SPEC - SMA BUKATEJA | A TRUE DEDICATION

WHAT AM I GOING TO TALK?

2009-08-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Finally, Ramadhan comes again. Firstly, I’d like to happy fasting for all alumni of SPEC everywhere, to students and teachers of SMA N Bukateja, to my friends, and to all Moslems in Indonesia and all around the world.

And secondly, in this up date, I’d like to talk something that “tickled” me: BAHASA JAWA is MORE DIFFICULT than ENGLISH. An article that was created after I got a “weird” experience and confession of some students. Besides that, I’d like to inform you about how many people that I send SMS to, and how many people should visit this blog, each time (after) I up date this blog.

Still like usual, I’d like to say thanks too, to my friends (not alumni of SPEC) who support me all the time to keep up dating this blog. I really always need your help to give me ideas or themes in writing for this blog. Then, thanks also would be given to alumni SPEC who want to (sometimes) visit and leave comment for me (not for this blog). Thanks to anonymous person and “black and dark visitors” (guests) such as Hidden Runner, mzdz, etc. for visiting this blog routinely and thanks for giving comments in this blog. Great thanks! I’m waiting for your next visit, ideas, and other supports.

ENGLISH IS NOT THE ONLY “DIFFICULT” LANGUAGE LESSON

2009-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

A lot of students, sometimes, justify that English is a very difficult lesson to understand because it has a lot of rules: confusing and terrifying grammar!

English is recognized as a difficult lesson besides mathematic or other exact lessons. But actually, English (and other “difficult” lessons) are not quite difficult if we know the techniques to learn. For some students, mathematic and physic are difficult lessons. The others say BAHASA INDONESIA is difficult because they can’t compose a good composition such as short story or paper (makalah). And finally, the others say that BAHASA JAWA, a daily and our mother-tongue language, is the most difficult lesson in the world!

Yup! Now, I’m going to talk about BAHASA JAWA as a “difficult” lesson, not English. Why?

Actually, I have an experience like this: I visited my friend for about a month ago. That time, he wasn’t at home and I met his cousin. As usual, I always talk in “Krama Inggil” in the first meeting with a new man, although he/she is younger than me. I asked whether the person I looked for (my friend) at home or not then I told her my purpose to look for him. As a student, she should be able to speak in BAHASA JAWA HALUS because there’s PELAJARAN BAHASA JAWA at school. But, how did she respond “my language”? She was confused to answer, even to say where was my friend go and what time he would be home. Oh, maybe she never speaks in “Krama Inggil” to older people around her.

Another chance (last week, exactly), I came to another friend. Again, I didn’t meet him. I only met his brother who couldn’t speak in “Krama Inggil”. He answered my questions with his “mixed language” between “Krama Inggil” and “Jawa Ngoko”. Oh my God, isn’t there any child (here) who can speak in our mother-tongue language anymore? Aren’t there any parents who still teach their kids BAHASA JAWA HALUS? Or, BAHASA JAWA lesson at school is only a formality?

There are a lot of people around me teach and speak in BAHASA INDONESIA to their children today. Maybe that’s the reason, why a lot of young men can’t speak in their own mother-tongue language well. Then, when they face BAHASA JAWA lesson at school, they will say that it’s difficult. So we know, something become difficult because it’s never been taught at home.

Then, what is the relationship with English, the most talked theme here every week? Just like BAHASA JAWA or other lessons. If they are never been taught or minimally re-learnt at home, it’s impossible for us to master them.

UP TO MORE THAN 50 MESSAGES PER UP DATE

2009-08-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Since this blog was up dated again, the activities of advertising and promoting this blog were getting increase. Each time I up date this blog, I would directly inform the newest and the latest posts (articles) through SMS to more than 50 people: students, teachers, alumni, and my friends whom they were not the students or alumni of SMA N Bukateja. A lot of feedback and thanks always come to reply my messages. I like it. But I would be happier if someday you get my message about the latest up date of this blog, you give the feedback or comment here, in this blog (I mean in shoutbox or comment menu under each article). Your criticisms and your compliments would be more useful to increase the traffic and enliven this blog. Moreover, and actually, I do not need personal compliment. But, if you want to commend me sincerely, let other people know that you commend me by leaving your commendation in the blog. ☺☺☺.

Then, after you know that “managing” this blog is not free, again and again, I invite you to “donate” several things. How to donate? Click here.

DOWNLOAD EASY GRAMMAR HERE NOW

2009-08-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, I’m not too late to say “Selamat Hari Pramuka 14 Agustus 2009” and “Selamat Hari Ulang Tahun Kemerdekaan Indonesia 17 Agustus 2009”. Two celebrations in the same month. In these celebrations, as an Indonesian citizen and as a member of scout movement I have a lot of hopes for our beloved country, Indonesia. Hopes for being “a safe and prosperous” country. It’s our hopes, isn’t it? And what we can do for our country is drumming it up with the knowledge we have and take a part in saving national stability.

Again and again, I couldn’t’ up date this blog timely. It was caused by my business in my work for several days recently. So, I just can say: I’m so sorry.

Today, I add some new downloadable files that may be useful for you such as EASY GRAMMAR and Language Focus material. And today, I also change the structure of menus in the right panel of this blog. I add some web site addresses as sources of references to learn English. They had been published last week in article entitled REFERENCES FOR YOU TO LEARN ENGLISH MORE. But, to make them easier to be found, I put them in the right panel of this blog.

