Mr. Demianew's
Social Studies
Sunridge Middle School
Welcome to Sunridge Middle School!!!
Sunridge Middle School
Students learn skills through social studies skills that help them succeed in further education as well as life. Here are all the amazing ways learning social studies benefits students and society together:
Social studies is one area in education where content integration is key. Students are given reading material that corresponds with the current learning topics. Giving reading materials in context helps students become better readers. They also become better learners because they are asked to use analysis, critical thinking, and writing to show understanding.
How can we expect young people to contribute positively to society, engage in discourse, and thrive in a democratic society if they are not exposed to the topics and aspects of history and life that made society the way it is? Students need an understanding of history, political science, culture, and all humanities to be able to understand why it is important to be a good citizen.
Students should be exposed to cultures far beyond what they experience personally every day. Not every student has the opportunity to interact with other cultures on a daily basis. We need students to learn about, understand, and appreciate cultural differences if we expect them to have meaningful interactions with people of all backgrounds in the future.
Economics is a crucial part of social studies, whether studied on its own, or as a part of history, anthropology, or political science. By learning economics, young people understand how their financial decisions have an impact on their future, as well as the future of society.
Critical thinking is a part of social studies — students are taught to evaluate others’ decisions and make connections between influences and circumstances. Young people get the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes through social sciences.
Studying social sciences gives students an understanding of the real world around them. Students learn about places, cultures, and events around the world, what conspired to make them the way they are, and can make inferences about how the rest of the world works.
From social studies classes, students learn about government, political ideas, country economy and resources, and more. Students gain political skills by analyzing and evaluating existing systems and imaging the future of the place in which they live.
History is what made the world the way it is, and it is essential that people study it in order to have an appreciation for and understanding of the way the world works. Learning about history is what makes it possible to learn from the past and plan for the future
This classroom policy aims to establish guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI programs, including ChatGPT, in our learning environment. The use of AI programs can enhance our educational experience when used appropriately and with prior teacher approval. However, if used incorrectly, the use of ChatGPT and other tools can severely limit the potential learning goals for students.
All usage of AI programs in this class requires prior approval from the teacher. Before incorporating any AI tool into an assignment or activity, you must discuss your intent with the teacher.
AI programs should complement learning, not replace it. Use AI as a tool to assist your understanding and creativity, but do not rely on it exclusively for assignments.
All work generated with the assistance of AI programs must be original. Plagiarism, even if AI-generated, is not acceptable. Properly attribute AI-generated content if it is used in your assignments.
Maintain academic integrity in all AI-assisted work. Any violation of academic honesty will be subject to appropriate consequences.
Respect the privacy and data security of yourself and others when using AI programs. Do not share sensitive information or engage in any unethical activities.
AI programs are tools for assistance. They are not a substitute for your own critical thinking and understanding of the subject matter.
Any assignment and/ir assignment is subject to a verbal review with the teacher. Be prepared to explain and discuss the content of your work, without the contributions or assistance of AI. If you can not adequately represent your work, it will be assumed Ai was utilized as a replacement for your learning, and the consequences will be subject to the teacher’s discretion.
We embrace the use of AI programs in our classroom as a means to enhance our learning experiences. However, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of our academic work and follow ethical guidelines. Remember that prior teacher approval is necessary for any AI-related activities, and all assignments created with AI assistance are subject to a verbal review.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can harness the power of AI to support our educational journey responsibly and effectively.
Use proper language. This means no emoticons, text message language, or swear words. The chat is like a workplace and is meant to be professional.
Check spelling and grammar before posting anything to the chat or discussion boards.
Read through your comments at least twice before hitting submit.
Don’t type in ALL CAPS! If you do, it will look like you are screaming.
Recognize and respect diversity. It’s ok to ask questions to clarify things you don’t understand. If you’re not sure, email me privately for more information.
Avoid sarcasm and dark humor. Take your posts seriously. Never say online what you wouldn’t say in real life to another person’s face. Your posts are a permanent record, so think about the type of record you want to leave behind.
If you are frustrated and finding the class material difficult, please reach out to me and use the online resources, etc. You can ask your classmates or siblings for study tips.
Don’t wait until the last minute to "Turn In" assignments.
Be forgiving. If your classmate makes a mistake, whether it’s a typo or grammatical error, don’t badger him or her for it. Just let it go.
The same rules apply for email. “Hey, teach, heeeelp!” is probably not the best way to ask me a question. You should communicate with me in the same way that you would speak to your boss or a respected coach. Also, any email you send to me should always include your name and which class you are in. Remember that in secondary school (middle and high schools) your teachers teach hundreds of students and many different classes.
Exams and Quizzes:
Students are allowed to redo or turn in missing assignments until the end of week 17 of the semester.
Students retain the highest earned score/grade (no penalties).
Replacement assignments/assessments are acceptable in lieu of making-up missed assignment/assessments per teachers discretion.
Grades will be composed using 40% formative and 60% summative weights
Cell Phones and Technology in the Classroom
Cell phones should be off and away the entire school day, from the moment a student enters the building until the final bell, including passing times and lunch time. At select times a personal phone may be used under the direct authorization and supervision of school staff. This includes phone calls home, and any photos or videos taken at school. However, under no circumstances should mobile electronic devices ever be out in restrooms and/or locker rooms.
Students violating this policy may have their phone or device confiscated and taken to the office. On the first offense, students may retrieve their phone or device at the end of the school-day. On subsequent offenses, students typically must have their parent/guardian pick up their phone or device.
Sunridge administration reserves the right to confiscate and hold a cell phone or electronic device for an extended period of time, up to and including holding the item until the conclusion of the school year.
About me
Who am I? Well, like you I am a person that is a lot more than just one thing like being your teacher. Here is a brief list of some of the things I am:
Roles: husband, father, son, friend, ballet dancer, carpenter, hiker, teacher, farmer...
Interests: Hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, woodworking, theater, baseball, mowing fields, ...
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, building, BBQing, chicken raising, hog raising and spending time with my family
Resources
As the year progresses, this website will be a place to routinely get updated information about the lessons being given in class and what is scheduled over the upcoming days and weeks.
Email: cdemianew@pendletonsd.org
Email Policy
Students
During School Hours when we are not in class together:
Send me an email. Make sure you include your fist and last name & class period, details about your concern/question. I will do my best to answer it by the end of the day.
After School Hours
Send me an email. Make sure you include your fist and last name & class period, details about your concern/question. I will do my best to answer it by the end of the day but realize that emails sent later in the day may not be answered until the next day.
Parents
Send me an email. Make sure you include your child's fist and last name & class period, and details about your concern/question. I will do my best to answer it by the end of the day but realize that emails sent later in the day may not be answered until the next day.
Remind App
Sunridge Middle School uses a communication tool called ParentSquare.