U.S. History 8

Ms. Prepster

E-mail: Melissa.Prepster@austinisd.org Phone: 841-8717 Website: http://goo.gl/n9x8n0

The Course: This course will cover Unites States History from the Colonial Period through

Reconstruction. We will study the American Revolution, the early republic and the Civil War. We will also

spend some time on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Students will prepare for the 8th grade Social

Studies STAAR at the end of the year.

Student Expectations: I expect that students always put forth their best effort. I expect quality work at

all times. Students should be on time, bring their materials and participate in class. They should follow all

school rules and complete all tasks and assignments. I expect that if students are having difficulties or

concerns about the class that they ask me for help. I expect that students use time in class productively. I

will not tolerate rudeness, ridiculing or aggressive behaviors. Each activity that we do in class will have

designated expectations and guidelines. Minor insubordination and other infractions will be handled with

warnings and conferences before escalating to parent contact and office referrals.

I have high expectations for this class. Students should adopt a growth mindset, rather than a set one.

This means that students should understand that success in a class is the product of hard work. When

students are challenged I expect them to look upon that as a learning experience. We learn best from our

mistakes. We will be talking more about this philosophy in class.

Blended Learning Class: This course will use a “blended” model of instruction. Rather than receiving

lectures of content material during class time, students will use technology as well as traditional models

(text, handouts) to take notes and to be exposed to the content either at home or in a lab setting. We will

use our face-to-face time for activities, discussion and re-teaching. Students will be expected to follow

directions to learn techniques that help them best self-direct and manage their learning. More

information about how this all will work will be explained, demonstrated and sent home in the coming

weeks. If students do not have access to the Internet, either at home or on a phone, they

should let me know as soon as possible.

Procedures: All assignments and homework are noted on the white board at the front of the room.

Each day, students will be directed to copy what is due in their planners.

Upon entering class, students should check the screen and follow the directions about materials and

activities for the day. Students will start class with a four-minute warm-up period. Directions for the four

minutes will be dispalyed on the screen. Students are expected to begin the warm-up as soon as the bell

rings. Students who have been absent are responsible for checking the makeup work crate located at the

back of the room and if necessary, talking with me about what they have missed. Even if students are

absent, they are expected to check the website to see how to complete/ make-up class activities.

Technology: We will use technology on a regular basis in my class. Because Gorzycki is a Bring Your

Own Device campus, students may have (but are not required to bring) their own personal electrionic

devices (iPads, iTouch, smart phone, tablet, e-reader). Students are only to use these devices as

instructed and when instructed. Please talk with your student about their data plan. If they are on a

limited data plan, please make sure they know how to connect to the AISD wireless network with their

device (the network is called AISD-GUEST).

Grading and Grade Reports

Summative assessments (tests, projects ) = 50%

Major formative activities (quizzes, binders, classwork) = 40%

Minor formative activities (quick writes, skills practice) = 10%

Parents and students may monitor student progress using the tools provided to them by the district. If

you have a question about something that is seen there, talk with your student before contacting the

teacher. Students should contact the teacher, either through email or in person with questions about their

own grades. I rarely offer extra credit. If students complete all assigned work, they shouldn’t need extra

credit. No extra credit will be awarded if students have zeros on assignments.

Late Work Learning activities and homework are designed to support what is done in class on a daily

basis. It is in the student’s very best interest to come to class prepared and ready with all work/

preparation complete. While late credit will be given, students run the risk of falling behind or not being

able to participate in class activities. The late work policy may be suspended with advance notice for

specified assignments. Because binders are a cumulative record of completed work, there is

no late credit awarded for not having them ready when they are due.

1st day late – Maximum grade of a 70

2nd day late – Maximum grade of a 50

On the 2nd day an assignment is late, students may conference with me to come up with a plan to get the

work completed and turned in. Students who make a plan can still earn a 50 after the 2nd day late.

Students who do not conference with me will receive a missing (which counts like a zero). At that point,

work can be turned in for feedback only.

Absent Work: Absent work is work that is assigned when a student is absent. (If a student is not ill, it is

recommended that they check my website and complete any work that they can). Absent work is not

previously assigned work that was due when the student was absent. It is the student’s responsibility to

obtain all information, content and assignments missed during an absence. This information should be

collected on the 1st day that a student returns to class. Students are also responsible for turning in work

that was due while they were gone on the first day that they return.

If a student misses a test or quiz, they must make arrangements to make it up within three days.

Supplies Students will need a 1.5 or 2 inch binder, a package of 5 dividers and college ruled notebook

paper. Binders should start coming to class by September 1st.

Students are welcome to have their own glue sticks, markers, colored pencils and crayons. I have a limited

supply of these. Students should have access to a hand-held pencil sharpener, and ear buds at all times.

Our new textbooks run on a digital platform and can be accessed through the cloud. Physical textbooks

will not be issued. If students do not have access to the Internet either at home or on their

phone, they should let me know as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements.

Communication: My school phone number is 841-8717. I am usually gone for the day around 4:30.

My school e-mail address is Melissa.Prepster@austinisd.org. If you have a question this is the best way to

contact me. Please allow 48 hours to hear back.

Please visit my website at http://goo.gl/n9x8n0 (or search for me on http://www.gmstigers.org). To

receive updates, students and parents can subscribe to my website or subscribe to my Remind account.

This will send you text messages about upcoming assignments and announcements. To do this, send the

phrase “@mprepster” to 81010. You can also get email updates by sending a blank email to

mprepster@mail.remind.com.