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Ms. Valerie Fresh » Home

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Welcome to Social Studies!

Hello, and welcome to the exciting world of social studies! My name is Ms. Fresh, and I am thrilled to be the middle school social studies teacher this year at St. Joseph. With a passion for history and cultures and understanding the complexities of our world, I am dedicated to making this academic journey both engaging and enlightening.
 
Allow me to share a bit about myself:  I earned a Bachelor of Science in History Education from Illinois State University, where I gained endorsements in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography, and Economics, spanning History both World and American, including AP and Honors levels. Additionally, I am certified in Middle-Level History Education (5-8).  In my pursuit of excellence, I'm currently working towards acquiring my ESL endorsement.
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My overarching objective is to bring a profound understanding of history and all the social sciences while also helping students become responsible global citizens.  If you have any questions or want to know more, please feel free to contact me! 
 
~Study the Past, Build the Future~

 

Our Courses:

6th Grade: World History

7th Grade: American History 1600-1860s

8th Grade: American History 1780-Present

 

Mini-Units:

Throughout the year, Middle School students will be introduced to various social science subjects as "mini-units."

These subjects include Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Geography, and Economics.

 

History Day:  This project aims to enhance the teaching and learning of history in middle school through a dynamic framework of historical inquiry and research. Students select topics of personal interest and delve into months-long research projects. Their findings will be presented through creative approaches, ending in a tri-fold exhibit. The theme is "Turning Points." A turning point in history transcends a mere event or idea; it is an occurrence that directly, or sometimes indirectly, brings about change. The project will conclude on May 3rd, 2024 when all middle school students will showcase their outstanding projects to the St. Joseph school community.

 

Email: [email protected]

 

 

Posts

January 22nd - January 26th

6th Grade: This week, the 6th-grade students will continue studying Ancient Egypt. They will complete a summative quiz on Pharaohs, Monuments, and the Social Order (or Pyramid, if you will) on Monday. They will also be looking at Egyptian mythology and hieroglyphics. 
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will continue studying the American Revolution, with a primary focus on the battle, from beginning to end. By the end of the week, they will have formed a conclusion about the war, which they will express through a summative quiz due on Friday. More information about this summative will be provided in class.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will be concluding Unit #3: Shifting Tides with a summative essay on Monday. After this, they will begin Unit #4: A Union Challenge & Changed. During this unit, they will explore the motives of both the North and the South during the Civil War, the key figures of the war, and the diverse perspectives surrounding the conflict.
 
History Day: All of the students have submitted their historical questions and thesis as of Monday. It was great to see the effort they put into their work up to this point. This week, they will begin their main historical research, which will consume a significant portion of their time on History Day. However, the outcome will definitely make it all worth it!

January 15th - January 19th

6th Grade:  This week, the 6th-grade students will be continuing their study of Ancient Egypt. They will be focusing on the social structure of Ancient Egypt, as well as key aspects of daily life for the five social classes.
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will continue their study of the American Revolution. They will learn about how Great Britain almost won the Revolutionary War, how hope was fading, and the "Pep Talk" that turned the tides of war.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will be concluding their study of America in the mid-1800s. As part of the lead-up to Unit #4: A Union Challenged and Changed, they will be exploring the African American perspective during this time period. The unit will wrap up on January 22nd with a Summative Essay, and the students will receive more details about this assignment in class.
 
History Day: All students will learn how to develop historical questions, create a thesis, and conduct research outside of class for their History Day project.

January 9th - January 12th

6th Grade: This week, 6th-grade students will be starting Unit #3: Ancient Egypt and the Middle East. They will start building the context of Ancient Egypt specifically by learning about the three periods of ancient Egypt, important monuments, and pharaohs.
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will deepen their knowledge about the American Revolution. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages that both the Americans and the British had.
 
8th Grade: This week, 8th graders will analyze the differences between life in the North and South in the mid-1800s. They'll differentiate between the geography, society, transportation, and economy of the two regions.
 
