8^th Grade United States History

Teacher: Mr. Bergeron

Location: Room #352

Email: tyler.bergeron@heritageacademyaz.com

Office Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 3:40-4:30 or by appt

Welcome to 8^th Grade U.S. History! It is my hope that all students and parents will take an active interest in what we are doing in History. We have numerous topics we will cover this year from the American Revolution and to Reconstruction. Students will also be engaged in the Self-Government Works (SGW) simulation to better understand how to build, maintain and experiment with self-government. In addition to the story of our nation our focus will be skills and processes used in the field of history that help students write effectively, examine sources and evidence, as well as construct and evaluate arguments.

Items needed for class:

70 count spiral notebook.

(1) 2 pocket folders

Agenda (school will provide)

Red & Blue or Black pen

Pencils and notebook paper

Grading for this class:

Tests/Quizzes/Projects 40%

Homework 25%

Classwork 25%

Citizenship/Participation 10%

POLICIES:

Respect: The most important policy is respect. Students should feel welcome in class and feel comfortable asking hard questions while. uncovering our American story. All students will behave in a manner that does not interfere with their learning or the learning of others.

Citizenship: Each week students will have 10 participation points. They will keep their points by avoiding the following: tardiness (must be in their seat when the bell rings), class disturbance, lack of participation, use of electronic devices, uniform violation, gum chewing, cheating, or any other school policy infraction. This year per Heritage Academy’s policy, use of electronic devices will result in immediate confiscation, the second offense will require the scholar’s parents to retrieve the device.)

Bathroom Breaks

In my class, there is no penalty for leaving the room to use the restroom. HOWEVER, cell phones must be left on the desk when you go, and I reserve the right to limit or revoke that privilege if it is abused. Unless it is a true emergency, please be respectful of my teaching and your own learning and do not ask to leave during direct instruction or when it will hinder the learning of classmates.

Prohibited Items

Food/Drinks: Sorry, they will not be allowed in the classroom (except water), unless specifically allowed on a special occasion. This includes gum.

Homework: Homework will be assigned most class period. Homework is given to prepare scholars for the upcoming class period or review/build on concepts learned in class and will be important for class discussions, daily activities, and projects. Homework is due at the beginning of each class period. Late work can be turned in during the quarter in which it was assigned for reduced credit.

Absent work: Scholars who are absent are responsible for turning in homework, obtaining and/or making arrangements for scheduling any missed assignments, quizzes, or tests. The scholar will have two days following an absence to complete any missed assignments, quizzes, or tests. Additional accommodations may be made for extended absences with teacher approval.

Current Event Projects: Students will select (or be assigned) current events related to their study of history, civics, and geography. They will then find (or be assigned) at least one additional article on the same event. Students will analyze the articles and comment on them using the two sources to support their argument. These will be assigned periodically throughout the year and more information will be provided as they approach.

Final Project: The final project will consist of a larger essay. The essay will focus on a historical event and will have a clear thesis/argument. Students will conduct research and write their own essay using multiple primary and secondary sources. We will be working on the skills needed throughout the year and by Q4 students will be more comfortable undertaking this project. The project will be due at the end of Q4.

Self Government Work Simulation

We will conduct a simulation this year that provides students a hands-on approach to creating their own founding documents and government based on historical sources and concepts. During this simulation, some classroom rules will change to simulate a oppressive government, please be aware of this and understand it is purely a simulation.

Communication:

Both parents and scholars are welcomed to reach out with any questions or needs.

Please remember, I cannot help, if I do not know the situation. I will respond to emails within 24 hours received during the school week.

I look forward to getting to know each one of you and to help each scholar earn an excellent grade and a deeper understanding of history. I am excited for the wonderful privilege to help facilitate your scholar’s ability to connect the past with the present and to see history come alive. I welcome parent emails with any questions or comments regarding the curriculum or topics. I am always willing to send additional information or sources to dig deeper into topics. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your partnership!

Sincerely, Mr. Bergeron