Embedded Files
- Contact Information
slramsey@atlanta.k12.ga.us; 404-802-3001
Tutorials on Wednesday by appointment from 2:50-4:00
http://atitutor.com// - Tutoring service provided by Atlanta Public Schools
Dr. Shaketha Blankenship / Counselor for 10th-12th Grade, A-F
sblankenship@Atlanta.k12.ga.us 404-802-3052
Mr. Lamar Young / Counselor for 10th-12th Grade, G-M
ljyoung@Atlanta.k12.ga.us 404-802-3019
Ms. Chelsea Falcone / Counselor for 10th-12th Grade, N-Z
chelsea.falcone@Atlanta.k12.ga.us 404-802-3018
Ms. Tina Pellechia / Counselor for 9th Grade, A-Z
tblevins2@atlanta.k12.ga.us 404-802-3020
Ms. Charmaine Gray / Graduation Coach
cgray@Atlanta.k12.ga.us 404-802-3023
Student tech helpline: https://sites.google.com/apsk12.org/grady-high-digital-learning/home
Courses Taught
Courses Taught
First Semester:
10th grade World Lit, Multicultural Lit, US History,
Second Semester:
Environmental Science, and World History
Ms. Ramsey's Bio
Ms. Ramsey's Bio
Over the last 20 years Ms. Ramsey taught in Clayton County Public Schools and moved to Atlanta Public Schools 8 years ago. She has experience as an English teacher and department chair, working as testing coordinator, title I coordinator, and trainer for Georgia Performance Standards. Since coming to Atlanta Public Schools Ms. Ramsey worked at Maynard Jackson in remedial reading. She joined Midtown's faculty as an Intervention Specialist and later was moved to Special Education, teaching all levels of English, remedial reading, environmental science, physics, economics, US history and world history.
Links
Links
https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/14412
Syllabi
Syllabi
2021-2022 COURSE SYLLABUS
10TH GRADE WORLD LITERATURE
Teacher: Susan Ramsey
Phone Number: 404-802-3001
Room Number: C-234
Email: slramsey@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Semester: Fall 2021
Tutorial Days: Wednesday
Textbook: MyPerspectives 10
Tutorial Hours: 3:50 - 4:50 PM
Website: http://tinyAPS.com/?ramsey
Tutorial Location: E-116
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: The content of this course is subject to change as the need arises. In this event, changes will be clearly communicated.
Course Description:
The literature provided in this course is organized geographically into four units spanning the globe. Each unit contains an introduction which provides the students with the background information to help make their reading experience more meaningfully and a timeline that will assist students in keeping track of major literary and historical events. Through historical, social, and cultural forces students will be able to explain the influences that shape a specific literary period and relate big ideas that target three concepts that can be traced while reading literary works. Each literary work in this course will also incorporate academic vocabulary and writing. Overall, 10th grade Literature and Composition will explore and analyze how literary and historical influences determine the meaning of traditional and contemporary texts.
By the end of this course, each student will have achieved the Georgia Performance Standards of Excellence for reading, speaking and listening, language, and writing according to their grade level. These standards can be found on the following website:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Pages/ELA.aspx
Prerequisite:
9th Grade ELA
Course Content Standard - (www.georgiastandards.org): 9th Grade ELA/Composition
Course Outline:
Unit I - Inside the Nightmare
Unit II - Outsiders and Outcast
Unit III - Extending Freedom’s Reach
Week 1-9
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare
Week 10-18
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast
Evaluation and Grading:
Course Components
Weights
Grading Scale
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69-0
F
Not Evaluated
NE
Classwork and Participation
35%
Unit Tests/Writing Assignments Performance
25%
Lesson Quizzes
15%
Projects
15%
Homework
10%
TOTAL
100%
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Schoology is a K-12 educational learning management system and an all-in-one platform for teaching, learning, assessing, and reporting grades and data. The goal for an LMS is to allow a school to have a central piece of technology to be the platform for communicating with students, teachers, families, and administration. Students access Schoology through MyBackpack.
Required Materials:
Required Materials:
Computer/Laptop
Myspective Textbook
Access to 10th ELA Google Classroom
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
Classroom Expectations:
Classroom Expectations:
● The school’s primary goal is to educate, not punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole. It is important to abide by this rule taken from your student handbook and every additional guideline stated within.
