Finally, a cool day! Thanks to all parents who attended Back-to-School-Night. If you were unable to attend, feel free to call me at extension 3118 or email me at SBertilak@aol.com if you have any questions.

US History
1. Students used the maps in their textbooks to answer a series of questions about physical features of the United States. They then drew and labeled these features on a blank map of their own. Many students finished the map and question sheet during class; it is due during the block period next week (Tuesday, October 1 for 4th period; Wednesday, October 2 for 3rd period).
2. I handed out a textbook assignment entitled "Washington and the Government." This assignment is also due during the block period. I will give an open note reading quiz on this assignment either during the block period, or on Thursday, October 3rd. Make sure your answers are clear and complete, so they will be useful to you as you take the quiz!

World Civilizations
1. We finished the watching the video on Versailles. We had interesting discussions about the sanitary habits of the French nobility of the 17th century.
2. We reviewed the assignment on "Louis XIV: the Sun King."
3. I gave a brief lecture European governments during the 17th century.
4. The textbook assignment entitled "Revolution Threatens the French King," which students received yesterday, is due during the block period next week (Tuesday, October 1 for 6th period; Wednesday, October 2 for 5th and 7th periods).

Don't forget Back-to-School-Night! First period classes begin at 7:00 pm.

US History
1. We took our unit test on the founding of the nation and the Constitution.
2. Students handed in a notebook packet that included four assignments (Building Colonial America, Winning the War, Federation to Constitution, and a worksheet on the Bill of Rights).
3. Homework: I handed out a current event article on the recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. Students should read this tonight and be prepared to discuss it tomorrow.

World Civilizations1. We began a new unit -- The French Revolution. I stamped the homework entitled "Louis XIV: The Sun King."
2. Homework: I handed out a textbook assignment entitled "Revolution Threatens the French King." This is due during the block period next week, either Tuesday, October 1 or Wednesday, October 3.
3. We watched the first part of a short video on the building of Versailles.
4. Students who missed our unit test yesterday should see me immediately to arrange a makeup.

Reminder: Back-to-School-Night is Thursday, September 26!! Please ask your parents to come -- I'm looking forward to meeting them!

Block periods -- Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25:

US History
1. We "debriefed" our Constitutional Convention activity. The solution reached by the real Convention is known as the 3/5 Compromise. This activity emphasized the differences between the Northern and Southern colonies, differences that were not resolved until the Civil War.
2. Students used the US Constitution as a resource to fill out two worksheets, one on the main body of the Constitution and one on the Bill of Rights. We reviewed the answers for accuracy.
3. We played bingo to review for the unit test, which will take place on Thursday, September 26!!
4. Homework: study for the test!

World Civilizations
1. Students took the test on our first unit, Foundations of Government and the Rise of Democracy.
2. I collected a packet of work from students' notebooks. This packet included 4 textbook assignments (Greece and Rome; Renaissance and Reformation; Democratic Developments in England; Enlightenment) and two charts (Philosophers; Types of Government).
3. I handed out the first assignment of our new unit: The Sun King -- Louis XIV. Students had time to work on this in class; it's due on Thursday, September 26. Students should place a new divider in their notebooks for this new unit -- The French Revolution.

The start of another warm week...

US History
1. I returned several assignments. The letters students wrote about the Boston Massacre were particularly good - I really enjoyed reading them.
2. We held a Constitutional Convention. Our goal was to agree on a plan for apportioning representatives to the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, we did not manage to agree upon a plan...tomorrow we'll discuss the plan that the real Convention adopted.
3. No homework. Our test is Thursday.

World Civilizations
1. I returned the quiz on philosophers and types of government.
2. I stamped two homework assignments: textbook questions on the Enlightenment and Review Sheet Part 3.
3. We reviewed for the upcoming test by playing Bingo.
4. The unit test is tomorrow!

Classes for Thursday, September 19:

US History
1. We reviewed our notes on "Liberty," which dealt with the fighting of the war and the battle of Yorktown.
2. Students received a textbook assignment entitled "From Federation to Constitution," due on Friday, September 20.
3. We discussed the revolutionary nature of the Revolution -- what things changed and what things stayed the same. I introduced "traditionalist" and "revisionist" views of the Revolution, as well as a compromise view.


World Civilizations
1. We reviewed our notes on Queen Elizabeth I.
2. We finished our review of the homework assignment entitled "Democratic Developments in England," and I showed some slides on the English Civil War.
3. We began to review for the test on this unit, which will be given (optimistically) during the block period next week. I handed out the "Overview of Western Civilization" review sheet, parts 1 and 2. These are due Friday, September 20. Students were given time in class to begin filling in these sheets. All needed information should be in your notebooks! If you can't find what you need, this is an indication that there are gaps in your notes, or that you need to get your materials in order! If you are having organizational problems with your notebook, see me at lunch or tutorial for help!

