Michael Blurton

Gaspar de Portola¢ Middle School

Highly Gifted Magnet

18720 Linnet Street

Tarzana, California 91356

818-654-3300

e-mail:

“Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.”

- Thomas Jefferson

August 18, 2015

Dear Parents:

It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to teach your child United States History and Geography.

This is a standards-based course. Standards are specific content and knowledge skills gained in the eighth grade United States curriculum mandated by the state of California. Students will

-  Understand the events preceding the founding of the nation and relate their significance to the development of American constitutional democracy

-  Analyze the political principles underlying the United States Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government

-  Understand the foundations of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it

-  Analyze United States foreign policy during the early Republic

-  Analyze the divergent paths of the American people from 1800 to the 1850s and the challenges they faced, with a regional emphasis – Northeast, South, and West

-  Analyze the early and steady attempts to abolish slavery and to realize the ideals in the Declaration of Independence

-  Analyze the multiple causes, key events, and complex consequences of the Civil War

-  Analyze the character and lasting consequences of Reconstruction

-  Analyze the transformation of the American economy and the changing social and political conditions in the United States in response to the Industrial Revolution.

Invest in an analytical thinking cap. J

HOMEWORK: Students have homework daily. Even though no written assignment may be due, students should review lesson objectives and their advanced organizers. Written homework can be assigned Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. General homework assignments should take between 20 and 30 minutes depending, of course, on the individual student. Over the course of the year, various types of assignments to teach the above knowledge and skills will be given: chapter/lesson reviews, map, graph and chart reading skill builders, and of course, tests and quizzes. Actually, the latter are given on an as needed basis – usually at the end of a specific unit of study. To help students consider the ways in which ideas presented in this course continue to influence our nation and the world, current events will be incorporated. To enhance writing and critical thinking skills a number of Data-Based Essays will be given with certain areas of study, e.g. “Ratifying the Constitution,” “Growth of Political Parties.”

To allow students the opportunity to explore historical areas of special interest to them, one project will be based on the guidelines of National History Day (www. nationalhistoryday.org). The theme for 2016 is “Exploration, Encounter & Exchange in History.”

I encourage your child to network with classmates in the event of absences. Also, check the Portola website at portolams.org for assignments. Instruction and work continue. When your child is absent, he/she should ask for any missed work, if they have not gotten the word from a classmate or checked the web. Work must be made up in a timely manner – one day for each day of absence. Each student is expected to come to class prepared with materials and any assigned homework, completed. Late work is not accepted. Homework and class work grades are computed and given a score weighted as a percentage of the overall average.

Grading Scale: 100-90=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60=D

WORK HABIT grades are based on having assignments completed and turned in on time, participation in class activities, and being to class on time. Three unexcused tardies will result in a “U” on the report card.

COOPERATION grades are based upon just that – cooperation with me and with the student’s peers. Please see the attached LAUSD “Criteria for Marks.”

If you have any questions about the course or your child’s progress, please feel free to contact me and arrange for an appointment, a phone conference, or drop me an e-mail. I also respond to notes.

I look forward to a productive, enlightening, and yes, enjoyable journey with your child exploring United States history this year.

Sincerely,

Michael Blurton

PLEASE RETURN THE TEAR-OFF TO ME WITHIN ONE WEEK. THANKS!

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GEORAPHY COURSE AS OUTLINED IN THE ABOVE LETTER.

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Parent Signature Student’s Signature

Date ______

Student’s Name (Please Print)