American Govt./ Econ. Sep. 12-16

This week we will continue our examination of the Constitution by looking at how power is distributed between the three branches of government. We will discuss why there was an emphasis on the separation of powers & the idea of checks & balances. We will look closely at the qualifications, powers, & checks placed on the different branches. We will also continue to look at how early American history shaped the Constitution, as well as the inclusion of a Bill of Rights that was added to satisfy the Anti-Federalists as well as smaller states within the union.

JA 8 A Civics: Sep. 6-9

This week we will begin our investigation of the American government under the Articles of Confederation after the revolutionary war. We will discuss the problems that existed in the Articles & the reasons why they needed to be changed. As we look at the debates between the framers, we will investigate the reasons why the Articles constrained the national government's power; which basically made it inoperable. As the week progresses, we will discuss the arguments between the Federalists & the Anti-Federalists.

World History: Sep. 6-9

This week we will finish our exploration of Ancient Greece and then we will begin our investigation of Ancient Rome. Like the Greeks, the Romans had a major impact on the civilizations that followed. We will discuss the cultural, political, and several other advancements of Ancient Rome. We will begin by looking at the formation of the Roman Republic, & its eventual collapse into the Roman Empire.

American Govt./Econ: Sep. 6-9

This week we will begin our investigation of the U.S. Constitution & why it replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution is the foundation on which American government & society are based, and it effects our lives everyday. As the week progresses, we will break down each part of the document & examine the structure of our government within the three branches.

JA 8 A Civics: Aug. 29-Sep. 2

This week we continue our discussion of the English roots of American democracy & then we will examine some of the major events that played a role in the development of the American system of government. We will look at the causes & effects of the American Revolution, and we will look closely at the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration is one of the most important documents in history; and we will examine why.

Click on the link below to access the SAS Activity. The student username is away9details

NO PASSWORD REQUIRED!

http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/Launch?id=210

World History: Aug. 29- Sep. 2

This week we will begin our investigation into the ancient civilization of Greece. This is truly the birthplace of Western civilization. We will discuss how geography played a role in the development of culture, religion, and politics. We will examine the significant contributions made by the Greeks in philosophy, architecture, science, and the arts. Towards the end of the week we will examine the empire of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture through his conquests.

American Govt./ Econ. Aug. 29- Sep. 2

This week we will continue investigating the roots of American Democracy. This week we will focus on the unrest that existed in the English colonies & how it created the call for independence from the British. We will investigate how the colonists took "old" ideas from political thinkers such as Locke & Montesquieu to create what would become the foundations of American government. Later in the week we will focus on Thomas Paine's Common Sense (at left), & the Declaration of Independence, chiefly written by Thomas Jefferson (at right)!

Click on the link below to access the SAS Activity. Student username is away9details . No password is required for students:

http://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/Launch?id=616

JA 8 A Civics: Aug. 22-26

This week we will begin our investigation of the roots of American Democracy. We will examine our English heritage & how it has influenced our form of government. We will also discuss some of the history of the English colonies & the unrest that errupted into the American Revolution. We will discuss how the founders looked to the past for ideas about how to govern. Much of this material will hopefully be review from prior Social Studies classes.

World History: Aug. 22-26

This week we will finish up our investigation of ancient Egypt by looking at its culture, religion, and achievements. Remember that your Ch. 2 Packet is due on Monday this week! Then we will begin to look at people and ideas on the move. Emphasis will be placed on how trade routes helped shape culture, language, religion and politics in the Ancient World. We will examine the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. We will examine the similarities and differences of the religions and how they changed over time. We will also investigate Indo-Europeans and seafaring traders.

American Govt./ Econ. Aug. 22-26

This week we will continue examining the role of government in our lives before moving on to the origins and foundations of the American system of government. We will examine the people & events that influenced what our government looks like to this day. Emphasis will be placed on the events surrounding the American Revolution; as well as the key figures involved in the major historical event.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!

Welcome back to returning & new students! As we head into an exciting new school year, be sure to check my block for class updates, links, & other information throughout the school year. Remember, you can always leave comments if you have any questions about due dates or other concerns at any time. There are several helpful links to important websites like Mygradebook & Renaissance (AR Reading). Let's work together & make this our best year yet!

All Classes: May 31-June 2

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 London Bridge Resort for our Awards Assembly at 7:30 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity to support your fellow classmates! Finally, our graduation ceremony will be at 7:00 PM, also at the London Bridge Resort. Come out & celebrate graduation day! I wish all of my students & their families a safe & relaxing summer!

ATTENTION ALL CLASSES!

*-This Friday, May 27 is the deadline for AR! If you do not reach 100% of your AR goal by Friday, your grade will be reduced by 10%!

*-Elective class forms are due to Mr. Dornton by Tuesday, May 24! If you do not turn in your form, you will have no voice in your electives for next year!

JA 8 B Civics: May 23-27

This week we will continue our investigation of the American economy. We will discuss the concepts of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, & the circular flow model of economic activity. Students will also have class time to work on their final product proposal projects. Finally, we will investigate the significance of personal responsibility in making economic decisions & how to manage personal finances.