Monday, May 28, 2012

ALL CLASSES: May 28-31



We have finally made it to the last week of school! This has been a wonderful year of growth and achievement on a number of levels. This week we will discuss how far we have come, & where we are headed. I plan on discussing current events in relation to our classes to wrap up the school year. Just because it is the last week, do not think we will not have something to do. If you have not done so already, you will need to turn your textbooks in to me ASAP! Another reminder of note, Thursday all students are expected to be at the Aquatic Center for our Awards Assembly at 7:30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to show great character and support your fellow classmates. Finally, our graduation ceremony will be at 7:00 PM, at the London Bridge Resort. Come out & celebrate graduation day! I wish all of my students & their families a safe & relaxing summer!

Friday, May 18, 2012

JA 8 B Civics: May 21-25

This week students will be introduced to some of the fundamental concepts in Economics. First, we will discuss why economics are such a huge part of our daily lives, and how government and economics are tied together. We will investigate the different types of economic systems, along with how we make economic decisions every day! We will discuss wants vs. needs & the concept of scarcity as well.

Street Law: May 21-25

This week we will be concluding our final unit by investigating discrimination & the impact of some legal decisions that have changed the law. We will discuss racial, sexual, consumer, & housing discrimination. We will also discuss how disabled & elderly have fought for rights that they were entitled to. Finally, we will discuss rights & responsibilities in the workplace.


US History: May 21-25

This week we will continue looking at the post-WWII world by looking at some of the major events of the Cold War era, including the rise of communism in China, Korea, & Vietnam. We will look at the role the United States played in trying to contain communism, & the eventual wars that erupted. We will discuss the fall of the Berlin Wall & the end of the Cold War era as well. Finally, we will investigate the rise of terrorism & its effects on the United States and the rest of the world.

Friday, May 11, 2012

JA 8 B Civics: May 14-18

This week we will continue our investigation of the US legal system by discussing the similarities and differences between the adult and juvenile courts. We will break down the process from arrest to sentencing. We will also investigate the importance of Jury Duty Service the role that everyday people play in our system of justice. Also, this week the class will get the chance to play jury as we watch some interactive court case films.

Street Law: May 14-18


This week we will begin our final unit of the year! We will begin discussing Individual Rights & Liberties. The focus of this unit is on Constitutional Law & we will be examining some Supreme Court cases throughout the rest of the year, along with some specific research on the Bill of Rights & issues throughout our history that have caused changes in the interpretation of our laws.

US History: May 14-18


This week we will finish our investigation of WWII, then we will begin discussing the post-war world. We will investigate the Yalta Conference and the division of Germany; a major event leading to the beginning of the Cold War. We will discuss the early years of the Cold War as well as the anxiety created by the possible use of atomic and nuclear bombs. We will discuss the emergence of the United States & the Soviet Union as superpowers, and how their influence shaped global politics for years to come.

Friday, May 4, 2012

JA 8 B Civics: May 7-11

This week we will continue our investigation of the U.S. legal system. We will discuss our legal rights & responsibilities, as well as the history of how our laws developed. We will discuss the similarities & differences between civil & criminal law, as well as the steps of the trial process. We have about 3 weeks left in the semester, but still much to do. STAY FOCUSED!

Street Law: May 7-11

This week we will continue our investigation of the Family Law Unit. We will be examining legal aspects of wills and how they can affect families. We will also continue examining the legal responsibilities involved in marriage and divorce. We will also investigate the legal issues involved in adoption and legal guardianship. We have about 3 weeks left in the semester, but still much to do. STAY FOCUSED!


US History: May 7-11

This week we will continue our investigation of WWII by discussing some of the turning points in WWII for the Allies. We will discuss the D-Day invasion to liberate Europe from the Nazis, the Soviet invasion of Berlin from the East, & we will discuss the brutal Pacific theatre that looked like it had no end in sight, until the most secret weapon of the war was used not once, but twice. We will discuss the "causes & consequences" of the use of atomic bombs on Japan. Although it put an end to the war, it also created an entire new age: The Cold War. We have about 3 weeks left in the semester, but still much to do. STAY FOCUSED!