State and Local Government, Day 9 - Class Recap

The famous "White Stag" building sign in downtown Portland. Photo taken over Winter Break, 2015.

Hi everyone,

It was a busy last day before finals week in class today! Here's what happened in class:

Learning Targets Addressed:

Knowledge LT 1: I can demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between citizens and their governments.
Knowledge LT 5: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
Research LT 5: I can effectively conduct and apply research. 

Soundtrack: "Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey and Cedric Gervais. Selected for today because it is almost summer, but we unfortunately still have plenty of work to do for finals! Lyrics here.

AGENDA 6/9/16:
News Brief – Kate
Finish Lift Ev'ry Voice
Questions for Commissioner Fritz
Jeopardy Review

Homework: Read the blog. Continue studying for finals! Remember that you have Second Lunch on Monday - come directly to class after Period 4! Next news brief: Jasmine.

News Brief: Kate had the news brief today and selected an article about this story: WashingtonPost.com - Four shot in front of liquor store at North Capitol Street and New York Avenue. Thanks for bringing this in, Kate.

I also shared about this story: NYTimes.com - California Primary Election Results. We discussed the final states voting in the primary process, and what will likely happen next for the nominations of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Finish Lift Ev'ry Voice: We finished watching an excellent recent documentary from OPB, called Lift Ev'ry Voice. If you want to watch again, share, or get caught up, it is here:

OPB.org - Portland Civil Rights: Lift Ev'ry Voice

Here is the worksheet that goes along with the documentary:

Google Drive: Lift Ev'ry Voice Documentary Questions

I think it is super important that we understand our own history regarding race in Portland, especially as I think there are some common assumptions that are just not true. As such, I was glad to see that almost everyone was glued to this in class. Thanks for your focus and willingness to learn about our own history! It was great to hear student responses after the film about what they learned.

Questions for Commissioner Fritz: After the documentary, we made questions for my mom, Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who is coming to our class on Monday to talk about her role in local government. The questions the class came up with are:

What was it like raising Mr. Fritz?
What kind of kid was Mr. Fritz?
What prompted you in running for city commissioner?
How has your background helped you as city commissioner?
Was Mr. Fritz a good kid?
What are some challenges you face as commissioner?      
Do you like your job?
What was England like?
What do you do in your job?
What is the funniest story about Mr. Fritz that you have?
Who has made your job easier?
Did you always know that Mr. Fritz would be a great teacher?
Would you encourage younger kids to be active in government?
What does an average day look like for you?
What have you done as commissioner?
What is the hardest part of your job?
Why didn't you want to be a nurse anymore?
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
What are the hardest decisions that you make?

I'm looking forward to having her come in and talk with everyone!

Jeopardy Review: This is always so fun and today was no exception. Thank you for a spirited round of Jeopardy to review for the final! Here are the slides for the game if anyone wants to see them again:

Google Drive: Jeopardy Review for Finals PowerPoint

Thanks for ending the class with a lot of laughter and enthusiasm. I am looking forward to our last week together next week! Keep working hard in preparing for finals! :-)