Classes for Friday, September 20

US History
1. We reviewed the homework assignment "From Federation to Constitution."
2. I collected two assignments, the map of the colonies and the chart showing events leading to the Revolution. Since the first quarter progress report period ends on September 27 (end of next week!), I decided to collect these assignments before the end of the unit, so that students would have a chance to accumulate a few more points before progress report grades are calculated. I will return these on Monday, so that students will be able to use them in studying for the unit test, which will be given next week (Thursday?). I will also return the quiz students took on Monday, September 16 (Toward Revolution)...anyone who hasn't taken this quiz should see me immeidiately! Remember that I will collect a selection of materials from your notebook after the test...get your notebook in order. If you're having trouble with this, see me for help!
3. We discussed the divisions among the delegates to the Second Continental Congress, and how some of these differences were resolved.
4. Students filled out a questionnaire designed to discover whether they were Federalists or Republicans!
5. No homework.

World Civilizations
1. We went over parts 1 and 2 of the review sheet on Western Civilization.
2. I reminded students that the unit test will be given during the block period next week (either Tuesday, September 24 or Wednesday, September 25). I will collect notebook packets after the test...get your notebook in order!
3. I handed out lecture notes on the Renaissance and Reformation. These are difficult topics, and it was abominably hot in room 118...even so, students are responsible for the information in these notes.
4. We briefly reviewed the homework assignment entitled "Renaissance and Reformation."
5. I handed out two assignments: a short textbook reading guide on the Enlightenment, and part 3 of the review sheets on Western Civilization. Both assignments are due Monday, September 23.

Block periods: Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18
Reminder: Tutorial period is now on Wednesdays, from 9:00 to 9:30...please come in to get help or to make up work!

US History
1. We reviewed Hamilton's comments on the Articles of Confederation...I suggested a technique for identifying important concepts in this type of material (dense, old-fashioned style, etc.).
2. I stamped the homework assignment entitled "Winning the War," and we reviewed the answers.
3. Students watched part of the excellent video series "Liberty," and took notes.
4. No homework!

World Civilizations
1. I returned students' papers on the political cartoon entitled "Back to School #3." I showed students samples of full-credit responses. Students who are still a bit uncertain about how to approach political cartoons should see me during tutorial (or make an appointment with me) -- we will be doing more of these during the coming year!
2. I stamped the homework entitled "Democratic Devleopments in England." We reivewed the first half of this.
3. I gave a quick overview of the wives of Henry VII, and we watched the A&E biography on Queen Elizabeth I.
4. No homework. Reminder...those who missed the quiz on philosophers and types of government should take it in tutorial on Wednesday, September 18. Those who received a score of less than 12 (out of 19) may retake for a better score!

US History
1. Students took an open-note quiz on the colonies and the events leading up to the American Revolution.
2. We watched an informational video on the Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C. This year's trip will take place during the week of February 9, 2003. If you think you would like to go on this very educational and enjoyable trip, contact Mr. Johansen in room 113.
3. I handed out two homework assignments, both due during the block period this week (Tuesday for 4th period; Wednesday for 3rd period):
a. Questions on pages 67 - 70 in the textbook -- "Winning the War."
b. Reading with questions -- The Articles of Confederation.
4. I handed back students' writing on the political cartoon entitled "Back to School #3." I also handed out a sample sheet so students could see examples of full-credit answers.

World Civilizations
1. Grades were posted for the quiz students took on Friday, September 13. Students who missed this quiz should make it up no later than tutorial period on Wednesday, September 18. Students who received a grade lower than 12 out of 19 points may retake the quiz at this same tutorial period.
2. Students took lecture notes on the Middle Ages.
3. I handed out a homework assignment due during the block period this week (Tuesday for 6th period, Wednesday for 5th and 7th periods): Questions on textbook pages 17-21, "Democratic Developments in England."
4. I handed out a timeline showing the major periods of Western European history through the French Revolution.

Happy Friday!

US History
1. Students handed in the "letters" they wrote about the Boston Massacre. We looked at two different prints illustrating this event.
2. This class focused on the Declaration of Independence. Students compared a series of political statements with the text of the Declaration. I followed up with a lecture on Jefferson's expression of Locke's idea of natural rights.
3. Quiz Monday, September 16! This quiz covers basic facts about the colonies (regionalism), the events leading up to the revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

World Civilizations
1. Students had some time to review in class, then took a quiz on political philosophers and types of government.
2. Homework due Monday, September 16: "Renaissance and Reformation."

Don't forget the "Welcome Back" assembly tomorrow, Friday, right after 4th period! Go to the football field, and sit with your class. Juniors and sophomores sit on the visitors side of the field.

