Friday, December 21, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: The Mission essay (from block 1 only)

Content: Christmas Bible trivia

Homework: Church History Project due 1/8/08 (Tues.)

Thursday, December 20, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students were given the opportunity to spend time in the chapel walking the labyrinth. We also completed Christmas Bible trivia.

Homework: Church History Project due 1/9/08 (Wed.)

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We finished The Mission and discussed it. Students then began writing an essay on the movie.

Homework:

• Church History Project due Wed., Jan. 9, 2008
• The Mission essay due Fri., Dec. 21, 2007

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We finished the last couple minutes of The Mission and discussed it. Students then wrote an essay on the movie which was due at the end of class today.

Homework: Church History Project due Wed., Jan. 9, 2008

Monday, December 17, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Chapter 12 worksheet

Content: We continued watching The Mission.

Homework: Church History Project due 1/8 (Tues.)

Friday, December 14, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Chapter 12 worksheet

Content: We continued watching The Mission.

Homework: Church History Project due 1/9 (Wed.)

Thursday, December 13, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: A few notes were given on the Council of Trent; we then began watching The Mission, which details the spread of the Catholic Church to South America in the mid-18th century.

Homework: Chapter 12 worksheet due Monday, December 17

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began watching The Mission, which details the spread of the Catholic Church to South America in the mid-18th century.

Homework: Chapter 12 worksheet due Friday, December 14.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Chapter 10 notes & discussion - the Protestant Reformation

Homework: Church History Project due 1/8 (Tues.)

Monday, December 10, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Chapter 10 notes & discussion - the Protestant Reformation

Homework: Church History Project due 1/9 (Wed.)

Friday, December 7, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the open note quiz on chapters 7-8-9. Some dates were also added to the church history timeline, as well, today.

Homework: Church History Project due Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Thursday, December 6, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We finished the cathedral video; students then took the open note quiz on chapters 7-8-9. Some dates were also added to the church history timeline, as well, today.

Homework: None

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students finished presenting the chapters 7-8-9 material. Block 3 then began watching a video on the building of the cathedrals.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 quiz on Friday, December 7

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students finished presenting the chapters 7-8-9 material. We then began watching a video on the building of the cathedrals.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 quiz on Thursday, December 6

Monday, December 3, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Completed posters

Content: Students began presenting the information from chapters 7-8-9. They took notes on the information presented by their classmates.

Homework: There will be an open note quiz on Friday, December 7, 2007.

Friday, November 30, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Completed posters

Content: Students began presenting the information from chapters 7-8-9. They took notes on the information presented by their classmates.

Homework: There will be an open note quiz on Thursday, December 6, 2007.

Thursday, November 29, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students had the entire class period to work on the group projects for chapters 7-8-9.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 project due at the start of class on Monday, December 3, 2007

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students had the entire class period to work on the group projects for chapters 7-8-9.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 project due at the start of class on Friday, November 30, 2007

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students presented the city of God posters (block 3 only); we also reviewed the results of the chapter 5 tests. The remainder of the class period was used for the chapters 7-8-9 project; students will have Thursday, November 29, to work on this also. It is due at the start of class on Monday, December 3.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 project (in small groups) due on Monday, December 3, at the start of class

Monday, November 26, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students presented the city of God posters; we also reviewed the results of the chapter 5 tests. The remainder of the class period was used for the chapters 7-8-9 project; students will have Wednesday, November 28, to work on this also. It is due at the start of class on Friday, November 30.

Homework: Chapters 7-8-9 project (in small groups) due on Friday, November 30 at the start of class

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapter 5 test today; they had the whole class period to work on this. When they finished, they began working on the chapter 6 worksheet that is homework for next class.

Homework: Chapter 6 worksheet due on Friday, November 9, 2007.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapter 5 test today; they had the whole class period to work on this. When they finished, they began working on the chapter 6 worksheet that is homework for next class.

Homework: Chapter 6 worksheet due on Thursday, November 8, 2007.

Monday, November 5, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: As most students attended the Career Week presentations today, students who remained in class watched an episode of Joan of Arcadia.

Homework: Chapter 5 test on Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Friday, November 2, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: As most students attended the Career Week presentations today, students who remained in class were given a study hall to complete other work.

