2009-2010

Instructor: Miss Mathis

Email: smathis@olfschool.net

8^th grade textbook: Discovering Our Past: The American Journey to World War I

Note: The curriculum for social studies is based on the California State Standards. The textbook is used as the primary supplemental source, novels (summer reading), and excerpts from other sources will be used. http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss

 

Grading Policy:

Each category is weighted by the percentage listed. Grades will be reflected on gradelink.

Tests/ Projects  40%    Homework/Class work 20%

Quizzes            25%                 Participation                 15%

 

Class Rules for Success:

If something is deemed disrespectful, then a rule has been broken. The rules include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Come to class prepared (Have materials and completed homework.)
2. Follow the dress code
3. Be respectful to all staff
4. Follow the honor code
5. Make peace happen

Note: I reserve the right to choose the appropriate response depending on the type of violation.

 

Please see attached document that explains the responsible behavior contract and outlines privileges and consequences.

 

Honor Code:

The junior high staff has established an honor code to promote academic integrity and denote plagiarism. The honor code is clearly posted in each of the junior high classrooms. A student must write the honor code on their title page for a project and on each test. “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this work.”

 

Washington DC (8^th grade only):

All students are strongly encouraged to attend this wonderful, engaging, and hands-on experience.  Be a part of history! If a student has a “C-“ or below in responsible behavior, or has participated in bullying in harassment during the school year, he/ she may be automatically excused from the field trip.

 

 

Procedures:

Homework:

Homework is practice, reinforcement, and an extension of what is taught in class. Nightly homework is to review the notes for that chapter, review vocabulary and corresponding maps, and re-read sections taught in class. Students will have additional homework such as reading, questions, cooperative projects, independent projects, and research papers integrated with Language Arts. Students are responsible to note homework in their planner.

 

Projects:

Students will be assigned a Social Studies/ Language Arts integration project each trimester.

1st Trimester- Summer reading report

2nd Trimester- Important figure report card Project

3rd Trimester- Research paper: 7^th Renaissance contributions/ 8^th Inventor contributions

Note: At the time, these are the projected projects, but any of these projects made me modified by the teacher at any time. The honor code must be written on the title page for each of these projects.

Absences:

If a student is absent a day, then they have a day to make up that work and turn it in the following day unless something else is arranged by the teacher and student. The student is responsible to ask a classmate for the material covered and the homework assigned. (The teacher web is one resource for to learn about work covered that day, but a study buddy is also strongly recommended.)  When absent work is submitted, and “absent” should be written in the heading and work should be placed by student into the “absent bin”.

 

Late Work: 

Each student will receive one late pass at the beginning of the trimester. Students will have the opportunity to earn more late passes. They may not be used for any further delinquency or for group projects. (Lost passes will not be replaced.)  The late homework pass allows the student to turn in the assignment the next class meeting with no penalty. The pass must be attached to the late work and placed in the “Late Pass Basket”. I will not be asking for the late homework, it is the student’s responsibility to submit it.  If no pass is attached to the late work then, the score will remain a zero. If a student has any passes left at the end of the trimester, they can be used as extra credit. They may not be traded or given to a friend. When a late pass is used, it will be noted on the comment section in gradelink. 

 

 

 

 

 

Late Work (cont.):

If an assignment is submitted without a late pass, then it will be given half credit. Any late assignments (without late passes) must be submitted by Friday and placed by student in the “Half Credit Basket”. A fifty percent is better than a zero percent.  Turn in all assignments! If an assignment is submitted without a name, 25% will be deducted from the score.

 

Opening- Enter the classroom and have your homework placed at the top right corner of your desk. Begin working on “Do It!” questions. (See below.)

 

DGQ/ Latin & Greek Roots/ or a Review Question will be written on the board and need to be started upon entering the classroom. While students are working on these problems, homework will be checked for completion and then graded as a whole class.

 

Parent/Teacher/ Student Communication:

It is the student’s responsibility to remedy their grades and bring concerns to the teacher’s attention.  I will respond to emails and phone messages during school hours.  A  response will be sent within twenty-four to forty-eight hours unless the email is received on a weekend or holiday.