Have a GREAT Break!

 

Personification Story E.C.

 

Personification is when you give a non human item human qualities.  So your last Extra Credit opportunity is to write a Personification story of the Brooks Sumner Affair through the eyes of the cane.  If the cane could talk what would they say?

You do not have to do this, but it is an opportunity.  Due on Canvas by Friday the 20th.

President Lincoln's 1st Inaugural Address

 

Every year I have my students read President Lincoln's 1st Inaugural Address.  To set the scene it is President Lincoln's first day as President, and 7 Southern States have already left the Union.  In February 1861, a month earlier the Confederacy formed at the Montgomery Plan.  War has not started, but everyone knows it is coming. This address is talking directly to the South.  President Lincoln is making a desperate call for peace and unity.  

I love hearing student's reactions and insights.  Every year classes have different insights.  I am so idealistic, and one year a class HATED the address so much.  I was so surprised by their intensity and passion..  Their big complaint was President Lincoln just wrote a speech.  They believed he should have invaded the South with guns a blazing.  The reality is he could not do that.  President Lincoln was doomed from the start.  Nothing he could have done.  I love that this year's classes realized that.  

Here are two quotes that stood out to many students across the board. 1. "We are not enemies.  We must not be enemies."

One student highlighted that this was his final message and plea for unity.  I often wonder if President Lincoln got to complete Reconstruction we would live in a different America.  He would not let thinngs happen like the Black Codes or the Ku Klux Klan.  President Lincoln said the South was disgruntled countrymen not treasonous traitors.  

2. "I have no intention of messing with Slavery..."

The Immediate cause of the Civil War was the Election of 1860.  The South made it clear that there  would no compromises.  They believed a Republican President would free the slaves.  President Lincoln mentions multiple times he has no intention of freeing the slaves.  His goal is to preserve the Union.

Glory - 1st All Black Troops

 

Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist, came up with the idea for all Black Troops.  He convinced President Abraham Lincoln, and the 54th Regiment was born on January 1, 1863.  Douglass's sons fought with the 54th. The biggest frustration was they did not see battle.  Most troops were sent to Indian Territory to protect supplies and forts.  They proved themselves out west with bravery and courage.

They mad a movie about the 54th called Glory.  The cast is fantastic Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freemen, and Denzel Washington.  If you have not seen this film please watch!  You get a real sense of what these guys had to go through!

The military will stay segregated till the 1950s, Korean War.  All Black Troops were always stationed out west.  The Native Americans said their hair looks like Buffalo hair so called them the Buffalo Soldiers.  My Grandfather wrote the Standard on the Buffalo Soldiers.  I am so proud of that and Arlen Fowler is my Grandpa.  He is sadly gone, but when he was still alive he came to my classes to talk about his book.  One thing he said that will always stand out to me is how he described the Buffalo Soldiers.  He said it is a story that needs to be taught!  They demonstrated courage and bravery!

Famous Wallace Quote

 

The Great Debaters

 

A GREAT movie to see is the Great Debaters.  It is about a debate team from Wiley College in 1940 deep South.  Of course, Denzel Washington plays the debate coach!  The movie follows their journey to a debate tournament at Harvard University.  Of course they make it!  But along the journey you see what life in the Jim Crow South looks like for African Americans.  

In class we talked about Thoreau and Civil Disobedience.  Thoreau hated President Polk and the Mexican American War so he protested peacefully or Civil Disobedience by not paying his taxes.  So now when you protest or resist peacefully one calls it Civil Disobedience.  In the movie when they make it to Harvard for the debate - Harvard tries to throw them on their toes and changed the theme of the debate to Civil Disobedience, but it worked in thier favor.  The last line always gives me goose bumps.

I also love Denzel Washington's introduction to his debaters!

BE KIND!!!

 

I Love this clip from the Ellen Show!  These students were so kind and got a great surprise.  If you need a lift me up - watch this!!!!

Have a Fun, Safe, and Restful Thanksgiving!

