Monday, January 30, 2017

BEGINNING of SECOND SEMESTER

Both 10th and 9th graders are back to work at the beginning of second semester.  I just hope we have NO MORE snow days. 

Ninth graders will be learning about World War I.   This is always an interesting and sad event.  One of my favorite stories from World War I, is that of the famous pigeon, Cher Amis. 
On October 30, 1918, Charles Whittlesey dispatched messages by pigeon, when his men were trapped.  The first message, "Many wounded. We cannot evacuate." was shot down. A second bird was sent with the message, "Men are suffering. Can support be sent?" That pigeon also was shot down. Only one homing pigeon was left: "Cher Ami". She was dispatched with a note in a canister on her left leg,
We are along the road paralell (sic) to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heavens sake stop it.
As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw her rising out of the brush and opened fire. For several moments, Cher Ami flew with bullets zipping through the air all around her.  She managed to deliver the message but was gravely wounded.  She healed of her wounds and went on tour to the United States.  A little wooden leg was carved for her...but sadly, her life was cut short, even for a pigeon, and she died a year later.  

Friday, January 13, 2017

FINAL EXAMS and the INAUGURATION of President elect Trump

Students in 9th grade and 10th grade have all received their final exam test guides.  These guides are very specific to the test.  Freshman students were given a blue sheet with questions and we did the review in class.   Students in 10th grade have a yellow sheet--and the review is partially on line.

Thank you students for studying hard.  I know you will do well.

I am available after  class Tuesday through Friday and finals week for make up work.

On Friday morning, 2nd period will be watching the inauguration of President elect Trump as an historical event that they should remember.  Mrs. Olsen has been careful to leave current politics out of the classroom, but it is important that students see and remember a presidential inauguration.