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AMERICAN HISTORY
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
TEACHER: Mr. Potter
PHONE: 439-4320 Ext. 286
E-MAIL: dean.potter@hillsdaleschools.org
Welcome to American History! This course outline gives you a brief idea of course expectations. Additionally, it will help guide the student towards success. It is my hope that all students will not only meet class expectations but exceed them. I am looking forward to another great school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Mr. Potter
KEYS TO SUCCESS
- Students should turn in all assignments when they are due (late assignments will be accepted at half credit; all assignments are due on the second to last Friday before the end of each quarter)
- Students may re-take tests that you failed. I will count the higher of the two grades. Please take these no more than a week after the initial test.
- Students should take advantage of any extra credit opportunities that are given.
- Students/parents should continue to monitor grades throughout the quarter through power school.
- Students should use the HIVE after school to get additional help on upcoming tests and/or assignments. The HIVE is located in the library.
- Students that need additional help with the course may also see me at the following times. I am available most mornings, at lunch time and after school. Please let me know in advance so that I can best accommodate your academic needs.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce students to major events, movements, people and ideas that shaped United States history between 1870 and the present. An emphasis will be placed on the political, social and economic patterns which have and will continue to shape American history. To promote the public involvement needed to maintain a democratic society, a community service component is included.
GRADES
Test and Quizzes: 40%
Coursework: 30%
Projects: 25%
Homework: 5%
A student’s final grade for the quarter is based on their regular quarter grade and their final exam grade. The midterm/final exam is worth 20% of their final quarter grade.
A 100-93% C+ 79-77% D 66-63%
A- 92-90% C 76-73% D- 62-60%
B+ 89-87% C- 72-70% F 59% and below
B 86-83% D+ 69-67%
B- 82-80%
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS, HOMEWORK, TESTS AND PROJECTS
Homework is due at the beginning of the hour or it is late. Late assignments are half credit. The community service project and the veteran project are due on the date that they are due. If you are absent, it is the students’ responsibility to get all make up assignments. Tests also need to be made up soon after an absence. Failure to make up a test will result in a failing grade on the test. If you are on a long-term suspension or absent for an extended amount of time, the student must contact me so that the student does not fall further behind in their daily work.
Students who have a low grade (D or E) may be assigned to my lunch period to make up missing assignments. Failure to meet at lunch may result in Saturday detention. Periodically, I will be communicating via letter or call to keep parents posted on their child’s current academic status. Additionally, you can also find all grades through PowerSchool (on-line grading system). There will be two major projects due towards the end of the second quarter. They are the Veteran Project and the Community Service Project. Further information will be given about these at a later time. These projects make up a substantial part of one’s grade.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. BE ON TIME
· Arrive in the classroom before the bell rings
· Go directly to seat before bell rings
· 4 tardies = In-School Suspension
· 10 minutes late to class = 1 unexcused absence
2. BE PREPARED
· Be ready to learn by bringing book, pencil, and notebook EVERYDAY
· Turn homework in on time
· Bring any other material that is asked of you
3. TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT
· Students and the teacher will treat each other with respect
· Be quiet when someone is allowed to speak
4. BE IN CLASS
· Go to school everyday!
· See Student/Parent Handbook for more details on attendance
OTHER CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTIONS
- No pop, candy or food in the classroom (water is allowed)
- Cell phones, IPOD’s, headphones and other electronic devices may be taken and given to the principal without warning at any time. It is best to leave any of these electronic devices in your locker.
- Dress Code – see handbook for policy
- No bags allowed in class – see handbook for policy
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
It is up to my discretion as to which step to take first. Severe discipline problems require principal investigation.
1. Student warning
2. Call made to Parent or Guardian regarding poor behavior
3. Disciplinary Referral (given to parents/guardian and principal)
4. Lunch Detention, Saturday Detention or Snap Suspension
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS
1. #2 pencil and/or black or blue ink pen brought EVERYDAY
2. Notebook with white lined paper brought EVERYDAY
3. Folder for assignments/projects
4. Book brought EVERYDAY