Week 11

Sorry I missed the debate on raising the minimum wage, but I'm sure it was fun and that you guys learned a few things you didn't know before! We learned a little more about the Bill of Rights; that it is not a list of people's rights as much as it is a list of prohibitions for the federal government. Specifically, we looked at the 1st Amendment, and we learned what the "separation of church and state" was actually intended to mean; despite that it has been so badly misinterpreted in modern times.

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

-Alexis de Tocqueville

Your assignments this week:

STUDY FOR THE CONSTITUTION BOWL!!!!!!! This Thursday evening, April 21st, we will begin promptly at 6:00 pm. Teacher Amber wants all the Key scholars to wear red, and the family team to wear blue, so make sure you pass on the message to your participating relatives. This will be a potluck dinner event, so please bring a dish to share.

Opinion Paper: According to the First Amendment, does a person have the right to go to a public park and swear around children?

Constitution Journal: There is no new assignment because you should have finished the entire Constitution! If you do not have it completed, you have until April 28th to finish it, so PLEASE catch up! I really want ALL of you to be able to go on the field trip! The field trip will be either during class on April 28th, or immediately after co-op. I will poll the parents (and discuss it with Mrs. Brennan) to find out what everyone prefers.

Presentations: Great job to Emma for setting the bar with her presentation on Malala Yousafzai! She is a very inspiring young woman whom we should all be familiar with. Next week we will be pleased to hear presentations from Zane and Tillie.

Keep up the good work, everyone!

-Mrs. Hellyer