● Be considerate/encourage one another in positive ways (mutual respect will rule this classroom)
● Have manners (do not interrupt your peers in conversation)
● Report to class on time and be prepared
Failure to abide by classroom rules may result in the following disciplinary measures:
Verbal Warning or loss of privileges
Parent Contact
Written warning or notification to principal
Dismissal from class
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS (Excused Absences): Students with an excused absence will be expected to submit missed work on or before the third class meeting after the absence. Pre-announced assignments are due upon return to school.
REASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY: Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on tests when they scored 69% or below. There will be only one reassessment opportunity on tests. This reassessment will be a newly generated teacher assessment and the reassessment score will replace the original score.
For Advanced Placement classes Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on formative assessments/quizzes only due to College Board requirements. There will be only one reassessment opportunity on assessments. This reassessment will be a newly generated teacher assessment and the reassessment score will replace the original score. Reassessment can occur during the class period, tutorials, and/or lunch-and-learn sessions (at the teacher’s discretion).
School-wide Expectations:
MASTERY LEARNING: With mastery learning, a unit of material is taught, and student understanding is evaluated before students are able to move on to the next unit. Students who have not shown mastery for a particular unit will receive feedback and support in reaching mastery. They may be given practice exercises, study guides, group work or complementary resources to help them improve and achieve mastery. Students who demonstrate mastery of the content for a particular unit are given enrichment exercises like special projects, tasks or academic games to further or broaden their knowledge of the material.
For additional help, Tutor ATL info: https://tutoratl.org
PROGRESS REPORTS: Parents and guardians are informed when students are making unsatisfactory progress in classes. Poor performance will be reported to parents and guardians as soon as problems are evident. Progress reports with plans for remediation will be provided for all students making unsatisfactory progress, and parent-guardians conferences must be scheduled. Unsatisfactory grades should never come as a surprise to parents, guardians, or students. Also, see Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1) under “Students in danger of not meeting academic expectations” for further information. Teachers will:
● Contact parents/guardians early in the semester if academic, attendance, or behavioral difficulties are apparent.
● Notify the counselor, Student Support Team (SST)/Response to Intervention (RTI) Chair, and/or an assistant principal of serious problems that are affecting classroom performance.
● Set up parent conferences as necessary.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY: Students wanting to participate in athletic programs governed by the GHSA and extracurricular activities must meet eligibility requirements to participate. The Athletic Director (and the Extracurricular Activities sponsors) will collaborate with teachers to monitor and to identify students in danger of failing courses. A master list of students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics under the auspices of the GHSA will be available to all staff.
Our Vision: A high-performing school where educators inspire, families engage and students love to learn.
Our Mission: Every student will graduate college and career ready with a dedication to community involvement and service.
Midtown Graduate Profile (5 Cs): Creative, collaborative, critical thinker, communicative, and a good citizen.
For Mental Health Crisis you may call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.
Resources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://namiga.org/georgia-crisis-and-access-line/
https://www.crisistextline.org
See Something Say Something Anonymous Line: 1-844-5-SAYNOW
School Counseling Site for Resources/Documents: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/46013
2021-2022 COURSE SYLLABUS
MULTI-LENS LITERATURE & COMPOSITION
teacher: Ms. Lexy Smolko & Ms. Susan Ramsey (Class 3A)
Remind Texts: text @smolko12 to 81010
room number: E-212
email: lexy.smolko@apsk12.org; slramsey@aps12.org
semester: Fall 2021
tutorial days: Thursdays by appointment at 4 pm (Smolko); Wednesdays at 3:45 (Ramsey)
textbook: Texts will be provided--no textbook
website: mssmolkoblog.wordpress.com; http://tinyAPS.com/?ramsey
tutorial location: E-212 (Smolko); C-116 (Ramsey)
Course Description:
Multi-Lens Literature offers insight into American experiences from different perspectives. Students will study common themes in American literature that link all of us as a nation. Students will gain knowledge of American society through works from writers of different gender, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, fostering an understanding of humankind, thereby developing empathy for others.
This course will help to broaden and deepen the understanding of the concept of being “American,” while sharpening reading and writing skills. Students will read and write with fiction and nonfiction.
