Schedule for the Week

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

 

Hi,

If you want to order a DVD of the Civil War Reenactment, please fill out the form below and return.

 

BATTLE VIDEO ORDER FORM

View your favorite costumed actor by completing this form and returning it to school!

The video, which includes music, narration and features each student, will be available in 6 to 12 weeks.

To order, please include your check for $35 for DVD [make payable to "You Can Live History!"].

Available to be picked up at school.

Please write on the outside of the envelope how many DVDs you are ordering and who your student is.

Name of battle: Battle of Bull Run

School: Westgate

Teacher: Mr. Rowan

Student name________________________________

 Number of DVD's requested ($35.00 each) _____

Total amount enclosed_$____________________

This week, students will finish and present their Reconstruction Plans. Students answered questions individually and then worked in groups to form one plan. 

This week in social studies, students will complete the unit on the Civil War. On Monday, students will have a work day to complete the following:

We will then begin our final unit off the year that has to do with the period after the Civil War called Reconstruction. This was a time when slaves were freed and African-Americans gained their Constitutional rights of citizenship and equal protection under law. We will look at what the newly freed enslaved people did with their new freedoms, how they found work and the reaction of the people of the South and how they put into place new ways to segregate and keep the newly freed slaves in their place.

This week, students will take one of the battles they researched in their Webquest and create a newspaper front page to describe the battle. 

 

 

• Wednesday, April 24: Civil War Reenactment Fundraiser, 6-8:30 pm
  • I could use the help of students setting up after school on Wednesday from 4-6. Students should be here no later than 5:30.
  • The Fundraiser is free to attend. Donations are greatly appreciated, and please invite all your friends and family!
  • As part of the fundraiser, students will be hosting a Civil War Era Buffett with recipes from the 1860s. Each student will be responsible for making and bring one item. They should of come home with this on Friday. This recipe will be assigned by this Friday. If after looking at the recipe, you determine you will have difficulty completing it, please speak with me and we can work something out. 
• Thursday, April 25: Civil War Reenactment of the First Battle of Bull Run, 8-3
  • Students need to be at school early to get dressed and ready to leave for the reenactment.
  • I need a couple volunteers to help transport supplies to the park around 8:30 and back to school around 2:30. 
  • Anyone can come and watch the reenactment at Lake Village Park in Thornton. The best times are from 9-11 and 12:30-2:30

 

• April 19: Training and Outfitting for Civil War Reenactment, 9:30-3:00

Hi! Your students were sent home with a copy of the student contract and permission slip. Please read over together, sign and return. Send an email with any questions.

Civil War Reenactment-Battle of Bull Run

Thu, April 25, 8:30am – 3:00pm

Where: Lake Village Park, 128th and Fillmore Ct.

Description: Century Middle School, Westgate, and Stargate will join to reenact:

The First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)

Kids arrive at the park around 9:00

The First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)

 

As part of our Civil War Unit, I’m pleased to announce that we will be participating in a Civil War Reenactment through You Can Live History.  You Can Live History has been doing these reenactments for 20 years and their Mission Statement is “We wish to promote a life-long interest in history to all people, especially the young. You Can Live History recognizes the valiant struggles of those who fought to protect our freedom. By teaching hands-on history, our hope is that lessons may be learned so that future generations will not suffer the hardships of real war.” In addition to learning a great deal about American History, students learn self-control, which serves them past the day of the re-enactment.  Teachers in subsequent grades say that they can tell which students went through the YCLH program and which did not.  The students who did participate are reported to be more mature and focused, than those who did not.  Students also learn about respect for others and much more.

