• Michigan History

     

    Course Requirements

     

    TEACHER:                                           Mr. Potter

    PHONE:                                                439-4320 Ext. 286

    E-MAIL:                                                dean.potter@hillsdaleschools.org

     

    Welcome to Michigan 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 course 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 semester course will provide students with knowledge about the following: Hillsdale County History, Michigan Native Americans, fur trade, Michigan during the Civil War, lumber and copper industry as well as the automobile industry.  Students will also gain a greater understanding of Michigan through the use of maps.                                                         

     

    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 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.  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 will result in Saturday detention.  Periodically, letters will be sent home (via student) to let the parents know that they are failing.  Parents are asked to sign this letter and send it back with student to give to me.  Additionally, you can also find all grades through PowerSchool (on-line grading system). 

     

    CLASSROOM RULES

     

    1.            BE ON TIME

    ·               Arrive in the classroom before the bell rings

    ·               Go directly to seat before bell rings

    ·               4 tardies = Saturday School

    ·               5 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
    • Bring pencil and notebook every day (a class set of books will be available)

     

    Behavior Problems in class: Progressive Discipline

    It is up to my discretion as to which step to take first.  Severe discipline problems require principal investigation.   

    1.                  Student warning

    2.                  Disciplinary Referral (given to parents/guardian and principal)

    3.                  Lunch Detention, Saturday Detention or Snap Suspension