Prerequisite: 9th grade Literature, 10th Grade Literature, American Literature
Course Content Standard - (www.georgiastandards.org):
Georgia ELA Standards for Grades 11-12
Course Outline:
Unit 1:
Women in America
Unit 2:
Black in America
Unit 3:
Latinx in America
Unit 4:
Asian in America
Unit 5:
Poverty & Class in America
Unit 6:
Disability & Ableism in America
Unit 7:
Jewish in America
Unit 8:
Religion & Philosophy in America
Evaluation and Grading:
Course Components
Weights
Grading Scale
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69-0
F
Not Evaluated
NE
classwork and participation
35%
homework
10%
quizzes
15%
*unit tests, essays
25%
*projects
15%
TOTAL
100%
*summatives
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Schoology is a K-12 educational learning management system and an all-in-one platform for teaching, learning, assessing, and reporting grades and data. The goal for an LMS is to allow a school to have a central piece of technology to be the platform for communicating with students, teachers, families, and administration. Students access Schoology through MyBackpack.
Required Materials: laptop. notebook, pencil/ pen, highlighters, Post-its (optional)
Required Materials: laptop. notebook, pencil/ pen, highlighters, Post-its (optional)
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
Classroom Expectations: Be respectful, responsible, & fun to be around; find solutions--not excuses; unplug; be prepared & present
Classroom Expectations: Be respectful, responsible, & fun to be around; find solutions--not excuses; unplug; be prepared & present
Late Assignments: It is important that students are responsible and meet established due dates for assignments. A late assignment is defined as work submitted after the teacher collected the assignment. All missing/not turned in assignments will be recorded in IC with an “M-Missing” designation.
Late work penalty 15%. Assignments from the first quarter submitted after the mid-semester have a 30% penalty. Late assignments submitted in the last three weeks of the semester have a 40% penalty. No late assignments accepted within a week of final exams. Late assignments will be graded before the late penalty is applied.
FALL SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
August 9-October 6, 2021 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from August 5-October 6 submitted between October 12-November 19, 2021 (before Thanksgiving break)
30%
Assignments from October 12-November 19 submitted late through November 19, 2021
15%
Assignments from August 5-November 19 submitted between November 29-December 10, 2021
40%
Assignments from November 29-December 9 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after December 10, 2021
SPRING SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
January 5-March 18, 2022 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from January 5-March 18 submitted between March 22-May 6, 2022
30%
Assignments from March 22-May 6 submitted late through May 6, 2022
15%
Assignments from January 5-May 6 submitted between May 9-May 20, 2022
40%
Assignments from May 9-May 19, 2022 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after May 20, 2022
Make-up Assignments (Excused Absences): For every day students are absent, they are given a full day to make up any missing work. It is their responsibility to find out what is missing. All resources, assignments, documents, & PowerPoints will be located online.
Reassessment Opportunity: Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on summatives only.
Mastery Learning: With mastery learning, a unit of material is taught, and student understanding is evaluated before students are able to move on to the next unit. Students who have not shown mastery for a particular unit will receive feedback and support in reaching mastery. They may be given practice exercises, study guides, group work or complementary resources to help them improve and achieve mastery. Students who demonstrate mastery of the content for a particular unit are given enrichment exercises like special projects, tasks or academic games to further or broaden their knowledge of the material.
For additional help, Tutor ATL info: https://tutoratl.org
Progress Reports: Parents and guardians are informed when students are making unsatisfactory progress in classes. Poor performance will be reported to parents and guardians as soon as problems are evident. Progress reports with plans for remediation will be provided for all students making unsatisfactory progress, and parent-guardians conferences must be scheduled. Unsatisfactory grades should never come as a surprise to parents, guardians, or students. Also, see Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1) under “Students in danger of not meeting academic expectations” for further information. Teachers will:
● Contact parents/guardians early in the semester if academic, attendance, or behavioral difficulties are apparent.
● Notify the counselor, Student Support Team (SST)/Response to Intervention (RTI) Chair, and/or an assistant principal of serious problems that are affecting classroom performance.
● Set up parent conferences as necessary.
Athletic Eligibility: Students wanting to participate in athletic programs governed by the GHSA and extracurricular activities must meet eligibility requirements to participate. The Athletic Director (and the Extracurricular Activities sponsors) will collaborate with teachers to monitor and to identify students in danger of failing courses. A master list of students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics under the auspices of the GHSA will be available to all staff.
Our Vision: A high-performing school where educators inspire, families engage and students love to learn.
Our Mission: Every student will graduate college and career ready with a dedication to community involvement and service.
Midtown Graduate Profile (5 Cs): creative, collaborative, critical thinker, communicative, and a good citizen.
For Mental Health Crisis you may call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.
