CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be prepared, on time, and on task.
2. Work quietly and do not disturb others.
3. Follow directions the first time.
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
5. Have no gum or unauthorized food or drinks in class.
6. Listen when others are talking.
7. Show respect for school and personal property.
8. Work and play safely!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1. Account for study habits daily.
2. Show respect for others as we learn together. (Don't disturb others around you.)
3. One speaker at a time. (Raise hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.)
4. Follow teacher's directions.
5. Teacher dismisses class.
CONSEQUENCES
1. Warning. (visual or quick verbal redirect)
2. Student/teacher talk before resuming class.
3. Parent contact.
4. Student/ parent meeting.
5. Referrals and detention as needed.
REWARDS
1. Vickers' Privilege Passes. (GOOD IN MR. V'S CLASS ONLY!)
2. Free Seat Fridays (after roll check).
3. Paw Prints & Teacher Surprises!
GRADING
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
F=69 & LOWER
GRADE PERCENTAGES
Major Grades 60%, Skill Development 40%
RETEST
Students will be allowed one retest opportunity per test. The student will only retest sections where a learning goal was not mastered to earn points back on the test. To retest, the student must first schedule a re-teach within 24 hours of receiving the test. A re-teach session will be scheduled with the teacher. After the re-teach session, a date will be set for the retest. The timeline for the entire process is one week.
LATE WORK
Students are expected to complete all assigned work. In the event work is not completed, the student will be given a day to produce the work without penalty. If the work does not appear the next day, a parent will be notified via email and the work will be collected and graded at a 10 point deduction. If the work is not turned in by the end of the grading period a zero will be entered. If missing work becomes problematic, the student will be referred to the assistant principal.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students receive one day for every missed day to turn in make-up work
GRADE BOOK REALITIES
The social studies department will follow the district guidelines for all graded work. However, due to the realities of teaching that vary from student to student (holidays, illness, extra curricular activities, field trips, and school assemblies among other items) there will be unforeseen irregularities. Rest assured that all grading will be done in a timely manner. If you have a specific question concerning graded work then direct the inquiry through your child as it is their work. After discussing the teacher's response with your child, feel free to contact the teacher if you are still uncertain about a grade.
ONLINE GRADE BOOK
I record grades in my (old school) grade book and then I transfer them to the online grade book.I only transfer them after I have checked individually with students who have missing grades and inform them that a "0" is being recorded.Therefore, "I didn't know I had a zero," is not a valid response from any of my students!If a grade is marked with a "0" then that means I have collected it (and researched if it is truly missing) and recorded it in the online grade book.The online grade book automatically enters a "missing" for the grade until the grade is entered which is misleading. This only means I have not recorded it when you are looking at the online grades.My grade sheets are always up to date but the online grade book is only current prior to progress reports and report card.I generally have most items posted a few days after recording them in my grade book but I would be lying if I said the online grade book is always accurate.
TUTORING
Tutoring is offered on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and by appointment. I'm usually here by 8:00 am daily and can answer quick questions when I'm not at a meeting! If possible, please let me know in advance that you are coming.
NOTEBOOKS
You will need to keep a notebook in this class. The choice of notebook (binder/folder/expandable folder) is up to the student as one system doesn't fit all as far as organization is involved. If unsure on what to use, the following can be utilized. Your notebook can be divided into three sections: Tests/Reviews, Vocabulary/Notes, and Daily Work. Your notebook may be a separate notebook or part of a larger notebook that contains all of your schoolwork. A neat notebook makes studying easier. The iPad will also be used to complete and store work.
STUDY HABITS
You will be required to account for your Study Habits. Study Habits should be copied daily by the student. Students can also back up their Study Habit info on their iPads in addition to their paper copy. Good study-habits generally results in good grades.
EXCUSED MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be allowed one day per absence to make up any work that is missed.
SUPPLIES
Students should bring the following supplies to class every day: pen, pencil, paper, notebook, study-habits, map pencils, and a reading book.
DAILY ROUTINE
Students are expected to arrive to class on time and ready to work. This means that you will have your supplies and be in your desk when class begins. Students should begin on any warm-up activities and study-habits while I check roll. I expect you to raise your hand and to be recognized before speaking. We should never have more than one speaker at a time. We are to listen to others when they speak. I expect you to treat people with the same respect as you wish to be treated. Students are to follow my directions. At the end of class, everything should be put away and straightened. Remember, wait for an oral dismissal before leaving class.
