Welcome to U.S. History
Mr. Phillip Bledsoe, Jr.
Room B128
E-mail:
Phone: 972-708-3700 Ext.6507
Office Hours Monday and Thursday 3:00 -3:30 PM
Course Description
Welcome to an exciting year in United States History. In this class we will focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements including civil rights. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and analyze causes and effects of the Great Depression. Students examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students describe the relationship between the arts and the times during which they were created. Students analyze the impact of technological innovations on the American labor movement. Students use critical-thinking skills, including explaining and applying different methods, that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.
BOOKS AND MATERIALS: A class set of books will be provided for students to use in class, but these books will not be able to leave the classroom. There will also be an electronic version of the book that may be used at home.
You must also bring the following supplies to class each day-
*notebook paper *binder or spiral notebook
*blue / black pen or a pencil * Colored pencils, markers (optional)
Assignments/Grading
GRADES:
Grades for U.S. History will be calculated as follows:
60% Daily work – These activities are designed to enrich student learning and encourage each student to participate in a variety of ways, including written work, discussions, group activities, research projects, etc... We will enjoy debates and discussions nearly every class meeting. It is my expectation that students will voluntarily participate in these activities.
40% Tests / Projects – Test grades will consist of both tests/Quizzes and major projects. There will be approximately 3-4 tests per 9-weeks made up of multiple-choice questions, matching, and short answer. These tests are designed to sample the student’s knowledge of the core material.
· You will not receive letter grades on individual assignments. Each will be worth a certain number of points, and your score will show how many points you earned out of the points possible. You can do the math to figure out the grade you got from the percentage. Of total points possible for each grading period, letter grades are based on the following scale:
90% to / 100% / = A80% to / 89% / = B
75% to / 79% / = C
70% to / 74% / = D
69% or / Below / = F
· PARENTS: Please check on your child’s progress on parent connection where you can keep up to date with daily assignments, attendance, and grades for each class.
Class work/Homework
· All assignments are due the next day of class unless you are told otherwise. Due dates of projects and upcoming tests will be posted in class. All work Not completed in class will automatically be homework.
· You are responsible for putting your name on each assignment! Work turned in without a name will not receive credit.
Absences/Make-Up Work
· It is very important that you be present in class each day. All students must attend 90% of the school year to receive credit for the class. That mean you cannot miss more than (9 Days per semester.) However, if you do miss more than 9 day it is imperative that you attend attendance recovery to make up missing days.
· When you have missed class for any reason, it is your responsibility to get the work you have missed from me or from your fellow classmates.
· If you are absent on the day of a test, you must take that test within one week of the test date. Make-up tests may be in a different format than the original test. You will be allowed to make up a test during class time if time permits, but otherwise will need to arrange a time after school during my tutoring hours . If you haven’t made up a test within the allotted time, you may receive a score of zero.
Classroom Rules and Expectations
Responsibility, Accountability, Adaptability
· Each person in this class is equally important, and everybody deserves the opportunity to learn and to succeed. So, in addition to the rules printed in the DHS High School handbook, in this classroom all students are expected to follow the following:
1. Be Respectful to the teacher and others around you.
2. Be prepared and engaged in your learning. Bring … (Notebook, paper, sharpened No. 2 pencils, or pens with dark blue or black ink.)
3. Be to class on time… be in your seat when the tardy-bell rings. The door will be locked after that time.
4. Be attentive… That means No electronic devices are to be used in class, unless it is part of the lesson. Which include (Cell Phones, MP3s, Game Systems, etc…) electronics used without permission will be taken up for the rest of that class period.
5. Be Polite… There will be No Profanity, Horseplay or Disrupting others in the class. We are here to learn.
6. Be ready to learn… Come ready to learn No food or drinks or personal grooming will be allowed in the classroom.
7. Be flexible, and open minded. We will cover content that may challenge what you know, and will stretch your mind.
· My goal is to keep all students in class so they can learn. However, repeated discipline issues, interference with the learning of others, and/or serious infractions may result in a referral to the office.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
ATTENDANCE:
In order to be successful, students are expected to be in class every day. However, if you are absent, you must bring an excuse note to the Attendance Office upon returning to school. And ask for all missing assignments upon returning.
TARDY POLICY:
Students are expected to be on time to class. You must be in the class before the tardy bell rings. If you are tardy you will not be admitted class without a HERO pass, which must be obtained from the administration.
PASSES:
Student will be issued passes for emergency purposes only passes will not be give during the first or last 15 minutes of the class. Students are expected to use the passing period to go to their lockers and to use the restroom. It is very important to be in class for the entire period.
THIS COPY SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED TO MR. BLEDSOE
Student Contract
1. I understand the consequences of my behaviors in class and that I am solely responsible for the work I do and the grades I receive.
2. I will try my best to have a positive attitude towards my teacher, classmates, and schoolwork.
3. I know that extra help is available, and it is my responsibility to stay on top of my assignments and be aware of my grades.
4. I understand that I need to do my best and put effort into everything I do in order to be successful in my social studies class.
5. I know I need to be in class on time and in my assigned seat when the bell rings, and I must always have my materials with me.
6. I understand that if I have problems or questions, I need to inform my teacher so these issues can be resolved.
Parent Contract
1. I have read the information for Mr. Bledsoe’s 11th grade social studies class on the first three pages of this document, and I have discussed them with my son/daughter.
2. I understand that I can contact the teacher at any time, by phone or email, to discuss any concerns that I have.
3. I will give my son/daughter every opportunity to have time and space to do home-work. Although, I won’t do his/her work for him/her, I promise to do what I can to help him/her be successful.
MY ROLE:
I am here to teach you, and to help you learn. That means that I facilitate learning, and help you develop successful study and learning skills. I will listen, I will instruct, and I will evaluate. I will also be available for before or after school tutoring on an as needed basis. You, on the other hand, must also communicate with me, and open your mind to the unlimited world of learning. Let’s work together and have a great year!
TEACHER CONTACT INFO:
If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please feel free to e-mail me at I will respond as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with you and your child.
I have read and accept the above class description and guideline:
Student Signature Printed Name Date
Parent Signature Printed Name Date