U.S.

HISTORY
Fall 2017
Pocomoke High School
Room 211
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Teachers: Ms. McInerney Telephone: 410-632-5180
Email: jemcinerney@mail.worcester.k12.md.us
Class Website: msmacshistory.weebly.com

Hello!
Welcome to U.S. History. This course begins in the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War and
continues chronologically to include contemporary issues. We will be using your school-issued laptops and
OneNote to take notes, complete projects, and analyze sources. It is crucial that you bring your laptop to class
every day because graded classwork is online. In the U.S. History course, students will also complete a 7-10
page research project per county policy. Students will be able to select a topic in U.S. History and complete the
research process including primary and secondary sources, writing an outline, and a final draft. The paper will
be completed in class over a period of weeks. I am available before or after school or via email to help you
through this course. Overall, this semester will be an exciting transition to the world of history!
Ms. McInerney

Classroom Expectations
1. Be on time for class.
- This means that you are in the classroom and seated when the bell rings.
2. Be prepared for class at all times.
-This includes a pencil/pen, your binder, your textbook, your digital device, and your agenda.
3. Show respect to others in the class at all times.
- Being respectful helps everyone in the class learn. Also, listen carefully to your peers and teachers
because they are great resources.
4. Electronic Devices are prohibited.
- All electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, headphones, etc.) are not allowed in class. If electronic
devices are seen, they will be taken, and a parent/guardian must come to school to collect the device.
Computers owned by PHS will be used in an academic and professional manner when the teacher allows
and will have the same consequences as a personal device if misused.
5. Participate in class daily.
- There is always something to learn. Speak up in class when you have something to say. You will be
graded for participation within larger assignments. This participation includes asking questions,
answering questions, participating in small group discussion, and helping others in the class.
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School Policies
1. Bring your agenda to every class.
- If you do not bring your agenda to class, you will not be able to go to the bathroom, office, or any other
room because your agenda is your hall pass.
2. Consequences
- Verbal/non-verbal warning and may include a Call Home
- Detention and Call Home
- Referral and Call Home or School Meeting
- Remember, being tardy to class is a detention & there is a zero tolerance for profanity
Classroom Materials
- at least a 2 three ring binder
- lined paper
- pen or pencil
- school-issued agenda
- The Americans Textbook provided
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Grading Scale

Marking Period Scale

Classwork/Homework 50%

Assessments 50%
- Including benchmarks, tests, quizzes,
essays, debates, and projects

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Grading Policies
1. Late Homework and Classwork will not be accepted. This includes submissions after the time it is
collected, even in the same class period or at the end of the school day. When work is posted online to OneNote
or Engrade, a timestamp is used to check submission time. Per the county policy, students with an excused
absence will have 5 days to complete an assignment missed during their absence. Absences due to school field
trips or athletics dismissals are not counted in this policy and are due when stated. Students can submit their
assignments before they leave school due to a dismissal.

2. Late Long Term Projects and Essays will be docked 20% for each day it is late after it is collected in class.
This includes submissions at the end of the day it is due. This includes absences. If you are absent, speak with
me about your missed work and have a parent or doctors note to excuse your absence. Per the county policy,
your project or essay is due the day the student comes back with an excused absence. Students with an
unexcused absence will be docked points based on the 20% rule. Computer Malfunctions are not legitimate
excuses for late or missing work, so back up your work with a USB or email it to yourself.

3. Plagiarism/Copying- Copying other individuals work or not citing ideas other than your own is a form of
cheating. If you plagiarize an assignment, you will receive a 0 for the assignment, a detention, and a referral to
the office. Also, if you copy or cheat off of another students work, even if it is not for history, both papers will
be taken and receive zeros.

4. Final Exam/Research Paper- Per the revised county policy, final exams will count for 20% of a students
final grade for the course. Students also will complete a Research Paper that is required to pass the U.S. History
class, per county policy.

5. Missing Class/Absences- Students who are absent, either excused or unexcused, are responsible for talking
with the teacher to discuss missed work. Students should collect their missing work from the make up work bin
in the back of the room and set up a time to discuss any questions with the teacher. It is the students
responsibility to collect all missing work and schedule time to discuss the content with the teacher.
 MY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS
Directions: Success is built from individual effort and community support. Complete this contract, get all the
necessary signatures, and return to your teacher. Please write legibly. Contract due Friday September 8th.

Name:_____________________________ Date:_____________

Finish this sentence: I pledge to our class and myself

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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My personal goals are: ________ # of Latenesses to class

________ % Percentage of Completed Homework

________ Specific grade I want to earn

What are 3 things you can do to be successful in this class?

o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________

What are 3 things Ms. McInerney can do to help you be successful in this class?
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________

What are 3 things others can do to support you?

Who? What can they do?
o ______________________ _______________________________________
o ______________________ _______________________________________
o ______________________ _______________________________________

I, ___________________________, understand what is expected of me and will seek out guidance and help
when needed.

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

X_________________________________ X_________________________________

Teacher Signature Parent/Guardian Contact

X________________________________ Phone________________________________

Email________________________________