EIGHTH GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY



American History 8 [pic]

Teacher: Mrs. Sandy O’Brien

Email: sobrien@rochester.k12.mi.us

Conference Time: 1:25 – 2:22

Textbook: America: History of Our Nation, Prentice Hall, 2011

Website:

Course Description: Students will learn about the creating of America, starting with the 13 Colonies and concluding with Reconstruction (1607 – 1877). We will analyze the difficult issues and decisions present in early American history, as well as the Core Democratic Values that resulted from these conflicts. Students will grapple with the age-old question “Why does it matter now?” and understand how historical events influence their lives today. We will use various media and assessments throughout the course to both explore and demonstrate understanding of the major events, economic ideas, essential geographic concepts and critical historical documents that shaped the United States.

Textbook: America: History of Our Nation, Prentice Hall, 2011

The student is responsible for this textbook.

A book cover is required.

Outline: American History is a full year course.

1st semester: Ch. 3–9 and the U.S. Constitution

2nd semester: Ch. 10– 16

Students should expect to have a test or some sort of assessment every 7 – 14 days and quarterly projects.

Communication: Please let me know of any issues throughout the year that may impact your child at school. Family or health concerns are issues that periodically arise that may warrant adjusted due dates or other accommodations. The best way to contact me is through my school email account listed at the top of this page.

Grades: Grades are based on a point system; all assignments, projects and tests have an assigned point value. Marking period grades will be based on the percentage of points earned out of total points possible. Please see my webpage for RCS’s grading scale and an explanation of how I evaluate marks for citizenship.

If your child is having problems with class material, please encourage them to see me for help as soon as possible.

If there is an issue impacting your child that you feel I should be aware of, please email me as soon as possible to let me know. I will adjust due dates for extenuating circumstances.

Materials: It is imperative that students arrive prepared. They should bring their textbook, spiral notebook, assignments, binder, planner and writing utensils to class everyday. Having to return to the locker will result in a tardy; three tardies in the same marking period will result in a lunch or after-school detention. Four detentions result in an office referral.

Homework: Students should expect homework throughout this course. It is expected to be turned in complete and on time. Late work will be accepted through the end of the corresponding chapter with a 50% reduction in grade. Copying another student’s work/plagiarism will result in a zero.

Absences: For every 1 day of illness, a student gets 2 days to make up the work. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments, either during or after the illness. Likewise, it is the student’s responsibility to return the work within the allotted time. Students should check the assignment board/ website to follow-up on missed assignments and obtain handouts/worksheets from me upon their return.

If the absence is not illness related, i.e. vacation/sports/etc., all work is due the day the student returns, provided the student prearranged (at least 3 days in advance, please) to get their assignments ahead of time. Otherwise, all make up work is due the day after the student returns.

All assignments must be handed directly to me, not left on my desk. If a substitute teacher is here for me, the student should give it directly to the sub and ask that he/she leave it for me.

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