Happy New Year!

This long winter break hopefully has given everyone the opportunity to rest, relax, and be rejuvenated for the New Year. Much has happened in the world since December 18: more members of the new cabinet have been named, Caroline Kennedy has announced her interest in being appointed to the New York Senate seat that will be vacated by Hillary Clinton, new fighting has broken out in the Gaza strip, and the international economic scene continues to decline. So many challenges but also so many opportunities for countries, leaders and the people to make major decisions that could help all of us.

Inauguration Update

The Inauguration Committee announced that President-elect Obama would be using the Lincoln Bible when he takes the oath of office. This choice was made to remind all of us that we are celebrating the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth and to link our past history with our hopes for the future. The Bible is part of the Library of Congress collection.

CWI

Because of our unexpected snow day on Friday December 19, many of you did not have the opportunity to hand in your portfolio task. The tasks will be collected on Monday, January 5. We will be focusing on China and East Asia for our final unit. Your final exam for CWI is expected to be the last week of January. This is a one semester course so the exam in January is a final. Next semester you will be taking Comparative Government.

AP Euro

You have the study guide for Chapters 22 and 23 which we will complete prior to the mid-term exam, which will probably be the last week in January. A second semester schedule of chapters and tests will be given out next week.

World History

We will wrap up our study of the French Revolution upon your return. You have the primary source readings sheets that we will be using the first day back. We will then turn to the question: Was Napoleon a hero or a tyrant?

Our next area of study will be the Industrial Revolution and its impact on business and workers. After this unit of study you will have your first portfolio task for this course. It will focus on industrialization and its positive and negative consequences. You will be asked to use primary source materials to develop a thesis.

Year in Review

Many papers and magazines print special end of the year editions with photos that tell the key stories of the year. The New York Times has a special slide show that you can view with many award winning photos.

A New Year…A Time for Resolutions

The beginning of a new year is a great time to pause and think about your goals and aspirations not only for the year 2009 but also for the long term. The work habits, skills, and knowledge that you are gathering in high school will be the foundation for your future success. If you learn to set goals, establish work plans, and practice good study and living habits now, you can be assured that future challenges will be met with success. I have never encountered a person who wished they had studied less, read fewer books, gotten lower grades, or ignored their friends and community. So take the time at the start of this fresh and exciting year to write down two or three goals for the year. Keep them handy, consult them often and strive to complete your tasks at hand. You will never regret taking the time to contemplate your future and to plan accordingly.

A Time to say Thank You

There are many who help make this blog an interesting, useful, and helpful source of information for students and parents. I want to thank BABM, KLM, and MLM who give me the student’s point of view on the entries. They are especially good at pointing out the need for a consistent positive message no matter what the challenges are for students. I also want to thank LEM who has been my faithful editor. His insistence on word choice and good grammar have made me a better writer. He has also been a constant source of encouragement when some weekend mornings I consider not writing an entry... “What, no blog?! Say it’s not true!” Finally, thank you to my faithful readers both near and far.

Celebrations, Cheers-and Cans!

Celebrations, Cheers – and Cans!

This was a week to celebrate at MHS as our football team played in the Super Bowl (not the outcome that we would have liked but they were still in the Super Bowl) and our actors and actresses hit the stage with an award winning “The Song of Music.” It felt like a little bit of Broadway was right here at MHS. Congratulations to all who participated!

Our food drive continues this coming week. Please take a moment and bring in a non perishable food item (canned food, pasta, rice, cereal, etc) so that we can all help those who are struggling during these difficult times. Bring in a can or other donation and earn extra credit!

Civic Literacy Update

About once a year we are reminded that many citizens do not know the basic organization of their own government. The latest results of a civic literacy survey show that 7 out of 10 adults do not know the three branches of government. Only 30% of the survey takers knew that the Bill of Rights prohibits the establishment of an official religion. If you are interested in testing your civic knowledge go to the site and take the online quiz.

As an educator I must add that the survey is not a perfect tool to measure civic literacy and that you are only in school for 180 days per year. Most of your education takes place outside of the classroom through reading, travel, and discussions with others.

Inauguration Update

A few weeks back, many classes had a spirited debate on the question: Would President-elect Obama use his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, when he took the oath of office on January 20? The word is out...yes he will! In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, the President-elect said “I think we’ve got a unique opportunity to reboot America’s image around the world and also in the Muslim world in particular.” Obama also added his desire to “create a relationship of mutual respect and partnership...”

CWI

This week we worked on our bold to bold notes, a worksheet on Pakistan and Bangladesh, an UpFront reading on “India at the Crossroads” and a 3-2-1 on “India Rising,” an Emmy award winning show from NOW on PBS.

All of these activities and our class discussion prepared you for your final assessment on South Asia on Friday. As announced prior to the assessment, you had the choice of two open ended questions. If you did not take the assessment make sure to make arrangements to do your writing assignment before leaving for the December break. You have five days to make up work when absent.

The South Asia assignment will be the last grade for the first half of the quarter. Interterm grades are due on December 16.

This week you were also given a portfolio task, “It’s My World.” We reviewed the task prompt and the reflective essay rubric. Look upon this task as a current event assignment that has a theme and uses at least three articles. You have practiced these skills since September and should be ready to tackle this task and be successful. You had one day in the computer lab to start the assignment but it is an extended task so most of your work must be done at home. As announced, I have asked for another day in the lab but space may not be available. You will have to manage your time so you get access to a computer and printer....school library, public library, friend’s house, Kinko’s, etc. You must have your paper and articles ready to hand in on December 18 or 19. See me ASAP if you are having any problems with the task or computer access.

AP Euro

We had a lively discussion on what makes for a revolution as preparation for another discussion on the causes of the French Revolution. Next week we will group those causes, examine a set of documents describing a day in the Revolution and then discuss Napoleon...was he a hero or a tyrant?

Your test on Chapter 21 on December 18 will consist of multiple choice and one free response (you will have two questions to select from). The study guide is due the same day.

We are right on schedule...keep up the good work!

World History

This week you handed in your Louis XIV essay. When writing, keep your rubric handy as that is how your essay will be evaluated. You need to use the rubric as a guide as you write and it should always be attached to your final product.

This week we also worked on a graphic organizer on the Kings of England. You may use that organizer for your timeline assignment that is due on Monday. The timeline will show you how England moved towards a Constitutional form of government as contrasted with France, which continued its system of Absolutism...but that is about to change as we move on to the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.

Interterm grades are due on December 16 so we will update our status of assignment sheet on Monday.

