U.S. History & Geography (Period 1,3,4)

Instructor
K.J. Kampschroer
Department
Social Studies
Course Description
Millikan Middle School- 2016-17 U.S. History
Ms. Kampschroer, Instructor

8th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES: U.S. HISTORY

Dear students, parents, and guardians:
Welcome to 8th grade U.S. History! I hope that you will find this class interesting, informative—and fun! You will be working very hard to develop new skills and understand new concepts this year. I strongly believe in challenging students through a variety of activities that will make history “come alive”. This syllabus will give you information about how to become a productive member of my classroom, so that you become your very best by doing your very best. I am looking forward to what we can accomplish this year. Please review this packet carefully.
CONTENT
This class is an exploration into the birth and development of America with special focus on the geography, economy, government, military, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new nation. The class will begin with a look at Colonial America and the events that lead to revolution and independence from England. Students will examine the United States Constitution and the major debates that helped to shape the young Republic. Students will study Westward Expansion and the affects it had on Native Americans, the land and other nations. We will look at the causes and main events that lead to the American Civil War. Students will study the complex issues connected to American Reconstruction. Students will comprehend the economic and social factors that contribute to American Industrialization. Finally students will be asked to study the major concepts of Democracy. Each assignment will be based on California Content Standards for 8th Grade Social Studies.

TEXTBOOK
The state adopted text is Creating America, A History of the United States, published by McDougal Littell, Inc. The class also uses a variety of other resources, including slides, videos, games, workbooks, simulations, guest speakers, and other texts. Students are held financially responsible for lost materials or any damage they cause to the materials and/or facilities in the classroom
SUPPLIES
Spiral notebook (8 1⁄2” x 11”, 70 pages, college width, NOT wireless) Binder or 2 pockets, 3 prong folder (plastic is suggested)
Binder paper
Highlighter
Box of colored pencils
2 Pencils
School Planner
STUDENTS:
• You are expected to have these supplies with you when you come to class—and to replace any supplies you are missing or have broken as the school year goes along.

• If a student cannot afford items from the supplies list, the student must see me, or place a note in my mailbox at the front office with their name and what they cannot afford within two days of receiving this letter. ALL SUPPLIES ARE DUE ON : Monday 8/21
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) is a program supported by LAUSD to promote and maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence. It is a school-wide strategy for helping all students achieve important social and learning goals and we practice it in this class. When good behavior and good teaching come together, students will excel in their learning. As part of PBIS, there are several clear classroom expectations for behavior that will help students Respect all, Achieve their best, and Make good decisions. These expectations include,
1. Keep your hands, feet and inappropriate language to yourself.
2. Raise your hand to speak.
3. Before second bell, be in your seat and prepared to learn
4. Turn off all electronic devices before class.
5. The classroom is a food and drink-free place.
6. Gum belongs at home!
Used gum belongs in trashcans only.
POSITIVE REWARDS
Various incentive programs are used throughout the year, including extra credit and movie days.
CONSEQUENCES
A 3-strikes policy is in effect in my classroom. If a student chooses not to fully participate in class or to misbehave, that choice will be met with real consequences. They are as follows:
1st and 2nd infractions Warning
3rd infraction On-Campus Suspension*
*Please note that sudden, severe misbehavior can be met with an immediate On-Campus Suspension. Expulsion from the classroom may also result in a phone call home, parent conference and/or administrative intervention.
GRADING
Grades are based on a total point percentage scale. Behavior and attitude will be a deciding factor when students are on the border between two grades
A 90% and above
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% and below ASSIGNMENTS

Most in-class and homework assignments are combined into a notebook and a portolio of student-assembled unit work.
• The unit work must be kept in a 3-prong folder or binder. All students should write down these due dates into their homework planner and highlight them.
• Planners will be checked regularly for points. HOMEWORK
• Expect homework. Know that I expect your work to be turned in—neat and complete—on the day it is due. NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED, unless absent or note from home.
• There is NO excuse for not knowing homework assignments and when they are due—even if you are absent. You can find your homework assignments:
- By reading the screen each day
- Listening to homework announced in class each day
- Writing it down in your student agenda
- Checking my webpage at Millikan or by asking your friends
• Most units also have a major project associated with it, worth equal or more points than the unit test.
*I ALWAYS (daily) post announcements, homework assignments, and other important class information at my Web site. Go to the Millikan Middle School Web site, click the teachers link, and select Ms. Kampschroer. Or, enter the following address in your Web browser:http://www.millikanmiddleschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=195923&type=d&pREC_ID=classes
UPCOMING MAJOR ASSIGNMENT THIS WEEK
Syllabus Parent Signature Supplies
Book Survey
Current Events
LATE WORK
All assignments are expected at the beginning of the period on the day they are due. Completed homework will be stamped on the due date. This means that the page is eligible for full credit. If you know you are going to be away from school, your work is