UNITED STATES HISTORY

8th Grade 
Ms. Christina Moavero 
2019-2020

CONTACT
christina_moavero@whps.org
www.missmoavero.weebly.com
Classroom Code: 20ckvfy
Twitter: @MsMoavero 
Instagram: ms.moavero
860 - 570 - 6500 ext. 2425
GOAL
The purpose of social studies is to prepare students to be informed
participants in an ever-changing global community and to act responsibly to
improve its condition. Through acquiring knowledge, developing analytical
skills, and examining multiple perspectives, students will understand
themselves as individuals and as contributing members of a democratic
society.
(West Hartford’s Social Studies Mission Statement)

EXTRA HELP
Extra help will be available for students
during Learning Lab or before and after
school.  Students are encouraged to
make arrangements for extra help by
speaking with the teacher as soon as
needed.
UNITS
Revolutionary Ideas and the Development of a Nation (1760-1783)
Conflict, Compromise, and the Government of the People (1783-Present)
Challenges and Opportunities of the New Nation (1789-1820)
The Expanding Nation (1820-1860)
The Divide of Sectionalism (1820-1860)
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1860-1877)
Westward Expansion (1878-1890)

MATERIALS EXPECTATIONS 

1 or 2 inch Binder CITIZENSHIP  EFFORT

Notebook/Lined paper Have a positive attitude. Ask meaningful questions.
for notes Help others. Complete assignments to
Tab dividers for Binder Demonstrate patience. the best of your abilities.
Pencils & Pens Be respectful. Come to class on time &
Collaborate with peers. prepared.
PARENT/GUARDIAN Keep your work area clean. Participate in discussions.
SIGN HERE Practice organization.

ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

Students are expected to record assignments in their agenda and to also

STUDENT SIGN HERE check the Team Yale homepage or the direct link to my site.

Team Yale: https://sites.google.com/a/whps.org/teamyale/

My Site: www.missmoavero.weebly.com
 POLICIES
Homework
Homework will be assigned
when needed to reinforce skills
in class. When assigned it is due
the next day, unless otherwise
stated in class.
Late Work
Students who do not hand in
work when it is due, will receive
a zero for that assignment and
through arrangement with the
teacher, may have the
opportunity to make up the
work for a grade by the end of
the marking period.  Missing
work will be flagged with an “M”
to indicate that the work is
missing..
Midterms & Final Exams
The district will be giving a mid-
term and final exam this year.
Each exam will count as one test
grade.
Plagiarism
If a student copies or takes the
work  or ideas of another
person  and claims it as their
own they will receive a grade of
zero for that assignment. This is
a zero tolerance policy.
Cell Phones
Cellphones are not allowed in
the classroom, they are to stay
inside the student's locker at all
times during the school day. A
student with a cellphone in class
will be asked to put it back in
their locker. If the student does
not put their cellphone in their
locker it will be sent to the main
office.
ASSESSMENT
The 8th grade Social Studies’ curriculum explores the units listed above and also
studies current events as they relate to our areas of study. The American History
textbook, experiential learning, the Internet and other educational technology tools,
artifacts, primary sources, political cartoons, and other relevant materials will be
used.  We will also complete a CT History Day project and conduct research and
engage in a Witness Stones’ culminating activity. Developing literacy proficiency,
forming opinions, conducting research, and communicating in verbal and written
forms are some of the skills that will be practiced and enhanced.
GRADING CATEGORIES
We use the following categories to communicate student progress in their social
studies classes.  Student progress is measured through a variety of means including,
but not limited to, tests, projects, quizzes, classwork, homework, and papers. The
class grade will reflect the level of mastery with regard to seven Social Studies
Essential Skills.
1.   Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – analyzing multiple viewpoints,
determining fact versus opinion, forming an opinion on an issue.
2.     Content Knowledge -- recall of what’s learned in a given unit of instruction.
3.     Research and Inquiry – choosing topics, taking notes, utilizing various sources to
gather information, developing and supporting a thesis.
4.     Reading for Information/Analyzing Media – developing literacy in a variety of
sources.
5.     Writing and Speaking – communicating thoughts and ideas effectively.
6.     Habits of Mind – making a commitment and taking ownership of learning.
GRADING SCALE
Level of mastery will be measured on a four point scale based on student work
demonstrating each skill:
9/10 A-
7.5/10