April 27, 2004

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Students at April 21st session Tackle 6 Resolutions

A full house of 120 students from Hixson Middle, Mary Queen of Peace, and St. Dominic Savio worked through 6 resolutions at the April 21st UN Session. Students examined resolutions concerning Child Slave Labor, AIDS, Drug Smuggling, Guantanamo Bay, Poverty, and Nuclear Disarmament. Students were encouraged to represent their countries accurately, which was particularly challenging when Cuba's resolution asked for the return of Guantanamo Bay from the U.S. After fighting the urge to speak as American citizens, the delegates accurately represented their countries in an impressive round of voting.

This week, Burroughs, Normandy, Northwest Valley, and Ridgewood will meet for the April 28th U.N. session. All Middle School U.N. sessions are held from 9:00 AM until 12:00 NOON at the Creve Coeur Government Center (see link to map below).

Resolution Results from April 7, 2004
2004 Middle School UN Photos
Map to Creve Coeur Government Center

Last High School Discussion of the Year A Success

We extend our thanks to the nearly two dozen high school students who came to Crossroads last Saturday for the final discussion session of the year.

Much of the dialogue was about alleged American imperialism in Iraq and elsewhere. As discussed likely changes in the world over the upcoming summer, most students expressed hope for the U.S. to practice more modesty in its dealings with other countries.

Students will meet one more time on May 8 for the Spring Picnic and scholarship award presentation. Congratulations to the terrific high school students who participated in our program this year. Seniors; we will really miss you!

Photos from Last Discussion

High School Picnic & Award Session on May 8

In each of the last two years, our Spring high school picnic has been rained out. This won't happen this year, because .......we're planning too much fun. We'll have food, softball, gossip, and presentation of our awards for the year. We will be presenting seven to ten seniors with college scholarships of $500.00 and we will be presenting seven to ten underclasspersons $250.00 scholarships.

We'll have more information on the picnic in next week's newsletter.

View the Evite for details on the Picnic
Map to May 8, 2004 High School Picnic

Survey regarding Pro-Choice Rally in DC last Weekend

The political season is in high gear and as the weather gets nicer, activists take to the street. This past weekend, between 500,000 and 800,000 pro-choice supporters marched on Washington. In the past, pro-life groups have had similar sized rallies. Our question of the week relates to your views on the issue of reproductive choice.

Which of the following would best describe your views on reproductive choice?

a) Strongly pro-choice

b) Somewhat pro-choice

c) Neutral

d) Somewhat pro-life

e) Strongly pro-life

Link to Survey on Abortion & Choice
Link to Poll on Civitas Intranet Site

Previous Survey Results (New)

Last week's question was:

Citing a lack of sleep by many students, Duke University in Durham, NC is eliminating all classes that begin before 8:30 AM. This means that the first classes of the day begin 30 minutes later than at most universities. Do you agree with the new policy of Duke University?

Responses:

1. Yes, it is consistent with the natural biological clock. 30% (3)

2. No, 8:30 is still too early; Duke and other schools should start classes even later. 50% (5)

3. No, students should be in school as many hours as possible. 0% (0)

4. Not Sure 20% (2)

Total: 10
Additional Comments

Noah Metzler, Crossroads, 2006
I think classes should start around 9-9:30, that would be perfect. In fact, every Thursday crossroads students get a late start (9.00), which I always look forward to. I always count on Thursdays as a catch up day for my sleep, but it would be even better if every day started at 9.

Anthony Keel, SLUH, 2006
Ah, 8:30A.M., not a time I would prefer to get up at, but it is better than 8A.M. or even 7A.M. We all need our sleep, and if school still lets out at the same time (I'm assuming it does) this is a step in the right direction. I personally like to sleep incredibly long on the weekends, but that's just me and I think on the whole 8:30 is a good time to start school at the earliest, giving you enough time to do homework and stay up if you need to, and still have enough energy in the morning to do well in class.

Crystal Williams, M-RH, 2004
High schoolers always need more sleep. Most of us seem to be doing too much or too little and that makes us tired and sleepy. Naptime should be brought back for high school. We need to make up for wasted naptime in kindergarten.

Raquel Rodriguez, Home School, 2006
I think that if you put the classes later then it might encourage some students to stay out even later. Plus I don't think a half hour is that big a difference. Also if college is suppose to be yet another thing to prepare you for the real world after college then 8 AM seems fine with the hours most places and offices open.
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