This week we had several competing demands: class work, NECAP testing, field trips and of course the Junior Prom. I hope all who attended had a wonderful and safe time and I look forward to seeing the photos on Tuesday.
On Monday we celebrate Memorial Day. This holiday originally commemorated those who lost their lives in the Civil War, but over time it has become a day to remember all who have died in service to our country, as well as our own loved ones. Many families take this opportunity to visit cemeteries to recognize those who have gone before us. You can learn a great deal about history at cemeteries as you read the markers and note the dates. One of my favorite cemeteries is the grave yard next to Saint Columba’s Chapel on Indian Avenue. The markers tell of astounding accomplishments but also of simple lives filled with love and care for all.
CWI/Comparative Government
This week we finished our review of the Women’s Movement with an accountable talk discussion focused on two women who had contrasting views: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Phyllis Schlafly This week you also handed in your interview with someone who may have had experienced discrimination. Many of you selected interesting people whose life experiences can help us better understand the quest for equality. Equality is a driving force in America, as groups who may initially be looked down upon seek the same rights as other citizens.
We also read about the youngest man ever to be elected president, John F. Kennedy. We spent time on the JFK library web site, where you did an activity focused on the daily schedule of the president. You also reviewed the White House photographer’s gallery to select a photo that illustrated the phrase from the inaugural address, “The torch has been passed to a new generation.” After reading the Kennedy schedule you had the opportunity to play Chief of Staff to President Obama and plan a day for our new president. The president’s time is very limited and there are many competing demands, so careful scheduling of events to support the administration’s priorities is essential to good and effective governing. After planning the day for President Obama, you selected the photo that you wanted circulated that would support the President’s priorities. You can see by this assignment that much of what the public sees as spontaneous is carefully orchestrated. I want to especially commend the student who scheduled the President to come to MHS to award us a $5 million grant and take me out to dinner - it will be an evening I will never forget! For extra credit, see if you can name the president I had my picture taken with. (You will lose credit if I hear any suggestions of Washington or Lincoln!)
We concluded our study of JFK by reading an excerpt from William Manchester’s best seller “Death of a President.” We watched a side show on the assassination and talked about how this event had a searing impact on the country. This event was just the start of a tumultuous decade.
Reminder...quiz on JFK on May 28...be prepared!
AP European History
“Lives of Others” has been spellbinding and we will finish the movie on Tuesday. Please have all of your movie review ready to hand in this week. We should be able to start our next movie on Tuesday as well. This 50 point activity will be part of your fourth quarter grade.
World History
You did a nice job on your power point presentations on World War II. You have attractive slides and interesting information. Make sure you use note cards with additional information so you can add to what appears on the slide. You don’t want to get caught just reading slides as that makes for a tedious presentation. Also make sure to delve deeply into your topic... try to anticipate questions your slides might prompt others to ask... don’t just be satisfied with surface information.
You handed in your WW II packets on Friday but I returned the map so you can study for our upcoming quiz. I will give you a map of Europe with certain countries numbered and you will have to identify them by name. You do not need to know the capitals for this quiz... maybe we need a second quiz focused on key cities.
No comments:
Post a Comment