U.S. History Prehistory to 1900

Hillcrest High School 2015 - 2014

Instructor Information

Instructor / Email / Room Location
Andrew Nolen / / Rm. 203

General Information

Description

The study of the early history of the United States in Grade 10 forms the foundation for understanding the development and principles of modern American society. Beginning with the earliest explorations of American continents, this course offers a chronological study of major events, issues, movements, individuals, and diverse groups of people in the United States from a national and an Alabama perspective. In addition to gaining essential knowledge regarding this period of our nation’s past, students develop historical-thinking skills, which include chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research, and analysis and decision making.

Parent-Teacher Contacts

Please make sure I have up to date contact information. Each student will receive a contact sheet at the beginning of the year. If changes arise during the year please alert the instructor.

Progress notes will be sent home periodically. These reports will be given to each student. Parent conferences may be arranged at any time during the grading period. Please call the office to arrange a time. I am available during 4th (10:35 – 11:30) and 7th (1:30 – 2:20) periods each day.

*Need additional help? I am available each day before school, except when I have a meeting or duty (to be announced)

Course Requirements

Required Materials

Composition notebook

#2 Pencils

Black or blue pen and red or green pen

Three-ring binder with lined paper

Expectations

·  A positive attitude in an atmosphere of mutual respect is expected at all times

·  Students are expected to comply with all the policies set forth by the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education regarding tardies, make-up work, standards of behavior, etc…

·  Attendance is required to successfully complete the course. A portion of the content will extend beyond the scope of the text and will be covered only in the classroom discussion.

·  All students will be required to read and analyze assigned pages in the textbook as well as primary and secondary materials that I will provide.

Class Rules

·  Bring all materials to class. You may not leave the room once class has begun (except emergency)

·  Eating or drinking in class is prohibited. (Exceptions: bottled water or medical reasons)

·  Be in your seat and working on the bell ringer when the tardy bell rings

·  Speak only with permission from the instructor

·  Stay in your seat unless instructed otherwise

·  Show respect for others and yourself

·  The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher does

·  No cell phones allowed in class unless specified by instructor

Consequences for failure to comply

o  1st offense – A verbal reminder of the rule

o  2nd offense – Parental notification of continued refusal to obey rule

o  3rd offense – Student will sign the “Book of Shame” (confiscation of cell phone, or other distracter)

§  Book of Shame – Student will write a 1-page essay on what it means to be responsible. The student will explain why their actions did not show responsibility and how it will change in the future.

§  Students assigned this punishment will sign and date the essay and have their parents do the same.

§  Failure to comply will lead to Principal Referral

Grades

Grades will be calculated by points earned divided by total points possible. The typical unit will be as follows:

·  Tests – 100 pts.

·  Vocabulary Quiz - 30

·  Bell ringer check – 20 pts. – Notebooks will be checked every test day. All days must be completed to receive a grade

·  Unit Reading Questions – 50 pts.

·  Other grades will be added at the teachers discretion

**To be graded work must be complete and neat. Any non-legible work will be returned and must be reworked before credit can be given.

U.S. History to 1900

Class Contract

Mr. Nolen

I would like to welcome you all to this U.S. History class. I am very excited for the journey we will take together over the course of this school year. We will be exploring many fascinating topics. As a group we will discover how normal everyday people have worked together to create the complex history of the human race. My goal is that each student will realize, through this course, that we are all writing the history that will be written about this time and age.

In order for us to be successful we must establish a classroom climate that cultivates the requirements for achievement. I ask that the student and at least 1 parent/guardian of said student read and sign this “class contract”, signaling that you agree to abide by the rules outlined in the attached course syllabus. Please detach and return this document to me by Monday August 17, 2015. If you have any questions/comments/or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at:

Information about your student: Please complete the following section to better help me serve your student.

What is your student’s greatest strength? ______

______

My student would be more successful in History class if…______

______

My child really enjoys…______

Please tell me anything else you would like to brag on about your child: ______

______

The best way to contact me is: ______

Please sign that you have read and agree with this document:

Parent/Guardian: ______

Student: ______

Building Excellence One Patriot at a Time