Stay Connected Wednesday Weekly SSMS News

Please stand for the Pledge I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United

States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

National PTA Reflections Program2013-2014 Theme: "Believe, Dream, Inspire“

Win an $800 Arts Education award, $200.0 0 cash award, and see your artwork presented in nationwide gallery. -

6 Categories include  dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

Turn in submission to D.Taylor/PTA in front office by Nov 26th

Prudential-Spirit of Community Award "The search is on to find our top youth volunteer. If selected, you

could receive $1,000, an impressive silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C., next May. If you feel you've made a positive difference through a volunteer activity during the past year turn in submission to D. Taylor in front office by Oct 31st.

See flyers in Cafeteria for more information

Two Leadership Opportunities

SSMS Food Drive- Emerging Leaders with Ms. Meta is hosting a food drive throughout the month of September. Canned food and boxes are collected in Rm 210 and will be donated to local shelter.

School Sports- Our volleyball teams are already practicing for the upcoming season. Save the date for the first match to show your support for the team. Weds 18th Boys at SSMS Girls at Indian Trails 4:30

School Spirit Day-Wednesday is our SSMS School Spirit Day. Wear school colors- red/white. You can order 2013-14 Spirit Shirts from Ms. Taylor at all lunches. Prepay $10.00 by Sept 13th to order.

Prepay $10.00 during all lunches

Comes in all colors-Neon and Solids

Weds Sept 18th @ Tijuana Flats Bring your family to Tijuana Flats on 436 in Casselberry

after the Volleyball Game. Friday Sept 20th @ Italian Ice Paradise Bring your family to Italian Ice located across from Publix/Home Depot in Casselberry. 10% of all proceeds go to SSMS General Fund for school improvements.

SSMS Spirit Nights

PTA Fundraiser- Turn your fundraiser coupons to receive an All Star Duck from the PTA at all lunches on Friday Sept 20th. Fundraiser packets and money will be collected at All lunches Sept 25h- Sept 27th.

Sell 3 items to see “The illusionist” Sean Watson Oct 31 in MPR

Global Marketplace-The school store is now open every morning from 8:45- 9:10 and during all lunches . PTA has school supplies, novelties and candy . Stop by and see all the new goods.

Project Wisdom

Hope of Liberty SSMS News & AnnouncementsProject Wisdom #5 9/18/13

A few Words of Wisdom Good morning, South Seminole. This is Diane Taylor, Academic Dean, with a few words of

wisdom.Imagine for a moment that the year is 1787. You are in a room with thirty eight men who are about to sign the U.S. Constitution. The oldest is Benjamin Franklin, 81. The youngest is Jonathan Dayton, 26. Each man is probably exhausted. They have been debating throughout the hot Philadelphia summer for the noble purpose of creating a “more perfect union” among the colonies.

With something to think about, this is Ms. Taylor. Make it a great day… or not. The choice is yours.

After completing their work, James Madison, Father of the Constitution, wrote:

The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world.

America continues to be a hope of liberty for many people throughout the world. This hope is grounded in the noble work of our Founding Fathers who were very active citizens in their communities and their government. In honor of Constitution Day, Sept 17th, pause to reflect on how you can learn from their example. . . .

Learning Goal:Students will understand the importance of strong character and active citizenship in a leader.

Our Founding Fathers were great leaders. Writing the Constitution required not only education

and skill, but respect, patience, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, cooperation, civility, and

commitment. Why are those important character traits for any

leader? What happens to a nation if its leaders lack

character? How does it threaten our freedom?

Whole Group Discussion (Teacher can record students’ answers on white board )

What can you learn from our Founding Fathers in terms of active citizenship?

Civic duty?

Do you think it’s important for young people to be active in their communities and local

government? Why or why not?

Give examples of how young people can be active citizens.

Think-Pair-Share

Great Expectations- Vocabulary (Students in small groups discuss the meaning of these key words in context of lesson. Teachers monitor discussions to clarify misconceptions )

Amendment: a formal change for the better; an improvement

Liberty: freedom from the control of another person

America continues to be a hope of liberty for many throughout the world. It is an important reason why so many continue to come to America seeking freedom and a better life.

Give examples of human beings who live without hope for freedom or liberty?

How are human rights related to freedom and liberty? How do free nations around the globe offer hope to those living in places where human rights are not respected?

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Student Written Short Response/Reflections

. In a recent study, scientists discovered that students who got fewer than eight hours of sleep were more forgetful and had trouble paying attention and learning new lessons.

Does this make sense to you? Why or why not? Can you give an example of a time when this happened to you?

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Student Written Short Response/Reflections

(Challenge) The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.

List as many of these rights as you know. Why are these called rights?

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Student Challenge

Closing Thoughts-

Our Founding Fathers were men of character who came together for the common good and created one of the most important documents ever written. Despite their differences of opinion and their other many responsibilities, they did what they felt was their duty, worked hard, and served the public good.

For a democracy to thrive and remain free, it needs leaders with character who are willing to serve. It also needs citizens who will actively engage in the democratic process. That’s why it’s so important that each of us consider how we will be an active citizen..