Parent Letter Welcome Students Classroom Expectations hswalton@wcpss.net
Salem Middle School 8-3 Aviator Team
8th grade Social Studies
Students will examine key people, events, and issues that have contributed to the unique history and culture of our state. These people, events, and issues are examined in the context of the nation as a whole.
Key topics covered during the 8th grade year:
NC/US Geography
Native Americans/Early Exploration
Colonization/Sectionalism
American Revolution
American Government
Early Republic/Westward Expansion
Industrial Revolution
WWI-Great Depression
WWII
The Cold War/1950’s
The Vietnam War/Watergate Scandal
Key Question: How will social studies be taught?
It is often said that our curriculum is a “mile long and an inch deep.” My main objective is to achieve all of our mandated goals by focusing on key, integral events in depth rather than trying to cover everything superficially.
Materials needed:
WCPSS Chromebook
Headphones (No airpods)
Canvas access
1 Three-subject spiral notebook
Highlighter
Pens/Pencils (Mechanical)
Colored Pencils
Sharpie
Folder
Grading: There will be two categories of grades in Social Studies this year. They are weighted as follows:
40% - Assignments (Minor)
60% - Assessments (Major)
Assignments are completed throughout a unit to assist the student in developing knowledge of the Social Studies content. Assessments are an opportunity for students to “show what they know” (mastery) after a period of learning. Both Assignments and Assessments will take various forms throughout the year. Students will be informed when a task is assigned if it is an Assignment or an Assessment. Assessments should always be completed independently by the individual student.
Late Work: Work is due at the date and time specified on Canvas (Friday of each week). If work is late, points may be deducted. No late work will be accepted more than 2 school days past the cutoff date for the quarter. If you are struggling to keep up with the work or the due dates, please reach out to me so we can work out a plan to get you back on track!
Brief bio: Mrs. Walton graduated from Appalachian State University in 2018 with a BS in Political Science with a concentration in International and Comparative Politics, as well as with a minor in Criminal Justice. In 2020, she earned her Graduate Certificate in Master of Arts in Teaching for Middle School Social Studies. This will be her 7th year teaching and her 2nd year at Salem Middle. Mrs. Walton is married to Zack, with a son on the way this fall and two beautiful low rider pups! She loves Halloween, UNC & the ‘Neers, sushi, fancy pens, and all things related to pop culture.
Questions? Please feel free to email; kindly allow 48 hours for a response.
My email address is hswalton@wcpss.net
Mrs. Walton’s Class Procedures
Welcome to North Carolina & United States Social Studies! I am looking forward to working with each of you!
Our Class Procedures are in place to ensure that our class is a place where all students can learn.
**Make sure you have your spiral notebook every single day!!
AT NO TIME SHOULD YOU BE IN OR BEHIND MY DESK POD, CABINETS, OR ROOM WITHOUT ME PRESENT. THIS AREA IS OFF-LIMITS TO STUDENTS!!
A water bottle with a lid or cap is fine to keep at your desk. Snacks must be nut free. Snacks may be taken away at any time.
All work and due dates are posted in Canvas. Be sure to write down due dates or copy to a calendar to keep yourself organized.
When turning in your work, be sure to double check your answers and that you have clicked “submit”. Also, make sure you wrote your name on your paper.
Students should not be on the computers unless directed to do so by a teacher.
Raise your hand to ask a question or make a comment.
Be clean – if you generate trash, throw it away. Don’t leave it on the floor, tables, etc!
I will keep track of time during class sessions and let you know when you can pack up.
Wait until I am done speaking to sharpen your pencil, but please do not ask if you can get up to do it!
Sit in your assigned seat unless directed otherwise.
You must have permission to leave the room. All trips require a pass and/or signing out.
If you are absent, make sure to keep up with your independent assignments on Canvas. You are responsible for the work even if you are absent. Everything is available there. I don’t need you to come let me know that you missed a day; just check Canvas.
If you miss an Assessment, plan on spending Spartan Time with me to make it up.
If you finish independent work early, find something quiet to do – read a book, work on homework. No gaming on computers.
If you are struggling with the material, you need to ask questions or let me know so we can develop a study plan.
Social Studies is a class with many opinions involved. It is important that you share your opinions and respect those of your classmates. You may disagree, but you must never be disrespectful.
Finally, I am here for you. If you ever have a question or concern about anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I want to work with you to make this a great year!