Everyone can learn: mistakes are a necessary and valuable part of the learning process! Questions are encouraged, and there is nothing wrong with needing help.

Social studies is a class in which we study geography and cultures the world over. As a result, we will encounter viewpoints and beliefs different from our own. Students will interpret events from the past in varying ways; difference is expected and diversity is important. Yours is not the only point of view.

Citizenship

Students are expected to follow directions the first time they are given, and to arrive to class ready to work as soon as the session begins.

There is no place in the classroom for bullying, antagonizing, foul language, or disrespect towards any member of the class.

Students who do not meet the expectations above may be asked to leave the class if they are disrupting the learning of others. Furthermore, they may be barred from playing sports, attending field trips, or participating in extracurricular activities.

Grading

Assignments in class are graded using a point system. These points are given the following rubric scores:

5 the student has exceeded the standard being assessed

4 the student has mastered the standard being assessed

3 the student is approaching the standard being assessed

2 the student is developing towards the standard being assessed

1 the student has mastered the standard being assessed

Cumulative student grades are calculated on overall points achieved over total possible. Honest efforts that earn failing grades will be adjusted to 55%, with the option given to re-take or re-complete any assignment.

Grades are posted online and should be checked regularly by both students and parents. Grades can be accessed at Infinite Campus.

Achievements

Some tasks and activities do not count toward academic grades. Instead, these tasks and activities are designed to build on each student's cumulative knowledge or reward them for their hard work mastering certain social studies content (becoming fluent in how to read a map for scale, for instance).

Achievements encourage individual student success, and students can attempt achievements as many times as they want until the grading period is over. Each achievement level has its own criteria and rewards.