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Name: Andrew Lang Vasquez
Email: avasquez@huensd.k12.ca.us
Grade: 8th Grade U.S. History &
7th Grade World History |
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Andrew Lang Vasquez Focus on Connecting on a Personal Level with Students and Teachers, with the Objective of Encouraging and Motivating their Overall Human Development, while assisting them to be intrinsically motivated, self-disciplined passionate, continuous learners who have a positive ATTITUDE towards themselves and their success potential in academics, who are intentionally PREPARED, who RESPECT themselves and others in the Learning Community and who are in the process of taking RESPONSIBILITY for their words, actions and LIFE. Andrew Lang Vasquez Teaching Goals: 2011-2012
Andrew Lang Vasquez Department Chair Goal: 2011-2012 Act as a Servant Leader to assist in the development of a Professional Learning Community, by working to support the individual personal and professional goals of the Social Sciences Staff at
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Contact Information:
v Andrew Lang Vasquez (Mr. AV)
v Room 21
v 805.986.8750
v avasquez@huensd.k12.ca.us
Welcome to 7th Grade World History/8th Grade
Course Focus:
The focus of this class is to guide students towards a greater appreciation of U.S. History and the democratic process. I hope to spark a lifelong fascination and interest in all things related to the social sciences and the world of history. I hope to do this by encouraging students to open the doors to learning with the tools of enquiry and research methods, but most importantly, I hope to spark students’ natural curiosity and a determination to know “why?” The following overarching areas of study in U.S. History will be addressed:
F Three Worlds Meet: Beginnings to 1763
F Creating a New Nation: 1763-1791
F The Early Republic: 1789-1844
F A Changing Nation: 1810-1860
F The Nation Divided and Rebuilt: 1846-1877
F
F Modern
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Introduction to World History
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The Growth of Islam
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African Civilizations
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Asian Civilizations
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Medieval Europe
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Civilizations of the Americas
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European Renaissance and Reformation
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Early Modern Europe
In addition to the 7th and 8th grade social sciences curriculum, it is my hope that students will learn transferable skills necessary for success in high school and beyond. This includes an appreciation for character development including, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, PREPAREDNESS AND A GOOD ATTITUDE, WHICH MAKES ALL THINGS POSSIBLE. I will work with my students to encourage them to be independent thinkers, self- starters, and assertive communicators who take responsibility for their own learning.
Materials Needed:
The following materials are necessary daily for your success in this class:
F
F Pencil & Pen (Black or Blue Ink)
F Section Labeled “
F Binder Paper
F Set of Colored Pencils or Markers
Rules & Regs (RRAP):
- Respect ~ Demonstrate Respect Always
Ex. Value the contributions of others by never talking when your teacher is addressing the class or when another classmate has the floor.
Ex. Never laugh at or be sarcastic towards classmates.
Ex. Use appropriate language in class, including avoiding terms such as “shut up” or “that sucks.”
- Responsibility ~ Take It! Own It!
Ex. If you fall short of the above, admit it and utilize the three most difficult words in the English language, “I am sorry.”
Ex. If you fall short of the above and are corrected, then respectfully listen. If you feel misunderstood or would like to share a different perspective, then please do so, but please be respectful and do it privately.
Ex. Don’t blame your mother or your dog for anything!
- Attitude ~ It is Everything!
Ex. With a good attitude, all things are possible! Even an X-Con can become a millionaire, with the right idea and a belief in himself.
Ex. If an illegal immigrant can become an Olympic Gold Medalist in wrestling, you my friends, can do anything you set your mind to…with the right attitude!
Ex. I’m not talking about “TUDE,” like as in a-t-t-I-T-U-D-E! Save the drama for your mama. I’m talking about an attitude that will make you part of a winning team.
- Preparedness ~ “Check Your Swim Goggles”
Ex. Have the necessary materials for success.
Ex. Complete assignments in advance especially designated reading.
Ex. Be prepared to contribute to class discussion.
*All E.O. Green and
Consequences:
1st Time: Verbal Reminder
2nd Time: Appropriate Disciplinary Consequence-Including detention at nutrition, lunch or after school; including work detail cleaning classroom, scrapping gum, etc.
3rd Time: Referral to the Vice Principal, Call home, Action Plan & All of the Above
*Action Plan consists of a response to the following questions, which must be discussed and signed off by parents:
- What is the rule that you are disregarding?
