Causey Middle School 7th Grade Civics/Geography

 Teacher: Mrs. Emily Applin

Phone: (251) 221-2060Email: eapplin@mcpss.com

Planning/Conference: Period 4Room 730

Course Goal Civics

• After completion of this course, the student will learn to become better citizens and understand the foundation of this country and the principles which make it the greatest nation in the world. 

Course Goal Geography

• After completion of this course, the student will obtain a better understanding/appreciation about our world in both physical and human terms. 

Course Objectives

• 1.   Compare the government of the United     States with other governmental systems.

• 2.   Describe essential characteristics of state and local governments in the United States.

• 3.   Identify individual and civic responsibilities of citizens of the United States.

Course Objectives

• 4.  Students will be able to differentiate between various countries around the world.

• 5.   Students will be able to understand weather phenomena including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards.

Course Objectives

• 6.   Students will be able to explain the different biomes/climate systems of the Earth.

• 7.   Students will be able to participate in “virtual field trips” around the world.

Course Objectives

• 8.   Read and analyze primary source documents.

• 9.    Analyze and Interpret various types of maps. 

Required Materials

• 2 inch 3-ring binder w/dividers (one section for civic/geography

• Highlighters (pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange)

• Mechanical Pencils• Blue or black pens • Paper• Colored pencils • Index Cards (lined)

Required Materials

• Textbooks will be Building Citizenship: Civics and Economics and McGraw-Hill/Glencoe and World Culture and Geography by National Geographic. 

• ***Please Note: Per Central Office, Textbooks will only be distributed as a class set. However, online resources will be used in class and at the student’s home***

Assignment Information

• Test will be conducted after completion of each chapter. Test will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, essay. Test will be graded on a point scale. Please note: Power Points and the study guides are available online at http://causey.mcm.schoolinsites.com/. 

•  Look under my name at assignments and presentations.

Assignment Information

• Homework will consist of incomplete class assignments, end of the unit questions, maps, internet research, and weather summaries from the newspaper, television, or the internet (this will mainly take place if a hurricane or other weather phenomena affects our area.) Each assignment will count between 10-20 points.

Attendance Information:

• Students are expected to arrive to class on time. If a student enters the class after the tardy bell without a pass, he/she will be marked tardy. Three tardies will result in a referral to the administrator. Please refer to the MCPSS student/parent handbook.

Attendance Information

• If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to ask for their make-up work. Make-up work, including tests, must be completed within 5 days of the absence. Failure to turn in make-up work will result in a zero given for that assignment.

Assignment and Grading Policies

• All assignments, presentations, written reports, and tests will be graded on a point scale. Tests/quizzes/assessments are 60% of the quarter grade. Daily activities are 30% and homework and bell ringers are 10%.

Classroom Rules/Procedures

1. Be Polite–Bullying in ANY FORM WILL NOT BE

TOLERATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!–No foul or inappropriate language.–Keep your hands to yourself at all times.–Practice the Golden Rule.–Respect your classmates’ opinions and possessions

Classroom Rules/Procedures

2. Act Appropriately– Follow all MCPSS, school, and classroom rules.– No electronic devices of any kind unless the class assignment requires the use of mydivice.

– No gum, food, or drinks.– No grooming or primping.– Do not “pack up” until I instruct you to do so. I will allow ample time for you to prepare to leave to get to your next class.

– Do your own work.

Classroom Rules/Procedures

3. Be Prepareda) Enter class in an orderly fashion. Place any 

homework assignments   in the appropriate bins upon entering. In your planner copy down daily assignment and any important information.  In your notebook head your paper correctly be ready for class to begin.

Classroom Rules/Procedures

b.  Head your paper correctly. (See illustration on wall) Papers with no name will not be graded.c.  Stay in your seat unless you are instructed by me to get up and move about the room.

Classroom Rules/Procedures

d.  During class discussion, only one speaker at a time.  Raise your hand if you would like to make a comment or ask a 

question.   Rudeness will not be tolerated.e.  Be sure to read all instructions before asking a question.  Assignments and important dates are posted on the board.f. Bring necessary materials to class.

Classroom Rules/Procedures

***Students should know and follow the rules and procedures at all times.  Quiz questions throughout the year will come from the rules and procedures. This paper should be kept in the student’s notebook. 

