Mrs.

ODowds Social Studies

Course Syllabus and Guide for SUCCESS
Eight Grade
My goal for the 2016-2017 school year is to form each student spiritually and academically in
order that each student may fully develop as human person in our community. My classroom
environment and curriculum is designed to facilitate students' discovery of their God given gifts
and talents by embracing scholarship and academic life that is integrated and inclusive in its
desire to spread the Good News.
Curriculum
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School social studies curriculum meets the standards of the
Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas. The Archdiocese of Kansas City Kansas purpose of Social
Studies in the Catholic curriculum is to link the past with the present. The social studies
classroom is a place where students learn to integrate the historical events retold in the Bible to
the history they study.
8th Grade:
American History 1787-1900 http://www.archkck.org/document.doc?id=3275

Establishing America as a new nation 1787-1830s

Regionalism and Expansion 1800-1850s
Pre-Civil War era 1850s 1861
Civil War and Reconstruction 1861-1870
Rise of America 1870s -1900

Behavior
I expect students in my classroom to exemplify attitudes and actions that reflect Catholic virtues.
Students are expected to enhance an effective learning environment by striving daily to develop
strong, trusting, Christ-like relationships with other students and their teachers.
Structured Positive Reinforcement
Students will receive merit punches by the Sacred Heart staff for following behavior
expectations. All staff may catch any student being good and reward them with a merit punch.
After receiving a designated amount of merit punches, students receive group or individual
acknowledgement of positive behavior and effort. Middle school rewards are posted in the
classroom.
Discipline/Consequences
Students will be taught the expectations for behavior in the classroom, hallway, restroom,
lunchroom, playground and Church. Discipline plans will be created for student(s) who choose to
be non-compliant with the VBF expectations. The plan will be developed by the teacher(s), it will
be age appropriate, and will be communicated to the parent. Plans may include, but are not
limited to a verbal warning, loss of break time, dialogue with teacher, think sheet, afternoon
meeting, working lunch with student advocate, in school suspension (ISS) and, out of school
suspension (OSS).
Mrs. ODowds classroom is a bully-free zone. Any student violating this expectation and
guidelines found in the handbook (pg 19) will result in punishment determined by the teacher
and principal.
Mrs. ODowds Classroom Suggestions for Success:
1. Treat yourself, each other, teachers, school, and property with respect.
2. Be prompt and prepared for class with supplies.
3. Follow directions and listen attentively.
4. Do your best.
5. Be accountable and responsible for actions.
***This syllabus is subject to change when and where necessary.***

Student Planner
All students will receive a student planner provided by the school. Students will be asked to write
any homework, projects, tests/quizzes or upcoming information in their planner each day.
Homework
Homework assignments will always be explained by the teacher when assigned and written on
both the homework board and the teachers website. Homework will be completed and turned in
on time at the beginning of the class period, if an assignment is not turned on time the students
grade for that assignment will be reduced.
Late Work
Any daily assignments turned in after the due date will receive a reduction of points. An
assignment one day late will lose 50% of the total possible points, but is still required to turn in
the assignment when finished. The student will then be responsible for grading their
assignment. An assignment turned in more than two days late will receive no credit for the
assignment. Projects specified by Mrs. ODowd and turned in after the due date will result in
10% grade reduction for each day that the assignment/project is late. Projects will be turned in
on the due date. If the student is absent on due date, the project is expected to be turned into
the school office by a parent or sibling before 8:05 A.M.
Plagiarism
All laws that relate to plagiarism apply to the copying and usage of data gained from Internet
sites is not allowed. The teacher and principal reserve the right to grant appropriate discipline
depending on the student and circumstance. (Page 23)
Computer/Technology Expectations
Due to the nature of our classroom curriculum and learning in the Twenty-First Century, we will
use laptops in the classroom and take trips to the computer lab. All students are to follow the
expectations written in the handbook, pages 22-23. Failure to follow the guidelines will result in
consequences determined by the teacher and principal.
Textbooks
All student textbooks are to be treated with respect and care. Hardcover textbooks are very
expensive and are reused from year-to-year. The student will pay for textbooks that are damaged
or lost by the student during the school year. The teacher and principal will determine the cost of
repair or replacement. (Page 8) Please cover your textbook.
Supplies
The following daily class supplies are expected to be in class each day. Mrs. ODowd will always
communicate to the students if there is a change in the expectations for daily supplies.
Notebook
Folder
Highlighter, red pen, black/blue pen, pencils
Textbook
Absences
While absent, there will be a designated student recording missed homework while the student is
absent. Upon return of the absence from school, the student will be expected to discuss with
each teacher the work missed. Refer to the handbook for any further questions. (Page 6)
Grading Scale
Overall grades for each quarter will be weighed and evaluated on the following scale:
Tests 35% Projects 35%
Quiz 20% Classwork/Homework 10%
Progress communicated to parents will be in the form of a letter grade which has be
determined by Sacred Heart and the recommended by the Archdiocese.
***This syllabus is subject to change when and where necessary.***

A 100-94
B 93-87
C 86-75
D 74-68
F 67-below
Communication
E-mail address and phone number: Meghan.odowd@shoj.org
(913) 422-5520 ext. 262
Classroom website: www.mrsodowdshoj.weebly.com
Weekly updates through email.

***This syllabus is subject to change when and where necessary.***