Social Studies

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year! I am looking forward to a great year in Social Studies with you. In 8th grade, we focus on American history and how the U.S. government operates. It is my hope that by the end of the year, you will have an increased appreciation for America’s past, present, and future.

Expectations
• Be on time, in your seat and prepared to start the daily warm-up.
• Bring all necessary materials to class each day.
• Complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
• Follow directions the 1st time that they are given.
• Treat each person in this class with the utmost respect. Remember that our classroom is a safe learning environment.

*Disruptive and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated- the 8th Grade Infraction Policy applies.

Materials
• Pencil and Pen
• Organized Binder (including a notebook)
• Any special materials that are needed will be posted outside of my door.

*Textbooks will remain in the classroom. Students may have the option of checking out an older textbook that they may keep at home for reference for the school year.

Grading For Social Studies
Projects 25% (There will be 2 projects per quarter)
Tests 25% (There will be a test for each chapter covered)
Homework 20%
Participation 20% (Includes daily warm-ups, notes, partner/group
activities, video responses)
Current Event Journal 10%
*All report card grades are final.

Assignments
I prefer pencil to be used for assignments, notes, current event journals, activities, etc. Assignments should have the date, your full name, the class, and the assignment name at the top of the paper. Also, if you were absent or the paper is late, please indicate that at the top of the assignment. It is your responsibility to keep all assignments that are corrected and turned back to you until the end of the quarter.

Binder
You are required to have a 2” binder for Social Studies. You are expected to bring this binder to class each day. It should be organized and should have ALL papers given to you in class and papers handed back to you. NO PAPERS SHOULD BE THROWN AWAY UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED.

Your binder should be organized by labeling your tab dividers as follows:

Warm-Ups
Notes
In-Class
Current Events (This section will include a notebook)
Projects
Complete

Absent Or Late Work
When you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and turn in assignments. There is a binder on the counter labeled, “Absent” that will show what was done in class, what assignments were turned in, and what the new assignment was for each day. I would recommend copying this info into your agenda. There are also extra copies of any handouts given out on the counter. There is also an Absent or Late crate, organized by class, to turn in any work. Please indicate at the top whether your assignment is absent or late (and how many days late).

Current Event Journals
To better appreciate the things happening in our city, state, country, and world, you will be keeping a Current Event Notebook (to be kept in binder). Your task is to find current events that you find interesting. You may look in newspapers, a news magazine, or from a reputable news source website. You will need to date the entry, paste a copy of the article into your journal and answer several questions. You are required to find 10 current events per quarter. We will be sharing and discussing our current events periodically throughout the quarter. You are required to share 1 current event per quarter with the class when we have our current event discussions (usually the day of tests).
*Remember that your Current Events Journal is 10% of your grade.

I am excited to share in the joy of this new school year with all of you! If you come to class with an open mind and ready to learn, you will have a great year! Let’s work together to enjoy all of the possibilities ahead.