Week 21 in Mr. Bruce's History

Parents and Students,

Have you seen Mary Poppins yet? This production put on by our Quincy Drama Society is great! It is also one of a few reasons why this weekly email is coming to you a few days late. My daughter plays the role of Michael and much of our time outside of school has been quite devoted to arranging for the demands required of this performance by a dedicated cast of many students. Big shout out to Annika, Taylor, Audrey, Natalie, and Rachel who have also dedicated countless hours and who have done a great job through the opening weekend. If you haven't been out to see it yet, there are shows Thursday, Friday and two on Saturday this weekend.

So, last week we wrapped up our work on understanding and increasing our efficacy with the Constitution. This was demonstrated in a competition between student created teams of "Law Firms." I described this in last week's email. The result was fantastic! Just so you know what I mean by Constitutional Dilemmas I have the link here for you to see them: Law Firm Competition: Constitutional Dilemmas.

To end the competition, the top teams from each class were pulled into my room during 6th hour on Friday. Here I asked them 8 more situation-based questions - the hardest I could think up - in order to determine the overall best team. The result was a tie between a team of Brian B., Kelsey M., Madelyn A., and Emily H., and a team of Riley H., Torri S., and Megan K. CONGRATULATIONS to them!!!

This week, we will be applying what we learned about the Bill of Rights to our own lives for the purpose of making it clear that our personal rights and protections do not exist unless we know them and can defend them. We will examine two Supreme Court cases (Tinker v. Des Moines and Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier) to see how students like us have helped define rights to freedom of speech (expression) and freedom of the press in the academic setting and to see how far institutions can restrict personal freedoms.

A few things to think about coming in the weeks ahead:

• Bring Your Parent to School Day - This Wednesday, Thursday (Feb. 17-18)
• Friday, all MS students will be going to see an abridged version of Mary Poppins after lunch
• Student-Led Conferences: March 16, 17 

Taken during the "Tournament of Champions" Friday afternoon

One of the champion teams making it look easy

See you at Tibbits Opera House ;)

Until then, I remain yours,
Mr. Bruce