Resources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://namiga.org/georgia-crisis-and-access-line/
https://www.crisistextline.org
See Something Say Something Anonymous Line: 1-844-5-SAYNOW
School Counseling Site for Resources/Documents: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/460
2021-2022 COURSE SYLLABUS
10TH GRADE WORLD LITERATURE
Teacher: Dr. Reginald L. Buchanna & Susan Ramsey
Phone Number: 404-802-3001
Room Number: E-219
Email: rbuchanna@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Semester: Fall 2021
slramsey@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Tutorial Days: Thursdays (Buchanna)
Wednesdays (Ramsey)
Textbook: MyPerspectives 10
Tutorial Hours: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Website: Dr. Buchanna's Website (Click on link)
Tutorial Location: E-219
Ms. Ramsey http://tinyAPS.com/?ramsey
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: The content of this course is subject to change as the need arises. In this event, changes will be clearly communicated.
Course Description:
The literature provided in this course is organized geographically into four units spanning the globe. Each unit contains an introduction which provides the students with the background information to help make their reading experience more meaningfully and a timeline that will assist students in keeping track of major literary and historical events. Through historical, social, and cultural forces students will be able to explain the influences that shape a specific literary period and relate big ideas that target three concepts that can be traced while reading literary works. Each literary work in this course will also incorporate academic vocabulary and writing. Overall, 10th grade Literature and Composition will explore and analyze how literary and historical influences determine the meaning of traditional and contemporary texts.
By the end of this course, each student will have achieved the Georgia Performance Standards of Excellence for reading, speaking and listening, language, and writing according to their grade level. These standards can be found on the following website:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Pages/ELA.aspx
Prerequisite:
9th Grade ELA
Course Content Standard - (www.georgiastandards.org): 9th Grade ELA/Composition
Course Outline:
Unit I - Inside the Nightmare
Unit II - Outsiders and Outcast
Unit III - Extending Freedom’s Reach
Week 1:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 2:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 3:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 4:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 5:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 6:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 7:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 8:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare - The Fall of the House of Usher
Week 9:
Unit One: Inside the Nightmare -The Fall of the House of Usher/Finalize Unit
Week 10:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 11:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 12:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 13:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 14:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 15:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 16:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 17:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi
Week 18:
Unit Two: Outsiders and Outcast - Metamorphosis & Life of Pi/Finalize Unit
Evaluation and Grading:
Course Components
Weights
Grading Scale
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69-0
F
Not Evaluated
NE
Classwork and Participation
35%
Unit Tests/Writing Assignments Performance
25%
Lesson Quizzes
15%
Projects
15%
Homework
10%
TOTAL
100%
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Schoology is a K-12 educational learning management system and an all-in-one platform for teaching, learning, assessing, and reporting grades and data. The goal for an LMS is to allow a school to have a central piece of technology to be the platform for communicating with students, teachers, families, and administration. Students access Schoology through MyBackpack.
Required Materials:
Required Materials:
1. College-Ruled Notebook Paper
1. College-Ruled Notebook Paper
Computer/Laptop
Home Internet (or access to internet outside the school)
Student Agenda
Blue/Black Ink Pens
3-Ring 1” Binder (for handouts, class material/notes)
Myspective Textbook
Literary Text [E-Version] that we are reading at the time
Access to 10th ELA Schoology
Sign-up/ Check with Remind using class code
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
Classroom Expectations:
Classroom Expectations:
● The school’s primary goal is to educate, not punish; however, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole. It is important to abide by this rule taken from your student handbook and every additional guideline stated within.
● Be considerate/encourage one another in positive ways (mutual respect will rule this classroom)
● Have manners (do not interrupt your peers in conversation)
● Report to class on time and be prepared
● No food or beverages allowed in the classroom if applicable (water is acceptable)
● Use the restroom before or after class to remain actively engaged
Failure to abide by classroom rules may result in the following disciplinary measures:
Verbal Warning or loss of privileges
Parent Contact
Written warning or notification to principal
Dismissal from class
o Late Assignments: It is important that students are responsible and meet established due dates for assignments. A late assignment is defined as work submitted after the teacher collected the assignment. All missing/not turned in assignments will be recorded in IC with an “M-Missing” designation.