 

SEE YOU ON MONDAY December 2nd!!!!

I often wonder if Thanksgiving should have gone this way!

DO NOT FORGET - Winter Clothing Extra Credit!

 This is EXTRA Credit.  You do NOT have to do it, but it is an opportunity.

Due: Friday, November 22nd 

You have from now till the 22nd!

The AFJROTC is holding a Clothing Drive.  I am the second floor collector, and I want this to be a SUCCESS!!! 

AFROTC is collecting the following clothes:

1. New/Unused Socks

2. New/Unused Shirts

3. Pants

4. Winter Coats

5. Winter Wear

    Scarfs

     Gloves

     Hats

You can bring up to 5 items for 25 points total.  

Show me before you put in the box that will be outside my door!

Enjoy the Ride!

 

Choose Yourself!

 

CLOTHING Drive Extra Credit!

 

This is EXTRA Credit.  You do NOT have to do it, but it is an opportunity.

Due: Friday, November 22nd 

You have from now till the 22nd!

The AFJROTC is holding a Clothing Drive.  I am the second floor collector, and I want this to be a SUCCESS!!! 

AFROTC is collecting the following clothes:

1. New/Unused Socks

2. New/Unused Shirts

3. Pants

4. Winter Coats

5. Winter Wear

    Scarfs

     Gloves

     Hats

You can bring up to 5 items for 25 points total.  

Show me before you put in the box that will be outside my door!

Why we Wear Poppies?

 

SHINE Bright!

 

You are Blessed!

 

The Power of One

 

I LOVE the idea of this!  We all have gifts and resources to give the world.  Here are some of my favorite examples of the Power of One:

Dr. Salk figured out how to cure Polio.  Instead of patening the cure and gaining BILLIONS - he gave it to the world to help people.  WOW!

This was a student protest in Beijing.  No one knows who this guy was, but MAN he made a statement!!!!

I LOVE This!  Using gifts to help people!!!!  Haircuts are life changing!

Do Not be a Bystander!

 

Danger of a Single Story

 

Darning Unit 2 England was the meanest European power who had strong stereotypes. 

Wake Up!

 

Be Kind!

 

Parent Teacher Conferences 10/7 and 10/8

 

Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 7 - HOPE to see you there!

42 - The first Black man in Baseball

 

This week we discussed early Slavery in America.  Someone brought up how White Southerners made Medical Reports declaring African Americans as inferior.  That is crazy to me, and thankfully has been proven wrong.  White people and Black people are the same medically, but a Black person has more Melanin in their skin.

This conversation made me think of the movie 42.  The story of Jackie Robinson the first black man in Baseball (MLB).  He broke down so many barriers, and had to deal with so much racism.  It was the 1940s when Jin Crow ruled.  The movie focuses on the racism he had to deal with.  It makes you wonder - could you handle all that he did?  I think no.  It was in his contract not to get upset if someone spits on you.  What?!?!

Remember the Ladies

 

DO NOT forget Homecoming Extra Credit

 Do NOT forget - Extra Credit for participating in Homecoming!  If you dress up, and it relates you get 5 points EC.

Monday - Minion Day

Tuesday - Inside/Out Day - Emotions Day

Wednesday - Dress your Age Day (10th Graders are Elementary/Middle Schoolers)

Thursday - Dress Up Day

Friday - Outrageous Orange and Black Day

Below are some of my favorite pictures of HomeComing!

I took this picture!

Homecoming Spirit Stick 2010

My 5th Hour won the door decoration last year!  

Homecoming 2014 - My favorite Outrageous Orange and Black!  She was committed!  She painted her face and arms!

My favorite "Anything but a Backpack" - Hampton last year brought a locker! Now Hampton is on the Royal Court.

Miss Hornet and I last year!

Live With Joy!

 

Confronting Hard History

 

I love this quote by Ken Burns!  We have to confront the dark chapters of American History even if it is hard!  As a teacher I feel it is required to.  I want you to know all parts of American History - good and bad.  