Homework: Chapter 5 test on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Thursday, November 1, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students were asked to read excerpts from Augustine's The City of God. They were then placed in small groups and asked to create a visual representation of what the city of God looks like. They will have time in class next week to complete this project.

Homework: Chapter 5 test on Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Wednesday, October 31, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We finished the notes on chapter 5; two discussions then took place. The first discussion was on the Dual Nature of Jesus, and the second discussion was the Role of the Pope.

Homework: Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, November 6.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began in the chapel with the All Saints' Day preparation prayer service. When we returned to the classroom, we finished the notes on chapter 5; two discussions then took place. The first discussion was on the Dual Nature of Jesus, and the second discussion was the Role of the Pope.

Homework: Chapter 5 test will be on Wednesday, November 7.

Monday, October 29, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began in the chapel with the All Saints' Day preparation prayer service. When we returned to the classroom, we continued the notes from chapter 5 and then had several discussions in small groups about issues that were raised in the text relating to the notes.

Homework: Chapter 5 test will be on Tuesday, Nov. 6

Friday, October 26, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We continued the notes from chapter 5 and then had several discussions in small groups about issues that were raised in the text relating to the notes.

Homework: Photos now due for All Saints' Day prayer service

Thursday, October 25, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapter 4 quiz; we then took notes on Monasticism, specifically on Antony of Egypt, Basil, and Jerome. We then went to the chapel and sat silently for 10 minutes to 'practice' being monastics. This exercise was then discussed back in the classroom.

Homework: Photos now due for All Saints' Day prayer service

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapter 4 quiz; we then took notes on Monasticism, specifically on Antony of Egypt, Basil, and Jerome. We then went to the chapel and sat silently for 10 minutes to 'practice' being monastics. This exercise was then discussed back in the classroom.

Homework: Photos now due for All Saints' Day prayer service

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Chapters 2-3 tests were returned and reviewed today. We also finished the notes for chapter 4.

Homework:

• Chapter 4 quiz on Thursday, October 25, 2007
• Photo now due for All Saints' Day prayer service

Monday, October 22, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Chapter 2-3 tests were returned and reviewed today. Students then broke into small groups to compile creeds (from their individual writings done last class). These were then collected; they will be combined into one class creed. We then read and discussed a writing by Machiavelli, The Prince.

Homework:

• Chapter 4 Quiz on Wed., Oct. 24 (this will be the first grade on the second quarter)
• Photos for All Saints Day prayer service due now!

Friday, October 19, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students watched a Joan of Arcadia episode today. They then answered questions about the show and turned these in at the end of the block.

Homework:

• Photo for All Saints' Day prayer service
• Block One only: We will meet in the office prior to 8:00 on Tuesday morning, October 23, in order to lead the school in a decade of the rosary.

Thursday, October 18, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students were asked to rank their choices for the Junior Retreat. We finished the Catacombs video and discussed it; the last of the chapter four notes were given. Students were asked to write their own creeds (beliefs about the Church, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit); these will eventually be compiled to form a class creed.

Homework:

• Please bring a photo of a deceased loved one for the All Saints Day preparation prayer service. Miss Chew is collecting these this week and next week (October 15-26).
• Chapter 4 quiz will be Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 (blue - block 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students were asked to rank their choices for the Junior Retreat. Notes from chapter 4 were given today, and we watched a video on the Catacombs; we will discuss this next class.

Homework: Please bring a photo of a deceased loved one for the All Saints Day preparation prayer service. Miss Chew is collecting these this week and next week (October 15-26).

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 (blue - block 1)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students were asked to rank their choices for the Junior Retreat; we also worked on writing the intentions for next week's Living Rosary. Notes from chapter 4 were given today, and we watched a video on the Catacombs; we will discuss this next class.

Homework: Please bring a photo of a deceased loved one for the All Saints Day preparation prayer service. Miss Chew is collecting these this week and next week (October 15-26).

Monday, October 15, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Notes from chapter 4 were given today. We also watched a video on the Catacombs; we will discuss this next class.

Homework: Please bring a photo of a deceased loved one for the All Saints Day preparation prayer service. Miss Chew is collecting these this week and next week (October 15-26).