Late work penalty 15%. Assignments from the first quarter submitted after the mid-semester have a 30% penalty. Late assignments submitted in the last three weeks of the semester have a 40% penalty. No late assignments accepted within a week of final exams. Late assignments will be graded before the late penalty is applied
FALL SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
August 9-October 6, 2021 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from August 5-October 6 submitted October 12-
November 19, 2021 (before Thanksgiving break)
30%
Assignments from October 12-November 19 submitted late through November 19, 2021
15%
Assignments from August 5-November 19
submitted November 29-December 10, 2021
40%
Assignments from November 29-December 9 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after December 10, 2021
SPRING SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
January 5-March 18, 2022 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from January 5-March 18 submitted
March 22-May 6, 2022
30%
Assignments from March 22-May 6 submitted late through
May 6, 2022
15%
Assignments from January 5—May 6 submitted
May 9-May 20, 2022
40%
Assignments from May 9-May 19, 2022 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after May 20, 2022
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS (Excused Absences): Students with an excused absence will be expected to submit missed work on or before the third class meeting after the absence. Pre-announced assignments are due upon return to school.
REASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY: Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on tests when they scored 69% or below. There will be only one reassessment opportunity on tests. This reassessment will be a newly generated teacher assessment and the reassessment score will replace the original score.
For classes with content on Edgenuity: If the student has not demonstrated mastery of the content during the reassessment opportunity, the student will be assigned Edgenuity. The student must take the assessments in a teacher-proctored environment.
For Advanced Placement classes Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on formative assessments/quizzes only due to College Board requirements. There will be only one reassessment opportunity on assessments. This reassessment will be a newly generated teacher assessment and the reassessment score will replace the original score. Reassessment can occur during the class period, tutorials, and/or lunch-and-learn sessions (at the teacher’s discretion).
School-wide Expectations:
MASTERY LEARNING: With mastery learning, a unit of material is taught, and student understanding is evaluated before students are able to move on to the next unit. Students who have not shown mastery for a particular unit will receive feedback and support in reaching mastery. They may be given practice exercises, study guides, group work or complementary resources to help them improve and achieve mastery. Students who demonstrate mastery of the content for a particular unit are given enrichment exercises like special projects, tasks or academic games to further or broaden their knowledge of the material.
For additional help, Tutor ATL info: https://tutoratl.org
PROGRESS REPORTS: Parents and guardians are informed when students are making unsatisfactory progress in classes. Poor performance will be reported to parents and guardians as soon as problems are evident. Progress reports with plans for remediation will be provided for all students making unsatisfactory progress, and parent-guardians conferences must be scheduled. Unsatisfactory grades should never come as a surprise to parents, guardians, or students. Also, see Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1) under “Students in danger of not meeting academic expectations” for further information. Teachers will:
● Contact parents/guardians early in the semester if academic, attendance, or behavioral difficulties are apparent.
● Notify the counselor, Student Support Team (SST)/Response to Intervention (RTI) Chair, and/or an assistant principal of serious problems that are affecting classroom performance.
● Set up parent conferences as necessary.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY: Students wanting to participate in athletic programs governed by the GHSA and extracurricular activities must meet eligibility requirements to participate. The Athletic Director (and the Extracurricular Activities sponsors) will collaborate with teachers to monitor and to identify students in danger of failing courses. A master list of students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics under the auspices of the GHSA will be available to all staff.
Our Vision: A high-performing school where educators inspire, families engage and students love to learn.
Our Mission: Every student will graduate college and career ready with a dedication to community involvement and service.
Midtown Graduate Profile (5 Cs): Creative, collaborative, critical thinker, communicative, and a good citizen.
For Mental Health Crisis you may call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.
Resources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://namiga.org/georgia-crisis-and-access-line/
https://www.crisistextline.org
See Something Say Something Anonymous Line: 1-844-5-SAYNOW
School Counseling Site for Resources/Documents: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/46013
2021-2022 COURSE SYLLABUS
U.S. HISTORY
Teachers: James Sullivan (he/him)
& Susan Ramsey
Period: 2-B (Tues./Wed./Fri.)
Time: 10:21am – 11:44am
Room Number: C-223
Emails: james.sullivan@atlanta.k12.ga.us
& slramsey@ atlanta.k12.ga.us
Semester: Fall 2021
Tutorial Days, Hours & Locations:
Sullivan: Thursdays (& By App’t.); 3:50pm-4:50pm; Location: C-223
Textbook(s): United States History (2012)(Prentice Hall/Pearson); GA US History EOC text (GA Milestones).
