Way To Go!

Congratulations on successfully completing your mid-term exam. Those students who completed the study guide added significantly to their final scores. You persisted (habit of mind), you worked on accuracy (habit of mind), and you communicated with clarity (habit of mind). Great job!

Upon your return you will have the opportunity to reflect on the mid-term experience using a series of guided questions. This exercise will give you the guidance you need to modify your study habits in order to prepare for future performance assessments. In addition, you will be writing a letter to your parents/guardians updating them on your accomplishments to date and your future goals.

Constitutional Scavenger Hunt

To get us back to thinking about the Constitution, we will start the week by watching a clip from the State of the Union Address. The clip features the House chamber and members of all three branches of government. We will then proceed with a group activity where you will have a series of challenge questions focused on the Constitution. Working with the Constitution and partners you will try to solve the “what if” scenarios presented. Then we will turn to the Bill of Rights and look at how your rights are protected or limited in different high school settings. Our study will feature actual cases that were brought before the Supreme Court on behalf of students. In addition, we will also look at our own local Bill of Rights story that has unfolded at Portsmouth High School.

The Oscars Highlight History

Oscar nominations were recently announced and movies based on historical events once again received numerous nominations. “The Queen,” nominated for Best Movie, tells the story of the true life struggle between Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair as they prepare their country to mourn the death of Princess Diana. Clint Eastwood’s “Letters from Iwo Jima,” also nominated for Best Movie, is the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers. This film complements “Flags of Our Fathers,” which tells the same story from the perspective of American soldiers. Finally, Best Documentary nominations include “An Inconvenient Truth,” the story of global warming. Former Vice President Al Gore has been the moving force behind this movie and is the narrator.

Reminders

Current events will continue on Day 3. You should also return your portfolio to the classroom. The only item you need from the first semester portfolio is your Constitution outline.