American History · 2025–2026

In class

Welcome back! Introductions and getting-to-know-you Kahoot!.

Homework / preparation

For Friday, Sept. 12, read and be prepared to discuss the Preface and Chapter 1 of Lies My Teacher Told Me.

In class

Reviewing class pacing, coverage, themes, and expectations.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading for Sept. 12.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Supporting your understanding for the American Revolution: A History by Gordon S. Wood. Select slides (Road to Revolution) to prepare for Mini-simulation on French and Indian War.

Homework / preparation

Continue preparing for the Sept. 12 seminar.

In class

Supporting your understanding for the American Revolution: A History by Gordon S. Wood. Select slides (Road to Revolution) to prepare for mini-simulation on end of salutary neglect and British occupation/taxes.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Reading/work period for seminar on Lies My Teacher Told Me, Preface & Chapter 1.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Supporting your understanding for the American Revolution: A History by Gordon S. Wood. Select slides (Road to Revolution) to prepare for mini-simulation on end of salutary neglect and British occupation/taxes.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Seminar on Lies My Teacher Told Me, Preface & Chapter 1.

Homework / preparation

Seminar self-reflection due by Monday, Sept. 15 at 3:25 p.m. Begin reading Chapters 1–2 in The American Revolution: A History by Gordon S. Wood for Monday, Sept. 22.

In class

Seminar debrief – Strengths, weaknesses, and improving discussion. Begin watching John Adams, Episode 1.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Wood, Chapters 1–2.

In class

Exploring lead up to the American Revolution.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Finish watching John Adams, Episode 1. Discuss.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Exploring lead up to the American Revolution.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Reading/work for Seminar on The American Revolution, Chapters 1–2.

Homework / preparation

Prepare for Monday’s seminar on Chapters 1–2.

In class

Seminar on The American Revolution, Chapters 1–2.

Homework / preparation

Seminar self-reflection due by Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 3:25 p.m. Begin reading Chapters 3–4 for the in-class response on Friday, Oct. 10.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence, Activity.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Mr. Cutler at home writing college letters. Since we didn't have School Tuesday, nothing is being missed. All sections are aligned.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Simulation: Articles of Confederation.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Activity: Cause and Effect in Chapter 3, Who Was Justified?

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Review.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Video: Daniel Shay's Rebellion, 10 Days that Changed America.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Simulation: Should the Constitution be Ratified (1 of 2). And here, be sure to download the Score Sheet as we move along with the simulation.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Simulation: Should the Constitution be Ratified (2 of 2). And here, be sure to download the Score Sheet as we move along with the simulation.

Homework / preparation

Prepare for Friday's short-answer response quiz.

In class

Review for Friday's short-answer quiz.

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

NO CLASS — PSAT

Homework / preparation

None.

In class

Review for Friday's short-answer quiz.

Homework / preparation

Finalize annotations and discussion materials.

In class

Short-answer response Quiz to Chapters 3–4. Followed by discussion.

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 7 in The American Revolution for Wednesday. We are skipping Chapters 5-6, which will cover in class.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Review for in-class essay.

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 7 for next class. Prepare for final simulation.

In class

Mr. Cutler led-discussion and mini, multiple-choice quiz on Chapter 7.

Homework / preparation

Review all seminar notes for next week’s in-class essay.

In class

Review for in-class essay.

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 7 for next class. Prepare for final simulation.

In class

In-Class Essay (Part 1)

Homework / preparation

Prepare outline and text references for Monday

In class

In-class essay on The American Revolution (Part 2).

Homework / preparation

For Friday, complete unit self-reflection.

In class

In-class essay on The American Revolution (Part 2).

Homework / preparation

For Wednesday in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read and be prepared for a successful seminar on the Note, Preface by the Author, Introduction by the Editor, and chapters "Childhood" through "The Lover." Depending on your edition of the book, this will end of different pages. That's okay.

In class

Watch PBS's "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, Episode 2 (Secs. 2 and 3).

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

In class

Reading period for Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

In class

Watch PBS's "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, Episode 2.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

In class

Lesson: Westward Expansionism and Enslavement

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Work on DBQ revisions for up to full credit.

Homework / preparation

Prepare for Friday's written Parlay.

In class

Part 1 of Mr. Cutler-lead seminar on in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, covering the Note, Preface by the Author, Introduction by the Editor, and Chapters 'Childhood' through 'The Lover.' Depending on your edition of the book, this will end of different pages. That's okay.

