MRS.

NGUYEN (Win)
7
th
Grade Social Studies
(360) 676-4886 Ext. 4736
minh.nguyen@bellinghamschools.org

If I could go back in HISTORY, I would see/feel/think
7
th
Grade Social Studies is divided into two parts. Semester One is the study of ancient civilizations and
Semester Two is the study of Washington State History. Throughout semester one, you will study two
major civilizations that flourished from 400-1500CE, the INCA and MEDEIVAL EUROPE. In addition,
we will be connecting what we learn back to world civilizations today. Throughout the semester, we
will study these two civilizations through the lens of cultural universals such as language, government,
religion, art, etc. The central question for the semester that will drive our conversations is:
CAN WE EVER CREATE A UTOPIC SOCIETY?

MY JOB: My job is to help you learn and think critically. In order to do this, I have a
routine for learning. We will begin each unit by learning new content vocabulary. We
will gather information about each civilization and have opportunities to think critically
through activities and discussions. You will be asked to develop non-
fiction/informational text reading skills, writing skills, speaking and listening skills each
unit. I will assess (test) your learning at the end of each unit.

YOUR JOB: You will be expected to work to the best of your ability each day you are in
here. This means that if we are reading, you are engaged in reading strategies. If we are
writing, you are focused on incorporating new skills to help you communicate better. If we
are discussing, you are actively participating by sharing your ideas or asking questions if
you are unsure. If we are listening, your ears/mind are in tune with what we are learning.

CHAMPS MODEL and THINK TIME: We will continue to follow the citizenship expectations that
students used in 6
th
grade called CHAMPS. Students will be given the CHAMPS expectations to help
them be successful each minute/day of class.
1. Conversation: Can students converse during this activity? About what? With whom? For how long?
2. Help: How do students get your attention for help? How do students get questions answered? What
should they do while they wait for you?
3. Activity: What is the expected end product of this activity? What is the task or objective?
4. Movement: For what reasons can students get out of their seats during this activity? Do they need
permission to do so?
5. Participation: What behavior shows that students are participating or not participating?

Students who struggle to meet the CHAMPS expectations of the lesson, may be asked to step outside of
the classroom to reflect on what they are doing and how they can come back into the classroom to
meet the expectations. This is THINK TIME allows students time to get back on track.
ATTENDANCE: Being at school is the MOST IMPORTANT part of learning. It is also one
of the biggest barriers to student success. Make sure you to be here every day. A
successful student will not miss more than 2 days of school in the semester. If you are
absent, it is important to check the BLOG AND check in with me in the morning before
school, the day you return.

COMMUNICATION/CONFERENCING:
If you have any concerns or questions that cannot be answered through email or a
phone call, please know that I am available for in-person conferences.

RESOURCES WHEN NEED HELP:
Both parents and students will encounter times when they need help. Here are some
ideas of how to get help when you need it:
Buddy up with someone in the classroom; exchange contact information
Check in with your teacher before school, lunch, or after school
Email your teacher from home: minh.nguyen@bellinghamschools.org
Check Mrs. Nguyens blog: http://socialstudieskms.weebly.com
Read the 7
th
Grade Newsletter each week
Check Family Connect (Skyward) to make sure youre turning in your work and meeting
standard

LETTER FROM MRS. NGUYEN:
Dear Students and Families,
I am excited to start a new school year with you all. My goal for the year is to
build positive relationships with all students and their families. It is through these
relationships that I believe all students can be even more successful.
I have high expectations for my students. I hope to challenge all students, no matter their academic
backgrounds. I welcome open-communication and hope that you feel comfortable coming to me to
talk about any needs or concerns. I am an advocate for ALL students and promote for hard work,
perseverance and a growth mindset!
I hope to make learning authentic and meaningful. I will do my best to help my students understand
events, people and ideas that happened 1000 years ago in the past make sense to their lives today. I
am passionate about a social studies education and see how the conversations, skills and knowledge
that students gain will help them become involved, compassionate and informed citizens.
Heres to a great new school year! Mrs. Nguyen

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________