- Why do you think the rule is in place?
- Why are you failing to comply with the rule?
- What is your plan to change your behavior to comply with the rule?
- Do you have any questions or suggestions for teachers, parents or classmates that will assist you in this process?
* Severe Disruptions or Conduct that endangers the safety and well-being of classmates will result in immediate removal from the classroom.
Assessment:
You will be assessed for mastery of the subject matter and be graded based on the percentage of points earned vs. overall points available during the grading period. The following assignments will be assessed:
F Test & Quizzes
F Projects/Presentations
F Daily Class work & Homework
F Class Participation
*Homework is prep for class and practice of concepts and skills learned in class. Late work is not accepted in most cases, unless accompanied with a written explanation and parent signature.
Grade Scale:
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A+ > 100 |
B+ 87-89 |
C+ 77-79 |
D+ 65-69 |
F <55 |
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A 93-100 |
B 83-86 |
C 73-76 |
D 60-64 |
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A- 90-92 |
B- 80-82 |
C- 70-72 |
D- 55-59 |
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Attendance:
Attendance is an important part of your grading and education at E.O. Green. Missed assignments due to an excused absence may be turned in, with one extra day given for each day missed. Assignments missed because of an unexcused absence are not accepted.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to initiate communication with fellow classmates and/or teacher regarding missed assignments, complete the assignments and turn them in.
Tardies:
Students are tardy if they are not in an orderly line outside the classroom or have not entered the classroom when the bell rings. Students running for “the finish line” will be considered tardy. Please plan on getting to class early in preparation to learn.
Taking Charge of Your Own Learning!
Please begin to take charge of your own learning by communicating the contents of the “Class Overview” with your parents, providing signatures as requested below, returning this sheet for a grade by the end of the week, and keeping this important information in your binder for quick reference. Thank you.
I _____________________ have read and understand the “Class Overview for 8th Grade U.S. History/7th Grade World History.” I understand the expectations and agree to follow the Rules & Regs as well as any class policies & procedures, and I will work diligently to achieve class goals in order to be successful in U.S. History/World History this year.
Student Signature _____________________________ Date _______________________
Support & Accountability: Parents and Guardians
I have read and understand my child’s “Class Overview for 8th Grade U.S. History/7th Grade World History.” As a parent or Guardian, I agree to support my child’s success and provide accountability for their conduct in U.S. History/7th Grade World History class.
Please Print Name and Identify Relationship: _________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature: _____________________________________
Please include pertinent information for contacting you. Thank you.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please share information in confidence, regarding your child that will allow me to better serve his/her educational needs …
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you & Best Regards,
Policies & Procedures
Attention
Mr. AV raises hand to signal
“May I have your attention, please? Thank you.”
All students’ attention on Mr. AV ~ eyes and ears attentive.
Agenda
Bring your Agenda Daily
Know your Agenda
Use your Agenda in all your classes
Your Agenda is a tool for SUCCESS
1st Things 1st ~ Entering the Classroom
Line up orderly at the door ~ two straight lines not blocking the hallway or standing on the grass.
Check dress code ~ including tucking in all shirts-boys and girls alike.
Greet Mr. AV as you come in the door ~this is a gesture of courtesy and appreciated.
Check 1st Things 1st Board for instructions ~ 1st 5-10 minutes
o Write down homework in Agenda
o Do 1st Things 1st Activity
o Prep for Class Discussion
o Take out pen and Cornell Note Paper for notes
o Review
Tests & Quizzes
Do your best work on tests & quizzes
Tests & quizzes should represent your work only
Do not do anything to give the impression that you are cheating
No talking during tests and quizzes
Tardy
Students who are tardy 3 times or more will receive a lunch detention or an after school detention of 45 minutes to be served the following day. A detention slip will go home the day of the infraction and must be returned signed by a parent the next day or the student will receive an additional lunch time detention.
Emergency Evacuation
When emergency evacuation siren sounds, immediately, quietly and orderly, please line up at the door
After receiving directions from the teacher, in a single file line, quietly and orderly exit the classroom south, towards the blacktop and fields.
DO NOT TALK! REMAIN QUIET AND LISTEN FOR YOUR NAME DURING ROLL CALL!
