September 2013 Dear Student, Welcome to Seventh Grade!

The Social Studies course you will be taking this year is Geography and World Cultures. Our areas of study will include Ancient Europe, Medieval Europe through Modern Europe, Latin America, the United States and Canada. It is my goal to make the study of seventh grade social studies a challenging and enjoyable experience offering a variety of motivating activities which promote decision-making and relate to real life. Your level of success depends on your willingness to set high academic standards, respect others, maintain a positive attitude, and do your best. Materials needed in class each day include: Binder (Provided by teacher) Pens (blue or black only) and pencils Ruler Colored pencils (no markers or crayons) Highlighters Glue sticks Index cards Loose-leaf paper Agenda book Quarterly grades will be based on the following: Classwork/Participation and Assessments 80%

Classwork and participation will include participation, written/oral class assignments, Interactive Notebook checks, and informal progress checks. Assessments will include quizzes, tests, essays, performance assessments, and quarterly curriculum assessments. All tests and quizzes are announced in advance and details of research projects will be outlined and sent home for your parents/guardians signature. The quarterly BBMS curriculum assessments are one measure of your knowledge of a unit of study. Every quarter as a class we will create study guides that will help you prepare for the assessments. Regular review of this information as part of your homework will also ready you for the assessments. Projects 20%

This year, rather than a series of nightly home work assignments; you will be provided with several larger longer-term projects to complete. These projects will allow you to work independently, help to teach responsibility and accountability, and provide opportunity to look more in depth at topics tailored to you interests. Project information will be found on the homework board, and will be posted regularly online. Homework

Homework is assigned nightly. It is important that you practice the skills learned in class. You are expected to complete approximately 20 minutes of review nightly. This review could be vocabulary, it could be reading the newspaper, it could be doing online map review games. The key is to use your skills regularly, and inquire about any questions you may have. All assignments will be included in the notebook and graded for accuracy, completeness and neatness. Instructions on how to organize and maintain your book will be given during our first weeks of school. I hope to communicate with your parents/guardians often through phone calls, emails and conferences. I also encourage you to notify me if you need extra help by scheduling time at lunch, through email or reaching me at phone at school. Below you will find important contact information that you should keep and share with your parents/guardians. Contact Information: School phone number: 410-313-2580 Email address: Christopher_nobis@hcpss.org Webpage address: bbmsnobis.hcpss.wikispaces.net

Once again, I welcome you to seventh grade and hope it is an academically challenging and successful year for you!

Yours truly,

Chris Nobis