READING MATERIALS
Students should always have something to read in class in the event they finish their work before class is over.
CLOSING
I am really excited that you are in my class. We have many topics to cover before we dismiss for our summer break. Students who come to class prepared and ready to work do well in my class. However, others need extra help in order to succeed. I am here to help you succeed in class and in life! School is much more than facts from a history book - school is what you make it! Please feel free to
talk to me if you need any extra help in class. I know if we work together we will have a great year!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Social Studies is a broad course designed to enhance the students’ knowledge of our world today by studying how history and geography have shaped modern events. The class will also examine world cultures, types of governments, and economic systems. The year will begin with a unit on basic geography skills. We will then travel around the globe looking at various regions by examining what shaped them from the past to the present time. Obviously, this is an impossible task, but it does keep us busy! Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of various cultures by looking in-depth at the social, political, economic, and geographical influences that shaped each society. These are then related to the historical development of the United States. I will concentrate on current events throughout our studies.
A variety of teaching methods will be used to develop self-help and critical thinking skills. Traditionally, the counselors teach a unit on conflict resolution during the second six-weeks. Throughout the year, students will apply what they have learned and expand their knowledge through higher-level reasoning assignments or simulations. Finally, the team will relate various units across the curriculum in interdisciplinary units.
TEXTBOOK
National Geographic (Online)
UNITS OF STUDY (Actual Order of Units to be determined.)
We will travel around the world through regions while investigating the following:
Geography and Social Studies Skills
Comparative Economic Systems
Comparative Governments
The Americas, Yesterday & Today
The Beginnings: Ancient Egyptian & Mesopotamian Civilizations
Africa, Yesterday & Today
The Middle East Today
Roots of Our Government: Ancient Greece & Rome
How the Medieval World Shaped the West
The Beginnings: Ancient India & China
Asia Today
Revolutions That Shaped The Western World
The World Today
Critical Thinking Unit/Law Unit
A large part of the focus is on teaching students to be independent and responsible. I also stress skills that are used not only in
social studies, but in other academic disciplines as well.
1. Be prepared, on time, and on task.
2. Work quietly and do not disturb others.
3. Follow directions the first time.
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
5. Have no gum or unauthorized food or drinks in class.
6. Listen when others are talking.
7. Show respect for school and personal property.
8. Work and play safely!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1. Account for study habits daily.
2. Show respect for others as we learn together. (Don't disturb others around you.)
3. One speaker at a time. (Raise hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.)
4. Follow teacher's directions.
5. Teacher dismisses class.
CONSEQUENCES
1. Warning. (visual or quick verbal redirect)
2. Student/teacher talk before resuming class.
3. Parent contact.
4. Student/ parent meeting.
5. Referrals and detention as needed.
REWARDS
1. Vickers' Privilege Passes. (GOOD IN MR. V'S CLASS ONLY!)
2. Free Seat Fridays (after roll check).
3. Paw Prints & Teacher Surprises!
GRADING
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
F=69 & LOWER
GRADE PERCENTAGES
Major Grades 60%, Skill Development 40%
RETEST
Students will be allowed one retest opportunity per test. The student will only retest sections where a learning goal was not mastered to earn points back on the test. To retest, the student must first schedule a re-teach within 24 hours of receiving the test. A re-teach session will be scheduled with the teacher. After the re-teach session, a date will be set for the retest. The timeline for the entire process is one week.
LATE WORK
Students are expected to complete all assigned work. In the event work is not completed, the student will be given a day to produce the work without penalty. If the work does not appear the next day, a parent will be notified via email and the work will be collected and graded at a 10 point deduction. If the work is not turned in by the end of the grading period a zero will be entered. If missing work becomes problematic, the student will be referred to the assistant principal.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students receive one day for every missed day to turn in make-up work
GRADE BOOK REALITIES
The social studies department will follow the district guidelines for all graded work. However, due to the realities of teaching that vary from student to student (holidays, illness, extra curricular activities, field trips, and school assemblies among other items) there will be unforeseen irregularities. Rest assured that all grading will be done in a timely manner. If you have a specific question concerning graded work then direct the inquiry through your child as it is their work. After discussing the teacher's response with your child, feel free to contact the teacher if you are still uncertain about a grade.
