Week 14

This week we discussed the 18th and 21st Amendments, which authorized, then repealed, the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, transportation and use of alcohol for the use of beverages. You may still be wondering, "Why did the American government ratify the prohibition Amendment in the first place?" In that case, I highly recommend watching the Ken Burns documentary, Prohibition, (which you can borrow from the library) if you're curious about learning more about this period of American history. If you've ever wondered what caused Americans to make certain decisions or pass certain laws that seem outrageous or irrational, learning the history (economics, politics, moral and social influences, customs and traditions) is essential to gaining that understanding. So, as always, I encourage you to never stop studying and learning about whatever inspires you--but especially history--for many reasons; most importantly, because it will help you make better decisions when you are in charge of protecting and preserving this great nation.

Assignments:

Opinion Paper: Now that you have studied and understand our Constitution, what do you plan to do in your life to see that it is not trampled down by power seeking men? Please be prepared to read this paper aloud in class. 

Award Requirements: PLEASE complete as many of these as you can before Thursday! Just think of how proud you'll be to display your key, decorated with all those ribbons that symbolize all your hard work over the past 9 months! You scholars now know way more about the Constitution and our nation's founding than most college graduates--which is...AWESOME!!

Extra Credit Paper: Where should the line be drawn between personal freedom and public safety? Remember that Mrs. Brennan will have a treat for those scholars who want to write this paper.

We'll be watching A More Perfect Union in class next week, so you can cross that off your list of award requirements. See you all Thursday!

-Mrs. Hellyer

Week 13

Last week we finished up the Bill of Rights, and learned what our rights are should we get accused/convicted of crime...not that any of you will EVER be accused of a crime, but good to know, nonetheless. Also, we had a fun time on the Constitution Journal reward field trip (even though the museum was closed--so frustrating!) eating ice cream and hanging out. I'll put together another outing to the museum this summer and let you all know, so we can try it again.
 
An important reminder: May 12th will be the LAST day to pass off award requirements for the semester. Hurry and get that Heritage Project done, late opinion papers written, George Washington's farewell address read and vocabulary done, scriptures and the Preamble to the Constitution memorized, and/or movies watched so you can all earn your ribbons.
 
Also, my records indicate that I am still missing one or more opinion papers from Tillie, Hannah, Eliana and Micah. My records could be wrong, so please email me if you want to know which papers I am missing, so we can get it straightened out. You will earn your opinion paper ribbon only if ALL the papers have been completed.
 

This Week's Assignments:

 

 

• Book Discussion: We will be discussing The Proper Role of Government by Ezra Taft Benson in class this week. Here is the link,

http://www.properroleofgovernment.com/





 
and the cool thing is that you can read it or listen to it. You may want to print it (about 16 pages) and bring it to class with you, so you can reference it during discussion. Please come prepared with questions/comments for discussion.
 

• Opinion Paper: Should a criminal convicted of killing someone have to die in the same way that he killed the person?

 

• Presentations: We will be pleased to hear presentations from Micah and Zachary this week. Thank you Eliana and Hannah for teaching us a bit more about Patrick Henry and Henry Knox! Great job, and very nice visual aids!

*You must complete your written Hero Report AND give a presentation to earn this ribbon.

That's it from me. Study hard, and get those award requirements done! Don't let the warm, sunny weather this week distract you!

-Mrs. Hellyer