Another First

Once again this week, we have witnessed a first: the nomination of a Hispanic candidate to sit on the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. As we saw when we reviewed the Constitution’s provisions for replacing a Supreme Court Justice, her nomination now goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee where she will be asked (some would say grilled) about her past judicial decisions and how she might look at future cases. Once the Committee makes its recommendation, the full Senate will vote on her confirmation, which is expected to take place in July. If she is confirmed, she will be sworn in during the opening of the new court session in October. While the Supreme Court may seem like a very distant group of judges that have little impact on your life, it is quite the opposite. The court is active in many areas that affect our daily lives: freedom of speech, minority rights, search and seizure issues, and privacy rights. There are so many cases that arise from high school situations that a book has been compiled on those cases entitled “We the Students.”

CWI/Comparative Government

While we finished our study of JFK last week, our announced quiz was delayed due to field trips, concerts and proms. You had over a week to prepare for the book quiz, but many will have to do a retake. It is hard to stay focused on the work at hand when the sun is shinning and there are so many end of year activities, but stay focused we must! The book quizzes follow the same format so when you know one is coming you should know how to prepare: read the section summary, review the key terms, go over the section review. If you take 15 minutes to do this, you should earn a good grade on the quiz.

We also looked at a series of photos from 1968, the only single year to which your text devotes an entire section. A series of tragic events had a searing impact on any who lived during that time: the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, urban rioting after each killing, and the violence at the Democratic Convention in Chicago. All of these events led up to the election of Richard Nixon, the man who had lost to John F. Kennedy in 1960 by only 120,000 votes.

You worked with a partner this week on the Nixon timeline. After selecting the key events, you needed to write two sentences on why you chose those events and why they are significant. While no two timelines will be the same, some events should appear on everyone’s list: the election in 1968, the first Presidential visit to China and the first to the Soviet Union in peacetime, and finally the first time a President was forced to resign.

By doing the timeline and watching the short video on Nixon, I hope you appreciate that he was a complicated man and while he had many weaknesses he also had great strengths, especially in the field of foreign policy. We will also be comparing Nixon’s resignation and Clinton’s impeachment. People often think Nixon was impeached. He was not, but he still had to leave office. Clinton WAS impeached, but he stayed in office...how can this be? To better understand the Watergate era, I would like to show “All the President’s Men,” an award winning movie starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford. It is an R rated movie so permission slips will go out next week that must be signed by a parent/guardian so you may watch the movie.

Some of you have received the Nixon cartoon assignment. You will be looking for an editorial cartoon from the Nixon presidency. You may do it on Watergate or some other event during his administration. You will be using the cartoon analysis sheet that you used for the Cold War era cartoon and then writing your two paragraphs. This assignment is in lieu of our current events this week.

Congratulations to CF for answering last week’s extra credit question. Meeting a president, shaking his hand and getting a photo is an experience never to be forgotten. I hope you have that opportunity.

AP European History

Just a reminder that your movie reviews are due June 1.

It is essential that you spend the time researching the event your movie is based on so you can brief us on the accuracy of the depiction. As we saw in the movie “Elizabeth,” which is great drama, much of the plot was fabricated to make the film more appealing to the public and sell more tickets.

Your take home final will be given out this week. You will have a choice of two questions based on trends we have followed in European history and how they may shape the future. You will not have to be in school the day of the final if you have turned in your essay. You must also return your books (I know it will be traumatic to give up this tome of wisdom and knowledge).

World History

Many of you did a great job on your map quiz. Geography and location of countries has a great impact on our understanding of historical events. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel, and what I have seen has deepened my understanding of both history and current events. The prevalence of conflict in the Balkans over the centuries is easily understood when you see how the peninsula is divided into countless small communities by its mountainous terrain. The military disasters Napoleon and Hitler suffered when they invaded Russia seem almost inevitable when you witness the vast expanses of forests that still separate western Europe from Moscow. If you have the chance to travel, grab it...it is so enlighetening to see and meet other people in their home territories. The world is getting smaller and we must know and understand other people and cultures if we are going to learn to live in peace.

