Social Studies with Ms. Henry
Modern World History/Various Electives
Room 213/717-684-7500 ext. 3470/ [email protected]
Course Descriptions and Classroom Goals
Social Studies as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is, “a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society. It is usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography and anthropology.” The course being taught by myself this year will be an integration of the abovementioned fields of study specific to a timeframe and much of the world (primarily Europe)Modern World History: the Renaissance to Present. The purpose of a social studies class is two-fold:
1) Social studies programs have as a major purpose the promotion of civic competence-which is the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of students to be able to assume “the office of citizen” (as Thomas Jefferson called it) in our democratic republic (www.socialstudies.org). It is often believed that the individual who is civically competent will best serve and be best served by their government.
2) Social studies programs help students construct a knowledge base and attitudes drawn from academic disciplines as specialized ways of viewing reality (www.socialstudies.org). Social studies allows the learner to become more competent as a discriminating reader, writer and thinker which is applicable to all academics as well as out of school experiences.
By the end of the year, regardless of which course you are taking you will be able to demonstrate your ability to complete the following classroom goals through class assignments, discussion, homework, tests, projects and various writing assignments:
*Use literacy strategies to read primarily non-fiction works
*Identify, interpret and analyze the use of bias that appears in fiction, non-fiction regardless of the medium (print, poster, cartoon, film etc.)
* Identify, interpret and analyze the Political & Cultural Contributions of Individuals & Groups specific to historical events or timeframes.
* Identify, interpret and analyze how Continuity &Change have influenced History.
*Identify, interpret and analyze the influences of Conflict and Cooperation among Social Groups and Organizations on History.
* Research effectively using print text as well as the internet.
*Positively contribute to class by asking relevant and probing questions, by participating in class discussions, and by listening to and acknowledging the contributions of others.
We may utilize a textbook, book excerpts, topical outlines, online texts and otherwise. The course will also require for a daily journal to be kept, research to be completed, and other assignments.
Guidelines for Success
Being successful in your social studies class takes PRIDE:
Preparation
Responsibility
Integrity
Dedication
Effort
********
Classroom Rules
1) Bring all required materials with you to class each day and take them with you when you leave (Journals, writing utensils, assignments/homework/papers).
2) Treat everyone and everything in the room with KINDNESS.
3) Treat everyone and everything in the room with RESPECT.
4) Have an incredible amount of PATIENCE with everyone and everything in the room.
(By “room” I mean wherever we are as a class)
**********
Grading Policies
Your grade will be determined by the use of a weighting system that uses a combination of the following percentages: 10%-Class Participation & Effort, 10%- Homework, 40%-Class Assignments, and 40%- Tests/Projects
Class Participation/Effort: You will begin each school week with 15 class participation/effort points. For each positive behavior noted, one point will be added to your point total (up to 20). For every negative behavior noted, one point will be deducted from your class participation total (down to 0). This is also noted in Classroom Rule Violations.
Homework: These will be the assignments designated as homework and though it may occur that they are able to be started during class time it will always need to be finished at home. Homework assignments will be checked at the beginning of class and should be placed on the TOP RIGHT HAND (preferably) CORNER OF THE DESK. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Class Assignments: These are assignments for which you will be given more than adequate time in class to complete. This includes activators, group or individual activities, your daily journal, quizzes and anything else I designate to this category. You are provided with a journal & binder. Please keep it organized. No LATE Class Assignments will be accepted as adequate class time will be allotted.
Tests & Projects: These are assignments which may be introduced in class but will be completed wholly or partially outside of class. Studying for tests, writing essays as a test and other projects, this category is such a major part of your grade, Tests& Projects will be accepted up to 5 school days late with an automatic loss of one letter grade.
Extra Credit/Enrichment: Standard extra credit assignments will not be offered. Optional enrichment activities may be offered for additional points, if you feel that you deserve the opportunity for additional points please see me privately.
Final Grade: Your final grade will be determined by averaging 40% of each quarter grade, 10% midterm and 10% Final Exam. The grading scale will be the one outlined in the Tide Guide.
