Syllabus

Welcome to 8th grade United States History and Geography: Growth and Conflict. I am very excited to have each and every one of you in this class, and look forward to an interesting year as we navigate this new style of school. This year we will be studying a large section of American history, using a variety of methods. You will work on becoming critical thinkers, readers, and writers. We will work together on developing the skills necessary to become historians, and become more knowledgeable about the country that we live in!

Topics Covered: This class covers the History and Social Science Framework, Grade 8: United States History and Geography: Growth and Conflict. Specifically, students will study the ideas, issues, and events preceding the Revolutionary War and framing of the Constitution up to the Progressive movement before WW1. We will trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy.

Required Supplies:

• Spiral bound college-ruled notebook. The student notebook is essential for this class. It will contain much of the students' work.

• Pencil and lead (if necessary)

• Highlighter

• 3 different colored pens

• SPMS Chromebook and charger

Class texts:

Creating America: Beginnings through World War I, McDougal Littell (the book you will check out)

History Alive! The United States through Industrialism, Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (scans provided by Mrs. Bruce)

Communication & Technology: In this class we strive to implement technology into the curriculum in a meaningful and relevant way. Some assignments will be created and submitted online and some of our class notes will be handwritten in the student notebook. Students are expected to use all technology and their Google accounts appropriately, as per the SPMS Technology Agreement. Students should check their SPMS Gmail and Classroom accounts daily, and will be held responsible for reviewing and submitting work and assignments in a timely manner. Students are expected to have their SPMS issues Chromebook and charger with them daily. If they do not:

• 1st Offense: Lunch Detention; email home

• 2nd Offense: After School Detention, phone call home

• 3rd or more: 2X After School Detention, phone call home

You will receive additional information about technology and application expectations.

Cell Phones & Secondary Devices: Cell phones should not be visible during class or on campus. Cell phones and secondary electronic devices may only be used with the express permission of the teacher.

Tardy & Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at the start of each period. It is your responsibility to be logged on on time. It is the responsibility of the student to get any work missed due to tardiness. Please contact me directly regarding absences.

Behavior Expectations: I expect students to treat me, and their fellow students, with respect and courtesy. Discussion is an important part of what we do in this class, and students should treat their classmates how they would like to be treated. They should follow all school rules as listed in the Binder Reminder, follow instructions the first time they are given, complete all work to the best of their ability, and have positive attitudes. A willingness to try new things will make this year a lot more fun!

Aeries Portal: Students and parents are encouraged to check the Aeries Portal on a regular basis: http://my.spusd.net. Due to the number of students I teach, and the volume of assignments being graded, it may take some time for assignments to be entered in Aeries. Your patience is appreciated.

Grading Policies: Grades will be given on a daily basis, and a variety of assessments will be used. Assessments will include the student notebook, online and pencil/paper classwork, quizzes/tests, projects, writing assignments, and digital participation (5 points daily). Assignments will vary - some will be individual, some will be partners, and some will be small groups. Students are expected to keep track of their homework in using Google Classroom, Calendar and their Binder Reminder. Homework, due dates, and notes will also be posted in Classroom as needed, which will update on the calendar on my website.

Plagiarism: Taking credit for work that is not your own is unacceptable. This includes copying all/some words from another student, or an online source. Plagiarized assignments will receive an automatic zero.

Late Work: You are expected to turn in your assignments in time and completed to the best of your ability. No name papers and digital assignments that are submitted blank/without work are considered late work and will be graded accordingly. Late work will be graded as follows:

• Work turned in after the due date, but before the designated cut off day will receive no more than 50%

• Each quarter will be divided into two parts:

1. Start to Progress Reports

2. Progress Reports to end of quarter

I will clearly communicate these dates to you every quarter and encourage you to turn in all work!

Health & Safety: Students are expected to follow all state and district mandated COVID protocols, which may change as the year progresses. Students are expected to be respectful of the decisions of others on campus.

This syllabus is meant to provide a basic overview of the policies, procedures, and expectations in this class. Students will continue to receive information over the next few weeks via class notes, presentations, and Google Classroom. If there are any questions regarding any information presented, please feel free to contact me! Email is generally the best way to contact me. I work hard to respond within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. I am also available to meet by appointment during my conference period (Period 4), and some days before or after school.