In an attempt to become more “green” on the Green Team, in lieu of a handout for Open House, I have decided to offer an electronic copy of the information that I usually pass out to parents. This way, it is also always available for you to find at your convenience.
Green Team – Social Studies
Mrs. Vespe
2011-2012
Welcome to Open House!
Purpose of Course
The focus of 8th grade Social Studies is on United States history and culture from the period of colonization to the Civil War. In addition to these units of study, connections to other time periods in American history are made through noting recurring themes.
Classroom Activity and Materials
As I am a proponent of the study of Multiple Intelligences, a variety of classroom activities and assessments are used to facilitate all learning styles. The textbook, The American Journey, is used in addition to supplementary readings. Simulations, web quests, analyzing primary source texts, and discussions of historical and current events will be used in addition to other activities. You can find a copy of our curriculum on the Middlesex website or directly at: http://www.darienps.org/curriculum/8th_Grade_SS_Curricdraft.pdf
Current Events
Current events are an integral part of this course, and will be assigned as homework as well as discussed in class. Please encourage your child to be aware of what is happening around the world and in our nation, for it often relates directly to what we are doing in class.
Extra Help
Extra help is available daily before school and after school by appointment. Students are encouraged to see me before tests if they are confused or not sure of something.
Grading Policy:
As per the curriculum, the general breakdown of grades per quarter is:
Homework: 10-25%
Tests and Quizzes: 25-50%
Writing Pieces: 20-30%
Projects/Reports: 25-50%
There will also be a final assessment at the end of the year that will count for 20% of the 4th quarter average.
Grades are based on a point system. Point values may vary but usually are: homework (5-20 points), quizzes (40-70 points), tests (100-120 points) and projects (150-200 points).
Homework
Homework is an essential part of this course and will be assigned to review essential content/concepts as well as to preview what is to be discussed in class the next day. My homework is available on the Middlesex web site (or directly at: http://klindquistdps.wordpress.com/) if a student has a question or is absent for the day. Please encourage your child to check the web site frequently as there will be useful links and other items consistently posted.
Extra Credit/Make Up Work
To ensure that students put forth their best effort the first time around as well as to prepare them for high school and beyond, make-up or extra credit assignments are not generally offered. However, “Bonus Bucks” extra credit points can be earned at various points throughout the quarter and can be applied to assignments of the students’ choosing.
To Contact Me
Please email or call me at extension #3683 if you have any concerns or questions. My email is KVespe@darienps.org. I will do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible. **Email is the quickest way to reach me. If you want me to call you, please send me an email with a phone number at which I can best contact you during the day, and I will call you as soon as I can.
I welcome you to the Green Team and 8th grade social studies and am looking forward to a wonderful year!
