A Time to Shine

It is time for mid term exams and I hope you see this event as an opportunity to show your understanding of early American history. As you prepare for the exam, make sure to use your portfolio assignments, your text, standard sheets, study guide and the trusty blog!

When reviewing the material keep in mind that we have been telling the story of the founding of our country. Think about the place, the plot and the characters involved. Try to get away from memorizing facts and think of how you would tell someone the story of colonization and settlement in the three regions (standard 1). How would you tell about the events leading up to the American Revolution and then the writing of our Constitution (standard 2)? It may be helpful to work with a parent or sibling who could listen and then ask you questions.

If you have kept up during the semester and you give yourself ample time to review the material, you should be confident on the day of your exam. The night before, check to make sure you have your study guide, as they will be collected prior to taking the exam. You may use pen or pencil for the exam. Come prepared and bring along a positive attitude.

If you need one last opportunity to go over any of the content or skills, I will be available after school on Monday.

The Bill of Rights in Action

Many of you have been following the quest of Patrick Agin from Portsmouth High School to have his controversial senior photo included in the yearbook. The photo shows Patrick in medieval garb complete with sword. The principal of PHS banned the photo, citing the school’s zero tolerance policy towards weapons. Patrick believed his First Amendment rights were violated so he called on the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to help argue his case.

Yesterday, the Rhode Island Department of Education ruled that Patrick may have his medieval style photo included in the yearbook. The ACLU called the ruling an “important victory for students’ free speech rights.” Congratulations to this young man who understood his rights and knew how to go about defending them against infringement!

But we also must keep in mind that rights and responsibilities have to be balanced and students do not have all of their constitutional rights while in school (Tinker v. Des Moines, Iowa). “The Newport Daily News” of January 20, 2007, reports that the Portsmouth School Committee plans to rewrite the “zero tolerance” policy specifically to exclude weapons from future yearbook photos.

Speaking of the Constitution

On Tuesday, January 23, President Bush will deliver his State of the Union Address. Article II (Executive Branch) section 3 (Duties of the President) of the Constitution states “He shall from time to time give to Congress information of the state of the Union…” I encourage you to watch at least the first 15 minutes of the speech. It is a grand opportunity to see the House chamber (the largest room in the Capitol) and the many dignitaries who will be in attendance. The television commentators do an exceptional job of identifying key people, their positions, and the role they play in the Administration. The State of the Union address is one of the highlights of the Congressional session.

Tivo time

PBS (channels 2, 36, and 44) is going to be running two shows you may be interested in saving for future viewing: “John and Abigail Adams: The Original Power Couple,” and a four-part series, “The Supreme Court.” The Adams story is two hours long and chronicles their life from the American Revolution until John’s death on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script). Both shows have extensive web sites that allow you to further explore your interests.