Ramsey: Wednesdays (& By App’t.) 3:45pm-4:45pm; Location: C-116
Websites:
Sullivan: http://jhsgradysite.weebly.com;
Ramsey: https://sites.google.com/apsk12.org/Ramsey/home
Google Classroom code: bmfsbxr
Tutorial Location: C-223
Zoom Link: (will post in Google Classroom/Schoology, if virtual learning is necessary)
Course Description: The purpose of this year-long course is to provide students with a background in the history of the United States. The high school United States history course provides students with a survey of major events and themes in United States history and seeks to establish a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the events, persons and themes that have helped (and hindered) the establishment and development of this nation for “WE the People.” The course plays out over 400 years of history, beginning with colonization around 1600 and concludes with significant developments in our own time, the early 21st Century.
GA Milestones Exam: At the end of this Course, you will prove your mastery of course content and skills on the state-mandated Georgia Milestones U.S. History EOC and APS Benchmark tests. The state-mandated Milestones End of Course Assessment is required for all students and counts as 20% of the student’s second semester grade.
Prerequisite: None
Course Content Standard
Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Social Studies (U.S. History) may be found at: https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Documents/Social-Studies-United-States-History-Georgia-Standards.pdf
Course Outline:
Week 1:
Settlement and Colonization
Week 2:
Settlement and Colonization
Week 3:
Settlement and Colonization
Week 4:
Settlement and Colonization
Week 5:
American Revolution
Week 6:
American Revolution
Week 7:
American Revolution
Week 8:
Constitution/New Republic
Week 9:
Constitution/New Republic
Week 10:
Constitution/New Republic
Week 11:
Constitution/New Republic
Week 12:
1800-1850
Week 13:
1800-1850
Week 14:
1800-1850
Week 15:
1800-1850
Week 16:
Civil War and Reconstruction
Week 17:
Civil War and Reconstruction
Week 18:
Civil War and Reconstruction
Evaluation and Grading:
Course Components
Weights
Grading Scale
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69-0
F
Not Evaluated
NE
Classwork and Homework (Vocabulary, Readies,
Wrap-ups, class assignments, study tutorials)
30%
Tests/Exams
30%
Quizzes
20%
Projects
20%
TOTAL
100%
Projects:
1. Students will create flashcards using the “PPTEC” Vocabulary term hand-outs for each Unit of Study. The flashcards can later be used as a study aid for the Milestone exam.
2. Students will create and perform two-to-three learning projects related to famous U.S. historical events or persons. Students are also invited to work as individuals or in teams to create a Social Science Fair Project.
3. Students will analyze and debate a social justice issue related to U.S. History.
4. Other projects may or may not be included depending on time and resources.
Gifted/Honors addendum:
The course will also follow the Georgia Program Standards for Gifted and High Ability Learners as outlined by the GA DOE Board Rule 160-4-2-.38 and listed below.
· Advanced Communication Skills: Learners will engage in diverse and authentic learning experiences which will allow them to develop and apply innovative oral, written, visual, and nonverbal communication skills across disciplines.
· Advanced Research Skills: Learners will gather, decipher, and deter mine credibility of information from a variety of sources and integrate information through analysis of content.
· Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Learners will insightfully evaluate a variety of problems and arrive at innovative conclusions.
· Higher Order & Critical Thinking Skills: Learners will analytically critique a system or set of complex ideas, utilizing logic and reasoning skills in novel ways, to create and/or modify knowledge.
PEC/Special Needs addendum:
Students will receive modifications as per their Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help them be successful in this class. Multiple strategies will be utilized as well as tutorials, activities and pullouts. Students are expected to meet due dates for assignments (don’t wait until the assignment is due to start) and to pass content assessments throughout the semester. Students with special needs are held to the same End of Course Test (Milestone) standard as all other students by the state of Georgia and must pass it to graduate with a high school diploma. Students are responsible for putting their best foot forward, for doing their own work, and for seeking out assistance in class or after class if anything is unclear or needs reiteration or modeling. Remember that you, your parents, the school and your teachers are a team with the same goal--so let’s work together.
Campus Portal for Parents and Guardians: Visit - https://ic.apsk12.org/portal to view class schedules, attendance records and grades. To activate your account, visit the school to receive your login (activation key).
Schoology is a K-12 educational learning management system (LMS) and an all-in-one platform for teaching, learning, assessing, and reporting grades and data. The goal for an LMS is to allow a school to have a central piece of technology to be the platform for communicating with students, teachers, families, and administration. Students access Schoology through MyBackpack.
Required Materials:
3x5 notecards (for Vocabulary flashcards & Study Guide)
Notebook: 3-prong binder with pockets one inch or similar binder. Bring your notebook to every class to take notes! (See below.)