Tense Neighbors

This week we saw how the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, became a dangerous international crisis between two nuclear-weapons states as India accused Pakistan of harboring and training the terrorists. The tense relationship between these two neighbors grew worse as the week went on and the lone surviving terrorist in captivity revealed details about the methods and leadership of his Pakistan-based group, known as Lashkar-e-Taiba (“Army of the Pure”). President Bush dispatched Secretary of State Rice to meet with leaders of both countries in an effort to encourage calm.

Meanwhile, back in the US, the three major auto makers went to Capitol Hill again to ask, some would even say plead, for at least $35 billion in loans to help them retool and keep people employed. With the country already facing high unemployment (6.3% or over 2 million) Congress was intent on learning what it could do to help while being skeptical as to how the funds would be used. Should the US government support a failed business? Should the auto makers have seen the need for smaller, fuel efficient cars? Did the government abandon its role of regulator when it allowed the car companies to continue making autos that polluted the air and required vast amounts of imported oil? These questions go to the heart of what we expect from government. As voters and active citizens it is ultimately our responsibility to take a stand. With a new administration we will see if there is a change of direction.

CWI

Congratulations to so many of you who did a great job on your final assessment for South West Asia. Your in-class writing assignment demonstrated your ability to empathize and to integrate information from a variety of sources. Well done!

This week you completed your map of South Asia and took the map/note quiz. By doing the map you were also able to keep current with the news, as Mumbai has been the lead story of the week. As I have said many times, watching the first 10 minutes of the evening news will give you the background you need to be more successful in class.

This week we also read the editorial from The New York Times on Mumbai and practiced making connections. Your UpFront reading showed us another side of India as that country grapples with modernization and the trade-offs it requires. You took that experience and applied it to your own town of Middletown as you responded to the question on local economic development issues.

We are scheduled to complete our study of South Asia this coming week. We will also be starting an extended portfolio task that will be due prior to the December break.

Your next current event is due December 9. It must be on any country in South Asia except India. We want to make sure we have the opportunity to look at other countries in the region before moving on.

Extra Credit: The Taj Mahal hotel, which was at the center of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, is named after one of the world’s most beautiful and famous buildings. Why was the original Taj Mahal built?

AP European History

This week we spent time sorting document and writing thesis statements. After reading student essays that were part of last year’s exam, one student commented that high scores were earned by following the rubric and said, “It gives me hope.” You should be very confident tackling the DBQ in May as we will have had ample opportunity to practice the skills so you can earn the extra points.

Your next exam will be December 18. The study guide will be due that day. We are right on schedule. Great job!

World History

This week we finished reading the primary source documents on Louis XIV. While primary sources are challenging, they give us the opportunity to think and act like historians. It allows us, the readers, to sift through the evidence and come to our own conclusions. This is a skill you will need for your portfolio tasks.

We also worked on writing a thesis. Your assignment now is to finish your paper on Louis XIV. The word processed paper is due December 10. Make sure it is done on time and attach the rubric. We spoke about time management in class on Friday so make sure you write the paper over the weekend and then review and revise on Monday. Waiting until the last minute to write puts too much pressure on you and you can’t produce your best work.

You also had your book quiz this week on Louis and you all improved. Great job.

On Monday you will have your current event quiz based on the questions you wrote. Make sure to bring your notes as you may use them during the quiz. Your next current event is due December 11.

Extra Credit: How old was Louis when he came to the throne? How long did he hold the throne?

Inauguration Count Down

This past week I was in DC to celebrate Thanksgiving and to start planning to attend the inauguration events. Good news came this week in an announcement that the entire Mall area will be open for viewing the ceremony. The last Bush inauguration had approximately 100,000 people viewing the swearing-in on the west side of the Capitol. The Inauguration Committee is estimating that over 1.5 million people will be in DC for the January 20 ceremony. This blogger plans to be there and report on what it was like to witness this historic event!

A Time to Give Thanks

In between football games, parades, and eating turkey, I hope all of us took a moment to remember why we commemorate this day and give thanks to the earliest colonists who suffered through many hardships to establish a place in the New World. A special thank you must also be given to our Founders who recognized the worth and value of each individual and sought to design a country where all would have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. We also owe our thanks to those of succeeding generations, right up to today, who have struggled and sacrificed to bring the Founders’ vision closer to reality. No matter what hardships or misfortunes we may face, we live in a country that extols freedom and where opportunities abound.

Obamamania

This blogger just returned from a few days in DC and it is obvious that Obamamania has struck the capitol. Vendors are hawking numerous souvenirs featuring the President-elect. The Washington Post has set up a special link to keep updated on the inaugural buzz. On January 11 the Inaugural Committee will conduct two practice runs for the big day. With tickets in short supply, some are venturing to DC just to view the practice event so they can feel they are part of such a historic occasion.

You will be treated to an eye witness account of the day so stay tuned to a special edition of the blog on January 21, 2009.

CWI

Just as we turn our attention to South Asia (India, Pakistan, etc.) the entire world is focused on Mumbai and the recent terrorist attacks that killed nearly 200 people and wounded hundreds more. To better understand these events, we will be reading about the long history of violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in this region.

This past week we finished our study of South West Asia and had the final assessment. If you were one of those who missed the assessment (due to field trips, absences, etc.) you have five days to make it up. You may take the test after school on any day but Tuesday (faculty meeting). It is your responsibility to arrange a time with me. Don’t delay!

Our next current event is December 1 and it must be on South Asia.

As announced earlier, a PBGR task will be offered this week. Details to follow.

AP European History

Congratulations to all for a great review of Chapters 19 and 20. The Jeopardy game was informative and fun. Such dynamic and interesting contestants! The Bountiful Table was a clever review of the changing diet of the Europeans.

You will have your 80 question multiple choice test on December 2 on chapters 19 and 20. The study guide for the chapters will be collected the same day. No bold to bold outlines are required for the two chapters.

World History

This past week you handed in your spoke diagram on Louis XIV. A spoke diagram is a unique way to illustrate key characteristics of a person with limited writing. It gives us a quick visual overview of the person with an illustration and brief bits of information on the spokes. I hope you enjoyed this project.

Revisions are a normal part of the writing and evaluation process and this past week you had the opportunity to revise a book quiz. Keep in mind that we can never go over all of the key information during class so it is your responsibility to return to the text and reread for the main ideas. We will be having another book quiz on Louis XIV so make sure you take the time to review the book, take notes and identify the main ideas and new vocabulary.

Your next current event is due December 5.

"A Team of Rivals"

This week we watched President-elect Obama reach out to some of our best and brightest leaders to build the strongest Cabinet possible to tackle the enormous problems our country faces. He has taken a page out of the Lincoln playbook by incorporating former rivals into his Administration. How many people could imagine the President-elect selecting his most formidable rival, Senator Clinton, for the top post in his Administration?

