August 12, 2016

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to a new school year. The year is planned with many exciting activities and all can look forward
to rewarding experiences.
The following is the Classroom Rules and Expectation Plan. This plan has been devised to create a
positive learning environment and will allow for each individual students academic growth. Please review
the entire packet, then sign and return the attached form. The plan will be in effect at all times.
Classroom Rules:
1. Respect other people and their property.
2. Be prepared to participate in all activities.
3. Raise your hand when you need to share information or ideas.
4. Be in your assigned area.
5. Follow directions the first time they are given.
Classroom Expectations/Procedures:
1. All pencils are to be sharpened prior to the tardy bell.
2. Enter the room quietly.
3. Upon entering the room, immediately begin activity on the board.
4. At the time-out signal (hand signal, ring of bell, or whistle), all students will freeze, turn towards
the teacher and await further instructions.
5. Students are to bring all supplies to class each class day (paper, pen or pencil, notebook, homework
and any other indicated assignments or materials).
6. Students without needed supplies should first quietly seek the assistance of another student.
7. Students who are tardy must secure a tardy pass before entering the room.
8. Upon returning to school after an absence, the student is to check the Master Notebook, and the
class website Classroom google, for missed assignments and class notes.
9. Students are responsible to turn in all assignments on time and will be given no more than one
week to make up assignments if absent.
10. Students will wait for the teacher to dismiss the class after the bell has rung. The bell does not
dismiss the class.
Rule Violations
1st Offense Verbal Warning
nd
2 Offense Parent/guardian communication in the form of After School Detention, call home,
note in Binder Reminder, or Office Referral
rd
3 Offense Office referral
Severe Disruption: Automatic Office Referral
Parents will be notified of repeat offenses.
Needed Supplies:
College ruled loose leaf paper
Pen (dark blue or black)
Two highlighters of different colors
Variety of colored pencils
Container for all of the items (i.e., vinyl packet)

Composition notebook, college rule

Pencil with an eraser
Memory Stick
Protector Sheet (2)

If for any reason these supplies are unattainable by Monday, August 19, 2016, please notify me.
Mrs. W. Scott

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I do extra credit?
o Yes! There are 3 activities you can do. Reflective Writing, an American History video or
movie, or an activity from the class website. (see below for more information).
What is an example of an Extra Credit activity?
An extra credit activity is work performed above and beyond which was required. Only three kinds of
extra credit activities will be accepted:
1. Reflective Activity - You can write a paragraph discussing one fact learned in class, or submit a
magazine or newspaper article, picture, or cartoon along with a three or four sentence summary.
An extra credit activity might also be original drawing or poetry. Whatever you include, it must
relate to the discussions, readings, and activities we have completed in class. Point value 1 5, at
the discretion of the teacher. (4 per week)
2. American History video or movie You can watch and American History video or movie. Write a
one (1) page summary of the show, using the form located in the class room. You may choose to
watch an American History program on the History Channel or obtain one from your local library
or video store. Movies must be pre-approved by the teacher. This activity is worth 10 points.
(1 per month)
3. Class Jump assignment go to the class website and choose an extra credit activity from the list.
To receive extra credit points all required assignments must be complete.
What happens if I am absent?
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to log on to Powerschool or Classroom google to see what you
missed in class and what homework was assigned.
What happens if Im absent on the day I am to turn in a long term project or DBQ?
If your project or DBQ is not turned in on the date due, you will receive a zero (0), and lose 5 points for
each day late. It is best to turn in projects early, or have someone deliver it for you.
Share this handout with your parent or guardian, and then ask them to also sign on the line below.

Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature

HISTORY GRADE CONTRACT

To receive an A
1. Fully complete all homework and class assignments, on time.
2. Score at least 80% on all quizzes, test and major projects
3. Be present for class (3 or more absences usually results in the student missing needed information
that may have been given in class; missed information makes doing well on a test difficult)
4. 20 Extra Credit Points
To receive a B
1. Fully complete at least 95% of all homework and class assignments, on time
2. Score at least 75% on all quizzes, test and major projects
3. Be present for class (no more than 3 absences per semester)
4. 20 Extra Credit Points
To receive a C
1. Fully complete at least 90% homework and class assignments, on time.
2. Score at least 65% on all quizzes, test and major projects
3. Be present for class (no more than 4 absences per semester)
4. 15 Extra Credit Points
To receive a D
1. Fully complete at least 70% homework and class assignments, on time.
2. Score at least 55% on all quizzes, test and major projects
3. Be present for class (no more than 4 absences per semester)
4. 10 Extra Credit Points
To receive an F
1. Complete less than 70% of all homework and class assignments
2. Score less than 50% on all quizzes, test and major projects
3. Be occasionally present for class (have at least 5 absences during the semester)
4. Be prepared to write letters to your parents explaining your failure to complete required work.
5. Be prepared to participate in after-school tutoring and/or after-school class sessions.
6. Be prepared to be placed on academic probation.
7. Be prepared to repeat the 8th grade.
I ___________________________(name), contract for the grade of _____(letter). I understand what I
need to do in order to receive this grade. It is my desire and my responsibility to reach my goal. I pledge
to complete the required percentage of homework, spend the necessary time studying in order to score the
required percentage on quizzes, test and major projects, and complete the required percentage on the
Assignment Packets. If I experience any difficulties, I will immediately ask for assistance from the
teacher.
_____________________________________________
Students Signature

________________________
Date

CRITERIA FOR CREDIT

To receive credit, every assignment must have:
1. A complete heading:

Last name, first name

Subject, Period
Date

2. Assignment title and page (if it applies)

3. Correct writing tool: Dark blue or black ball-point ink pen for
language arts and all final drafts, #2 pencil for homework; notes, rough
drafts and tests. Color is acceptable for reflective activities.
4. Neat, white paper: no rips, folds, scribbles, or spiral edges
5. Neat, clear writing
6. Complete sentence answers
7. Work complete

Name: ________________________________
Subject:, Period:________________________
Date:_________________________________
Assignment:___________________________
I have failed to turn in the above assignment because:
{ } I was absent. I understand I have one week, to complete the assignment in order to receive credit. This
assignment must be turned-in no later than
______________________________
{ } Other (include a written explanation)

Student Signature
This form must be completed anytime assignments are not present on the date due.

Name: ________________________________
Subject:, Period:________________________
Date:_________________________________
Assignment:___________________________
I have failed to turn in the above assignment because:
{ } I was absent. I understand I have one week, to complete the assignment in order to receive credit. This assignment
must be turned-in no later than
______________________________
{ } Other (include a written explanation)

Student Signature
* This form must be completed anytime assignments are not present on the date due.

History
I have read the following:
Classroom Rules and Expectations/Procedures
Criteria for Credit
Grade Contract
Most Commonly Asked Question
I am aware that my student ____________________________________________ has contracted for the grade
of a/an ______. I understand that it is the students responsibility to be prepared for class, and complete all
assignments. I further understand the Criteria for Credit, and realize that credit/points will not be given for
late work unless the student was absent. Upon being absent, the student has one week to turn in the assignment.
____________________________________
Students Signature

___________________________________
Parent/Guardians Signature