Semester 2 Week 1: 2/1/18

Welcome to second semester everyone! We went over the awards requirements for this semester in class, and I know it may have seemed a little overwhelming at first, but--if you think back to the beginning of first semester--you were a bit intimidated then, too. You all were able to get through the first semester, and it wasn't as hard as you feared. I know that if you work hard, and manage your time well, you can earn all the awards, learn lots, and have fun doing it!

 

 

In class, we learned that one day after the committee to write the Declaration of Independence was appointed, a second committee was appointed by the Continental Congress to write the Articles of Confederation. They were drafted by John Dickinson of DE, and approved by the Congress in March 1781. They were also a huge disaster! The main problems with the Articles were that there was no provision for a single executive (president), and Congress had no power to tax the states or enforce the law except by declaring war on the states! It is said that "hindsight is 20/20," but it's surprising that these brilliant men in the Congress passed the Articles of Confederation with all their flaws.

We also briefly talked about Shay's Rebellion, but here's a little video that gives more detail:

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEK:

 

OPINION PAPER: What makes America different? Think this through: different can mean special, unique, distinguishable, unusual, etc.. Think about how we were founded, who our people are and what they believe, what rights do we have and where do those rights come from? This is a very broad topic, so writing a full page should be easy-peasy! 

 

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Preamble, Article 1, Sections 1-5

 

HERO REPORT: Think about who you would like to write about for your Hero Report. It can be anyone, past or present, from anywhere in the world, who has promoted/fought for the virtues of freedom and liberty.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Saturday, March 24th, 10:00am-1:00pm -  The Annual Key of Liberty vs. Sword of Freedom air soft battle. This event will be held at my home in Graham, and is for Key and Sword scholars and their older siblings (dads are welcome, too!). You will need to bring an air soft gun (no bb, battery- or CO2-powered guns allowed), eye protection, water-proof boots, and a sack lunch. Snacks and ammo will be provided. We always have a great time, and we hope to see you all there, rain or shine!

 

Friday, April 13th, 6:00pm-8:00pm - The Annual Constitution Bowl. This is a culminating event for second semester in which the Key scholars from FILA and LIBER-T go head to head in an epic Constitution trivia showdown! LIBER-T will be hosting us at a peninsula location TBA, but we will open up early (around 4:00pm) for families to gather before the event for a potluck dinner. Stay tuned for further details!

 

Have a fabulous week, and, as always, please contact me or Mrs. Maxwell with any questions or comments.  -Mrs. Hellyer