8th Grade Social Science – United StatesHistory
Teacher: Cristina Hernández Avalos Room # 427
email: School phone number: (310) 842-4200Period: __
Dear parents/guardians,
Welcome to an exciting year of 8th grade social science! This year your child will learn about U.S. History up to Reconstruction, including but not limited to units on pre-Columbian America, Colonial America, Revolution, Constitution, Early American Politics, Westward Expansion, Manifest Destiny, Civil War and Reconstruction.
At the same time further developing the following skills:
1)Reading & Annotation of Primary and Secondary Sources, Document-Based Questioning - Students will be able to work with complex texts and show understanding and critical analysis of the texts through annotation and document-based questioning.
2)Research Methods & Evaluation - Students will evaluate sources and reach original conclusions as young historians using research methods.
3)Comparative Histories/Multiple Perspectives - Students will show evidence of their ability to examine historical events from multiple perspectives and then compare and contrast those perspectives.
4)Thematic Connections Between Past and Present - Students will connect themes from United States History with contemporary issues facing our nation.
5)Written & Oral Argument - Students will present written and oral arguments surrounding historical and contemporary issues within the discipline of social science.
As you can see this is a rather ambitious set of goals but with hard work and dedication I am confident that each student can excel to reach his/her learning objectives.
Rules and Procedures
In an effort to establish a safe and comfortable learning environment for ALL students, we have collectively established a set of rules and guidelines. The rules of the classroom are extremely important to follow EVERYDAY.
1)Be respectful to the teacher, fellow students and visitors - please refrain from non-constructive criticism, teasing, belittling and offensive comments or gestures.
2)Be respectful of others personal space and property.
3)Listen to the teacher and peers quietly and attentively.
4)Participate actively in class by raising your hand to ask/respond to questions or contribute to class discussions.
5)Take responsibility for your actions and performance
Rules Enforcement
Violation of these rules will result in ONE warning. Continued violation of the rules will result in student-teacher conference to discuss the situation, parent notification via email or phone call, loss of class privileges, detention and/or possible referral to administrative team. Students should also read, understand and keep in mind their Culver City Middle School 8thgrade expectations and responsibilities.
Class Expectations
Students are expected to arrive to class on time (as a general rule this means you are ready to work when the bell rings)and complete assignments on time. Students (not parents) are responsible for contacting me (in person or via e-mail) if there is a problem completing an assignment on time. Students should use time-trackers provided to write down all assignments, tests and projects.
Late Work
No late work accepted. (Grade level department expectation)
Absentee Work
All students are required to make-up work after an absence in the number of days they were absent. For example, if a student is absent for 2 days, they have 2 days to complete all missed work for full credit. Students must make up an exam within a week of returning to school. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the exam.
Use of cell phones / tablets
School policy on cell phone use will be observed in the classroom. In some cases students will be allowed to use cell phones for class activities. Teacher will explicitly inform students on these occasions.
Media
In some cases, teacher will play clips, movies, YouTube videos, etc. I will be very selective and thoughtful about media choices, but if you have any concerns please let me know ASAP.
Tutoring/Homework Club
Students are invited to tutoring/homework club on the following days. Also, students may earn volunteer hours (CJSF/Seal of Bi- literacy/other) for attending and helping during those times.
- Mondays and Fridays 7:30 – 8:00 am
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: lunch and 2:30 – 3:30
- By appointment
These days and times are subject to change, I will notify students in class or homework website. I will request that some students come to these sessions. In addition, PAWs time is always recommended to work on specific skills or assignments.
Student Supplies
All students are expected to arrive to every class prepared with the following supplies:
- Working pencil/s
- Blue or Black Pen/s
- Lined paper
- Time-Tracker (provided)
- Interactive Notebook (please see supply list for specifics)
If your student already hasall or some of these or can easily access them, please have him/her bring them by Wednesday September 6, 2017. If you need assistance securing these supplies please know that they will be provided to you on or around Wednesday September 6, 2017. Please let me know if you have any concerns about this list. A lengthier list of suggested supplies list has been sent home. Additional items on that list are recommended but not required.
Assessments
Students will have opportunities to demonstrate their progress through a variety ofassessments. For example, tests, quizzes,projects, presentations, and writing assignments.
Furthermore, a series of formative assessments will be given. These will not affect grade, but it is important that students and parents are aware of the results and use this information to reach learning objectives.
All assessments labeled “common” have been developed by the8th grade social science team and are taken by all 8th grade students at CCMS.
Retakes not allowed on any “common assessment”.
No Extra Credit assignments/points will be available. (Grade level department expectation)
Grades
1)Homework/Classwork40%
2)Assessments60%
Grade Scale
A+98-100%
A93-97.99%
A-90-92.99%
B+87-89.99%
B83-86.99%
B-80-82.99%
C+77-79.99%
C73-76.99%
C-70-72.99%
D+67-69.99%
D63-66.99%
D-60-62.99%
F59% and below
Please keep this letter for reference and feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
Due on: Wednesday September 6, 2017
I have read the class syllabus and understand the course expectations and requirements for 8th Grade Social Science. Also, I will keep the syllabus for reference throughout the course.
Student’s Name ______Student’s Signature______
Parent/Guardian’s Name/s______
Parent/Guardian’s Signature/s______
Parent’s phone number: ______May I call? Yes/No Text Yes/No
Parents email address/es: ______
If I need to contact a parent or guardian, which method do you prefer? ______
______
Student’s primary language: ______Languages spoken at home (most used first): ______
Anything else I should know about your child on the first week of school: ______
______
If you would be interested in volunteering please check here [] and provide as much information as possible/desired:
When would you be able to volunteer: ______
Are you cleared with the district as a volunteer? Yes / No / Don’t Know
Do you have a particular interest/expertise in the units mentioned in the syllabus? If so, which one/s: ______
Any other ideas? ______
______