Anderson County High School Social Studies Department Mrs. Hollon’s Class- US History A

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to 11th grade US History A!!!! I will be your US History teacher for US History A. I am excited about this year and look forward to working with you!

I completed my eighteenth year of teaching at ACHS last year and enjoyed every minute of it. Before coming to teach at ACHS, I taught in the juvenile justice system in Frankfort, Kentucky, teaching all subjects to incarcerated boys. I graduated from Woodford County High School and began my college career at the University of Kentucky. After obtaining a job in Frankfort, I began to attend Kentucky State University where I graduated in 1997. While teaching at ACHS, I completed my master’s degree from Georgetown College.

This year will be a challenging year as a student. You will be taking the End of Course Assessment at the end of US History B. This will take place either at the end of the 2nd or 3rd trimester. This is very important to you as a student because the EOC counts as your final exam in US History B. We will discuss the EOC as the date gets closer. It is very important for you to perform well in US History A because you will see questions on the EOC from this class along with those from US History B.

I am looking forward to this fantastic semester! You will be hearing from me this year by email, grade sheets, and phone calls. If you need to get a hold of me, I am available at school—please feel free to call me anytime.

Thank you,

Mrs. Hollon Social Studies Teacher Senior Class Sponsor National Honor Society Sponsor Student Council Sponsor Welcome to 11th Grade US History A Mrs. Hollon’s Class

Course Description: This class will examine both the political and social history of the United States from Reconstruction of the nation after the Civil War to WWI. The class will begin with an overview of the US Constitution and the government of the US. Section A of US history will end with the conclusion of WWI. Units of Study: The following topics will be discussed in this class-  Review of Colonial times to Reconstruction  Reconstruction  Industrialization and the West  Immigration  Progressivism  Expansionism  World War I Required Materials:  Students will need a three ring binder to keep all assignments in. Students will be required to keep the notebook up to date. An assignment sheet will be provided to all students to keep track of their assignments: due dates, grades, and the assignment itself.  Dividers for the three ring binder labeled: Assignment sheets, Bell Ringers, Notes, Assignments  A writing instrument Grading: You will have three categories for your assignments in this class. These categories are:  Notebook: Students will be graded after every unit test. This is an easy grade for students to earn. All assignment sheets, bell ringers, notes, and graded assignments must in the binder to receive full credit.  Assessments: Students will take a unit test at the end of every unit covered. The assessments will mirror those of the EOC. Each assessment will have multiple choice and constructed response questions.  Homework/Classwork: Students are expected to complete all assignments. This is a way for those who do not perform well on tests to bring up their grade.  Daily Quizzes: Students will be expected to take daily quizzes to check for understanding.  Class Participation: Students will receive class participation grades on a daily basis. This means students are paying attention, taking notes, and NOT PLAYING ON CELL PHONES.

Late work: I do not accept any late work for full credit. If you have an excused absence we will follow ACHS policy regarding getting your late work in to me. It is YOUR responsibility to take care of any missing assignments or late work. It is essential to turn in your work.

Cheating will not be tolerated! Cheating includes the obvious, such as plagiarism, copying, looking onto another’s test, doing half a worksheet and swapping with someone for the other half, using cheat notes, but it also includes giving information to others for tests. Cheating earns you a zero.