History Day: On Wednesday, January 10th, all students must turn in their History Day Contracts. Additionally, they will learn how to create their historical questions and start developing their thesis for their projects.

December 11th - December 15th

6th Grade: This week, 6th grade students will finish Unit #2: Rise of Civilization with a summative test on December 14th. Students will receive a study guide in class and have a day of review before the test. Following the test, we will start Unit #3: Ancient Egypt and the Middle East with a Geography challenge of Egypt, Canaan, and Kush. 
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th grade students will start Unit #3: Revolution in the Colonies. Throughout the start of this unit, they will explore the Declaration of Independence and analyze the fundamental principles of government expressed within it. Additionally, they will delve into how the Continental Congress organized an army and other aspects related to the ins and outs of the Revolution.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will continue to study the Era of Reform. They will explore the significant contributions of prominent abolitionists to the cause of abolitionism. Moreover, they will also learn about the women who fought for equal rights in the late 19th century all in an effort to continue to understand how these reform movements improved life for Americans. 

December 4th - December 8th

6th Grade: This week, the 6th-grade students will continue their study of Ancient Persia, delving deeper into its empires and divisions, languages, and administration. Finishing this study will lead to a test on Wednesday, December 14th. 
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will be finishing up Unit #2: Pre-Revolution. As a part of their learning, they will be writing their first summative essay for social studies, which will teach them how to write a proper claim and use evidence effectively. The essay will be completed in class on Thursday. On Friday, the students will begin Unit #3: Revolution in the Colonies.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will continue studying the various movements that took place during the Era of Reform. Specifically, they will focus on the movements related to education reform and the abolition of slavery. Students will analyze primary sources and learn about the prominent figures who played a crucial role in each of these movements.

November 27th - December 1st

6th Grade: This week, the 6th grade students will start learning about the Persian Empire. We will begin with an overview of the empire, followed by an understanding of the meaning of "Ancient Persian History" and the challenges it faced during its rise.
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will continue with their study of the road towards independence. We will be looking at the differences between a Patriot and a Loyalist by examining some key figures of the revolution who defined themselves as such. Additionally, we will spend some time on the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the leading military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will start exploring the extent to which the reform movements of the mid-1800s improved the life of Americans. Initially, we will focus on the Spirit of Reform, specifically examining the Second Great Awakening and transcendentalism's concept. Later, students will learn about School and Prison Reform.

November 20th - November 21st

6th Grade: The 6th-grade students learned about the 4 Empires of Mesopotamia and graded them based on specific achievements. This week in class, they will review and discuss the grades they gave to each empire and the reasons behind their rankings. Additionally, there will be a brief preview of the next part of their unit, which is Ancient Persia.
 
7th Grade: Last week, the 7th-grade students had a wonderful Mock Trial. As a part of their study on the Boston Massacre, they will be participating in an activity called "What do you Meme?" Additionally, they will get a glimpse of the path toward independence by exploring Lexington and Concord.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will be continuing a Gold Rush game that focuses on probability. The objective of the game is to help the students understand the thrill of discovering gold, as well as the disappointment of losing it. Additionally, the students will get a sneak peek into the next part of Unit 3, which focuses on the Era of Reform. 
 
On Tuesday, all students will have the opportunity to participate in a special Thanksgiving lesson!
 
Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!  

November 13th - November 17th

6th Grade: This week in 6th-grade, we will continue our study of the history of Mesopotamia's four great empires. This week, we'll focus on the Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires, and we'll also discuss their cultural achievements. Finally, at the end of the week, students will have a self-reflection session to evaluate their performance in the first trimester of social studies.
 
7th Grade: This week, 7th-grade students will continue their study of the events that led up to the American Revolution. Our focus for the entire week will be on the Boston Massacre, which will be a lead-up to the first Mock Trial of 7th Grade: The State of Massachusetts vs. Captain Thomas Preston. The students from 7F and 7K will get the opportunity to take on different roles such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, jury members, and one student who will act as a judge. They will work together to decide the fate of Captain Preston, the British commander from the night of the Boston Massacre, and determine whether he is guilty of Manslaughter under Massachusetts law.
 
