Preparing America's Future by Learning America's Past

Introduction

Hello, I am Stephanie Willis, and I am proud to be a teacher of Jim Ned Indians. This a my 18th year to teach in the middle school and my 29th year as a teacher. I graduated from Electra High School in 1986 and from Midwestern State University in 1991. After graduation, I taught at Cooper High School for eleven years. My husband works for Abilene ISD and farms south of Lawn. I have two precious daughters. Daisy is 21 and works at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas; Marly is an 8th-grader at Jim Ned Middle School. I am delighted to be a part of this great school district and look forward to helping your child reach his greatest potential so that his future is one of many opportunities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. My conference period lasts from 9:00 to 9:54 A.M., or you may leave a message with the school secretary. My e-mail address is swillis@jimned.esc14.net. I look forward to getting to know each of my students this year and sharing with them my love for U.S. history.

First Time Students

If you are new to Mrs. Willis's class, please click on the "Class Information" tab and read through all the material. Then select "Forms" and submit the information. Thank you!

Why Social Studies?

According to the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, "Effective citizenship requires knowledge of
political and economic structures and institutions, methods of participation, and tools for problem solving." The
social studies encourage individuals "to understand social and environmental influences on their behavior and to
connect their lives and decisions to the world around them, taking into consideration both past and present." In
other words, participating in social studies produces better citizens which, in turn, keeps America strong.

Focus of the Class ▲
The focus of study in Gr. 8 social studies is American history to about 1880. The following eras will be studied:

Exploration and Colonization

The American Revolution

Writing the Constitution

The Early Republic

The Age of Jackson

Industrialization, Reform, Westward Expansion

Sectionalism

The Civil War

Reconstruction

For a more detailed look at the curriculum, select the PDF in the file below.
In-depth Curriculum

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for 8th Grade Social Studies.pdf

Download file

Supplies ▲

1.5 inch ring binder

package of dividers

pen/pencil/notebook paper

1 fine-point black marker

1 pocket folder with braids

1 ream of copy paper

Grades and Homework ▲

Minor grades count 60%. Major grades count 40%. If a student's average is below 70 at the end of the six weeks and if all assignments are turned in, the lowest grade will be dropped. Extra credit is offered occasionally. A student should keep all notes, graded work, etc. in the ring binder. Please use Parent Portal to keep track of grade average. If a student needs help on homework, tutoring is available before school from 7:50 to 8:10. Points will be deducted from an assignment that is turned in late . A student who is absent will have one day for each day of absence to turn in work.