A Chief Joseph Thanksgiving

Two dozen or so students going to a history classroom during lunch bearing food and reciting an oath may sound suspicious at any other school, but at NPA this was all part of Mr. Canning’s much-anticipated Chief Joseph Thanksgiving Feast.  Students brought thanksgiving-style foods, ranging from stuffing and chicken to cranberries and pumpkin pie.  There were non-Thanksgiving foods as well, such as cookies and cool whip. A poster of Chief Joseph portrayed the guest of honor for this feast, everybody’s favorite resident of Wallawa Valley, in psychedelic colors.

In 1864 the Nez Perce had been brutally forced to leave their beloved homeland, the Wallawa Valley in Ohio.  They led the U.S. Army on a wild goose chase through the northwestern U.S., foiling the army at every turn, before finally running out of steam and being captured a mere 30 miles from the Canadian border.  Chief Joseph then gave his heartbreaking “I will fight no more forever” speech in which he declared the utmost destitution of his people and promised never again to fight.  General Sherman later ordered the Wallawa Valley returned to Chief Joseph and his people, but that never happened.  The purpose of Mr. Canning’s Thanksgiving feast was to ceremonially give the Wallawa Valley back to the Nez Perce. After the food was served, all the students from Mr. Canning’s 12th grade APUSH classes gathered around and held a mock Congressional vote, deciding to return Wallawa Valley to the Nez Perce.

All the students then held up their right fists and recited Mr. Canning’s Thanksgiving Oath.  This included promising to honor treaties with indigenous peoples, promising to support the Arizona Cardinals, “no matter how difficult it may be,” promising to never leave a bit of pumpkin pie uneaten, and promising to always give thanks in fitting and suitable demonstrations.

All who participated considered the Thanksgiving feast a raging success and hope to see similar bouts of historical merrimaking in the future.  Maybe a William Jennings Bryan Christmas Fest, or a Boss Tweed New Year’s Eve Bash?  The possibilities are endless.

6 Things 7th and 8th Graders Should Know About Final Exams

Last December, I was drained. I was exhausted. I felt as if every single one of my brain cells had expired. I spent so much time studying for final exams and let stress ruin my days.

Now, as I look back, there are many helpful strategies that I could have used.

First of all, don't procrastinate. You will know test material better by preparing early and in smaller doses. Also, organize your notes, outlines and previous quizzes.

Second, don't let other people's stress spread to you. There is no need to get everybody involved in an individual test and it makes the situation seem worse than it actually is.

Third, take a reality check. Be realistic about how you've been doing in your classes all semester and realize that this test is only one part of your final grade.

Fourth, prioritize. Study for the subjects you find hardest and the ones you feel need the most attention.

Fifth, collaborate. You'd be surprised by how much you learn from your peers. Be each other's study buddy!

Sixth, take care of yourself. Now this might sound obvious, but during finals week it is very important to get enough sleep, eat well and drink plenty of water. Do not stay up late studying! But, don't forget to have some fun too!

Follow these strategies, so you don't have to learn the hard way like I did.