Listen Up!

2023-2024 "Welcome to Texas"

STUDENT PROJECTS!!

Class Syllabus.

As of 8/11/25

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to 7th Grade Texas History!  During this course, we will learn about Texas geography and the American Indians through the Texas Revolution and the Texas Civil Rights Movement, into present-day Texas, specifically starting from the 1500s.

Historical themes will include, but not be limited to:

• Texas Geography (location and characteristics of places and regions of Texas; Coastal Plains, Great Plains, Central Plains, Mountains, and Basins)
  
  

• Early Exploration and Colonization (food, religion, culture, politics; American Indians; European, French, and Spanish settlers)
  
  

• Texas Revolution (individuals, events, and issues that shaped the history of Texas)

• Government (The Bill of Rights, the 3 branches of government)
  
  

• The Civil War (Interesting fact: more men lost their lives to diseases than combat)
  
  

• Geography (7 continents; landforms, oceans; weather and climate of specific regions of Texas)
  
  

• Economics (jobs; how did early settlers earn money?)
  
  

• Science, technology, society (inventors and inventions)

A detailed explanation of the topics will be posted within the next week. 

Nevertheless, you can read about needed school supplies, classroom culture, behavior procedures, and positive behavior rewards within this document.  

I look forward to teaching and having a productive and exciting school year.  

--Mrs. McCray

School Supplies Needed for History Class: 

1. Pens or Pencils (Required most days).

2. Notebook (Composition).

3. Box of tissues and hand sanitizer (class donation).

Classroom Culture:

1. Arrive at class on time / be prepared for class (i.e., have a pencil, pen, journal, folder) 

2. Listen quietly while others are speaking.

3. Be thoughtful and considerate 

4. Remain in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise.

5. Be ready to work together as a group, work with other students, and work independently 

6. No Cell Phones, AirPods, or Apple Watches permitted. 

Behavior Correction Procedure:

1. Verbal warning.

2. Verbal warning.

3. Teacher-Student conversation. Documentation in E-School.

4. Student calls parent. Accountability for actions in class. 

5. Move seats.

6. Remove from class; write up to the Middle Office.

Note:  With major violations, some offenses may automatically skip #4,5,6 to maintain a safe, orderly, and productive classroom.

Positive Behavior Rewards:

1. Flexible Seating for the entire class. No assigned seats.

2. Listen to music while completing Independent Work.

3. Positive notes to students.

4. Positive phone calls and/or emails home.

5. Praise and recognition.
   
   Grading Policy

Weighted Grades for Social Studies

• 90-100 A (means: I completely understand what we're learning)

• 89-80   B (means: I generally understand what we're learning)

• 75-79   C (means: I have questions and I am confused about what we're learning)

• 70-74   D (means: I need to ask more questions and possibly attend tutorials)

• 69-0     F (means: I don’t understand what we're learning; I need tutorials)
  
  

• Class work, warm-up   = 40%

• Test, quizzes, projects = 60%

Other Things:

• Students will complete one big IB project every 9 weeks.

• Homework will not be given unless the student is absent. 

• I encourage parents to check the HAC on the Aldine ISD website to monitor their child’s grades and attendance. 

• Students who miss class should ask for make-up work and complete it promptly.
  Usually within one week. 

***Things Mrs. McCray should know (health problems, allergies, vision, accommodations, etc.) about your child: 

You can email me at ndmccray@aldineisd.org