Classroom procedures
Expectations
Grading Policies
Embedded Files
What you'll need for class
What you'll need for class
1 - A single-subject notebook dedicated to social studies. A folder with pockets that match your notebook is a good idea too (see the "Organization Life Hack" to the right).
2 - A pen or pencil
3 - Your Chromebook (fully charged)
4 - Earbuds (or headphones) - It is impossible to hear when there are 20 students watching 20 different videos. If you do not have earbuds or headphones you must turn on closed captioning if we have a video assignment.
5 - Your reading book for ELA or other READING MATERIAL… if you are ever finished with everything and have “NOTHING” to do before we begin our next assignment you get in the habit of using your reading book to fill that time. You can even add that time to your reading log for your ELA class. This is also a good habit to have in airports, doctor’s offices, and any other place where you have extra time without using an electronic device.
Organization Life Hack
Organization Life Hack
Get notebooks & folders in matching colors. Dedicate a different color to each class. For example: use yellow for language arts, purple for math, green for science, blue for social studies, etc. That way you'll always have the right notebook and folder with you when you go to class.
Grade Portal
Make sure you check the RealTime Grade Portal regularly because teachers make mistakes!!!
You should always verify the correct grade was entered in the gradebook and you received credit for assignments you completed. Teachers sometimes mix students up and put someone else’s grade in your box!
It is your responsibility to know what your grade is and if you are missing any assignments.
If there is a question about your grade bring it up right away - it's a good habit to have - not just in this class but in all your classes.
Grading Policy
It is impossible to fail this class if you complete every assignment… Let me say that again… It is impossible to fail this class if you complete every assignment
For example: You need a 70 for a “passing” grade. If you put forth your best effort and complete all that is asked of you, the minimum grade you could receive for the trimester is a 70 - and that's a passing grade.
However, if you have a 69 and lower, and you are missing one or more assignments, your grade stands as it is.
Homework/Classwork
You will have little to no “homework” in social studies. I try very hard to make sure everything we need to do can be done during class time. However, if you don’t finish the day’s work in the allotted time, you might have to finish your classwork at home:
Maybe instead of doing your classwork you were daydreaming (it happens - everybody has a bad day sometimes and your mind isn’t on schoolwork - it's part of being human).
Maybe you had to leave early (such as going to a dental appointment or an away sporting event) and you didn’t have time to finish before you left.
Maybe you were absent. Being absent isn’t like a snow day, we won’t make up your missing day in June. You have to go back and make it up on your own. If you were absent you will have the number of days you missed to make up your work for full credit.
In these situations it might feel like you have homework but really you’re just getting caught up.
Late &
Missing Work
In order to receive FULL credit for an assignment it must be turned in on or before the due date. If you were absent don’t panic - you will be given extended time to turn in your assignment.
If you happen to forget to turn in an assignment that I know you've been working on I’ll give you a reminder in Google Classroom and add a comment in the gradebook. In this situation you might still receive full credit.
If you miss an assignment you can make it up and receive partial credit. The minimum score you can receive on an assignment is a 55. The maximum score you can receive on a late assignment is a 70.
Never use social studies as an excuse to not do your math homework!
Math usually requires you to know step 1 before you can do step 2, and knowing step 2 before you can do step 3. You should always prioritize math - even if math is not your favorite subject. Get your math questions answered and stay on top of it. Social studies will still be there, I promise.
Cell Phones & Earbuds
I have a new personal cell phone policy - you know phones are supposed to be in your lockers, but let’s face it - not everyone follows that rule.
If you are not going to be following that rule your cellphone must be powered OFF. If you lack self control and find yourself constantly reaching for your cell phone then ask me to hold it for you and I’ll give it back AT THE END OF CLASS - not the end of the day - that’s right, just one period. If you are going to the washroom, leave your phone with me and I will give it back when you return.
I am not anti-cell phone, I am anti-distractions. If you are using your phone in class I will collect it and either hold it until the end of the day or send it to the office.
As for earbuds, there is absolutely no reason for you to be wearing them in school - if I see them I’ll just tell your parents and let them take them away from you.
A few reminders about expectations…
Rule 1: RELAX
Rule 1: RELAX
Be kind
Be courteous &
Be respectful of others
Come to class prepared
Sit at your assigned seat
Don’t wander around the room
Maintain a clean work area
- don’t litter -
Some of you still wear a mask and that's okay. If you do, please wear it the correct way. Think of it as practice in case you have a career in the medical field. For tips see the link below:
Page updated
Report abuse