Then, thanks to my friends, Friska Novitasari for downloading my FUN ENGLISH, hopefully it would be useful for you in teaching-learning process at school. Once you download my files, means that you have donated up to US $ 1 for blog development. And for Ovita Yanuar Lestari Putri and Teguh Catur Yunianto, thanks for joining this blog. Your presence in this blog as the follower would “invite” other alumni to join soon.

And then, for this blog development, please keep visiting this blog regularly to leave comments or give any ideas. Your support to this blog means that you are care about education issue, especially that related with English in SMA N Bukateja.

LONG LIFE LEARNING

2009-08-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

One day, in a small talk with my friends, one of them asked me about how can and why I still want to write to up date this blog, although I’m not the student of SMA N Bukateja or the president of SPEC anymore. And they also asked me whether I get “salary” or “full access” to the school because of my willingness to be active for SPEC. I said no reason for being active for SPEC, but I want to learn forever with SPEC. Because of SPEC, I got a chance to learn English, practice it, and keep it in my mind. And, if it can’t be called as “being arrogant”, I’d like to say that I became “great” because of SPEC. I can speak in English because of SPEC. Then, I can teach English (although I never take formal education for English / study in university) also because of SPEC. SPEC is a room for everyone to learn, develop, and practice the English. No matter in what level the learners are.

Then, in other opportunities, my friends asked me again. If I want to keep practicing English through blog, why should I use SPEC’s blog? The answer is really simple: I and other alumni built this blog for SPEC. In the beginning, this blog is a “present” for SPEC, because in that time, the members of SPEC were so active. And to make them more active, alumni gave this blog to be managed by the SPEC members. But unfortunately, after alumni gave this blog to them, no more up dated news here. So, I and other alumni decided to expropriate / take over this blog again. Then, as a good chance, I promote myself to manage this blog. But of course, I’m not working by myself. I’m still helped by other alumni too. It’s better than make a new blog for myself to practice my English. By making new blog, I would work alone. But, by up dating this blog, I will get help from other alumni and of course, I get an opportunity to practice my English and I can dedicate myself for an organization that made me “great”. I called this as a re-compensation.

Here, I will learn forever. Imagine, I was born and grew up in a non-English speaker country. And I didn’t study English at the university, but I got much chances to learn English in SPEC. In its blog. Then, I called this as long life learning. I realized it. If I compare my previous articles with the recent articles, I could see that there’s a good improvement although my articles are not perfect yet. But it is better than never use my English, right? I didn’t know whether I would still be able to use my English after I graduated from SMA N Bukateja if I never use my English anymore. So, not trying to be arrogant by writing this article, but I just want to motivate and motivate you to not to be shy or hesitant to practice your English anytime and anywhere. Really, English will work for you. Thanks for SPEC, thanks for Mr. Fembri, Miss. Istiana, Mrs. Ari, Mrs. Siti Khoeriyah, and thanks for Mr. Tulus somewhere in Purbalingga. Thanks for my friends and other SPEC alumni for helping me so far.

WAITING FOR OTHERS

2009-08-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

After so long time I write for this blog, I’m still waiting for other people to join or (minimally) to visit this blog and invite them to practice English together. But actually, it seems not easy and really not easy. In the beginning, I hoped that this blog would be a media to share and built a stronger communication among the alumni and students of SMA N 1 Bukateja.

The awareness to join, share, and develop the ability in English is still so poor, I guess. A lot of students and alumni look like more interested in managing their “useless” network. They built network in Friendster and Facebook, but they don’t share anything but only joining a trend. It’s not a bad thing to have Friendster or Facebook account. But, why they aren’t interested in something more valuable? Writing in blog, for example. Share ideas, tutorials, information, etc.

That’s the fact. Our students aren’t quite interested in education issue or something like that. Most of students don’t use their “network” as partner to do better things: give a voice for better education, share useful information, etc. You may prove it by searching for students’ blog, students’ forum, students’ Friendster or Facebook account that discussing about self development, education, technology, or other things that related with something more valuable than displaying a photo gallery.

But, I know that different people means different interest. I can’t force anyone to follow my thoughts. I just want to say: unfortunately, this site which is talking with the awareness to the education is so poor of visitor, even from its origin: SMA N 1 Bukateja. Where are the people who care about education?

Note:
Actually, this article is a criticism for myself who can’t manage and advertise this blog well. So this blog is lack of visitor, even from my origin: SMA N 1 Bukateja. Sorry, through this article, there is no intention to “touch” someone’s heart or someone’s awareness to enliven this blog.

REFERENCES FOR YOU TO LEARN ENGLISH MORE

2009-08-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

I’m really sorry for the last edition that I couldn’t post any article. That time I was little bit busy and (of course) I was confused about the material. I didn’t know why I was so lack of idea to be posted here last week. Fortunately, for this week edition, I got idea to review some useful web sites that you must visit. Of course, all they are about English. Hopefully this info would be useful for you.

speaking24.com

speaking24.com is a site that provides a “space” for non-English speaker to improve their English skill, especially speaking skill, by having an online chat. If you join this site, then you can find your partner to practice your English. You can have a chat through Skype, MSN, ICQ, or Yahoo! Messenger with people all around the world.

Besides that, by joining speaking24.com, you can get weekly e-bulletin that gives you a way out to use a particular word or phrase. This e-bulletin will be sent to your e-mail address regularly. In other words, you will get a free lesson and online dictionary with its TODAY’S WORD.

ego4u.com

ego4u.com is one of the biggest sites for learning English. It provides a lot of teaching-learning resources such as reading and writing materials, grammar, vocabulary, tips and tricks, exercises, fun games for English improvement, teacher’s board, cultural studies, and a lot of downloadable resources. To learn English more, this site also provides a newsletter that will be sent to your e-mail address if you wish.

ets.org

Do you want to get the latest information about TOEIC? Or, do you want to look for the example of TOEIC test format? If you do, you should visit www.ets.org. There, you can get more information about TOEIC, score interpretation table, the example of TOEIC questions, exercise, etc. Then, if you want to take an online TOEIC test to get international certificate of TOEIC, you can register and take the test here.

