Long Branch Middle School
"Together We Can, Juntos Nós Podemos, Juntos Podemos”
Social Studies Grade 8 Syllabus
Mrs. Hoyle
Room 1094
Phone: (732) 229-5533
Email: khoyle@longbranch.k12.nj.us
Welcome to American History!
The more we all know about the history of the world around us, the more we can make sense of the world today.
Throughout the American History course we will be using many resources to provide a complete history of the United States, from the American Revolution through to the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Goal and Course Objectives:
Students should leave this class with skills and understandings of the standards for 8th grade as outlined in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/socst/index.shtml
- Develop a strong understanding and appreciation of American History
- See how American History fits into the larger scope of World History
- Understand how American History influences life today
- Recognize connections between American History and other disciplines
- Build a solid Social Studies and academic vocabulary
- Develop critical thinking skills that support the ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and solve real-life problems
- Read and comprehend complex informational texts independently and proficiently with scaffolding as needed.
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Use technology, including the Internet, to produce writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
- Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects, utilizing an inquiry-based research process, based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
In eighth grade you will take many steps as you continue to prepare for high school and your future. I am looking forward to taking many steps with you as we pursue a happy and productive year. By working together, we can begin this journey on the right path!
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
Classroom Expectations:
Each of you will receive a chromebook - we will be using Google classroom as our daily platform and, at times, Google Meet. All assignments will be posted in Google classroom and many assignments will be submitted through Google classroom as well, so it is important to have your chromebook each day in school.
Grading Policy
Throughout this American History course, there will be many opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement.
Students will earn their grades based off three distinct categories:
Academic Expectations
- Expect and want to be challenged!
- Complete and submit all classwork, homework, and long-range assignments on time.
- Work is to be completed individually, unless otherwise assigned. Let your thoughts speak for you; do not use someone else’s.
- Participation is not optional. Participation, which could be speaking or typing your thoughts, is how you will use and develop your voice.
- Be familiar with Google Classroom and check it regularly for assignments and updates.
- Be flexible and able to navigate from different websites throughout the course.
- Arrive on time.
- Try your best to raise your hand if you have a question, but if the moment gets you, you can get excited and yell out, but not OVER, someone.
- If you need to get up and stretch or move, just let me know.
If You Are Absent
- It is your responsibility to get your assignments.
- Work is to be made up before the end of the cycle in order for it to be considered “on time.”
- This includes if you are not able to log on due to issues with technology.
- Call during office hours or communicate via email if there are problems with your device/technology.
MAKE UP POLICY
- At the interim of the marking period, any student who is missing assignments, regardless of their average, will have two weeks to make up the original missing assignment. The maximum grade students can receive will be 65 for each missing assignment that has been completed. Students can attend Saturday Support if they need assistance in completing these assignments.
2. After 2 weeks, the window closes and no more assignments from the beginning of the marking period to the interim may be completed for a grade.
3. Any student that has a failing grade, below 65, at the end of the marking period, has 2 weeks to make up missing assignments from the interim to the end of the marking period. After 2 weeks, the window closes. Once all of the assignments are completed within that window, the minimum passing grade of 65 will be earned on each assignment.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, ASK YOURSELF:
- Did I complete all my work to the best of my ability?
- Did I treat others with respect?
- Did I follow classroom/Google Meet/school rules and procedures?
- Did I take responsibility for my actions?
- Do I need to check in during office hours for make-up work?