US History
1. We reviewed the events leading up to the Revolution.
2. We read a short handout on the Boston Massacre. Students are taking on the role of either a colonist or a British soldier, and writing a letter of protest about the incident. The body of the letter should be in the form of a persuasive paragraph, and should begin with a strong topic sentence. These are due Friday, September 13.

World Civilizations
1. We reviewed the chart entitled "Types of Government," which the students had completed as homework.
2. Students took a practice quiz on poitical philosophers and types of government. This was a wakeup call for tomorrow's quiz!!
3. I handed out a homework assignment on the "Renaissance and Reformation." This is due Monday, September 16.

Block Periods: Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11
It's been really warm in the classroom...and we have a continuing problem with random fire drills. Nevertheless, we managed to carry on.

US History
1. We began with a couple of political cartoons; we did a 3-step writeup on a cartoon about Internet usage in schools ("Back to School #3"). I collected these.
2. Students filled in a chart on significant events leading to the American Revolution. I stamped this chart and we reviewed it together.
3. I returned two student assignments: the 200-word opinion paragraph and the quiz on the textbook section entitled "Three Worlds Meet." We discussed students' performance on these assignments. Grade printouts are now posted in front of the classs.

World Civilizations
1. I stamped and reviewed the chart on political philosophers and the accompanying homework assignment.
2. We completed a chart comparing autocracies and democracies. This was followed by a short lecture on characteristics of democratic societies.
3. We took a break, then analyzed two political cartoons. Students wrote a 3-step analysis of the second cartoon, about Internet usage in schools ("Back to School #3"). I collected these.
4. Students were given a sheet listing traits of various political systems. Using this sheet as a reference, they tried to fill out a chart comparing types of government (oligarchy, military dictatorship, monarchy, etc.) These charts are due on Thursday, September 12.

US History
1. If you were absent on Friday, September 6th, please arrange to make up the reading quiz "Three Worlds Meet" as soon as possible...lunch is usually a good time, and after school is fine, too. If you don't have a first period class, and you are able to arrive at school during first period, I'm also available then. See me immediately to make an appointment!
2. In class, I stamped "Building Colonial America." We reviewed the assignment together.
3. I lectured ever-so-briefly on the beginnings of colonial America. Remember to paraphrase the lecture notes--try not to copy them word-for-word!
4. Tomorrow, I'll return your 200-word paragraphs and the reading quiz, and we'll go over them in class.
5. No homework.

World Civilizations
1. We finished the reading on the philosophers, and filled in a chart comparing their ideas about human nature and government. Fifth period finished this chart in class; sixth and seventh periods are finishing it as homework.
2. Homework due Tuesday or Wednesday, September 10 or 11: Philosopher's Statements. Read the statements and your notes to identify the philosopher who might have made that statement; explain your answer.
3. We began a reading on the characteristics of autocracy and democracy. We'll finish this and complete a chart on it during the block schedule days.

US History
1. We took our first open-note reading quiz, on the section entitled "Three Worlds Meet."
2. I stamped students' maps of the colonies. We corrected the maps and reviewed the information the students recorded on the back. This map, and the information about the colonies that students collected, was designed to show the economic, social and political differences between the colonial regions, and the sectionalism that resulted.
3. Homework due Monday, September 9: questions on the textbook section entitled "Building Colonial America," pages 38-41.

World Civilizations
1. We finished the homework review/lecture on "The Legacy of the Greeks and Romans."
2. We did a three-step analysis of a political cartoon about year-round schooling. We completed steps one and two together orally, then students wrote a paragraph for step three (Back to School #2); this paragraph should be in the notebook in the current events section.
3. I reminded students about the Survivor acitivity, and the decisions they had to make about human nature and government when constructing a society from scratch. We began reading a handout on prominent political philosophers and their ideas of human nature and government. We practiced reading actively, with a pen/pencil or highlighter at the ready. We looked for short, essential phrases to underline or highlight.
No weekend homework!

As always during the first weeks of school, some students have had to switch sections, drop/add classes, etc. If you missed any classes, please see me to be sure that you have all handouts and assignments! I do not have a first period class, and I'm usually in my room during first period. I'm often in my room during lunch period, and I'm available after school and during tutorial on Wednesdays.

I'll post grade printouts early next week...oh, joy!!