As part of the 8^th grade standards, students are expected to know the following, which will be highlighted by the Civil War Reenactment:

• Determine and explain the historical context of key people and events from the origins of the American Revolution through Reconstruction including the examination of different perspectives (DOK 1-2)
• Evaluate continuity and change over the course of United States history by examining various eras and determining major sources of conflict and compromise (DOK 1-3)
• Examine factors that motivated the military and economic expansion from the American Revolution through Reconstruction (DOK 1-2)
• Analyze causes and effects of major conflicts from the origins of the American Revolution through Reconstruction (DOK 1-3)

 

For this reenactment, students will be outfitted Friday, April 19th and the actual reenactment will be on April 25 at Lake Village Park.  YCLH will provide all the uniforms (students need to provide pants and shoes/boots), equipment, muskets and cannons, and training. They also provide a movie crew, and a 30-minute video starring the students. Their training includes drills, music, and storytelling authentic to the time of the Civil War. Reenacting the Civil War will give your son/daughter an experience they'll never forget! 

I want to make sure you have the details you need to understand what this reenactment is and what your son/daughter will be doing.  If for any reason you don’t want your son/daughter to participate, it is important to let me know as soon as possible.  Students who do not participate will do a research activity concerning a battle from the Civil War.  Below you will find the Student and Parent Prep information.

STUDENT PREP PAGE

• Agree to pay close attention and follow the orders of the director, teachers, and YCLH staff throughout the training period and recreation.
• Be aware of safety for you and others at all times. Safety is top priority over any other rule. No one is to be hurt.
• Students must agree to obey their officers as though they were in the real military throughout the training and recreation.
• Students must do their best to provide certain parts of their uniforms. For the Civil War, light blue jeans and black or brown shoes or boots will be needed. Confederates may wear pants that are light blue, gray or tan. Shorts are not acceptable. If you don’t have black or brown shoes, you can make a pair of gaiters. To do this, take a very large pair of black socks [white also works] and cut the heel and toe out of them. This allows the gaiters to be slipped on over the shoes.
• Students should try to provide themselves with a period lunch on battle day. Find out what soldiers of that time ate. Anything they would have had to eat is fair for you to have.
• On battle day, leave all money, sunglasses [unless prescription], watches, necklaces, earrings, etc. at home. Sunscreen is strongly recommended.
• Students can provide their own movie makeup. Realistic looking beards and moustaches are a plus for Civil War.
• Students must agree to help clean the battlefield on conclusion of the event. Turn in any unclaimed, broken or damaged props or weapons to a YCLH staff member.

Dear Parents,

The You Can Live History staff is excited about the opportunity to immerse your children in American history. We have done our best to instruct them about the war and battle they are reenacting, as well as coach them about how to play their role for making the movie. We are grateful to the teachers, principals, and parents for supporting us in this endeavor, and we welcome your support on the day of the battle.

 

Your Invitation

Parents, there is a “Viewing Area” at the park that you may join if you are not chosen as a chaperone.  You can meet us at the park, not walk to and from the school with students.  Teachers, staff and chaperones will walk with students to and from Lake Village Park.

Discuss the Event with your Children

Parents are encouraged to discuss the historical issues related to the war and battle we are reenacting. There are many lessons to be learned and contemporary aspects of our daily lives that tie back to those historic events.

Watching the Battle

Parents wishing to observe must remain in areas designated by the Director or YCLH staff. We have limited time to shoot the video so your prompt cooperation is vital. In some areas, there will not be a suitable place from which parents can observe without being in the shot. Please be patient while we tape that sequence, after which we will return to an area where you can observe again.

Taking Photos or Videos of the Battle

Parents and other observers are invited to bring their still and video cameras. They must, however, follow the directions of the YCLH staff in terms of when and from where they can shoot. Priority must be given to the YCLH videographers whose job it is to capture professional quality footage.

 

The Director’s Role

On battle day, the Director will be giving orders to make sure we stay on schedule, move the cast, crew, and equipment into position, and directing the cast. Please do not be offended. That is his or her job. Finally, thank you for all that you do as parents to help enrich your children’s lives. We are truly grateful for your support!