In a recent interview, Obama spoke about the books he has been reading and they included Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin (faithful blog readers will remember that I wrote about hearing her speak at Roger Williams University) and a new book about how President Franklin Roosevelt dealt with the first 100 days of his administration during our worst economic depression. It is comforting to know our soon-to-be President is a student of history who understands that much can be learned from past experiences.

With the naming of the new Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, President of the New York Federal Reserve, the stock market immediately turned around and shot up over 490 points. The market was endorsing Obama’s selection and some confidence was restored. Many of our current events this year have focused on the economy, so the blog will try to help you integrate this information so you get the big picture!

Speaking of a challenging economy, keep in mind that our canned food drive is coming to a close. Do your part and donate a can of soup, fruit or some other nonperishable item to help those in our community who are struggling. The Providence Journal headline in Friday’s paper said so much: “9.3% of Rhode Islanders out of work!” Over 52,900 people do not have jobs and therefore are finding it hard without community support to take care of basic needs. Let’s reach out and help!

CWI

This week we walked in the shoes of refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq, we talked with teens who are members of the Seeds of Peace program in Israel, and we read about teens growing up in Saudi Arabia. All of these activities allowed you to apply your background knowledge from our text and The World Today readings. By putting yourself into these roles you gained a better understanding of the conflicts and hopefully identified possible ways to resolve the issues.

Next week you will have your final assessment on Southwest Asia. You will have an in class writing assignment that will ask you to respond to a question that will allow you to incorporate all that you learned from these readings. Developing empathy for others and integrating information are critical thinking skills you will need time and time again.

Your next current event is due December 1 and it must be about South Asia. This region includes India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Make sure you check our text next week to get a list of countries in this region so you can earn full credit. You will find that different sources identify the regions using different names. To be consistent, we will stick to our text definition.

In early December you will also be working on a task for your portfolio.

AP European

Your projects are due on Tuesday. Please have your handouts ready for your fellow students. I will be glad to do photocopying if you drop off your materials on Monday.

Your 80 multiple choice questions for Chapter 19 and 20 will be on December 2. Your study guides will be due the same day. We decided that we would drop the bold to bold outlines for these two chapters.

World History

This week you designed your Age of Exploration charts and map. Designing a chart is a useful skill because it can help you organize complex information. You can use this skill in any content area. Keep in mind that you always want to use multiple sources to get the most complete and accurate information possible.

As historians we want to synthesize information and try to answer how this time period impacted the world then and now. The trading of crops, animals, ideas, technology, disease and people changed the commercial world and eventually the everyday life of the common people. New foods, especially the potato, provided a new source of inexpensive nutrition that eventually led to population growth in Europe. At the same time, European disease when brought to North America devastated the Native American population. This was also the time of great commercial growth with the formation of joint stock companies and the economic theory of mercantilism. Countries like England and France wanted colonies so they could increase their supply of natural resources and to have markets for finished goods. Strict trading policies were supposed to ensure wealth and power for the Mother country.

On Friday you had a quiz based on your text reading and our three focus questions in class. This is a reminder that we will never have enough time to go over all key points during our class period so it is your responsibility to review material and be able to respond to our guiding questions. Keep in mind that you are also learning new vocabulary which will be essential for you to understand as you embark on your three year Social Studies high school requirements. You will be reading about joint stock companies and mercantilism again next year during your American History course and again during your Junior year in Contemporary World Issues, AP World or AP European. This is all part of learning how to learn.

You have your Absolutism guiding questions to help focus your reading. This weekend you have your spoke diagram rubric for your Louis XIV assignment which is due on November 25. Your current event is also due that day.

11/11

This week we took time out to honor the Veterans of this country who have done so much to secure our freedom and liberty. The eleventh month, the eleventh day at the eleventh hour was the time the armistice was signed in 1918 to end World War I. Today we use November 11 to pay our respects to all who have served in our armed services.

Our food drive, sponsored by student government and the Leo Club, is still collecting non-perishable items. I am giving extra credit to those who help this cause by bringing in at least one item. So take a moment… look around on your cupboard shelves and find a can of soup or beans or tuna to donate to someone who is struggling during these difficult times.

CWI

We continue working with our maps and current events, focused on South West Asia. While we hear numerous stories about Iraq and Afghanistan on the news, we want to make sure that we are aware of other countries in the region. We read about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian issue of land and how it should be divided to ensure safety for all. We read about the religious and economic conflicts of the region and looked at the recent NYT advertisement calling for peace between the Muslim countries and Israel. Next week we will be going to the computer lab and doing an activity that focuses on the refugees from South West Asia. While governments argue and armies fight, the everyday people are left to find food, clothing and shelter. Their daily lives become one of endurance.

Our next current event is due November 19 and must be about the South West Asia region.

Let’s try to look for articles about countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan.

Your signed letters about first quarter are due.

If you are absent make sure to come by before or after school to get your work and to make up missed assignments.

Our class discussions are always enriched when you bring in information, questions and comments about the daily news. Take the time to watch the evening news so you can be aware of what is happening in the outside world.

World History

This week we spent time looking at primary source documents and asking questions that will allow us to discover the deeper meaning of the source. We then went on to look at the Age of Exploration and read about the motives and the role of technology in supporting these new discoveries. Next week you will finish designing your chart on explorers using multiple texts available in the classroom. This assignment gives you the opportunity to think about how the organization of information can improve your comprehension and understanding of complex material. It also encourages you to use different sources as not one source has all the “answers.”

Your next current event is November 25.

AP European History

This week you had your mini DBQ and the multiple choice test for chapter 18. We now have moved on to “The Expansion of Europe” and “The Changing Life of the People.” I found these two chapters especially interesting as they focus on social history as opposed to political and military history. The AP Exam questions contain approximately 20% of questions focused on social history. We have broken into groups and you have the opportunity to use your creative powers to construct an activity or presentation that you will conduct for the other students on November 25.

You have the study guides for both chapters but you will not be required to do the “bold to bold” outline for the chapters.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Conferences are being held Tuesday, November 18 from 5:00 till 8:00. I hope to see many of you that evening. It is a great opportunity to review your progress and set goals for the next quarter.

What A Week!

The headline on the New York Times for Wednesday was just one word: “Obama.”
We are living through a major turning point in our history, and we must think hard about all this election means for the future of our country. Our lives are busy and filled with distractions, but the election of Senator Obama, now President-elect Obama, is so important an event that it deserves – in fact, demands – thoughtful consideration. You wrote your personal reflections this week and I urge you to keep those thoughts in a safe place so you can share them with the next generation. Your children will ask you about this election and you should be prepared to share with them the excitement and exuberance of our country and the world. Next week in CWI, we will be reading and discussing how other countries have reacted.