Visiting this blog also can be one of your reference sources in learning English, because once a week I will always up date the content and add new useful information for you. New sites that will help you in learning English will be published in my information panel, on the right side of this blog. Besides that, I have a plan to make a special rubric for SITES OF THE WEEK like I made SPEC QUICK RESPONSE last year. If you have information about nice sites, you can inform me through my e-mail address (refinemyself@gmail.com) or SPEC’s e-mail address (specsmansabuk@gmail.com). You also may inform me about nice sites via SMS to my cell phone number (find out it somewhere in this blog).

THE VIDEO WAS SO SLOW!

2009-08-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I up dated this blog and up loaded a video about retelling story competition in SMA N Bukateja that was held in 2006. Some alumni, who got my message in order to watch it, send me SMS directly and told me that the video wasn’t played fluently. Some, left comment in my shout box. I could see that, because the internet connection in our region is quite slow. And you should know that I had converted the video into the smallest type (mp4 56 Kbps PAL for streaming). Hopefully, the video could be watched without any matter. But in fact, as we know, that the internet connection in our region is so slow, so please be patient to watch it ha-ha-ha….

BTW, thanks for the willingness of my friend, Atun from UMP (Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto), who want to join / follow this blog. Hopefully your willingness to join me in this blog could motivate my friends and my students to join this blog too. And thanks to my younger brother, Tia, who want to be my first follower.

And in this edition, I’d like to remind you again to join as followers or “subscriber” to enliven this blog. And, if it’s possible, please don’t forget to help this blog running fluently by donating articles or finance help.

Do you want to help us? Click here.

WHAT MORE?

2009-08-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Since this blog is getting fluent to be up dated, this blog will serve more than information about SPEC’s activities at school. But this blog will serve more articles that can help students in learning English. More than that, this blog will be more useful for both of SMA and SMP students because on next week publication, I will add some downloadable materials that can be used by them. Be sure to keep visiting this blog and get more information or stuffs that I haven’t told you. Or, if you have any idea about what things should be added here, you may advise me via e-mail address specsmansabuk@gmail.com and refinemyself@gmail.com or my cell phone number (find out it somewhere in this blog). Just want to inform you, on next week publication I will add some downloadable and printable materials in the right panel such as table of tenses, vocabulary matters, language function, etc.

ALUMNI WENT TO BALI …………..

2009-07-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

(Written by: Rizky Kurniawan)
I entered KGI writing competition 2009 to celebrate the 20th KGI anniversary and I never imagined before that I would win. I was very happy and surprised because the prize was invited to visit Bali Island. And all costs of my accommodation were funded by KGI or in other words all were free. I didn't believe that. I had to pinch my hand for twice, when I was at Adisucipto airport and hotel in Bali. I did it to convince myself that it was real, not dreaming. Of course, everyone wants to visit Bali if they have money and opportunity.

I went to Bali on 9th July and returned on 12th July. All things in my traveling to Bali were the first time. I flew with Garuda Indonesia and sat near the window. So I could see the view out of the window and it was amazing. I stayed in Bali for 3 nights and my hotel was in Legian street. It wasn't far from monument of the first Bali bomb. In Bali, I also visited the KangGuru office. I met Mr. Kevin (The Captain of KGI) and his staffs. Then, I was interviewed by the Captain of KGI for KGI radio program. But please, don't laugh when you listen to my voice in radio. Because I was nervous when talked with him. I had to hear and talk using English in more than one chance. But I enjoyed that all.

I also visited several tourist objects like Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Botanical Garden, and Tanah Lot temple. When I was in Tanah Lot, I couldn't be to close because there were big waves. But I was happy because I could have my dinner in Jimbaran (the location of second Bali bomb). I ate while accompanied by stars and moon in the sky, night wind, voice of waves and musician.

Before I left Bali and back to Jogja, I have free time for my self. I walked along of Legian street and arrived to the bomb monument. When I read the names of victim, I felt so sad. Why this moment had to happen in Indonesia? I continued my walking to Kuta beach. I was really enjoy beach because the situation wasn't crowded. I spent 45 minutes in Kuta beach. I could walk to everywhere without disturbance. I also wrote some sentences in the sand, tried describe my feeling and threw little corral to the sea. I really felt free like wind and wave. At same moment, I thought perhaps I couldn’t visit Bali again in the next time. So I had to enjoy every moment during my visiting to Bali.
Went to Bali meant so far from home and control from my parent. For my parent, it was time for me to get new experience in my life. Alone and separated from usual society. Of course it was become valuable and unforgettable experience. Although I was alone in Bali but I enjoyed the days in Bali. Every new thing, I tired to reflect it into my life. Might be I could use it in my life later. But this traveling have made me become more open minded and grown up (especially on responsibility and wise). And also has changed my mind about new life and people (included foreign people).

A CHANCE FOR YOU

2009-07-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

English is always more than to be written but also should be spoken. Anywhere you meet people who can write in English well will never be enough if you don’t know his / her ability to speak. You will realize it someday.

I have an experience that I could proof if we can write in English well, it isn’t perfect yet unless we can speak as well as our written. Several years ago, I have a friend who masters tenses and grammar. All his written tests at school always good (he always get perfect mark). But when he should speak in front of the class using English, he was speechless. But, it was so different with my friend named Yamroni (my friend at SMP). He was so brave to speak with a Belgian in Prambanan temple (that time we were in a study tour). In fact, he wasn’t good enough in grammar and structure. He just brave to practice the English he had!