8th Grade: Last week, 8th-grade students just finished up their discussions on territorial expansion during the 1800s. This week, they will take their final summative test for Trimester 1 on the concept of Manifest Destiny and Territorial Expansion. On Monday, they will receive a study guide to work on, and on Tuesday, they will have an opportunity to review and ask questions about the material. The test will take place on Wednesday. After the test, the 8th graders will move on to Unit #3: Shifting Tides, where they will learn about the Era of Reform, the worlds of North and South, and the experiences of African Americans in the mid-1800s.

November 6th - November 9th

6th Grade:  This week, the 6th-grade students will continue their study of the history of the four great empires of Mesopotamia. The focus of this week's lesson is on the Babylonian Empire, which will eventually lead us to the Assyrian Empire. We will spend time analyzing the Hammurabi Code and discussing the cultural achievements of the dynasties.
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will begin their study of the events leading up to the American Revolution. Specifically, we will examine the effects of the French and Indian War, as well as the Townshend Acts and the Intolerable Acts.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will be concluding their discussions on territorial expansion during the 1800s. We will be focusing on the Mexican-American war, learning about its causes, effects, and multiple perspectives. The students will gain an understanding of why the U.S. was so divided over the Mexican-American War.

October 30th - November 3rd

6th Grade: This week, the 6th-grade students will look at the history of the four great empires of Mesopotamia. They will identify the geographical locations of the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires. Moreover, they will engage in discussions regarding the military, economic, and cultural achievements of each of these early Mesopotamian dynasties.
 
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will have their first summative test on Monday, October 30th, marking the end of their Unit #1 study on America Before and After Colonization. After this assessment, they will begin Unit #2: Revolution in the Colonies, looking into the question of why the American Revolution took place. During this unit, they will explore various aspects, including the causes and consequences, with examples such as the impact on colonial life, taxation issues, and influential figures.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will delve deeper into ongoing discussions on territorial expansion during the 1800s. Our focus will shift to key regions like Florida, Texas, and Oregon Country. Further, they will analyze the causes, events, and ramifications of the Texas War for Independence and the Mexican-American War.
 
Additionally, all students will enjoy a special Halloween-themed history lesson!

October 23rd - October 27th

6th Grade: In 6th grade this week, the students will be studying the ancient region of city-states known as Sumer. The focus will be on understanding the characteristics of civilization and what it means to be a civilization. The students will also learn about social class through a sociology lesson before delving into the Sumerian social structure. The rest of the week will cover topics like government, religion, art, and technology.
 
7th Grade: In 7th grade this week, students will conclude their study of America before and after colonization by discussing the development of self-governing structures in the colonies. They will also explore how political precedent influenced the evolution of these structures. Students will then start preparing for their test. On Thursday, they will receive a study guide to work on in class. On Friday, there will be a review day. Finally, on Monday, October 31st, they will take their summative test on American Before and After Colonization. Additional information about the test will be posted on Google Classroom and discussed in class.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will continue to delve into the topic of Manifest Destiny. They will be required to submit a single-paragraph summative essay by 11:59 PM on Monday, October 24th, answering the following question: "To what extent did American growth between 1810 and 1850 fulfill Thomas Jefferson's desire for an 'empire of liberty'?"  Information on this assignment is posted in Google Classroom.
 
Furthermore, the students will discuss the various perspectives of Manifest Destiny that led to the expansion of the United States boundaries throughout the 1800s. They will examine the impact of acquiring the Louisiana Territory, Florida, Texas, and Oregon Country on America during this time.

October 16th - October 18th

6th Grade: Starting this week, the 6th-grade students will start a new unit called "Rise of Civilization." To prepare for this unit, we have discussed the origins of agriculture, which is the foundation of civilization. During this unit, students will learn about urban development in Mesopotamia, the development of writing, the culture of Sumer, the achievements of ancient Persia, and much more.
 
