The world was focused on European debt this week. In an effort to curtail a possible repeat recession, major banks in the US and other countries agreed to pump dollars into the fragile European banking system. This vote of confidence reassured investors and lifted the prices of stocks around the world. Our economies have become so interconnected that problems in Greece or Italy or Spain or Ireland or any other developed country influence our own economy.
Meanwhile, the countries of South West Asia (Middle East) continue to “boil.” Demonstrations continue in Syria despite violent responses by the government that have resulted in over 2600 deaths. Bahrain’s people have been protesting for the past five months in an effort to bring reforms like those in other countries during the “Arab Spring” but the leadership has been relentless in trying to suppress the uprising. Torture, arrests, and job dismissals have dampened opposition activity but failed to suppress it altogether.
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. Next week we will set up 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 when it comes time to study for the mid-term exam.
Basics of World Geography
This week we worked with partners and our text to answer a series of questions about world geography. This activity gave you the opportunity to review basic world geography and to better understand what resources your text has so that you can better understand the world around you. We corrected the worksheet in class. If you did not finish, please take the time to complete it and put it in your binder.
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. We do current events about once a week and it is a great way 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. 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. Can we take it for granted that our own country will always be stable and secure?
Goal Sheet
Using the “Business Week” article on “hanging tough” 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. Take the time to answer the questions in a thoughtful manner...use complete sentences...check your spelling...and take pride in your work.
Welcome Ms. MacRoberts
Ms. MacRoberts from Salve Regina University will be working with us this year. She 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 Ms. MacRoberts 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 Tuesday, September 20, from 6:00 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.
“An American Who Placed Himself in the Thick of the Fight”
This week the President awarded the Medal of Honor to Dakota Meyer, a former Marine who fought in Afghanistan. He is the first living recipient from the Marine Corps to receive the award for actions taken in Afghanistan. I would urge you to read the story behind the actions taken by Sergeant Meyer that earned him the award. It is an inspirational story.
Mrs. Kennedy in Her Own Voice
For all of us history fans, the ABC News Special was a real treat as we heard for the first time tapes Mrs. Kennedy made over 47 years ago. She was asked questions by historian and friend Arthur Schlesinger and her responses, coming only four months after the assassination of her husband, give us a unique insight into her thinking and the times. I was especially taken with her comments about the Cuban Missile crisis. This event is often described as the closest we have come to nuclear war but it seems so much more believable when we hear Mrs. Kennedy say she wanted to stay with the President so they could die together as a family.
Happy Birthday Constitution!
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