Perfection of English can be reached by 3 components: grammar, structure, and bravery to practice (speak out). But we do not need to be perfect first to use our English, right? The most important thing is our bravery to practice what we have had. But it’s important too, to master grammar and structure to be perfect so that we can be more confident.

There are so many ways to realize our English: build an English club, join a cyber community on internet, take a part in every English contest such as debating competition, speech contest, retelling story competition, etc. And it’s really important to start practicing our English as soon as possible. Right now, no tomorrow. So that’s why, as an organization that so care to English development at school, SPEC held competition to “raise” the students’ bravery to practice their English. So, SPEC held a retelling story competition for SMP students in Purbalingga regency. The competition was for celebrating the 20th anniversary of SMA N Bukateja (2006). It was 3 years ago, but this time I should show you the video that never been shown to public. I know that it’s too late, but why not? Who knows, it will motivate a lot of students to start practicing their English without feeling embarrassed, right? Enjoy the video below.

From the video we know that practicing English, actually, should be started as early as possible. And you can see that the sooner you practice English, the better result will you get. So, when will you start practicing your English? It’s your turn, now. Yes, your chance!

DONATE TO SUPPORT

2009-07-26T20:23:00.001-07:00

This blog, since managed by alumni needs help from you as reader especially in financial problem. Although this blog is a kind of hobby, but this blog is organized seriously to guarantee that the students (especially the student of SMAN Bukateja) can get useful information about English and this blog also provided as a media to express thoughts, ideas, plan, etc. Besides that, this blog is also provided as a media to keep the alumni of SPEC can stay connected each other, give and share information, post useful articles or links, etc. So, to support the existence of this blog, we need your help by donating funds by registering yourselves to AWSurveys.com and myhpf.co.uk. All funds that come to my account will be used for blog development. Because alumni get no special funds allocation from school to develop this blog, so we should collect the fund by ourselves.

AWSurveys.com
AWSurveys.com is one of sites that will give us money if we join the surveys held. It gives 6 dollars in our first registration. Then, you can join the surveys to add money in your account. The registration is so simple, and you only need to join the surveys by giving for about 3 sentences of comments related the sites that you observe / survey. You also will be given a chance to join a monthly special survey that will pay you 500 dollars (if you are lucky man). Then, you can refer your friends to join AWSurveys.com under your account (become your affiliate) and you will get 1.25 dollars per friend. Until now, my account receives 46 dollars and will be used to help this blog keep running. But remember, after you join AWSurveys.com, ensure that you keep be active to take a part in surveying the recommended sites to add more money to your account.

myhpf.co.uk
myhpf.co.uk is an alternative search engine by Yahoo that will pay you if you search something in it through your own account (after you register yourselves in myhpf.co.uk). Just the same as AWSurveys.com, the registration to be myhpf.co.uk member is so simple and takes no long time. After you register yourselves in myhpf.co.uk, you only need to start searching in it like you do searching in Google. You also can change your favorite search engine from Yahoo or Google to your myhpf.co.uk account.

Join = Donate
By joining AWSurveys.com and myhpf.co.uk under my account, it means that you help the development and the existence of this blog. But please notice that each dollar you earn will be your own, and I will get my part from your first registration only (you donate for about 1 dollar to me in your first registration and the system will regulate it). So, I will not get money from each survey (AWSurveys.com) or searching activities (myhpf.co.uk) that you do.

- - This is the end of the advertisement :) - -

UP DATED AGAIN!!!

2009-07-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

More Features, More Useful Articles, and More, More, More…
Finally I could up date this blog again. For several days after last up date, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to add more articles to this blog because I was little bit busy. But my spirit rose again after I found that there were some people left comments (I don’t know whether they were alumni of SPEC or my friends from other city, because they used nick name). Thanks for you who wanted to take a part in this blog by leaving comments or just say hello (greetings).

You could see that in right panel of this blog, I put some new features and I changed the theme of this blog too. Although it’s still to standard and so simple, but I’m sure that you will stay enjoy this blog. Later, I will add more features to decorate this blog so that you will feel nice and make us easier to communicate each other.

Since this edition, I’d like to post some useful articles that can be downloaded or you can be subscriber by sending e-mail to specsmansabuk@gmail.com and I will send you more articles or links to download regularly.

Join This Blog
The first day I posted new articles in this blog, then I sent SMS to SPEC alumni, my friends, students and teachers of SMA Bukateja. I was surprised after that, because I found this blog was commented directly. Thanks for you who posted comments and wanted to join this blog.

By joining this blog, you will stay connected with other SPEC alumni and alumni of SMAN Bukateja, even the current students of SMAN Bukateja. And it also possible to connect with my friends who visit this blog regularly, but they are not SPEC alumni or alumni SMAN Bukateja. You will get new friends here, and find your old friends.

Just click JOIN THIS BLOG button in the bottom right corner of this blog. It’s easy, just like make a social network in Friendster, Facebook or the others.

GET YOUR OWN KANGGURU

2009-07-20T21:16:00.001-07:00

KangGuru, a magazine that published by IALF is one of media that supports teaching-learning-practicing activity in every SPEC programs. It’s an easy reading magazine and easy to understand even for beginners. The contents are so informative, entertaining, and give us a lot of new knowledge. And, the most important thing is, it’s FREE! All of you may apply and get the magazine regularly just be sending request by SMS, letter, or e-mail. It’s totally free and very useful for students and teachers.

