Welcome Back
7th Grade Social Studies
Important Beginnings:
1. I believe that students construct their own knowledge. My job is to facilitate their learning so their constructions will be built on a solid foundation. I believe that students learn best with hands-on activities. The students will complete several major projects during the year.
2. The students will only have homework if they do not finish in class. I will not try to bombard the students with hours of homework.
3. The students will have a partner almost every day. BOTH people need to work toward the same goal.
4. The students will be responsible for their own learning. They will check power school often and utilize lesson websites in and outside of school. Schleyk12.org or weebly.com
Classroom Expectations:
1. Be in your assigned area and ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Do not talk while the teacher is talking.
3. Do not leave your desk or area without permission.
4. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
5. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
6. Treat this classroom and furnishings with RESPECT!!!!
Curriculum:
We will focus on the five themes of geography (Geography, Government, History, Economics and Culture) for Asia and Africa. There are 11 Units planned for the year. The first is an introduction to the enduring understandings of social studies. Our first major “chunk” of the world is Southwest Asia, The Middle East, Units 2,3 and 4. You can visit Georgia Standards.org for the online units. Google and YouTube will be your students’ best friend. Our textbooks are not as current because of change in the world.
Grading policy:
Grades will be based on classwork, tests, projects, and the nine weeks test. Projects and tests will be 50%. Class work will be 40%. The nine weeks exam will be 10%. You may check grades and are encouraged to do so at: www.ps.schley.k12.org
If you see a zero in the gradebook, please email me or have your child see me to get this taken care of.
Three Ring Binder:
It is imperative that every student keeps an organized notebook. We will only use the textbook as a resource. The contents of each student’s notebook will serve as their textbook and study guide. If you need a copy of the class text, google it, use you tube, or check for a hard copy in the notebook.
Mimio:
All social studies lessons and notes are available to you through a free software called Mimio. You will need to download the software from mimio.com and then email the teacher requesting the lesson. When you open the mimio (power point on steroids), click continue using.
1. www.mimio.com
2. Click top right tab- SUPPORT
3. Click DOWNLOADS
4. Choose English
5. Click Download
Devices:
Devices will be used for class assignments almost daily during the year. However, they may not have them out until I say so. When it is time to use devices, I will say,
“You may now take out your devices”
In the event of misuse of a device during class (texting, emailing, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, videoing, photo bombing, music, etc.), a student will receive a discipline referral (pink slip) for failure to follow classroom protocol. Parents, this even includes texting, calling, emailing, etc. to you. If they need to contact you, they can get a note from me, for use of the office phone.
***Your child will be responsible for safety and upkeep of their personal devices***
Remediation:
During connection time (1:30-3:00), a student may get a note from one of us to come back and clear up any missing/uncompleted work.
It is my goal that every student succeeds this year. I believe everyone can learn with the right guidance from you and me. If there is something I can do to help, let me know. We completely understand that 7th grade is very difficult. Therefore we work very hard to make your kids successful.
You can email me anytime at . This is usually much faster than calling the school. However, I will get back with you either way as fast as I can.
Mrs. Christan McMichael
Mrs. McMichael’s Procedures
ü
ü What is expected behavior when entering the classroom? Walk quietly into the classroom, put books down, and sharpen pencils. Go directly to your seat and read the
OPENING on the board.
ü What is expected behavior when leaving the classroom? The teacher, NOT THE BELL, will dismiss the class. I will let you know when it is time to pack and get ready for dismissal.
ü What do I do with trash? Trash may be thrown away as you enter the classroom and when you leave the classroom.
ü Pencil sharpening. Do it before class or during independent work time. MECHANICAL PENCILS ARE BEST!
ü What if I forgot my pencil or paper? If you don’t have a pencil, you may borrow one from the jar on the book shelf. If you do not have paper, you need to borrow it from a neighbor before class starts or get some out of the drawer in the white cabinet under the TV.
ü Making up work after an absence. After an absence, it will be your responsibility to ask ALL TEACHERS on the morning after to receive your makeup work. There is a make-up folder on the board. You will stay in 5th period to catch up.
ü Late work. All assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Any work turned in after the due date is considered late. All late work will receive a 10 point reduction in the grade, which is better than a zero!
ü Intercom/Visitors. When the intercom comes on in the classroom, ALL TALKING must stop. Only the teacher should answer the intercom. When there are visitors in the classroom, students should be on their best behavior and treat the visitor with respect. If not silent lunch will be assigned.
ü Hallway procedures. When going down the hallways, students are to stay to the right side. NO horseplay, running, or other inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. No stopping at the restroom or water fountains unless directed to do so. Ignoring these rules may result in a discipline referral, pink slip.
ü Turning papers in. Students will put their name, date, and period in the TOP RIGHT hand corner on the paper. Write the title of the assignment in the middle of the top line. Assignments should be placed in the clear basket on the orange shudders.
ü What do I do if I finish work early? You may study for a quiz, research any social studies topic, look through National Geographic Magazines or ask permission to use the computer/device to check power school.
ü Grades. It will be the student’s responsibility to check POWER SCHOOL on a weekly basis. Homeroom is a great time to take care of this. If you would like to check the app on your device, YOU MUST ASK PERMISSION!!
Or you may go to the power school website and log in. www.ps.schley.k12.org
ü Grading policy: Grades will be based on classwork, tests, projects, and the nine weeks test. Projects and tests will be 50%. Class work will be 40%. The nine weeks exam will be 10%
ü Stations. The teacher will determine who goes to what station based on knowledge of standards and class work.
ü Devices will be used for class assignments almost daily during the year. In the event of misuse of a device during class (texting, emailing, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, videoing, photo bombing, music, etc.), a student will receive a discipline referral (pink slip) for failure to follow classroom protocol. Your child will be responsible for the safety and upkeep of their personal devices.
ü Lockers You may go to your locker anytime in between classes as long as you are not tardy to your next class. During this time you will have 5 minutes to get to your locker and restroom. YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO STAND AROUND AND TALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ü Group Work. We will work in groups much of the time. All members of a group are expected to work. If you choose not to participate, you will not receive the grade. No one will carry the entire load alone.
Groups are chosen by me. I will use a variety of methods such as grades, knowledge level, creativity level, etc. NOT BY FRIENDS L That causes too much DRAMA
You will feel like you are on a
sinking TITANIC in 7th grade.
Luckily 4 u, we have many lifesavers.
I promise it will get better!!
Please take the time to utilize the websites
posted on my school webpage