DAVID CUTLER · 2026–2027
Public reading edition · October 10, 2026. Read the daily classwork and homework here; no school login is required. This course is a work in progress. I will update it as I build out the class. Future entries are plans, not completed lessons.
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Eyeballs over screens. Screens only reinforce what students have already learned; they never introduce new content in my classroom. I developed the linked public activities with ChatGPT’s help, directing and reviewing the work.
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Monday, August 31, 2026
Introductions and a getting-to-know-you Kahoot. Special schedule: morning meeting, advisory, homeroom, and short class meetings.
Read the "Prologue" and "Fatal Encounters: 10,000 BCE-1890," through p. 51, in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer. Prepare for a Mr. Cutler-led seminar. Sections 2-3: due Wednesday, September 9. Section 1: due Thursday, September 10.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Review class pacing, coverage, themes, and expectations.
No new homework. Continue the Treuer reading for your September 9 seminar.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Use class time to read and prepare for tomorrow's Treuer seminar.
Due Wednesday, September 9, by 8:00 a.m.: Submit Assignments 1.13 and 1.14. Finish the Treuer reading through p. 51 before your seminar.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Section 1: Review class pacing, coverage, themes, and expectations.Sections 2-3: Mr. Cutler-led seminar on the "Prologue" and "Fatal Encounters," through p. 51, in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer.
Section 1: Finish the Treuer reading for tomorrow's seminar. Sections 2-3: No new homework. Your Treuer seminar self-reflection is due Tuesday, September 15, by 3:25 p.m..
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Mr. Cutler-led seminar on the "Prologue" and "Fatal Encounters," through p. 51, in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer.
Due Tuesday, September 15, by 3:25 p.m.: Complete your Treuer seminar self-reflection. This deadline applies even though Section 1 does not meet Tuesday.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Begin the Road to Revolution simulation.
Due Friday, September 18, before class: Read the Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough. Prepare for the first Hamilton seminar. Plan to complete this reading during the school week.
Connect the French and Indian War to the tensions that led toward the American Revolution.
Monday, September 14, 2026
Continue the Road to Revolution simulation, connecting the French and Indian War to the road to revolution.
Due Tuesday, September 15, by 3:25 p.m.: Submit your Treuer seminar self-reflection. Continue the Hamilton reading - Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73 - for Friday.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Introduce the in-class essay and complete the opening activity in the Hamilton viewing and essay guide. Watch the first 35 minutes of Hamilton: The Musical and discuss. Keep brief movie notes using the guide's four-part format. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
No new homework. Continue the Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73, for Friday's seminar.
Begin noticing how a written biography and a musical present the same historical figure.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Section 1: Introduce the essay and complete the opening activity in the Hamilton viewing and essay guide; watch the first 35 minutes of Hamilton: The Musical and discuss.Sections 2-3: Discuss the opening segment, review your movie notes, and compare a scene with a passage from Chapters 1-3. The second segment is scheduled for September 22.All sections: Keep brief movie notes. When you reach the matching biography passage, record its page and explain what the film and book present the same way or differently. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
For Friday, September 18: Finish the Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73, and prepare for the seminar.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Review the opening segment of Hamilton: The Musical and discuss. Use the Hamilton viewing and essay guide to compare a scene with a passage from Chapters 1-3. Record its page and explain a similarity or difference. The second segment is scheduled for September 24. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
For tomorrow's seminar: Finish the Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Seminar on the Foreword and Chapters 1-3, through p. 73, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough. At the end of the seminar, choose a scene your class has watched about early life, writing, Seabury, or joining Washington's staff. Find the biography's account of the same event and record its exact page. Explain a similarity or difference and what a viewer would understand or misunderstand because of it. Use the Hamilton seminar checkpoints.
Due Friday, September 25, before class: Read Chapters 4-6, through p. 161, for the next seminar. Due Friday, September 25, by 3:25 p.m.: Submit the self-reflection for today's seminar.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Use the full 50 minutes for viewing session 2 of Hamilton: The Musical, continuing from your class's actual stopping point. Jot brief observations while watching. Use the Hamilton viewing and essay guide to develop your film-and-book comparisons during the already scheduled reading, seminar, and preparation activities. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
No new homework. Use the available school-week time to prepare Chapters 4-6, through p. 161, for Friday. The September 18 seminar reflection is also due Friday at 3:25 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Read, prepare for Friday's seminar, and check in with Mr. Cutler. As you read Chapters 4-6, revisit notes on scenes your class has already watched. Compare one scene with a specific book passage, record the page, and explain a similarity or difference. For scenes you have not yet watched, turn a passage about courtship, dueling, Washington, or Yorktown into a question to watch for. Weekly reading and viewing map.
