Eighth Grade Social Studies Introduction Letter

Good Day, History Fans! I am very excited about the beginning of another school year! Curriculum And Activities
Students are beginning a one hundred and eighty-day adventure! They will be learning about the early history and geography of North America and the lives of the people both before and after the arrival of Europeans. We will learn about the important events paying attention to the changing social, political, and economic structures of society. We will explore important recurring themes and concepts such as movement, the meaning of freedom, interaction with the environment, popular sovereignty, rights and responsibilities of citizens, Manifest Destiny, conflict resolution, reform, and the role of the individual. Visit the Indiana Department of Education website for all state academic standards K-12, there is a link from my website, see contact info at end). Eighth grade is an important transition from middle school to high school. There will be a strong emphasis on communication, research, and critical thinking skills in eighth grade social studies. These will include reading comprehension, written expression, public or group speaking, and problem-solving skills. An emphasis will also be placed upon the appropriate use of educational technologies. Students learn in a broad range of ways. I will use a variety of activities, methods, and assessment techniques in my classroom. Ours will be a differentiated curriculum, one in which all students get what they need, as determined by the teacher and student. Students can expect to * participate in several inquiry project activities * participate in discussions, debates, and role-playing activities * prepare written and oral presentations *read literature either from or about a given time period *participate in learning activities as an individual and in groups * keep a folder for class materials (social studies materials only) * maintain a portfolio of your work (kept in classroom) * maintain a History Log for class notes, etc.(spiral bound notebook used just for social studies)... * complete a variety of quiz and test assessments We will have learning activities every day, and full participation is very important. Students will need to spend time outside of my classroom with some activities. It is very important that quality study habits are practiced. Yes, this means homework and studying. Your efforts will be rewarded in many ways.

Grading/Assessment
Grades are based on a point system. Each activity/assignment/test/quiz, etc. will have a point value comparable to the importance, time required, or type of activity. 40% of the grade is determined by formal tests and quizzes. 60% of the grade will be determined by all daily activities and assignments, including projects and History Log activities. Remember that it is always best to turn in all assignments. Scores of zero ruin the over-all grade. Late work will be penalized, as determined by the teacher according to what it is and how late it is. Activities are to be complete when they are due. I do not accept partly completed activities. All students will be required to submit a short, written statement describing the circumstances for a late or incomplete assignment. The students will turnin either the completed activities, or the reason(s) for which they are not. I am always willing to schedule time to sit down and discuss a students progress in my class. Please just ask ahead of time, as I may not be able to speak to any individual at length during the course of a given school day.

Students and parents may track student progress and our weekly and daily agendas through our on-line Infinite Campus student information system. Please see our folks in the front office for the information you need to access this information.

Make-Up Work
If students miss a class period for any reason, upon returning they should refer to the Daily Log in the student area, which lists the activities for each day. All materials are in the mailboxes labeled A-Z. The Daily Log will tell students upon which shelf the needed handouts can be found. Any activities due during an absence are to be placed in the class mailbox in the student area with the date of absence written at the top of the activity. As well, any late activities are to be placed in the class mailbox in the student area. I will answer any questions and offer guidance only after students have checked the Daily Log and checked with fellow students for details. I say this not because I do not have time for the needs of the individual, but because we have a very short time together each school day (about forty-five minutes, or four hours per week). If students miss class, they are given a due-date extension equal to the number of school days missed. If something was due the day missed, that item is due upon return to school. All previously announced quizzes or tests will be taken upon return to school. Please contact the eighth-grade team in the event of an extended absence. See contact info below.

Extra-Credit
Extra-credit opportunities will be given periodically throughout each grading period. All other extra credit opportunities will be granted only after an approved proposal of an independent reading or inquiry-based project. This means that the student will decide the topic, activities, etc. I will then discuss the details with the student such as a point value for the project, due date, and ways in which I can be a resource to the student.

Student Behavior
I expect my students to behave as the quality young people they are. Students and parents may visit our school website for details of our school-wide discipline plan. Our classroom is an equal-opportunity environment. I expect students to treat others with respect and dignity, and to respect the property of others. I will be fair. My classroom is for all students who come to learn and have fun. Please remember: * Treat others as you wish to be treated. * If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. *Only you can be in charge of your attitude: no one else. *No one can ask any more of you than to do your best. If a student is having any type of a problem in my classroom or elsewhere, I will work to make it a better situation. Please come to me before small problems become big problems. Remember: if a student demonstrates a willingness to succeed, the teachers will give he or she every opportunity to do so. Eighth grade DOES count! Everything you learn pays off down the road. The habits, attitudes and skills we develop now will make all the difference in our pursuit of happiness! School is primarily about learning how to learn, learning how to be a part of a community, and growing and developing as individuals. This will be the only year of your schooling that will specifically focus upon early American history learning topics! In my relations with students and parents, I will always strive to be approachable, reasonable, and fair. I will work to maintain open lines of communication with parents. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or interests. I am looking forward to a great school year, and I hope that you are too. Sincerely,

Thomas Haywood Eighth Grade Social Studies

Contact Me @ email: thaywood@nhj.k12.in.us

Visit my website www.nhj.k12.in.us/teachers/thaywood

This is a great resource for research, and all things cool!