Welcome students of history! You have just become part of our classroom community, a place where everyone is respected, safe, and belongs. Everyone in this classroom will have the opportunity to learn and be successful, but each person must take the initiative to make this happen. The 4 important principles of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Effort will rule our classroom. If we work to uphold these 4 principles we will be able to learn and achieve success together!

Respect

• Treat everyone in the classroom as you would like to be treated.
• Use appropriate language with each other at all times, this means no put downs and no name calling!
• Raise your hand to speak; everyone deserves a chance to be heard.
• Listen attentively to both the teacher and your fellow classmates.
• Respect yourself by taking pride in your work.

Responsibility

• Be here, there is no better way to learn than to attend class regularly and be an active participant.
• Be on time and in your seat when the bell rings. All school attendance policies will be strictly enforced.
• Be prepared, you must bring all of the required materials to class everyday.
• Complete all assignments on-time. (See homework policy).

Honesty

• All work needs to be your own. Copying, cheating, or plagiarizing will not be tolerated. Anyone who is caught performing any of these acts will immediately lose all points for the activity or assignment.

Effort

• Work hard and do the best that you can.
• Persevere; keep on trying. If you need help do not be afraid to ask.
• Be ready to learn. Come to class with a positive attitude and an open mind.
• Take risks. Be willing to participate in class and try new things.

General Classroom Rules

• No gum, food, or drinks allowed in class. (Water will be allowed).
• Once you are in class, you are to remain in class. Each student will be given 4 Out of Class Passes per semester.
• Do not touch or use the property of others without permission, this includes the teachers' desk and classroom supplies.

Rewards

• Praise daily
• Positive phone calls home
• Raffle
• Increased student leadership
• The joy of learning (each day of the school year!)

Homework and Grading Policy

Homework

Excused absences:

• You are responsible for finding out what you missed.
• You have two school days to make- up homework for each day you miss.
• You have one week to make-up any missed test or quiz. Make- up tests will be offered Wednesday at lunch.
• Check the homework board, call a classmate, and check the absent box for missed assignments.

Late Homework:

• All assignments must be turned in on the date they are due to earn full credit.
• Any late assignments will receive partial credit.
• Projects turned in one day late will lose 5% of the grade. Any project more than one week late will earn ½ credit.
• Any missing assignments must be turned in by the end of each unit. No late assignments will be accepted after that date.

Note: Gimme a Break passes may be used to avoid grade penalties at the rate of one pass per day late.

Grading:

1. Homework/ Classwork packets
2. Notes (Work will be saved and turned in at the end of each quarter for points.)
3. Participation (Everyday students will earn points for being a positive participant in our class.)
4. Tests & Quizzes
5. Special Projects
6. Organization (Binder checks)

Supplies

• A three-ring history binder or a separate section for history in a school binder.
• Dividers for separate sections in history binder; subsections will be labeled "Class info.," "Notes," "Packet," "Tests & quizzes."
• Extra loose writing paper (no bound notebooks!)
• 3 writing utensils (can be pens, pencils & a sharpener, a mechanical pencil with extra lead)
• Optional but very helpful items: colored pencils/ pens and a glue stick

Come and see me!!