Paper
Pencils/pens
Email address
Internet access for Google Classroom & Schoology
Note-taking:
Taking Notes is an Essential skill to learning U.S. History! History is best learned as a Story, and your Job is to write that Story down in Note form. All Notes must be Hand-written, not typed, in class. The reason for this is that, aside from the fact that students might take advantage of computers, there is a scientific reason behind handwriting your notes. When one writes, one writes words, but when one types, one types letters. If you handwrite your notes, then go home and answer questions based on the notes you took in class that day, you are really learning and mastering the content using many of the senses. You have heard the story, written the notes, read your notes, and rewritten the story. This makes studying so much easier if you go through these steps on the front end, rather than waiting and cramming for a test on the back end.
Online materials:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution - The National Archives
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/index.php?flash=true& - National Archives “Our Documents”
https://www.pbs.org/search/?q=American+Experience – PBS’ “American Experience” site, with access to wonderful shows about a wide variety of U.S. History topics and related documents
http://www.nytimes.com/ newspaper
http://www.washingtonpost.com newspaper
http://www.npr.org/ nonprofit radio/print
http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/domain/3104 Midtown H.S. Media Center (research)
Constitutional: A Washington Post podcast
More Perfect: An NPR Podcast
Presidential: A Washington Post podcast
Backstory: A History/Government podcast from the VA Foundation for the Humanities
School-wide Behavioral Expectations: Be present; be respectful; be responsible; be on task; be peaceful, productive problem solvers.
Classroom Expectations:
CLASS “CONTRACT”
ROOM PROCEDURES AND CONDUCT RULES
EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Be on time to class. Be an active listener: in your seat, engaged and ready to learn.
Use the restroom BEFORE coming to class.
After the tardy bell rings, the door will be locked and you must bring an admit pass.
IMPORTANT: There is a Zero Tolerance Policy for Electronic Devices. ALL electronic devices (including phones, computers, ear buds, headphones, etc.) MUST be put away and out of sight (yours and mine). There will be a charging station at the rear of the classroom, and you can plug in your charger there. Failure to comply with the no-phone rule will result in confiscation of the device(s). Failure to immediately surrender the device to the teacher upon request or repeated violations of the Policy will result in a Discipline Referral. If you know that you are expecting a truly important call or message during our class period (i.e., parent, doctor, college), then you MUST let me know before class and we will work out a solution. On those occasions when phone/computers are to be used in a classroom assignment or research, then the electronic device should only be used for such directed research purposes.
Classwork: Throughout the course of this class, we will be using a mix of lectures, discussions, advocacy exercises (written and oral), debates, audio and visual presentations, guest speakers and other types of lessons. I think you’ll find it interesting and fun. As in college (and life), what you get out of the class mirrors the effort you put into the class. Therefore, you should take great notes and keep a well-organized notebook of these lessons. Your notebook/binder should be complete, updated and available for grading on a weekly basis. During class discussions, if you have a point to make but the time is not right for an interruption, then write down the point you want to discuss in your notebook while your classmate/teacher is speaking. This is excellent practice for your future career (whether as a lawyer in a courtroom or workplace meeting or anywhere else) and is a great active listening skill.
Academic Integrity Pledge: Politicians, lawyers, teachers and other professionals are bound by Ethical Rules and a Code of Professional Responsibility. Violations of those Rules can result in severe penalties! Similarly, I expect you to perform to the highest standards of academic and personal integrity. In other words, your answers must be yours and yours alone. Written assignments should be completely and independently written by you to reflect your thoughts and views on the topic. Examples of violations of this pledge include, but are not limited to: cut/paste, copying or "borrowing" from another source and submitting it as one's own work; seeking or accepting unauthorized assistance on tests, projects or other assignments; fabricating data or resources; providing or receiving test questions in advance without permission; or working collaboratively with other students when individual work is expected. (See APS Student Handbook, pp. 40-41.)
Atmosphere of Mutual Respect: I will respect you and I ask that you provide the same respect to me. During Lectures, Class Presentations or Guest Speaker Presentations, please do not engage in conversations with classmates. I am an old man, and I lose my train of thought easily during interruptions. ;) Please pay attention and be respectful! If you’d like to make a comment or ask a question, please raise your hand and wait to be called on to speak. When it’s your turn to speak, I promise to be equally respectful of your views or questions. I truly want us to engage in great discussions in this class, but we have to be able to hear each other in order to actually listen to and learn from each other.
