Academic Seminar 7
Mr. Thedinga mwthedinga@mpsomaha.org
Mrs. Daly sadaly@mpsomaha.org
Course Description
You will explore your way to success! You will determine how to challenge yourself academically while you are in middle school and as you transition into high school. This course will assist in building intellectual and career capacity while reflecting and refining work habits, further developing strategies for perseverance, and exploring the Nebraska Career Education Model in order to create your four-year plan for high school and beyond. This is a required course for all Millard Public Schools 7th graders.
Resources
There is no textbook for this course. Each student will be given a Know How to Go booklet from EducationQuest, which is theirs to keep after the course.
Required Materials
Always come to class with a pen/pencil. All other materials will be provided by the instructor.
Please bring your laptop to class everyday as well.
Course Standards
Students will acquire the knowledge and skills that contribute to positive engagement and meaningful learning in school and throughout life.
Students will plan for and make successful transitions within school levels and from school to postsecondary education and/or the world of work.
Students will investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and make informed career decisions.
Grading Procedures
Students may expect various kinds of homework on a regular basis. All homework is expected to be completed on time. Homework is counted as “Late” and “Missing” if it is not turned in at the beginning of the class period on the day it is due. Grading/Late Work policies in 7th Grade Social Studies are consistent with those outlined in the student handbook:
- Retakes will be allowed on tests only during the first semester.
- All test retakes (allowed for the 1st semester only) must occur within 5 days of a test being returned to the student.
- One day is allowed to turn in late homework without penalty.
- 10% reduction on the assignment for any work accepted after the one day grace period.
- Homework will not be accepted after three days from when the assignment was due and a ‘0’ will be entered in Synergy.
- Please notice the various flags on each assignment in Synergy as these are used to update the status of each assignment.
According to Board Policy, the Millard Public Schools grading guidelines for third through twelfth grade shall be used to report achievement, academic progress, and compute grade point averages.
90 - 100 % = A
80 - 89 % = B
70 - 79 % = C
60 - 69 % = D
59 % & below = F
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to uphold the building’s PBIS expectations of behaving in a SAFE, RESPECTFUL, & RESPONSIBLE manner at all times.
Students should arrive on time, be seated in their assigned seat immediately upon arriving to the classroom, & begin working on that day’s bell work question within their journal.
It’s the instructor’s expectation that students are actively engaged, following along with the activity or lesson, quiet when the teacher is speaking or transitioning to a new activity, treating others in a kind & respectful way, & focusing on the day’s objective.
Students need to sign out/in when using the restroom or leaving the classroom.
Per building policy, all personal electronics need to be put away in your backpack.
Disruptive Behavior
First Infraction: Students will be asked to stay after class and discuss expectations with the teacher.
Second Infraction: Parent contact & detention with teacher.
Third Infraction: Office Referral
Cell Phone/Computers
Millard Public Schools follows Policy 7500.2.
In response to Nebraska Legislative Bill 140 (LB140), our school board has reviewed and clarified our mobile device policy. While our district has long had expectations regarding device use, this update brings added clarity and consistency and ensures we are following state law. Starting this fall, students in all six middle schools will not be allowed to use mobile devices—including cell phones and smartwatches—at any time during the school day. This includes class time, hallway transitions, and lunch. Devices must be turned off and stored away throughout the school day. This policy update is the result of collaborative input from parents, staff, and students. Our goal is to reduce distractions, enhance social interactions, and ensure we are following state law.