United States History Syllabus-8th Grade
Mr. GregoryBelle Vernon Area Middle School
Welcome to United States History 8!
Overview: This class will cover American History from the Presidency of George Washington to the Progressive Era and the rise of America during the Spanish American War in 1898. The students in this class will discuss topics that include, but are not limited to, the early years of the American Republic, the War of 1812, Manifest Destiny, the California Gold Rush, the Antebellum South and Industrial North, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, the Industrial Revolution, the wave of Immigration in 1900 to the United States from Europe, and American societal reforms during the Progressive Era.
Textbook: The book that will be used is entitled Discovering Our Past-A History of the United States. Each student in the class will be responsible for bringing the textbook to class each day and keeping a cover on the textbook all year long. No plastic covers or “stretchy” covers are allowed. You must only use a paper textbook cover!!! Covers will be periodically checked during the year and the textbook must be completely covered! A random textbook cover check will be worth “5” Points!! (The textbooks are brand new—paper covers may be made using wrapping paper, newspaper, paper grocery bags, or paper shopping bags.)
Grading Policy: The grading policy in this class is the same as the one adopted by the Belle Vernon Area School District. It can be found in the student handbook.
Late Policy: Late work will be accepted. However, a total of 10% per day will be deducted on the point value of the assignment, unless the absence is excused. You will have one day per day absent to make up missed work upon your return!!
Class Participation: Please participate as often as possible in class.
Classroom Rules: Students in this class are expected to act with common sense and display common courtesy. Respectful behaviors and attitudes are expected each day. There are six basic rules that will be enforced at all times! Violators of these rules will receive a warning, a writing assignment, have classroom privileges removed, and have disciplinary action taken according to the student handbook.
The classroom rules are:
1. Raise hand to speak at all times in class. There are no exceptions to the rule.
2. Respect the people, furnishings, and all materials in Room 208.
3. Listen carefully and follow directions the first time that they are given in class.
4. Observe all rules in the student handbook in class each day.
5. Have all appropriate materials (textbook, pencil, notebook, unit packet, and homework) out and be seated when the bell rings.
6. All students are expected to remain quiet and seated unless otherwise told to do so by the teacher.
Classroom Work: There will be eight major factors that will determine the students’ grade in this class. The following paragraphs will explain the grading procedures used in class.
Notebooks: Students will be expected to keep a neat notebook. They will be required to complete the “Do Now” each day. Each entry must have a date and a completed notebook entry. In addition, students will also be required to maintain the notebook for notes and important facts as instructed to by the teacher. The notebook will be checked once per nine weeks on one day’s notice.
Tests/Quizzes: Tests will be given at the end of each unit. The tests will focus on key vocabulary terms and the major content areas covered in each chapter. Tests will include matching, multiple choice, completion, True/False, and short answer essay questions. Students will review the day prior to each test by completing a review sheet, taking a practice test, or playing a review game. Tests will vary in length and points and will be announced at least three days in advance.
Homework: Homework will be provided on an as needed basis. It is expected that the students put forth their best effort in completing the homework. Homework will be collected at times. The assigned homework will reinforce what was taught in class on a particular day.
Outside Assignments: Students will be expected to complete a variety of outside assignments, including outside readings, map completion, writing prompts, primary source analysis, and crossword puzzles. Students will also be asked to write summaries on topics that will be assigned in class for PSSA Practice. The point value will vary on these assignments.
Group Work/Projects/WebQuests: During each grading period, students will be asked to work in groups and complete various tasks or complete an individual project or WebQuest. Each student in the group will receive both a group grade and an individual grade for completion of the project/activity. A rubric will be provided at the beginning of each activity to help each student understand how they will be graded on the task.
Agenda Book Checks: Agenda Books will be graded in Social Studies during the 4th Nine Weeks Grading Period. Students are expected to maintain a neat Agenda Book complete with a cover, correct assignments, and be in excellent condition. The Agenda Book is worth 25 Points and will be checked on five different occasions.
Please be sure to check for regular updates at or at E-School’s Plus (website will be provided by the school) as often as possible during the school year. I will post homework, assignments, grades, and class updates on these sites as often as possible.
Contact Mr. Gregory with questions or concerns at via email or by phone during school hours at 724-808-2500 x3209. Please keep all emails and phone calls limited to questions or concerns about the 8th Grade United States History Class. I will respond as quickly as possible.
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please review this syllabus with your child and fill out the bottom sheet and have it returned to Mr. Gregory for verification that it was read and understood as soon as possible!! Thank you!!
Student’s Name (Please Print)Parent’s SignatureDate
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Student’s Signature
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