President-elect Obama held his first news conference on Friday and responded to numerous questions from the press ranging from economic policy to appointments. This is a great civics lesson for us as we see the start of a new administration, a peaceful transfer of power, and the role of checks and balances as the President-elect nominates his Cabinet officers.

We cannot forget that the President-elect is also a father, and he is making sure he does not neglect that role as he follows up on his promise of a puppy for his daughters and considers what schools they might attend after they move to Washington, D.C.

Our New York Times edition from November 5 is already a collector’s item. When the NYT learned that copies of the paper were being sold on EBay for $200, they quickly printed additional copies. Yesterday the paper was advertising its special collector’s edition for $14.95. I hope you have taken your copy and placed it in a special place for future generations to read. Who knows...maybe it will appear on Antiques Road Show!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Your family should be receiving a notice about our upcoming conferences scheduled for November 18. I am looking forward to meeting with you and your family as we review your progress and plan for the remaining school year. You should be part of the conference as you are the one doing the work.

Parental interest and support in your school work helps all of us have a more successful year. President-elect Obama and Mrs. Obama took time last week to attend Parent Teacher Conferences at the Chicago Lab School where their daughters are students.

CWI

We have left the continent of Africa, but I hope you will keep up with this large and diverse continent by continuing to follow current events. Many of you in your final assessment spoke about how you would like to help the people of Africa meet some of their challenges, and I would urge you to check out organizations that could use your assistance. There are groups aimed at helping meet the need for food, working to combat disease, and providing economic development assistance. Get involved... maybe this could become a Capstone project!

We have started our unit on South West Asia and your map and current event from this region will be due on Monday. Please be prepared for the traditional map quiz and let’s try to get current events from countries other than Iraq. The war naturally commands our attention, but we do not want to ignore other countries of the region. President-elect Obama has already spoken about getting some of those countries to work more closely with the United States to help Iraq end the violence and rebuild its economy. I am sure we will be hearing more about Iraq’s neighbors as the United States withdraws troops and hands over more responsibility to the Iraqi government.

As we are at the end of the quarter, we took the time to write a letter home about the work you have completed and your goals for the second quarter. I will look over your letters this weekend and you will take them home next week. It is a great way to start off the new quarter and earn a perfect score for your first assignment.

AP European History

The Enlightenment French style Salon made its way to room 246 this week as we were visited by David Hume, Adam Smith, Voltaire, Rousseau and Thomas Jefferson. Frederick II and Catherine the Great, busy with duties of State, joined us as we wrapped up our discussion on some of the leading questions of the day: what is the proper role of the government; should the government be involved in directing the economy; and should women play a more active role in the state? You did a great job and I was struck by how many of the issues we discussed are still with us today as we continue the debate about what constitutes good government.

On Wednesday you will have a partial DBQ (analysis of the documents and writing the first paragraph of an essay) and on Thursday you will have the multiple choice questions. Your study guide and bold to bold outlines are due the day of the multiple choice test.

Our next unit will encompass chapters 19 and 20 and focus on everyday people and their lives on the farms and in the cities. We will be reading more social history as we look at marriage and family life. We will divide into two groups who will take the responsibility of presenting the material to the class.

World History

As ninth graders you have so many new demands that it is prudent to pause at the end of this first quarter and reflect on what you have done, where you have been successful and where you have struggled. The letter you composed focuses on your accomplishments and your plans for second quarter. There is always room for improvement and we want to take those opportunities so we can all be better students.

Some of you struggled keeping the status of assignment sheet up to date and organized. We will be using this method for the rest of the year. Every few days I write the assignments on the board and their value. You need to copy this information on to your sheet and then fill in your score as well as file your work in the folder. These are your points and you are responsible for keeping your work organized. It will be especially useful to you for the mid-term exam as you are tested on material from September through January and having the portfolio will give you ample material to review.

We started a new unit this week, The Age of Exploration. You had three guiding questions for your text reading. Make sure to answer these questions in your notebook after you finish reading the assigned pages. You will find that you will understand material if you read it, write it and then explain it during the next class.

Our next current event is due on November 13.

Extra Credit

In lieu of a question, I am asking everyone to bring in one item for our food drive. The Leo Club and the National Honor Society are conducting the drive for our local food bank and Lucy’s Hearth. Any non-perishable item is helpful... a can of soup, beans, tuna, or a box of cereal or pasta would be great. Let’s help those around us who may be struggling in these difficult times.

Your Voice was Heard-What About Theirs?

This week we experienced one of the most important and exciting aspects of citizenship in a democracy by voting in our mock election. You could feel the excitement building as the entire student body marked ballots and filed up to insert them into the scantron. Our guest speaker, Secretary of State Ralph Mollis, was given a hearty Middletown High School welcome. Our talented chorus sang and our spirit inducing band played to put us all in a pep rally mood. Secretary Mollis spoke about the importance of voting, and complimented students for voting for not only for the leading contenders but considering some of the third party candidates as well. The rally reached its climax with the announcement of the final vote count, with Senator Obama winning! The pep rally was featured on the front page of The Newport Daily News...check out the great picture. I hope you will always remember this experience. Researching the candidates and issues and then deciding who to support based on that knowledge is a key component for a successful government. Your voice must be heard!

Students from Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia put their interest in the election to music and became the featured “people in the news” on ABC news. I would urge you to check out this link and rock to the music!

Everyone seems to be caught up in this history making election, including cartoonists. A front page story in The Providence Journal speaks to one cartoonist who is making a leap of faith and has already submitted his daily cartoon for Wednesday announcing the winner. To learn more about this comic strip click on the link.

Congratulations to all who participated in the Burns Memorial Walk/Run on Sunday. It was a fun event honoring a model teacher and mentor which raised $4,000 for a scholarship for a Middletown grad.

The Leo Club is sponsoring a food drive starting November 3. Bring in a donation and earn extra credit!

World History

This week we read about the Scientific Revolution from “Enjoying Global History.” Good historians consult multiple sources to get a more accurate account of what happened and why. You successfully completed your Scientific Revolution character poster and presented to the class. Our critiques should allow you to improve the next time you are asked to do this type of project. Taking the time to look critically at your work and to reflect will lead to improvements in your products.

Our last assignment for the quarter will be your current event which is due on November 3. You have the rubric so follow it carefully to earn lots of points.

Next week we will update the status of assignment sheet. We will also take the time to reflect on the variety of assignments you have tackled and to assess our strengths and our weaknesses. You will be writing a letter home reviewing your progress and plans for the second quarter.

