Syllabus
Eighth Grade Social Studies Syllabus
Mrs. Shantell Powers
shantell.powers@ccboe.net
2023– 2024
Course Description
Eighth grade social studies is a course in which students study about the state of Georgia. The curriculum covers her geography, history, government, and economics. The course content is aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards. Students will use a variety of processing skills including: chronological thinking, organizing and explaining information, analyzing and interpreting data, communicating orally, graphically, socially, and in writing.
Areas of Study:
Geography of Georgia and the American Indians
Exploration and Colonization
State Hood
The Civil War
The New South
The 20th Century
Post WWII Georgia
Civil Rights
Modern Georgia
State and Local Government
Adult and Juvenile Justice System
Personal Finance
Course Digital Textbook
http://www.gpb.org/education/georgia-studies/digital-textbook
Interactive Notebook
Students will need a composition notebook for social studies. Normally these books are black and white but the cover design choice is up to
the student. What is important is that the notebook is not spiral-bound. These notebooks (“interactive notebook” or “INB”) are to be brought to class daily and is a key asset in staying organized in our class this year.
It is extremely important for each student to maintain their notebook and use it to review course material. Students should consider the INB to be part of their study guides. Of course, I will still tell you which topics to focus on for assessments, however, it is important to remember that everything in your INB is essential and should be reviewed throughout the year.
Grading Procedures
Students will be given a variety of assessments. These will include but are not limited to: quizzes, tests, class work activities, projects, and mini-class activities. These assessments will be calculated according to the grading scale below:
40% Assignments (Quizzes and Classwork / Homework)
60% Assessments (Tests & Projects)
Homework Assignments
Students are responsible for noting their homework assignments and assessment dates. Forgetting to complete an assignment on time or being unaware of an assignment is unacceptable. Students will not necessarily have written homework each evening. However, they are expected to at least review the day’s material for 15 minutes daily.
Late Work /Make Up Work Policy
Should a student be absent, it is their responsibility to request missed assignments. When students are going to be out for a school function, it is their responsibility to get their assignments. The student will be given two days, per excused absence, to complete any missing work. Assignments given prior to the absence will be due upon the student’s return to school (This includes homework, quizzes, tests, and projects). Late work will only be accepted one day late (and will receive a reduced grade) unless it was graded in class that day. In that case, the student automatically receives no credit.
Work that is two days late, or more, will not be accepted.
Class Expectations
1. Students will be RESPECTFUL to the teacher, peers, and school resources.
2. Students will be RESPONSIBLE for bringing their supplies to class and completing their assignments on time.
3. Students will put forth their PERSONAL BEST effort every day.
Consequences
In an effort to ensure a successful learning environment, consequences will be issued when rules for success are not followed.
1. Verbal/Documented Warning (entered Educator’s handbook)
2. Teacher Intervention
3. Parent Notification (via phone, email, and/or written discipline referral)
4. Detention
5. Office Referral
Communication
Communication is the key to student success. One of my most important goals is to keep the lines of communication open with parents and students. There are several IMPORTANT modes of communication that I will use throughout the school year:
· I am available to take phone calls between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 706-650-6080 or you may e-mail me at shantell.powers@ccboe.net
. Email is the most efficient method of communication for reaching me. Please check Parent Portal and make sure all email addresses and other contact information is updated.
· My website is also an important resource. Important class information, tentative lesson plans, study tools, etc. will be posted here.
https://sites.google.com/ccboe.net/mrs-powers-8thela-ss/home
Remind:
GA Studies Remind Code: text @286hf8 to 81010
· Remind is another frequently used resource. This is used to send you reminders about tests, quizzes, projects, and other important class information. Please be sure to sign up so that you will receive these reminders. Registering is simple and is available in both text-message and email format (or both). Instructions to get you started are posted on my webpage.
· Parent Portal is the county’s online gradebook system. It’s also used as a means of communication for student progress. This is where grades will be updated. You will have access to student grades. You will be able to see the same scores I can see from our class. The log-in can be found at www.ccboe.net Please
check Parent Portal and make sure all email addresses and other contact information is updated. https://campus.ccboe.net/campus/portal/columbia.jsp
· Progress reports will be available every four and half weeks, and report cards will be available every nine weeks through Parent Portal/Infinite Campus. Check the county school calendar and mark these dates.
Supplies
o Pencils/Pens
o Highlighters
o Binder(s) (Student Preference: 1 Small OR a Larger One to Combine with Other Classes)
o Agenda Book
o Tab Dividers
o (2) Composition Notebooks (Bring Daily)
Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am very excited about this year and am looking forward to working with each of you!