classroom+Constitution+8th+grade

=** Classroom Constitution **= =** 8th grade SS **=

= ARTICLE I-CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS = BE READY  When you walk into class, you should:
 * 1) Get out your journal
 * 2) Get out your homework
 * 3) Write down your homework
 * 4) Write down your answer to the warm-up in your journal.

BE PREPARED Bring all necessary materials to class everyday. This includes an ink pen, journal, constitution book, highlighter and additional reading when necessary. Don’t forget your homework! RESPECT AND BE POLITE TO ALL PEOPLE. This means listening carefully and remaining quiet when your teacher or other students are speaking. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Respect others’ ideas. You do not have to agree with your fellow students but you must be respectful in our classroom. RESPECT OUR LEARNING COMMUNITY. This means keeping our room clean and neat. Please keep the material bins in order. Ask for permission to borrow materials. Return borrowed property. Respect your learning materials such as books and school property. OBEY ALL SCHOOL RULES. Follow all school guidelines and rules. ENJOY LEARNING! Throughout the year we will be discussing interesting topics-many that pertain to you in your life, right now, here in Milford, Illinois. Ask questions and become involved with the material-allow yourself to explore in order to learn.

= ARTICLE II-CLASSROOM PROCEDURES =

Classroom Discussions During the year we will be having lots of interesting discussions. I am looking forward to your participation, however, in order to respect each other when we are speaking, please raise your hand and wait to be called upon. If I need to get your attention, I will ring my Zen bell. At that point I expect you to be quiet and listen for the next instructions-thanks! Restroom/Hall Passes You are to use the restroom between classes. You are not allowed to use the restroom pass during the first and last 10 minutes of class, during lecture, test or quiz taking. Tardies Be on time to class everyday. Chronic tardiness to class during the nine weeks will result in detention, which is not fun. Materials You should have a U.S. History journal and pen and pencil every day. You are also responsible for your textbook and any additional reading material should you need to take them home. If you take home your journal to study, it is your responsibility to bring it back to class the following class day. We keep our journals in the classroom. **DO NOT LOSE YOUR JOURNAL THAT WOULD BE BAD!** Class Dismissal I dismiss class, the bell/clock does not. All paper, trash and student materials must be picked up and all students seated and quiet before you can go. = ARTICLE III-STUDENT WORK =

Academic Integrity Academic integrity is far more important than making amazing grades. Students should seek assistance from me when having difficulty completing and/or understanding assignments. Expectations concerning individual work versus group work will be given before each assignment.

Absences/Make-Up Work It is your responsibility to pick up or turn in any missed assignments due while absent from class. Make sure to ask me if you have any questions concerning missed work, I typically answer those questions during the beginning of class time. It is highly recommended that you visit me during the beginning of homeroom or study hall to see what work you have missed. Late Work You are expected to turn in your work on the given date. All work is expected on time in this class. = ARTICLE IV-GRADING POLICY = //Grades for each nine weeks will be broken down// //in the following manner://  60pts and up Thematic Mastery  Up to 40pts Homework  10-60 pts Quizzes //Debates:// Student debates are often done in groups and demand out of class research and writing. Students are often expected to prepare both sides of the issue and will be graded on content as well as presentation. Clear debate expectations are given before each debate. //Projects:// Student projects are meant to enrich class learning as well as foster student ideas on a given topic. A rubric will be handed out for each project. Projects will be graded according to the rubric. Students will be graded individually as well as an entire group on their projects. //Exams:// Exams will cover notes, textbook and additional readings. A review sheet will be given before each exam.
 * __Thematic Mastery:__** Thematic mastery assignments are designed to test the student’s overall understanding of a given unit. These assignments often take the form of a debate, project or exam. Each nine weeks may contain several mastery assignments.


 * __Homework__**: Homework will be assigned throughout the year. The assignments will often be short and should reflect on the previous day’s activities or prepare you for the upcoming lesson.
 * Homework can usually completed by the end of class or during studyhall.
 * A homework grade is assigned to each homework assignment.
 * Students are required to keep a spiral notebook in class to do daily warm-ups, notes and other material. Do not lose your spiral!

= = ** ARTICLE V-SYLLABUS ** 1st semester the United State Constitution 2nd semester Illinois Constitution and History of Iroquois County Currents events will be throughout the year at the end of each week through newpaper articles and Channel One
 * __Quizzes__:** Quizzes are designed to test small portions of learned material. They will often cover a learned section of notes or a reading.