STAB 2016

The students have been hard at work this week preparing films about the historical themes, figures and eras that we've studied during the year. I can hardly wait to see the final products, including Core One's epic journey across continents and through the winds of time. Here are a few snapshots from their efforts...

Maxwell (as Vasco da Gama): I'm a savage sailor I'm the beast of the East I sailed around Africa to season my feast Sofia (as Hatshepsut): She was not impressed by her date with a hunter gatherer Core 1: Script writing magic Jacob: Watch out for the Rap Master

This week we studied the role of spices in history. In particular, we learned about the European desire to find more efficient trade routes to Asia, in order to obtain spices such as ginger , cinnamon , cloves and pepper . As the Europeans aimed to bypass the Turks and Venetians (who initially controlled the spice trade and charged extremely high prices), they sailed around the coast of Africa and -- eventually -- to the west ... and the Americas! We held a spice smelling test during the week, and today's championship was delightful (and aromatic!). Brehanu ,  Thomas , and Mrs. Ripley each put forth a great effort, but ultimately we determined that the Spice Queen of St. Anne's-Belfield is Celia Belle , and her first deputy is Henry . Congratulations CB and Henry!!

Thank you,  Evan , for the wonderful new word that you coined during Core 4 today: Fishstory = the study of the past  ... of fish! And congratulations to the Renaissance and Reformation Tweet winners,  as selected by you... Restoring my soul is my goal I'll destroy the priests' role And bring back the religion they stole #Rhyme_time ( Martin Luther , as interpreted by Priya, Lilly, Gracie, Charlotte   and   Gracie Lou ) The story of my soul, the Pope's not dope. I pray all night, to keep God on my side; and Catholicism is closing. #One_Direction_to_God ( Martin Luther , as  interpreted  by  Jack C., Vaya, Hunter,   and   Nia ) Martin Luther?! More like Martin Loser. Luther is a liar and his theses are on fire. #Roasted ( Pope Leo X , as interpreted by Maxwell, Maya G., Bowen   and   William ) 1 Macha, 2 Macha, 3 Machiavell #machi-are ña ( Machiavelli , as interpreted by  Sarah, Darrah, Phineas...

This week we have been discussing the idea of reform . We have analyzed the various reasons that Martin Luther wanted to reform the Catholic Church, and we have considered the wisdom of Pope Leo's response to Luther's ideas. Today we had a fascinating discussion about current day reforms. The students came up with a broad range of ways in which they would like to reform the United States. Their ideas were fantastic . I just wish Candidates Clinton and Trump could have listened in! Here's a sampling: Asher : Each person who pays taxes should get to designate the government project(s) for which his/her taxes will be used. Morgan : We should have two Presidents, with different points of view, so that they would be forced to compromise with each other and the government could get more done. Lilly : Someone should lead a program in which every person in America is challenged to reform himself/herself. It has to start with changing ourselves! Gracie : The government should do a b...