American History and Career Planning

American History and Career Planning

Course Syllabus

Social Studies – 8th Grade

Ms. Rydzewski

Book Description: The America – History of Our Nationtextbook provides information about historical roots and how past events have shaped the United States and the world around us. The textbook also will introduce the student to skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in public life in an informed and responsible way.

Grading Scale:Grading Percentages:

90-100AParticipation20%

80-89BHomework10%

70-79CProjects 25%

60-69DQuizzes15%

59 and under FTests30%

Required Materials:4 Spiral Notebooks College Ruled,1 Three Pronged Pocket Folder, Loose Leaf College ruled paper, Blue/Black Pens and Pencils

Other Desired Materials:One Ream of Printer Paper (White/Colors), Box of Tissues, Index cards

*Materials will be turned in and used throughout the year for all students.

Projects:The students will be assigned at least one project per nine weeks. Projects can include various materials that may or may not be listed.

Curriculum Overview of Year:

Geography and Map Skills, Native Americans, Explorers, Colonialism, The Revolutionary War, American Government, Westward Expansion, A Changing Society, Civil War, and Reconstruction

As your Social Studies teacher, I look forward to getting to know each one of my students throughout the year. I have created classroom rules and policies that create a positive learning environment and will enforce the rules and policies and in each and every class. By working together we can have a successful and positive school year. A good thought to remember is always be prompt, prepared, productive, polite, and professional in all things that you do.

School Number:(352)429-3322Email:

School Web Site:

Sincerely,

Ms. Rydzewski

Student Interactive Notebooks

For each unit that is covered in this class, the student will use a spiral notebook, which is referred to as an Interactive Notebook (I.N.). Students will use 2-3 notebooks per year, which means that a notebook will be used for 3 to 4 units. The I.N. is an all-inclusive learning tool for the student. The I.N. consists of an area for the student to complete their daily bell work assignment, an area to take notes, and an area for daily assessments. It is a great way for the student to gain organizational and note taking skills. The I.N. will be examined at the end of each class, in order for us to continually measure the progress of the student. The student will be allowed to take the I.N. home to study for upcoming tests or to show their parent/guardian the work they have completed in this course.

School Rules

These rules are not flexible, and will be enforced at all times to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

*Be Productive – everyone is able to learn and show they understand

*Be Prepared–bring proper materials to class every day (notebook, pens, pencils, homework)

*Be Prompt – in your seat when the bell rings, working on bell ringer

*Be Polite – if you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all

*Be Positive – there is something good in every day

Any violations of the previous posted school rules, or those posted in the Student Code of Conduct, will receive disciplinary action. The disciplinary actions that can and will take place are agenda comments, detentions, Wednesday School, or referrals. All of the following can be avoided if the student chooses to dedicate themselves to learning in the classroom, and maintains their behavior while on the campus at Gray Middle School.

Consequences for rule violation or inappropriate behavior:

1st violationWarning

2nd violationComment in agenda

3 comments in agendaDetention and call parent

4 comments in agendaCall parent and request conference with team

5 comments in agendaReferral

Extreme Negative BehaviorResults in immediate referral

New Tardy Policy!!! (Tardies will not count as agenda comments)

This pertains to each 9 week grading period, and each individual classroom.

1st Tardy – warning

2nd Tardy – Parent contact is made

3rd Tardy – Teacher detention + Parent contact

4th Tardy – Referral to administration

Classroom Rules and Procedures

The following classroom rules and procedures are in place to create a positive learning environment for all students. Any violations of these rules will result in agenda comments or further disciplinary action. I reserve the right to add additional rules and procedures at anytime.

~Enter the class in a respectful manner, bring your I.N., and begin working on the bell work.

~The bell work activity will be posted on the board every day. You will have approximately 5-7 minutes to complete the assignment.

~Remain in your assigned seat.

~Follow the teacher’s directions immediately.

~Passes will be issued at my discretion. Please attend to your personal needs before you come to class.

~Talk only when permitted. Be aware of the situation, since quiet talking is allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be allowed in others. I will remind you once and expect compliance.

~Raising your hand, and waiting to be called on to answer or ask a question is appropriate student behavior.

~Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

~Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and an automatic disciplinary action from the administration of GMS. Both the student who shares his work for an independent assignment and the person who copies it will suffer the same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it.

~Respect yourself and others at all times. This rule should carry on with you the rest of your life.

~The teacher’s desk is off limits to students at all times.

~This is your campus and classroom. Please keep it clean at all times. Throw any trash away in the garbage can on your way out of the classroom.

~Interactive Notebooks are the responsibility of the student.

~All books on the bookshelf are property of the teacher and GMS. If you would like to take a book home for further reading, you must check the book out with the teacher.

~Homework that is due will be collected and placed into the appropriate box. Once homework is collected and placed into box, anything collected after that is considered late. I accept all late homework with penalty, 10% lost daily until turned in. Late work must be handed directly to the teacher.

~When you have completed your assignment or test, sit silently until further directions are provided.

~Store unused materials under your desk during class time.

~Our class time together begins when you enter the room, until you are dismissed by me. Use your time wisely. Packing up belongings before you are dismissed is disrespectful to me and your fellow students.

Parental Agreement and Informational Form

Please fill out this form, detach from the packet, and return the signed form with your child by Monday, August 26th. This will be your child’s first homework grade. The information you provide will assist our team in communicating with you regarding the progress of your child throughout the school year.

Student Name

Birth Date ______

Parent or Guardian Name ______

Home #______Cell #______

Work #______Email______

Parent or Guardian Name______

Home #______Cell #______

Work #______Email______

Mother’s Signature______

Father’s Signature______

Student Signature ______

Medical Concerns:

Educational Concerns: