What does Thanksgiving mean to YOU!

Novemeber 2010

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to stop and thank God for all we have and those we love. I'd appreciate hearing from each of you. What does Thanksgiving mean to you? How do you plan to celebrate this Thanksgiving? Do you have any wish or hope or blessing for each other this Thanksgiving? Is prayer said around the table?
Is there a person who leads prayer?
The Native American prayer, below, used at the St. Joseph High School prayer service may be a prayer to share around your thanksgiving table.

We return thanks to our mother, the earth,
which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs,
which furnish medicine for our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,
the beans and squashes,
which give us life.
We return thanks to the wind,
which, moving the air,
has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
which has given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun,
which has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in whom is embodied all goodness,
and who directs all things for the good of his people.
Iroquois Prayer (adapted)

Please write two postings, first posting answer the questions above and second posting respond to another student's posting. Each postings should be at least three well developed sentences.

SN and Teachers of Grade 11 St. Joseph High School students!

President Obama's Address to Students of SJHS Gr. 11 and 12

Video of President Obama's speech available at: http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html

Sept. 8, 2009 President Obama's speech to students across America was viewed today in Gr. 11 and Gr. 12 classes. In at least five well developed sentences answer the following two questions based on the speech:
What do you believe are the challenges of your generation?
How can you be a part of addressing these challenges?
In another posting respond, react and reflect to another student's answer to these same questions.
Please complete your responses by Thursday, Sept. 17th at 8:20am.
SN

Summer Reading 2010:Social Studies

http://www.khaledhosseini.com/
This is the official site of the author, Khaled Hosseini.
He has the following podcasts subjects for your listening pleasure.

KHALED HOSSEINI DISCUSSES:
Becoming a Writer
Conditions in Afghanistan
Exile
Future Projects
Letters from Readers
Making Certain Character Choices
Practicing Medicine
Using Real People and Events
Writing from the Female Perspective



United Nations Site

http://afghanistan.unifem.org/index.php
Comprehensive, daily update of news stories involving the women in Afghanistan.






https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/AF.html


US Government site on countries of the world. Find out that Afghanistan is 80% mountains and 99% Muslim. Research the literacy rate of men and women and the infant mortality rate plus many other issues you may wish to know more about as you enjoy your summer reading of Hosseini’s
A Thousand Splendid Suns.


During your summer reading add your comments here at http://socialstudiestoday.blogspot.com and respond to other student comments as you question, enjoy and wonder about A Thousand Splendid Suns.


Podcast:
Khaled Hosseini Tue, 27 May 08 Duration: 27 mins Bestselling writer Khaled Hosseini discusses The Kite Runner, his first novel set in Afghanistan, which has sold 15 million copies.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/wbc/all (Search Hosseini)

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/thousand_splendid_suns.html
This is a link to an online reader’s guide from penguin.com. The guide consists of a dozen questions for thought and discussion. Teachers may use these questions as discussion starters or startup quiz questions.

Finally, visit the St. Joseph High School site for the Senior detailed Summer Reading assignment.
http://www.sjhsbridge.org/pdf/12thSummerReading.pdf

Gr. 11 My Face in History Project

Blog about your “favorite” life event and respond to another student’s “favorite” life event at
www.socialstudiestoday.blogspot.com
SN

Note: two posts of at least three well developed sentences each.

Gr. 12 Essay on Identity Theft due Thursday, April 23

In at least three well developed sentences share what you learned and or give advise to others about identity theft. In another three well developed sentences respond to another student's learning and sharing. Please submit two responses by next Tuesday, April 28, 2009 by the end of the day.
SN

Gr. 12 Economics Week of March 2, 2009

Cicily and Lisamarie started this question...
As a consumer how is your cell phone "package"?
First, post about you cell phone (name the model, features) then about your services (text, call waiting etc.) then about your package price (is it your parents plan, is it pay as you go)finally are you "happy" or otherwise. Whatever your situation post all the strong positive points of your phone, carrier, service, plan.(or the one you wish you had!!!)Would you recommend your plan to other consumers?

Second, post the "bad", "madding" parts of your phone service plan. Do you feel you have been scammed, like being charged for text and you don't even have that in your service package. As a consumer have you received the service you feel you should?

Third post, what other student, in your opinion, has the best phone,plan, service and why?
Can't wait to hear your story!
SN and Ms. B
(Please post your first name and last initial only! All three postings must be completed by class on Friday.)
If you have a question you would like to blog about please speak with Ms. B or SN.

How should we "celebrate" Jan. 20, the inaguration of the New President B. Obama

What activities should we, as a school complete? What could the Seniors do or organize for the school on this special day?
SN