*********
Activities
We will engage in the following activities on a regular basis:
*Journal Entries * Cooperative Groups
* Teacher Directed Instruction/Lecture * Silent Sustained Reading
* Tests/Quizzes * Independent Class Assignments
*Class Discussion * Computer Based Activities
Since different behavioral expectations exist for each instructional activity, they will be explained as we work through them.
**********
Classroom Procedures
Entering the Classroom:
1. Be in the room before the bell rings.
2. Have any homework out on your desk on the Top Right Hand Corner of Your Desk.
3. Begin your journal entry.
4. Quietly work on your journal entry until I signal your attention.
Tardy to Class:
If you are in the classroom before the bell rings, then you are on time. If you enter after the bell rings, then you are tardy (regardless of whether or not you were previously in the room). All school policies regarding tardiness will be followed.
Daily Assignments:
Daily assignments and journal entries will be posted in the classroom as you enter. They will also be written on index cards and located on the back board where it says, “Absent?”
Turning in Assignments:
I will specify HOW and WHEN to turn in assignments. If I do not collect them myself, turn in your completed work by placing it in the folder labeled with your class period. Homework assignments should be placed in the TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF YOUR DESK.
Returning Assignments:
Graded work will be returned to you by me directly.
Finding Out Grade Status in Class:
You may check your grade by accessing the district grading system: If computers are being used in class you will be informed whether or not you may check at that time. If you are unable to access your grade, please arrange to speak with me about it before or after class.
https://pacb-sapphire.k12system.com/CommunityWebPortal/Welcome.cfm
Responsibilities after an Absence:
Anytime you are absent, you will need to check the daily classroom calendar for missed assignments. Any worksheets or handouts can be found in the folder labeled corresponding to the day of absence. Homework is due upon return to the classroom and should be placed into the class appropriate folder on my desk for your class period and with the date(s) of absence. You are responsible for all journal entries. The district policy will be followed in regards to tests/projects etc due during an absence. If an excused absence, you have the number of days absent to turn in the assignment. If your absence is unexcused- still turn everything in. I want you to succeed.
Technology
Student devices should NEVER be visible or in use unless with teacher permission and according to teacher guidelines, otherwise they will be confiscated and the student may be referred.
Ending Class:
With a minimum of one minute before the end of class, I will ask you to return to your assigned seats for final announcements. At this time, all of your belongings should be gathered, the area in and around your desk should be clean, and the mobile lab (if used) should be organized. You will be excused by me, NOT the bell ringing and when I am satisfied with the state of the classroom.
**********
Consequences for Classroom Rule Violations
Depending upon the frequency and severity of misbehavior, you may receive one or more of the following consequences:
• Loss of class participation/effort points
• Parental contact
• Change in seating assignment
• Teacher detention
• Alternative assignment
• Office Referral
These behavioral guidelines may be adjusted if necessary. However, if you feel that the enforcing of rules and consequences is unfair, you have the right to make an appointment to discuss the situation. I will be as neutral as I can in hearing your complaints or comments.
********
Consequences for Code of Conduct Violations
If a student breaks a rule that is covered by the Code of Conduct outlined in the TIDE Guide, it will be dealt with according to the established guidelines. This often means that I must refer the situation to the office for an administrator to make decisions on parental contacts, police involvement, and other matters.
Other Things to Know
Websites: We will be using and Google frequently throughout the school year. These sites can both be accessed from any computer with an internet connection using your school username and password. PLEASE see the “Expectations for Computer Based Activities” for more information on what standards you will be held to.
The addresses for these sites are as follows:
Columbia’s Google:
www.columbia.k12.pa.us
Click on “On-line Tools”, Click “Columbia Google Docs”
https://www.google.com/a/student.columbia.k12.pa.us
My Web page:
jlhenry.weebly.com
Additional Assistance:
If you are struggling in class and feel that you need additional assistance, please see me privately and we will come up with a plan to help you out.
Communication with Me:
If you or your parent/guardian needs to contact me, the easiest way is through my school email. Please also feel free to call by phone, I will do my best to respond in a timely manner (to you or your parent/guardian).
