Week #10: St. Michaels, Maryland

Girls' Weekend 2012 - St. Michaels, MD

Welcome home from Catalina!   While you students were enjoying your time at Junior/Senior Retreat I have been visiting my East Coast girlfriends.  This year we rented a beach house in St. Michaels, Maryland, right on the water.  Since this is APUSH, I thought that for this blog post I would give you a little bit of history about the town of St. Michaels.

                "In 1677 an Episcopal Parish was established on the banks of the Miles River and named    after Saint Michael the Archangel. From its early days as a shipbuilding town through its twentieth century transformation into a tourist and sailing haven, St. Michaels and its citizens have maintained a way of life that is renowned for its beauty, tranquility and craftsmanship."

             "The town, as surveyed in 1804, was laid out in three squares. St. Mary's Square today is the site of a museum bearing its name which is a must-see for any visitor interested in the history of St. Michaels. Among the beautiful historic homes that border St. Mary's Square is one of the most recognizable structures in the area, a private home known since the War of 1812 as The Cannonball House."

Cannonball House

          "Early on the morning of August 10, 1813, a number of British barges sailed up the Miles River intending to shell the town and its harbor fort. The citizens of St. Michaels, having been warned in advance of the planned attack, had evacuated most of the women, children, livestock and valuable possessions to an area outside of town known as 'Onion Hill'. Brigadier General Perry Benson, commanding officer of the Talbot County militia, ordered lanterns placed in treetops just outside of the town and all other lights in the town extinguished, thereby creating the first military blackout on record. When the British marines aimed their cannon fire to the lights, they overshot the town. Only one dwelling was hit, a brick house near the harbor now known as "The Cannonball House." This successful defense caused St. Michaels to be thereafter known as "The Town That Fooled The British." The British record conceded that two of its members were wounded during their brief invasion, while the Republican-Star published in Easton the next week states that the British suffered twenty-nine casualties. There were no American losses and little damage to the town from the British shelling."

                               [Information excerpted from  http://www.townofstmichaels.com/history.shtml]

This week--in Chapter 10--we will continue to look at the growth of the new United States after the ratification of the Constitution.  In just a couple of weeks we will be covering the War of 1812, considering how it may have been "the Second War for Independence." 

This Week's Question:  What was the best vacation trip you've ever been on?  What made that particular trip so special?

Week #9: Stamp Act Boycotts

The Stamp Act Simulation we did earlier this week seemed to go really well!  Thank you for participating and paying your taxes!  I think that all the American History students have a much clearer understanding now of the colonial perspective on measures, like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Duties, that Parliament thought would be practical revenue-generating tools.  We have also seen how effective the colonists' boycotts of British goods were in expressing their displeasure with Parliament's actions which resulted in many of the duties being repealed.

This week we've finished up the American Revolution, taken the Unit #2 Test and written a DBQ (document-based questions) essay.  We'll cap off the week with a Movie Party on Friday night at 7 pm to view The Patriot for extra credit.  Unit #3 starts next week with an extra class session on Monday, September 17, 2012.  In this unit we'll explore the challenges the new nation of America faced once the Revolution was over and independence was achieved. 

This Week's Questions:  Think about the way the colonists' protested the taxes imposed on them by choosing NOT to purchase finished goods and other materials from Britain.  Now, considering the current unrest in Egypt and Libya, do you think that  a boycott of Middle Eastern oil would be a good way to respond to the attacks on American embassies?  Would most Americans participate or not?  What would change in YOUR life if an oil boycott pushed the price of gasoline in San Diego up to $6.50 or $7.00 per gallon?  Would you be willing to suffer in order to send a message?

Week # 8: Tea and Taxes

I hope you enjoyed drinking Earl Grey tea on Friday during our discussion of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and other events that pushed the American Colonies to declare their independence from Britain.  It's an interesting exercise to play "What if...?" and think about whether or not the Revolution was actually inevitable or which side we would have favored if we were alive at that time.  Personally, while I can definitely understand the colonists' frustration with the taxing measures of Parliament, and even their deep-seated Whig suspicion of government officials, I'm not 100% sure that I would have been able to join John Adams and George Washington as patriots and rebel against the mother country.  Those who made that choice had A LOT to lose and were facing very low odds of success!

It's also interesting to see how much of our "national personality" was formed during the colonial period, and how issues that rankled with Americans over 200 years ago are still being discussed today.   Even though so much about our world has changed in the intervening years, human nature and human desires still remain the same!