SPEC, since its first year used KangGuru magazine as one of media that is used in learning activities. The members of SPEC are recommended to be its subscriber too. By being the subscriber of KangGuru Magazine, you will get tips and tricks, information about scholarships, cross culture understanding (especially knowledge about cultures in Australia), and you may take a part in a lot of quiz that will reward you a lot of stuffs from Australia. Each quiz in each edition sometimes will reward you with dictionary, boomerang, funny key rings, original CD (album of interviewed Indonesian / Australian singers), even 3 days tour to Bali Island! KangGuru Indonesia also has a broadcasting program that can be heard from a lot of radio stations in Indonesia. The broadcasting are transmitted all over Indonesia. If you are in Banyumas (the region where SMA Bukateja exists), you can listen to LPP RRI Purwokerto (FM 93,1 MHz / MW 756 KHz).

And the thing that you must know, Rizky Kurniawan, one of SPEC alumni won the 2009 KGI Writing Competition. He was the 3rd winner and got a chance to visit KangGuru Office in Bali. I am sure, that you will not miss the same chance as him. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s be KangGuru subscriber right now and take a part in every quiz offered!

KangGuru Magazines are published in March, June, September, and December. They are free and should not be sold for profit. If you would like your own personal copy, then write an interesting letter, e-mail, or SMS (in English), of at least 75 words, to KGI to order the KangGuru Magazines. Be sure to tell about your life, hobbies, family, school, etc. Don’t worry about your English, okay?

KangGuru Indonesia
IALF – Bali
PO Box 3095, Denpasar, Bali 80030
Mobile: 081 2387 0479 (SMS Only)
e-mail: kangguru@ialf.edu
website: www.kangguru.org

Rizky’s profile and his story in Bali
will be posted in this blog next week (Insya Allah…).

PLEASE HELP

2009-07-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

In order to develop and keep the SPEC existence in SMA N Bukateja, we need some helps from you, especially from SPEC alumni and current students of SMA N Bukateja. But in this case, now we need your help by answering questions that can be downloaded here or in the right panel of this blog in section DOWNLOAD. Teachers and visitors may take a part in answering the questionnaire too.

Please answer the questions in the questionnaire and send back via e-mail or ordinary mail. Your help will be so useful for the development of our beloved SPEC. Thanks.

UPDATED!!!

2009-07-15T01:54:00.000-07:00

For a very long time, this blog has no changes at all. Why?

That question came and came to me and fulfilled my inbox, both of my cell phone and my e-mail. Alumni and students asked me all the time since December last year because the last time we up dated this blog was September 2008. So, the story goes like these…..

In February 2008 the alumni of SPEC decided to build this blog as a media to post ideas and thoughts. For several months, alumni helped the running SPEC committee to post articles, pictures, and useful links. After the alumni felt “enough” to help the SPEC committee, all alumni agreed to give the blog to them, 100%. But, after all techniques and password were given to them, no post at all could be found. Some students promised to post more articles later. But until the beginning of this month, this blog still stay still. So that why, the alumni who don’t want this blog to hibernate so long, decided to ask for permission from the SPEC advisors to expropriate (take over) this blog. So, starting from this month, this blog will be 100% managed by alumni.

O ya, we’d like to say “Welcome to SMA N Bukateja” too, to new students of year term 2009 / 2010. We hope some of you would join SPEC to gain and develop your English skills. To know SPEC history, we refer you to our old post (click here).

ACTIVE ALUMNI

2009-07-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

It was little bit difficult for other SPEC alumni to communicate each other in a few recent months. The activities at universities, examinations, works, and other reasons made us lost contact with them. But, for several days recently, I got the information such as new phone number and I am going to make a list of active alumni (alumni who still want to keep in touch with SPEC members at school and other alumni).

1. Ambar (Education Department 2003-2004)
- Mobile : 085291111213
- E-mail : -
2. Khadis (President 2004-2005)
- Mobile : 081327302783
- E-mail : refinemyself@gmail.com, fantasticboy@windowslive.com
3. Sri Ekowati / Cici (Member 2004-2005)
- Mobile : 081908719839
- E-mail : -
4. Teguh Catur Yunianto (Media and Talent Department 2004-2005)
- Mobile : 083890368606
- E-mail : teguhcatur14@yahoo.co.id
5. Mansur Hidayat (Member 2004-2005)
- Mobile : 081322525640
- E-mail : -
6. Siti Fatimah (vice president 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 085291016998
- E-mail : fsiti11@yahoo.com
7. Susliana Septiana (Library Department 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 081320484720
- E-mail : pethoenk@yahoo.co.id
8. Stefan Christianto (Member 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 081542959650, 081219576672
- E-mail : -
9. Lina Aris Afriani (Education Department 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 085227228052
- E-mail : -
10. Rizky Kurniawan (Education Department 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 081319601475
- E-mail : kiki_babel@yahoo.co.id
11. Ovik Setyowati (Member 2005-2006)
- Mobile : 085726297979
- E-mail : -
12. Janan Fahmi (President 2007-2008)
- Mobile : 085227951543
- E-mail : -
13. Ovita Yanuar Lestari Putri (Vice President 2007-2008)
- Mobile : 085227377009
- E-mail : ovita_ylp@yahoo.com
14. Tika Yunita (Education Department 2007-2008)
- Mobile : 08976200018
- E-mail : chieka_tha@yahoo.com

SURPRISE!!!

2009-07-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

Entering month of June 2009 alumni prepared a surprise for SPEC 6th anniversary in November 8th this year. What kind of surprise? Of course, it still a secret and will be presented in the day of SPEC anniversary only. So, start from now, I invite you to keep visiting this blog to get know the surprise.