ESS: You may come in before or after school for assistance with your homework or other material that you need help with. If I feel that you need further assistance to be successful, I will also ask you to stay for ESS. I feel that it is extremely important for you to not fall behind and stay on top of what we are covering. Behavior Syllabus Procedures and Expectations Guidelines to be Successful in this Class: 1) Be responsible. 2) Always try. 3) Do your best. 4) Treat everyone including yourself with respect. 5) Follow the appropriate expectations for class activities. Class Rules: 1) Be to class on time with all of your materials. 2) Keep your hands, feet, objects, and objectionable comments to yourself. 3) Work during all times. 4) Follow directions immediately. Classroom Behavior:  I expect your best behavior in this class. I will not tolerate any sleeping, inappropriate talking, inappropriate comments, foul language, horse-playing, other behavior that causes disruptions to the learning process of others in the class. Every person in this classroom deserves the right to learn.  If you do not meet these expectations, then I will do the following: o First Offense: I will give you a warning and I expect the behavior to be corrected. o Second Offense: I will call or email parents and the administration about your behavior. o Third Offense: Further corrective action will be required which may include a referral to the office. If the behavior persists beyond a telephone call home or it is a major infraction, I will send you to Mr. White.  I also expect that you will not destroy or deface anything in this classroom. Do NOT write on or mess with any of the materials I have in the room. My desk and associated areas are OFF LIMITS to students. Can I get out my cell phone or I-Pod in class? 1. Um, no. Not while I am teaching. If you are caught using your phone, I will ask you to give it to me and I will return it at the end of class. If you make a stink about handing over the phone, I will turn it into the office. 2. You are allowed to use your phone or i-Pod is if you are doing research. 3. You are also allowed to use it to listen to music while you are working on an assignment. If you are listening to music while working, you are not to have the volume turned up to where I can hear it or where it is disturbing others. How does Mrs. Hollon get my attention? 1. Mrs. Hollon will stand in front of the class. This is the signal that class is to begin. How will the class start? 1. When the bell rings I will expect you in your assigned seat with your materials & positive attitude. *You will need to have your folder/notebook with you at your desk and working on the bell ringer. How will class end? 1. I will announce to the class when it is time to put your materials away. 2. You will be in your assigned seats before the bell rings and I will dismiss you. You will not be allowed to congregate around the door or other areas of the room to wait for the bell. Where do I sit? 1. I will place you in a seating arrangement; this may change at my discretion. What about food, drinks, and gum? 1. I do not care if you eat or drink in my room but you must clean up you trash. The first time trash is left in the room, NO MORE FOOD OR DRINK!!! 2. Gum is ok until the first time it ends up on my floor or under the desks—then no more gum! What should I bring to class? 1. A writing utensil—a pen or pencil. DON’T use a neon pen; I will not accept it, because I cannot read it. 2. Notebook 3. You will not be allowed to leave the room to get your materials!!!! 4. Student Handbook How should I behave during a video? 1. I expect that you will follow the general rules for behavior and raising your hand when watching a video. The Videos that we watch will provide you with a reinforcement of material covered or an enrichment. 2. ALL videos will have a viewing guide with appropriate questions. You need to be completing these questions as you watch the video. How do I turn in an assignment? 1. I expect you to pass assignments up the row when I ask for them. 2. If you complete an assignment in class, you are to place it on the corner of my desk. What if I do not have a writing utensil or paper? 1. I have a limited number of pencils to lend out. It is your responsibility to get a pencil and return it to the container in the front of the room. Once these pencils are gone, they will not be replaced. What if I finish my assignment before others? 1. Read a good book. 2. Work on homework for another class. Can I do extra credit? 1. NO!!! I do not offer extra credit so don’t ask. If you complete all of your assignments and pass most tests, you will pass the class. It may not be the grade you want but you will pass. What if I need to go to my locker or restroom? 1. Absolutely NO, NONE, NIL, NADA hall passes will be given to your locker! 2. You will only be allowed to leave the room in case of an emergency. 3. You must also have your Student Handbook. How will I know what my grade is? 1. I will let you know what your grade is, if you come in before or after school. 2. I will not give out grades during class. 3. There is no excuse for not knowing your grade. What if I miss a day of school? 1. If you miss a class or more than one class, you will need to get the assignment from me as soon as you return. You will be required to complete your assignment sheet for the days you missed. Where and when can I get my graded assignments? 1. Your graded assignments will be returned to you within a week. I reserve a week, since I do a lot of grading on the weekend. Your graded assignment will be passed out to you ASAP. 2. There is a crate at the side of the room which has folders in it. In the crate, every student has a folder with his/her name. You will find all of your graded work there. It is your responsibility to get the graded work out of the folder and put it in your binder. What about homework? 1. I would like to have most of the work completed in the classroom. If the class does not utilize their time appropriately, you will find that less time will be given to complete work in class and more to homework. In other words: let’s use our time wisely in class, so we have less homework. What about group work? 1. For group work opportunities, I expect everyone to be working and following the expectations for group work. Each person will have an assigned task and it will be their duty to see that it gets done. Students choosing not to work will see this reflected in their grade and may receive an alternative assignment. What if I feel sick? 1. If you feel sick and on the verge of puking, please grab the trash can & go in the hall or head to the restroom ASAP. VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!! What if there is a sub for the class? 1. I take behavior when I am gone very seriously. Do NOT misbehave for a sub—plain and simple. I expect your Behavior to be superior and whatever the assignment is that I leave for you to be done. I will be posting announcements on my webpage which is on the school webpage.

In addition, if you would like to receive periodic updates via email on assignments, please provide me with an email address, so I can add you to the list for announcements, etc…

Email address: ______

______(Student’s Signature) (Parent/Guardian’s Signature)

RETURN THIS SIGNED FOR A GRADE!