"Blows Must Decide"

This week you watched episode two of “Liberty.” This six part series on the American Revolution reenacts the tension and dilemmas the colonists and the British experienced in the 1770s. The series uses first rate actors, primary source readings and top scholars to bring this period into focus. Using the Liberty site, you can review the episode and extend your understanding of the period. “The Road to Revolution” interactive quiz is especially fun. Give it a try and let me know how you made out.

Extra credit question: What two scholars appeared on “Liberty” whom you met earlier on the blog?

Questions to ponder: Would you be willing to sign a document that could put your life in danger? What motivated well established colonists to sign the Declaration of Independence?

Newport Daily News Student Columns

Some of my favorite parts of the Newport Daily News are the student columns that appear in Saturday’s paper. I urge you to take the time to check out the column about the MHS volleyball team and then to read the article “Keep your life open to experience and remember, time flies.” The column is a friendly reminder that our daily actions and reactions have a major influence on the direction of our lives.


As part of our study of current events, we talked about an international figure who came to Salve Regina University in Newport, the Dalai Lama. Two of our MHS Wave staff reporters attended the event and will be writing about their experiences for the Daily News and the school paper. His message of non-violence, patience, and compassion was a powerful and inspiring challenge to all.

Coming Attractions

Next week we will once again act as historians as we look at the Boston Massacre using multiple primary and secondary sources. We will have to think about bias, reliability, accuracy, and intent as we sort through the accounts and try to come to an understanding of what happened that cold and snowy March evening in Boston.

A Word about Homework

The most important assignment is the one you give yourself. In addition to a teacher directed task, you have to ask yourself what you need to do to understand the material and to meet the standards and benchmarks. Do you need to spend more time taking active reading notes? Do you need to review the links on the blog? Do you need to talk about the topics? Do you need to design a graphic organizer or a list? This past week you had an announced “quiz” and that was an opportunity for you to measure your understanding of the events leading up to the Revolution. If you struggled with the quiz, you need to reflect on your study habits and design a corrective action plan.

Parent (Student) Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all who came by on Wednesday. One of the top predicators of success for students is family involvement. If your family was unable to make an appointment, please feel free to contact me so we can arrange another time.