Secondary – August 24

Poet, translator, essayist, and short story writer Jorge Luis Borges was born on this date in 1899. He was also director of the National Library of Buenos Aires when he lost his vision. Think about your ideal job and the most important of the five human senses to that work. If you were to lose that sense, how could you compensate and continue to excel at it?

Secondary – August 23

On this date in 1814, US Presidential wife Dolley Madison saved a portrait of George Washington from the White House before it was looted and burned by British troops. If you were going to save one object from your house from destruction, what would you choose and why?

Secondary – August 22

Don’t write about reverse psychology.

Secondary – August 21

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, was born on this date in 1973. Think about the ways you find information compared to the ways your parents and grandparents found information. Write a short essay about how those differences affect your daily life.

Secondary – August 20

“Every great change in individual and social conditions begins small, among simple, earnest people, face to face with the facts of life. Ask yourselves seriously, ‘Why should not the coming change begin with us?’ ” -Kevin Baker, born on this date in 1958. Answer Kevin Baker’s question.

Secondary – August 19

Pioneering television inventor Philo T. Farnsworth was born on this date in 1906. Decide whether you think TV should have been invented, and then explain why you’re wrong.

Secondary – August 18

Antonio Salieri was born on this date in 1750. Explain why you would or would not be satisfied to be considered brilliant during your life if you were completely forgotten by future generations.

Secondary – August 17

“Let your tongue speak what your heart thinks.” -Davy Crockett, born this date in 1786. If you could say anything to anyone, what would you say and to whom would you say it?