Friday, October 12, 2007 (blue - block 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: As Miss Chew was absent today, students watched an episode of Joan of Arcadia and wrote responses to questions about the show. These were collected at the end of the block today.

Homework: None

Friday, October 12, 2007 (blue - block 1)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Mr. Schwartz, the technology coordinator, talked to the students about the permanent deaconate. Students were then asked to write about what they learned from him; these were collected at the end of the block.

Homework: None

Thursday, October 11, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: As Miss Chew was absent today, students watched an episode of Joan of Arcadia and wrote responses to questions about the show. These were collected at the end of the block today.

Homework: None

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

There is no class today due to the junior class field trip.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapters 2 & 3 test; they then were asked to complete their 'hands' for the Junior Recognition Ceremony. Mr. Schwartz, our technology coordinator, spoke to the class about the responsibilities of being a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church.

Homework: Nothing

Monday, October 8, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: Students took the chapters 2 & 3 test; they then were asked to complete their 'hands' for the Junior Recognition Ceremony. Mr. Schwartz, our technology coordinator, spoke to the class about the responsibilities of being a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church.

Homework: Nothing

Friday, October 5, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began by completing a portion of the People in Acts of the Apostles worksheet and then going over it. After this, we had a class discussion based on Francis Bacon's writing on Revenge.

Homework: Chapters 2 & 3 test on Tuesday, October 9.

Thursday, October 4, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began by completing a portion of the People in Acts of the Apostles worksheet and then going over it. After this, we had a class discussion based on Francis Bacon's writing on Revenge.

Homework: Chapters 2 & 3 test on Monday, October 8.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Acts questions chapters 16-28

Content: We finished the notes on chapter 3, also using the timeline to record dates. Students were then asked to pair up to complete a worksheet on Peter & Paul; as we reviewed this, students transferred the information into columns in their notebooks.

Homework: Chapters 2 & 3 test on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Acts questions chapters 16-28

Content: We finished the notes on chapter 3, also using the timeline to record dates. Students were then asked to pair up to complete a worksheet on Peter & Paul; as we reviewed this, students transferred the information into columns in their notebooks.

Homework: Chapters 2 & 3 test on Monday, October 8, 2007.

Monday, October 1, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We watched a video on Paul.

Homework: Acts questions chapters 16-28 due on Wednesday, October 3.

Friday, September 28, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began in the chapel with a prayer service to prepare for Junior Recognition. This lasted about half the class. When we returned to the classroom, notes for chapter 3 were given.

Homework: Acts questions chapters 16-28 due on Tuesday, October 2.

Thursday, September 27, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began in the chapel with a prayer service to prepare for Junior Recognition. This lasted about half the class. When we returned to the classroom, notes for chapter 3 were given.

Homework: Acts questions chapters 16-28 due on Wednesday, October 3

Wednesday, September 26, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We finished discussing topics #4 & 5, which took the entire block. The topics were then related to the decisions made at the Council of Jerusalem.

Homework: Acts chapters 16-28 questions are due on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We started with the Jewish Dietary Laws quiz; we then finished the group discussions by having two great discussions on topics 4 & 5. This lasted the remainder of the block.

Homework: None

Monday, September 24, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We started with the Jewish Dietary Laws quiz; students were then given about 10 minutes to work in their small groups in order to prepare to lead the class in discussion about their assigned topics. We discussed topics 1-3 as a large group; topics 4 & 5 will be discussed on Wednesday, September 26.

Homework: None

Friday, September 21, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Acts of the Apostles chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions

Content: We took a trip to the NDEC Chapel for a visual lesson on Church as People of God/Body of Christ. A worksheet was completed during this time and was collected at the end of the class.

Homework: Read the "Jewish Dietary Laws" handout; there will be a quiz on this on Tuesday, September 25.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Acts of the Apostles chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions

Content: We took a trip to the NDEC Chapel for a visual lesson on Church as People of God/Body of Christ. A worksheet was completed during this time and was collected at the end of the class.

