Dear Parents and Students,



Dear Students and Parents,Welcome to Mr. Van Briesen’s 7th Grade Social Studies Class! This letter contains important information about this class that YOU are responsible to know and understand, so please take time to read it carefully. After you have read the sheets, please sign the attached slip and return it to me by the assigned time. Please keep the rest of this letter for future reference. Finally, I hope that all of you have a great 2013/2014 school year!CONTENTWe will be studying American history beginning with a short background review of early U.S. history and then focusing on the period of history from the Civil War through the Great Depression. This course aligns with the articulated Arizona Social Studies and the Common Core Standards. Reading, writing, study skills, note taking, and critical thinking will be developed and advanced.TEXTBOOKS“The American Journey” is the textbook that we will be using for this class. These textbooks are only a few years old. Students will be given a copy of this new U.S. history textbook to take home and keep there till the end of the school year. We have a class set of these books to use in the classroom each day. You will NOT need to pay for these books – Unless it is lost or destroyed while it is in your possession. Replacement cost for the textbook is approximately $80.SUPPLIES*Required each day*LINED, LOOSE LEAF PAPER ONLY (Spiral paper will NOT be accepted for credit)Pens – Dark Blue or Black ONLY or Pencils (At least two sharpened at all times)A small set of colored pencils (6-12 colors).1 or more YELLOW Highlighter(s).A Folder for your class assignments this must be used only for Social Studies work. *AVID students may use a 3 ring binder and 3 hole punch their assignments*Student Assignment Calendar/P.R.I.D.E Book – first one furnished free by GrJHSHOMEWORKHomework will be assigned at the MOST two times per week. It should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. Homework is considered late if it is not turned in when the teacher asks for it. Thereafter, the assignment will be graded for half credit until the end of the quarter grading period when all assignments not turned in will be scored as zeros. The only time late homework will be accepted for full credit is immediately after excused absences. For further details refer to the G.P.S. student handbook.GRADINGGrades will be determined by the percentage of possible points on tests, quizzes, study guides, reading assignments, writing assignments, maps, essays and in class projects. The grades will be based on the following scale: 100%-90% = A 89%-80% = B 79%-70% = C 69%-60% = D59% or lower = F and no credit for the course*Students will be informed about their current grade/progress AT LEAST once every 2 weeks*orOn the Infinite Campus online gradebook (grades are updated as soon as possible)ABSENCESAfter an absence it is the student’s responsibility to see what work they missed and what work they need to finish. School policy states that if a student is absent two days they get two days to make up their assignments. If you miss a test day the student must take the test the day they return. The only time you get extra days is if you were absent on the days leading up to a quiz or test. *Please note that getting the make-up work and completing it are vital in maintaining a good grade if there has been any lost time from school – regardless of reason.*CLASSROOM RULESRESPECT OTHERS. – Only talk when it is your turn or you have permission.BE ON TIME TO CLASS.STAY IN YOUR SEAT DURING CLASS. Raise your hand if you need to go get something.FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE TEACHER.ABSOLUTLEY NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN CLASS. This includes gum & candy. *Water is allowed but only in a clear container.*BRING ALL THE NECESSARY MATERIALS TO CLASS. Everyday!In the classroom, PLEASE DO NOT EVER HAVE OUT such things as: make-up, brushes, hair spray, cell phones, and I-PodsCLASS GUIDELINESEach student will be allowed two restroom passes per semester. These are to be used forEMERGENCIES ONLY. Please try to take care of using the restroom between classes, before and after school, before PE class, or at lunchtime. Learning time in class is very important.Pencils should be sharpened BEFORE class begins not during instruction. Pens are preferred.Hats, brushes, make-up, mirrors, toys, and hair spray should never be seen in the classroom. If they are out they will be taken away until the end of the school day.Electronic devices such as Cell Phones, I-Pods, I-Pads, Laptops, CD players should only be out when the teacher gives permission. Laser pointers should not be brought to school per school board policy and if seen will be confiscated.WHITEOUT is NOT ALLOWED in class and should not be used on any class assignments.DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES1. Warning and/or Seat moved.2. Removal from activity & sent to another classroom to work.3. Written referral and possible suspension from school.* Please note that if the behavior is extremely disruptive, defiant or dangerous an office referral will be written immediately. *CLASS PROCEDURESEveryday class starts with a beginning activity called a SET. Every Monday the SET will be to write down the class activity schedule for the entire week. During other days of the week, the set will be small graded and/or ungraded assignments to introduce that day’s lesson. While class is going on, please keep the following in mind:Follow the teacher’s directions carefully.Do not interrupt people when they are talking. Raise your hand and wait to be called.Never toss or throw anything in the classroom.Do not touch other people’s things without their permission – FIRST!Students’ lose 10 points for each assignment they turn in without the PROPER HEADING.CLASS WEBSITE-EXTRA HELP & EXTRA CREDITI will be using a class website to serve as a resource to students and parents on what is happening in class. The address is vanbriesensclass.. Extra help is available before school most anytime during the year. Unfortunately, extra help after school is almost impossible because of other school commitments. To meet with me, just call or email me at school to set up a time in advance. Extra credit is available toward the end of each semester. Students should pick up an extra credit sheet from me if they are interested at that time. If you have any questions throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to give me a call. 480-813-1770 or email aaron.vanbriesen@Mr. Aaron Van BriesenAbout Mr. Van BriesenMr. Van Briesen has been teaching for over 18 years, all here at the BEST junior high school in America - Greenfield Junior High! Over the years, Mr. Van Briesen has taught both 7th and 8th grade social studies classes. He has also taught high school social studies during the summer for the last 17 years. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Van Briesen has coached the 7th grade girls’ softball team. He has also coached all levels of football and softball at Gilbert High school. In addition to coaching he is also the NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) club sponsor. Mr. Van Briesen is married and has two great kids ages 9 & 12. His hobbies include fishing, attending/watching sporting events, traveling, and snow skiing. Mr. Van Briesen is known for his funny stories he tells in class and for being a teacher who pushes his students to always do their best. Mr. Van Briesen’ s Donation/Wish List:The following are desperately needed supplies that we use throughout the year. If you have some of these to donate to this class it would be greatly appreciated. Reams of white paperKleenex (we got thru 2 boxes per month on average!)Disinfectant wipesColored pencilsUnit/Subjects to be covered during the year1st SemesterGeographyOverview/Review of early American HistoryCivil WarReconstructionWestern FrontierImmigrants to the USGrowth of Industry2nd SemesterProgressive EraImperialismWWIJazz AgeGreat DepressionI have read, understand and will follow the procedures for Mr. Van Briesen’s Social Studies Class.STUDENT NAME (Print)_________________________________________STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________________PARENT NAME (Print)___________________________________________PARENT SIGNATURE___________________________________________Please list your email address(es) in order to receive periodic grade reports_____________________ _______________________*Comments or Questions – Please write here or on the back of this sheet*I have read, understand and will follow the procedures for Mr. Van Briesen’s Social Studies Class.STUDENT NAME (Print)_________________________________________STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________________PARENT NAME (Print)___________________________________________PARENT SIGNATURE___________________________________________Please list your email address(es) in order to receive periodic grade reports_____________________ _______________________*Comments or Questions – Please write here or on the back of this sheet* ................
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