March 8-March 12

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I spent the weekend with friends I have known almost 25 years. We all got to know each other when we attended U.C. Davis. Now we are all married and have children so it is always a noisy, crazy weekend. One family I only really see twice a year, once for this ski trip and then once in the summer when we have an even larger group get together. Despite only seeing them twice a year, it is always great to see them, almost like seeing family. The kids are all getting older and I enjoy watching them grow up. When we get together, it always occurs to me that it takes a community to raise a family. I know that sounds corny, but it is true. We rely on one another to keep an eye on the kids. When I was skiing, I wasn’t just watching Max, I was watching all of the kids. When we were all at the cabin, I didn’t have to worry too much about Sofi as I knew that the other kids were watching her as well. Raising children is difficult enough but on your own it’s nearly impossible.

As I’ve said before, my idea of family has expanded beyond my immediate family and encompasses my family here at school, which necessarily includes all of you. So, as we continue moving forward throughout this year, keep in mind that we are a family. It is one of the things the DSA is most successful at — creating a community at school. We provide a home away from home for many of you. You know that you can come here and be safe. You know that you are surrounded by supportive and caring teachers and students. You know that we are here to help. It is not just the teachers — it is the other students as well. So, keep an eye on each other. Rely on one another. Be there for each other.

Last week in History, we finished our study of the Industrial Revolution. We looked at the Progressive movement and the role of muckrakers in our society. We finished the week by looking at political cartoons from the Progressive era. This week we will be moving on to the economic boom of the 1920s, focusing on the impact of consumerism on our society.

In Government, we examined the events leading to the desire to be independent. We studied our first attempt to create a government, the Articles of Confederation, and some of the weaknesses of that government. We will continue the study of the Constitutional Convention and the ratification of our current Constitution.

Tests

U.S. History — 3/11

U.S. Government — 3/11

Homework

U.S. History

3/9 — Immigration Quote Journal & One Pager (see previous blog post for details)

3/10 — Ch. 9 sect. 3 guided reading

3/11 — Ch. 7 sect. 2 #1-4 or study guide

Ch. 9 sect. 1 #1-4

sect. 3 #1-3

3/15 — What Ford Hath Wrought

3/16 — 1920s Ad Analysis & Advertisement

U.S. Government

3/9 — Coming Revolt of the Guard Quote Journal and Written Reflection (for details see previous post)

3/10 — Ch. 3 sect 1 guided reading

3/11 — Ch. 2 sect. 2 #1,3,5,6 or Study guide

sect. 3 #3-5, 7

sect. 5 #1-2, 5

Ch. 3 sect. 1 #1-6

3/15 — Separation of Powers