Author: rstorzbach

Mrs. Williams
Rm 3315
swilliams7@wcpss.net

United States History

Materials:
1 subject spiral notebook
3 Ring-Binder (1 in)
Dividers (5-pack)
Pencils
Pens
Loose-leaf Paper
Colored Pencils
Highlighter
Glue Stick
Classroom
Wish list:
Tissues
Colored Copy Paper
Dry Erase Expo Markers
Paper Towels

What will I learn about in this class?

In this class you will learn about our nation’s history from the Age of Exploration/Colonization to the present. We will also highlight key moments in our state’s history as we learn about these topics.
This is more than just a history class, however. We will emphasize other critical aspects of social studies, including Geography, Economics, Civics, and Culture.
In addition, we will support the Common Core standards by encouraging routine reading and writing within this course. This will include primary source analysis as well as a variety of formal and informal writing techniques.

Grading
Scale

How will I be graded?

90-100	A
80-89	B
70-79	C
60-69	D
0-59	F

8th grade social studies teachers will determine a student’s grade using a total points model. This means that there are no weighted categories.
Students will be graded on classwork, quizzes, tests and projects.
These assessments will carry a point value based on the length and/or purpose of the assessment. For additional details, please refer to the “Grading Policy” on the MPMS web-site.
Point Recovery
According to the MPMS grading policy, students will be given an opportunity to recover points on assessments greater than 25 points. Teachers will determine the point recovery option based on each assessment given, and the information will be shared with students when each assessment is returned.
I encourage students and parents to monitor grades on HomeBase regularly. Please allow at least one week for grades (as well as late grades) to be updated in HomeBase.

Late Work
You are expected to turn in your work on time. On time equals when ready to submit when class begins. The last day to submit late work for credit will be the day of that unit’s final assessment.
If You Are Absent
You are expected to check my website during your absence to see what you’ve missed. It is your responsibility to get the work that you missed. You will have two days for each day that you were out to complete missing work.
If the first day of your absence is a test/quiz day, you are expected to make up the test/quiz the day you return to school.
8th Grade Field Trip
MPMS 8th graders will be going to
Washington DC again this year. Mark your calendar for May 11-13, and stay posted for more information in the coming weeks.

Communication
Remind
I will send occasional updates, announcements and reminders via text or email using Remind.
To Receive Texts:
Text @e2d22 to 81010
You will immediately receive a reply text from Remind
Class Website
From the MPMS home page, click on the “Staff” link located at the top of the page. From there, click on “8th grade” and scroll to the Social Studies section where will find “Mrs. Williams” to link directly to my website.
I update website daily with a quick summary of what we did in class, and I upload course documents whenever possible. You can also get important announcements, upcoming due dates for assignments, dates for tests and quizzes, and information about our 8th grade field trip.

Other Class Policies

Bathroom Policy
In general, it is expected that you will use the restroom and get water between classes.
If you must be excused, please remember:
Only one student may be out of the classroom at a time.
The most appropriate time to be excused is during independent or group work time.
- Your pass expires in 3 minutes- hustle back!

Show Respect- Respect adults, your peers, yourself, your school and property.

Possess a Positive Attitude– Be open to new things, participate, and help create an inviting classroom culture.

Own Your Actions- If you make a mistake, apologize, correct the situation, and move on.

Think First– Consider the results of your behavior and words before acting on them.

Stay Safe- Listen carefully to
instructions and be mindful of the space around you.

Snacks and Water
Because 8th grade has such a late lunch, students will be allowed to eat a snack during their 4th period. However, in order for this to be allowed, this snack time must not interfere with instruction. In an effort to ensure that students receive the most quality instruction time possible, the following guidelines regarding snacks will apply.
Snacks will be allowed during the first 15 minutes of class
Snacks should be an individual serving size AND in an individual serving size container/bag
Snacks requiring peeling (oranges) should be peeled at home
Snacks should not require utensils
Snacks should not be messy or require hands to be washed when finished (Cheetos, etc.)
Water bottles are allowed and encouraged – no other drinks are permitted

Show your SPOTS in Social Studies!