AP European

This week you presented your power points on Frederick the Great, Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible. It was obvious from your enthusiasm and attention to detail that you enjoyed the project. It was especially informative to see the incorporation of art into the presentations. Our discussions of these leaders acted as a good summary of our chapter on Absolutism in Eastern Europe and prepared you for your test on Wednesday. This test will be the last assessment for the quarter. You have a status of assignment sheet and all of your work has been returned. You could have earned 1095 points this quarter. Congratulations to all!

CWI

This week you did your final current event on Africa and your article came from an African publication. To better understand the events of Africa it is necessary to use publications that are written from a local perspective. Too often we get caught up in reading one version or one point of view, usually from western sources, so please take the time to check out “local” papers for a different perspective.

For many of us, watching “War Dance” will be a lasting memory. This award winning documentary told us a story of war that much of the world was unaware of. The three young people who are the principal subjects of the film have endured horrible atrocities but they also have experienced great joy and victory with their participation in the Uganda Music and Dance Festival.

It was disturbing to watch the movie and then learn from the evening news that Congo, which borders Uganda, is now experiencing a civil war that has forced thousands of people to flee. The news showed hundreds of people with their belongings balanced on their heads walking barefoot out of the country in search of refuge.

When will this stop???

When will the world community stand up to help those in greatest need???

Your voices were heard...when will their voices be heard???

Next week we will begin a new unit on Southwest Asia.

A Spirited Week

We celebrated Islander pride this week with a variety of fun dress up days and a winning football game. The festivities continue with Homecoming Dance (be safe) and the first annual Tom Burns run and walk. I hope to see you Sunday morning as we remember a great teacher and a friend to all.

On the world scene, the stock market continued its roller coaster ride and we edge closer to an historic election. You will have a chance to vote on October 29 during our Mock Election using official style ballots and the voting machines. A pep rally will conclude the day’s event with Secretary of State Ralph Mollis as our guest speaker who will announce the winner.

AP European

This week we stayed on schedule with the test on chapter 16: Absolutism and Constitutionalism. Our next test is on October 29 and because of the schedule change and a shorter period we will only have multiple choice questions. In the meantime, you have your power point presentation on Tuesday. Please email your presentation to me at asullivan@mpsri.net before Tuesday. Having the three presentations in one location will cut down on computer time and allow us to complete the presentations.

CWI

Congratulations to one and all who contributed a letter to The Newport Daily News. It was a great treat to see six student letters selected for publication. You have the opportunity and power to make your voice heard... write a letter... to The Wave, Newport Daily News, Providence Journal or New York Times!

This week we continued with our study of Africa through our text, current events, articles from the African press and our maps. Many of you did a great job on your maps and thus earned a great grade on the map “quiz.” The quiz on East Africa, using your notes, was a challenge to some. Keep in mind that your author uses the bold headings to point you in the direction of key information. Try not to get bogged down in the details... look for the big idea. Next week you will have one day to complete the last sections in your text and then we will be ready to watch our movie “War Dance.” The movie is the story of three high school age students who live in a refugee camp in northern Uganda after their families fall victim to the rebellious Lord’s Resistance Army. The movie describes how the students prepare for a national music competition where a victory could help restore hope to their embattled homeland. It is an exciting movie as we follow the young people through their unique challenges and join in their excitement over the music and dancing of their native tribe.

Your current events using an African publication are due next week.

Top reasons for not doing current events and solutions:

“I don’t have a computer at home.”
You do not need a computer to do this assignment. You may cut an article out
of a newspaper or photocopy an article. If you want to use a computer, go to the
school library or the public library.

“I don’t have a printer at home.”
See above solution... time management... you have several days to complete
the assignment.

“I forgot it in my locker (at home, in my car, in my other notebook, etc).”
Look at your planner the night before and pull together your assignment and
notes/notebook/pen/pencil for the next day... take the time to plan.

Extra Credit Question:

What country in Africa has the longest name? Shortest name?

World History

We helped Mr. Fontaine this week by test-driving the new timeline software. You quickly found the bugs and drawbacks in the system but persevered and ended up producing the timelines. Great effort!

Keep in mind that you should be checking your rubric as you put together your assignment: Did you cite sources and did you post a comment?

Finally, you were to send me the timeline for grading at asullivan@mpsri.net. To date I have only received two timelines.

This week you received your Scientific Revolution assignment which is due October 29. I have built in extra time for this assignment so all projects will be collected on Wednesday before we go down to the Mock Election pep rally. As part of your reflection on the timeline activity, many of you asked for a solo project so you will do this project by yourself. Use the rubric as you put together your project.

Your next current event is due November 3. This will be the last assignment for first quarter. It is a great opportunity to earn points if you follow the rubric.

Extra Credit Question:

The European Age of Printing began with the publication of what book?

Challenges Mount

We had another action packed week as our Juniors took their state exams, we watched the last debate between Senators McCain and Obama, and our beloved Red Sox taught us about the importance of never giving up...battling back from a 7-0 deficit to win in the bottom of the ninth!

This morning many of our Juniors are taking the PSAT exams. I wish you the best and congratulate you on your efforts to prepare yourselves for continuing your education beyond Middletown High School. Learning to be a student for life will serve you well as you encounter new challenges, new jobs, and new demands in this ever-changing world.

CWI

This week we continued our study of Africa by listening to your reports on current events there. Not only are you learning about Africa from the events you yourself studied, but you also have the opportunity to learn from the work other students have done and shared with the class. Make sure to take good notes, listen to the discussion and have your notes organized for the upcoming quiz. You may use your notes during the quiz, so listening actively to the discussion will serve you well. Your next current event is due October 22 and must be ready at the start of class. You have several days to do this assignment so plan accordingly.

We also learned a new strategy for taking notes, called “bold to bold.” By using the bold headlines the author provides, you can identify the most important ideas in each section. Once you have completed your note taking, try to answer the questions at the end of the chapter using only your notes. If you are able to respond correctly then you have good notes. We will be using this strategy for the remaining sections of this chapter.

You also have your political map of Africa due next Wednesday. You should plan on doing some of that work at home as you will have limited class time next week. Make sure to add the five sub regions to your rubric.

This week we also updated our status of assignment sheet and some students are not taking the opportunity to revise. That is your choice, but if you decide not to revise, please return your original work with a note saying you are not revising. This will allow both of us to stay organized.

Extra credit question for CWI: What is the capital of Ethiopia? Be the first to respond correctly during our next class meeting to earn the extra credit.

World History

This week we continued working with the new software that allows us to create timelines on the computer and to embed graphics and videos. We are slowly working through the process and have discovered some minor bugs and delays but I know you will work them out and produce a great timeline. Your timelines are due on Monday, October 20, and you will present them to the class that day. Keep in mind that part of the rubric is to post a helpful comment and we will do that after the presentations.