This week we'll look at the Revolutionary War itself and learn why it was crucial and logical that George Washington be asked to lead the American troops into battle.  We'll evaluate the British strategy during the war and analyze the various factors that worked for and against both sides in the conflict.  However, we WON'T be actually firing guns or blowing anything up in class, sorry!  It is time to plan another MOVIE PARTY to watch The Patriot for extra credit and study for the Unit #2 TEST coming next week, which covers Chapters 6, 7, & 8. 

This Week's Question:  Can you think of an issue that bothered the American colonists between 1763 and 1776 that still comes up for discussion and debate today? Try to think about politics during that last few years and/or the current presidential race.  Give examples to back up your statement(s).

Scholarship Opportunity!

I received this e-mail message today and wanted to pass it on to the class:

The First Freedom Center announces the 20^th annual First Freedom Student Competition. This national essay and video contest offers 9^th – 12^th grade students an opportunity to compete for $2,500 awards as they examine the First Amendment and the history and implementation of freedom of religion and conscience in American democracy and the world today. Students then present their evaluation in written essay or video format.
This year's topic introduces students to George Washington's famous Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island of 1790, where he addresses a new standard for religious freedom and religious equality for citizens of the young nation. Students will identify the basic principles of religious liberty espoused in this primary document and will research and assess how well the United States has lived up to Washington's ideal. For the complete topic, essay and video guidelines, registration, classroom poster, student flyer and other details, visit www.firstfreedom.org, and click on the red First Freedom Student Competition button (center column).

Students must register online on or before Monday, November 12, 2012, and the postmark deadline for mailing the essay or video with its accompanying entry materials is Monday, November 26, 2012. Winners will be announced on Thomas Jefferson's birthday, April 13, 2013.

We look forward to your students' participation in the First Freedom Student Competition!
[And to learn more about George Washington's Letter to the Hebrew Congregation and religious freedom, visit www.gwirf.org and, if possible, visit the Loeb Visitors Center (www.loebtouro.org) at the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site in Newport, Rhode Island. For more information and/or to plan a visit, please see www.tourosynagogue.org.]

Sincerely,
Ambassador (ret.) Randolph Bell
President

Christopher L. Payton
Vice President

Sandra M. Poulsen
Outreach Programs Coordinator

First Freedom Center
1321 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804.643.1786 phone
804.644.5024 faxcompetition@firstfreedom.orgVisit us online at: www.firstfreedom.org

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Week #7: Breathe!

That's right...stop, and take a deep breath!  Let's take a minute to appreciate some of the things we've accomplished in class recently:  You took the first Unit Test...and everyone did really well!  I'm very pleased with the scores.  We are just about finished with the first DBQ essay (or partial essay anyways--training wheels, remember??).  And, we met for the first Extra Credit Movie Party...which was really fun!  The good news is that all of the strategies that helped you be successful in the first 6 weeks of class will continue to help you succeed for the rest of the year.  So, like the shampoo bottle says, "Lather, rinse, and repeat!" Or, in other words, keep up the good work--we're off to a terrific start.

This dog stops to smell the roses!

This week we will head into the 1750s to fight the French & Indian War before starting on the Road to Revolution for the American colonies.  We also have a night class on Monday night from 6 - 9 p.m. in Room 108.  Snacks will be provided and I'm looking forward to covering a lot of ground. 

This Week's Question: What is something you have learned to do well without formal teaching?  How did you learn it?  (this could be a sport, hobby, musical instrument, etc.)

Week #6: Colonial Wisdom

In Chapter 5, we learned in the American Pageant that Benjamin Franklin was a very influential writer during the mid-1700's.  Here are a few quotes attributed to Franklin; see how many you recognize and have heard before:

A penny saved is a penny earned.

A place for everything, everything in its place.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.

Honesty is the best policy.

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. 

It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.

There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self.

Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

                                                              Quotes found at Brainy Quotes website.**

This week we will conclude our study of the North American colonies and their founding.  We need to complete the Colonial Comparison Chart and discuss the 2 book excerpts that you've read.  Wednesday (8/22) will be the Unit #1 TEST, both multiple-choice questions and an essay.  Now that you have an understanding of what was going on in British North America between 1607 and 1750, we'll cover the French and Indian War and the Colonies' Path to Independence in Unit #2.  Hopefully, the transition into the regular school year went smoothly last week and you are starting to get back into the daily routine.  Keep on top of class assignments and don't forget to get the details about this weekend's Movie Party in order to watch The Crucible for extra credit!

**Want to lean more about Ben Franklin's inventions and life?  Check out this website!

This Week's Question:  Why do you think so many of Franklin's quotes are still in use today?  Which one do you like the most?  Do you have any other favorite quotes?

