Commencement: The end of one phase and the start of another

As we approach the start of the third trimester, it might be important to remind all stakeholders of what is at stake. It is in this trimester that the strides taken will be not towards the accomplishment of a goal in the present, but rather one in the future. Third Trimester should be the moment when students start envisioning themselves in the future. This is the time when the inevitable question of "next year" becomes more real, with definable feature. To this end, it becomes important for students to understand that what is undertaken now is movement towards the future.

7th Grade
* As students become used to the idea of a "race towards 100," we start chapter 9 this week. Students need to be completing nightly reading and the corresponding Check Your Progress questions that go with each section. As we trace the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson from start to finish, students will be given a homework assessment on Monday the 14th, with the completion of a collaborative Wiki done on Thursday the 18th. Success in both lies with what is done this week.

8th Grade
* The exploration of Culture of the 1920s is still wide open, based on student interest- Independent studies can be pursued. Our in class time will be spent exploring the ecstasy and pain in the Harlem Renaissance. When Hughes describes the end of the 1920s as the disappearance of "sun and snow," we will grasp the full force of his words with analysis of his writing, along with Hurston and Cullen, to name a few. Students are reminded that all work for the unit must be completed by Tuesday, March 15th, with the open note assessment on the 1920s being given on this day. For students who do not complete the required assignments for the unit, the only option will be for them to stay behind from the Tommy Guns Field Trip.
For those who are interested, check out the 1920s Class Blog here!

As always, if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All best.
Mr. Kannan

Photo courtesy of http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en and http://www.flickr.com/photos/melodycampbell/2656648042/sizes/z/in/photostream/