1. Legislation strengthens top priorities for Iowa farmers and consumers, includes significant reforms in agricultural and food policy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a senior member and former Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate approved the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, the 2012 farm bill, by a vote of 64-35. This is the eighth farm bill Senator Harkin has worked on since becoming a member of Congress. “The bill reflects compromises, though, and I regret that it reduces funding for farm conservation programs and nutrition assistance to low-income Americans. Those spending reductions are the consequence of our present federal budget circumstances. We must take care not to deny essential federal support and investments in our nation’s priorities in food, agriculture, conservation, energy, and rural economic development.” a. Studying the earth b. Cultivation of the land c. Development of towns and cities d. Conservation programs State budget eliminates $10 billion deficit, includes sweeping reforms and efficiencies Albany, NY (March 31, 2011) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the passage of the 2011-2012 budget that eliminates a $10 billion deficit. The budget includes historic reforms that redesign state government, create efficiencies through consolidation, cap spending increases for education and Medicaid, and transform the future budgeting process. The approximately $132.5 billion budget reduces spending overall by more than 2 percent from the previous year, eliminates 3,700 prison beds, establishes Regional Economic Development Councils, brings performance funding to education, redesigns Medicaid, and caps next year's education and Medicaid spending. a. consolidate b. establish c. do again d. eliminate

2. I can evaluate each vignette and understand what it says about the theme: identity. I can apply literary devices within my own writing.

3. Finish reading the last vignette (pg 53-55) Answer the following questions on your own paper: How does Esperanza change as she enters adolescence? How do each vignette show something about identity? How does it connect to you, something you have read, or your world? Finish your map if you needed

4. Describe your adolescence or an event during your adolescence. This time your writing should be at least 2 paragraphs. Include at least 3 pieces of imagery and 1 other device of your choice. Your vignette should be titled appropriately Don’t forget: we are putting all our vignettes together at the completion of the book, to make an autobiographical book ( a book about you). Keep up with your writings!!!

5. You will get into groups of 3 or 4 (you may choose) Within your groups, choose a vignette to act out – make sure you choose a vignette that has enough characters for everyone in your group Fill out the graphic organizer Get ready to perform your vignette. BE CREATIVE!!!!