Sincerely,

Darrell Osburn and The YCLH Staff

 

YOU CAN LIVE HISTORY STUDENT CONTRACT

This contract is to insure the safety and enjoyment of all students participating in a You Can Live History (YCLH) reenactment so that all may have the best experience possible. Violating any part of this contract can serve as cause for you to suspend from the reenactment temporarily or expelled permanently. In the case that a student is suspended or expelled from the battle, there will be no refund of the fees by YCLH.

Show Respect to People. A respectful attitude is required at all times: to the YCLH staff, teachers, student officers, and each other. You will be shown respect and will be expected to show it to others. Any students fighting with other students or showing disrespect to any adults will be immediately suspended or expelled from the battle.

Show Respect to the Equipment. Take excellent care of any equipment – costumes, weapons, tents, etc. – that you are issued. In addition, take care of other props, such as artificial walls, tents, and wagons.

Wear Your Uniform Correctly. At all times, throughout training and especially on battle day, wear your uniform as you have been instructed. If you are unsure, ask one of the YLCH staff. Check on each other and politely inform someone if part of their uniform has become discolored with powder, disarrayed, or unfastened.

Respect the Environment. All students are required to help police the area for trash, equipment, and personal belongings.

Obey Orders. All orders are given with a purpose in mind. Student officers have been given authority to direct their troops and must be obeyed as if they were teachers or YCLH staff.

Listen for Directions. The day of battle is very busy with many scenes being recorded as the movie is being made. It is important that you are quiet and listen for directions from the YCLH staff or the student officers.

Play the Part You are Assigned. In creating a historical reenactment and making a movie, it is important that students play their roles well. If you slip out of character and start acting silly, you can ruin the shot involving tens or even hundreds of students doing their best to play the parts of soldiers. We will not be able to use that footage and you may be suspended temporarily or expelled. 

No Foul or Inappropriate Language. Such behavior is grounds for immediate expulsion.

Keep Safety in Mind at All Times. Look out for yourself and others. Be aware when taking a hit, retreating from the battle, etc. Intentionally pointing a weapon in someone’s face, harming someone (including careless throwing or blowing flour into someone’s face) is grounds for suspension or expulsion.

Equipment Assigned to You is Not to be Traded with Others. Make sure that your equipment is properly cared for, protected and accounted for at all times. Make sure to retrieve your gear at the end of every take. If you should find a piece of equipment that appears to be abandoned or broken, do not acquire it for yourself but turn it in immediately to a teacher or YCLH staff member.

Turn in Your Equipment and Uniform as Directed. Putting on a battle re-enactment takes a lot of coordination and participation by all involved. Please follow directions for returning your uniform and equipment in an orderly manner.

Be Where You Are Supposed to Be. Do not leave the battle area without telling one of the YCLH staff and your teacher. Disregard of any of the above terms can result in immediate expulsion. This means you must turn in all equipment and

all refunds are forfeited. Teachers or parents will be responsible for chaperoning any student removed from the re-enactment. The student and his/her parents have the right to appeal to the YCLH staff.

********************************************

I have read and understand YCLH Student Contract. I agree to abide by the terms spelled out in the contract and understand that not following these policies may lead to my suspension or expulsion from the re-enactment.

Student name (printed) __________________________________________

Student signature ______________________________________________

School _______Westgate Community School_________________________

I have read the YCLH Student Contract and understand what is expected of my child.

Furthermore, I understand that if my child violates the contract s/he may be temporarily suspended or permanently expelled from the re-enactment and that we will forfeit any fees paid to YCLH.