For Friday, September 25: Finish Chapters 4-6, through p. 161. Submit the September 18 seminar reflection by 3:25 p.m. Friday.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Use the full 50 minutes for viewing session 2 of Hamilton: The Musical, continuing from your class's actual stopping point. Jot brief observations while watching. Use the Hamilton viewing and essay guide to develop your film-and-book comparisons during the already scheduled reading, seminar, and preparation activities. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
For tomorrow: Finish Chapters 4-6, through p. 161, before the seminar. Submit your September 18 seminar reflection by 3:25 p.m. Friday.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Seminar on Chapters 4-6, through p. 161, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough. At the end of the seminar, choose a scene your class has watched about courtship, dueling, the break with Washington, or Yorktown. Find the biography's account of the same event and record its exact page. Explain a similarity or difference and what a viewer would understand or misunderstand because of it. Use the Hamilton seminar checkpoints.
Due Tuesday, September 29, by 3:25 p.m.: Complete the self-reflection for today's Chapters 4-6 seminar.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Simulation activity on the Articles of Confederation (Part 1).
Due Monday, October 5, before class: Read Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough.Reminder: Your September 25 seminar reflection is due tomorrow, September 29, by 3:25 p.m..
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Use the full 50 minutes for viewing session 3 of Hamilton: The Musical, continuing from your class's actual stopping point. Record your class's stopping point; all sections will finish and discuss the musical on Friday, October 9. Jot brief observations while watching. Use the Hamilton viewing and essay guide to develop your film-and-book comparisons during the already scheduled reading, seminar, and preparation activities. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
No new homework. Continue Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, for Monday, October 5.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Simulation activity on the Articles of Confederation (Part 2). * Change of plans. As Friday is now a reading period, we will delve into the first part of the Constitutional Convention (Part 1) simulation, and cut our work short on the Articles.
No new homework. Continue Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, for Monday, October 5.
Consider how the structure of the Confederation affected the new nation's ability to govern.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Use the full 50 minutes for viewing session 3 of Hamilton: The Musical, continuing from your class's actual stopping point. Record your class's stopping point; all sections will finish and discuss the musical on Friday, October 9. Jot brief observations while watching. Use the Hamilton viewing and essay guide to develop your film-and-book comparisons during the already scheduled reading, seminar, and preparation activities. Open song notes to print or download a Word copy.
No new homework. Finish Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, before Monday, October 5. Follow the ribbon-cutting schedule tomorrow; the seminar takes place Monday.
Friday, October 2, 2026
No regular lesson listed. Follow the section and school-calendar notes.
Complete the previously assigned Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, before Monday, October 5. Bring your book, passage references, and discussion questions.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Seminar on Chapters 7-9, through p. 233, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbrough. At the end of the seminar, choose a scene your class has watched about slavery and compromise, The Federalist, public debt, or the capital bargain. Find the biography's account of the same event and record its exact page. Explain a similarity or difference and what a viewer would understand or misunderstand because of it. Use the Hamilton seminar checkpoints.
Submit today's seminar self-reflection by Friday, October 9, at 3:25 p.m. Read Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary. Sections 2-3: Wednesday, October 14, before class. Section 1: Thursday, October 15, before class.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Complete the Constitutional Amendment Activity begun last week. Resume from your section's stopping point, finish the remaining work, and discuss your responses.
Continue Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, for your final seminar: October 14 for Sections 2-3; October 15 for Section 1. The October 5 seminar reflection is due Friday, October 9, by 3:25 p.m.. Bring your biography and movie notes Friday to finish and discuss the film.
Explain how amendments change the Constitution and evaluate the ideas raised in the activity.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
No regular lesson listed. Follow the section and school-calendar notes.
No new homework assigned today. Follow the reading and reflection deadlines above.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Complete the Constitutional Amendment Activity begun last week. Resume from your section's stopping point, finish the remaining work, and discuss your responses.
Continue Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, for Thursday, October 15, before class. Bring your biography and movie notes tomorrow to finish and discuss the film. All sections: Submit the October 5 seminar reflection by tomorrow, Friday, October 9, at 3:25 p.m..
