SJCSD - Social Studies
2/19/16 News, Updates, & Opportunities
Spotlight on Local Oral Historian & Storyteller - Twila Hudson
Twila Hudson, born and raised in St. Augustine, inspires and educates people by sharing life experiences of growing up in 1960-era St. Augustine. Her portrayals of legendary historical figures brings the past to life.
When the Reverend Martin Luther King spoke at Twila's church in 1964, her family joined his movement. "I got to march, and my brothers marched, too. They turned the fire hoses and the dogs on us. Everybody ran, and the older woman I was with grabbed me, and we ran. I made it home alright, but it was a really frightening experience."
(Middle, Warren. "Closing the Loop: Twila Hudson." N.p., 17 Apr. 2015.)
Ms. Hudson, a 2015 Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts (ROWITA) Award recipient, continues to use her creative storytelling abilities to teach children to develop their creative talent. She will be participating in the Castillo by Candlelight this weekend; details on the event are listed below. Please contact me if you are interested in having Ms. Hudson share here story with your students.
EOC Test Prep Items
In response to requests, the district-developed practice tests for Civics and high school U.S. History will be available for teachers to use as an instructional tool - a few questions at a time. These questions are not meant to be used as an assessment to mimic the state exam, but rather as a spot check for student understanding. The department chairs will receive a few questions each Monday to distribute to the appropriate teachers. You will receive the first set of questions on Monday, February 22nd!
Awesome Learning Opportunites
Ashbrook Programs for Teachers
Ashbrook engages teachers in conversations about primary source documents and through these documents deepens the teachers’ knowledge of American history and constitutional principles.
One-day Seminar:
T. Roosevelt, Wilson, & Progressive Reform
When: Saturday, Feb 27
Where: West Palm Beach
Fee: Free!
Click here for more information on this event & more.
Castillo by Candlelight: Flight to Freedom
In honor of the important African American heritage of this community, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will host a special evening event on Saturday, February 20th. This event is made possible through a partnership with the Fort Mose Historical Society and the Florida Park Service. Volunteers bring to life the important legacy of Fort Mose as the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would become the United States.
Time: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30
Fee: Adult $10 Child $5
Click here for more information.
Florida Humanities Council
Educator Workshops
Humanities in the Digital Age
June 16-18 in St. Petersburg
Civil Rights: The View from St. Augustine
June 20-24 at Flagler College
Calusa, Creeks and Crackers: Peoples in Florida
June 27-30 in Estero
Civil War in Florida: Beyond the Battlefield
July 7-10 in Fernandina Beach
Apply here by March 31st
Resource-Filled Website
An extensive and growing library of primary source documents (currently near 2,500 documents) related to American history and government.
The Library of Congress has so much to offer!
Pulling together a wide variety of resources for the purpose of student engagement can be an arduous task. The Library of Congress website has a wealth of ready-to-use materials created specifically for teachers.
There are Primary Source Sets, Lesson Plans, Presentations & Activities, Themed Resources, and Collection Connections.
Summer Institute
Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital.
Apply here: Summer Teacher Institute
Application Deadline: February 29, 2016
There are great things happening in the classrooms in St. Johns County!
Email: Mikeol.Stroh@StJohns.K12.fl.us
Phone: 904-547-7744
Twitter: @MikieStroh