The surprise I mean doesn’t for SPEC member at school only, but also for you, all alumni of SPEC in all around the world and for all people who have taken apart in developing SPEC, keep in touch with SPEC, and for whoever who have involved in all SPEC activities and programs. And of course, the surprise will be presented to the headmaster of SMA N 1 Bukateja, Mr. Fembri, Miss. Isti, Mrs. Ari, and Mrs. Siti Khoeriyah.

Are you curios enough and want to know what kind of surprised that prepared by SPEC alumni? OK, the surprise is going to come soon….

SPEC Quick Response (18th Up Date)

2008-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

In this fasting month, SPEC has no special agenda. School limits students’ activities so that they more concentration on their study and religion activities. But, SPEC has agendas for the months after “Lebaran Day”. They are debating exercise, preparation for SPEC’s anniversary, and English Night. Special for debating exercise, SPEC advisors have chosen nine students. They are selected based on their ability in English, activeness in SPEC, and their interest to join and improve their English. The nine students are:

Novita Widyatama (was chosen because of her activeness in SPEC)
Andi Alicia Fransiska (was chosen because of her activeness in SPEC and her interest to debate) Read more about Andi Alicia Fransiska.
Mualim Ibnu (was chosen because of his English teacher’s recommendation)
Riana Ika (was chosen because of her English teacher’s recommendation)
Fitri Yuliana (was chosen because of her activeness in SPEC. She has an experience in English Debating Championship too, as LO / Liaison Officer)
Ambalika (was chosen because of her English teacher’s recommendation)
Indah Lestari (was chosen because of her English teacher’s recommendation)
Tri Winar (was chosen because of her English teacher’s recommendation)
Anisa (was chosen because of her English teacher’s recommendation)

Congratulation for them!

By the way, do you notice that this blog seems different? Yes, of course. Because the interface of this blog had been changed. Hopefully, this new interface will be more beautiful and nicer so that can attract more visitors.
Still like in our previous SQR (SPEC Quick Response), we’d like to respond idea, suggestion, and criticism that left in comment menu under each article or sent to our e-mail: specsmansabuk@gmail.com. Some inputs that left and sent to us:

I just want to ask to SPEC committee, SPEC members, or SPEC advisor: why the quality and quantity of articles in this blog are getting down. In the beginning, this blog could serve qualified articles and usually, the number of articles almost more than five. But now, in one week, this blog only could publish 3 articles or less. And, please add more photographs about SPEC activities, ok?
Why, today SPEC doesn’t specify the theme of each publication like previous publications? Actually, the idea of specifying theme of every publication will help the visitors know faster the main topic and the purpose of the publication. Through SQR (SPEC Quick Response), information about “Today’s Theme” is very important, because through SQR visitors will know “What’s new today” in this blog.
If I’m not mistaken, SPEC is organizing a “comment competition”. For the best and the most constructive comments, suggestions, and criticisms, there will be nice souvenir (written in SQR 10th Up Date). Now, I just want to know, whether SPEC has decided the winner or not. If so, please announce the winner. If it’s possible, add his/her/their photograph.

For every response to this blog, we are really thanks to the people who care with this blog by leaving and or sending comment. But, we are really sorry too, because not all inputs, questions, criticisms, or suggestions can be responded as quick as possible. It is caused by SPEC has no special officer yet, whom he should stay online. So, for every inputs, questions, criticism, or suggestions will be responded maximally in one week, together with up dating content activity.

Then, to respond inputs above we will give you explanations as follow:

For several recent publications, SPEC has no too much articles to be published. We are sorry for this. We realize that we are really lack of materials for several recent weeks. So that why, if visitors of this blog has good articles, we don’t mind to receive and publish it. But, please notice that the articles must be suitable for our readers, in English, informative, inspiring, or motivating. If it’s possible, the article can be completed with pictures / photographs.
The theme for each publication is related with the content / main articles. When we are lack of materials, it means that we can’t specify the theme. But, don’t worry. Start from this edition, we are trying to re-build the publication that completed by specific theme. Hopefully, we can be better after this. We are really studying.
For the “Comment Competition”, we haven’t decided the winner, because we haven’t got “good” comment yet. All comments, suggestions, and criticisms that we received were good, but not constructive enough. We don’t need praise, but we need more constructive idea / suggestions from the visitors. Until now, we haven’t found it. Besides that, most of people who left good suggestion / criticism in our blog didn’t enclose his / her original name. Most of them used nickname. It’s quite difficult to contact them later, if one of them were the winner. So, if you want to leave comment / suggestion / criticism, ensure that you enclose your name. If you are not alumni of SPEC or you are not alumni of SMA N 1 Bukateja, please enclose another ID. Minimally, your e-mail address so that we can contact you later. This “Comment Competition” will be closed on September 30th , 2008. Remember, we have a special gift for the best and the most constructive idea / suggestion / criticism.

Then, in this week publication, we have a theme: Alumni, What's Up? The original article was written by our instructor, Mr. Khadis. He is an alumnus of our school and our beloved SPEC too. Hopefully, through this week publication, we become know more about alumni so that later we can make a good connection each other. Because, actually, keep in touch gives us benefits. By keeping in touch with alumni, we can get information, suggestions, advice, etc. About running club well, about good university / college, about working opportunities, and anything. So, stay connected with us!

ALUMNI, WHAT’S UP?

2008-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

This year, in November, SPEC will have been running for 5 years. So many students had joined it. In 2003, SPEC only had 21 active members. The next years, SPEC had no less than 40 members. And this year, SPEC has fantastic number of members: more than 100!

