Syllabus
Kaitlyn Harraghy
[email protected]
United States History
Room 907
Course Description: This course is to discuss American History from colonial-present
through thoughtful and engaging lessons. The study of American History is integral for
students to analyze our national experience through time, to recognize the relationships of
events and people and to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning
points in American History. Students will be able to apply the lessons of American
History to their lives as citizens of the Unites States.
Course Projects and assignments:
There will be tests given every unit during the semester that will be worth 50-100 points
each. These tests will be multiple-choice/fill-in-the-blank/essay in nature. These tests will
be announced in advance and some time will be spent in class in review. You will be
asked to copy notes into a notebook that are shown on either an overhead projector or on
PowerPoint. These notebooks will be graded at least twice during the semester and will
be worth 50-100 points each time. Projects and other written assignments will be
discussed in length before we begin working on them.
Homework Policy:
Homework assigned will be collected at the beginning of the next class period unless
other wise stated. Homework will also include projects and writing assignments. Late
work will be accepted late for 50% off. If you had a crisis or emergency arise, please
come talk to me and well see if arrangements can be made.
Make-up Test Policy:
It is the students responsibility to meet with me and set up a date for a make up test.
Makeup tests will be essay in nature at the discretion of the teacher, especially if we have
a test fall on a Friday. You will be required to take the test missed the first day you are
back in class. Any test not made up will receive a zero. Makeup tests are made up on
YOUR time (before or after school, etc.) and not during the class period. It is YOUR
responsibility to make arrangements with me in regards to when and where.
Communication with Home and Family:
Evaluations (report cards) will be sent home every semester. Progress reports are sent
home to let you know how the student is doing before report cards. I will also send emails
or notes midway through each quarter to parents or guardians of students whose grade is
below a C average. Emails or notes will also be sent home with students who show
significant progress.
Grade breakdown:
Exams:
Test/Quiz
Projects:
Classwork/homework
35%
30%
20%
15%
Notebooks:
In each scholars binder, they will be required to keep a 5-divider tab notebook labeled,
Bell Work, Notes, Vocab, Projects, and Graded Work. These tabs will be significant in
keeping the students work organized.
Textbooks: Students will be able to sign-out and return a textbook to be used at home if
necessary. A sign-out sheet will be provided to keep track of these books. Any lost or
damaged books will be charged to the parent or guardian.
Donations: As most of the parents know, donations are what keep the classroom running
smoothly. Because of the amount of supplement materials, a lot of paper will be needed
to create worksheets and other materials that will assist your students learning. We ask
that parents donate materials such as paper, tissues, and hand sanitizer/wipes so that their
child has an open and efficient learning environment!
Class Rules:
Cell phones: Cell phones are not permitted in any class from 8:00 am-3:30 pm. They
must be in the students backpack off or on silent. If caught using cell phones in either the
classroom or bathrooms, the phone will be confiscated by the teacher and taken down to
the office. The phone may only be released to the student at the end of the day. Multiple
infractions will result in disciplinary action.
Misbehavior: I handle most misbehavior in class with after school detention. Any more
serious problems will be addressed with administration.
After reading and acknowledging the syllabus, we ask students to sign the syllabus
stating that they understand the class rules and policies. Your student must return to the
teacher the next day.
Student Name ________________________________________ Date _____________
Student Signature ________________________________________ Date ___________