Homework: Read the "Jewish Dietary Laws" handout; there will be a quiz on this on Monday, September 24.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Change Project

Content: We discussed some of the changes in faith traditions the students' found in completing their change project. We then completed the chapter 2 notes. After this, students were broken into five groups; each group was given a different topic and asked to respond in writing initially, and then as a group to the topic. On Friday, each group will lead the class in a discussion about their assigned topic. We will then relate these modern day topics to the issues the early Christian communities were facing.

Homework:

• Acts chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions due on Friday, September 21, 2007

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Change Project

Content: We discussed some of the changes in faith traditions the students' found in completing their change project. We then completed the chapter 2 notes. After this, students were broken into five groups; each group was given a different topic and asked to respond in writing initially, and then as a group to the topic. On Thursday, each group will lead the class in a discussion about their assigned topic. We will then relate these modern day topics to the issues the early Christian communities were facing.

Homework:

• Acts chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions due on Thursday, September 20, 2007

Monday, September 17, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Acts chapters 1-5 questions

Content: The chapter 1 tests were returned, reviewed, and recollected. Prior to acting out passages from Acts of the Apostles, groups were given about 10 minutes preparation time. After the 'acting,' some notes were given from chapter 2 in the text.

Homework:

• Change project due Wednesday, September 19
• Acts chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions due Friday, September 21

Friday, September 14, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Acts chapters 1-5 questions

Content: The chapter 1 tests were returned, reviewed, and recollected. Prior to acting out passages from Acts of the Apostles, groups were given about 10 minutes preparation time. After the 'acting,' some notes were given from chapter 2 in the text.

Homework:

• Change project due Tuesday, September 18
• Acts chapters 6-9 & 10-15 questions due Thursday, September 20

Thursday, September 13, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began with a 'Parish Priority' Exercise which asked the students to pretend they were members of a parish council that had money to fund four of seven available programs/projects. After they made their individual selections, they were put into small groups and asked to come to a group consensus. We then discussed each group's decisions. This concluded our church models chapter; we then began chapter 2 in the text and took a few notes on Peter and Paul. We concluded by returning to the small groups students were in at the beginning of class; each group was then assigned a Scripture passage from Acts of the Apostles. After reading the passage, the group practiced acting out these scenes. They will perform them on Monday, September 17. Chapter one tests will be returned next class.

Homework:

• Complete the 15 questions handed out that go with Acts 1, 2, and 3-5, for Monday, September 17.
• Change project due on Wednesday, September 19

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: We began with a 'Parish Priority' Exercise which asked the students to pretend they were members of a parish council that had money to fund four of seven available programs/projects. After they made their individual selections, they were put into small groups and asked to come to a group consensus. We then discussed each group's decisions. This concluded our church models chapter; we then began chapter 2 in the text and took a few notes on Peter and Paul. We concluded by returning to the small groups students were in at the beginning of class; each group was then assigned a Scripture passage from Acts of the Apostles. After reading the passage, the group practiced acting out these scenes. They will perform them on Friday, September 14. Chapter one tests will be returned next class.

Homework:

• Complete the 15 questions handed out that go with Acts 1, 2, and 3-5, for Friday, September 14.
• Change project due Tuesday, September 18

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 (gold - block 7)

COLLECTED: Church Bulletins, after completing in-class activity with them.

CONTENT: Students took the chapter 1 test, and then evaluated their performance on the test. We then looked at the bulletins and students highlighted each way that their church is sacrament, servant, and herald. I collected the finished assignment.

HOMEWORK:

• Bring a Bible to class on Thursday, September 14
• Change project due Wednesday, September 19

Monday, September 10, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

COLLECTED: Church Bulletins, after completing in-class activity with them.

CONTENT: Students took the chapter 1 test, and then evaluated their performance on the test. We then looked at the bulletins and students highlighted each way that their church is sacrament, servant, and herald. I collected the finished assignment.

HOMEWORK:

• Bring a Bible to class on Wednesday, September 12
• Change project due Tuesday, September 18

Friday, September 7, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Nothing

Content: 'What do you know about the Church?' fun quiz was taken at the start of class and reviewed (this was not collected for points). Notes were then given on the hierarchy of the church - the primary responsibilities of the pope, bishops, priests, and deacons.

