Ms. Schaller’s 8th Grade
Back to School Letter
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to Ms. Schaller’s 8th grade United States History class. This course will study the history of the United States of America from colonization through the Industrial Revolution. This class will focus on the development of academic skills outlined by the Common Core Standards. History is not just a series of dates and places; it is an ongoing story as unique as the different voices that tell it. As we explore the story of our American history, we will be using a variety of activities and materials to engage your student in understanding, imagining, and thinking critically about the past and its lasting influences on American culture.
Classroom Expectations Policy:
Please review the following classroom policies with your child. Students must bring their history notebook and planner to class daily. The notebook will be graded at the end of each unit. Incomplete assignments will not receive credit. Late assignments will receive partial credit. When absent, students are responsible for getting, completing, and turning in their missing work in a timely manner. Most assignments and daily instructions are available on the South Pointe website or in our Google Classroom.
Homework will be assigned daily. Students are expected to write homework assignments in their agendas. Students will often begin homework in class. Students are expected to write then assignments in their planners daily. Planners will be periodically checked to ensure the students are recording their homework assignments. If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for parent portal so you can view your child’s progress online.
Citizenship marksare based on classroom behavior in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the student agenda. Students begin each semester with twenty citizenship points. The first violation of a school or classroom expectation will result in a verbal warning. Additional violations will result in the loss of one citizenship point. These points will be used to determine citizenship marks at the end of each grading period.
Classroom Expectations:Citizenship Scale:
Follow directions.1 (Excellent) = 20 - 17 points
Respect yourself and others2 (Good) = 16 - 13 points
Use appropriate language.3 (Fair) = 12 – 10 points
Follow the school uniform/dress code. 4 (Needs Improvement) = 9 or less
Be on time and ready to learn.
Grading Breakdown: Suggested Supplies*: Donation Wish List*:
Tests/Quizzes = 30% College ruled notebook (3 subject) Notebooks (1 or more subjects)
Projects = 20% Pencil and Pens(blue, black, red) Glue Sticks
Homework/Agenda = 10% Scissors Fine Point Whiteboard markers
Student Notebook = 40% Glue Stick(s)Kleenex
Colored PencilsClorox Wipes
Outlining pens
*We are requesting voluntary donations of any of the above-listed items to the classroom. Every student will be provided with necessary classroom supplies regardless of whether you donate an item to the classroom. Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or would like assistance with supplies.
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If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at .
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