Heads Up for Club This Week, Oct 17!

Hi Everyone!

This week in club we will be talking about Platform Speeches and doing some brainstorming for creative and top notch topics for platforms.  Be sure to bring in your news or feature articles or list of topics you discovered this week for the brainstorming session with Becca. Something the Millhouses do as a family is to grab a pile of recent "World" or "Time" Magazines and the Newspaper, and go through them together at the lunch table and compile a list of great topics for persuasive speeches.

Clayton will be there this week to give a great example of Storytelling and give several of you an opportunity to also do this in club.  We brainstormed stories with a moral last week, so be thinking of one you would like to tell.

Rachel will also be doing "Tourney Time" to get you all up to speed with the details of what competing in a tournament will be like.  We want you to feel prepared in every way!

And if you were prepped to do Duo Impromptu last week, I'm sorry we ran out of time, but get ready to go on Thursday!  I have planned more time for games this week so do your best to arrive in time for the coaches to begin right at 4:00.

I will be in NYC this week with our Mock Trial team, so please be praying for Lily, Logan, and Cooper as they compete with the C4 team this weekend.

See you soon!
Mrs. Millhouse

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Mars Hill & Apologetics Assignments

Hey! I've sent out an email with Apologetics assignments. Let me know if you didn't get it. :) Also, if you have any questions or don't know where to start with writing, feel free to send me an email. (whateverisnoble@gmail.com)

-Lily

Mars Hill Assignments went out as well, let me know if you didn't get it. Ask any questions! (17actsfortruth@gmail.com or monkeylizard151@gmail.com)
-Rachel

Help with Making Scripts!

In talking with some moms this past week I realize that some of you may need help with making your Interp scripts. Take a look at the VectorVirginia.blogspot.com website--I just created a tab called "How Do I Make a Script?"

Click on the tab for instructions and an example of what your script should look like.  The left column is a sample text from a story, and the right column is what your typed script should look like.  Notice the changes between the two--quotation marks, explanatory words, and some narration are omitted.

If you still need help, please don't hesitate to ask one of the coaches, and we will have "Script Help" time planned for club in just a few weeks.

Blessings,
Kim Millhouse

Friday, October 11, 2013

Speech Homework Assignments for Oct 17!

For those of you who were there, and those who couldn't make it, I wanted to reiterate the homework I assigned you at the end of club.  Even if you are not planning to compete in Apologetics and Mars Hill this year, we are going to work together as a team to write some of the Apol cards and Mars Hill summaries to help those who are (and it will help you get ready when you do!).  All speech students should this week:

1. Write 1 Apologetics Card like we did on the board in club (Lily will email assignments & instructions)
2. Write 1 Mars Hill Topic Summary (Rachel will email assignments & instructions)
3. Look for Platform Speech topics in periodicals such as newspapers (Op/Ed or Commentary pages), news magazines, Wall Street Journal, World Magazine, etc.  Copy article or write down a list of possible topics you find and bring to club next week. Becca will be teaching about platform speeches in club.

I will not be in club next week, but your awesome Assistant Coaches, Rachel, Becca and Clayton will be there to provide all the teaching and fun!  Have a great week!

And please, if you are having trouble understanding assignments or anything at all, that is totally normal, so please ask one of the coaches for help!!  We are here to make this learning process easier for you!

Many Blessings,
Kim Millhouse

P.S.  Don't forget to start working on your Interp and Platform scripts!  Our goal is to have something ready by the Nov 22 tournament:)!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Parli & Extemp - [10-10-13]

Hi everyone!

During debate this week, we will be practicing our Parlimentary debate skills and learning more about Extemporaneous speaking. Stay at club if you are interested in either! Both categories are fantastic opportunities to develop your analytical and speaking-on-the-fly skills. I'll be teaching more about extemp and showing you how to develop a strong speech on any current events topic. If you are even slightly interested in extemp, I encourage you to listen in!

For those of you who gave us your email indicating your interest in extemp, please read the post Rachel sent out this last week [click here to go to it]. If you can get set up with Google Drive and CleanPrint, we've won half the battle :). We'll need to get cracking on downloading articles for competition. Please let either Rachel or me know if you need any help!

See all of you Thursday,
-Clayton

Monday, October 7, 2013

Apologetics & Mars Hill

Apologetics

Hey everyone.

First, since the tournament is coming up soon...if you're planning on competing in apologetics, you will need to purchase an apologetics box. Here's one as an example: http://amzn.to/1ghkuwp. Really, just anything that will fit 4x6 index cards. Which means you need to also purchase index cards to print your cards. ;) 

Second, this Thursday we will be brainstorming another card in club. If you have the time, start thinking about/reading about this question: Compare and contrast the Muslim view of God with the Christian view of God.

Third, I will be sending out assignments for the first round of apologetics speeches soon. The questions relate to differences between Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Pretty interesting! 

See you Thursday, 
Lily ;) 



Mars Hill

On Thursday, I need everyone to bring paper and a 3x5 or a 4x6 card, we will be practicing writing and giving Mars Hill speeches. Also, everyone needs to have a binder and dividers starting really soon :) We're going to start writing summaries next week, so we'll need a place to put them!

See you Thursday,
Rachel ;) 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Extemp

If you are participating in Extemp, read on.

The way we distribute articles for Extemp is through having Google drive downloaded onto our computers.

Click here for instructions on how to download.

You will also need to add the "Clean Print" tab to your bookmark to your browser. (Logan and/or Clayton will explain how of this makes sense later)

Click here for instructions IF using Google Chrome.

Click here for instructions IF using other browsers. (It says Chrome but it works on other browsers too)



Let us know if you have any trouble or questions.

RB

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

C4 TP/LD Nov. 1st Registration Open

Hey everyone,
Mrs. Koehnke just sent out the C4 TP/LD registration link. If you need any help figuring out things, don't be afraid to ask.

RB

Link: (also available on tournament tab) http://c4forensicsclub.org/?page_id=485

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Vector T-Shirt Contest Extended!

To give you a little more time we have decided to extend the deadline! If you have a design idea for the 2013-14 Vector T-Shirt it's not too late to send it in to Mrs Hammond (click here).  Email your design to her by Tues, October 8th. And be sure to include Isaiah 43:10 in your design. We will vote in Club on the 10th for our 2013-14 T-Shirt!

Parent Volunteer Positions-- Looking good! Thank you!

I was so pleased when I looked today to see the Parent Volunteer list filling up so nicely!  As we are a club, not a class, it is encouraging to the leadership to have these jobs taken off our plates.  Thank you for your faithfulness to work together on this endeavor.

If you haven't already signed up for a position, we are still in need of a few jobs being covered.  Some of the jobs we need covered are providing oversight for the condition of the church after our meetings each week. Other positions are offering to help with moving tables and chairs and clean-up before and after tournaments (often this means coordinating with the students to do the actual work!). If you would like to do a particular job, but it is already filled, please let Sara Watson know. We would love to have more than enough hands to spread the work.  Many hands will definitely make the work lighter for everyone and we can all enjoy the process of watching our kids grow in their skills.

To volunteer, please click on this link:  Parent Volunteer Positions

Thank you!

Many Blessings,
Kim Millhouse