One of the hardest parts of American History is Slavery.  It is hard to imagine why Slavery lasted for 243 years, and why a whole region was ok with it.  The TED Talk below explains why it is SO IMPORTANT to Confront!!!!  Please watch!

July 2nd Quote about Independence Day!

 September 17th is is Constitution Day!  237 years ago the Constitution was signed!  Here is a great quote from John Adams about the Declaration of Independence!

Extra Credit Opportunity

 Homecoming is September 30th to October 4th.  Below is the Theme and Spirit Days.  I will give you 5 points Extra Credit for every day you dress up!  I want you to get ready - you have 2 weeks.  You dressing up has to be about the Theme or Spirit Day to count!!!

I will be at the Homecoming Dance.  If you sign my paper at the dance - I will GIVE you 20 points Extra Credit!

Homecoming Week September 30th- October 4th 

Theme- All Sting, No Howl Use the Theme for Door and Hall Decorations 

9/30 Monday- Minion Monday Modified Activity Schedule- Students stay in 5th to work on door decorations. Start making your plans now. The winning 5th hour will win a Cupcake Party. 

10/1 Tuesday- Inside Out (Emotions) Students stay after school to work on Hall Decorations. Check with your Class Sponsor to sign up for work days leading up to Hall Decorating. 

10/2 Wednesday- Dress Your Age 9th grade- Toddlers & Preschoolers 10th grade- Elementary or MS Students 11th grade- Careers 12th grade- Senior Citizens 8:30 AM Judging of Halls and Doors 

10/3 Thursday- Dress to Impress Coronations Assembly Schedule 1

0/4 Fri.- Outrageous Orange & Black Football Game 7:00 PM vs Shawnee Dance after the game: $5 BTW students only, must have an ID. 

Stewart and 9/11

 

Jon Stewart as Mitch McConnell walks past him

Jon Stewart is a comedian who has used his voice and platform to advocate for First Responders of 9/11.  What an amazing lesson.  We all should use our talents for good.  I heard an inspiring story of a popular hair stylist who on his day offs gives homeless people a dree haircut.  He said he does it due to being good at it and human dignity.  

Below is video of Jon Stewart testifying in front of Congress about healthcare for first responders.

 

Do it for the us's - Harvey Milk

 

I Love this speech!  Governments work for all of US!  Not just one group!  Please watch - this is powerful!

Be Careful What You Wish For...

 

In class this week we looked at the Road to the American Revolution.  In APUSH you do not need to know military history.  You have to know what led to the event, who won, and the impact. The British Acts from 1763 to 1776 led to the American Revolution.  In 1763 England ended Salutary Neglect, and attempted to assert more control over HER Colonies.  Protection is no longer free.  

The first tax passed to raise money for protection of the colonies was the Stamp Act.  The colonies were furious, and boycotted and created the Stamp Act Congress.  They GOT what they wanted!  England repealed the StampAct, but be careful what you wish for.  They replaced the Stamp Act with the Townshend Acts.  You do not want to pay a tax on paper?  Ok - now you can pay a tax on lead, paint, oil, glass, and etc.

We discussed Tar and Feathering.  In APUSH they always say this symbolized the Colonist's frustration.  One class erupted into laughter and said frustration is stubbing your toe - the colonists were enraged!  Oh my teacher heart is so happy!  Then another class said the colonists hit their boiling point!  What does that tell us about the Colonists and the Revolutionary?  They are going to fight hard with passion and emotion!

Know Your Rights!

 

This is Angelina Jolie's tattoo.  I LOVE it!  Know Your Rights!  People in a position of authority are hoping you do not know your rights!  Educate yourself!

Extra Credit Opportunity!!!!

 

If you collage the front of your Interactive Notebook by Friday the 30th, and show me I'll give you 20 points Extra Credit.

You do NOT have to do this, but it is an opportunity!

We are the CHAMPIONS!!!

 Booker T won All City on Friday, August 23, 2024!!!!  I am so GLAD I teach at Booker T!