Homework / preparation

For next Wednesday, in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read chapters "What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North" through "The Loophole of Retreat." Depending on your edition of the book, this will end on different pages. That's okay.

In class

Part 1 of Mr. Cutler-lead seminar on in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, covering the Note, Preface by the Author, Introduction by the Editor, and Chapters 'Childhood' through 'The Lover.' Depending on your edition of the book, this will end of different pages. That's okay.

Homework / preparation

For next Wednesday, in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read chapters "What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North" through "The Loophole of Retreat." Depending on your edition of the book, this will end on different pages. That's okay.

In class

Part 2 of Mr. Cutler-lead seminar on in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, covering the Note, Preface by the Author, Introduction by the Editor, and Chapters 'Childhood' through 'The Lover.' Depending on your edition of the book, this will end of different pages. That's okay.

Homework / preparation

For Wednesday, in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read chapters "What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North" through "The Loophole of Retreat." Depending on your edition of the book, this will end on different pages. That's okay.

In class

Frederick Douglass: Documentary

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Activity: (Road to Civil War).

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Seminar on Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read chapters "What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North" through "The Loophole of Retreat." Depending on your edition of the book, this will end on different pages. That's okay.

Homework / preparation

For Wednesday, in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read read chapters "Christmas Festivities" through "Free at Last," finishing the book

In class

Solmon Northup: 12 Years a Slave

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

TBD

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Introduce Final Unit Project. Begin "Road to Civil War" Simulation, Part 1. TBC during next Unit. 1. Game 1. Score Sheet 2. Election of 1860 Map 2. Reflection

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Work period.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Final seminar on Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, please read chapters "Christmas Festivities" through "Free at Last," finishing the book

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Work on group projects.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Work on group projects.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Work on group projects.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework

In class

Work on group projects.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework

In class

Final Work on group projects period. Record.

Homework / preparation

Complete group project, due Monday.

In class

Civil War Simulation+ Battle Tracker.

Homework / preparation

Begin reading The Red Badge of Courage, Chapters 1–8.

In class

FlintAI activity: Preparing to assess The Red Badge of Courage. Writing prompts.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Ch. 1–8.

In class

Writing prompts. Watch The Red Badge of Courage (1951).

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Ch. 1–8. ➡️ After finishing Ch. 1–8, draft Seminar Prompt #1 (Ch. 1–8).

In class

FlintAI activity: Preparing to assess The Red Badge of Courage. Writing prompts.

Homework / preparation

Revise Seminar Prompt #1 (Ch. 1–8).

In class

Refine and submit prompts. Mr. Cutler to model response work.

Homework / preparation

Seminar Prompt #1 (Ch. 1–8).

Prepare for Monday’s seminar. Prompt Guidance: Ask a question that digs beneath the surface of Henry’s early beliefs about courage or the difference between imagination and experience. Sample Prompts: How does Crane use realism to challenge romantic ideas of heroism? What do Henry’s early thoughts about courage reveal about youthful pride and fear?

In class

Seminar #1 on Ch. 1–8.

Homework / preparation

Seminar Response #1 (Ch. 1–8).

Begin reading Ch. 9–16. ➡️ After Seminar #1, you will receive guiding prompts for Ch. 9–16 to support your reading this week. (No written prompt or response required — these questions will prepare you for next week’s seminar.)

In class

Watch movie: Glory.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Ch. 9–13 using the guiding prompts.

In class

Watch movie: Glory.

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Ch. 9–16 and review guiding prompts for discussion.

In class

Watch movie: Glory.

Homework / preparation

Review Ch. 9–16 and prepare for Friday’s seminar.

In class

Finish movie: Glory. Seminar #2 on Ch. 9–16.

Homework / preparation

None — enjoy the break!

In class

Close reading of Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation. + Answer Key (for afterward).

Homework / preparation

Read Ch. 17–19 and annotate for Henry’s shifting ideas of courage and leadership.

In class

Watch film: 13th.

Homework / preparation

Read Ch. 20–21; mark two quotations that show how Henry is redefining courage.

In class

Watch film, 13th. Mini-writing: How does Crane portray courage as both physical and psychological in these chapters?

Homework / preparation

Finish Ch. 22–24 and draft Seminar Prompt #3 (Ch. 17–24).

In class

Watch film, 13th.

Homework / preparation

Revise Seminar Prompt #3 (Ch. 17–24).

In class

Review and share Seminar Prompt #3 (Ch. 17–24).

Homework / preparation

Prepare for Monday’s seminar.