Explain how amendments change the Constitution and evaluate the ideas raised in the activity.
Friday, October 9, 2026
Finish Hamilton: The Musical, continuing from your class's recorded stopping point. Take brief viewing notes. After the film, discuss its portrayal of Hamilton and begin reviewing the in-class essay prompt: consider the musical's value as history, identify one accuracy and one meaningful change or omission, and discuss how specific book evidence supports an argument. Bring questions about the prompt and expectations.
Continue Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, and prepare for your final seminar: Wednesday, October 14, for Sections 2-3; Thursday, October 15, for Section 1. Bring your biography and movie notes to your next class for reading and further essay preparation. All sections write the essay on Monday, October 19, and Wednesday, October 21.
Connect the musical's ending to the biography and consider how its portrayal shapes viewers' understanding of Hamilton.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
Continue the film discussion and essay-prompt review; finish any remaining viewing first. Read Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue and prepare for tomorrow's final seminar. Review the essay expectations and self-assessment rubric. Practice identifying a claim, film detail, specific book evidence, and explanation in the writing models. Discuss what a viewer learns or misunderstands. Use the essay-review guide and ask questions about evidence, permitted materials, and DigiExam. Keep preparation notes; all essay drafting and revision take place during the assigned essay periods.
Finish Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, before tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14. Bring passage references and questions for the final seminar. Bring your biography and movie notes for Friday's essay review. Before the first essay period on Monday, October 19, update DigiExam and organize your materials.
Build an evidence-based argument about the musical's value as history and distinguish analysis from plot summary.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
No regular lesson listed. Follow the section and school-calendar notes.
No separate homework entry in this dated block. Follow the unit reading deadlines.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
Seminar on Chapters 10-12 and the Epilogue, through p. 317, in Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary. At the end of the seminar, choose a scene about neutrality, the scandal, the election, the final duel, or Eliza's legacy. Find the biography's account of the same event and record its exact page. Explain a similarity or difference and what a viewer would understand or misunderstand because of it. Use the Hamilton seminar checkpoints. Then choose your strongest essay evidence: one accuracy and one meaningful difference, with a clear explanation of what each shows.
Submit today's seminar self-reflection by Monday, October 19, at 3:25 p.m.. Bring your biography and movie notes for tomorrow's essay review, Friday, October 16. All sections begin the essay Monday, October 19, and finish Wednesday, October 21. Before Monday, update DigiExam and charge your computer.
Friday, October 16, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
No regular lesson listed. Follow the section and school-calendar notes.
Prepare for essay period 1 on Monday, October 19. Update DigiExam and bring a charged computer, your own movie notes, and Brockenbrough's biography. The final seminar self-reflection is due Monday, October 19, by 3:25 p.m.. All sections finish the essay on Wednesday, October 21.
Develop an argument supported by specific evidence and explain why each comparison matters, rather than simply summarizing the book or film.
Monday, October 19, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
Begin the in-class essay in DigiExam. You may use your own movie notes and the biography; have both ready for Mr. Cutler to check. All essay drafting and revision take place during the two assigned writing periods in DigiExam.
All sections continue and complete the essay on Wednesday, October 21. Between writing periods, you may reread the biography and review your movie notes. Bring your charged computer, movie notes, and biography Wednesday.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
Participate in a Hamilton-to-today activity. Explore how questions raised by Hamilton's life and the musical connect to public life today, including political rivalry, the role of the federal government, public debt, and the ways people shape their reputations. Choose one connection and ground it in a specific event from the biography or a scene from the musical. Discuss one meaningful similarity and one important difference between the historical situation and the present-day example.
Prepare to complete the essay tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21. Bring your charged computer, movie notes, and biography. Between writing periods, you may reread the biography and review your notes; all essay drafting and revision take place during the assigned writing periods.
Use historical evidence to make a thoughtful comparison while recognizing differences in context.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 · Upcoming lesson
Continue and complete the in-class essay in DigiExam, period 2 of 2. You may use your own movie notes and the biography; have both ready for Mr. Cutler to check. All essay drafting and revision take place during the assigned writing periods. Unit 2 ends today for all sections.
Reread your completed essay and complete the Self-Assessment Rubric at the end of this page. Submit your essay self-evaluation by Friday, October 23, at 3:25 p.m. Support your evaluation with specific examples from your essay and identify questions for your one-on-one conference with Mr. Cutler.