You have a current event and the obituary for the Soviet Union due this week. If you have trouble with the obituary assignment, take a few minutes to look one up on the New York Times web site. They are especially good at summarizing the lives of prominent people and will help guide you in writing about the demise of the USSR. Who were the founders of the Soviet Union? What were its major accomplishments, and what fatal weaknesses caused its downfall? We will continue to work on our packets this week. You have a list of most of the assignments covering the remainder of the school year.

Busy Schedules: Students and Presidents

This week we had several competing demands: class work, NECAP testing, field trips and of course the Junior Prom. I hope all who attended had a wonderful and safe time and I look forward to seeing the photos on Tuesday.

On Monday we celebrate Memorial Day. This holiday originally commemorated those who lost their lives in the Civil War, but over time it has become a day to remember all who have died in service to our country, as well as our own loved ones. Many families take this opportunity to visit cemeteries to recognize those who have gone before us. You can learn a great deal about history at cemeteries as you read the markers and note the dates. One of my favorite cemeteries is the grave yard next to Saint Columba’s Chapel on Indian Avenue. The markers tell of astounding accomplishments but also of simple lives filled with love and care for all.

CWI/Comparative Government

This week we finished our review of the Women’s Movement with an accountable talk discussion focused on two women who had contrasting views: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Phyllis Schlafly This week you also handed in your interview with someone who may have had experienced discrimination. Many of you selected interesting people whose life experiences can help us better understand the quest for equality. Equality is a driving force in America, as groups who may initially be looked down upon seek the same rights as other citizens.

We also read about the youngest man ever to be elected president, John F. Kennedy. We spent time on the JFK library web site, where you did an activity focused on the daily schedule of the president. You also reviewed the White House photographer’s gallery to select a photo that illustrated the phrase from the inaugural address, “The torch has been passed to a new generation.” After reading the Kennedy schedule you had the opportunity to play Chief of Staff to President Obama and plan a day for our new president. The president’s time is very limited and there are many competing demands, so careful scheduling of events to support the administration’s priorities is essential to good and effective governing. After planning the day for President Obama, you selected the photo that you wanted circulated that would support the President’s priorities. You can see by this assignment that much of what the public sees as spontaneous is carefully orchestrated. I want to especially commend the student who scheduled the President to come to MHS to award us a $5 million grant and take me out to dinner - it will be an evening I will never forget! For extra credit, see if you can name the president I had my picture taken with. (You will lose credit if I hear any suggestions of Washington or Lincoln!)

We concluded our study of JFK by reading an excerpt from William Manchester’s best seller “Death of a President.” We watched a side show on the assassination and talked about how this event had a searing impact on the country. This event was just the start of a tumultuous decade.

Reminder...quiz on JFK on May 28...be prepared!

AP European History

“Lives of Others” has been spellbinding and we will finish the movie on Tuesday. Please have all of your movie review ready to hand in this week. We should be able to start our next movie on Tuesday as well. This 50 point activity will be part of your fourth quarter grade.

World History

You did a nice job on your power point presentations on World War II. You have attractive slides and interesting information. Make sure you use note cards with additional information so you can add to what appears on the slide. You don’t want to get caught just reading slides as that makes for a tedious presentation. Also make sure to delve deeply into your topic... try to anticipate questions your slides might prompt others to ask... don’t just be satisfied with surface information.

You handed in your WW II packets on Friday but I returned the map so you can study for our upcoming quiz. I will give you a map of Europe with certain countries numbered and you will have to identify them by name. You do not need to know the capitals for this quiz... maybe we need a second quiz focused on key cities.

Things We Take for Granted

This week we had two stark reminders of how precious life is. Our mock car crash was a shocking illustration of what can happen when you drink and drive. With prom season fast approaching, all of us must do what we can to prevent this tragedy from happening to family and friends. Make the pledge not to drink and to drive with care!

Our blood drive this week, dedicated to Mrs. Pascoe, was a reminder that all of us can help others with the gift of life by donating blood. The donation costs nothing but a few minutes of your time and the benefit is enormous. This is a great way to give back to the community...so think about signing up to be a regular donor. Middletown has its own blood donation center on Aquidneck Avenue...give them a call...848-7422...and find out how you can give the gift of life. Knowing you are doing something significant to help others is one of life’s greatest rewards.

