Mr. Michaud Social Studies

School Year #24 is a wrap. And early morning rides have begun. It’s time for Summer! 😎
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I’ve mentioned numerous times how much I love to receive emails from former students. I am always inspired when I hear first hand that my 7th grade History class had a impact. But today that feeling was elevated. A former student reached out to tell me they’re graduating high school in a few weeks. And they plan to study Journalism and Political Science at the ! 🦆

Congrats to that Soon-to-Be Duck! You’ll ❤️ it!

(Clearly my History classroom with an extensive rubber ducky collection, and the U of O flag flying in the back of the room, is doing its job!)

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Winter felt VERY long this year. And it is so good to be riding myself back into shape.

As Summerlin has grown so much, it amazes me that epic bike trails are so accessible. There are not a lot of places where photos like these are only a 15 minute pedal from your front door. I am grateful.❤️
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@ Summerlin Paseos

This was certainly a nice email to see today. It is always an honor to be recognized for the work you do. And thank you to the former students that nominated me this year. 🙏
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The Eternal 7th Grader Great Depression Question:
“Mr. Michaud, couldn’t the Government solve the problem by just printing a whole bunch of cash and handing it out to everyone?”
My Answer:
“Let me grab some Oreos, a bunch of Monopoly money, hold some auctions, and show you what happens.”

This hyper-inflation lesson is one of my favorites. Tons of student engagement and SO MUCH FUN!
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Admittedly I have been a slacker the past few months with my classroom updates. Things have just been busy. But I’m hoping to get caught up as a lot has been happening.

We recently got out the Jenga sets (and Giant Jenga sets) for the first time this year for some fun Civil War review. Jenga was one of the first engagement strategies I brought back to my classroom after my original trip to the Ron Clark Academy 7 years ago. Noisy and a little hectic, Jenga is NOT a monthly activity. But a few times a year, it is a must.

I often get asked by teacher friends how I got the Giant Jenga sets. Years ago I simply reached out to parents asking if anyone had carpentry skills and would build them for me. A dad volunteered. I met him a few days later at Home Depot to buy the lumber. He showed up at my classroom a week or two later with 5 Giant Jenga sets. Parents want to help! Just ask! ❤️
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I love playing review games in class before assessments. It is so much fun to watch the students laugh and play while also reviewing content.

This week we were playing Catchphrase to review our unit on Culture in Colonial America. Games are such a easy way to make reviewing fun for students.
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Today Fertitta Middle School kicked off week! 🎸 My classroom was busy with 7th graders starting a Constitutional Assembly Simulation. A long running lesson in my classroom, students are assigned to be delegates from states of varying populations. This week the Delegates must come to a unanimous vote for a resolution establishing representation in the legislature. Here we go!

I’m Teacher Tired; but after a 2 day, student-centered and school-wide reboot, the Fertitta Middle School House System is back and on fire. 🔥

Due to the Covid shutdown, followed by distance learning, and then pause on school assemblies, the House System has suffered. But I am so grateful that it’s returning with full force. Our House System is possibly my favorite thing about our school. And my beloved Black House of Altruismo is going to be tough to beat this year. Bring on another House Championship.
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Summer! 😎

23 years in the classroom. I still love my job; but this school year took it out of me. It feels so good to kick off summer visiting family in the Central Valley. Swimming, grilling, homemade ice cream, and small town life.

Summer has arrived. Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone! 🇺🇸
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I have been a classroom teacher at the middle school level for 23 years. Yes, being a teacher has been hard this year. Yes, I still love it. No, I do not miss distance learning. And yes, thank you notes from middle school kids is the best part of my job.
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It was an honor to be recognized as a finalist for the Heart of Education Awards. Fantastic event at the Smith Center. And even better company. ❤️

This school year hasn’t been easy. But I love my job. And I love my school.

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