As a preview to a history lesson over the Decree of April 6^th, 1830, 7^th grade Humanities students unknowingly took part in a simulation.  Mrs. Mattay and Mrs. Figueroa created harsh, new policies for The Brook Hill Middle School and presented them to the students as a PowerPoint from Mrs. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes and Coach Collins even popped in to ensure the teachers delivered the information to the students! The students became very angry, sad, and resentful about the new rules and conditions set before them. They immediately started writing a petition to the headmaster and all stakeholders. Mrs. Mattay and Mrs. Figueroa told the students to send their petitions to [email protected]. Everyone had a great laugh at the joke before learning about the Decree of April 6^th, where the Mexicans put stringent, unreasonable stipulations on the Texan colonists. Students experienced similar emotions as the Texans and understood why the new laws were a root of bitter feelings toward the government.

Here are some of their reactions to the new policies (before they new it was a joke):