Happy New Year

This long winter break has given everyone the opportunity to rest, relax, and be rejuvenated for the New Year. It is also a natural time to reflect and make positive changes for an even better 2013. While we are confronted with many challenges, we also have many opportunities.  Let’s decide to use each day in the most positive way possible.

 

MHS E-mail Accounts

 

In today’s work world, most employees have email accounts. Yes...I know you have an email account with Yahoo or Hotmail but those are personal accounts that you use with friends and family. As a student you need a business email and that is where the MHS email account comes into play. Efforts are underway for all MHS students to have an email account. The school will be using email to make announcements and to keep in touch with you on a variety of topics. I have begun using MHS email to students for individual announcements so make sure you check your account from time to time.

 

CWI

 

We will finish our unit on South Asia and begin a new unit on East Asia next week. We focus on the rise of India and China and how their fast growth could affect the US.

 

Year in Review

 

Many papers and magazines print special end of the year editions with photos that tell the key stories of the year.  To get us back in the swing of thinking big, we will start off the New Year with what you think have been the top 10 stories of 2012.  Many news organizations run these end of year lists and even our own Newport Daily News has a list of the top 10 local and state stories…so get on your thinking caps and be ready to name what you think are the top ten national and international stories for 2012…which ones will make the history books?

 

The Year Ahead

 

After reviewing the top stories of 2012, we will put on our forecaster’s hats and discuss what might become the top stories of 2013.  Some will be continuations of trends already in the news, but others will come as surprises.  Sometimes regions or countries that have seen little change for many years suddenly turn revolutionary, as we saw in many Arab countries over the past two years and in the Soviet Union a generation ago.  Sometimes new products appear or we discover new ways to use existing technology.  Where might we see unexpected changes in the year ahead?

 

International Speakers

 

On Friday, January 4 we will be hearing from two more international officers from the Naval War College. Please make every effort to attend as you will have a question on the midterm that will require you to integrate what we are learning from our speakers into your response.  AP science students are excused from this question due to conflicts in their schedule.

 

World History

 

We started our unit on the Industrial Revolution and focused on why an agricultural revolution is necessary before an industrial revolution.  Until the early 1700’s most people were engaged in farming in an effort to feed their families.  Once agricultural production increased and fewer workers were needed, excess workers made their way to the city to find work in factories.  When you return we will look at the reasons the Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain and how this change in production affected people’s lives both positively and negatively.  All of this background is getting you ready to do your first portfolio task using a primary source from the period to analyze different perspectives on the Industrial Revolution. 

 

A New Year…A Time for Resolutions

 

The beginning of a new year is a great time to pause and think about your goals and aspirations, not only for the year 2013 but also for the longer term. The work habits, skills and knowledge you are gathering in high school will be the foundation for your future success. If you learn to set goals, establish work plans and practice good study and living habits now, you can be assured of meeting future challenges with success. I have never encountered a person who wished they had studied less, read fewer books, gotten lower grades, or ignored their friends and community. So take the time at the start of this fresh and exciting year to write down two or three goals for the year. Keep them handy, consult them often and strive to complete your tasks. You will never regret taking the time to contemplate your future and plan accordingly.