Homework:

• Bring a church bulletin to class on Tuesday, September 11
• Church Models/Chapter 1 test on Tuesday, September 11 (includes notes from Wednesday, 9/5, and Friday, 9/7)
• Change Project due on Wednesday, September 19

Thursday, September 6, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Nothing

Content: 'What do you know about the Church?' fun quiz was taken at the start of class and reviewed (this was not collected for points). Notes were then given on the hierarchy of the church - the primary responsibilities of the pope, bishops, priests, and deacons.

Homework:

• Bring a church bulletin to class on Monday, September 10
• Church Models/Chapter 1 test on Monday, September 10 (includes notes from Tuesday, 9/4, and Thursday, 9/6)
• Change Project due on Tuesday, September 18

Wednesday, September 5, 2007 (gold - block 7)

Collected: Church Mission Statements

Content: Students presented the churches they built last week; we then discussed the process and purpose of the assignment. Students also evaluated each church in writing; this was then collected. Notes were given on the first chapter of the Church History textbook, the six models of church. We read and discussed how the models were demonstrated in the story on page 21 of the text; students were then asked to respond, in writing, to either question #11 or #12 at the bottom of page 19. This was then turned in before the end of the block.

Homework: Church bulletin for Monday, Sept. 10

Tuesday, September 4, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

Collected: Church Mission Statements

Content: Students presented the churches they built last week; we then discussed the process and purpose of the assignment. Students also evaluated each church in writing; this was then collected. Notes were given on the first chapter of the Church History textbook, the six models of church. We read and discussed how the models were demonstrated in the story on page 21 of the text; students were then asked to respond, in writing, to either question #11 or #12 at the bottom of page 19. This was then turned in before the end of the block.

Homework: Church bulletin for Monday, Sept. 10

Friday, August 31, 2007 (gold - block 7)

The prayer project, if not handed in last class, was collected at the start of the block today. Students then had the entire block to build their churches; mission statements will be due when the churches are presented on Wednesday, September 5. Homework for Tuesday, September 11, is to bring a church bulletin to class on that date.

Thursday, August 30, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

The prayer project, if not handed in last class, was collected at the start of the block today. Students then had the entire block to build their churches; mission statements will be due when the churches are presented on Tuesday, September 4. Homework for Monday, September 10, is to bring a church bulletin to class on that date.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 (gold - block 7)

The seven circles of prayer drawings were collected at the start of class. Two projects were introduced - the prayer project, which is a partner project, and the church project which is an in-class project. The prayer project asks students to gather five prayers; they will then lead the class in prayer for five consecutive class periods. This is due at the start of class on Friday, August 31; time was given to work in the library on this project today. The church project will be done individually or in groups but must be completed entirely in class on Friday, August 31. We will have a church fair (when students will present their churches and mission statements to the class) on Wednesday, September 5.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

The seven circles of prayer drawings were collected at the start of class. Two projects were introduced - the prayer project, which is a partner project, and the church project which is an in-class project. The prayer project asks students to gather five prayers; they will then lead the class in prayer for five consecutive class periods. This is due at the start of class on Thursday, August 30; time was given to work in the library on this project today. The church project will be done individually or in groups but must be completed entirely in class on Thursday, August 30. We will have a church fair (when students will present their churches and mission statements to the class) on Tuesday, September 4.

Monday, August 27, 2007 (gold - block 7)

We started by finding Scripture passages that showed Jesus praying and discussed what we can learn about prayer from these readings. We then watched a video, The Seven Circles of Prayer, and students were asked to create a visual representation of the seven circles, as if they were explaining them to a child. If students did not finish this during class, they were to take this home and finish it for Wednesday, August 29.

Friday, August 24, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

We started by finding Scripture passages that showed Jesus praying and discussed what we can learn about prayer from these readings. We then watched a video, The Seven Circles of Prayer, and students were asked to create a visual representation of the seven circles, as if they were explaining them to a child. If students did not finish this during class, they were to take this home and finish it for Tuesday, August 28.

