August 11, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Attached to this cover letter is the course syllabus for American History. It outlines the course content as well as materials needed, classroom rules, and various policies including discipline and make-up work.

Please read the syllabus, sign the acknowledgement at the end and return it to me by way of your child.

If an academic or disciplinary problem begins to develop, I will attempt to contact you immediately, before the problem becomes serious. I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible if there is any information relevant to your child that you think might be helpful to me at the outset of this school year.

I would enjoy meeting with you even if you do not have any immediate concerns. My contact information and conference hour are supplied at the end of the syllabus.

I feel certain that we share the same basic goals for your child. We both want him to be happy and successful in life and we both recognize that his education is critical toward that end. Let’s work together!

Call me with any questions or concerns you may have. I am looking forward to our partnership this school year.

Sincerely,

Sal Diesi

Course: American HistoryInstructor: Coach Sal Diesi

Text: The Americans, Reconstruction through the 20th Century

Danzer, Klor de Alva, Wilson, and Woloch

McDougal Littell, 2006

Book link:

iTunes U:

Required Materials and Fee:Notebook

Loose Leaf Paper

Pen and Pencil

$3 Fee

Classroom Rules:

  1. Enter the classroom quietly and on time with all needed materials.
  2. Be prepared to remain in class for the duration of the period.
  3. Go directly to your designated seat.
  4. Copy the daily assignment.
  5. Do all assigned work.
  6. Do not disrupt the teaching/learning process.
  7. Treat everyone with respect.
  8. No food or drinks*
  9. No profanity*
  10. Do not leave the classroom until you are dismissed.

Discipline:

Disruptive behavior in the classroom will result in the following consequences:

1st Offense:Warning

2nd Offense: Student/Teacher Conference (A short meeting with the student, after class, to make it clear that his/her behavior is unacceptable.)

3rd Offense:Parent/Teacher Conference

4th Offense:Office Referral – Recommend Suspension

Subsequent Offenses: Office Referral

Grading and Testing:

  1. Generally, expect one scheduled chapter test (100 points) per week. Graded assignments or quizzes (10 points) will also be given daily. Terms (15-40 points), Question of the Day(15-25 points), and Random binder checks(50-100 points).
  1. The nine-week average will be obtained by dividing the sum of all gradesby the total possible points.
  2. Students are required to enter all test scores, as they receive them, on the last page of their notebooks. This allows parents the ability to view their child’s progress at any point during the nine-weeks.
  3. In cases of student absences, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange with the teacher a time and place for taking a make-up test. This must be done before the end of the nine-weeks. Make-up tests will generally not be given during class time. Make up times are before school at 6:30am – 7:20am. Failure to make up a test results in a grade of zero.
  4. Looking at another student’s paper or talking during a test will result in a grade of zero (0).
  5. A research project (200 points) may be required, time permitting.

Course Summary:

American History is a required course for graduation. It accounts for one of the three credits in social studies that are required by the state.

The course is a survey course that concentrates on the period of American history after Reconstruction (after 1877).

American History is generally taken during the junior year of high school. Since there is an End of Course Test (EOC) in American History given during the junior year, part of the course will consist of review in preparation for the test.

Contact Information: Sal Diesi

Room 198

Conference period: 2ndPeriod

School Telephone: 662-5553

(Pleasedetach and return to teacher)

Student ______Period ______

Student Signature ______

I have read and understand the requirements and policies of Coach Diesi’s American History class. ______

(Parent’s Signature)