8

th
Grade United States History I
East Central Jr. High School
Mr. Luneau | Rm. 208
Email: luneaty@tulsaschools.org
Phone: 918-401-0530
Website: http://luneausocialstudies.wordpress.com

Course Description
Welcome to 8
th
Grade Social Studies! This year, we will be exploring approximately
the first half of American History, spanning from Colonial America to the
Reconstruction Era (c. 1750-1877). In this study of American History, we will be
looking at some of the major events that occurred during this time span. In addition,
we will also focus on what is called social history, that is, the history of ordinary
people living during these time periods.

In order to become successful citizens, everyone should know that the impact of
slavery and prejudice rooted in the foundation of this nation still affect the ways
racial stereotypes exist within our culture. Students should know that the important
and often forgotten history of labor movements in the United States have a direct
impact on working conditions across the nation.

In this class, we will focus on developing the following skills: effective reading
and writing, critical thinking, articulating an opinion, and digging deeper into a topic
through research. These skills and mindsets will prepare students to pursue
whatever field they desire beyond high school, with a more informed understanding
of American society.

My vision for this class is to create an open academic community where students are
motivated to learn about their nations past. Also, we will create a welcoming and
open environment where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their opinions or
beliefs on a topic, and more importantly, one where students can feel comfortable
questioning what they have been told and will feel motivated and encouraged to
seek out answers for themselves.

If any parent, guardian, or student has questions about the course material,
assignments, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me! My preferred
method of contact is email, but I can also be reached via phone. If you would like to
set up a time to meet in person, I would be more than happy to arrange that. I will be
reaching out to families frequently, providing updates on how students are doing in
my class, and I look forward to working with each family to ensure their student
receives the best possible education.




Goals
With this vision in mind, I have set forth the following goals for my students:

1. 100% of students will pass the OCCT exam for 8
th
grade U.S. History,
scoring at least proficient.
2. 100% of students will complete a historical research project on a
historical topic of their choice that falls within the time period being
studied. Through careful research and study, students will answer a
research question, presenting their findings through one of the following:
a research paper, poster project (w/ presentation), documentary,
website, or creative writing piece (diary/journal, play, etc). Other project
ideas must be approved by Mr. Luneau.
3. Students will develop a personal plan for their path to college/university,
trade school, or the workforce. This plan will include the necessary steps
to complete in 8
th
grade and high school in order to achieve said goal.

Course Materials
Supplies needed for this class:
- Three-ring binder (provided by ECJH) with a divided section devoted solely
to U.S. History.
- Filler paper for binder or hole-punched spiral notebook
- Pens and/or pencils. These are needed every day in class. If you have to
borrow a writing utensil from the teacher, you will need to give the teacher
something to hold in return (phone, wallet, keys, dollar, etc), and you will
lose 1 point from your weekly participation grade.
- Agenda for keeping track of homework assignments. This agenda will
include a bathroom pass/log. You will not be allowed bathroom breaks if you
do not have this agenda with you.

Classroom expectations
In order to achieve as much learning and academic growth as possible this year, we
need to establish a few guidelines for academic and behavioral expectations.

- Be in class, seated, and quiet when the bell rings.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
- Respect teachers and classmates. This means:
o Use appropriate language; no put-downs, teasing, or other
disrespectful language
o Track the speaker. When a teacher or student is speaking in class,
everyone should be quiet and paying attention with their eyes on the
speaker.
- Follow directions the first time they are given. If directions are unclear,
please raise your hand and the teacher will clarify.
- During lectures or class discussions, raise your hand if you have a question
or would like to answer a question.
- No electronic devices of any kind (cell phones, iPods or mp3 players,
handheld games, etc.) are to be out at any time during class unless otherwise
specified by the teacher.
o If students are seen using these devices, the teacher will confiscate the
device and send it to the office (to be picked up by a parent or
guardian). Repeat offenses may result in the device being sent to the
Education Service Center (ESC)
- Respecting your classmates right to learn. If you are being disruptive in
any way, you are not only taking away from your own education, but you
may be preventing other students from learning.
- No food or drink is permitted in class except for water.
- Bathroom policy: Bathroom breaks are given at the teachers discretion.
Students will be required to have their agenda and binder with them if they
wish to use the bathroom during class time. Each agenda contains a
bathroom break log. If a student has used the bathroom in a previous class
(according to the log), the teacher may refuse to let said student use the
bathroom.
o 10/10 rule: Students are not to leave the room (bathroom break,
water, etc.) during the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of class. If a
student needs to use the restroom or get water, the student should
raise his or her hand.

Consequences: If a student fails to follow the above expectations (or others
outlined in class), the following system will be used at the teachers
discretion:
o 1
st
offense: verbal warning
o 2
nd
offense: brief conference with teacher after class or after school &
short behavioral essay related to the misbehavior. Failure to
complete this assignment will result in an after-school detention
o 3
rd
offense: After-school detention. May be accompanied by phone call
home to parent/guardian.
o 4
th
offense: Discipline referral & call home to parent
o 5
th
offense: Removal from class and additional discipline referral.
* note that more serious offenses may result in increased
consequences (e.g. verbal or physical harassment, leaving class
without permission, etc.)

Grading
The following grading scale will be used:

A+ = 97-100 A = 93-96 A- = 90-92
B+ = 87-89 B = 83-86 B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79 C = 73-76 C- = 70-72
D+ = 67-69 D = 63-66 D- = 60-62
F = 59>
The final grade for each quarter will be calculated as follows:
Unit Tests = 15%
Quizzes = 10%
Homework = 20%
Classwork = 25%
Class participation = 15%
Projects/essays/etc. = 15%


Homework
Homework can be expected 2-3 nights a week. The purpose of homework is not
simply to make students do work, but rather to practice the skills that we have
learned in class. Homework assignments should take no more than 20-30 minutes.

Homework assignments will be on the board at the beginning of every class and will
also be posted on the teachers website each week.

Late work policy: Late work will be accepted, but each day that an assignment is late
will result in a 10-percent deduction. For example, if a student turns in a homework
assignment 1 day late and earned a 90, the student will receive an 80 due to the
assignment being late. Homework will not be accepted if it is more than 3 days
late.


Absence Policy:
If you are absent from class due to illness or family emergency, there will be a folder
in the classroom containing assignments from each day. Students are expected to
seek out this folder on their own and/or meet with the teacher if they have been
absent from class.


Extra Help:
I am always available for extra help before or after school. I will be in the building
after school on 2 specified days per week (to be announced), and can stay on other
days if a student requests extra help. Again, feel free to contact me at any time with
concerns.