Mullen's Messages

This page will be for sharing what's currently on my mind or what I want students to think about as we study American History.



















July 31, 2012 - She What??

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ome of you may have heard that Miley Cyrus got a new tattoo recently.  Since I’m not a big fan of tattoos, normally I wouldn’t have given Miley’s new art a second thought.  However, it was what she had permanently inked on her arm that caught my attention.  Turns out Miley Cyrus and I have something in common: we both like quotes!   Her tattoo is 3 lines from a speech by President Theodore Roosevelt.  I have a whole collection of favorite quotes—including some from Teddy Roosevelt—but I usually frame them for display around my house.  As much as I want you to love U.S. History this year, please promise NOT to get any quotes tattooed on your body until you have your parents’ permission!

Click Here to see the news article!

July 24, 2012 -- APUSH and Technology

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his year’s class will be different because  of our school-wide TCCS focus on improving the use of technology in the classroom.  In addition to bringing new iPads on campus, the school board has asked teachers to find more ways to use the great tech tools that are now available.  Personally, I’ve had a few issues with technology in the past; however, this summer I’ve taken time to learn more about various computer technologies and specifically how to use blogs, websites, cell phones, etc. at school.  So what does that mean for you?  Well, there is now an APUSH class blog to help us communicate and listen to one another.  There is also a class website (separate from renweb, though the information will still be posted on renweb, too) which lists all assignments, due dates, course materials and meetings.  I am exploring the use of Edmodo.com for turning in assignments, and you will also notice that we’ll be using the internet more frequently to access primary source readings throughout the year.  Who knows, we may even start Tweeting!  Look out! It will be just one more aspect of the learning adventure we’ll have together this year.

 

Important Dates:                                      

          July 24 – Class #2

          August 6 – Class at Sea!  APUSH goes sailing! 
                    August 27 – First Writing Lab, 6 p.m.

 

July 17, 2012 -- Welcome to APUSH!

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s the glass half empty or half full?  Are you sad to see the summer days passing or can you be excited to begin a new learning adventure?    As we begin our AP History class, I encourage you to be an optimist because even though, technically, it’s still “school,” these APUSH summer classes are a lot of fun!   There is food at every meeting, there’s no dress code and you can chew as much gum as you want –just keep it in your mouth, please!  There’s also a field trip planned…more details about that coming soon!  This is my 8^th year teaching AP U.S. History and it is my favorite class because I love the subject (I got my first history book when I was 3…and I still have it!) and because I believe it brings huge benefits.  You have joined the few, the brave, the special forces of the History Department.  Does this class involve work?  Yes. Think of it as a marathon and not a sprint.  Can you succeed?  YES!  We’ll practice all year long to peak on May 15, 2013, when you’ll take the AP Test.  The work we do will get you acclimated to college level reading, thinking, and writing and then when you pass the exam you’ll earn college credit!