US History 8th Grade

Course Description: 7th grade US History is the first year of a two-year sequence. This year's study will extend from "Unit 1 - The Social Sciences" to "Unit 16 - Causes of the US Civil War." Students are encouraged to retain all materials received for the first half year, where upon we will review for a midterm exam, and recycle papers students deem unworthy of keeping. At that same time, students will retain useful papers, and complete a portfolio writing piece about the most valuable lessons learned in the first half of the year. This will be repeated again as the end of the year approaches and review commences for the 7th grade final exam. 7th grade papers are valuable for the NYS 8th grade Test, so parents are encouraged to assist in the organization of 7th grade papers at the end of this school year.

Attendance: Students will be responsible for notes, handouts, and information discussed in class. Work completed in class is often not repeatable, though any notes given in class should be available to students from the teacher, or a fellow student of good repute.

Students who miss class are responsible for seeking out missed homework assignments, turning in homework due on the class missed, and seeking to make-up any work that is repeatable. Tutorials and activity periods are best used for making up back work. Fail to complete missed assignments will receive a zero for those assignments.

Tardiness: Students are expected to arrive to class on time. If you arrive late without a pass from a teacher, administrator, or aide you will be required to fill out a form located by the classroom door explaining your tardy situation, and place that form in my hand before sitting down. Please avoid disrupting the class when you enter, and join the class in progress as smoothly and quietly as possible. Food and drink are not allowed in class, but you may bring in a water bottle.

Class Materials: You are expected to have a 3 ring binder in class every day, as well as writing paper, a pencil or pen, and five colored highlighters. Many students find having a pencil case that is held by the clasps of the three ring binder most handy.

Grading Policy: Grades will be computed by dividing the total number of points for the quarter with the total number of points earned. A cumulative midterm exam will be given in January. Unit Tests will account for approximately 20% of the grade, while the work produced in the unit, including homework will account for approximately 80% of the grade. These exams are intended to reinforce prior learning, and prepare students for the school final exam at the end of the year.

-Tests: These are given on the last day of a unit (or last two days if we are blocking). They also act as midterm and final assessments for the course. Pre-Tests will often be given to start a unit. These do not count as a grade, but they are used to assess a student's prior knowledge so that lessons and learning activities can be adjusted to suit the circumstances.

-Quizzes: Quizzes tend to cover no more than two class periods of work. They are used to assess knowledge gained from homework, or the current lesson. Many of these quizzes are unannounced, so students should come to class prepared to take a quiz on what they learned last class, or in the homework. Some pop quizzes are announced on the class web page to better encourage its use. Pre-quizzes that are given at the start of a unit are tools to show prior knowledge, and are not used as a grade in the student's average. Comparing pre-quizzes and Unit tests is a good method for measuring growth during a unit of study.

-Homework: Is an integral part of this course, and an important part of the Grade 7-12 expectations of students. Class time is often given for homework to be started, and additional time may be used in homeroom, tutorial, and access period. Anything not completed in school should be completed at home, and ready to be handed in at the start of the class where it is due. Half credit may be available if the homework is simply collected. This would be the case if the work was handed in after its collection and prior to the start of the following class period. In the event we go over the homework answers, late credit will not be made available.

Optional assignments: These assignments may be completed by all students if all back work is complete. These will not count against a student if they are not completed, but because they are considered enrichment, they will only be accepted if all back work is complete.

-Projects: Projects and/or research assignments will be given each marking period. Students are expected to do research, take notes, write reports, and cite their sources. In an attempt to control plagiarism, students will be expected to produce the sources they cite in papers. Because internet sources are often cited improperly, or because internet sites exist one day and not the next, printouts of these sources are required. Students must meet the set deadlines to receive full credit. Students involved with group work assignments are expected to contribute to the group since each person has a responsibility to other students.

1. Daily Homework: An assignment collection tray will be located in the class for students to place completed HW assignments into. Homework that is prepared well for the day it is due will receive full credit. Missing homework may be handed in one class later for ½ credit unless the answers were given in class, in which case credit is not given.

Binder Checks: Some homework is not collected on the day it is due. Students must keep these uncollected assignments in their binder and await a binder check. Keeping these assignments is a student responsibility! Binder checks are always announced in advance both in class, and on the web site. Missing homework from a binder check is an automatic zero for that assignment. (Binder checks include homework, quiz and test corrections, class notes, and news notes.)

The Web Site: Our class website is located on the internet at <http://www.mrv.us.> This is a convenient way for parents and students to check on homework assignments, check dates for tests, field trips, etc. I post weekly messages to parents on the site too. If you are unfamiliar with how to use the website, please call me at the school to set up an appointment and I will give you the personal tour. Once at the website, it is very easy to email me with any concerns you may have. Responses tend to be quicker than phone calls to school.

Classroom Behavior: Social Studies is a class where ideas are shared. In order to encourage critical thinking and the free exchange of ideas students must approach this course with an open mind, remembering to respect the values and traditions of others.

Review Classes: On occasion I will run after school review sessions. This is always true for the Trimester tests held in December and March. These classes are optional, and will be announced both in class and on the web site. Students must make their own arrangements to attend, as I do not run separate review classes for those who missed the review class. Please make arrangements with other teachers if these classes are important for you. Most teachers will accommodate you as I rarely keep students after school for formal reviews.

Field Trips: Several field trips are being planned for this year's 7th grade. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please contact me at 456-6010 ext.3615, or email me at vititoww@guilderlandschools.org.

Parent Contact: Parents who have concerns or questions are encouraged to contact me at 456-6010 x6010. Please leave a number where you can be reached between the hours of 3:30-4:00pm. I will return your phone call as soon as possible. Email me at vititoww@guilderlandschools.org and I will respond to you within 24 hours.