Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.

1. What are we going to learn in this class?
2. What are some sample topics we will study, and how will we learn them?
3. What do I need to bring to class?
4. How will I be graded?
5. What happens if I forget to complete or bring in an assignment?
6. What happens if I am absent from school?
7. What happens if I do not understand what to do on an assignment?
8. What are the rules and consequences of the class?
9. How can I get rewarded for behaving like I should?
10. What else do I need to know about my teacher?
11. What is the motto for this class?

What are we going to learn in this class?

In 7th grade, we are going to study the history of the US from the 1760s to
the 1860s, although we will also study special topics outside of that time 
period.  Additionally, we will spend a significant amount of time learning
about our Constitution and the U.S. government. Finally, we will study current
events and try to relate them to the past.

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What are some sample topics we will study, and how will we learn them?

Three sample topics are: law making, child labor, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Activities we may do include simulations, skits, and debates. Additionally we
will use a method called service learning (learning through service to the
community) for some units.

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What do I need to bring to class?

You need a section of a loose-leaf binder that contains lined paper, a divider
labeled "Social studies," and a folder that is just for history.  You must
bring this binder, your agenda book, and a pen, pencil and  highlighter to
class each day.  Also, you need to bring a marble composition book as a
journal. Finally, please bring your own supply of tissues when you have a
cold, as I have a limited supply.

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How will I be graded?

A. Each marking period your grade is based roughly on 1000 points.  You can
keep track of these  points with a grading checklist, which you will receive
after your first assignment.  The categories on which your grade is based are
described here.  (The numbers in parentheses show the approximate percentage 
of your total grade that each category is worth.):

-Participation (20%): This 200-point grade is based your involvement in class.
 This means you pay attention, raise your hand to contribute to class
discussions, work cooperatively with others, stay on task during work, and
show respect to your classmates and me.

-Homework + Journal (30%): You will get homework on most nights. 
Each assignment is 10 points.  After every 10 assignments, you will get a
homework graph, which you must get signed, that shows the percentage of
homework you did.  Most assignments will come in the form of journal entries;
I will both check your journal entries as homework assignments AND collect the
journal at the end of each marking period for a 100-point grade.

-Quizzes/Activities (20%): These are smaller assignments, usually done in
class, that measure your learning during a unit.

-Tests/Projects (30%): These assignments measure your learning at the end of a
unit and are 100 points each.  They are worth more than activities/quizzes
because they require you to combine information from different parts of a
unit.  Some projects are independent, and some require you to work in
partners/groups.  You will know well in advance of test dates and project due
dates.

*At the end of each quarter, your average translates into one of the following
letter grades:
A+ =97-100
A = 93-96
A - = 90-92
B+ = 87-89
B = 83-86
B - = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C = 73-76
C - = 70-72
D+ = 67-69
D = 63-66
D - = 60-62
F = below 60

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What happens if I forget to complete or bring in an assignment?

A. For missed homework, you have 2 days to hand it in for half credit. If it
is not complete by the day after it was due, you will have after school
detention for most assignments. For graded work, I will take off 10% of the
total point value for each day the assignment is late.  You must fill out a
late slip along 
with the assignment in order to get any credit for it.  Note: if you have a
family emergency and cannot complete an assignment, you must get a signed note
from a parent/guardian explaining the situation.  Broken computers are not an
excuse for handing work in late!

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What happens if I am absent from school?

A. If you are absent from school, I encourage you to check my website or call
a friend to see what you have missed and complete it on that day so that you
do not fall behind (Note: The website does not include classwork that you
miss).  In the event that this is not possible, you must get your make-up work
on the day you return.  You have the number of days you were absent to
complete and hand in the missed work for full credit.  When you hand it in,
you must fill out a late slip to remind me you were absent. 
(Note: Filling out this late slip for absences does NOT mean you will get late
credit.  It is just a way of reminding me WHY you are handing in an assignment
late.)  For field trips or pull-outs during history, you must see me no later
than the end of that day to hand in work that was due that day and to get
missed work.

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What happens if I do not understand what to do on an assignment?

If you are at home, you can always e-mail me to ask for help, but e-mail me
before 6:00.  Or, you can see me before you leave school that day to get a
morning pass for the following day, and I will help you on the assignment
before school.  (I am also available on certain days after school.)

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What are the rules and consequences of the class?

The rules and consequences are posted on the BRIGHT yellow poster at the front
of the room.  Basically the rules are very simple: respect yourself, your
peers, the school staff, and the school itself.  Note, though, that these very
general rules cover ALL specific behaviors that can be considered disrespectful! 

The first time you break a rule, I usually give a warning, unless it is a
serious offense. The 2nd offense results in detention, during which you and I
will have a conference and sign a contract. The 3rd time results in a longer
detention plus a phone call home or a parent conference. The last resort is a
referral to Mr. Kneller.

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How can I get rewarded for behaving like I should?

I believe in rewarding positive behavior. We will decide on rewards together.

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What else do I need to know about my teacher?

I want to see all of my students succeed, so I encourage you to see me when
you have questions and/or need help.  I am available for my students to
discuss class progress, homework concerns, and any non-school concerns that
they may have.  Please know that my classroom is a SAFE place.  This means
that you should not be afraid to take risks in class by giving opinions and
answering questions even when you are not sure you have the correct answer.  
More importantly, it means that you can be assured that I will not judge you
in any way if you approach me with a problem or concern of yours.

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What is the motto for this class?

My teacher expects me to do my best, so I will aim to be a success!

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