US History
1. I stamped students' outlines of the textbook section entitled "Three Worlds Meet." I displayed my notes (in outline form) on the overhead projector, and students compared their notes with mine. Remember, I do not require strict outline format...only that students use the headings and subheadings in the chapter to organize their notes. The best approach is to begin by looking over the text section, reading all the headings and subheadings, and noting any maps, graphs, bold-faced or italicized terms, etc. Then, go back and actually read the section. Finally, create your outline.
2. Quiz on this section (Three Worlds Meet) is Friday, September 6 -- this is an open note quiz; since we've reviewed the notes together, everyone should get a good score!
3. We analyzed a political cartoon about year-round schooling, using the three-step method. We did steps one and two of the analysis orally, then students wrote step three in their notebooks. We called this "Back to School #2" and placed it in the current events section of our notebooks.
4. I started a lecture entitled "The Founding of the United States." We'll continue with this on Friday.
5. Homework due Monday, September 9 : I handed out a half-sheet of questions on pages 38 - 41, "Building Colonial America." Remember to use complete sentences when answering the questions.
6. Maps of the colonies are due Friday, September 6.

World Civilizations
1. We discussed yesterday's group activity (Survivors). This activity was about politics, and dealt with some of the basic issues of political philosophy that all societies must answer. Students wrote a paragraph about the activity and placed it in the student writing section of their notebooks.
2. I stamped the homework assignment "Legacy of Ancient Greece and Rome." A quick review of homework procedures: On the date that homework is due, students who have made a good-faith effort to answer all the questions receive a stamp. I then review the homework with the class, usually using the overhead to display the homework answers and any additional notes I want the students to add to their own papers. During this review, students should correct their answers, and take notes on any additional material presented during the review. Students may copy the overhead notes if they wish, but they are strongly encouraged to paraphrase the notes in their own words. When this assignment is collected and scored, I will check the accuracy of answers, and I will also check to see whether the additional material presented during the homework review has been added to the student's notes. Students whose work is complete, accurate and stamped get full credit.
3. During 6th period, we had a long fire drill. It really was a beautiful afternoon...however, the 6th period class didn't finish the homework review. We'll finish this tomorrow.
4. No assignments due Friday, September 6th.

Tuesday, September 3/Wednesday, September 4 (block periods)

US History
1. Lecture Notes: US History Review Timeline
2. Get textbooks from bookroom.
3. First outline/open-note quiz assignment. Students will outline Chapter 2, section 2 of the textbook (Three Worlds Meet). I have also outlined this section, and on Thursday, September 5, we will compare outlines. Students will take the open-note quiz on Thursday or Friday of this week.
4. We started on a map of the colonies, which is due on Friday, September 6.

World Civilizations
1. Finish lecture notes comparing "olden days" and the present day. What types of things have changed? How and why did our society experience such fundamental changes?
2. Get textbooks from bookroom.
3. First textbook assignment: Legacy of Ancient Greece and Rome, due Thursday, September 5.
4. Group activity: Survivor. If you had to create a society from scratch, how would you organize it? What kinds of rules would you have? Each group of marooned shipmates will submit a rulebook at the end of the period.

The first three days of school! Room 118 was uncomfortably warm, but we managed to get a good start. Block periods begin Tuesday, September 3rd! Even numbered periods meet on Tuesday. Odd numbered periods meet on Wednesday.

US History
Wednesday, August 28 Course outlines, assignment sheets and student information sheets were distributed. Items due back to me on Friday, August 30: Student information sheet, signed by parent or guardian (5 points) and a 3-ring binder with dividers and blank paper (5 points). I handed out the sheet entitled "Categorizing Events in History," which was due on Thursday, August 29.
Thursday, August 29 Stamped and reviewed "Categorizing Events in History." Handed out sheet entitled "Making Sense of Political Cartoons." We learned the three-step method for analyzing a political cartoon. Together, we read a recent article on trends in education, then looked at some cartoons on the same topic. Students wrote a three-step analysis of a cartoon (Back to School 1).
Friday, August 30 Students were placed in groups. Each student received a sheet entitled "US History Discussion Questions." Students recorded their individual responses to each question, and made notes about opposing views. Each student selected one question to write a paragraph about. This paragraph should be about two hundred words, typed or word processed. It should contain clear topic sentence and must present explanation, arguments and examples in support of your position. It must also present and refute the opposing view. Due on Tuesday (4th period) or Wednesday (3rd period).

World Civilizations
Wednesday, August 28 Course outlines, assignment sheets and student information sheets were distributed. Items due back to me on Friday, August 30: Student information sheet signed by parent or guardian (5 points) and 3-ring binder with paper and dividers (5 points). We read the story "The Maligned Wolf," and discussed the problem of perspective in history.
Thursday, August 29 I handed out the sheet "Making Sense of Political Cartoons." Students learned the three-step method of analyzing political cartoons. Together, we read a recent article on trends in education, then looked at a couple of cartoons on this same subject. Students wrote a three-step analysis of one cartoon (Back to School 1).
Friday, August 30 I read a series of political value statements and student responded by moving toward the "totally agree" or "totally disagree" signs posted on opposite sides of the room. I began an introductory lecture on differences between the "olden days" and the present day. Students were given a sheet with a T-chart to record their notes. We'll finish this lecture next week.