8th Grade United States History I - Central Dauphin School ...



8th Grade United States History I

2016 – 2017 Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Kimberly Wenrich

Room 136

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” –William James

Welcome to 8th grade Social Studies! This year we will cover the history of the United States from European exploration, North American colonization and the birth of the nation through the American Civil War and Reconstruction. What follows is an overview of our class this year including some general class guidelines and expectations.

Class Description:

This class examines the history of the United States from the time period preceding the American Revolution and the writing of the US Constitution to the end of the 19th century. Through the course of our studies we will be exploring and analyzing historical concepts that will enable us to draw conclusions and make connections to our nation and world today.

Class Expectations:

All students have the right to an education. In our classroom we will respect that right and assist everyone in the class in the pursuit of knowledge. Students will be expected to model common courtesy and basic manners as well as respecting the personal space and belongings of everyone in the classroom. In order to successfully accomplish our goals for class the expectation is that everyone will be prepared with class materials (pen, pencil, textbook, notebook/binder, homework) and arrive to class in a timely manner on a daily basis. Students will be expected to keep their school planner up to date with daily classwork, homework, projects and all due dates on a daily basis.

Academic Expectations:

In the course of our historical exploration of American history we will be completing many projects, assignments, quizzes, tests and any number of activities to guide our learning and meet our class objectives. In order to contribute to individual and class success students are expected to come to class prepared with assignments, meet all deadlines and take pride in the work they complete. Students will be expected to complete do now activities, homework and weekly assignments, due dates (daily/long term) and weekly class reflections. Class assignments are expected to be completed in an appropriate manner to the best of each individual’s ability. At times during the course of the school year questions and problems will arise that require extra help or attention, students will be expected to maintain participation in class learning communities and take initiative and use academic enrichment periods to seek further assistance as needed. Class time (as provided) and academic enrichment time (9th period daily) are good times to check in with me if you have questions or need assistance or clarification on assignments and/or projects.

Class Materials:

On a daily basis students are expected to be prepared for class with all necessary class materials. These materials consist of the following: writing utensil, (pen – blue/black ink, pencil), class notebook/binder, colored pencils, weekly assignment log (planner), class notes/handouts, homework and class assignments, textbook*. Our textbook for class will be The American Journey 2005ed. The textbook will be one of your most valuable resources for research on class topics. It can be accessed from home on the web (access info. is on the LMS website via my web page); however, I would suggest caution on relying on the web for access as technical problems may arise and interfere in completing assignments. Technical problems are not valid excuses for missing assignments.

Absent/Late Work:

Class assignments and due dates will be posted on the LMS website on a daily basis. There will also be copies of handouts, notes and PowerPoint presentations (as needed) posted on my web page. For students who do not have access to electronic means to retrieve their assignments there will be a class make up book at a designated location in the classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to check for any work they may have missed due to absence and pick up/access any handouts necessary to catch up with class assignments.

If you were absent when a class/homework assignment was distributed, you have 3 days to complete your missing work for each day you missed. For example, if you were absent Monday you have until Thursday to turn in the assignments you missed on Monday. If you are absent for an extended period of time it is your responsibility to see so we can set up a timeline for you to catch up in your studies. Please note that any work that was assigned prior to your absence should be submitted on the day you return to class. If, for any reason, you do not have the work when you return from your absence you must have a note from your parent/guardian explaining the circumstance. Late work will NOT be accepted for full credit.

Late work is defined as an assignment that you did not turn in at the time it was requested. If you left it at home, in your locker, your dog ate it, you need to print it out during the class period it’s due, it is late. See Grading Policy for the complete break down of grading in relation to late work. If missing homework becomes a habit I will meet with students individually to discuss possible solutions to the problem and/or contact parents/guardians to discuss the situation.

Grading Policy:

Social Studies Grading Protocol

2016-2017

• Assessments (Only Common Assessments)

o 50% Tests

▪ Tests are categorized as Individualized Assessments taken in the classroom (no group or take home assessments).

