Please read the course description, course rules, grading policy, and course curriculum
(available online at:
Then, sign and return the signature page at the end of this packet. The signature page is due on ______.
SUPPLIES:
Students will need to have a loose-leaf three ring binder, notebook, notebook paper, 3x5 index cards, markers or colored pencils, pen or pencil, and a highlighter. Students need to know how to access the Student Portal for access the online textbook. Other project materials will be mentioned when needed. Students without internet access at home, or lacking a proper device, will be issued a hardback textbook.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course begins with the antebellum period of US History, moves on to the Civil War, and concludes around the turn of the 20th century. It includes key people, military conflicts, political and social movements, domestic and foreign policy, and the political and physical geography of the United States. In addition to exploring the historical, geographical, and cultural themes that shape this time period, a special emphasis will be placed on the contributions of local and Pennsylvania history. Students will spend class time analyzing primary and secondary source documents; interpreting maps, graphs, and illustrations; improving reading and writing skills; and taking outline notes based on lectures. There will be at least one project assigned per quarter.
GOALS:
Goal #1:Historical Comprehension: describing history through the experiences of those who were there. We will explore art, artifacts, architectural monuments, and literature to gain historical empathy.
Goal #2: Geographical Literacy: understanding the physical and human characteristics of place, human-environment interaction, movement and cultural diffusion, and the physical and cultural characteristics of regions.
Goal#3: Chronological Thinking: developing a clear sense of historical time in order to sequence events and explain patterns of historical succession, duration, continuity, and change.
Goal#4: Critical Reading: using multiple strategies and literary resources to increase comprehension.
Goal#5: Historical Analysis and Interpretation: evaluating and creating arguments; arriving at informed decisions based on available evidence about what happened, why and how it happened, and what implications resulted.
COURSE/CLASS RULES:
Rule #1: Respect: Have respect for yourself, your classmates, and your teacher.
Rule #2: Be On Time: There will be a short warm up exercise or quiz every day at the start of class. These quizzes and activities count toward your grade, so be in class when the bell rings.
Rule #3: Be Prepared: Bring your binder, textbook, notebook, paper, a pen/pencil, and a highlighter every day.
Rule #4: Stay On Task: Complete assignments in the allotted time. Do not have off-topic conversations while doing class work. Do not interrupt classroom discussions. Recognize and respect that the person speaking has the floor.
Rule #5: Keep the Room Clean: Put garbage where it belongs- in the trash can.
Rule #6: Code of Conduct/Student Handbook: Students will adhere to all rules outlined in the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, the prohibition of hats and limited use of cell phones or other electronic devices except for BYOT use.
Rule # 7: Due Dates: Complete all assignments on time. If you miss an assignment, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for make up with the teacher. Obtaining make up work is your responsibility. Assignments not turned in because of absence are due upon return to school, or will be considered late.
Rule # 8 Late Work: Assignments are due when collected in class by the teacher. Assignments will not be accepted late, nor will late work be graded by the teacher. However, each student will receive one (1) late homework pass per nine weeks that they may use at their discretion to turn in a late assignment at 10% per day late deduction.
GRADING POLICY:
You will be assessed through tests, quizzes, projects, class work, class participation, and homework assignments. I will be checking periodically to make sure that student notebooks contain all handouts and returned assignments. Notebook grades will be added into the class work percentage. The end of the semester final will be averaged into your grade, accounting for 10% of your final grade.
ONLINE TEXTBOOK: Students are expected to use the online e-book version of the class textbook, available from within the SVSD Student Portal. From your student page, click on your history class, then on the link for the “Electronic Textbook” Students will not be issued hardcopy textbooks unless they have a documented reason: Vision issues, no internet at home.
Using the online textbook is an important part of this class. However, if your internet should “go out” the computer lab in 109 is open from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM daily, and computer and textbook access is available during study halls. In short, “my internet didn’t work,” and “the book wouldn’t load” are not valid excuses for not having your homework turned in on time. If you have a true technological problem, inform the teacher BEFORE the assignment is due, not upon collection or afterward, so that something might be arranged, depending on the circumstance.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: All work assigned must be completed in full by each student, and each student alone without any outside assistance. Copying, or looking off another student’s paper, is considered cheating, and will result in a zero for both the student lending their completed work, and the student gaining this unfair advantage. Plagiarism on writing assignments and cheating on tests/quizzes will not be tolerated and processed according to school policy (see student handbook).
OVERALL GRADES WILL BE DETERMINED ON THE FOLLOWING BASIS:
A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59 and below
TEXTBOOK: The online version of the textbook can be found through the Student Portal
WEBSITE:
I maintain a website to host certain documents and links that I mention in class.
BYOT: Seneca Valley BYOT information can be found at:
Students: If you need help, want to discuss particular assignments, or are concerned about your grades, please see me immediately so we can arrange to meet during my office hours or after school.
Parents: I can be reached via email at:
School email / Personal email
Best regards,
Todd W. Leight
Mr. Leight’s Classroom Rules and Procedures Addendum
Ver. 1.4 2016
Cell Phones:The use of cell phones is prohibited in classrooms during instructional periods except for designated BYOT educational sessions. Cell phones are to be silenced and out of sight (in a bag or pocket, not on the desk or in student’s laps)
Electronics:Neither iPods, iPads, tablets, MP3 players, nor any device with earbuds are to be used during class except for allowed BYOT instructional periods. Headphones are not to be worn during classwork.
Food/Drink:Due to the need to respect allergy concerns, food is prohibited in the classroom. Students are permitted to enjoy bottled water.
Hats:Hats are not to be worn in class, and hoods on sweatshirts or jackets must be down.
Make Up Work:Homework or other academic obligations assigned prior to an absence are due upon return to school. Students have the number of days missed to turn in work assigned during their absence. Obtaining missed assignments and scheduling make-up tests/quizzes is the responsibility of the student.
Late Work:Assignments are due upon collection by the teacher in class. Late work will neither be accepted, nor graded unless the student wishes to utilize one of their late homework passes, available one per nine weeks. That assignment will then be graded at a 10% per day late penalty.
Preparedness:Students are expected to come to class prepared to work. This means having a pen or pencil, paper, notebook, and textbook when appropriate. Students are expected to return any materials they borrow from the teacher
Respect:Respect your teacher and fellow students by raising your hand to speak and not causing a disruption to class by speaking out of turn or chitchatting during instruction.
Restrooms:Students are expected to remain in class for the entire period and use restrooms at non-instructional times. Class is a scant 42 minutes, and medical science as proven that adolescents can go that long between trips to restroom.
Tardies:Students must be completely within the room at the bell in order to be recorded as present for class. Those entering the room after the bell without a pass will be marked as unexcused tardy. Three tardies in one marking period will result in a warning, four tardies and above are office referrals.
Tobacco:Possession or use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vaporizers is strictly prohibited at all Seneca Valley schools, regardless of student’s age.
Consequences: Classes that cannot adhere to the cell phone policy, keep the classroom clean, or honor the student code of conduct may forfeit privileges earned. Major disruptions and violations can result in detention assigned by the teacher, and the administration and parents will be notified.
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Please complete this page, detach and return it to class by ______
I, ______, a valuable member of ______periodU.S. History II class,
(Print your name) (Period #)
understand and agree to the course syllabus and rules and procedures addendum as witnessed by my signature.
______
(Sign your name) (Student) Date
______
Signature of a parent or guardian Date
______
Parent’s home/bestphone numberParent/Guardian Home Email