We also had our first current event sharing session this week. We will use this opportunity to practice our reporting and note taking skills. After a few weeks of current events you will have a quiz. You will be able to use your notes for the quiz, so if you take good notes, keep them organized in one place in your 3-ring binder, and listen to the discussion you should get a good grade.

This week you also handed in your election project. I was especially pleased with some of the public service announcements, and I hope you will have the opportunity to read your announcement in the morning as our school gets ready for our Mock Election on October 29.

The most important homework you have is the work you assign yourself. You need to ask yourself each evening, “What do I need to do to be prepared for class tomorrow?” Do you need to do part of a long-term project? Do you need to read your text to be ready to design a timeline? Do you need to work on your current event? Much of high school is learning how to cope with greater amounts of work, to manage your time and to stay organized.

Extra credit question for World History: What was Machiavelli’s first name? Be the first to correctly answer this during our next class meeting and you will receive extra credit.

AP European History

This week we worked on graphic organizers comparing the Absolute Monarchies of France and the British movement towards Constitutionalism. We also read about John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, two important political theorists whose ideas continue to shape our thinking. You practiced pulling out significant quotes from their primary source documents. This is a skill you will need for the AP exam in May.

Your exam on Absolutism and Constitutionalism is on Monday. You will have multiple choice questions, one identification (worth 4 pts) and a free response essay. There are three free response questions to select from. Your study guide and bold-to-bold outlines are due Monday.

Highs and Lows

What a tumultuous week! The headlines in Saturday’s paper summed up the economic news: “Worst week ever on Wall Street.” As the American markets struggle to gain back the confidence of investors and infuse the banking system with money, all markets around the world have taken a hit. This weekend world financial leaders gathered in Washington, DC to devise a plan that would restore the markets. The Group of Seven includes Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and the United States. The leaders pledged to “use all means possible” to restore financial confidence and to infuse additional money into the world economy. Keep watching the news or reading the headlines to keep updated on this turning point in history! What a great time to be part of a Contemporary World Issues class.

Our own election has also had a hot week as we come down to the last three weeks of campaigning. The last debate is on October 15 so tune in Wednesday for your last chance to see the candidates go head to head.

Pulitzer Prize winning author, Doris Kearns Goodwin, spoke at Roger Williams University on October 9. We are so fortunate to live near many colleges and universities that sponsor lecturers that are open to the public. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities and make the time to attend. Mrs. Goodwin used Abraham Lincoln as a model president and then compared his qualities to our two candidates: Senators McCain and Obama. Among the top ten traits that made Lincoln such a successful president she included perseverance, patience, recognition of mistakes and taking the time to make amends, and surrounding himself with exceptional people even though they held opposing views and may even have been perceived as enemies.

CWI

Congratulations to all who completed their letter to the editor assignment. It was with a great deal of pride that I delivered your letters to The Newport Daily News on Friday. Your letters were clear, passionate and convincing. Many of you wrote about the importance of this election in your own life and how the new president will be confronted with unique challenges. While we can hope that some of the letters will be chosen for the paper, please keep this powerful tool in mind for the future as well. Make your voice heard by writing letters to your school paper, local paper, and officials.

This week we also continued our study of Africa by listing the challenges and opportunities facing this large and diverse continent. While reading The Providence Journal this morning I came across an article by Matthew Lynn who urged unemployed bankers to look for new opportunities in Africa. He wrote about the need for professional money managers to help the ailing economies of Africa and the need for humanitarian assistance.

Your next current event is due October 14 and it must be about Africa.

AP European

This week we focused on Absolutism and Constitutionalism. Our primary source readings used Louis XIV as the “best” example of Absolutism. The palace of Versailles and its gardens are a very impressive visual that will help you better understand this concept of divine right of kings. We will now move on to Constitutionalism and how this form of government evolved, starting in Britain.

Remember to use the internet book link to help you review the key concepts for the chapter.

World History

This week we started using a new software program, XTimeline, which allows you to put video and graphics into an interactive timeline. We have two groups working on the Reformation and two groups working on the Renaissance. This will be a good review activity as you spent time on these concepts last year. You have a rubric for the assignment.

Your next current event is due October 16. You have your guidelines and a rubric so you should be able to earn lots of points.

Your election project is due October 15. You have been working on this project for over a week so you should be ready on Wednesday. I look forward to seeing your assignments – on time!

The Drama Continues

What an action packed week we have had... the debate between vice presidential candidates Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin and the drama on Capitol Hill as the Senate and House passed a massive and controversial “bailout” or “rescue” plan for our financial sector. We are living through historic times so take the time to watch the news, discuss the issues and consider the impact on you and your future.

Interterms

We are at the half way point for first quarter so now is the time to pause and reflect on what we have done and what we must do in order to be successful. Many of you have kept your portfolio up to date and have been monitoring your grades... congratulations! Some of you did not have the portfolio in place so you will be below standard... take the time to put together a corrective action plan... do you need a more serious attitude towards your work? Do you need a folder to organize your work? Do you need a plan to make up missed work or do you need to stay after and work with me? It is your choice and your responsibility... you can be successful but you must have a plan! Remember the old saying, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

PSAT

Juniors, it is that time of year to start planning for college and one of your first steps is to sign up for the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). The exam gives you an idea of what the SAT is like and also puts you in the running for National Merit Scholarships. You will also receive mailings from prospective colleges after you have taken the test. Colleges use the results to recruit students whom they would like to see come to their college. See Mrs. Hicks or Dean DeBlois for registration information.

Homework Helper

As posted earlier on this blog, Mr. Fontaine has arranged for Middletown students to have access to the live, on-line RI help line. This is a service worth checking out.

Open House

Thank you to all of our visitors. It is always a special event when we get to open up our classroom for visitors. Please come again!

CWI

This week we finished out study of the economy... perfect timing as our classwork was supported by real world happenings. Your current event for the week focused on the economy. We will be doing current events regularly... it is a great opportunity to earn lots of points. You have a clear guideline and a rubric so take advantage of this opportunity. Remember you must have the current event at the start of class and you must have the article attached to your written work. You have several days for this assignment so you need to plan. Computers and printers are available at MHS library or the public library.

This week you also started your election project: “Time to Decide.” On Friday I collected your on-line survey, interviews and graphic organizer. I hope you enjoyed the interviews... it is a great way to learn about the issues and the process voters go through when deciding whom to support. Next week we will work on Letters to the Editor.

When you come in next week, we will continue working on our maps of Africa. Start looking for news about Africa as I am sure our next current event will focus on this large and diverse continent.

