Advanced 8th Grade US History

8th Grade US History examines situational events that have shaped the country of today. The course begins with early America before the inclusion of western settlers. It moves to settlement and colonization and the fight for independence. The building of government and the many aspects of growing the government are examined.  Early US culture and expansion is covered followed by conflict within and the struggles of reconstruction are addressed. 

Students are exposed to the many cultures that make up the US and how they have all had an impact on our past. Current events will be analyzed from the view point of historical perspectives to make connections between the past and present. Geography and a study of natural resources and trade will be utilized to focus on the economy and its impact from the past and today. Citizenship and constitutional foundations and changes will be discussed.

The Advanced 8th grade US History class is a self-select class that is chosen by students who choose to extend their knowledge and experiences. The advanced class will follow the same pacing of curriculums as the general class but will utilize varied learning opportunities to increase depth of thought and expression. Concepts will be addressed to challenge traditional thoughts and encourage independent ideas and ways to express them. Students will be expected to maintain high standards to maintain status in the class.  If students choose to not meet expectations a contact may be made to determine if they will continue in this course.

We  will be utilizing Apex learning, an online curriculum and other resources for attaingin content.  Lessons, assignments, and posts will be provided through Google Classroom and grades will be shared through the Skyward student management portal. Students will be provided access to Skyward and parents may request access by contacting our counseling office.

In order to maintain continuity in learning, all assignments are expected to be prepared on time. Since most of the assignments are completed in class, active class participation is vital.  Students are welcome to resubmit assignments to demonstrate higher levels of achievement. They need to notify the teacher of their intentions and to clarify expectations, then tell him when the assignment has been resubmitted. 

The class is graded with the district grading scale below:

• A 100%-90%

• B 89%-80%

• C 79%-70%

• D 69%-60%

• F Below 60%

Grades will be compiled with assignments and classwork comprising 30% of the grade and assessments and projects accounting for 70% of the grade. 

Appropriate and responsible behavior is expected at all times. As with all relationships, trust is vital to the smooth working of any classroom. The classroom expectations are simple and easy to understand.  

To ensure an effective learning environment students are expected to:

1) Be kind. 

2) Be responsible. 

3) Be safe. 

4) Be engaged.

Every student has the ability to learn and needs to be prepared. Please be sure that your child gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast every morning.  Please also be sure that needed school supplies are ready to go on a daily basis. Together we can help your child be successful both academically and socially. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Mr. Simmons email 

Parents are encouraged to  frequently check the email account that has been registered with the school district. Notifications, and alerts as well as academic progress reports are sent through this method. In Mr. Simmons' US History class, progress reports are sent home after each assessment opportunity.

School supplies encouraged to help support success in this class include:

-Binder (to share with other classes) (school Supplied)

-Sharpened pencils

-Colored pencils or crayons (colored pencils prefered)

-Class folder or divider to US History papers (for inside the binder) (school supplied)

-pencils pouch (school supplied)

Please be sure to occasionally check supplies and relenish when depleted. If students need support in getting supplies, please contact the teacher so arrangements can be made.