Sword of Freedom

Kristi and Jean showing off their hard earned swords
Kristi punishing Sam for not taking the class - off with her head!

Thomas Jefferson Leaderhsip Academy (TJLA) held their parent night tonight where all 17 "Sword of Freedom" class members earned and were given the swords they earned. The class studied the Civil War and were divided into two groups - the Union Army (wearing blue hats) and the Southern Army (grey hats). In this one semester class they:

1. Learned Military Protocol.

2. Advanced in Rank from Corporal through Lieutenant General

3. Held a Civil War Battle Reenactment.

4. Read, Uncle Tom's Cabin, To Kill a Mockingbird, Across Five Aprils, & Abraham Lincoln Biography.

5. Wrote 8-10 papers discussing various government and moral issues such as: My Prime Allegiance, Compromise, Evil for Evil, Is Secession Constitutional?, Is it ever right to break a law?, Was Sherman right?, Prejudices, Mob Rule, and wrote an original poem about the Civil War.

6. Read & Discussed the following speeches/documents - Gettysburg Address, Dred Scott Decision, The Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln's second Inaugural Address, Constitutional Ammendments 13, 14 & 15.

7. Memorized the Gettysburg Address.

8. Each student gave a class presentation on one of the following: Life as a Slave, Food in the Army, Women's Role, Underground Railroad, Doctors/Hospitals/Red Cross, Weapons, Spies, Uniforms and clothing of the times, The army (origination, drills, manpower), Mathew Brady, & Prisons.

9. Memorized and sang three Civil War songs - The Battle Cry of Freedom, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, & Dixie.

10. Watched 5 Civil War movies - Gods & Generals, Gettysburg, Shenandoah, The Red Badge of Courage, Gone with the Wind.

11. Wrote a comprehensive report on a Civil War Hero which were then compiled into a book for each class member.

Now THAT's a loaded class!