Mr.

Macheel
Room 112 periods 1, 2, and 3
Room 114 periods 4A and 4B
Social Studies Office Room 113 for all other times
Robert_Macheel@hcpss.org
Canvas Page Updated Daily

United States History 1877-Present GT Syllabus

Welcome to the exciting world of United States History! This year you will be learning about major U.S. events
from 1877 to present day and how these events have shaped our nation over time. A snapshot of the topics and
objectives are as follows:
a.
Quarter 1 will focus on Reconstruction after the Civil War to U.S. Imperialism. The goal is for
students to demonstrate the ability to apply the social, political, and economic concepts to the
legacy of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
b.
Quarter 2 will focus on World War I and the Great Depression. The goal is for students to
demonstrate the ability to understand the causes, events, and consequences of the U.S.
participation in WWI.
c.
Quarter 3 will focus on World War II and the Cold War. The goal is for the students to
demonstrate the ability to understand the causes, events, and consequences of the U.S.
participation in WWII.
d.
Quarter 4 will focus on U.S. foreign and domestic policies from the 1960s to present day. The
goal is for the students to demonstrate the ability to understand major cultural, social,
economic, and political changes from the 1950s to the present.
Expectations. This is a GT level course, so the instructor will be preparing students for advancement towards
Advanced Placement classes such as Government and World History. This means that students will be expected
to do a great deal of work independently and at a level that is above and beyond the expectations of a regular or
honors course. Critical thinking activities and the ability to synthesize more than one source to form
conclusions will be an expectation on a daily basis, along with extensive reading and writing assignments.
I. CLASS MATERIALS
Each student is required to have the following in class every day:
Three-ring binder (can be for history only or a section in a larger binder)
Blank lined paper
Black or blue pens
Pencils

II. GRADING POLICY

A). Assignment Category Breakdown by Percentage:
Assignment
Coursework

Assessments/Papers/
Projects

Quizzes

Short Description

Any work done in class

Daily Drills and Closings
Homework (2 days or less to complete)

Announced Tests
Quarter Exams
Major Projects
Major Written Assignments

Announced Quizzes
Unannounced Quizzes
Notebook Quizzes
Reading Quizzes

Percentage

30 percent

50 percent

20 percent

B. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

*Students are expected to complete ALL assignments even if it will not be accepted for points because the
information will be needed for future assignments and assessments.
C. Absences
1. Howard County policy for absences is for every day a student is legally absent, the student
has an equal amount of days to complete absent work. Work missed from an illegal absence will not be
accepted for points.
2. YOUR responsibilities when absent are as follows:
Before returning to class, check the Canvas Page specific to your class to find the
PowerPoint, worksheets, and at-home assignments for each day absent.
Record missed Drills/Objectives and organize missed assignments in your binder. If you
need help with the materials, please see Mr. Macheel before or after school for assistance.
Finally, any work that was due on the day of your absence needs to be turned in on
the day of your return to class for full credit, otherwise the late policy applies to that
work
3. At times some assignments cannot be made up and you will receive an alternate assignment to
complete instead
4. Students will be expected to take ANNOUNCED tests/quizzes on the day of their return from
an absence.

III. OTHER CLASS POLICIES

1) BE ON TIME! You should be in the room and in your seat when the bell rings, ready to begin. If you are late
(unexcused), the following consequences will happen:
a) First time- a verbal warning
b) Second time- Phone Call Home
c) Third and subsequent times--Lunch/After School Detention and 1 letter grade off the days work.
d) Cutting Class and Electronic Device Use will result in consequences as outlined by the student conduct code
found in your agenda book.

IV. COMMUNICATION
1) I welcome any student (or parent) with additional questions or who needs additional help to make
arrangements to see me before school, after school, during lunch, or another acceptable time.
2) Grades will be made available on Synergy the countys online grading program. Students and parents
should be checking their grade online a minimum of every 2-3 weeks.
- Homework will be posted on the Canvas Course Website. There will be a PowerPoint posted under Class Documents
for each individual period which will include the homework. Some major assignments along with discussion questions
will also be posted on this site. PLEASE ALSO WRITE DOWN HOMEWORK IN YOUR AGENDA BOOK!

Visit https://hcpss.me

Click on Canvas

Log in with regular computer login

If a question or concern arises, the best way to contact me is by email at Robert_Macheel@hcpss.org. You
may also leave a message with the front office at 410-313-2880.
Thank you very much and I look forward to a great year with you (your child) in my class.
Robert Macheel

Dear Parent/Guardian:
Please fill out this sheet, detach it and send it back to class with your student.

I have read and understand all the policies and procedures outlined above.
Student Signature*:____________________________________________Date:________________
Parent(s)Signature*:____________________________________________Date:________

*Signature indicates that the student and parent have read these policies and understand the penalties for
any violations.