In class

Seminar #3 on Ch. 17–24.

Homework / preparation

Seminar Response #3 (Ch. 17–24).

Please complete self-assessment no later than Wednesday.

In class

Students will engage in an activity to design the strongest possible plan for Reconstruction while remaining within the bounds of historical feasibility. The activity foregrounds the unit’s essential question by asking students to consider whose agency mattered most in shaping Reconstruction policy and outcomes.

Homework / preparation

Read Preface–Chapter 1 (“The Old Negro”) in Stony the Road. Take notes on how Gates frames memory, race, and agency in preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

Guided reading workshop. Students examine how historical narratives shape judgments about success and failure during Reconstruction.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Preface–Chapter 1. Continue preparing for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

Students will engage in an activity to design the strongest possible plan for Reconstruction while remaining within the bounds of historical feasibility, with particular attention to the role of formerly enslaved people as political actors.

Homework / preparation

Read Preface–Chapter 1 (“The Old Negro”). Prepare notes and questions for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

No School – Faculty Workday (PK–12)

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

No School – MLK Day

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Contextual lecture and discussion on the goals, limits, and contested meanings of Reconstruction, with emphasis on how historians define “success” and “failure.”

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Preface–Chapter 1. Review notes and questions for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

Student Breakout Activity on Black Codes.

Homework / preparation

Finalize preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

Contextual lecture and discussion on the goals, limits, and contested meanings of Reconstruction, reinforcing the essential question.

Homework / preparation

Finalize preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 23.

In class

Seminar: Stony the Road, Preface–Chapter 1. Discussion centers on how narratives of Reconstruction obscure or reveal Black agency.

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 2 (“The Old Negro”) in Stony the Road. Begin preparing for the seminar on Friday, January 30, focusing on how agency is represented or denied.

In class

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 2. Add notes in preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 30.

In class

SNOW DAY

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 2. Prepare examples and questions for the seminar on Friday, January 30.

In class

The Case for Reparations — A Reconstruction Lens (Adapted from Ta-Nehisi Coates) Discussion Questions

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 2. Finalize preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 30.

In class

Reading period.

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 2. Finalize preparation for the seminar on Friday, January 30.

In class

Pivot class.

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 3 (“Flaming Blackness”) in Stony the Road. Begin preparing for the seminar on Friday, February 6.

In class

Seminar: Stony the Road, Chapter 2. Students assess how narratives of Black inferiority were used to justify the rollback of Reconstruction. Historical context: the retreat from Reconstruction and the rise of racial violence. Discussion emphasizes how violence constrained Black agency.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 3. Prepare notes for the seminar on Monday, February 9.

In class

Activity: Plessy v. Ferguson, Washington, and DuBois (Part 1)

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 3. Add evidence and questions for the seminar on Monday, February 9.

In class

Documentary: Slavery By Another Name (clips).

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 3. Finalize preparation for the seminar on Monday, February 9.

In class

Activity: Plessy v. Ferguson, Washington, and DuBois (Part 1)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 4 (“The New Negro”) in Stony the Road. Begin preparing for the seminar on Monday, February 16.

In class

Activity: Plessy v. Ferguson, Washington, and DuBois (Part 1)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 4 (“The New Negro”) in Stony the Road. Begin preparing for the seminar on Monday, February 16.

In class

Seminar: Stony the Road, Chapter 3. Students assess Sambo Art and the visual rhetoric of white supremacy.

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 4. Prepare notes for the seminar on Wednesday, February 18.

In class

Activity: Plessy v. Ferguson, Washington, and DuBois (Part 2) Comparison Chart (Section 2) Comparison Chart (Section 3)

Homework / preparation

Continue reading Chapter 4. Prepare arguments for the seminar on Wednesday, February 18.

In class

Video: Lynching Postcards (15 minutes) on Paramount Plus FlintAI Activity: Exploring Black voices who spoke out against lynching.

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 4. Finalize preparation for the seminar on Wednesday, February 18.

In class

Activity: Plessy v. Ferguson, Washington, and DuBois (Part 2) Comparison Chart (Section 1)

Homework / preparation

Finish reading Chapter 4. Finalize preparation for the seminar on Wednesday, February 18.

In class

Reading period.

Homework / preparation

Review notes and readings in preparation for the in-class essay.