AP European History

This week we focused on sorting and reading documents. I hope you will never forget our shoe event... so many different combinations.

Your test is on Monday and that means your study guide, identifications, and bold to bold outlines are due. As promised, here are four free response essays that will be part of the exam:

1. The period from 1450-1650 witnessed a profound extension of European society beyond the borders of the Continent. What were the factors that facilitated this expansion? What was the motivation, both for the individual European explorers and the states that supported them?

2. The Thirty Years’ War marked a major turning point in European history. What were the political, social, economic, and religious consequences of the conflict?

3. The status of women changed dramatically as a result of the Reformation. In what ways were women affected. How can we explain these changes?

4. The European witch hunt is one of the most bizarre phenomena of Western history. How do historians explain the witch hunt? How did this phenomenon reflect European civilization in the 16th and 17th centuries?

World History

This week we finished our power point presentations on famous Greeks. We not only learned about Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Sophocles, but we also learned to work with a partner and practiced presentation skills. As high school students we are going beyond the text and the facts and starting to think critically about issues and make application to the real world. Your rubric tells you what needs to be done to meet standard (keep in mind our review of numerical grades). Computers and printers are available to you after school in the library or at the public library.

This week you were introduced to the current events assignments that we will be doing on a regular basis. Your first event is due on Tuesday. Please follow the rubric to earn full credit.

We are experiencing extraordinary times! Our country faces both an historic presidential election and a major shift in our economic system. The United States has been viewed by the world as a safe place to invest money, but the meltdown of our major investment firms and banks over the past few weeks has shocked not only Americans but the rest of the world as well. Our country has not seen an economic crisis like this since the Great Depression of the 1930s! We and our elected officials have some very difficult decisions to make as we try to find a path to economic recovery. These decisions could result in revolutionary changes to our economic system and ultimately to our society.

As we fast approach interterms, make sure you have your portfolio in the classroom with your status of assignment sheet and completed work. We all need to work on our organizational skills and maintaining your portfolio encourages this as well as a way for you to monitor your grade. You must have an updated portfolio in the class bin in order to meet standard.

We have Open House on October 2 and I look forward to seeing you and your parents and guardians at this annual event. It is a great time to help them understand what you are experiencing as a student. The event starts at 6:00 pm in the cafetorium with remarks by Mr. Ruscito, followed by visits to the classrooms.

Turn on the Tube

With national and international events moving at such a fast pace, you need to find quick ways to keep your self updated. Watching one of the major newscasts (ABC, CBS, NBC, or PBS) at 6:30 is an efficient way to become aware of major events. If you are at sports or work, you can update yourself by going online and watching video clips or reading the headlines.

CWI

This week our class work mirrored our national news: a study of economic systems. We used the PBS reading on the fall of the dollar and our twin federal budget and trade deficits to better understand how our country has reached a turning point in its ability to support a complex economic system. We used the text to learn about different types of economic systems, the role natural resources play in supporting an economy and the critical need for an up-to-date infrastructure to promote economic development. Review your notes and worksheets to prepare for the announced quiz. Your next current event is due September 30 and must be an economic news article. This week you received a detailed sheet to guide you in selecting your news article and a rubric. This is a great opportunity to earn lots of points!

Next week we are going to turn to our Presidential race. I hope you had the chance to watch part of the debate on Friday. Keep in mind this is your last chance to practice the process of thinking about the issues and selecting the candidate of your choice. We will be having a mock election at MHS on October 29 so you want to be prepared. The next time you vote, it will be the real thing!

World History

This week we talked about how war changes a country. While we used the Greek conflicts as a starting point, our discussion quickly turned to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This week you also worked with your partner on the power point project on famous Greeks. This is an opportunity to practice team work and presentation skills. Make sure to follow the rubric and be ready to present on Monday.

AP European

October 1 is the final date to register for the AP exam. You have been working hard and if you want the AP designation on your transcript and the opportunity to take the test (to earn college credit) you must register with Mrs. Hicks.

This week you took your second AP style exam on the Reformation. Congratulations on your overall improvement on the multiple choice section of the exam. The multiple choice section of the AP exam in May is worth 50% of your score, so mastering the fine art of answering multiple choice questions will serve you well. While there is a great deal of information to digest, your study guide should direct you to the most important information. Over time you will also learn strategies for grouping and organizing information so you can quickly retrieve what you need for the exam.

We will continue to work with primary sources to become proficient at providing a summary and identifying a point of view. You will need both of these skills to provide the analysis required for the document based question (DBQ).

Recently, the publisher of the McKay text sent me an updated link that provides a wealth of information to help students better understand the material. Check it out but don’t let it overwhelm you... I found the chapter summary (2 pages) and the multiple choice quiz the most useful features.

A History Making Week

This has been a monumental week for global economic change. Alan Greenspan, former Chair of the Federal Reserve, described the changes in the world markets as “tectonic.” We are witnessing what is probably a once-in-a-hundred-year event as major investment houses and banks move towards bankruptcy and mergers. Our government, with the support of the international community, has begun moving to assist these private entities by offering government credit guarantees. This government backing and insurance hopefully will ease people’s fears and allow money to get to those who are seeking loans. You should be particularly attentive to the news during this historic series of events. Think about cause and effect as government actions affect markets, and vice-versa! This crisis illustrates how the economies of the world are interconnected and how, as the old saying goes, “money makes the world go round.”

Homework Helper

Middletown students now have access to “Live Homework Help” through the Rhode Island library system. Mr. Fontaine described this service as “an innovative on line service that connects students with expert, one-on-one tutors.” You can get to the help line through AskRI.org.

Open House

On September 30, Middletown High School will hold its annual Open House. I hope you and your family will participate in this annual event. It is a great time to show off your school and to talk with your family about your goals for the year. It is also a great time to show off your portfolio to your family. Reminder: portfolios must be up to date and stored in the classroom.

Contemporary World Issues

This week we focused on religions of the world and their impact on world events. Our group work gave you the opportunity become experts in one of the five major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Your current event assignment focused on a world event that had religion as part of the story. Your events included conflict between Sunnis and Shiites, Israel and Palestine and recent uprisings of Hindus in India. Your map assignment will be due next class. I have a link for you to help you with the map and you will have some class time to finish the assignment.

World History

This week we continued with our study of Ancient Greece. We continued to work on marking the text and reading primary sources. Our map work gave us a better picture of the geography of the region and its impact on the development of Greece and its upcoming conflicts with Persia. We ended the week by designing a comparison chart of Athens and Sparta. Having the ability to group information into chart form is useful for all content areas. Keep it in mind the next time you are looking at complex information that you want to organize for quick mental retrieval and application.