Week #5: Regular Classes Start!!

So the summer is officially over and we're starting the REAL school year....WELCOME!  I really believe it's going to be a GREAT year in APUSH class!  People on campus are already saying good things about our class...especially how fun it was that we had class on a boat last week!  It's also pretty cool that while everyone else is just handing out syllabi and getting started today, we've already gotten through 4 chapters of work.  Remember, each AP class you take is like earning approximately $5,000 towards your college fund.  Break that down for each week of class and you get $125 per week--$500 already!--going into that little piggy bank in an iCloud somewhere until you're ready to go to college. Good job!! 


Homework assignments count "for real" beginning this week, although there will still be regular opportunities to earn extra credit.  The best advice I can give you for homework is this:  Stay on schedule and DON'T GET BEHIND because you are procrastinating!  Remember this class is not a sprint, it's a marathon.  Getting behind is like suddenly putting both of your feet down on a moving treadmill instead of running--picture what would happen at that moment!  Not good!  Don't hesitate to come and talk to me if you have questions about any of the homework questions.  I will also review your answers and give you feedback IF you bring me a draft a few days BEFORE the due date. 

Stay up to date by checking the website and don't forget to answer the weekly blog question!

This Week's Question:  What should every teacher know about you??

Class #4: A Three-Hour Tour or Smooth Sailing?

The first-ever APUSH Class at Sea was a great success!!  The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and and a few of the marine animals were out playing.  I was a little worried that we might get sea sick, or that it would be difficult to conduct class in strong winds, but God provided some of the calmest sea conditions our captain had ever experienced and the students were super-attentive.  Here's the first edit of some video footage from the trip...more polished versions on the way!

This week's Question: Now that you've been sailing, what do you think would have been the hardest part of being a colonist bound for the new British colonies during the 1600's?  Which colony or region in North America would YOU have chosen to head for...and WHY?

APUSH Sailing Trip!

Photo taken from Capt. Bob Olson's boat.

Greetings!
     I am in Palm Springs for a couple days, having one last mini-vacation before Teacher Work Week starts on Monday.  Just want to let you know that our Sailing Trip is definitely ON for next Tuesday!  I went down to Oceanside Harbor yesterday and met the captain of the boat we'll be taking.  He thinks it's pretty cool that a school class is going sailing...and he likes History, too, so we hit it off well. :) 

     The plan is to meet at school at 4:00 p.m. on August 7.  We'll drive together to Oceanside Harbor (my husband will be coming along as an extra pair of hands & driver).  Then we'll board the sailboat and get underway, enjoying the views and doing some of the things we'd do in a regular class.  We'll sail for 2 - 3 hours depending on how everybody is doing, then make a dinner run by In-N-Out before returning to TCCS for a wrap-up time. 

Here's what I need you to do before Tuesday:
1.  E-mail me back if you are going to be joining us AND let me know if you can swim (Captain Bob would like to know).
2.  Print out and complete the attached permission slip and bring it with you on Tuesday.
3.  YOU MUST WEAR CLOSED TOE SHOES (preferably rubber-soled tennis shoes) for sailing...NO FLIP-FLOPS!
4.  Bring/wear sunscreen and a sweatshirt, in case it gets cool on the ocean.  Girls may want a hair tie to keep hair out of their faces while we're sailing. 

Click here  to learn more about Captain Bob Olson and Manfred Marine Unlimited. 

I think this will be a fun trip for our class (not to mention a cool way to earn extra credit for being in class!) and a good way to gain just a little understanding of what it would have been like to be an Englishman or woman crossing the Atlantic to start a new life in the American colonies.  See you there!

Class #3: Getting in the Swing of Things

Can you believe it's already the end of July??  That means you have 2 weeks of summer left.  Next week it will be time to do the
Back-to-School shopping for binders, pens, and paper.  Hopefully your dress code clothing is arriving soon--just in time for school pictures next Monday.

Here in the world of APUSH we're still enjoying the summer schedule.  Class tonight will be at TCCS, in Room 108 from 6 - 9 p.m.  The sailing trip has been rescheduled for NEXT WEEK so that more people in the class can participate!  There's no need to be in dress code tonight...just be comfortable; snacks/drinks will be served.  Your Chapter 2 take-home Quiz answers and the Chapter 3 Section Summary Sentences should be turned in on edmodo.com before you come to class tonight.  Answer this week's question (below) and you'll be all ready for class!

Tonight we'll start with a short review of the Cheasapeake colonies (there are 2 of them) and the 3 Southern colonies before watching the power point about the Puritans and the founding of New England.  See you soon!