Textbooks
Textbooks are your responsibility
Damages to the textbook or lost books must be paid for prior to graduation.
Textbooks are to be used for reading and homework assignments.
Progress Reports
Class Progress Reports are posted by the water fountain periodically.
Individual Progress Reports will be printed upon request and can be picked up immediately after school.
Be responsible for your progress and for knowing your progress in U.S. History
Returned Work and Confidentiality of Grades
Returned work should be kept until the end of the trimester in your 3-ring binder to insure that you have received the appropriate credit for your assignments. Teachers are not perfect. By organizing and keeping your assignments, quizzes and tests, you insure that you have evidence to support any discrepancies.
All scores are confidential. They should not be shared with other students, especially within the class.
Questions or Disputes Regarding Grades
Please feel free to discuss questions, concerns or disputes regarding grades. However, please do it at a time that does not distract from class activities, particularly when we are reviewing a test as a class. I always look favorably on students taking an interest in their grades. Please follow this same procedure when making enquiries into your grades. Typically, towards the end of class of after school is the best time to ask about your individual grade.
Class Participation
Students should plan on actively participating in class activities and discussions to secure a passing grade.
Unless otherwise instructed, students should indicate their willingness to participate by raising their hand and waiting to be called upon by Mr. AV or the speaker facilitating the discussion.
Side-bar conversations are not encouraged during class discussions, as it draws attention away from the speaker who has the floor and contributes to an atmosphere that is chaotic and not conducive to learning.
Class Dismissal
Don’t anticipate the passing bell and begin packing your backpack early.
Mr. AV dismisses, not the bell.
Exit slowly and courteously on Mr. AV’s cue.
Do not pile up at the door
Stay inside the classroom until dismissed by Mr. AV
*If this procedure is not followed, it will necessitate dismissal by row.
Assignment Heading
All assignments will have the following information in the top right corner for credit:
o First and last name clearly written
o Date
o Period
o Title of Assignment
Drinking Fountain Usage
Drinking fountain and area around the water faucet where grades will be posted are off limits the first 10 minutes of class.
After the first 10 minutes, drinking fountain may be used at student’s discretion, as long as it does not interfere with class instruction. Students do not have to ask permission.
Students should not interrupt Mr. AV or other students while using the drinking fountain. It is not a place to congregate and talk.
If students misuse this privilege it will be discontinued.
Pencil Sharpener, Stapler, & 3-Hole Punch Usage
Pencil Sharpener, Stapler, & 3-Hole Punch should be used at the beginning of class or at a time that does not interrupt Mr. AV or class discussion.
Restroom Usage
Students should use the restroom on their own time i.e. before school, at nutrition, lunch, between classes or after school.
Restroom use during class is on an emergency use basis.
Students must complete the Bathroom Sign-out Sheet at my desk and then sign-in when they return.
The Agenda will be used as a hall pass. Students must open their agenda to the current day and write “RESTROOM-TIME-OUT & TIME-IN.
Students must write the time-out and get Mr. AV to sign the agenda.
Restroom visits should in no way detract from the class activity.
Conduct with Respect to Guest Teachers/Substitute Teachers & Outside Speakers
I expect my classes to conduct themselves with the utmost civility and decorum, welcoming Guest Teachers as they would a guest in their home.
Your conduct is first and foremost a reflection of your personal values, beliefs, ethics and upbringing; as such you are independently responsible for your conduct. However, it is also a reflection on me and my classroom management. As such, I take misconduct on the part of my students and discourteous behavior as a personal affront.
Consequences for negative individual and/or class conduct will be swift and severe.
I believe and trust that my students can and will make good choices in my absence, reflecting first their character, the character of our class and school.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this most important policy.
Chewing Gum
Students who are chewing gum in class will receive one warning and then will receive a lunch detention or an after school detention of 45 minutes to be served the following day. A detention slip will go home the day of the infraction and must be returned signed by a parent the next day or the student will receive an additional lunch time detention.
Computers
Computers are for school use only and should be used only with Mr. AV’s permission.
Travel Between Classes
Students traveling between classes, the library or the computer room need to be quiet in the hallways and respectful of other classes.
Absence
Ask your “study buddy” what assignments you missed
Check the class AGENDA to see what assignments you missed
See Mr. AV to clear up any questions that you have and to schedule missed quizzes or exams.
