Expectation Standard

 
Mr. Lindsay *** U.S. History 

Expectation Standards and Disclosure Statement:

Wasatch Jr. High School 
Mr. Lindsay
U.S. History 

Class Mission Statement: 

The United States of America and Utah are unique and dynamic.  The study of 
History is vital to gain a valid perspective of our nation, state, and our 
society. Such a perspective begins with the realization that we have a nation 
with ideals and values that are not universally shared.  Our well-being 
depends, in part, on cross cultural awareness, communication, cooperation, 
respect, and positive citizenship.  The mission of this class is to have 
students attain a deeper awareness of America's role and responsibilities, as 
well as, their own responsibilities as citizens of Utah and the United States 
of America.

Course Description for 8th Grade U.S. History: 

The study of United States History for 8th grade students will cover the 
events and issues from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction and 
Westward Expansion, emphasizing the 17 and 1800’s. Topics covered will 
include, but are not limited to: exploration, colonization, Revolutionary 
War, The Constitution, the building of a new nation, Civil War, 
Reconstruction, and the western movement.  These topics will be taught 
either chronologically or thematically. Although the emphasis of this course 
is on the 18th and 19th centuries, additional content will be covered as 
time permits. 



Grading Policy: 
 
Scholastic - Grades will be based on student performance and weighted as 
follows, class assignments and homework 30%, tests and quizzes 30%, term 
projects and reports 30%, and history portfolio 10%.  Points will be awarded 
and the term total will be used on the following percentage scale:

100-93 = A             81 = B             69 = C             58 = D
    89 = A-            77 = B-            65 = C-            55 = D-
    85 = B+            73 = C+            61 = D+            54 = F

Citizenship - This grade will be determined by the student's behavior in 
class, tardies, and attendance.  This is in accordance with District and 
School policies.  (See Planner)  

The grading scale for citizenship is as follows: 

Citizenship:

   4 = 	Honor
   3 =	Good
   2 =	Satisfactory
   1 =	Poor
   0 =	Failure


Being a good citizen at Wasatch is important to becoming a respected citizen 
of our state, our nation and of the World. 
 
Behavior Expectations:

In order to create a congenial learning environment in our classroom, we all 
need to be respectful and courteous to each other.  I only have one rule, 
which is, “BE APPROPRIATE!” and if you are being inappropriate, “STOP IT and 
DON’T DO IT ANYMORE!”

Being appropriate means that: 

     1. I will be appropriate at all times.
     2.	I will come to class on time and prepared. 
     3.	I will respect everyone’s right to learn and Mr. Lindsay’s right to 
        teach. 
     4.	I will stay in my seat and raise my hand to speak. 
     5.	I will always respect school and personal property.
     6.	I will not throw anything at anytime.
     7.	I will remember not to bring gum, food, soda, or Doo Dads to class.   

Being inappropriate means that:
 
     1.	I will be required to sign “The Book of Inappropriate Behavior” for 
        each time I act in an inappropriate manner. 	
     2.	I will need to explain my actions in writing and express what my 
        future actions will be. 
     3.	I will realize that I can be removed from class for my actions and 
        receive a time-out in the hall or another classroom.
     4.	I will know that my parents or guardians will be contacted on my 3rd 
        offence, but can be contacted anytime my actions warrant a call. 
     5.	I will know that if Administrative action is taken, a referral to 
        A.S.D. (After School Detention) will be made. 
     6.	I will know that each inappropriate action will reduce my 
        Citizenship grade. 
     7.	I will know that if I demonstrate appropriate behavior and good 
        citizenship that I can raise my Citizenship grade. 

My general expectation is to have all the students in their seats, doing 
their work, being respectful to themselves and to others.  Overall, it is 
important that my classroom be a safe and friendly environment to work in, 
and our rules emphasize that attitude.  We are here to learn!  

Homework and Make-up Work for Excused Absences: 
 
Homework - Homework will be given at various times and any class assignment 
that is not completed in class will be considered homework.  It is the 
student's responsibility to complete the work and turn it in on the date it 
is due.  Assignments must be turned in on time if you expect to get full 
credit for your work.  

Make-up Work - When a student is absent they need to come and talk to me 
about what needs to be completed.  Additional time will be given for these 
assignments to be made up. 

Materials or "What I need to succeed": 

This year in U.S. History a textbook will be checked out to each student.    
A classroom set of text books will be available for use in class so students 
will not need to bring their book to class each day.  The following items and 
supplies need to be brought to class on a daily basis: 

     1.	A one inch 3 – ring binder with 5 dividers for:
         a) Assignments, 
         b) Notes and Journal Entries, 
         c) Tests and Quizzes, 
         d) Projects and Reports, 
         e) Maps and Miscellaneous. 

     2.	A No.2 pencil and a black or blue ink pen (Erasable pen preferred). 
     3.	A set of colored pencils. 
     4.	Lined Filler Paper


Extra Credit:

My basic philosophy regarding "Extra Credit" is that it would be a cruel 
punishment to give students "Extra Work" if they are struggling to get the 
required work completed.  I do give extra credit assignments.  These extra 
credit points are added only to help all students improve their grades.  

     1.	If you feel that you need extra points and have turned in all but up 
        to 3 assignments, you may turn in extra credit on teacher approval.  

     2.	Extra credit will be given in addition to regular work, but will not 
        be accepted in place of it. 

     3.	Extra credit work usually includes written assignments, research 
        papers, book reports, or worksheets. The purpose of this work is to 
        reinforce information students are learning about in class.  

     4.	I will provide a list of extra credit topics upon request.  This 
        list will change with each unit. 

     5.	Extra credit is due the week before the last week of the quarter.



Suggestions and Other Information:

     1.	Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings. 

     2.	BE PREPARED! Bring all materials to class, including all assignments 
        to be turned in. 

     3.	Assignments are due at the beginning of class.  Late work will 
        generally be accepted for reduced or half credit. Absent students
        must make up work missed within one week of the absence or as 
        agreed. 

     4.	Students may bring water bottles to class during hot weather, and 
        will not be excused to get a drink from a fountain.  Please remember 
        not to bring food, candy, drinks, or gum to class without permission. 

     5.	Students will occasionally correct their own or each others 
        assignments during class.  This not only helps to give students 
        immediate feedback on their work, but allows students to compare 
        their own thought processes to those of others.  Please let me know 
        if there is a problem with this practice.


In Conclusion:

As we progress through the year, it may become necessary to make changes.  
In that event, the students will be informed.  I am looking forward to a 
great year at Wasatch.  Let's work together to make this the most successful 
year you have ever had. 

"GO WARRIORS!!!"