US HISTORY EXPECTATIONS

READ THIS, SHOW IT TO YOUR PARENTS, AND HAVE THEM SEND AN EMAIL CONFIRMING THAT YOU HAVE READ IT.
Modern American History
Instructor: Luke Smith
322-3288
Email: mlsmith@bend.k12.or.us


Dear Student,

I’m writing to present the material and expectations for the course in Modern American History. I’m looking forward to teaching you, and I hope that the class will be challenging and rewarding for you.

My curriculum is centered on the state standards for Modern American History and for other relevant Social Science standards. Daily lessons will include instruction in American History ranging from ‘SETTLEMENT’ to the present, while developing geography skills, and encouraging an understanding of current events. This class is a core class, and as such the expectations are high for all students.

Instructional techniques will include research, writing, map skills, ‘hands on’ projects, group work, and lecture as we work towards becoming better informed of the world around us. Students will develop not only an understanding of history, but a better ability to teach themselves, think critically, analyze, organize their thoughts, and communicate. Also, I hope that all students will grow as individuals towards becoming good citizens, and successful people in whatever career path they follow.

Following is a list of class policies and expectations for all students. I would greatly appreciate if you and your parents/and or guardians could review the list and sign.

I’m looking forward to the school year. If either you (the student) or your parents have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Thank you,


Luke Smith





Classroom Policies and Expectations for Modern American History

This is the general list of class expectations. This should be basically the same as all other classes. If you have any questions about any of the specific points, please do not hesitate to call. I’m asking you to sign the list so that everyone involved knows the general expectations.

Attendance. Attendance is required. Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to make up work.

Tardiness. A student is tardy if they are not in their seat, ready to work, when the bell rings.

Behavior: The classroom is a professional environment. Students are expected to be prompt, to participate, and to be polite and respectful towards each other and towards the teacher.

Class Materials: Each student must have the following EVERY DAY.

Textbook
A 3 ring binder dedicated to the class.
A set of colored pencils (8 is plenty).
Pencil, and Pen (Blue or Black)
a ‘fine tip’ or ‘roller ball pen’ for maps.

If students cannot afford the materials for whatever reason, the FAN office can provide the material. The student can talk to the FAN office directly, or talk to me.

Late Policy: Late work is not acceptable. The department policy is 1 letter grade off for each day late. After the 3rd day, the work will not be accepted.

Grading: I will provide examples of work for students so that expectations are clear. Work will generally be graded within 24 hours. Grades will be posted 2-3 times per week. I will provide an individual grade report for every student weekly, and for any student or parent/guardian that requests it as frequently as requested.


Homework: This is a core class. As such the student will be required to perform work outside of the classroom. For every assignment, in class time will be given (including library time, computer lab time, etc.). But it is reasonable to expect ½ to 1 hour of homework each night. Please note that many of these projects will be one or two week projects. It is assumed that the student will budget their time, so that they do not do the entire project the night before the project is due.

I understand that students have other classes, and lives outside of school. If students have legitimate needs for extensions, they should see me as soon as possible. If the students contact me in advance, I will make every reasonable accommodation.

Cheating and Plagiarism: The penalty for cheating or plagiarism is that the work will be marked as a zero. I will also contact the parent or guardian and request a conference.

Thank you,


Luke Smith


Student ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian _______________________________