▪ Retake Test/Corrections - Special Circumstances per the teacher’s discretion.

• A student may retake/correct a test no more than once per semester.

• Students must meet with the teacher to retake/correct a test.

• Students must get a minimum of 40% on first try.

• A student cannot earn more than 70% on a retake test.

▪ Note:

• No Extra Credit can be earned on a test.

• No Partial Credit can be earned for the Multiple Choice Questions on a test.

• Tests will be returned to students after all students have completed it or 10 days have elapsed. (*All tests must be made up within 10 days of exam date)

o 25% Quizzes/Projects/Other Assessments

▪ No extra credit should be given.

▪ Late work will be accepted as follows:

*The earned percentage grade will be reduced by 10% for each day late, up to three days.

*If students only have class three days out of a cycle, they are still responsible for turning in late work the next school day.

*After 3 school days, late work will no longer be accepted.

*Absentee late work will follow district guidelines.

• 25%- Miscellaneous (Ex. 15% Homework, 10% Classwork, etc.)

o No extra credit should be given.

o Late work policy for miscellaneous items should be consistent with the policy set above. If homework/classwork is reviewed in class, late work does not have to be accepted unless the student was absent the day it was reviewed.

Assessments:

Across the course of each unit of study students will be expected to complete various assessments of key concepts to show mastery of our learning objectives. The assessments may be in the form of quizzes, tests, projects, class discussions, debates, essays, performances, etc. Sometimes students will be able to choose their own assessment format, other times students will be required to complete a specific task. All assessments should be completed with careful thought and effort to reflect on the learning of each student.

Writing Expectations:

Frequent writing assignments in the form of essays and class/topic summaries will be completed throughout most units of study. As a middle school student your writing should be relatively free of grammar and spelling errors (proof read – don’t rely only on spell check!), accurately reflect the assignment given (follow the directions of the assignment), be concise and to the point (quality over quantity), contain support for your claims (use books, movies, lectures, interviews to prove your points are valid), and must be written in complete sentences and paragraphs (English is not the only class you write in!)

At this point in your academic career it is not too early to discuss “scholarly work” and plagiarism. Plagiarism is:

“According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

• to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

• to use (another's production) without crediting the source

• to commit literary theft

• to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.”

Sample MLA Style Citation for source used above:

“What is Plagiarism?” . Accessed August 15, 2011.



“Scholarly work” means students will spend time researching and compiling sources and information to support class topics in various assignments. The use of primary (original document, artifact or work; ex. diary) and secondary (study of primary source; ex. encyclopedia) sources will aid in understanding class concepts and making connections from the past to the present. Students will also be expected to give credit to the sources used in research. We will spend time working on how to create a bibliography for projects and writing assignment in the MLA Style.

Final Thoughts:

I believe that education is an important ingredient in molding the minds and futures of our students. I also believe that we are each master’s of our own educational fate. It is our desire to learn, to consume knowledge that allows us to open doors to new opportunities and experiences that enhance our lives. We are each responsible for the pursuit of the skills we need to succeed. This pursuit is not based on how smart we think we are but on our ability to identify and cultivate those skills we need to learn. One of my goals this year is help students to develop the critical thinking skills and study habits that will lead them to unlocking their full potential in both academic and life journeys.

I’m looking forward to an engaging, entertaining and fun school year!

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Kimberly Wenrich

Phone: (717) 657-3060

Email: kwenrich@

US History Syllabus Contract

After reviewing this syllabus in class and at home I would ask that students and parents/guardians please read the statements below and sign that they have read/reviewed the expectations for our class set forth in this document.

Student Statement:

I have read this class syllabus information and have had it explained to me. I understand that I am expected to take responsibility for my behavior and my academics.

__________________________ _________ ________________________________

(Print Name) (Date) (Signature)

Parent/Guardian Statement:

I/We have read this syllabus information. I/We understand and support the responsibility expected of my/our child.

__________________________ _________ ________________________________

(Parent/Guardian Name) (Date) (Parent/Guardian Signature)

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