AP European History

Congratulations to all of you on successfully completing your first AP style exam! I was especially impressed with your high scores on the multiple choice section. Your next test on the Reformation is scheduled for September 24. Your bold-to-bold outline, identifications and map will be due at that time.

Let me remind you that your AP registration and check are due in the Main Office.

A Great First Week!

Well, we are all getting used to the new routine and schedules so by Monday you should have your supplies. Next week we will set up our portfolio folders that you will keep in the classroom. Your folder will have a status of assignment sheet that will list all of your assignments and the grades you earned. All of your graded work goes in the folder so you can keep track of YOUR grade. You work hard for your points and it is a great system to monitor your progress. It also acts as an insurance policy in case I miss putting one of your grades in my folder.

I must compliment you on your ability to get to class on time and your ability to focus and work together. Our group work this week showed me that we are a true community of learners.

CWI

This week you had your first current event assignments. You selected an article that was of interest to you and responded to a series of questions that asked you to think of values and what is important to you. Our election this year is very much a debate on values and voters are going to be looking for the candidate who aligns with their interests. We spent time looking at the New York Times and learning how a paper is organized and how articles are written. You can use these skills with any newspaper. We ended the week with a discussion of the five themes of geography: location, place, region, human-environment interaction and movement. Please be ready for a “quiz.”

World History

This week we began our study of Ancient Greece and we worked on reading strategies. We need to focus our reading so we can pull out main ideas. While details add interest to a topic we need to be able to zoom in on key concepts. You should also take the time to make connections to what you are reading. Greece and Rhode Island have many similarities which we discussed. Over the weekend you have your map assignment that we will continue in class on Monday. Meanwhile I am signing up for “Troy” on my Netflix account!

AP European

Monday is our first exam on the Renaissance. The special posting from September 11 gives you additional information about the exam. Make sure to bring in your study guide and outline as they will be worth a test grade.

Great game on Friday night!

Congratulations!

Go Islanders!!

Special AP Announcement

Many historians describe the Renaissance as primarily an artistic movement and this is easy to understand when you list the names of some of the key artists from 1400-1550. Our list includes Leonardo DaVinci, Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi, names familiar even to those of us who are not art historians. A few years ago, even Hollywood adopted the names of key Renaissance artists for what became a famous cartoon series: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

There are several good web sites devoted to Renaissance art. If you are interested in reviewing the slide show from class you can open this link and scroll down to the powerpoint presentation. I would recommend that you save the presentation prior to viewing it, as it is a large file and tends to run slowly.

Test

Your test on Chapter 13 is on Monday. The first part of the test will consist of approximately 40 multiple choice questions. They will be in the same format as the questions we worked on in class. You will then select one free response essay from this list:

1. Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy and how was it sustained between 1300 and 1600?

2. In what ways do Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Castiglione’s “The Courtier” echo the fundamental principles of the Italian Renaissance? Use one of the works to explain how it would have been used by a Renaissance person to provide guidance.

3.In many ways the Renaissance was primarily an artistic movement. What were the distinguishing characteristics of Renaissance art? What were the themes and techniques? How were artists trained? What was their status in society? How did Renaissance art reflect the changing attitudes and interests of Europeans?

Your study guide and outline of Chapter 13 are due at the start of class. The test and study guide will receive equal weight.

If you have any questions about the exam or material, please come by room 246 or drop me an email. We are working to earn “5” on the exam in May and a successful first test will put us on the track to success.

Broadening Our Horizons

Welcome back to a new school year and to my new blog for 2008. I know the first question you may have is why I named the blog MHSCOTW. I believe that all of us should start viewing ourselves as “Citizens of the World.” If we thought of ourselves as parts of a bigger community than Middletown, or Rhode Island, or even America itself, our world would benefit. I think this global thinking would lead to less strife and more cooperation. This idea truly hit home when my son graduated from an American university and was hired by a German bank that immediately sent him to London, then on to New York City, India and now Tokyo. His story is not that unusual for recent college graduates as more businesses have an international presence.

The blog is a way for us to review what we worked on during the week and to provide additional information on a variety of topics through links. You will notice that the entries include highlighted words which are active links to other sites where you can read further about a particular topic. For reasons of time and space, the blog is not an all inclusive wrap-up of the week, and because five different classes will be using the blog, it cannot provide detailed information about homework.

I hope you enjoy reading the blog. Please feel free to offer recommendations.

Contemporary World Issues (CWI)

This week we talked about issues facing the world (global warming, terrorism, poverty and disease) as well as countries in the news. You quickly identified the major regions and countries we will be studying this semester: the Middle East, China, India, Africa and Russia. How do world issues affect you? Thomas Friedman, author of the best-seller “The World is Flat,” makes a compelling argument that all businesses and fields of employment will be affected by new technology and the growth of what used to be called “third world” countries. One example he gives are the number of McDonald’s restaurants that are now using operators located off sight to respond to drive-in orders. While some of these off-site operators may be in the US, more are located in India. With this example it is hard to think of a job that might be safe from outsourcing. We will also make time to look at some national issues, especially the history-making Presidential election.

You will find that your understanding of the issues will be greatly enhanced by watching the news or reading a daily paper. Next week we are scheduled to start receiving The New York Times. This is a major investment on the part of the District and I know that you will quickly appreciate having this opportunity to read a world class newspaper. As good thinkers and policy makers, we will also be consulting other sources, such as The Wall Street Journal, international press, and news web sites. If you have a favorite one please bring it in and we will add it to our list of resources.

Honors World History

This week we practiced our 3-2-1 strategy of marking up the text. As you read try to pull out the big ideas and make connections to what you already know. Asking questions of the text makes you a more involved reader and thus a more effective reader. We started our study of the world with the Greeks and next week we will work on a map (bring those colored pencils) and read about the lasting influence the Greeks have had on our lives. You already identified two areas: architecture and the Olympics!

AP European History

This week we have started the march to the AP exam which will be given on May 8. You will find that the pace of the reading is swift, but if you read about 10 pages per night you should be able to stay on schedule. You have been given a study guide which can be handed in the day of the exam. I will be putting together a calendar for you so you will be able to plan your time. I would urge all of you to visit the AP European web site for further information on the course. While different AP European History classes may use different texts, all of the classes have similar content.

We started this week with a study of the Renaissance. One of your first assignments was the comparison chart of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This chart with categories is a useful method for gathering and sorting through information. If you did not complete the chart in class, you should finish it as part of your guide to the chapter.

We are fortunate to be members of the Middletown school community. We have a great school with wonderful students and a supportive faculty and administration. I know we are going to have a great year. Please do not hesitate to see me if there is anything I can do to help you have a fun, safe and productive year.