Thursday, August 23, 2007 (gold - block 7)

After reviewing the course policies sheet, we began a short unit on prayer. We looked at and discussed children's letters to God, completed a spiritual pathway survey, as well as the shape traits activity (in small groups) and discussed the purpose of these activities. We then read and discussed the Four Types of Prayer handout. The homework for Friday, August 24, is to bring your Bible to class.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 (blue - blocks 1 & 3)

After reviewing the course policies sheet, we began a short unit on prayer. We looked at and discussed children's letters to God, completed a spiritual pathway survey, as well as the shape traits activity (in small groups) and discussed the purpose of these activities. We then read and discussed the Four Types of Prayer handout. The homework for Friday, August 24, is to bring your Bible to class.

Friday, June 1, 2007 (gold)

Students took a quiz on Islam; blocks 5 & 6 then continued watching the Inside Islam DVD we began last class. As block 8 is ahead of the morning classes, they did a writing assignment that was due at the end of the block today.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 (gold)

We watched a DVD on Islam today in class. This took the entire class period, and we will finish it on Friday. There will be a quiz on Friday, June 1, on Islam - on the sections of the video guide covered by the video so far.

Friday, May 25, 2007 (gold)

Due to the early dismissal today, classes were shortened to an hour. In this time, students took the Shinto quiz; we then moved on to Islam. We did an Islam 'pre-test' (not graded) just to see what the students know about Islam. Block 5 completed the 99 Names of God activity/discussion. Block 8 began a video on Islam. There will be no quiz on Wednesday, May 30.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 (gold)

After students took the quiz on Taoism, we covered the Shinto religion with notes and stories from the text. There will be a quiz on Shinto on Friday, May 25. (As block 8 is ahead of blocks 5 & 6, they began Islam today as well.)

Monday, May 21, 2007 (gold)

Notes were given on Taoism. We discussed the similarities and differences with Confucianism, as well as other religions we have studied so far. If time allowed, we began the Shinto religion. There will be a quiz on Taoism on Wednesday, May 23.

Thursday, May 17, 2007 (gold)

After taking the quiz on Confucianism, students were placed in small groups to complete exercises from chapter 7 of the textbook. These were collected at the end of the class. If there was time, we talked briefly about Taoism; we will continue this on Monday, May 21. There is no homework, nor will there be a quiz on Monday.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 (gold)

We covered Confucianism today with a 'guided' note-taking process. At the end of class we looked at the Analects, Confucius's teachings, and for fun did a word search of his sayings that had been translated into Chinese. There will be a quiz on Confucianism on Thursday, May 17.

Friday, May 11, 2007

As many students were taking an AP exam today, class was very simple. We did a Buddhist walking meditation outside. Block 8 also went to the theatre workshop class one-act final exam in the Aux Gym. There is no homework and there will NOT be a quiz on Tuesday, May 15.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 (gold)

Homework - page 75, letter 'G' and the questions from chapter 4 - was collected at the start of class. Students took the Buddhism video quiz and then we discussed some of the concepts covered by the review questions, like anatta, anicca, and dukkha, as well as the 5 precepts and the Noble Eightfold Path. We related them to our own lives and to Christian teachings. There is no homework, nor will there be a quiz on Friday, May 11.

Monday, May 7, 2007 (gold)

Miss Chew was absent today; students completed the review questions at the end of chapter 4 during class. If the assignment was not turned in at the end of the class, it will be collected on Wednesday, May 9. The Buddhism video quiz will be given and the Letter G assignment on page 75 will be collected on Wednesday, May 9.

Thursday, May 3, 2007 (gold)

After taking the quiz on Hinduism, we watched a video (with a video guide) on Buddhism. When the video was finished, we reviewed the video guide and I gave a few notes about Buddha's life. These notes, along with the video guide, will be the subject of the Buddhism quiz on Monday, May 7. Other homework includes completing exercise 'G' on page 75 of the text; this is also due on Monday, May 7.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 (gold)

Today was a heavy content day on Hinduism; there were a lot of notes on the basic beliefs of Hindus. We also looked at how a sari is worn (with an actual sari) and tried a yoga pose. There will be a quiz on Hinduism on Thursday, May 3.

