Welcome to Mr.

Reidenbakers 8th Social Studies Class

Course Expectations and Requirements
2015-16
Welcome to 8th grade Humanities. This year will give you exposure to the
founding of our country, the challenges the founding people had to overcome
to be successful, the many important historical documents that helped shape
our government, and how this all relates to our world today and your lives. I
look forward to lively discussion on our topics and getting everyone
interested in learning more about America and becoming an active
participant in society and government. It is important to believe that one
person can make a difference, and even at you age you have power to make
changes and influence people.
This year I will be focusing on the upcoming Presidential election in 2016.
We will take a look at the Primary elections in November, the candidates and
their positions/platform, and the process of running a campaign. I will also
have guest speakers come in and discuss what politics are all about. It
should be an exciting and different history experience. And dont worry, we
will still have all those fun tests and projects that you love so much!!!
I look forward to a year of hard work, fun and a group of enthusiastic
students involved and engaged in learning about U.S. History.
Expectations:
arrive to class prepared and on time
to put effort into the activities each day
to think with an opened mind
Requirements:
a Spiral notebook 2-3 sections or a 3 ring binder with 3 sections: HW,
Notes and vocab, and tests/quizzes
Folder with pockets ( If you are not using a 3 ring binder)
pen and pencil with an eraser
Grades: We will work off of a point system. Values are listed below:
Classwork and homework: 5 points each
Quizzes: 15-25 points each
Tests: 50-100 points each (2 per marking period)
Projects: 40- 100 points each (one or more per unit)
Notebook: 25 points per grading period

Welcome to Mr. Reidenbakers 8th Social Studies Class

Course Expectations and Requirements
2015-16
Homework: YOU MUST USE YOUR HOMEWORK PLANNER EVERY DAY! You
will have homework 2-3 nights per week. When you do not have assigned
homework, you are expected to organize your notebook, study new terms, or
go over classwork. I encourage my students to watch, read, or listen to the
news on a regular basis. Homework will be listed on the House e-board and
any study guides, worksheets, or notes that will be listed when appropriate.
If you are absent, call a friend. You are responsible for assignments EVEN
WHEN YOU ARE ABSENT! If you miss an assignment it is expected that it
will be completed the next day and three points will be given. You are never
excused from missing a homework assignment.
Access to Grades: You will have access to your grades online. This will be a
secure site and only you, your parents, and I will be able to see your grades.
More information will be provided at Back to School Night. It is a system
called Progress Book provided by Cherry Hill Schools and your password and
login can be accessed through the guidance department.
Extra Credit: I DO NOT offer extra credit on a regular basis. However, I
do offer the opportunity to correct projects and quizzes or re-assess on
test when necessary. I also accept homework one day late for partial credit.
Content: Our study this year will focus around Primary documents and
Historical documents in American History. We will cover the colonization,
Revolutionary War, Industrialization, Immigration, Slavery, War of 1812,
Reform Movements, and other areas within that time period. In addition, we
will connect to present day events including the election, campaigning, and
political parties. We will be using the textbook Americas: Past and
Promise and supplemental materials from the History Alive program. All
of the work that we do in social studies will be directly connected to the
New Jersey State Standards, and common core standards which can be
found on the Carusi website.
Assessment: Assessments will incorporate thinking and reasoning, using both
objective and subjective questioning. Projects will incorporate technology
and information literacy and allow you to be creative.
Reassessment: All students will be offered a chance for reassessment in
order to meet the standards. Students who have earned below a 69% and
are interested in reassessment must provide me with proof that all

Welcome to Mr. Reidenbakers 8th Social Studies Class

Course Expectations and Requirements
2015-16
assignments for the unit have been completed and corrected AND attend
one study session with me. The original score will be averaged with the
reassessment score.

Please sign and return the bottom portion by September 8, 2015

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student name (printed) ________________________
Student name (signed) ________________________
Parent name (printed) ________________________
Parent name (signed) _________________________
Date ______________________