Ms. Jordan’s Class American History

Parents, starting in about 2 weeks we will begin a study from the curriculum of Facing History and Ourselves. The program of study is now mandated in all Shelby County and Memphis City 8th social studies classes and is called Choices in Little Rock. We will be discussing the various issues surrounding the integration of the schools in Little Rock during 1957. To begin our study I am reading a novel to the students written by one of the “Little Rock Nine” involved in the integration of Central High School. The story is a personal account of Melba Pattillo Beals and details her involvment during the a “civil rights firestorm”. If you have any questions about the curriculum or the book, please feel free to email me. You will receive a letter soon about the Facing History and Ourselves study of the Choices in Little Rock curriculum.

Thank you!

This week is TCAP! Because the students will be working so hard and vigilent during the test there will be no homework this week. New material and homework will presume next week.

Have a great week! GET PUMPED FOR TCAP!!!!!

Well, it’s that time of year and TCAP is here! Next week begins our TCAP testing, April 15 - 18. All of the students have been working extremely hard to prepare for the test and we feel that they will do fantastic. We look forward to watching them excel each day through the tests. In order to allow them to do their very best each day here are a few tips that will gear them up for their day.

- Get plenty of rest
- Eat a good breakfast before coming to school
- Be present and on time to school each day
- Be prepared (arrive in dress code and bring #2 pencils)
- Cooperate and follow directions
- Demonstrate “I CARE” about my performance on the TCAP
- Take your time and read carefully
- Show “I CARE” by encouraging others

Let’s have a great TCAP Week!!!! We CARE

Create
Achieve
Respect
Excel

That’s right!! It is finally here…International Week. Our country of focus this year is Turkey. On Thursday our team will be doing some activities dealing with Turkey to enhance our knowledge of other world cultures.

If you would like to participate in International Week there is a dinner Thursday evening which you are all invited to, you just need to sign up. Your student should have brought home a letter and a reservation sheet, but if you need another one, just have your student ask any of us and we will be happy to get you a place for the dinner.

Hello students and parents! Here is a rundown of “What’s Up” this week and for the rest of February.

Monday 2/11
- 3rd quarter Interims go home - Please have students bring them back signed!
- HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL Parent/Student Orientation at 6:30

Tuesday 2/12
- COLLIERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Parent/Student Orientation at 6:30
**If signing up for honors classes, meeting at 5pm**

Wednesday 2/13
- HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL Green Sheets and 4 year plans due!
- Chapter 10 Test in Social Studies

Thursday 2/14
- Donuts with Dads at 7 am
- Science Fair/ PTSA meeting at 5:30 pm

Friday 2/15
- COLLIERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Green Sheets and 4 year plans, and honors applications due!
- Science Fair viewing in gymnasium - all day

Monday 2/18
- President’s Day - Student Holiday - No School

Well it’s 2008 and the beginning of a new semester!! I am looking forward to a great start for the new grading period and am excited for what your students will be doing. There is a lot going on this semester with EXPLORE test scores coming in, a field trip, Spring Break, and of course TCAP. It will be a busy semester but one I hope the students will enjoy.

Again, welcome back and let’s have a great rest of the year!!!

TEST TOMORROW!! - Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Bill of Rights Song below - Quiz Thursday, Dec. 6

Creating a Republic: 1776-1790

1. Why did states draw up constitutions?
2. Name 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
3. What were the rules for becoming a state according to the Northwest Ordinance?
4. What did the Founding Fathers learn from the example of the Roman Republic?
5. What was the reaction of Shay’s Rebellion?
6. Name the leading delegates to the Constitutional Convention?
7. Who drew up the Great Compromise and what did it say?
8. How many states had to ratify the Constitution before it could become a law?
9. Which group favored a strong national government? Which group opposed it?
10. What plan was drawn up to include slaves in the population?
11. How was the Northwest territory governed?
12. Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution? The last?
13. Why were some states reluctant to ratify the Constitution?
14. When was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
15. What were the differences in the Virginia and New Jersey plans?
16. Where is the Northwest Territory?
17. Name the first president and vice president? Where did the first Congress meet?
18. How can the Constitution be changed?
19. Who were the most influential Federalists? What was their position?
20. Who was the most influential Antifederalist? What was their position?

Bill of Rights - Quiz on the Bill of Rights the Thursday, December 6.