Friday, April 27, 2007 (gold)

Classes were short today due to the half-day schedule. Blocks 5 & 6 went over the two video guides from Wednesday, and the Hindu reflection question that was homework was collected. Block 8 did the same, but they also started notes on Hinduism. All classes will proceed with notes on Tuesday, May 1. There will be no quiz on Tuesday, but it will be a heavy content day, with a lot of information on Hinduism.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 (gold)

After taking the chapter 2 quiz (open note quiz), we watched two short videos on Hinduism - the topic of chapter 3. Both had a video guide to fill out during the film. We will continue Hinduism on Friday, April 27, and go over both video guides. There will not be a quiz on Friday; homework for that date is to respond in 2-3 thorough paragraphs to the following question: What makes the most 'sense' to you in the Hindu philosophy of life? What can you learn from their religious experiences? This is worth 10 points and is due at the start of the class period.

Monday, April 23, 2007 (gold)

We started with the chapter 1 quiz, which was 15 points. Next, we moved to chapter 2, the tribal religions, and students presented, in small groups, their section of the chapter. There will be a quiz on this material on Wednesday, April 25.

Thursday, April 19, 2007 (gold)

Due to the junior class field trip, there was no class today.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 (gold)

We transitioned into World Religions today. We talked about why we need to study the various religions, how we are a global village, and what some of the questions are that we sometimes try to answer with religion. We covered the main points of chapter one, defining terms and the 7 dimensions of religion. From now on, students will have a quiz on the material covered during each class, at the start of the next class period. Students will be able to drop their two lowest quiz grades at the end of the quarter. Quizzes may be objective or short answer/essay; on occasion, students may be allowed to use their notes - not their textbooks or any notes taken in the textbook. At the end of the class period, students were assigned groups; groups will present on one of the four sections in chapter two on Monday, April 23. The group must cover the pages listed below as well as give the answers to the questions listed (questions are found at the end of the chapter). Group one: pgs 23-26 & #2-8; Group two: pgs 26-28 & #9-18; Group three: pgs 28-32 & #19-29; Group four: pgs 32-36 & #30-39.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 (gold)

Classes were shortened today due to the Living Stations prayer experience. The topic today was the Just War Theory; in small groups, students were asked to write 7 conditions which they thought would constitute a 'just' war. After discussing these, we talked about the actual teaching of the Catholic Church and its 7 principles of a 'just' war. The peace people assignment was collected, and a service hours reminder sheet was distributed to each student. Service hours need to be completed by May 18; this allows me a 2-3 week time period before the end of the school year to review them and for the students to complete any missing information. Twenty hours are due by this date; remember, they must meet the junior level requirements for service.

Monday, April 2, 2007 (gold)

We began by brainstorming types of violence and causes of violence. After listing and discussing those, we looked at the spiral of violence and how it perpetuates itself. The last half of the class was spent discussing the issues and themes raised in Bowling for Columbine. Homework for Wednesday, April 4, is 2-3 paragraphs on one of the people listed on the People of Peace assignment sheet; homework for Tuesday, April 17, is the Peace Packet.

Thursday, March 29, 2007 (gold)

We are finishing Bowling for Columbine today. If there is time remaining in class, we will discuss the themes and topics presented in the movie; otherwise, we will discuss it on Monday, April 2.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 (gold)

To wrap up our social justice topics, we are finishing with peace and violence issues. We began watching Bowling for Columbine in class today; we will finish it on Thursday and discuss the issues that arise from viewing this DVD. We will begin our unit on World Religions next week.

Friday, March 23, 2007 (gold)

Today is a shortened schedule due to the play cut assembly. We finished quarter project presentations and discussed a few miscellaneous social justice issues if we had time.

Wednesday, March 22, 2007 (gold)

We continued third quarter project presentations today. Poverty projects were also collected today. If we had time, we processed the Homeless Locker Day experience.

Monday, March 19, 2007 (gold)

Today is Homeless Locker Day. Students have been evicted from their locker for the day to simulate homelessness. In class, we began quarter project presentations. Poverty Project is due on Wednesday, March 21.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007 (gold)

Block 5: Collected homework (exercises 35, 37, 38); briefly discussed handout 4 budget activity; assigned handout 5 - welfare vs. minimum wage for Monday, March 19; entire poverty project will be due on Wednesday, March 21; completed 'priorities' activity and discussed; read Newsweek article on poverty in the suburbs and discussed why poverty is such a reality in the richest country in the world

