Welcome Back

 

Welcome back to a new school year and to our blog for 2012.  I know your first question may be why I named the blog MHSCOTW.  I believe all of us should start viewing ourselves as “Citizens of the World.”  If we thought of ourselves as parts of a bigger community than Middletown, or Rhode Island, or even America itself, our world would benefit.  I think this global thinking would lead to less strife and more cooperation.  This idea truly hit home when my son graduated from an American university and was hired by a German bank that immediately sent him to London, then to New York City, India and Tokyo.  His story is not unusual for recent college graduates as more businesses have an international presence.  History also shows that in this age of globalization problems in one part of the world have a way of spreading far beyond their original boundaries, affecting other nations and people in unpredictable ways.  The events of September 11, 2001, whose victims we commemorate next week, are a tragic reminder of that fact. 

 

The blog is a way to review what we worked on during the week and to provide additional information on a variety of topics through links.  You will notice that the entries include highlighted words which are active links to other sites where you can read further about a particular topic.  For reasons of time and space, the blog is not an all-inclusive wrap-up of the week, and because different classes will be using the blog it cannot provide detailed information about homework.

 

I hope you enjoy reading the blog.  Please feel free to offer recommendations.   

 

 

Contemporary World Issues (CWI)

 

This week we spoke about how all of our lives are affected by events in other countries.  As advances in technology make our world grow smaller, our economies are more and more linked together and it is important for all of us to understand global issues.

 

You will find that your understanding of the issues we discuss in class will be greatly enhanced by watching the news or reading a daily paper.  Next week we are scheduled to start receiving UpFront, a magazine produced by The New York Times for high school students.  This is a major investment on the part of the District and I know you will appreciate having this opportunity to read a world class publication.  As good thinkers and policy makers we will also be consulting other sources, such as The Wall Street Journal, the international press, and news web sites.  If you have a favorite, please bring it in and we will add it to our list of resources.

 

In order for me to better understand what you already know about our world, you answered questions about how countries differ in their forms of government and economic systems and what are some of today’s key issues.  This gives me a baseline so I can emphasize those topics you may be less familiar with.  In addition to basic concepts of government and economic organization, we will focus particular attention on Africa, South West Asia, India and China.  These are all fast growing regions of the world that will have a major impact on your life and the future of the US.

 

Current Events Assignment

 

You have your first homework assignment, which is due on September 12.  We practiced doing this assignment in class and you have a set of guidelines as well as a rubric so you should be in good shape.  If you have questions please ask.  All assignments are due at the start of class so please be prepared.

 

World History

 

This week you were issued textbooks.  You are responsible for taking care of the book and returning it in June.  Please keep track of your book.  You may want to cover it with a distinctive paper so you can distinguish your text from your friend’s book.

 

We did a partner activity on Friday where we looked at the units of study we would cover this year. Each of you worked with a partner to design a mini poster that listed the unit, the time period and some key facts and included an illustration.  Many of you showed a clear understanding of the units and came up with some clever illustrations.  We will be hanging these posters up so we have a road map as to where we will be going this year.  We will start with the Renaissance and end with The Cold War.  We will also do current events so that you can keep up to date as to what is happening in the outside world.

 

For homework, in addition to getting the room management sheet signed (see next entry) you have to read pages 344-349 and answer questions 1-5 of the section review in your notebook. Please keep in mind our discussion about how to do homework and to prepare for the next class.  While I may assign you questions, the most important homework is what YOU decide you need to do to get ready for the next class.  Many students find it helpful to do an outline or a concept map…so you need to decide what needs to be done so you have a good understanding of the text.  If you are confused, please bring in questions so we can clarify any new concepts or ideas.

 

Room Management

 

Some classes received their room management plan.  By Monday everyone should have the plan.  Please review this plan with your parents or guardians and return it signed so you can earn credit.  The plan must stay in your 3 ring binder for the year.

 

Supplies for all Classes

 

Each student needs to have a 3-ring binder with paper, a pocket folder, a small box of colored pencils and pens/pencils for daily use.  Please be ready with your supplies next week as we all want to work on staying organized.

 

Open House

 

Our annual MHS Open House will be held on September 19 from 6:30 to 8:00.  I look forward to seeing you and your parents or guardians.

 

 

In Closing

 

We are fortunate to be members of the Middletown school community.  We have a great school with wonderful students and a supportive faculty and administration.  I know we are going to have a great year.  Please do not hesitate to see me if there is anything I can do to help you make it a fun, safe and productive year.