Syllabus

Parents or Guardians, Please take a moment to read over the syllabus below with your child so that everyone knows the requirements for the upcoming year. Information and resources throughout the year can be accessed via this wiki (RLHistory.wikispaces.com). Grades can be accessed on Edline (edline.net). If you ever feel the need to contact me, please feel free to call the school, and I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also reach me via e-mail at axemj@rlasd.k12.pa.us. I look forward to working with your child.

Sincerely, Megan J. Axe Social Studies Teacher RLASHS

media type="custom" key="10287673" //﻿//  // 9th Grade - United States History: Course Syllabus for Ms. Axe //

Course Objective: 9TH Grade - US History takes a thematic approach to understanding the events and developments that have taken place in American history beginning with the Spanish-American War continuing to present day.

__ Course Requirements __ : v Keeping a notebook is required. A three-ring binder is recommended to store both notes and handouts. Your social studies’ notes should be kept organized and separate from your other classes. You will be instructed at different points throughout the year when you may clean out your notebook. v Class participation is encouraged and will be taken into consideration when calculating grades. v Homework will be assigned whenever deemed necessary to enforce material that has been taught in class. v Projects and/or reports will be assigned as deemed necessary. v Quizzes and tests will be given as deemed necessary. They will include true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the blank, short answer, and essay questions. v A midterm will be given at the end of the 2nd marking period. A final will be given at the end of the 4th marking period. Your midterm and final will be combined to count toward 1/5 of your entire course grade. v Current events will be assigned periodically throughout the year. On your assigned day you will present a written summary to the teacher and a verbal explanation of the event to the class. Current events can be obtained by way of newspaper, magazine, or Internet. A copy of the article must be submitted with the summary to receive full credit. Current events will count as a homework grade (written summary) as well as a classwork grade (verbal explanation). v Make-up work is the student’s responsibility to obtain and complete following the guidelines set forth in the student handbook (two days per day absent). Previously assigned work, tests or projects, however, are due on the day the student returns back to school. v Academic honesty: Cheating will not be tolerated regardless of the reason. Any student found cheating on ANY assignment will receive a “0” for the assignment. Plagiarism/copying is a form of cheating and will not be tolerated.
 * Group work is a key element to any successful classroom and will be required throughout the year. Students will be required to participate and cooperate whenever group work is assigned.
 * Late Homework Policy
 * Homework will be accepted one day late for half-credit. After one day, the assignment will be recorded as a zero. If an emergency occurs, it is under Ms. Axe’s discretion if an assignment will be accepted.

__ Classroom Procedures __ :

Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Reasonable

v ENTERING THE CLASSROOM: Students are expected to be in the classroom and seated getting materials out when the bell rings to begin class. When the bell rings, please become quiet and look toward me for instruction.

v CLASSROOM SUPPLIES: Students are expected to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook to class //every day//. A classroom set of textbooks will be kept. Students will also be assigned a textbook for use at home.

v CELL PHONES: As set forth in the student handbook, your cell phone must be kept off and away except for period 5-lunch. If I see your cell phone during class, I will take it and send it to the office.

v WORKING INDEPENTLY OR IN GROUPS: When you need help, please raise your hand but continue working until I reach you. Do not disrupt the work of other students.

v RESTROOM: Please use the restroom/water fountain in between classes. Do not ask to use the restroom during instruction! If an emergency arises, you may __only__ use the restroom in the B200 wing.

v LEAVING THE CLASSROOM: Please wait for class to conclude. Do not pack up early. Do not line up at the door. Please remain seated until I dismiss you.

v EFFORT: Students are expected to show effort in the class. Not every student enjoys history, but not trying to succeed will not get any student anywhere.

v OFFICE HOURS: Ask if you need help. I want you to succeed, but I can’t help if you don’t ask. My official office hours are Day 3 and 4 during the first 20 minutes of period 5.

v Classroom requirements and classroom procedures subject to change at the discretion of Ms. Axe.