Embedded Files
Social Studies – Mr. Thedinga
Course Policies and Procedures
Beadle Middle School, 7 – Beta
Room A124
mwthedinga@mpsomaha.org
7th Grade World Studies Curriculum
Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they examine specific historical ideas, beliefs, and themes while analyzing how individuals and societies have changed over time. Students will further develop understanding of fundamental geographic concepts and processes, economic reasoning, and demographics of the world. Major significant local, national, and world events will be utilized throughout the course.
Course Outcomes
There are three district assessments in 7th grade World Studies. A map skills assessment will be taken during the first hexter after a unit of instruction. A second assessment is a service learning plan, implementation, and reflection. For the third assessment, students will compare and contrast the Inca, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations by completing research on each culture and compiling their comparisons in a graphic representation. Our final district assessment will ask students to examine China’s water scarcity crisis by completing a document-based analysis activity.
Textbook and Class Webpage
This year, our textbooks will be accessed primarily online. TCI’s “Geography Alive!” and “History Alive!” will be the two texts that students will use to examine the world. Students will be able to access their online textbooks through the Single-Sign On Portal and the “Clever” application. Hard copy textbooks will be available to use in class only.
Materials
Students must be prepared with these items every day:
Pencil, Laptop, Folder/Accordion/Desired organizational tool
Classroom Behavior
The four rules for behavior are the consistent throughout Beadle Middle School are easily remembered through the acronym B.A.R.K. – Be safe, Act responsibly, Respect Self and Others, and use Kindness in All We Do. The only acceptable behavior is that which allows every student to learn. If a student is having difficulty with these rules, the teacher will speak privately with the student and his/her parents. According to school policy, detentions assigned will be 30 minutes either served before or after school.
Grading/Late Work
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
Absences:
If you are absent, please check Google Classroom and the Beta Homework Hotline Google Doc for any missed assignments/activities. The Beta Homework Hotline page is linked to each Beta teacher’s Google Site. You may also find each teacher’s Google Site by accessing the Beadle Homepage, under the Staff Directory. In 7th grade it is the student’s responsibility to get his/her missing work and set up times with the teacher to complete work.
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.
HAL Units/Extension Units
Various opportunities will be provided throughout the year for the completion of HAL and extension units. There will be optional extension units, as well as opportunities to pretest and qualify for extension units. All students will have the opportunity to participate or qualify for extension units.
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.
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