8th Grade

U.S. History

Class Syllabus.

As of 8/11/25

Dear Students and Parents,

I would like to welcome you all to 8th Grade Social Studies / U.S. History! 

During this course we will learn about the early history of the United States, from Colonization through Reconstruction, specifically the years between 1607 to 1877.  

Historical themes will include:

• Early Colonial Life (food, religion, culture, politics; Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, African-Americans; English, French and Spanish settlers)
  
  

• The American Revolution (key battles; important people; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin)
  
  

• Founding Documents (Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights)
  
  

• Systems of Government (who makes the laws; Legislative Branch (Congress); who enforces the laws; Executive Branch (the President); and who evaluates the laws; Judicial Branch (the Supreme Court)
  
  

• Reform Movements (Abolitionist, Labor, and Care for the Mentally Ill)
  
  

• 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 the United States)
  
  

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

• Science, technology, society (inventors and inventions; Eli Whitney (cotton gin), Robert Fulton (steamboat) 

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

U.S. History Supply List: 

1. Pens or Pencils (Required most days).

2. Composition Notebook (Your teacher will provide!)

3. Box of tissues and hand sanitizer (for yourself and your peers).

Classroom Culture:

1. Arrive to 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 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 IB big 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 your child’s grades and attendance. 

• Students who miss class should ask for make-up work and complete it in a timely manner.
  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