Just
as we started our study of world events, the Middle East erupted into violence
over an amateurish video posted on You Tube that desecrated the Islamic
religion. In at least twenty countries demonstrators attacked our embassies,
and in Libya terrorists used the opportunity to kill four State department officers,
including Ambassador Christopher Stevens. Embassies
are sovereign territory of the nations they represent and it is the responsibility
of the host country to do all it can to protect them. It was discouraging to see demonstrators behave
this way in countries where we so recently supported popular movements against dictators,
but journalists have noted the rioters represent only a minority, and their governments
have expressed regret and taken measures to prevent more attacks. Stay tuned for further developments
CWI
Current
Events
We
had our first round of current events this week. Most of you did a great 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. Your
next current event is due September 20.
Are
You Organized?
This
week we set up our folders which will include all your graded work and your
status of assignment sheet. By keeping
your work organized you can monitor your grade.
You will have time in class to keep your folder up to date. This is going to be an especially useful tool
for you when it comes time to study for the midterm and final exams.
By
now you should have handed in your signed room management plan. The plan stays in your binder for reference
during the year.
MHS
Email
Have
you activated or set up your MHS email account?
This is due on October 1 so take a few minutes to make sure you are
ready to use this important communication tool. If you have problems setting up
your account, see Mr. Fontaine or Mrs. Gill for assistance.
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.
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?
New
Rules
We
took time this week to read an Op-Ed piece by the Pulitzer Prize winning author
Tom Friedman entitled “New Rules.” This reading gave you the opportunity to
learn more about this influential writer and to see how world events impact you. He writes that all of us, workers and future
workers, must constantly reinvent ourselves.
We must stay current with our education and training and think
creatively as changes in the world continually pose new challenges in our work
and careers. His column was also an
excellent example of clear writing. As students who are asked to write on a
regular basis, having examples of excellent writing will help you continue to
develop your writing skills, one of the most valuable tools for success.
World
History
This
week we focused our reading and activities on the renaissance, a time of great
creativity and change. Our power point
gave you the chance to take notes and focus on key people and terms of this period. Using your homework and notes, you should
have been well prepared for your first quiz on Friday.
We
also talked about the impact Gutenberg had with his invention of moveable
type. Instead of one monk copying a
text, his printing press was able to produce larger quantities of books for wider
distribution. This means knowledge and
ideas can spread over a much broader audience.
We linked this to Kindles and IPads of today and how they are impacting
access to the written word. I wonder
when schools will give up textbooks, which are static, and turn to IPads, which
have both text and video and can easily be updated.
Your
homework for the weekend focuses on pages 353-357 in your text, which deals
with the Reformation. In the 1500’s many
people were upset by corruption in the Catholic Church and called for
changes. This led Martin Luther and JohnCalvin to offer alternatives. You have
been assigned the section review on page 357, questions 1-5. This is a great deal of information to digest
so let’s focus in on questions 1-2 for Monday.
On
Friday you also received your current events rubric and assignment. Your first
current event (national or international article) is due September 19. Make sure you follow the rubric. If you have questions, you can ask during
class time or email me.
Welcome
Ms. Averill
Ms.
Averill 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. Averill 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 Wednesday, September 19, 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 and them on
Monday evening.
EXTRA
CREDIT QUESTION
Back
by popular demand is the extra credit question.
Be the first in your class period to email me the correct response,
using your MHS email account, and earn extra credit.
What
country has the largest population of Muslims?
And
finally, Happy 225rd Birthday on September 17, U.S. Constitution!
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