You must request and be given a Hall Pass (through MyHallPass.com) for bathroom/water/nurse/counselor/ teacher passes. Violations of this privilege will result in loss of the privilege. (Examples of violations include: excessive trips; taking too long to return; not being where you told me you were going; visiting friends or using your phone; etc.).
Appropriate dress is expected in class. (See APS & GHS Student Handbook.)
Appropriate language is expected in class. (See same.)
Early dismissal is granted only by approved procedure.
No eating or drinking during class.
Late Assignments: It is important that students are responsible and meet established due dates for assignments. A late assignment is defined as work submitted after the teacher collected the assignment. All missing/not turned in assignments will be recorded in IC with an “M-Missing” designation.
Late work penalty 15%. Assignments from the first quarter submitted after the mid-semester have a 30% penalty. Late assignments submitted in the last three weeks of the semester have a 40% penalty. No late assignments accepted within a week of final exams. Late assignments will be graded before the late penalty is applied
FALL SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
August 9-October 6, 2021 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from August 5-October 6 submitted October 12-
November 19, 2021 (before Thanksgiving break)
30%
Assignments from October 12-November 19 submitted late through November 19, 2021
15%
Assignments from August 5-November 19
submitted November 29-December 10, 2021
40%
Assignments from November 29-December 9 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after December 10, 2021
SPRING SEMESTER
When late assignment submitted
Late penalty
January 5-March 18, 2022 (mid-semester)
15%
Assignments from January 5-March 18 submitted
March 22-May 6, 2022
30%
Assignments from March 22-May 6 submitted late through
May 6, 2022
15%
Assignments from January 5—May 6 submitted
May 9-May 20, 2022
40%
Assignments from May 9-May 19, 2022 submitted late
15%
No late assignments accepted after May 20, 2022
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS (Excused Absences): Students with an excused absence will be expected to submit missed work on or before the third class meeting after the absence. Pre-announced assignments are due upon return to school.
REASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY: Reassessment opportunities are available for all students on tests when they scored 69% or below. There will be only one reassessment opportunity on tests. This reassessment will be a newly generated teacher assessment and the reassessment score will replace the original score.
For classes with content on Edgenuity: If the student has not demonstrated mastery of the content during the reassessment opportunity, the student will be assigned Edgenuity. The student must take the assessments in a teacher-proctored environment.
School-wide Expectations:
MASTERY LEARNING: With mastery learning, a unit of material is taught, and student understanding is evaluated before students are able to move on to the next unit. Students who have not shown mastery for a particular unit will receive feedback and support in reaching mastery. They may be given practice exercises, study guides, group work or complementary resources to help them improve and achieve mastery. Students who demonstrate mastery of the content for a particular unit are given enrichment exercises like special projects, tasks or academic games to further or broaden their knowledge of the material.
For additional help, Tutor ATL info: https://tutoratl.org
PROGRESS REPORTS: Parents and guardians are informed when students are making unsatisfactory progress in classes. Poor performance will be reported to parents and guardians as soon as problems are evident. Progress reports with plans for remediation will be provided for all students making unsatisfactory progress, and parent-guardians conferences must be scheduled. Unsatisfactory grades should never come as a surprise to parents, guardians, or students. Also, see Board Policy Administrative Regulation IHA-R(1) under “Students in danger of not meeting academic expectations” for further information. Teachers will:
Contact parents/guardians early in the semester if academic, attendance, or behavioral difficulties are apparent.
Notify the counselor, Student Support Team (SST)/Response to Intervention (RTI) Chair, and/or an assistant principal of serious problems that are affecting classroom performance.
Set up parent conferences as necessary.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY: Students wanting to participate in athletic programs governed by the GHSA and extracurricular activities must meet eligibility requirements to participate. The Athletic Director (and the Extracurricular Activities sponsors) will collaborate with teachers to monitor and to identify students in danger of failing courses. A master list of students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics under the auspices of the GHSA will be available to all staff.
Our Vision: A high-performing school where educators inspire, families engage and students love to learn.
Our Mission: Every student will graduate college and career ready with a dedication to community involvement and service.
Midtown Graduate Profile (5 Cs): Creative, collaborative, critical thinker, communicative, and a good citizen.
For Mental Health Crisis you may call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.
Resources:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://namiga.org/georgia-crisis-and-access-line/
https://www.crisistextline.org
See Something Say Something Anonymous Line: 1-844-5-SAYNOW
School Counseling Site for Resources/Documents: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/46013
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