Modern World History/Various Electives
Room 213/717-684-7500 ext. 3470/ [email protected]
Course Descriptions and Classroom Goals
Social Studies as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is, “a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society. It is usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography and anthropology.” The course being taught by myself this year will be an integration of the abovementioned fields of study specific to a timeframe and much of the world (primarily Europe)Modern World History: the Renaissance to Present. The purpose of a social studies class is two-fold:
1) Social studies programs have as a major purpose the promotion of civic competence-which is the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of students to be able to assume “the office of citizen” (as Thomas Jefferson called it) in our democratic republic (www.socialstudies.org). It is often believed that the individual who is civically competent will best serve and be best served by their government.
2) Social studies programs help students construct a knowledge base and attitudes drawn from academic disciplines as specialized ways of viewing reality (www.socialstudies.org). Social studies allows the learner to become more competent as a discriminating reader, writer and thinker which is applicable to all academics as well as out of school experiences.
By the end of the year, regardless of which course you are taking you will be able to demonstrate your ability to complete the following classroom goals through class assignments, discussion, homework, tests, projects and various writing assignments:
*Use literacy strategies to read primarily non-fiction works
*Identify, interpret and analyze the use of bias that appears in fiction, non-fiction regardless of the medium (print, poster, cartoon, film etc.)
* Identify, interpret and analyze the Political & Cultural Contributions of Individuals & Groups specific to historical events or timeframes.
* Identify, interpret and analyze how Continuity &Change have influenced History.
*Identify, interpret and analyze the influences of Conflict and Cooperation among Social Groups and Organizations on History.
* Research effectively using print text as well as the internet.
*Positively contribute to class by asking relevant and probing questions, by participating in class discussions, and by listening to and acknowledging the contributions of others.
We may utilize a textbook, book excerpts, topical outlines, online texts and otherwise. The course will also require for a daily journal to be kept, research to be completed, and other assignments.
Guidelines for Success
Being successful in your social studies class takes PRIDE:
Preparation
Responsibility
Integrity
Dedication
Effort
********
Classroom Rules
1) Bring all required materials with you to class each day and take them with you when you leave (Journals, writing utensils, assignments/homework/papers).
2) Treat everyone and everything in the room with KINDNESS.
3) Treat everyone and everything in the room with RESPECT.
4) Have an incredible amount of PATIENCE with everyone and everything in the room.
(By “room” I mean wherever we are as a class)
**********
Grading Policies
Your grade will be determined by the use of a weighting system that uses a combination of the following percentages: 10%-Class Participation & Effort, 10%- Homework, 40%-Class Assignments, and 40%- Tests/Projects
Class Participation/Effort: You will begin each school week with 15 class participation/effort points. For each positive behavior noted, one point will be added to your point total (up to 20). For every negative behavior noted, one point will be deducted from your class participation total (down to 0). This is also noted in Classroom Rule Violations.
Homework: These will be the assignments designated as homework and though it may occur that they are able to be started during class time it will always need to be finished at home. Homework assignments will be checked at the beginning of class and should be placed on the TOP RIGHT HAND (preferably) CORNER OF THE DESK. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Class Assignments: These are assignments for which you will be given more than adequate time in class to complete. This includes activators, group or individual activities, your daily journal, quizzes and anything else I designate to this category. You are provided with a journal & binder. Please keep it organized. No LATE Class Assignments will be accepted as adequate class time will be allotted.
Tests & Projects: These are assignments which may be introduced in class but will be completed wholly or partially outside of class. Studying for tests, writing essays as a test and other projects, this category is such a major part of your grade, Tests& Projects will be accepted up to 5 school days late with an automatic loss of one letter grade.
Extra Credit/Enrichment: Standard extra credit assignments will not be offered. Optional enrichment activities may be offered for additional points, if you feel that you deserve the opportunity for additional points please see me privately.
Final Grade: Your final grade will be determined by averaging 40% of each quarter grade, 10% midterm and 10% Final Exam. The grading scale will be the one outlined in the Tide Guide.