7th Grade: This week, 7th-grade students will explore American history post-colonization, comparing indentured servitude to slavery and examining social class through a sociological lens.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students, after a fantastic mock trial, will begin a new unit titled "An Expanding Nation". The unit continues the trend of exploring American life in the 1800s, focusing on the divergent paths of the American people between 1800 and 1850. Students will learn about topics such as manifest destiny, the desire to move west, and the explorers who first discovered the new frontier.

October 8th - October 13th

6th Grade: This week, the 6th grade, students will learn how the development of agriculture brought about a significant transformation in the way people lived during the Neolithic Age. We will explore in-depth how the shift from hunting and gathering to farming not only changed the way people sourced their food but also deeply impacted history by paving the way for the formation of communities and the first cities.
 
7th Grade:  This week, the 7th grade, students will be delving deeply into the intricate workings of the economy and society in the 13 Colonies. They will be examining the historical practice of mercantilism, as well as the intricacies of the triangular trade that took place between the colonies, Europe, and Africa. In addition, they will explore the concept of indentured servitude, which was a form of labor that was practiced in the colonies, and the ways in which slavery was intertwined with the economic system of the time
 
 
8th Grade: This week the, 8th grade, students will begin to wrap up their study on the life and times of the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. To conclude their research, the students will participate in our very first Mock Trial! During this trial, the students will get the opportunity to take on different roles such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, jury members, and one student who will act as a judge. Through this simulation, students will be able to experience a glimpse into the judicial system of America and gain an in-depth understanding of how it works. They will be required to present their arguments and evidence and make critical decisions on whether President Andrew Jackson was a hero or a villain.

October 2nd - October 6th

6th Grade: The sixth-graders will wrap up their study on early hominin groups this week, and will have their first summative quiz on Friday, October 6th. In preparation for the quiz, students will be provided with a study guide beforehand. Once the quiz is completed, students will have to turn in their notebooks for the first notebook check. It is important that they ensure that each day of notes is properly labeled with either the date or lesson topic.
 
7th Grade: The 7th-grade students are set to conclude their studies on the creation of the 13 colonies this week. They will be tasked with creating a Colonial Settlement Brochure, in which they will take on the role of travel agents working for either the New England, Middle, or Southern colonial region. The objective is to create a visually appealing brochure that would appeal to a European audience and encourage them to visit one of these regions. This project serves as a summative assessment and is due on October 4th. Further information regarding the project will be provided on Google Classroom and in class. Following the completion of the project, students will explore in-depth the economics, political structures, and sociology of the 13 Colonies.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th-grade students will delve deeper into the study of Andrew Jackson. Their focus will be on evaluating his efforts in promoting democracy, weighing his positive and negative contributions. The topics to be covered are broad and insightful, including the Nullification Crisis, his confrontations with the National Bank, his Indigenous Policy, and more. The students will also be tasked to complete a summative project, which is due on October 9th. Additional details about the project will be found on Google Classroom and in class. 

September 25th - September 29th

6th Grade: This week in 6th grade, the focus will be on early hominins, specifically Homo sapiens. They have learned how each hominin group managed to surpass their predecessors and will finish up notes on our last hominin group.
 
In addition, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all 6th-grade students for a delightful and unforgettable experience at Camp Duncan!
 
7th Grade: This week, the 7th-grade students will have a focus on the 13 colonies. We will spend time going over the founders/leaders, climate/geography, reasons founded, people, etc. Following their learning about each of the 13 colonies, they will act as travel agents and create a travel brochure pretending that they are travel agents working for the New England, Middle, or Southern colonial region. They will create a travel brochure that will catch the eye of a common European person. Further details regarding this project will be shared during class and on Google Classroom.
 
8th Grade: This week, the 8th grade focus is Andrew Jackson and the Growth of American Democracy. They will evaluate how well Jackson promoted democracy, citing both his positive and negative contributions. They will also learn to describe the perspectives of various groups of people in response to Jackson and his key policies. The lessons on Andrew Jackson will lead students into a summative mock trial in which all students will participate. Further details regarding this trial will be shared during class and on Google Classroom.