Syllabus

.                                         World Studies – Mr. Magee

Course Policies and Procedures

Beadle Middle School, 7 – Epsilon

Room A109

rcmagee@mpsomaha.org

7th Grade World Studies Curriculum 

Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they examine specific historical ideas, beliefs, and themes while analyzing how individuals and societies have changed over time. Students will further develop understanding of fundamental geographic concepts and processes, economic reasoning, and demographics of the world. Major significant local, national, and world events will be utilized throughout the course.

Course Outcomes

There are three district assessments in 7th grade world studies. A map skills assessment will be taken during the first hexter after a unit of instruction. A second assessment is a service learning plan, implementation, and reflection. For the  third assessment, students will compare and contrast the Inca, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations by completing research on each culture and compiling their comparisons in a graphic representation. Our final district assessment will ask students to examine China’s water scarcity crisis by completing a document-based analysis activity.

Textbook and Class Webpage

This year, our textbooks will be accessed primarily online. TCI’s “Geography Alive!” and “History Alive!” will be the two texts that students will use to examine the world. Students will be able to access their online textbooks through the Single-Sign On Portal and the “Clever” application. Hard copy textbooks will be available to use in class only. 

Materials

Students must be prepared with these items every day:

Pencil, 1 World Studies Folder, World Studies Interactive Packet, and laptop computer

Classroom Behavior

The four rules for behavior are the consistent throughout Beadle Middle School are easily remembered through the acronym B.A.R.K. – Be safe, Act responsibly, Respect Self and Others, and use Kindness in All We Do. The only acceptable behavior is that which allows every student to learn. If a student is having difficulty with these rules, the teacher will speak privately with the student and his/her parents. According to school policy, detentions assigned will be 30 minutes either served before or after school.

Progressive Discipline

1. Stop Sign on the students desk

2. 2nd Stop Sign on the student’s desk

3. 30 minute detention (parents will be notified)

4. Administration Involvement

Grading/Late Work

Students may expect various kinds of homework on a regular basis.  All homework is expected to be completed on time.  Homework is counted as “Late” and “Missing” if it is not turned in at the beginning of the class period on the day it is due. Grading/Late Work policies in 7th Grade Social Studies are consistent with those outlined in the student handbook:

- Retakes will be allowed on tests only during the first semester.  

- All test retakes (allowed for the 1st semester only) must occur within 5 days of a test being returned to the student. 

- One day is allowed to turn in late homework without penalty.  

- 10% reduction on the assignment for any work accepted after the one day grace period. 

- Homework will not be accepted after three days from when the assignment was due and a ‘0’ will be entered in Synergy.

- Please notice the various flags on each assignment in Synergy as these are used to update the status of each assignment.

According to Board Policy, the Millard Public Schools grading guidelines for third through twelfth grade shall be used to report achievement, academic progress, and compute grade point averages.

90 - 100 % =  A

80 - 89 % =  B

70 - 79 % =  C

60 - 69 % =  D

59 % & below =  F 

Absences:

If you are absent, please check Google Classroom and the Epsilon Homework Hotline Google Doc for any missed assignments/activities. The Epsilon Homework Hotline page is linked to each Epsilon teacher’s Google Site. You may also find each teacher’s Google Site by accessing the Beadle Homepage, under the Staff Directory. In 7th grade it is the student’s responsibility to get his/her missing work and set up times with the teacher to complete work. 

Cell Phones:

Millard Public Schools follows Policy 7500.2. 

In response to Nebraska Legislative Bill 140 (LB140), our school board has reviewed and clarified our mobile device policy. While our district has long had expectations regarding device use, this update brings added clarity and consistency and ensures we are following state law. Starting this fall, students in all six middle schools will not be allowed to use mobile devices—including cell phones and smartwatches—at any time during the school day. This includes class time, hallway transitions, and lunch. Devices must be turned off and stored away throughout the school day. This policy update is the result of collaborative input from parents, staff, and students. Our goal is to reduce distractions, enhance social interactions, and ensure we are following state law.

HAL Units/Extension Units

Various opportunities will be provided throughout the year for the completion of HAL and extension units. There will be optional extension units, as well as opportunities to pretest and qualify for extension units. All students will have the opportunity to participate or qualify for extension units.