U.S. History (8th Grade) Curtis Middle School
American Colonization through Reconstruction
Doug Key Room B103
School Number: 972-727-0340 ext.203
Conference Period 3rd period 10:30-11:20
Email address doug_key@allenisd.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The goal and purpose of this course is to make you knowledgeable citizens of United States History. Throughout the year, you will learn skills and information to help accomplish this goal. Projects, homework, classwork, and tests will be used to determine your success in this class. You must be willing to work hard in and out of class. We will have an enjoyable and rewarding year, but I expect you to come each day prepared, focused and ready to work.
COURSE CONTENT:
Content for this course includes America’s early beginnings, but the major focus is on significant persons, issues, and events related to the establishment of the Republic through the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Content for citizenship includes the history and origin of the United States Constitution; structures and function of the federal, state and local governments; the Bill of Rights; the rights, liberties, and obligations of citizens; participation and decision making in civil affairs; and the concept of a government of laws.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. RESPECT (SOCIAL CONTRACT ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S RULES OF CONDUCT) RESPECT IS A MUST IN THIS CLASS!!!
2. BRING ALL SUPPLIES TO CLASS AND IN SEAT WHEN THE BELL RINGS DOING WARM UP.
3. TURN IN WORK ON TIME. LATE WORK WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES. 4. NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINKS ALLOWED IN CLASSROOM. FOLLOW ALL SCHOOL RULES
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
1. Be in seat when bell rings.
2. The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher will dismiss you.
3. Assignments turned in to appropriate trays.
4. Your responsibility to pick up work from make up folders.
5. If I assign homework it is expected to be done the next day turned in completed.
SUPPLIES:
One 3 ring binder (1inch – 2inch) WITH 5 DIVIDERS–Labeled Warm Up, Notes, Graded Work, Maps, Vocabulary
Pen (blue, black) or pencil
Notebook paper in binder for warm up’s
At least 1 highlighter
LATE WORK AND MAKE UP WORK
Students will have three school calendar days to turn in late assignments for a maximum grade of 70%.
Zap procedures will follow late work.
It is the student’s responsibility to check make up calendar to see what was done the day they missed. Make up work will be located on wall and labeled.
ACADEMIC GRADES GT ACADEMIC GRADES___________________________
Six week grades will be averaged as follows: Six week grades will be averaged as follows:
40% Test, Major Projects or Reports 50% Test, Major Projects or Reports
35% Quizzes. Vocabulary and TAKS Facts Quizzes 30% Quizzes. Vocabulary and TAKS Facts Quizzes
25% Daily grades and homework. 20% Daily grades and homework.
Progress reports will be sent out for all students after the third week of the six weeks. Progress reports are to be signed by parents and returned.
TEXTBOOKS
Students will be issued a textbook for this class. They will take the book home to use for homework and study purposes. I maintain a class set of books in my classroom, so it is not necessary for students to bring their books with them to class.
NOTEBOOKS
Students will maintain a notebook (3 ring binder) with all class work and notes. Notebooks are used daily, and will be checked every six weeks for a test grade. Notebooks should be brought to class everyday.
TUTORING
Tutoring is offered on certain days for students who need assistance. When a student comes to tutoring, they should be prepared with the assignment that they need help completing. My tutoring times will vary throughout the year, and will be posted for the students.
*Some students may have mandatory tutoring throughout the year
CONDUCT GRADES
Conduct grades are given every six weeks on the report card. They are also given upon request from varying school organizations such as athletics, cheerleading, National Junior Honor Society, student council, etc. Conduct grades in my class are based upon behavior, attitude, participation, and effort.
