Virtual Voyager #5 - Let's Celebrate!

As we finish up our study of Ancient Greece, we have learned that traditions and celebrations define one culture from another as well as unite people regionally, ethnically, and/or religiously.  The following link, "It's International" (http://www.topics-mag.com/internatl/center.htm), is a site containing a variety of holidays, celebrations, games, and stories that define people around the world.

Scan the list of topics about food, dance, games, customs, traditions, crafts, names, superstitions, proverbs, folktales, and toys.  Look for your assigned country and read about the information available on that chosen topic.  Then, return to the blog and post a reflection using the story pyramid model from the DVD "Hercules."

Example:
Topic
Two strong words, defining the topic
Three words, describing the setting of the topic (when/where/how)
Four words, stating the origin/beginning of the topic
Five words, describing an interesting fact
Six words, describing a second interesting fact
Seven words, describing a third interesting fact
Eight words, stating why you chose the topic

Carnival
Brazil's Fame
Saturday through Thursday
Its not about history
Begins 40 days before Easter
The parade tells a different story annually
A time of camaraderie, freedom, no work
After seeing "Rio," I wondered why they partied  

VMS Election Day 2012

It was an exciting Election Day at Vernon Middle School.  Mr. Brase and Mrs. Woerner's 8th grade Social Studies classes organized an all school general election.  Rooms were decorated, ballot boxes were created, and polling booths were constructed.  Both classes conducted exit polls too.

In the end, with over 70% of the popular vote, President Obama won the election.  VMS has accurately predicted previous election results and it appears that our middle schoolers have their finger on the pulse of the nation as they accurately predicted the election results again!  

Congratulations President Obama and Vice President Biden.  Congratulations 8th graders for recreating a memorable voting experience for all of VMS' students and staff!

Excitement at the polls!