ONLINE GRADE BOOK
I record grades in my (old school) grade book and then I transfer them to the online grade book.I only transfer them after I have checked individually with students who have missing grades and inform them that a "0" is being recorded.Therefore, "I didn't know I had a zero," is not a valid response from any of my students!If a grade is marked with a "0" then that means I have collected it (and researched if it is truly missing) and recorded it in the online grade book.The online grade book automatically enters a "missing" for the grade until the grade is entered which is misleading. This only means I have not recorded it when you are looking at the online grades.My grade sheets are always up to date but the online grade book is only current prior to progress reports and report card.I generally have most items posted a few days after recording them in my grade book but I would be lying if I said the online grade book is always accurate.
TUTORING
Tutoring is offered on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and by appointment. I'm usually here by 8:00 am daily and can answer quick questions when I'm not at a meeting! If possible, please let me know in advance that you are coming.
NOTEBOOKS
You will need to keep a notebook in this class. The choice of notebook (binder/folder/expandable folder) is up to the student as one system doesn't fit all as far as organization is involved. If unsure on what to use, the following can be utilized. Your notebook can be divided into three sections: Tests/Reviews, Vocabulary/Notes, and Daily Work. Your notebook may be a separate notebook or part of a larger notebook that contains all of your schoolwork. A neat notebook makes studying easier. The iPad will also be used to complete and store work.
STUDY HABITS
You will be required to account for your Study Habits. Study Habits should be copied daily by the student. Students can also back up their Study Habit info on their iPads in addition to their paper copy. Good study-habits generally results in good grades.
EXCUSED MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be allowed one day per absence to make up any work that is missed.
SUPPLIES
Students should bring the following supplies to class every day: pen, pencil, paper, notebook, study-habits, map pencils, and a reading book.
DAILY ROUTINE
Students are expected to arrive to class on time and ready to work. This means that you will have your supplies and be in your desk when class begins. Students should begin on any warm-up activities and study-habits while I check roll. I expect you to raise your hand and to be recognized before speaking. We should never have more than one speaker at a time. We are to listen to others when they speak. I expect you to treat people with the same respect as you wish to be treated. Students are to follow my directions. At the end of class, everything should be put away and straightened. Remember, wait for an oral dismissal before leaving class.
READING MATERIALS
Students should always have something to read in class in the event they finish their work before class is over.
CLOSING
I am really excited that you are in my class. We have many topics to cover before we dismiss for our summer break. Students who come to class prepared and ready to work do well in my class. However, others need extra help in order to succeed. I am here to help you succeed in class and in life! School is much more than facts from a history book - school is what you make it! Please feel free to
talk to me if you need any extra help in class. I know if we work together we will have a great year!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Social Studies is a broad course designed to enhance the students’ knowledge of our world today by studying how history and geography have shaped modern events. The class will also examine world cultures, types of governments, and economic systems. The year will begin with a unit on basic geography skills. We will then travel around the globe looking at various regions by examining what shaped them from the past to the present time. Obviously, this is an impossible task, but it does keep us busy! Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of various cultures by looking in-depth at the social, political, economic, and geographical influences that shaped each society. These are then related to the historical development of the United States. I will concentrate on current events throughout our studies.
A variety of teaching methods will be used to develop self-help and critical thinking skills. Traditionally, the counselors teach a unit on conflict resolution during the second six-weeks. Throughout the year, students will apply what they have learned and expand their knowledge through higher-level reasoning assignments or simulations. Finally, the team will relate various units across the curriculum in interdisciplinary units.
TEXTBOOK
National Geographic (Online)
UNITS OF STUDY (Actual Order of Units to be determined.)
We will travel around the world through regions while investigating the following:
Geography and Social Studies Skills
Comparative Economic Systems
Comparative Governments
The Americas, Yesterday & Today
The Beginnings: Ancient Egyptian & Mesopotamian Civilizations
Africa, Yesterday & Today
The Middle East Today
Roots of Our Government: Ancient Greece & Rome
How the Medieval World Shaped the West
The Beginnings: Ancient India & China
Asia Today
Revolutions That Shaped The Western World
The World Today
Critical Thinking Unit/Law Unit
A large part of the focus is on teaching students to be independent and responsible. I also stress skills that are used not only in
social studies, but in other academic disciplines as well.