Parent name (printed) __________________________________________

Parent signature ______________________________________________

 

Westgate Charter School

Student Field Trip Permission Form

 PRINT A COPY TO KEEP & RETURN A COPY

PERMISSION FORM DUE ON: _ASAP, Please!_______________

Class/Team: 8^th grade only

Field Trip:     Civil War Re-enactment     

Destination: WALKING TO Lake Village Park

Date: Thursday, April 25th

Depart: After dressing and gearing up at WCS: Approx. 8:30 am                  

Return: After lunch at park: Approx. 3:00 pm                      

SACK LUNCH REQUIRED : MUST BE AUTHENTIC TO THE TIME PERIOD! SEE PARENT LETTER FOR DETAILS.                                **************************************************************************************

1. I understand that the above identified trip will take place away from school property, may involve transportation as indicated above, and may involve activities beyond the scope of traditional school functions conducted on school district property.
2. I exempt the Board of Education, the School District, its employees and authorized sponsors and volunteers from all claims arising from the student’s participation in the above identified activity unless caused by actions for which the School District would otherwise be liable under Colorado law.
3. I understand and give full authority for the School District to take whatever action it deems necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of the participating student including, but not limited to, consenting emergency medical care.

INSURANCE – I understand the School District does not purchase or have any insurance to cover medical, dental or hospitalization to cover injuries to or loss of life of students, damage to or loss of personal property or to indemnify parents/guardians for any expenses in connection therewith, and that if any insurance is desired, it must be purchased by the parent/guardian.

EXPECTED STUDENT CONDUCT – Students of Adams Twelve Five Star Schools representing a class, sport, or activity have the responsibility to maintain the same behavior standards expected of them while they are in school and are subject to consequences fro breaches of such standards just as though they were in school.

******************************************************************************************

As a parent/guardian of the student named below, I/we have read the above and do hereby grant permission for her/him to participate in the above identified activity.

Student Name: ______________________________________________________

 

Parent’(s) / Guardian Signature(s) _____________________________     Date__________________

Best Phone Number for Contact in case of Emergency: _______________________________

I am able to Chaperone on this Field Trip! _____*READ PARENT LETTER BEFORE SIGNING UP TO CHAPERONE. Parents may NOT   meet students at the park!  Must be chosen as a chaperone to attend.

******************************************************************************************

 Indicate your agreement by initialing the following: I have completed a WCS Volunteer Form: ________I understand that I will receive an email confirmation if I am selected _______  I understand that only selected chaperones may attend the field trip: ________

 

Welcome back! I hope you had a good Spring Break and you are ready and rested to ROCK quarter 4! 

 

Mark your calendar for these important events: 

Friday, April 19: All Day: Civil War Reenactment Training and Outfitting  at Westgate

Wednesday, April 24: 6-8:30 pm: Civil War Reenactment Fundraising Dinner at Westgate. Open to everyone!

Thursday, April 25: All Day: Civil War Reenactment at Lake Village Park 

Each year the 8-grade social studies class participates in a Civil War reenactment. Because this is an authentic reenactment with a full day of training, uniforms, replica weapons, a script and a movie-set feel, the cost is $45 per student.  Westgate pays 1/4 of this amount, which leaves a cost of $33.75 per student that we still need to cover.  To do this, we hold a student-created Civil War era fundraiser with a guest speaker, buffet, songs, a museum and silent auction.  Students are required to be at all of these events. It is important that you mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 24, from 6-8:30 pm. Tell your friends and family and bring as many people to this fundraiser as possible.

Student's schedules will be different this week due to CMAS testing and conferences.

 

This week, student's Social Studies class will meet Tuesday morning for an hour.

This week, students will discuss Abraham Lincoln and his views on the political and social equality of African-Americans.

Students will review the advantages, disadvantages and battle strategies of the North and South and begin to look at different battles of the Civil War.

Monday, I will check in with student progress on the work assigned for the three days I was gone. In addition, students will have a chance to present their research to a partner using the rubric as a guide. The rest of this week students will present their biographical research of a person important to the Civil War Era. 

If time is left in the week, we will discuss Lincoln's views on slavery and if thought people of African descent should have equal social states to whites. 

With two short weeks behind us, I am giving students Monday and Tuesday to finish their bottle projects. 

 

I will be gone Wednesday-Friday.

Students will begin presenting on Monday, March 4th.