CWI/Comparative Government

Our unit on the Women’s Movement is coming to an end and your last activity is to conduct an interview on discrimination and opportunity for women during an earlier time period. Make sure when selecting someone to interview that you find a person who will take the time to talk with you about their experiences and thoughts. We can learn lots of great history by talking to family and friends. Recently CNN had an article on “The Questions Everyone Should Ask their Mothers.” It was a reminder that sometimes we forget that the people closest to us have stories to tell. The back of the interview sheet is the perfect place for you to develop your own questions and to record the responses. Enjoy this final activity.

While we don’t have time to watch a movie for this unit, I would recommend “Mona Lisa Smile” with Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst and Julia Stiles. The story takes place on the campus of a women’s college in the 1950’s. Julia Roberts plays an art history professor who tries to open her students to possibilities other than becoming wives and mothers. While the film did not win any awards, it does a very good job of portraying a time when women were not expected to have careers. I read you several articles from the Radcliff Magazine which illustrated just this point. Our reading about Justice Ginsburg’s early career spoke about the obstacles she encountered as she entered the field of law.

Next week many of you will be taking the NECAP science test. Good luck!

AP European History


This week we watched “The Tunnel,” an award-winning German movie based on the true story of a group of former East Berliners who dug a tunnel to help free their loved ones. It was a good history film as it was shot on location and the historical references were accurate.

I have given you our “Let’s Go to the Movies” assignment and on Monday we will decide which films we will be watching over the next few weeks. Keep in mind that you must write out your presentation and hand it in prior to the class viewing the movie. We also must do permission slips if you select an R rated movie.

World History

On Monday you will present your World War II power points. I have received all of them via email. Make sure to look over the rubric as you will need to turn in a hard copy of the slides (you may put several slides on one page) as well as your note cards. Please be sure to practice in advance with your partner. You want a confident and smooth presentation.

On Friday we finished the section 4 worksheet. Next week we will continue with the packet. I want to compliment you on the many fine questions you have been asking about World War Two and the building of the Berlin Wall. Asking questions helps all of us better understand what is important. I have learned a lot from the research I have done in preparing responses to your questions.

The Last Task!

The bad weather this week has allowed us to stay focused on the tasks at hand. The CWI/Comparative Government class finished “The Little Rock Nine” task, the AP European students took the exam on Friday and the World History students continued work on their power point projects.

On the national scene many of our banks passed their stress tests and the market seemed relieved and pleased as the Dow ended up over 300 points for the week. You may be wondering why you should be interested in such things but if you want a loan for college or to purchase a car you need to be aware of everyday fiscal realities. Getting a loan in today’s market is much more demanding and you have to be prepared to show the bank that you are a good risk or as I like to think of it...you are a good investment. So work hard, get good grades, have a plan for future success so that when you go to the bank for that loan you are confident that you are a good investment and will be granted the loan.

CWI/Comparative

We finished the task this week and uploaded it to TieNet. We are all still learning how to use this new system so thank you for your patience. This system is going to allow you to monitor your own progress towards meeting your graduation requirements. You will be able to log on and see how many tasks you have completed. It will be a great time saver and help all of us organize your graduation evidence.

Next week we will start a new unit on the Women’s Movement. This was an exciting and challenging time for many as roles of men and women were redefined. We are a constantly evolving society and recently ABC News did a special report on how families today are changing due to the recession. In 2009 more men are losing jobs and therefore have taken on more house and child care responsibilities while women have become the chief wage earners. Income figurers till show a gap between the earnings of men and women but it is narrowing with each passing year.

Your current event next week will focus on women’s issues and rights and it may be a national or international story.

AP European History

Great job! Hope all went well for you on Friday and I look forward to talking with you about the exam. Now that you have lived through the AP European experience I would like to get your recommendations for next year’s class. What techniques did you find were useful as you tackled the text and outside readings? What would you have done differently?

We will also have a movie activity starting next week. Everyone may not be in class next week as many of you take other AP exams so I will take on the task of presenting the first film. We will be watching a German film (yes...there are sub titles...but if you listen to the German you pickup on many of the words and phrases) “The Tunnel.” The film is based on a true event and contains many black and white film clips that add to the drama.

World History

This week we continued our study of World War II. We watched a video about the Battle of Britain which demonstrated the utter destruction caused by German bombing but also the tenacity of the British people. Prime Minister Churchill and the Royal Family provided great strength and leadership during this most harrowing of times.

