Class Syllabus


Course Syllabus

Mr. Timothy Wells

Contact Information:

timothya.wells@cms.k12.nc.us



Course Description:

Students in the middle-level social studies program will be engaged in the geographic study of world regions as they examine major civilization development. The 6th Grade curriculum is designed to allow students to observe societies dissimilar to their own in such a way as to broaden their understanding of people and places in an increasingly interdependent world. Students examine areas of the world having the longest record of human habitation and the richest diversity of human experience. These are regions within which the vast majority of the world's people live and regions that possess some of the world's most valuable resources. Students will trace the development of human society from its origin through the Renaissance era. Students will explore patterns of change in continuity by focusing on the expansion of and the decline of civilizations, patterns of geography, and development of political, economic, and societal systems. Students will analyze and evaluate how foundations of society influence the modern era. This class will be interactive for students to enhance their understanding of global connections and their role in the world around them.


Required Materials:

*Interactive Notebook- 5 Subject Spiral Notebook [Plastic Cover Preferred]

*Composition Notebook for Warm-Up Activities

*Blue and Black ink pens or #2 Pencils with eraser

*Hand held pencil sharpener

*Highlighters (any color)

*Index Cards

*Student Agenda

*1 Pack of glue sticks for classroom baskets

*1 Liquid glue for classroom baskets

* Headphones [Highly Recommended]


Interactive Notebook:

Each student will be keeping an interactive notebook for the year. This means that all in-class assignments and notes will be kept in the notebook. This will allow students to have a personal portfolio of their work for each quarter. In addition, it will be used as a study aid and documentation of the work that is being completed daily.


Grading Policies:

Grade Scale Course work weighting

A = 90-100

B = 89-80 Formal Assessments (tests, interactive notebook check, projects) = 65%

C = 79-70 Informal Assessments (class-work, quizzes, class participation) = 35%

D = 69=60

F = < 59


Late Work:

All types of course work will be considered late if not completed and turned in by specified due date that was assigned. Students will automatically lose 10% equaling a 90% or an A after the first day late. The grade will continue to decrease daily by 10% points for a total of 5 class days. At this time, if the student has still not turned in a completed assignment he/she will receive a 50% or an F. If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an excused absence, full credit will be given for the completed work. If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an unexcused absence, the work may be given less credit.


Procedures for student absence:

When a student is absent from class it is their responsibility upon returning to school to initiate contact with the teacher to obtain work missed. Students may email the teacher to receive the assignments and assistance in catching up. Students can ask the teacher prior to the beginning of class or at the end of class before leaving for additional information. Students will have 5 class days to make arrangements with the teacher to complete and turn in work for full credit. After the fifth day the late work policy above will then go into effect.


Re-testing Policies: Students will have the opportunity to re-test on formal assessments if they did not meet the requirement mastery of 79%. Students may schedule a re-test on tutoring day or on the Wednesday after the test during classroom time. In order to retest, students must complete a tutoring session on the material for the test. Tutoring can take place during classroom time if permitted by the teacher. Re-tests will cover the same material, but not be identical to the original test. The maximum retest score a student can earn is 79%. Re-tests should take place within 5 days of the original feedback date. All students must have documentation to stay before/after school hours via email.


Classroom Behavior Expectations:

Superior behavior is expected at all times with students understanding that they are responsible for their behavior and for the consequences that follow. Students must adhere to the expectations present within the classroom, as well as the school policies, which includes the Raven Way. Below are school expectations and Mrs. Gilbert’s expectations. Students are expected to model each of the following expectations:

Raven Way:

  1. Be Respectful- Respect yourself, others, their opinions, values, and beliefs. Promote a positive work climate/speak during discussions, and provide positive feedback and support of all peers at all times.
  2. Be Responsible- Work hard and stay ahead. You are expected to use the time given to you wisely. Take pride in the work you produce. Never put your name on an assignment you are not proud of. Come prepared each day to class with a positive attitude. Have your homework on your desk and ready to check. Enter class quietly and begin working. In order to complete all the activities in class it is vital we not waste time.
  3. Be Motivated- Timing is everything. You are expected to be on time to each class with the appropriate work. Treat this year as if you were proving to everyone at this school that you are a dedicated student.
  4. Be Safe- Strive to be the best version of yourself each day. Try your best in all you do and help others when they are struggling. Your classmates and I are here to support you! Remember: You represent your family, classroom, and school.


Mr.Wells’s Additional Expectations:

  1. Be Productive- Work hard and stay ahead. You are expected to use the time given to you wisely. Take pride in the work you produce. Never put your name on an assignment you are not proud of. You are responsible for your own destiny.
  2. Be Prepared- Come prepared each day to class with a positive attitude. Have your homework on your desk and ready to check. Enter class quietly and begin working. In order to complete all the activities in class it is vital we not waste time.
  3. Be Prompt- Timing is everything. You are expected to be on time to each class with the appropriate work. Treat this year as if you were proving to everyone at this school that you are a dedicated student.
  4. Be Open-minded- You do not have to agree with everyone, but you are expected to listen to their opinions. The most amazing learning experiences take place when you learn from difference.
  5. Be The Best- Strive to be the best version of yourself each day. Try your best in all you do. Your classmates and I are here to support you! Remember: You represent your family, classroom, and school.

READING THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND WILL ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF YOUR CHILD THIS SCHOOL YEAR IN MY COURSE.


Please detach and return this part signed by both parent and student.


I, _________________________ parent and/or guardian of ________________________ have read the course syllabus

(Please Print) (Please Print)

for Mr. Wells’s 6th Grade Social Studies Class.


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