Social Studies Top 10 Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- What supplies do I need for Social Studies class?
- How is my final grade calculated?
- How is Class Participation determined?
- Does Mr. Renner offer extra credit?
- How can students get HELP?
- How Parents can contact Mr. Renner?
- What should I be doing outside of class to do well in Social Studies?
- Are reading skills that important in Social Studies?
- How do I make time for reading?
- What is Mr. Renner's Late Assignment/Yellow Slip Policy?
What supplies do I need for Social Studies class?
(1) Textbook (Please keep textbooks covered throughout the year.)
(2) 8th: 2 spiral notebooks, 6th: 1 spiral notebook
(3) Loose-leaf paper
(4) Pen (Any readable color)
(5) Expandable folder thing with a designated spot for Social Studies.
(6) Highlighter (for when we take notes in class or read articles together)
(7) A positive attitude & a willingness to your best!
How is my final grade calculated?
EVERY grade that is earned in this class counts and is slotted into one of the
5 categories.
(1) Tests: 40%
(2) Quizzes: 20%
(3) Writing Assignments: 20%
(4) Class/Book work + Junior Scholastic: 10%
(5) Journal (8th grade only) + Class Participation: 10%
How is Class Participation determined?
When determining class participation grades at both the midterm and at the
end of the quarter, I look at the following factors:
(A) Does the student volunteer in class with things like reading, class
discussions, etc...?
(B) Does the student come prepared to class & know the material during our
reviews?
(C) Does the student ask questions in/outside of class?
(D) Does the student hand in their homework on time?
(E) Is the student's behavior conducive to this learning environment?
Those who do the above items on an "A" level will get grade of 95%.
Those who perform on a "B" level will receive a grade of 88%.
Those who perform on a "C" level will receive a grade of 81%.
Those who perform on a "D" level will receive a grade of 74%.
Those who perform on a "F" level will receive a grade of 67%.
Does Mr. Renner offer extra credit?
(1) At the beginning of each quarter, Mr. Renner offers an opportunity to store up some free
points, which will be later be added to a future quiz. It's a great way to begin each quarter with a
little initiative, while learning some useful historical trivia.
(2) Each quarter, students can complete the bonus puzzle, which is added onto the last Test of the
quarter.
(3) Throughout the quarter, I will sometimes offer random opportunities to earn some free bonus
points, as an extension of something that was discussed in class. These hidden jewels are not
promised, but do make random appearances.
How can students get HELP?
Please rest assured that I am here to help in anyway possible!! On most
days, I normally stand outside my classroom door, making myself available
to passing students in the hallway. Feel free to approach me before or after
school, before or after class, or during your designated study hall time. Most
days, students have a 40 minute study hall. I am available, friends.
How Parents can contact Mr. Renner?
(1) Feel free to contact me at 389-3242 ext. 2308. If I'm teaching, your
call will be forwarded to my voicemail. If this happens, please leave your
name, number, date/time of your call, & your message. I usually return
messages within 24 hours and always within 48 hours.
(2) Email me, using the icon in the top right corner of this web-site's
homepage. You can reach me at: mrrenner308@yahoo.com, or
drenner@saintischool.org. This is usually the quickest way to get a
response. I check email several times per day.
What should I be doing outside of class to do well in Social Studies?
(1) Whenever we're taking notes for a particular chapter, I'd recommend
studying your notes at home perhaps 15 minutes a night. This should ideally
be uninterrupted time away from TV, video games, ipods, etc., so that you
can concentrate on the material & then, you'll be prepared for possible
History Hoop Reviews and Quizzes. As the test is approaching, you may need
to put in a little extra time so that you're adequately prepared.
(2) Create flash cards, putting the key vocabulary on one side and the
definition or important facts on the other side. You may learn the material
better by rewriting it and then having a tool, the flashcards, that you can
review when you have some free time.
(3) Find a study partner with whom you can have someone quiz you & ask
questions. This could be a classmate, older sibling, parent, etc.
(4) Have confidence in yourself & keep a positive attitude! If you find
yourself having difficulty understanding something, don't be afraid to ask
for help.
(5) For writing assignments, my advice would be to budget your time well.
Hint: Teachers can tell when you wait until the last minute with a writing
assignment. Likewise, when you put forth time and effort, that shows too!
I'd make sure you do the following: (A) Create an outline of main ideas (B)
Allow adequate time for research (C) Write a rough draft (D) Type the
assignment (E) Proof read the assignment yourself & have someone else read
it as well as another set of eyes may catch a mistake you missed.
Are reading skills that important in Social Studies?
Yes!! My classroom goals include becoming better readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Here's what the evidence says:
(1) Kids who read a million words per year score in the top 2% on standardized tests.
A million words may sound like a lot, but it's only about 25 average-length novels.
(2) Kids learn 4,000-12,000 new words every year reading.
(3) 91% of kids are more likely to finish books they choose themselves.
(4) By reading four or more books over summer break, students can avoid the
"summer slide" or gap in academic skills when they return to school.
Instructor Magazine, Summer 2011
How do I make time for reading?
(1) Read over breakfast. Start the day with 5 to 10 minutes of reading while you're eating.
(2) Always carry a book. It sounds simple, but kids may be surprised to discover all the
time throughout the day they have for reading: After a Test, Study Hall, in a waiting
room, riding in the car, during commercial breaks.
(3) Have family reading time. Just as you set aside time for independent reading during
the school year, families could devote 20 minutes a day to books. Reading a story aloud
together as a family could be fun.
(4) Set individual goals. Maybe start small with a goal of one book per month and build
from there.
Instructor Magazine, Summer 2011
What is Mr. Renner's Late Assignment/Yellow Slip Policy?
If a student is missing an assignment on the day it's due, they will get a
yellow slip & 10 points deducted from the assignment. If it's still not turned
in the next day, the student gets a 2nd yellow slip & the assignment becomes a
zero. (I feel that turning in homework on time is important. This will help
the student take ownership of their assignments and will help them long term.)