You have your packet of activities and should be working on the assignments. You also have your power point presentation which is due next Friday. Make sure you check the rubric regularly...we are emphasizing illustrations, charts, graphs, maps and photos. Your presentation must be on note cards and they may be used for reference. You must practice so you don’t end up reading the cards or the slides...that makes for a dull delivery. You selected your topic...you selected your partner...so get excited about your project!

A Strength You Can Master

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As we move closer to the end of the school year, the demands on our time seem to increase exponentially. This week you had to juggle class work, field trips, Capstone and the school play! That is a hefty order so I hope you have developed good time management skills. One of the biggest aids to keeping yourself on track is a calendar...sounds simple but if more people used not only a daily and weekly calendar but also one that shows the month you would find planning much easier. Knowing what you need to accomplish allows you to block out the time to accomplish your goals. Calling in sick, cutting class, asking to be excused to go to the library are not effective time management skills.

Congratulations to all of you involved in the school play...a great opportunity to laugh.

I also want to congratulate all who passed their Capstones over the past few weeks. Several judges have commented on the quality of the projects. Keep in mind to be successful you want to follow the rubric. Some students are being asked to revise because they did not address all aspects of the rubric (hint...hint...make sure to know your content standards). Judges are not being “mean” if they give you a “nearly meets.” What they are doing is holding you accountable and being fair to all students who must be judged using the same guidelines.

Just when you think you are too busy, lets think of all that our President has done in his first 100 days. Historians like to use the first 100 days as a way to look at how the administration will progress. President Obama gave a press conference on Tuesday to mark this milestone and answered a variety of questions on domestic and international issues. Since his press conference you can now add one more task to his to-do list...nominate a justice to the Supreme Court. Justice David Souter, one of the youngest members, delivered his retirement letter to the President this week. This is a pivotal opportunity for the new president, as his nominee, once approved by the Senate, could serve for decades and have a major effect on our country. Just this week we looked at the historic Supreme Court decision in the case of Brown vs. Board of Education, which ended segregation by determining that “separate but equal” facilities are in fact unequal and must be abandoned. This decision affecting schools legitimized the efforts of civil rights leaders to integrate all public facilities.

On a Sadder Note

On Friday, a high school student in Warwick was hit and killed by a school bus. In recreating the situation, the police have learned that she had her hood up, was possibly listening to her I pod and texting on the phone. All of these activities are normal and innocent, but multi-tasking can make us less aware of our surroundings. She apparently never saw or heard the bus as she went into the crosswalk. This is a tragedy for all involved and a stark reminder that we have to stay alert.


CWI/Comparative Government

This week we ended our Civil Rights unit with the start of our task. Your task will require you to apply what you know about the movement with the analysis of several documents. We practiced using the document analysis worksheet and marking up the text. When you get your document package you can decide what works best for you. Since you have limited time to write your essay, you must be familiar with the documents. You will have one class period to study the documents. You will need all the time in the next class to write the essay and will not have time to reread the documents, so be sure to read them carefully during the first class.

Your prior knowledge is based on our text readings, the “Time for Justice” video, the power point on the movement and our primary source readings. If you earned good grades on the quizzes then you have the knowledge you need to be successful on the task. If you struggled with the quiz questions, you need to go back to the text and reread the chapters. Your reader will be looking for outside information that you add to the essay. Vague statements and generalizations will not earn you points.

AP European

We are down to the last week. I have given you review packets that you can work on for homework and in class. I will also give you a list of key books and you can fill in their significance. You have worked hard this year and are well equipped to earn high marks for the test. Now you have to stay focused, get some sleep and then be ready to “kick butt” on May 8!!

One of you asked about friends signing up for AP next year, and I confirmed that Juniors and Seniors are eligible to take AP European. So please spread the word!

World History

Another unit, another war...I am glad we had a respite with Gandhi but now we are on to WW II.
You have your packet and should be reading section 2. Your cartoon assignments are due next class.

As you read, keep in mind that you will need to select a topic for your power point presentation. I will give you a list of possible topics but the best topic for you is the one you select. You will also be working with a partner. This is a great opportunity to practice time management skills and developing a work plan. More on this project next week.

Next current event is due May 7. It must be an international issue.