So many things to think about!

It's a gray Thursday kind of day and I think the students and myself are feeling a bit foggy as well.  Tough to shake the holiday sleep routines and get back to the business of doing school.  That being said, school must go on, so here is an update for the next couple of weeks as we head towards the end of the semester on January 23rd.
 


In English -
 - The 2nd quarter choice book journal is due on the 15th.  It would normally be due on the Friday before the end of the quarter, but I will be gone to a conference on the 16th - so the kids were warned of the one day early turn in date.
- We will start Animal Farm on Monday 1/11 - you should see a bit of reading of the book at home.
In Civics -
- Along with our reading of Animal Farm in English - we will be working with a chart called, The Cycle of Power.  Students will be testing on this chart and information regarding different types of governments.  (This is in preparation for looking at the Constitution)
- We are continuing our study of the Revolutionary War and looking at the concepts of freedom and the rights of individuals. We are watching the PBS video that examines the roles of African Americans during this time period.


*** Today we also read 2 articles in the Spokesman Review on the tragic terrorist attack in France.  Students are understandably concerned and have lots of questions.  We discussed the idea of Freedom of Speech and whether or not they thought that right was completely open or if there should be some limitations.  Please consider having further discussion on individual rights at home. (the topic of dress codes and hats was particularly intriguing for most of the kids.