In class

No School – Presidents Day

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

No School – Extended Holiday

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Seminar: Stony the Road, Chapter 4. Students assess redeeming the race from the Redeemers.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Review for In-Class essay. Seminar: Study for in-class DBQ.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Review for In-Class essay. Seminar: Study for in-class DBQ.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

In class essay. Seminar: None.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

In class essay. Seminar: None.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

In class essay. Or begin reading Hiroshima by John Hersey. Seminar: None. Important Reminders for the In-Class Essay Bring a fully charged device on both essay days. Check that DigiExam is updated and functioning before coming to class. Documents will only be available through DigiExam during the essay period.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

The Great Depression (Simulation 1 of 2).

Homework / preparation

For Wednesday, please read and be prepared to discuss The Lessons of the Great Depression, by Lizabeth Cohen in The Atlantic.

In class

The Great Depression (Simulation 1 of 2).

Homework / preparation

Work on DBQ self-assessments.

In class

The Great Depression (Simulation 2 of 2).

Homework / preparation

Work on DBQ self-assessments.

In class

Work on completing DBQ self-assessments for Monday.

Homework / preparation

Work on DBQ self-assessments.

In class

Meetings with Mr. Cutler about DBQ and self-assessments.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Brief meetings with Mr. Cutler about DBQ and self-assessments.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Meetings with Mr. Cutler about DBQ and self-assessments.

Homework / preparation

Enjoy the break!

In class

Examining the New Deal and its Pros and Cons

Homework / preparation

Read and prepare to discuss Paul Fussell’s “Thank God for the Atom Bomb” (due Friday, April 3 for all sections, regardless of what class is and isn't held on Friday).

In class

Examining the Japanese Invasion of China and the Road to World War II

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Section 1: Japanese Invasion of China and the Road to World War II Section 2: Simulation on Japanese Internment

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Simulation on Japanese Internment

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Section 1: American WWII Propaganda Looney Tunes Section 3: Simulation on Japanese Internment

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Discussion of Fussell reading

Homework / preparation

Complete breakout seminar self-assessment (due Wednesday) Read Hiroshima (Ch. 1–2) for next seminar

In class

American WWII Propaganda Looney Tunes

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Section 2: American WWII Propaganda Looney Tunes Sections 1 & 3: Watch and assess “Our Enemy, The Japanese” (1943) Introduction of 5-page paper (due Friday, May 29) Begin scheduling outline conferences (starting April 21)

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Homework / preparation

Watch and assess “Our Enemy, The Japanese” (1943) Review paper assignment Prepare for conferences beginning April 21

In class

No Class (Conferences)

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Breakout Seminar (Hiroshima, Ch. 1–2)

Homework / preparation

Seminar self-assessment (due Wednesday) Read Hiroshima (Ch. 3–4)

In class

Work on paper and reading assignments

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

No Class (JEA/NSPA Conference)

Homework / preparation

Continue work on paper and reading, and complete 5-page paper outline for individual meetings with Mr. Cutler.

In class

No class.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.

In class

Work on outlines.

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Breakout seminar on Hiroshima (Ch. 3–4).

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on outlines.

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on outlines.

Homework / preparation

Continue working on paper.

In class

Discussion of Hiroshima (Chapter 5)

Homework / preparation

No additional homework.

In class

Begin outline meetings

Homework / preparation

Read Mighty Justice (Forward–Chapter 5, p. 72) and prepare for discussion

In class

Continue outline meetings; work on paper

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Mr. Cutler-led seminar on Chapter 5, "Hiroshima"

Continue outline meetings; work on paper

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Continue outline meetings; work on paper

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Civil Rights Act of 1964 & Voting Rights Act of 1965

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Discussion of Chapter 5, "Hiroshima"

Voting Rights Act of 1965 and April 29, 2026 Supreme Court case, Louisiana v. Callais.

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Plessy v. Ferguson & Brown v. Board of Education

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Breakout seminar on Mighty Justice (Forward–Chapter 5, p. 72)

Homework / preparation

Complete self-evaluation (due Wednesday, May 6) Read Chapters 6–8 (p. 155) for seminar on May 13

In class

Plessy v. Ferguson & Brown v. Board of Education

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Activity — Malcolm X

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Activity — Malcolm X

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Breakout seminar on Chapters 6–8 (Mighty Justice, p. 155)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapters 9–12 (p. 232) for seminar on May 25

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Activity — Cold War

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Activity — Cold War

Homework / preparation

None

In class

Work on papers

Homework / preparation

Paper due next Friday

In class

Breakout seminar on Chapters 9–12 (p. 232). Note: We will discuss how to best use the final week of class when the time comes.

Homework / preparation

No separate homework listed for this date.