Social Studies David Barnes: barnes_d@4j.lane.edu
2011-2012
website: http://teacherweb.co/OR/KennedyMiddleSchool,4j,Eugene/MrBarnes/
Dear students and parents,
Welcome to a new school year! This is a year of change, and continued
development of the Kennedy Middle School Social Studies program for 6th, 7th,
and 8th grades. We are looking forward to sharing this year with our Kennedy
community!
The most significant changes include the unblocking of social studies from
language arts, the reduction of social studies from a year-long class to a
semester-long class for each year of middle school, and the focusing of
students on outcomes specific to each class. While we regret to reduce the
amount of time spent in social studies, we are excited for the opportunity to
develop and focus the social studies program here at Kennedy Middle School.
The new social studies program is broken up into three components, each with a
guiding question to focus students’ learning.
In the 6th grade, students will have the opportunity to engage in the first
social studies class, Ancient Civilizations. This class introduces students
to the topics of geography and culture, with an emphasis in how various
ancient civilizations have developed with their environments. The guiding
question for students during this class will be “How have cultures developed
in relation to their environment?”
For 7th grade, students take American History I and begin to address the
guiding question “What does it mean to be an American in today’s world?” To
do this, we will start our study before 1492 and then focus on the arrival of
Columbus, the Colonial Period, the American Revolution, the Bill of Rights,
and the US Constitution, ending our studies around the turn of the nineteenth
century.
In the 8th grade, students take the final class, American History II.
Students continue to address the guiding question “What does it mean to be an
American in today’s world?” This will include a focus on nineteenth century
US history, including Immigration, Westward Expansion, Oregon & Lane County
History, Slavery, Slave Revolts, and the Abolition Movement, the Civil War,
Reconstruction, and the Industrial Revolution.
Each class will have student learning expressed through outcomes for the
class, separated into Learning Targets and Behavioral Targets. In addition to
teacher assessments, students will be asked to assess themselves along a
continuum of these outcomes. While a student’s progression along their
Behavioral Targets is separate from the Learning Targets, there is usually a
direct correlation between behavior and learning. The continuums represent
our best understanding of the progression from Novice (1-beginner) to Highly
Proficient (6-expert). Our goal is for all students to grow in each of their
classes and to become Proficient (4-mastery) in all class targets. We will
spend time in class learning about the Learning and Behavioral Targets.
The Social Studies Curriculum Learning Targets for students are as follows:
o Citizenship and Civil Discourse
o Critical Thinking and Perspective
o Research and Inquiry
o Communication
o Knowledge and Contextual Understanding
The Behavioral Targets for students are the following:
o Quality of Work
o Classroom Citizenship
o Timeliness
Finally, for our classroom and our school, we would like to express the
following general expectations To establish a learning environment where
everyone feels safe, secure, and valued, these basic expectations have been
established and explained:
P ositive
R espect
I ntegrity
D iscipline
E xcellence
Middle school is a time for students to accept more responsibility for their
own learning and to develop habits that will bring them success in future
situations. With regards to assignments, this means students should know that:
A. Assignments are written on the assignment board daily. Students are
required to record the assignment in their school planner.
B. A due date is given for each assignment. Work must be turned in on the
date due. Homework should be expected to be due the following day, unless
specified. For larger projects, this due date may be a few days to weeks away.
C. In general late work will not be accepted for credit. Under certain
circumstances a student can be given an extension. Each student has been given
three Permits to Extend Assignment Deadlines for use during the quarter.
These are intended for use only during emergencies. Students who have an
excused absence(s) will in most cases be given additional time to complete
assignments given during the absence. In the case of a pre-planned absence
please give me notice as far in advance as possible.
Success is part practice, part desire. The following Self-Directed Learner
Behaviors are keys to success as a student:
Arrives on time, Has materials, Follows directions and stays on task, Work is
turned in on time, Values neatness and organization, Uses good listening
skills, Participation, Refrains from talking at inappropriate times, Goes
right to work, Avoids impulsiveness, Shows respect for other learners,
Demonstrates a positive attitude, Works well in groups, Values accuracy and
precision, Gives guest teachers every advantage.
Teacher Contact:
Please contact me with any concerns/suggestions/questions. By the end of the
week the Mr. Scott web site will be up and running. At that time I will send
home a note with all the necessary information about the web site. The web
site will include information about homework, and any major in-class projects
we are working on. The web site will also have a link to a site where
students and parents can view grades online. You can visit the website at the
provided address, or simply link off the Kennedy Middle School website.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to a great year!
David Barnes
barnes_d@4j.lane.edu
541-790-5500
website: http://teacherweb.com/OR/KennedyMiddleSchool,4j,Eugene/MrBarnes/
