What will you study in social studies? Eighth grade students examine the roles of people, events, and issues in North Carolina history and how that fits in with the history of the United States of America. We’ll study history as well as key concepts in geography, civics, and economics. As part of our study of North Carolina history we’ll also explore local, state, and national government structure (and have some fun!)

What you need to know:

• Every student should have a 3-ring notebook and pencil in class each day as well as their textbook. Within the three ring notebook, students will need dividers for: class work (like notes), homework, current events, maps, and project work.
• Notebooks should be organized chronologically & by category with the most recent material in the front. ** Write name and Date ALL papers **
• You will need markers or colored pencils on occasion so have them in your locker. 
• Come to class prepared with a pencil and pens (dark, readable colors only).
• When you enter class – look at the board. Often there will be a “bell ringer” assignment. Your job is to follow these instructions immediately.
• You will receive an emergency pass. This gives you 6 opportunities for emergencies to leave class during a trimester. It is up to you to decide how and when to use the pass. I will punch a hole in the pelican each time you use it.
• You will have homework on a regular basis. It is important for you to seriously complete the short assignments so you can be prepared for class each day.
• You can check www.schoolnotes.com each day or weekly as well as checking the overhead when you arrive in class.
• When homework is assigned I will check to see if you have it. Homework counts as 10 percent of your final grade, so make sure to DO IT! No homework assignment  should take more than thirty minutes per night.
• Write your name and the date on EVERY paper you receive.
• Major tests will be announced at least three days in advance.
• Quizzes will be announced the day before or earlier. They will be a review of recent class information or homework.
• If you are absent, there is a place on my table near the door where the previous day(s) handouts will be. YOU ALONE are responsible for getting those sheets AND checking with a fellow class mate for missed notes or important information.  I will follow Wake County’s policy for absences (2 days for make up work for each day missed). When you complete the assignment, put in the “make up work” box. If you missed a quiz or a test, check with me about when you can make it up. It may need to be before or after school.
• Notebooks should be kept in order and may be checked during the trimester. Be prepared!  Secure your papers in your notebook when you receive them. Loose papers are easily lost. SAVE ALL QUIZZES AND TESTS and some of your most important notes and papers. There will be a cumulative test at the end of year based on ALL previous tests and quizzes.
• I reserve the right to call for a notebook check WITHOUT warning. Occasionally, I will allow tests or quizzes to be open-notebook – do not fail a quiz or test for lack of a well kept notebook!

My Expectations:

• I expect students to come to class prepared with any work that is due completed, and ready to engage with the course content.
• I expect students to respect every person in the classroom.
• I expect students will make mistakes, have bad days, forget things occasionally, and in general be normal human beings.
• I expect that students and parents will always call or come and speak with me in person if anyone, including me, treats them in a way that makes them feel they are not a valued member of our class.
• If something happens in class that you disagree with – come and talk to me about it but do not expect me to stop class.
• I expect students to participate in class discussions, group activities, and games.
• I expect students to be willing to be silly and have fun.

What you can expect from me:

• Expect me to be in class on time, prepared, and ready to engage with the course content.
• Expect me to respect every person in the classroom.
• Expect that I will make mistakes, have bad days, forget things occasionally, and in general be a normal human being.
• Expect that I always come and speak with students or parents if they treat me in a way that makes me feel my class is not valued.
• If over the course of a class period someone cannot show respect to others or myself, expect that you will leave the room.
• Expect me to facilitate class discussions, group activities, and games, therefore not spend whole class periods talking at students.
• Expect that I will be silly and have fun.

Additional thoughts on the class:

The 8th grade social studies curriculum covers four centuries (yes, four hundred years!!). That is a heck of a lot of information! We will be spending a limited amount of time learning about events and issues that are rich and complex. If there is a time period, event, issue, or place that is especially important to you – please let me know. I will try to provide you with supplementary information. Often project choices will include areas not covered in detail during class for students who are motivated to learn about some issues on their own.

Grading System:

Quizzes                                                          25%
Classwork (including bell ringers!)                    15%                                           
Homework                                                     10%       
Participation                                                   10%
Tests & Projects                                              40%