U.S. History Course Outline 2019-2020 Mr. Reynolds
Hello Historians! This class will focus on the State of California’s updated History–Social Science Framework while utilizing various methods to investigate key concepts and develop critical thinking skills. The 8th Grade course of study begins with a review of the major ideas, issues, and events preceding the founding of our nation. Throughout the year students will concentrate on the critical events, people, and documents of the period – from the framing of the U.S. Constitution to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. This class will be fun, interactive, and challenging as we apply what we are learning to contemporary issues and events.
STUDENT INFORMATION
1. For this course it is recommended that you have a history section in your binder (or a history binder). In this section you will keep all of your daily papers, notes, homework, etc. At the end of each unit, all the work from that unit will be compiled into a unit packet and turned in for a grade. Unit packets are very important for your grade in this class so please stay organized!
2. A weekly agenda will be available to students the first day of class each week and it will also be posted on my webpage. You and your parents can follow this agenda and make sure that you are prepared for tests and that your homework is done on time. Check out the website for information on our schedule, unit packets, and how to do assignments.
https://sites.google.com/sduhsd.net/mrreynolds/home
3. Homework will be assigned periodically. Homework will be given a stamp on the day it is due to show that it was completed on time. Write absent in the top right corner of your homework assignment if you had an excused absence on the day an assignment was stamped. All homework will be turned in with the unit packet on the day of the test. You may still receive partial credit (60%) for unstamped late homework.
4. One Current Event presentation will be required each quarter. The four or five students whose names are written on the board on Mon/Tue will present current events on Friday. Current Event requirements will be explained in class (also found on my web page).
5. Quizzes and tests will be given regularly.
6. Individual or group projects will be assigned with each unit.
7. Regular class participation is encouraged and expected.
GRADING: A point system will be used in evaluating all student work. 25 points of extra credit can be earned each quarter. Student grades will be available on the online Aeries system or students can speak with Mr. Reynolds to find out their grade in the class. 90- 100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% =D
Please review this sheet with your parents. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I am looking forward to a great year.
Bill Reynolds Room F 1 voice mail 753-6241 ext. 3354 Email = william.reynolds@sduhsd.net
Mr. Reynolds’ Classroom Policies
Expectations for Class
Respect yourself and others.
It is recommended that you bring a pen, pencil, paper, and a three ring binder to class.
Do not interfere with the learning process.
Raise hands before talking. One voice at a time, please!
Keep hands, feet, and objects to oneself. Do not touch the personal belongings of other people.
No obscene language or gestures.
No teasing, name calling, or put downs. Bullying will not be tolerated. Please inform Mr. Reynolds or your counselor if someone is bothering you at school.
No cheating. Copying another student’s work will result in a referral to the office and a zero for you and the person who allowed you to copy from them.
No gum, food, or drinks allowed (H2O is o.k.). We’ll have snack breaks on block days.
Practice good behavior when there is a substitute teacher. If a substitute leaves your name because of bad behavior or interfering with the lesson you will receive a referral to the Assistant Principal.
Cell Phones should be put away in the phone caddy at the front of the room except during breaks or for classroom use. If you need to text or call a parent ask Mr. Reynolds for permission and then go outside to use your phone.
Consequences for Infractions
Warning
Name on the board means you stay after class and talk to Mr. Reynolds
Check-mark next to name equals a detention.
Teacher student conference.
Email or phone call to parent.
Parent teacher conference.
Loss of privileges.
Referral to the Assistant Principal.
Responses for Correct Behavior
Immediate praise.
Positive email or phone call to parent.
Participation in class games.
Mr. Reynolds super-excellent-deluxe prizes.
I have read these policies and agree to follow them. X________________________
Please allow your parents to look over the course outline and class procedures and then have them sign.