What Makes a Person Free

As we study the Civil War and its effects on literature, we need to take a moment to appreciate Frederick Douglass and his writing MY BONDAGE AND MY FREEDOM.

After reading our excerpt from Douglass, reflect on this Mahatma Gandhi statement.

Mahatma Gandhi wrote, "The moment the slave resolves that he will no longer be a slave, his fetters fall."

React to this statement and explain whether or not you feel Douglass was free even while in bondage.

Bonus:  10 points will be given for a developed response.  If others write, respond to them as well.
Due date:  Thursday, October 3rd, 2013.

Homecoming Fun

The start of the school year has been a whirlwind!  Homecoming was the second week.  Although we love watching the games, the dress up days and the floats, by the time it is finished we are all exhausted.  Take a moment to review the week.  Thanks to Yearbook staff member, Brett, for creating this video!

Thanks to the Student Council and to the Class Advisors for making the week the best possible.

https://docs.google.com/a/pdc.k12.wi.us/file/d/0B5ksucvvFiwESUxrSzkxaGdDVlE/edit

Return to School

The first week is now finished.  For some, the time went by extremely quickly.  For others, it stalled with each second.

I wish each of you the best year possible.  Take each day and each challenge as it comes.  When I struggle with things, I remember a favorite quote of mine, "Carpe Diem."  I first heard this quote used in a movie called DEAD POET'S SOCIETY, a fantastic story!  I have since found out that this quote comes from a Latin poet named Horace (65 BC-8 BC).  Over the years, this quote has become commonly translated as "Seize the Day."  That may be difficult to do sometimes, but remember that even when a class is difficult, a schedule is chaotic, or a game is not victorious, lessons can be learned and experience that will make the next issue more successful will be gained.

What is your favorite quote, one you like in good and harder times?  Where from does it come (author, song title/writer...)?

Respond to this blog by Friday, September 13th.  Read others as they are posted.  10 points

Welcome Back

It is hard to believe that the 2013-2014 school year is about to start.  I have had a super summer of reading, baseball, and relaxation.  I hope you have as well.

As we begin our new adventure, remember to call or email me any time for questions.  CARPE DIEM!  Take on the challenge of each new school day!  Have fun.  Best of luck.

Summer Reading Continued:
This has been a great reading summer!  I have explored a variety of genres.  I am in the last of THE TEA ROSE trilogy and have loved the characters, strong women.  My second major recommendation coming your way, however, is THE BOOK THIEF.  It is a book showing perspective of the Holocaust from a young, German girl.  The novel spans into her adult life.  This is a must read--you will never guess who the narrator is.

If I could, I would make this a required school reading!  Thanks to my friend Tracy for giving me this book!

It is not even August yet.  I hope you all have found or will find a favorite to read...share it with me.

Summer is a great time for reading.  Make a list of recommended reads.  Find a bit of shade, a comfy chair, and an hour to lose yourself in a new culture or imaginary world.  I just finished my first selection, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS.  It was fantastic.  This novel really made me ponder the ways of the world, specifically Afghanistan.  Characters of this novel had the ability to make me so mad, yet others reminded me that for every bad out there, there are a million more good!  High recommendations coming from me...next THE TEA ROSE (historical fiction/trilogy).

WORDS FOR TEENAGERS

The following was a posting on FACEBOOK not too long ago.  I thought it to be very thought provoking.  Read it carefully.  Ponder what it means to you and to the world around you.  Actually, I think it can apply to all age groups.

WORDS FOR TEENAGERS

Northland College principal John Tapene has offered the following words from a judge who regularly deals with youth. 

“Always we hear the cry from teenagers, ‘What can we do, where can we go?’

“My answer is this:  Go home, mow the lawn, wash the windows, learn to cook, build a raft, get a job, visit the sick, study your lessons and after you’ve finished, read a book.  Your town does not owe you recreational facilities and your parents do not owe you fun.

The world does not owe you a living, you owe the world something.  You owe it your time, energy and talent so that no one will be at war, in sickness and lonely again.  In other words grow up, stop being a cry baby, get out of your dream world and develop a backbone not a wishbone.  Start behaving like a responsible person.  You are important and you are needed.  It’s too late to sit around and wait for somebody to do something someday.  Someday is now and that somebody is you!”