Slidell Junior High 8th Louisiana History

Ms. Boteler Room 122

Dear Parents,

I am very pleased to be teaching your child for the 2012-13 school year! In order for your child to have the best possible school year, the following materials are needed for class:

  • 1 binder with dividers (QOD & Notes)You can use your binder for other classes with dividers.
  • 2 packs of loose leaf paper (keep one at home or in locker for when you need it)
  • 1-2 composition notebooks
  • blue or black ink pens
  • #2 pencils or mechanical pencils
  • Optional (Colored pencils for maps)

TEXTBOOK

The Louisiana Journey –8th grade textbook

WEBSITE

Please visit my website at . On this website, important dates, a list of materials, class outline, project descriptions helpful websites, and an email link can always be found.

LOUISIANA HISTORY

In the eighth grade, students will study the past, present, and future of Louisiana with special emphasis on geography, economics, civics, and history.

Unit 1: Geography of Louisiana / Unit 5: French Louisiana / Unit 9: Segregation and 20th Century
Unit 2: Economics / Unit 6: Spanish LA and LA Purchase / Unit 10: Huey Long
Unit 3: Government / Unit 7: Statehood & Battle of New Orleans / Unit 11: World War II
Unit 4: Early People / Unit 8: Civil War and Reconstruction / Unit 12: Modern Louisiana

CLASSWORK

Classwork will consist of a variety of activities such as class discussions, note taking, cooperative learning activities, map labeling, projects, essays, multimedia presentations, etc. An emphasis will be placed on writing skills in correlation with English language arts and the LEAP test. Organization is very important. Notebook checks will occur throughout each nine weeks in preparation for high school.

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE PROJECT

Each nine weeks, students will complete a homework project relating to units of study. The project will involve historical research, writing, current events, and technological activities, etc. A project description will be given at the beginning of each nine weeks. Students will have approximately 4-5 weeks to complete the project. If a student does not have computer access at home, he/she is allowed to use the school computers in the morning from 7:00-7:25 AM in my classroom. I am also available in the morning for additional help.

GRADING PROCEDURE
40%- Tests
30%- Class work
10%- Homework/Project
20%- Exam
100% Final Grade / New Grading Scale
93-100=A
85-92= B
75-84=C
67-74=D
1-66=F

RETURNING FROM ABSENCE
It is the student’s responsibility to make-up work missed due to absence. Students should meet with the teacher when they return to school. You will be given the same amount of days to make-up work as you were absent. Students should copy missed notes from a classmate. A list of missed assignments will be given and a schedule to make-up any missed test. Please remember new guidelines have been issued by the state limiting absences and excuses. Students are not excused for vacations and trips out of town.

BATHROOM

You will be given a bathroom/hall pass each nine weeks. Your pass can be used three times. Once you have used your pass three times, you will not be permitted to leave the classroom unless there is an emergency. Any bathroom passes that are not used may be turned in at the end of the nine weeks for bonus points.

DISCIPLINE PLAN

Classroom Rules: / Consequences
1. Be Respectful of others. (No talking back, no name calling, no put downs, and no teasing. / 1. Warning
2. Follow directions the first time. / 2. Behavior Log Entry: Punish work
3. Come to class prepared every day. / 3. Parent Notification/Detention
4. Do not touch anyone else's property at anytime. / 4. Office Referral
5. Do not distract other students from learning.
6. Gum, Food, or Drink are not allowed in class.

Procedures

1. Enter class and sit in assigned seat. Make sure cell phone is off or silent. NO TEXTING.

2. Sharpen pencil before the bell rings or after instructions have been given for an activity (never when the teacher is talking).

3. Before the bell rings, you are in your seat, silent, completing your question of the day.

4. Only pack up when you are told so by the teacher ( I will provide two minutes to pack up.)

5. CLEAN your area putting all materials away.

6. Once you have been told to pack up, you must stay in your seat until you are dismissed by the teacher.

7. Get MORNING PASSES at the end of the class.

8. See the teacher at the END of class if you have questions about your GRADE.

Tardies

Tardies tend to be the one the main problems in a junior high. It is imperative that students arrive at school on time. Please remember school begins promptly at 7:25 A.M. Students are not excused when checked-in by a parent unless a doctor's note is given or other extenuating circumstances. When tardy for class, students will be given detentions and parents will be contacted. The fourth tardy will result in an office referral as outlined in SJHS's policy. Students are given an adequate amount of time to get to class. Tardies are usually the result of talking and playing in the halls. Please discuss the school tardy policy with your child.

Cell Phones

Cell Phones are not allowed in school. Please encourage your child to leave his/her cell phone at home or keep them turned off. Cell phones that are taken by teachers in class are usually the result of students ignoring and disregarding the teacher's first warning of putting the cell phone away. If your child is playing with his/her phone during class, he/she is missing vital academic information and displaying a blatant disregard and respect for rules.

Parents

St. Tammany Parish is implementing a new computer grade book program called JPAMS. I will post grades several times a week. This is a great way to keep track of your child's academic performance, notice any problems, and contact the teacher before the nine weeks ends. Also, please remember that all lessons, activities, projects, and assignments are posted weekly on my website: Junior high can often be a trying time for parents as students exercise their independence. Setting up a plan of rewards and consequences ahead of time is often effective in deterring behavior problems.

"No Zero Policy"

Completing assignments are vital component of a child's learning experience. To maximize success at Slidell Jr. High, we have adopted a "no zero policy" called "ZAP." Students who fail to complete assignments will be given daily morning detentions to complete work. Approximately ten late points will be taken daily for late assignments. If student refuses to come in the morning, students will be assigned to after school ZAP Hall on Tuesday or Wednesday from 2:35 PM to 3:35 PM to complete missing work. Parents will be contacted. This is a school wide policy to ensure that all students do their very best and are successful at Slidell Junior High. Please remember that all lessons, assignments, activities, and projects are vital to becoming a successful, self-directed learner and a productive citizen.

I look forward to working with your child and your cooperation. If there are ever any questions or problems, please contact me at school at 641-5914, or e-mail address, .

Sincerely yours.

Ms. M. Boteler, M.Ed., NBCT

8th Grade Louisiana History

Parents/Guardians: Please complete the following and return to Ms. Boteler.

______(Last, First Name of Student)

I have read and fully understand the list of materials needed, daily work, homework/project, and grading policies stated for Ms. Boteler’s class.

______(Parent’s/Guardian's signature)

Class Hour______

Contact Information: Please Print

Parent’s Name:
Parent’s Email
Cell Phone
Work Phone
Home Phone (if different from Cell)
Best time and way to contact you

(DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE)

------

Date / Type of Contact / Notes