Bigelow Middle School

Social Studies – Grade 7D Mr. LaBrache – Room 218

Welcome to the seventh grade! I hope that you are all as excited as I am to begin this school year. I know that some parts of school can be a bit stressful. This sheet answers some questions that students often ask and I have told you a little about what we are going to be doing this year. After we go over this packet, please take it home to your parents and read it over with them. Then all of you sign it and bring it back to me.

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE WITH ME EVERYDAY IN SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS?

1) A three-ring binder 2) Loose leaf paper 3) A homework assignment notebook 4) A writing utensil [a pencil or a pen (either blue or black ink)]

HOW WILL MY GRADE BE DECIDED IN THIS SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS? EFFORT: 50% ASSESSMENTS: 50% Daily participation Discussions/Seminars/Debates Check-ins Projects and papers Homework Tests/Quizzes

HOW AM I GOING TO GET GRADED ON MY EFFORT? Success in 7th grade will rely the amount of effort that you will put into your learning. In order to earn credit students can show effort in the following ways: - Daily participation: Students are expected to participate in class. This could be in the form of asking questions, making connections to a peer’s comments, working in cooperative groups, and staying on-task. - Check-ins: Students are expected to use the teacher as a resource. This should happen either before school, after school, or during 4th block. This is an opportunity for students to ask questions about what we are studying and review materials to get clarity. - Homework: Homework will be assigned throughout the week and checked on Friday’s. However, students should make the effort to work on one assignment a night since this work will coincide with class activities. Late work will be accepted for partial credit, until the day of the related assessment.

WHAT ARE ALL THESE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS? There are many forms of assessments in this class, both formative and summative. These may include: - Discussions/Seminars/Debates: These types of assessments will require you to show what you know through conversation. - Projects and essays: These assessments will allow you to demonstrate what you know through either creative expression or writing. - Quizzes/Tests: Quizzes will be used as periodic check-ins throughout the unit. Tests will include open response writing to assess you understanding of the unit’s ideas WHAT IS THE NOTEBOOK THAT I HAVE TO HAVE FOR THIS CLASS? The organization of your notebook is very important in this class. The notebook will have three parts: a reference section, a notes/h.w. section and a vocabulary/glossary section. The notebook will be given one large grade each term, and it will count as a project. Throughout the course of the year we will do a notebook “cleansing” and some of your items will be taken out and stored in your portfolio. All work should be saved and NOTHING should be thrown out.

DO WE SERIOUSLY NOT HAVE A TEXTBOOK? This year we will be relying most of our time on the online textbook. You need to have your login information memorized (or written somewhere you can access easily). Some of readings and your homework assignments will be based off of getting access to the online textbook. If you have issues with internet connectivity you should see me, and you can be issued your own hardcover textbook.

HOW CAN I HELP MY TESTS AND QUIZ SCORES? If you are absent from school it is YOUR responsibility to schedule a make-up session for tests or quizzes. Those who choose to review with me before a quiz/test will be provided the opportunity to “fix” results that are “poor,” which will result in an increase in your score. More details will follow.

IS THERE EVER A CHANCE THAT WE CAN EARN EXTRA CREDIT? Yes. There are a few chances to earn extra credit points throughout the course of the year. These chances will only occur once per term, so don’t rely on the extra credit to completely fix your grade. If you feel that you are not doing as well as you think you should come and see me, rather than wait for an extra credit assignment. You will not be allowed to complete an extra credit project unless you have completed all missing assignments for the term.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  If you are having difficulty completing work on time, SEE ME as soon as possible  You cannot print out a paper during class time; do it BEFORE class  After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher to make-up any homework and assignments  10% will be deducted each day from any late projects and essays  DO NOT throw anything away, your papers will be stored in a year-long portfolio  Nearly all assignments and documents can be found on the teacher website  The number of days that you are absent due to illness equals the number of days you get to make up missing work

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I understand and agree to all the above information.

Student Signature Date

Parent Name (print please)

Parent Signature Date