Looking At Values: Ours and Theirs

This week we had a shortened work week as voters went to the polls in Rhode Island to select candidates to represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the November election. Rhode Island will also have a viable Independent candidate for governor as former Senator Lincoln Chafee is running. So while we lost a day of school, we also had the opportunity to observe our electoral process in action and celebrate our opportunities to select our own leaders.

On September 17 we celebrated Constitution Day as we recalled the founding mothers and fathers who helped establish our country and gave us the freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy today.

Are You Organized?

This week you were issued a text and given a Unit 1 syllabus. Please cover your text and plan on bringing it every day to class. Your Unit syllabus should be in your 3 ring binder alongside your signed room management plan, the current events assignment and your hints on doing a summary. I will check your notebook from time to time to make sure you are staying organized. In addition, we set up our student folders. You are responsible for keeping your status of assignment sheet updated and all of your graded work in the folder. Keeping track of your grades will allow you to monitor your progress in the class. It will also be a great resource for you to use when it comes time to study for the mid-term exam.

Current Events

We had our first round of current events this week. Most of you did a good job and followed the rubric. Keep in mind that we are focusing on major international issues. Make sure to use your own words for the summary and write 5 to 7 complete sentences for each paragraph. Your next current event is due September 22 if you are in period A,B,C, or E. The current event is due September 23 if you are in period D. We do current events about once a week and it is a great way for you to earn lots of points.

Values

This week we also discussed values, that is, what is important to you, to our country and to the world community. While many of you selected freedom or democracy as your top value, many people in other countries would select stability and security. National Public Radio had an interesting interview with a woman who was running for a seat in the Afghan parliament and her platform was focused on bringing stability and security to her country. She has already lost two of her five children to violence. We are fortunate to live in a safe and secure community. Keep these values and the ranking of values in mind as we look at world issues and try to develop empathy for those living in very different circumstances.

Goal Sheet

Some classes had the opportunity to watch a clip from President Obama’s speech to the students of the United States. Using this clip as well as the “Business Week” article you have some guiding questions to respond to and turn in next week. This sheet prompts you to think about your goals for the year and how you plan on accomplishing them. Just as we need a map when we are going to a new place, we need a goal sheet for the start of a new school year so we can monitor our progress. This assignment is worth 10 points...take time to answer the questions in a thoughtful manner...use complete sentences...check your spelling...and take pride in your work.

X Period

If you are late to class or you are not turning in your homework, you will be required to stay after for an X period. During the X period, you can work on your homework or complete a class assignment. If you do not stay for the X period, you will have to stay for detention. Let’s work to get to class on time and have your homework completed so you don’t have to stay for this after school period.

Welcome Mr. Young

Mr. Sam Young, from Salve Regina University, will be working with us this year. He will be in the classroom every Monday during the first and second quarter and will be teaching lessons and assisting you with your work. During the second half of the year Mr. Young will take over many of the duties of the classroom. It is always exciting to welcome a new person to our learning community.

Open House

The MHS Open House is scheduled for Monday, September 20, from 6:30 to 8:00. This is a great opportunity to walk your parents/guardians through your schedule. I look forward to greeting you on Monday evening.

The Middle East Gets Top Billing

On Tuesday I was fortunate to have the opportunity to sit in on a class at the Naval War College that focused on conflict in the Muslim world. The presentation included NWC faculty and two guest speakers from Rhode Island College. The goal of the session was to educate people on the beliefs, values and perspectives of the various Muslim communities. We reviewed their rich and varied history and learned some Arabic words which would help promote understanding and respect. The same day, I attended an evening lecture at Salve Regina University by Syria’s Ambassador to the United States. He spoke to a full auditorium and stressed the importance of understanding the Arab point of view while trying to solve some of the problems of the Middle East. He urged Americans to support the efforts of the Palestinian people to establish a safe and secure homeland and said Syria could play a constructive role in helping resolve the conflict.

Extra Credit

On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone for what building that became the center of our capital city and a symbol of democracy? Be the first to email me the right answer using your MHS account and earn extra credit. If you don’t have your MHS account, you may write down the answer and give it to me Monday morning.