“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” ~Robert Kennedy

John Jay High School Self-Contained US History 11th Grade

Ms. Finsmith/Mrs.Vaccarino Contact: 897-6700 Ext. 30088/30090 Email:

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome back! We hope that you all had a relaxing and restful summer.

U.S. History and Government is a one-year required course that is designed to provide students a deeper look into the major forces that helped shape their nation’s history. All year students will be challenged to think on a higher level about historical events and their impact on the United States. The course begins with a unit of study on the formation of the United States Constitution as a foundation of the American Republic. The remaining units of study proceed in a chronological format from the Revolutionary period to the present day. Students will be required to participate in numerous activities such as video conferencing, google classroom, cooperative learning activities, independent work, etc.

Success will come from the partnership developed between you, your family, and your teachers.

Communication between school and home is a key component to your success. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

We are looking forward to a challenging, rewarding, and successful school year.

Ms. Finsmith Mrs. Vaccarino

Course Objectives:

  • To prepare for the Regents examination in U.S. History and Government
  • To reinforce study skills and to encourage students to use them across all subject areas
  • To develop a life-long interest in the discipline of history
  • To create a greater awareness of both the world role of a major nation and the individual role of a responsible citizen.

Requirements and Expectations:

  • Each student must have one three ring binder with dividers. This is necessary for handouts, class notes, and additional materials.
  • Exit Cards/Do Now’s will be used to have student’s express how they felt about their daily work, a class question about the prior day or current material, or, to ask questions to clarify the content that was presented.
  • Complete work on time.
  • Use of technology i.e. google docs, google classroom, etc.

Supplies:

___ Binder divided into 3 sections: notes, handouts, tests/quizzes

___ Loose-leaf – 2 packages

___ black/blue pens/pencil

___ assignment pad/may use cell phone to keep track of assignments only when permitted to do so.

Attendance:

A student who is absent on a regular basis will not do well in school. While assignments and missed notes can be given to a student, instruction, discussion and interaction cannot be recreated.

If a student is absent:

  1. Call Guidance by 7:15 am and request that work be sent home with

another student or a parent can pick it up at 2:00 pm.

  1. Check Ms. Finsmith’s webpage for up to date assignments and information

Classroom Behavior:

  1. Be on time.
  2. Be prepared and organized (pen, notebook, planner, homework).
  3. Be respectful.
  4. Participate in classroom activities and discussions
  5. Follow all school rules in the Student Handbook (You will receive and sign for a copy in homeroom).
  6. Remove hats upon entering the classroom
  7. Turn off all electronic devices

Curriculum:

The 11th Grade U.S. History curriculum will be followed, but it shall be adapted and modified to fit the students’ needs. The curriculum includes:

  • Geography
  • American Revolution/Declaration of Independence
  • US Constitution/Bill of Rights
  • Civil War/Reconstruction
  • Industrialization/Immigration
  • U.S in World War I and II
  • Great Depression
  • Cold War
  • The 60’s
  • Nixon to Present Day

Grading:

Class Participation*20-50 points

Homework 10-20points

Tests15-20 points

Quizzes10-25 points

Projects25-50 points

These percentages are not exact values, but approximations.

*Students will receive a weekly participation grade based on attendance, performance, and classroom behavior. They will lose points for disruptive behavior, late work, unexcused absences, tardiness to class, and being off task. Daily attendance whether it is at school or work is a key element to success.

Regents Exam: At this time, the exam counts as 1/5 of final average. A grade 65 or better will attain Regents credit. 55 – 64 will attain Local credit.

Internet Use: At John Jay, students must sign an Internet Agreement before they can use school terminals for research. Since a part of this course will involve using web sources, this agreement must be signed and student should bring their Internet User Cards to class.

Homework: Homework will be posted on my webpage. There is also a class calendar which will have due dates for assignments. This year we will be utilizing google docs/google classroom to turn in assignments. More information on how this works will be provided to students throughout the school year. To access my webpage please log on to Click schools: John Jay: Teachers: Rena Finsmith

U.S. History 112016-2017Student Information Sheet

Student Information

Student Name: ______ID Number: ______

Student E-Mail: ____________

Address: ______

City: ______Zip Code: ______

Parent/Guardian Information

Name: ______Contact Number: ______

E-mail: ______

Name: ______Contact Number: ______

E-mail: ______

Do you prefer a phone call or e-mail notification? ______

Best time to call: ______

In the past, if your child has had a problem completing assignments, we must now work together so that he or shecan be successful. What would work best for your child to be successful? ______

______

Parent signature: ______Student signature: ______

Handout due: ______Supplies due: ______