8th Grade GA Studies
Ms. VanEssa Lewis (Regular, Advanced, and Gifted Social Studies)
  1. Textbook and Materials: Textbook: Georgia in the American Experience, McDougal Littell, 2005.
  2. 8th grade Georgia Studies Standards can be found at georgiastandards.org
  3. Remind101- Text 81010 Class code:@887k9
  4. My Calendar can be accessed through our school wed site under teachers.
On-line textbooks are available at the following web site:
*College-Ruled Notebook Paper
*Composition Book (2)
*Pencils
II. Grading Scale
Component / Weighted Percentage of Final Grade
UnitTests / 30%
ClassActivities / 30%
Quizzes / 15%
Projects/Notebook / 10%
Homework / 10%
Participation / 5%
Number of Grades Per Nine (9) Weeks
1. The minimum number of grades used to determine the final grade must be 9 for each 9-week grading, per subject area.
2. Each middle school will issue progress reports every 4 ½ weeks and report cards at the end of every nine week grading period.
Additional teacher-developed progress sheets may be sent home between reporting periods.
3. Homework assignments should not count as more than 15% of the final grade.
4. Unit Assessment / Test should count as a minimum of 30% and not exceed 50% of the final grade. Students should have a minimum of three graded tests per 9 weeks.
5. 55% Rule – no grade lower than 55 should be posted on report cards
III. Special Projects/Homework: Students will be expected to complete research and/or design projects during each semester. There will be assignments given on a routine basis that will require work or research outside of class as a part of unit of study or in support of an in-class project. The assignments given are to support an investigation or activity that is being conducted in the classroom and will be necessary for the student to complete to ensure they fully comprehend the material being studied. Many homework assignments may seem advanced, challenging, and specialized, but they are not “projects.”
IV. Provision for Improving Grades: Students who have low or failing cumulative grades may ask the teacher for opportunities to improve their grade providedall work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Additionally, students may at the teacher's discretionre-take failed test (including CDAs) provided they have had their test signed by a parent acknowledging the need to improve. All recovery work is due one week before the end of the term.
V. Parent Communication: An open line of communication is encouraged between teachers and parents. Parental visits are encouraged; however, it is the policy of Factory Shoals Middle School that all meeting must be pre-arranged and visitors must report to the office before going to other parts of the building. A “Visitors Pass” will be issued as evidence that this procedure has been followed. Because your child is in middle school, we feel he/she needs to be given responsibility for his/her work, grades, and keeping you informed. Students will receive agendas during the first week of school. The agenda will be used as a form of communication and also assists students with becoming organized. E-mail is a great tool for communication between your home and our classroom. Please feel free to contact me at Email:
VI. Late Work: This applies to work not turned in when a student is present at school. Your child will receive a zero until the missing assignment is submitted. The zero will remain if the work is never turned in. The highest grade your child can receive for submitting an assignment in 1-3 days late is an 85. For assignments submitted more than 3 school days late, the highest grade assigned will be a 70. For yearlong courses, all assignments must be turned in by the end of the semester in order to receive credit.
VII. Completing Assignments for Excused Absences: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher to request make-up work. The student must complete make-up work within the time specified by the teacher. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up work if the absence was “excused.”
VIII. Discipline: One student's learning style must not interfere with another student's learning style and our capability to instruct. This is the primary guideline for discipline in the class. Should a situation requiring discipline arise, the FSMS discipline policy will be followed.
I hope this answers most of your questions about this class. Please feel free to send a note, an e-mail or call the school if needed.

Thank you,

  1. Lewis