2017 is off to a GREAT START. It has been a busy month for us. We have learned from and been inspired by Martin Luther King III, Ashley Murphy, Claire Lemmel, Tyler Perry, and the Muffin Men through the WE Schools Program and randomactsofkindness.org. Their video presentations have led our classes to discussions about issues such as health, hunger, food, poverty, and so much more! We have read about a 17 year old boy who invented the Vaxxwagon, and he has inspired us to dream up our own inventions that could solve world problems. In addition to this we have finished reading "I AM MALALA" by Malala Yousafzai. What an awesome and inspiring book! To celebrate and assess understanding each student wrote a "I AM MALALA" poem as well as completed a "MALALA MANDALA". Both projects were a huge success and the students' work samples are proof of that. I hope you take the time to read a few of the student projects by clicking the pictures below. This month our debate topic was "Are Zoos Ethical?". It was an interesting and enlightening debate that led to discussions concerning conservation and captivity. We all learned a thing or too and we debated the issue far longer than most of us predicted. The students also enjoyed our RAK project for the month which included designing 4 bookmarks with positive messages. I laminated the bookmarks and we took a mini field trip to the school library hiding the bookmarks in random books for students at the school to find. On the back of each bookmark were hashtag messages that let the students know they found a hidden treasure #yourstokeepenjoy #spreadkindnessitmatters. Another great lesson and project this month was learning about saving the high seas. We learned exactly where and what are the "high seas" as well as learned about the importance of our oceans, the current laws of the seas, and marine protected areas (MPA's). By the end of this study students worked in groups to create five key points that they think should be included in a U.N. treaty establishing a plan for the high seas. The students have a better understanding of the powers and responsibilities of the United Nations. Last, but not least, we watched the Presidential Inauguration, reviewed President Trump's contract with the American voter, and continue to follow the confirmation hearings of his cabinet picks.