Things We Take for Granted

This week we had two stark reminders of how precious life is. Our mock car crash was a shocking illustration of what can happen when you drink and drive. With prom season fast approaching, all of us must do what we can to prevent this tragedy from happening to family and friends. Make the pledge not to drink and to drive with care!

Our blood drive this week, dedicated to Mrs. Pascoe, was a reminder that all of us can help others with the gift of life by donating blood. The donation costs nothing but a few minutes of your time and the benefit is enormous. This is a great way to give back to the community...so think about signing up to be a regular donor. Middletown has its own blood donation center on Aquidneck Avenue...give them a call...848-7422...and find out how you can give the gift of life. Knowing you are doing something significant to help others is one of life’s greatest rewards.

CWI/Comparative Government

Our unit on the Women’s Movement is coming to an end and your last activity is to conduct an interview on discrimination and opportunity for women during an earlier time period. Make sure when selecting someone to interview that you find a person who will take the time to talk with you about their experiences and thoughts. We can learn lots of great history by talking to family and friends. Recently CNN had an article on “The Questions Everyone Should Ask their Mothers.” It was a reminder that sometimes we forget that the people closest to us have stories to tell. The back of the interview sheet is the perfect place for you to develop your own questions and to record the responses. Enjoy this final activity.

While we don’t have time to watch a movie for this unit, I would recommend “Mona Lisa Smile” with Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst and Julia Stiles. The story takes place on the campus of a women’s college in the 1950’s. Julia Roberts plays an art history professor who tries to open her students to possibilities other than becoming wives and mothers. While the film did not win any awards, it does a very good job of portraying a time when women were not expected to have careers. I read you several articles from the Radcliff Magazine which illustrated just this point. Our reading about Justice Ginsburg’s early career spoke about the obstacles she encountered as she entered the field of law.

Next week many of you will be taking the NECAP science test. Good luck!

AP European History


This week we watched “The Tunnel,” an award-winning German movie based on the true story of a group of former East Berliners who dug a tunnel to help free their loved ones. It was a good history film as it was shot on location and the historical references were accurate.

I have given you our “Let’s Go to the Movies” assignment and on Monday we will decide which films we will be watching over the next few weeks. Keep in mind that you must write out your presentation and hand it in prior to the class viewing the movie. We also must do permission slips if you select an R rated movie.

World History

On Monday you will present your World War II power points. I have received all of them via email. Make sure to look over the rubric as you will need to turn in a hard copy of the slides (you may put several slides on one page) as well as your note cards. Please be sure to practice in advance with your partner. You want a confident and smooth presentation.

On Friday we finished the section 4 worksheet. Next week we will continue with the packet. I want to compliment you on the many fine questions you have been asking about World War Two and the building of the Berlin Wall. Asking questions helps all of us better understand what is important. I have learned a lot from the research I have done in preparing responses to your questions.