Mr.

Tejada
Welcome to 8th Grade History
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Welcome to US history. Our study of
the United States will start with the discoveries of America
and the establishment of the 13 British-American colonies.
We will continue through Revolution and the founding of the
Republic; then take a comprehensive look at the Constitution
and US government. Next we will study the growth of the
nation through the first Presidencies, the industrial
revolution, immigration, a rapidly changing society, manifest
destiny, and sectionalism. Afterward, we will take an intense
look at Slavery, the Civil War
and Reconstruction; and finally
wrap things up with the Old
West.
My goal is to create a positive
and structured learning environment for all students. Students are
expected to be involved in their own education and to take pride in
succeeding. In this class you will not only be expected to learn the
necessary material but to also learn to manage yourself through
organization.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. The Class is a cooperative learning environment.
2. Attitude: Attitude is defined as a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state. In order to have a
positive class, it is important that you arrive every day with a good, positive attitude.
3. Participating and being prepared for class is part of your participation grade. If you are not
prepared, or are working on other things, like work from other classes, or homework, disciplinary
action will be taken.
4. Respectful verbal and nonverbal communication is expected at all times. BE NICE
5. Cell Phones: NO NO NO NO NO NEVER EVER. If I ever see a cell phone, it will be immediately
confiscated and turned into the office.
6. Be in class and in your designated seat by the bell.
7. Complete your homework before each class.

8. There is a zero tolerance for cheating. Students caught cheating in any way will be given an
automatic zero score and will be referred to school administration for disciplinary actions.
9. Bring all needed material to every class.
10. Keep all your graded work, class notes, outlines, assignments, quizzes and tests. EVERYTHING!
11. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed on a day/s of absence
12. Assignments should be completed and turned in on time.
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CLASS:
Text: AMERICA,History of our Nation (never forget this!)
Binder - COLLEGE RULED Paper - Pen (blue or black ink only) Spiral notebook
PRIMARY INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
Lecture * Class Discussion * Group Work * Presentation * Project Based Learning
Online Research

Power-Point presentations

Movies, Video Clips

EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:

All work assigned will be graded. Specific assessment and percentages of grade distribution are
included.
Section Quizzes

Homework

Chapter/Unit Tests

Class work

Mid Term/ Final Tests

Projects

Class Participation

Vocabulary Quizzes

*Homework/ Classwork 20%

Grading Percentage:

*Quizzes 20%

90-100% A Excellent

80-89%

B Above Average

*Tests 25%

70-79%

60-69%

D Below Average

*Projects 25%
*Participation 10%

C Average

59% F Not Good

Grade checks will be given out at parent request. Grades can also be viewed online through Aeries.
See the office if you need help logging to Aeries. Students are responsible to check Aeries for
accuracy. Students are required to keep all returned graded work. Please allow an appropriate
amount of time for grades to be entered.
LATEWORK: All work is expected to be turned in on time. Late work will be accepted; however
there will be a reduction in points. With excused absences you have one day for each day missed to
make up the work. It is your responsibility to hand in the excused work. I will not remind you of this
responsibility.
BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES: Behavioral concerns may result in any the following: A warning,
Student-Teacher Conferences, Parent Notification, Conferences with parent, teacher and Principal.
I plan to have close contact with parents/guardians during the school year to inform of student
achievements and challenges.
IN CLASS MOVIES: Various films may be used throughout the year. All of the movies are related
to the material that we are studying. A permission slips will be sent out for each movie. There will
be an alternate assignment for students who are absent or do not have parental permission to watch
the movie.
COMMUNICATION POLICY: It is my objective to have a successful school year with your child.
If you ever have any concerns, I would appreciate it if you would address those concerns with me
first so that we could work together to resolve any issue that may arise. I believe in the open door
policy. Never hesitate to come to me with any issue you may have.

Please sign and return for credit (10 Points)

STUDENT___________________________________________________________
PARENT_____________________________________________________________
EMAIL ______________________________________________________________
CURRENT PHONE NUMBER ______________________________________________