PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR INTERACTIVE STUDENT NOTEBOOK FOR REFERENCE 8th Grade Social Studies Classroom Guide

Teacher: Ms. Betsy Rigopoulos (Rig-op-a-lus), M.A. School Phone: 336-667-7453 Room #: 812 Email: rigopoulosb@wilkes.k12.nc.us Welcome to Ms. Rigopoulos Social Studies class! Im looking forward to a great year of learning. I am a recent graduate of Appalachian State University with my Masters degree in Middle Grades Education. I hope your student enjoys learning about the world as much as I love teaching it! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Keeping the lines of communication open is key to your childs success. I will be sending home papers and information throughout the semester to keep you informed, so please check with your child to receive any updates and new information. Teaching Philosophy: I strive to create a classroom community of learners where everyone feels respected and challenged to reach their full potential. My goal is for your child to leave Social Studies this year as a more globally aware citizen.

Grading Scale: A B C D F 93-100 92-85 84-77 76-70 69 or Below

Social Studies Supplies: Please come prepared for class everyday with the following supplies. Please see Ms. Rigopoulos if you have difficulty with getting any of them. Social Studies binder One subject spiral notebook for Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) Blue or black pens Pencils Notebook paper *The spiral ISN notebook will be left in the classroom every day, as it will be worked on in class.*

Grading Policy:
20% Formative Assessments: A large portion of this grade will come from daily WarmUps, Exit Tickets, occasional quizzes, and other informal assignments in class, either individual or team based. 20% Summative Assessments: This includes any individual or group projects, as well as occasional tests. 20% Current Events: Each student will be responsible for finding a current even each week and completing the Current Event Guidelines (students will receive this next week). They will share the current even with a partner, their team, or the whole class. The current event will need to be a PRINT article, not a television news report. This includes magazine articles, newspaper articles, or articles found online. Students may be given some time in class to work on the current event, but it is expected to be a homework assignment. The event can be from any part of the world, but must be relevant to Social Studies. 40% Interactive Student Notebook: Students will be keeping an Interactive Student Notebook this year where they will complete class notes and accompanying assignments. Most SS assignments are completed during class time and in the ISN. The ISN will be graded at least once a quarter, with daily checks for understanding. Other activities in the ISN include: foldables, maps, timelines, illustrations, writing assignments, graphic organizers, etc.

*Guidelines for the ISN will be provided to students on Monday, with a parent signature required.

Absent Procedures:
If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for obtaining all notes, assignments, and assessments. When a student returns from being absent, he/she should refer to the While You Were Out corner in the classroom that will have all assignments for the week. Students will be required to fill out a form listing the assignments and the due date. The teacher AND the student will sign the form. Students will have ONE WEEK from the day they return to turn in their assignments. I will be happy to help students who need additional help with missed work.

Late-Work Policy:
If a student does not submit an assignment on the day it is due, 10 points will be deducted PER DAY from the grade. After 10 days, the assignment will be considered a zero.

Extra Credit:
Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time. Extra credit is extra work above and beyond the usual homework, not work used to cover up missing work.

Classroom Guidelines: It is essential that you come to class ON TIME and PREPARED everyday! This includes: Pencils, pen, paper, and a positive attitude * No book bags, purses, or gym bags will be permitted in class. Classroom Expectations: 1. Always be positive and respectful 2. Follow all directions the first time 3. Work hard and work smart 4. Participate appropriately 5. Have fun! If You Choose To Break a Rule: 1. Warning 2. Silent lunch 3. Contact home Severe Disruption: Student sent immediately to office. *Parent contact will occur when necessary. Rewards: 1. Praise 2. Positive contact home 3. Whole-class music time or free time 4. School-wide 9 week reward 5. The joy of learning! Group-work Rules: 1. Be respectful of your group members and their property. 2. Be respectful of supplies. Put them back in their proper place. 3. Do not write on books or the table. 4. Take careful notes and contribute to the group activity or project. 5. Cooperate with group members.

Please sign and return to Ms. Rigopoulos by Monday, January 7th, 2013. I look forward to a fabulous rest of the year!! -------------------------------------------------------------I have read the Social Studies Classroom Guide for (whats left of) the 20122013 school year: Student Signature: ____________________________________ Block #: ____ Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________ Date: _____ Parent/Guardian Contact Information ***Please mark which method of communication you would prefer (email and/or phone).*** NAME _____________________________________________________________ EMAIL _____________________________________________________________ PHONE _____________________________________________________________ NAME _____________________________________________________________ EMAIL _____________________________________________________________ PHONE _____________________________________________________________ ****Also, on the back of this sheet, complete the following task:****
In 1 million words or less, please tell me anything and everything you want me to know about your child, or believe will assist me in teaching your child. This is to help ensure I best meet the needs of your child in my classroom.