This Week's Question:  What is your current favorite piece of technology and why?
             (Could be your computer, iPad, smart phone, twitter, facebook, mp3 player, etc.)

Currently, I would have to say Google Drive or Drop Box for storing documents, etc., because I have a terrible tendancy to lose USB drives stocked with information!!

Class #2: Don't Be Afraid!

Don't worry, little guy!  APUSH isn't that hard!

It's time for another meeting of our APUSH Summer Session.  I hope you've had a productive week and are finding ways to keep enjoying summer vacation while also getting a little bit of homework done.  Don't let the assignment list on the website scare you!!  Remember that each night class contains as much class time as one whole week during the regular school year.  So,  the assignments cover a whole week, too.

Picture our APUSH class here!

Do you have a friend who has been thinking about taking AP U.S. History?  Encourage them to come to the summer sessions!!  It's not too late...and remember everyone earns extra credit points for attending.  This Tuesday our class will end at 8:30 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m.

Finally, don't forget that next week our class will be at a special time AND a special place.  Since we'll be discussing the Puritans arriving on the Mayflower, our class is going SAILING on July 31, 2012.  Please check your schedules because we will need to meet at school around 3 - 4 p.m. in order to get to the harbor and enjoy prime sailing conditions.  More details will be available in class tomorrow night!


This Week's Question: Who has been one of your favorite teachers (at any grade) and why?

And They're Off!

      Last night's class got the Summer Sessions off to a good start!  Thank you to those who were able to make it!  We had a chance to work with the new classroom laptops and posted to the class blog.  Then we learned about Native American civilizations in North and South America, snacked on corn chips and salsa to mark the importance of maize to these indigenous peoples, and discussed the impact of Columbus' arrival in the "New World."

      Even though you're trying to squeeze every last minute of enjoyment out of the remaining vacation time, it's not a good idea to put off doing APUSH homework until next Tuesday morning!  One of the reasons for having the summer session is to get you started with good homework habits before you have regular classes and sports to deal with, too.  Here are two suggested ways to break up the assignments so you aren't left cramming frantically before the next class.

HOMEWORK SCHEDULE A:

On Wednesday OR Thursday --> Read the first half of Chapter 2 (p. 25 - 35), and read over the Chapter Outline for those sections.  Then outline Section 4 and 7 yourself and and answer Section II, Question #1 (from the Chapter 2 NOTES, backside).

Take Friday OFF!  :)

On Saturday OR Sunday --> Read the last half of Chapter 2 (p. 35 - 42), along with the rest of the Chapter Outline.  Answer Section II, Question #5 (from the Chapter 2 NOTES, backside).  Read Documents 1 - 2A in the purple packet.


On Monday OR Tuesday --> Re-read Part I through Part VIII of the Outline and answer Section III, Question #2 (from the Chapter 2 NOTES, backside).  Proof read all of your typed responses and outlined sections for typos, then save the file to a USB drive. Check the class blog for new posts and answer the Weekly Question.


HOMEWORK SCHEDULE B:

On Wednesday OR Thursday --> Read all of Chapter 2 (p. 25 - 42) and then read through the Chapter Outline you received in class.

Take Friday OFF!  :)

On Saturday OR Sunday -->  Re-read Part I through Part VIII of the Outline.  Then outline Section 4 and 7 yourself and answer Section II, Question #1 (from the Chapter 2 NOTES, backside).   Read Documents 1 - 2A in the purple packet.

On Monday OR Tuesday --> Re-read Part VIII through Part XVI of the Outline.  Then answer Section II, Question #5 and Section III, Question #2 (from the Chapter 2 NOTES, backside).  Proof read all of your typed responses and outlined sections for typos, then save the file to a USB drive.  Check the class blog for new posts and answer the Weekly Question.

GO!

Here we go!  It's the beginning of the race. . . picture yourself in the group
of 400,000 APUSH students heading for the finish line on May 15, 2013!

I'm really excited that our summer classes are beginning tonight!  Because the class is small and the atmosphere is relaxed, there will be plenty of time to get to know you all better. . . starting now:

This Week's Question:  If you could time travel through America's history, where and when would you go? Why? (Think about what you'd want to see or who you'd want to talk to.) 

Ready. Get Set...

Our first class meeting is just 6 days away!  Be sure to do the reading and assignments described in the letter you should have all received from me.  Bring your outlines + questions to class in Room 108 on TUESDAY, July 17th at 6 p.m.   See you there!

**Do you need to see what the homework is?  Click on Class Website above, then go to Assignments.