Course Syllabus for 6th Grade Social Studies, 2016 – 2017

Terri Stone, Room 202, Eckstein Middle School

Billy Deskin, Seattle University Intern

THE ANCIENT WORLD: COURSE OVERVIEW

In 6th grade social studies, students will meet Common Core Standards through a yearlong study of ancient civilizations and their legacies. Students will develop skills related to the work of real social scientists, including conducting research, examining primary sources, and writing research reports. Throughout the year, students will address the following essential questions:

·  How do social scientists study the world’s civilizations and cultures?

·  What do primary sources and artifacts reveal about the ancient world?

·  What are the main characteristics of civilizations?

·  What are the vital resources that civilizations depend on to survive?

·  What challenges do civilizations face?

COMMUNICATION:

Important Links
Ms. Stone’s Blog
eckstone.wordpress.com
Schoology
http://lms.seattleschools.org
Source
http://ps.seattleschools.org
Email


The class blog is a resource to help students complete assignments both at school and at home. It is updated daily.

Occasionally, students will be expected to turn in work through Schoology or complete other tasks online, including discussions and quizzes.

The Source is a tool to help students and their families track past performance on assignments and assessments.

Students are expected to use a calendar to track due dates for assignments. In our classroom, students are welcome to use the calendars on their phones.

Parents and guardians can contact us in the following ways:

·  Emailing Ms. Stone or Mr. Deskin is the best way to get a quick response.

·  Call the school at 206-252-5010. We are typically available during my planning time, which is during 2nd period (9:50am - 10:25am).

MATERIALS

Ø  A list of supplies required for all classes is posted at http://ecksteinms.seattleschools.org (go to main page and scroll down to "Eckstein Supply List 2016-2017").

Ø  Every day, students will need to bring a book to read, a binder filled with paper, their planners, pencils, colored pencils, and pens, along with a positive attitude. J

OVER

GRADING

Level / Grade / Percentage
Above Standard / A / 100%
At Standard / B / 85%
Approaching Standard / C / 75%
Below Standard / D / 65%
Late/incomplete/missing / 50%

Grades reflect what students know, are able to do, and their effort to do their best work. Our expectation is that every student will complete every assignment. Students are encouraged to use homeroom time to complete work missed while absent. Several missing assignments could result in being kept out of school and class activities, and may require a family conference.

ABOUT ABSENCES

Ø  If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to get information about, and complete, missing work.

Ø  Useful sources of information: the class blog, friends, and study buddies.

Ø  Avoid getting behind and overwhelmed by making up missing work as soon as possible. This can be done before school, during homeroom, or after school.

Ø  When taking a prearranged leave of absence, contact the teachers for assignments early so there is ample time to assemble lessons. Also, notify the attendance office when you know you will be missing school.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Prior to Middle School, many students have been taught to “copy to learn.” In 6th grade, we will be learning the skills of using research to create original work, and of properly giving credit to our sources. These skills will become more and more important as students get older. Thus, students will not plagiarize, copy information or text from a text or web site, nor use copyrighted images and media in their work.

CITIZENSHIP

A student’s citizenship grade at Eckstein Middle School is reported separately from the academic grade on report cards. Citizenship scores include factors such as respectful communication, cooperation, respectful use of materials, being late to class, disrespectful and disruptive behaviors, and meeting deadlines.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Be Responsible / Be Respectful / Be Successful
·  Be on time and ready to learn.
·  Have materials daily.
·  Be an active listener.
·  Follow directions
·  Stay on task. / ·  Speak kindly and at appropriate times.
·  Support your classmates.
·  Keep hands and body to self.
·  Treat materials with respect.
·  Keep classroom clean. / ·  Use a planner.
·  Participate.
·  Complete work on time.
·  Ask questions.
·  Ask for help.
·  Use online resources

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

We will make frequent use of http://office.seattleschools.org to support learning in room 202. We highly recommend that students install the free Microsoft apps (especially OneDrive, Word, and PowerPoint) on their personal devices if possible. All use of technology, including headphones, is strictly for academic enrichment.

Parents and Guardians, please sign below to indicate that you have reviewed this syllabus and have your student return it to school by Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

______

(Print student name) (Parent/guardian signature)