Block 6: Collected homework (exercises 35, 37, 38); briefly discussed handout 4 budget activity; assigned handout 5 - welfare vs. minimum wage for Monday, March 19; entire poverty project will be due on Wednesday, March 21; read and discussed Poverty in America article

Block 8: Collected homework (exercises 35, 37, 38); assigned handout 5 - welfare vs. minimum wage for Monday, March 19; entire poverty project will be due on Wednesday, March 21; began quarter project presentations; completed relationship mapping questions and activity regarding poverty

Monday, March 12, 2007 (gold)

Block 5: Watched part of Oprah video on poverty in America & discussed; talked about 'priorities' activity results; completed handout 3; assigned handout 4 for homework for Wednesday, March 14; discussed poverty summit

Block 6: Discussed poverty summit; completed handout 3; assigned handout 4 for homework for Wednesday, March 14; read and discussed Newsweek article on poverty in the suburbs

Block 8: Discussed results of handout 4; completed 'priorities' activity and talked about this; read and discussed Newsweek article on poverty in the suburbs - good discussions today!

Thursday, March 8, 2006 (gold)

Block 5: Began poverty unit; assigned handouts 1 & 2 of poverty project for Monday, March 12. Class discussion on causes of global poverty. Homework for Wednesday, March 14, 2007, is packet #3 - exercises 35, 37, & 38.

Block 6: Began poverty unit; assigned handouts 1 & 2 of poverty project for Monday, March 12. Class discussion on causes of global poverty. Watched part of an Oprah Winfrey special on poverty in America. Homework for Wednesday, March 14, 2007, is packet #3 - exercises 35, 37, & 38.

Block 8: Continued poverty unit; completed handout 3 of poverty project in class, assigned handout 4 for Monday, March 12, 2007. Read an article titled How We Should Think About the Poor and then discussed it. Homework for Wednesday, March 14, 2007, is packet #3 - exercises 35, 37, & 38.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 (gold)

Blocks 5 & 6: We continued discussion of The Laramie Project, which led to questions such as: Why are people afraid of homosexuals? Why is it easier to hate than love? Should same sex couples be able to get married . . . adopt children . . . have the same rights as heterosexual couples? Should gays be given special rights (i.e. hate crimes legislation . . . why not just have people who commit hate crimes be subject to non- hate crime-legislation?) Are we becoming more accepting of homosexuals than older generations? This led to heated, but interesting, discussion. I also collected the quotation reflections that were due today.

Block 8: After collecting the quotation reflections that were due today, we began the poverty unit. We talked about the causes of both global and local (U.S.) poverty and then we watched part of an Oprah Winfrey special on the poverty in America. Homework for Thursday, March 8, is to complete the first two handouts of the poverty project - the weekly meal planner and the cost of groceries. This information will be used in conjunction with future parts of the poverty project.

Friday, March 2, 2007 (gold)

We finished watching The Laramie Project and then shared our reactions to what we saw and heard. I also shared statistics on states with legislation against hate crimes. More in-depth discussion will follow on Tuesday, March 6.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007 (gold)

We are continuing our theme of Human Dignity by beginning the video The Laramie Project. This is the true story of Laramie, Wyoming, in the days immediately following Matthew Shepard's brutal murder because of his sexual orientation. Homework for Tuesday, March 6, is to choose three quotes from the film(they don't have to be exact quotes) and write a 1-2 page, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font reflection paper.

Monday, February 26, 2007 (gold)

Today was a lot of in-class discussion, starting with the movie, School Ties. We then talked about terms and phrases that we hear that have a derogatory meaning to them (i.e. "that's so gay" or "you're retarded") . We also listed ten descriptions of ourselves starting with "I am . . ." and then shared them with the class, discussing how many of us described ourselves by our ethnicity, skin color, religion, and gender. We tied all of these discussions into School Ties, and talked about how David, the main character, would not have identified himself as a Jew when he first met the guys. There is no homework for Wednesday, but you should continue to work on your quarter projects.

Thursday, February 22, 2007 (gold)

We will finish watching the movie School Ties today and then discuss how it relates to Human Dignity.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 (gold)

We are working in the library today to research your quarter projects. Make sure to bring your assignment sheets; also your second worksheet packet is due.