8th grade US History---Mrs. Hill 
Syllabus
The curriculum for our class is stated in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part II Chapter 113. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies. It states, “In Grade 8, students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction…Historical content focuses on the political, economic, religious, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students describe the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights, reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a constitutional republic. Students evaluate the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of the United States. Students use critical-thinking skills, including the identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material.”
Supplies
1. 3-ring binder (1.5 in) 2. pen/pencil/ 3. 1 ream of copy paper
4. Box of Kleenex 5. Spiral notebook (single subject, 70 pg)
Code of Conduct
To create an environment where everyone can learn, positive classroom behavior is essential.
1. Show respect to self, others, and the classroom.
2. Be prepared and give your best effort.
3. Do nothing to keep the teacher from teaching and anyone, including yourself, from learning.
Consequences
Morning detentions will be utilized for Tardies, Cell Phones, Dress Code Violations, Class Disruptions, etc. After the 3rd infraction a referral will be sent to the office.
Morning Detention will be served in the library OR with the teacher that assigned the morning detention. If you are late, you will receive a second morning detention. If you skip morning detention but are at school 1st period, you will receive another morning detention. An absence doesn’t excuse a morning detention.
Cell phones & ear buds (not in the door pocket) will be taken to the office.
No Food or Drink in the classroom (water only)
Go Pass--You will have 1 pass per week for restroom, locker, drink, etc. Use it wisely.
Grades
Minor grades count 40%. Major grades count 50%. Binder/Spiral counts 10%. Students are required to keep all notes, graded work, etc. in the ringed binder. Notes will be taken DAILY and kept in their spiral (in their binder). Please use Parent Portal to keep track of grade average. If a student needs help on homework, tutoring is available before school from 7:45 to 8:05. **Late work will NOT be accepted**. One minor grade will be dropped at the end of the grading period. A student who is absent will have one day for each day of absence to turn in work. BE RESPONSIBLE
My Contact Information
I look forward to getting to know each of my students this year. Parents may contact me anytime with questions or concerns. I can be reached in the following ways:
· Email: lhill@jimned.esc14.net
· Phone: 554-7870 ext. 316
· Conference Period: 2nd 9:03--9:52 (Please schedule an appointment.)