So many students had joined SPEC. But, how are they? Where are they now?

Several weeks ago, I tried to find out information about SPEC alumni. Some of them had been contacted successfully through SMS and the others through e-mail. Then I asked them to give information about anything: where they are, what agenda they have, etc. I asked them to send me e-mail that informing their location (current address), agenda, recent phone number, etc. Finally, some alumni who often communicate each other with me wanted to send me information about them. The information about them can be seen as follow:

1. Zakiyah Susanti (was contacted through SMS)
I was the 3rd president of SPEC after Yusni Setiarini (2003 – 2004) and Khadis (2004 – 2005). Now, I’m studying in STIPARI (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pariwisata) Jogja. My sister, Ambar, whom she was the coordinator of Education Department of SPEC (2003 – 2004) also studying in STIPARI.
Zakiyah’s phone number (mobile): 085227762466
Ambar’s phone number (mobile): 085291111213

2. Siti Fatimah (was contacted through e-mail)
Hi, my name is Siti Fatimah. I am the alumni of SPEC, ex-vice president of year 2005 – 2006 who had just been graduated from SMANSABUK (nice nick name of SMA N 1 Bukateja) for about a year. Now, I am a student of Gadjah Mada University and taking Geophysics as my sub-department. Here, I join and participate in some organization that each of them have a different specialization and activities. There is necessary for me and my classmates to join HMGF (Himpunan Mahasiswa GeoFisika) and get participate on it, like other students who have a must to join their students association of sub-department. Every year, each of these organizations has their own business in preparing OSPEK / PMPL for the new students. You could imagine how busy we are in preparing this event, which have to be perfect. I also have to participate in the activities of Ramadhan which is hold by another organization, KMFM (Keluarga Muslim Fakultas MIPA). I am the member and being the professional staff of foreign language department in LSiS (Lingkar Studi Sains). You don't suppose that I will forget English do you. But, we haven't get a regular forum and starting in practicing English again this year. We've just begin the academic year on late August, so now we still in having an Open Recruitment (OR). I have to prepare an event to promote this organization as well, to see that I'm the event coordinator. Do you think it is busy enough? I have one more a new job to be added in my list! I have lately known that I was included in the committee of the anniversary of LSiS. But I'm happy to know that the class had just begin so that there isn't much of task and homework. However, I have to get an adaptation of each teacher so that I could enjoy in attending his or her class. It is a new academic year, with new materials, new teachers, new hope, new target, which all of them must to be better. I wish I could get a better GPA this year without ignoring my organization. What about you?
Siti’s phone number (mobile): 085291016998
Siti’s e-mail address: fsiti11@yahoo.com

3. Susliana Septiani (was contacted through e-mail)
Remember about me, I am Susliana Septiani alumni of year 2007. I was the coordinator of Library Department in year 2005 – 2006. Now I’m working in PT Sanyo Precision Batam, as operator in production department. I have job contract for 2 years. Living in Batam obligated me to survive and adapt with new friends, new environment and new habit when the most of peoples busy with their job.
I want to get the very nice and great opportunity in doing my job as a good worker. But sometimes, I need other activities to kill boredom too.
Lucky to me, I live at Batamindo Industrial Park (BIP) Mukakuning, which provides many organizations to post our talent. It is in Dormitory A5 and guided by Karang Taruna Siaga Yudha and PT Tunaskarya Indoswasta. I have many choices such as PMI, INKAI, Theater, English Club, Scouting, Tailing, Fighting, Writing, Dancing and Band, and Aerobic. It is specially provided for workers from hundreds Company in BIP.
I myself choose to join Siaga Yudha English Convesation Club (SYEC2) and Forum Lingkar Pena (FLP). SYEC2 established on July 4th 1999. I join in November 2007. The program that I can follow is “Regular class” which is held every Sunday and Tuesday at 08.00 pm – 10.00 pm. I get learning English with fun here. Entertainment, moving class, singing, theater and out bond. Other activities are broadcast practice at Rabbani Generation 108,7 FM (Nurul Islam mosque radio), public speaking training, Batam explore, and native speaker discussion. Special for discussion with native speaker make me get understanding communication with foreigners and realize that they don’t much pay attention at the grammar. Just talk as long as our interlocutor understands our word.
And, there is another thing here: STRC, which is stands for Speech Telling Reading Contest. It is the biggest program in every year. Usually it is presented to celebrate SYEC2’s anniversary. In this year will be presented in November 2008 in Panbill mall with other title “Speech and Singing contest”.
Besides SYEC2, I also join with FLP since February 2008. We have program called “bedah buku” and “bedah karya”.
The first members were inaugurated on September 10th, 2006 when “bedah buku” of AAC (Ayat – Ayat Cinta, a book by Habbiburrahman El Shirazy) at community center. With FLP I have opportunity to visit Akar island in “FLP goes to island” to give contribution 1000 books and magazine also give seminar about important of reading a book in our life.
In my spare time, usually I and my friends visit Ponpes and Panti asuhan Daarul Islah Batuaji to visit and help to teach reading and writing, English, and mathematic.
Susliana’s phone number (mobile): 081320484720
Susliana’s e-mail address: pethoenk@yahoo.co.id

4. Stefan Christianto (was contacted through SMS)
After graduated from SMA N 1 Bukateja, I studied in BSI Purwokerto for 1 year and now I’m taking a short course of graphic design in Mitra Aditama Purbalingga. When I joined SPEC, I was the coordinator of Media and Talent Department.
Stefan’s phone number (mobile): 081542959650