*********
Activities
We will engage in the following activities on a regular basis:
*Journal Entries * Cooperative Groups
* Teacher Directed Instruction/Lecture * Silent Sustained Reading
* Tests/Quizzes * Independent Class Assignments
*Class Discussion * Computer Based Activities
Since different behavioral expectations exist for each instructional activity, they will be explained as we work through them.
**********
Classroom Procedures
Entering the Classroom:
1. Be in the room before the bell rings.
2. Have any homework out on your desk on the Top Right Hand Corner of Your Desk.
3. Begin your journal entry.
4. Quietly work on your journal entry until I signal your attention.
Tardy to Class:
If you are in the classroom before the bell rings, then you are on time. If you enter after the bell rings, then you are tardy (regardless of whether or not you were previously in the room). All school policies regarding tardiness will be followed.
Daily Assignments:
Daily assignments and journal entries will be posted in the classroom as you enter. They will also be written on index cards and located on the back board where it says, “Absent?”
Turning in Assignments:
I will specify HOW and WHEN to turn in assignments. If I do not collect them myself, turn in your completed work by placing it in the folder labeled with your class period. Homework assignments should be placed in the TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER OF YOUR DESK.
Returning Assignments:
Graded work will be returned to you by me directly.
Finding Out Grade Status in Class:
You may check your grade by accessing the district grading system: If computers are being used in class you will be informed whether or not you may check at that time. If you are unable to access your grade, please arrange to speak with me about it before or after class.
https://pacb-sapphire.k12system.com/CommunityWebPortal/Welcome.cfm
Responsibilities after an Absence:
Anytime you are absent, you will need to check the daily classroom calendar for missed assignments. Any worksheets or handouts can be found in the folder labeled corresponding to the day of absence. Homework is due upon return to the classroom and should be placed into the class appropriate folder on my desk for your class period and with the date(s) of absence. You are responsible for all journal entries. The district policy will be followed in regards to tests/projects etc due during an absence. If an excused absence, you have the number of days absent to turn in the assignment. If your absence is unexcused- still turn everything in. I want you to succeed.
Technology
Student devices should NEVER be visible or in use unless with teacher permission and according to teacher guidelines, otherwise they will be confiscated and the student may be referred.
Ending Class:
With a minimum of one minute before the end of class, I will ask you to return to your assigned seats for final announcements. At this time, all of your belongings should be gathered, the area in and around your desk should be clean, and the mobile lab (if used) should be organized. You will be excused by me, NOT the bell ringing and when I am satisfied with the state of the classroom.
**********
Consequences for Classroom Rule Violations
Depending upon the frequency and severity of misbehavior, you may receive one or more of the following consequences:
• Loss of class participation/effort points
• Parental contact
• Change in seating assignment
• Teacher detention
• Alternative assignment
• Office Referral
These behavioral guidelines may be adjusted if necessary. However, if you feel that the enforcing of rules and consequences is unfair, you have the right to make an appointment to discuss the situation. I will be as neutral as I can in hearing your complaints or comments.
********
Consequences for Code of Conduct Violations
If a student breaks a rule that is covered by the Code of Conduct outlined in the TIDE Guide, it will be dealt with according to the established guidelines. This often means that I must refer the situation to the office for an administrator to make decisions on parental contacts, police involvement, and other matters.
Other Things to Know
Websites: We will be using and Google frequently throughout the school year. These sites can both be accessed from any computer with an internet connection using your school username and password. PLEASE see the “Expectations for Computer Based Activities” for more information on what standards you will be held to.
The addresses for these sites are as follows:
Columbia’s Google:
www.columbia.k12.pa.us
Click on “On-line Tools”, Click “Columbia Google Docs”
https://www.google.com/a/student.columbia.k12.pa.us
My Web page:
jlhenry.weebly.com
Additional Assistance:
If you are struggling in class and feel that you need additional assistance, please see me privately and we will come up with a plan to help you out.
Communication with Me:
If you or your parent/guardian needs to contact me, the easiest way is through my school email. Please also feel free to call by phone, I will do my best to respond in a timely manner (to you or your parent/guardian).