Classroom Expectations

Topics Covered

Throughout this year we will be covering many interesting and important parts of our American past. 

Some of these topics include: Early American Native Groups, European Exploration of the New World, British Settlement, Colonial America, the American Revolution, United States Constitution & Government, the New Republic, Westward Expansion, Industrial Revolution, War of 1812, War with Mexico, and the Civil War. 

Classroom Behavior and Conduct Rules:

1.      Respect and Responsibility 

o   BE NICE OR LEAVE - Mutual respect is vital for our success in class. Be polite and treat others the way you would want to be treated.

o   Any form of bullying will be met with immediate consequence 

o   Make safe choices and follow all handbook guidelines on acceptable behavior 

2.      Cellphones or personal internet devices

Students will be allowed to use cellphones or personal internet devices while in room 10 with teacher permission. You will know in advance if you should bring your phone to class!

3.      Preparedness and Positive attitude 

Come to class prepared and ready to learn.  This means you arrive on time and that you are ready to participate. Also, you are required to bring a pencil and your folder/notebook/ charged device to class every day. 

Academics/Grading  

Grading Policies:

The following are rules and policies related to your grade. I do not give you a grade in Social Studies; you will earn it based on your homework, classwork, quizzes, essays, projects, and tests! 

o   All paper-based homework must be submitted in your group box

o   Classwork, projects, essays, and quizzes/tests will not be graded if they are missing your name  

 Grade weights:

Absences

Regular attendance and communication are the keys to ensuring a student’s academic progress. When a student is absent, s/he needs to seek out missing work. Students should start by visiting their Google Classroom page, checking with classmates, and following up with the teacher.

Regarding Missed Assessments: If a student has missed a test or a quiz, it is expected the assessment will be made up the day he or she returns.

Regarding Long-term Assignments: If a student is absent on the due date of an assignment, it is expected that the student communicates with the teacher in order to share his or her finished product. This can include sharing a document or a photo of the completed assignment.

Retakes/Late Work 

Classwork/Homework/Quizzes are considered a part of your formative learning. These assignments serve as practice and check your current level of understanding. Because of this purpose, these assessments may NOT be retaken and should serve as an indicator of what you need to practice/review prior to the next assessment.

It is expected that all work be turned in on the day it is due in order to participate fully in class. However, work can be turned in late for a 25% penalty AT TEACHER DISCRETION. 

In order to “re-take” any Test/Quiz/Project/Essay, you must set up a time to meet with Mr. Morrill. Re-takes of these assignments are based on individual circumstances and are granted at the discretion of the teacher. 


Final Note

If you are having difficulties with any part of your school day, please do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can come up with a solution together. Advocating for yourself is an important step towards becoming an independent and mature adult.

I look forward to a great school year together! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me!