I know, the information above isn’t sufficient. Because we know, SPEC has hundreds of alumni. But, it’s impossible to expose them all and their activities in this limited space. Besides that, I couldn’t contact them all since I lost of contact with some of them. But, don’t worry. I think, to know more about alumni, you can contact one or more of the alumni above or more alumni below:

Udin (Education Department 2003 – 2004, Mobile Phone: 085726054344)
Zuli Musrifah (Member 2003 – 2004, Mobile Phone: 085292101629)
Sefurokhman (Education Department 2004 - 2005, Mobile Phone: 085215995553)
Mansur Hidayat (Member 2004 - 2005, Mobile Phone: 081327357434)
Titik Pancawati (Treasurer 2005 - 2006, Mobile Phone: 085227595128)
Riski Kurniawan (Education Department 2005 - 2006, Mobile Phone: 081319601475)
Mohammad Soleman (Member 2005 - 2006, Mobile Phone: 08122969780)

Seven alumni above was considered still can be ensured their location. The others, have lost contact with SPEC and school. (Article by: Khadis, rename_myheart@plasa.com).

MID TEST MATERIALS FOR GRADE X

2008-09-10T21:15:00.001-07:00

No. 1 - 3

Last week I went to theater. I had a very good seat. The play was interesting. I did not enjoy it.

A young man and a young woman were sitting behind me. They were talking loudly. I got very angry. I could not hear the actors. I turned round. I looked at the man and the woman angrily. They did not pay any attention. In the end, I could not bear it.

I turned around again. “I can’t hear a word!” I said angrily.

“It’s none of your business,” the young man said rudely. “This is a private conversation!”

No. 4 - 7

Last Sunday, early in the morning, Tina had a bicycle ride to the market.

First, she got into the garage to get her bicycle ready for the ride. Then, she got her bike cleaned up. After that she got on the saddle and started to paddle along the way to the market. When she came to the market she bought some apples. Finally, she rode back home.

She thought it was healthy to cycle around in the morning.

No. 8 - 10

Early one morning, Umar was walking to the bus stop to catch a bus to school.

A loud, screeching noise suddenly pierced the air. Umar realized that there had been an accident. A small boy was lying unconscious on the road, and the car that had hit him already run away.

Umar was confused and frightened. “Is the boy dead?” Umar asked himself. However, the boy was still breathing. Umar could see that the boy had bruises all over his face and arms.

Umar did not know what to do. Few cars passed along this road at this time of the day. The nearest house which he could go to for help was his own, but it would take ten minutes to walk there. Umar finally decided to stay with they boy until somebody came by.

Time passed very slowly – so it seemed to Umar. The boy was still unconscious, and Umar prayed for the boy to regain consciousness.

Umar sprang to his feet at the sound of an approaching car. He waved frantically at the driver to stop. Umar asked the driver, “You will help this boy, won’t you, sir?” the driver was kind. He carried the injured boy to the car. Umar went them to the hospital. Later, the driver took Umar to the police station to report the accident.

Umar had a lot to tell his friends that day at school. All his friends thought Umar was a very brave boy. “It was an unforgettable incident, wasn’t it?” they asked him.

“Yes, it was,” Umar replied. “It was a terrifying experience, though!”

MID TEST MATERIALS FOR GRADE XI

2008-09-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

No. 1 - 3

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997.
There are many different subtypes of type A flu viruses. These subtypes differ because of certain proteins on the surface of the flu A virus (hem agglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins). There are 16 different HA subtypes and 9 different NA subtypes of flu A viruses. Many different combinations of HA and NA proteins are possible. Each combination is a different subtype. All subtypes of flu A viruses can be found in birds. However, when we talk about “bird flu” viruses, we are referring to that flu A subtypes that continue to occur mainly in birds. They do not usually infect humans, even though we know they can do so. When we talk about “human flu viruses” we are referring to those subtypes that occur widely in humans. There are only three known subtypes of human flu viruses (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2); it is likely that some genetic parts of current human flu A viruses came from birds originally. Flu A viruses are constantly changing, and they might adapt over time to infect and spread among humans.

No. 9 - 12

Atmosphere is a gas mixture. Nitrogen is about 4.5 of the air part. Oxygen is more than 1.5, and other gases in small amount are Argon, Neon, Helium, Krypton, Xenon, CO₂, Hydrogen, and Ozone.

It can be found amount of vapour coming from the seas, lakes and rivers as well. The solid substances in the earth control the above gases.

Atmosphere consists of five layers; they are troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

It protects the earth from ultraviolet and other sky materials. It is also used as the communication media.

No. 20 - 21

One of the most deadly plants in the world is poison hemlock. This plant grows in many parts of the world. It is quite dangerous to humans; people can die if they eat it.

One thing that makes poison hemlock really dangerous is that it looks like some plants that people normally eat. Hemlock belongs to very much like parsley, and its roots look like carrots. People have died when they have made a mistake and have eaten poison hemlock when they thought that they were eating either parsley or carrot.

SPEC Quick Response (17th Up Date)

2008-08-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

Firstly, we’d like to say “Happy Fasting” for all students and teachers of SMA N 1 Bukateja. In this holy Ramadhan, let’s improve ourselves – our life by doing useful activities. Both for ourselves and other people. Then, let’s forgive each other for the mistakes that we’ve done to start this holy Ramadhan. Hopefully, we can reach our “Fitrah” in the end of Ramadhan.

Happy Fasting

2008-08-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ovita (vice president of SPEC, right) and Ika, her friend (left) would like to say "Happy Fasting" for all SPEC committee, SPEC members, and all Moslem around the world.

Sunday Morning #1

2008-08-31T21:19:00.000-07:00