NIE Home | Sponsors | E FAQs | Order Form | Contact Us |
![]()
Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 22, 2006 Explore the meaning of Memorial Day through news stories![]() ![]() The American Automobile Association predicts Americans will travel more this Memorial Day than last year despite higher gasoline prices. Have students look for stories on what people are doing this Memorial Day. Taken as a whole, do the stories say anything about the holiday? About Americans? Are veterans right in saying that the central purpose of Memorial Day has been lost to hoopla?
![]() Newspapers often carry Memorial Day stories quoting veterans on past military actions. Such stories reflect a piece of history and perspective that otherwise might not be published. Have students find such stories -- or stories about current military actions around the globe. Then discuss the role of the Armed Forces in larger scheme of government functions including promoting commerce, preserving freedom and wading through thorny international issues.
![]() Have students scan newspapers for the many examples of rituals that mark American culture, including slang, driving behavior and other identifying habits. Compare the impact of these cultural markers to official holidays. How does each contribute to the sense of national identity?
Just about every American looks forward to Memorial Day as a welcome three-day weekend. It's the traditional, if not actual, kick-off of summer complete with picnics and short trips. However to military veterans and their families, Memorial Day is also a time to honor the men and women who died serving their country, especially during war or military action. Marking the day began after the Civil War and was first known as Decoration Day. To the people who established the day, it seemed fitting to mark selfless service to country.
Still, many towns around the country have Memorial Day parades and other events specifically honoring those gave their life serving their country. Events are often sponsored by veterans groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, commonly known as the VFW.
Holidays help pass along the culture. The Fourth of July, for example, marks the beginning of a nation with high ideals that in many ways has become the envy of the world. And Memorial Day is designed to remind Americans that freedoms came with a cost. Front Page Talking Points is written by
Felix Grabowski and Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024
Front Page Talking Points Archive►President Biden, 81, resists calls to let a younger Democrat run against Donald Trump ►Turning point: Supreme Court says presidents have 'absolute immunity' for official acts ►First Biden-Trump debate of 2024 airs Thursday from Georgia ►Health experts monitor the jump of bird flu to cows and a few farm hands, but see no wide risk ►Negro Leagues stars from a bygone era gain new standing in Major League Baseball records ►Justice Samuel Alito adds two flags to Supreme Court ethics storms ►Use of new weight-loss drugs soars among teens ►Needy families await action on bill to restore federal internet service rebates ►U.S. government may challenge concert business dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster |
Step onto any school campus and you'll feel its energy. Each school is turbocharged with the power of young minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.
Here on the Western Slope, young citizens are honing and testing their skills to take on a rapidly changing world. Largely thanks to technology, they are in the midst of the most profound seismic shift the world has ever seen.
Perhaps no time in our history has it been more important to know what our youth are thinking, feeling and expressing.
The Sentinel is proud to spotlight some of their endeavors. Read on to see how some thoroughly modern students are helping learners of all ages connect with notable figures of the past.
Now you can register online to start getting replica e-editions in your classroom.
Even small donations make a big difference in a child's education.
If you are interested in becoming a Partner In Education, please call 970-256-4299 or e-mail nie@GJSentinel.com