Classroom Rules/Procedures

***Class rules are posted in the classroom. Violations will be recorded and handled as described in the student/parent handbook

***Verbal name calling/derogatory statements about adults or classmates are considered bullying!!!! Therefore, the student WILL be referred to an administrator.

***ALWAYS DEMONSTRATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE***

Consequences

1. Warning2. Student/Teacher Conference3. Silent Lunch4. Parent Notification: 1st letter/email

home, 2nd phone call, 3rd-parent conference

5. Administrative Referral

Consequences

***In case of severe disruptive behavior, student will be referred to the administrator immediately.

• Please review this paper with your student and sign the signature page and return to me on Tuesday. I am looking forward to working with you this year.

Student/Parent Acknowledgement: As a student in Mrs. Applin’s Civics and Geography class, I have read the information and understand all expectations and requirements of this class. _____________________________ _________________ (Student Signature) (Date) I have also read the information sheet and have discussed it with my son or daughter. _____________________________ _________________ (Parent Signature) (Date)

Causey Middle School Uniform Policy 2015-2019

This Dress Code was developed to encourage Causey Middle School students to become contributing members to the community and promote self-pride, good character, and self-respect. Any violations of the dress code will be handled according to the Mobile County Public School System Code of Conduct.

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

Shirts—Colors: 6th Gray; 7th Yellow; 8th NavyNo logos Except--Causey Middle SchoolTraditional polo golf type shirt—no more than 3 buttons, must have a collar, straight or banded sleeves

Shirts must be tucked in and collars must be visible.

Undershirts are to be solid—Navy, White, Black, Gray.

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

Pants/Capri’s—Tan/KhakiUniform style, straight-leg; must be hemmed no ruffled, frayed, cut or torn edges.

No jeans, denim, corduroy, patch pockets, decorated pockets, watch pockets, cargo, painter, flare legs, low cut or low rise pants.

Pants must be worn at waist line—no sagging, oversized or extremely tight pants.

Short length cannot be shorter than 2 inches above the knee

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

SocksWhite, black, navy, gray-solid colors only

ShoesAthletic shoes/tennis shoes onlyNo sandals, open toe, platform shoes, boots, moccasins, Crocs, ballerina/baby doll style slippers or slides.

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

OuterwearSolid Navy, Black or Gray—no leather or denimCausey Middle School logo onlyNo hoodies or jackets with hoods are to be worn in the building

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

ID BadgesBadges must be worn at all times attached to the student’s collar with picture visible

Replacement will be sold for 5 dollars

Uniform Policy 2015-2016

Jewelry/Hair/AccessoriesNo tongue rings, nose rings, facial or distracting jewelry

No bandanas of any colorHair color must be natural, out of eyes, and non-distracting—No Mohawks

No tattoosNo hats, sweatbands or head coveringNo excessive makeup or ear rings that expand the ear lobe

Supply List 2015-2016

• White-lined notebook paper (WIDE RULE ONLY)• Graph paper• Composition notebook• #2 Pencils and Mechanical Pencils (with refills)• 1 Box of Colored Pencils or Crayons• Black, Blue, & Red Ink Pens (NO CLICK PENS<HIGHLIGHTER PEN OR GLITTER PENS)

• Set of Hi-lighters

Supply List 2015-2016

• Handheld Pencil Sharpener (WITH COVER)• 4 FUNCTION Calculator• Dividers (1 package)• 3 Ring Binder (2 Inch—with pockets)• 4 – 3Prong folders with pockets (blue) 1 per quarter

• Index Cards (lined)

Teacher Wish List• Kleenex• Clorax Wipes• Hand Sanitizer• Paper Towels• Expo Markers• Copy Paper (White or Colored Paper)

Grade Level Shirts

• Shirts will be ordered through homeroom when school starts and can be worn Fridays

• Cost $15.00

Fees

• First Aid/postage- $5.00• ID Badge/Media- $10.00• Science Lab- $10.00• P.E. Uniforms- $25.00

» Includes shirt, shorts, and PE locker

Cash or check ONLY (no bills largers than $20)

Elective Fees

• Art $25.00• Drama $25.00• Choir$25.00• Pace $25.00• Dance $25.00• Photography  $25.00• Computer Essentials $25.00• Robotics $25.00• Band $75.00