Course Introduction
Welcome to Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies! Our classes this year will be focused on two major eras of American History. Seventh Grade will focus on life in North America through the run up to the Civil War, and Eighth Grade will examine American History from the Civil War to contemporary eras.
Course Objectives
Students will engage in critical thinking, and examine their roles in civic life, politics, and government.
Students will gain an understanding of how the government established by the Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy.
Students will strengthen their reading, writing, and argumentative skills in preparation for high school and college rigor.
Students will investigate overlapping themes like Identity, Power, and Conflict/Compromise that are relevant to all eras of American History.
Materials
You will need to come to each class prepared. This means you will have a notebook specifically for this class, and a pen or pencil. There will also be handouts and worksheets throughout the semester, so you will need a folder. This is in addition to our Data Binders, which will also be used throughout the year.
Classroom Expectations: The 3 R’s
1. Be Responsible: This means coming to class each day with all the materials you need for class that day. It also includes turning in work on time and being fully prepared for class activities or discussions. Additionally, it is your responsibility to make up absent work in a timely manner.
2. Be Respectful: This classroom will be based on the concept of mutual respect. You are to respect yourself, your classmates, and this classroom. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
3. Be Responsive: You are expected to participate in class by taking notes, engaging in classroom discussions and decisions, and working productively with partners and/or groups. Being prepared for class enables you to fully participate. Active participation includes: discussing reading, sharing ideas, posing questions, asking for feedback, offering advice, etc.
Homework Policies and Late Work
Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Work will be considered late if you are finishing any part of the assignment in class on the date it is due. Students who are absent will be given the same amount of time to complete and turn in an assignment as their classmates were given.
Late work accepted will be if you make arrangements with me beforehand. If you know there will be an important event that will keep you from submitting an assignment on time, see me as soon as possible to make arrangements. This should be reserved for emergencies, and not be a regular occurrence. Adhering to this policy will prepare students for high school, college, and their careers.
Unexcused late work will be accepted, but with a dramatically reduced score. Work submitted one day late will be graded at 60% of the possible points. Work submitted more than one day late will be awarded no more than 50% of the possible points at my discretion.
If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz, on the day you return to class, you must make arrangements with me to make it up. If you are absent the day(s) before an assessment, plan to take the assessment on the day you return to school.
Grading Policy
The grading policy for my class will be as follows:
Major Assessments - 30%
Minor Assessments - 30%
Assignments - 30%
Homework - 10%
Grades will be updated in the online grade book consistently, with at least one grade entered each week.
Classroom Policies
When you are in class, your backpack must be off and under your desk.
You must place your cell phone in the appropriate bin if you are going to use the hall pass to leave class.
You should travel with your class at all times. If you are not with your class, you need to come to class with a pass.
Each student is expected to be dressed in the appropriate South Loop uniform. If you're unable to address your uniform to make it appropriate, you must see Ms. Shelton or Mr. Rhodes.
No coats, jackets, or outerwear should be worn in the classroom.
No hats should be worn in the hallway or classroom.
Academic Integrity
Academic honesty is an expectation of all students. Cheating on tests/examinations, allowing others to look at/copy your work, or engaging in any other activities that are dishonest (especially plagiarism) are serious offenses that require strict sanctions. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, receiving a zero (F) grade on the academic work involved.
If you have any questions concerning what constitutes plagiarism, or how to properly cite source materials, be sure to consult with me. We will have detailed conversations regarding Academic Integrity in the first weeks of school.
Food/Snack Policy
No food is allowed in the classroom at any time. Water is the only acceptable drink to have in class.
Text
America:History of Our Nation
Disclaimer
I reserve the right to modify or alter the policies laid out above over the course of the semester. If there will be any additional policies this semester, or changes to existing policies, students will be notified in writing ahead of time.