Welcome to Social Studies Class
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The Social Studies classroom is designed to engage students in rigorous investigations of how the past shapes the present and to prepare students to be informed, engaged citizens in the global world. Students will acquire skills in analyzing primary and secondary sources, communicating ideas through writing and speaking, and defending their opinions with supportive evidence. Students will also be exposed to multiple viewpoints and cultural perspectives throughout the class and be asked to approach every historical subject with an open mind and willingness to listen to others. All students are encouraged to bring their unique perspective of the world to the classroom, so that we may all learn from each other.
It is my expectation that you are in school every day, prepared to be here. This means that homework/readings must be completed by the due date. This class is participatory. This means that I expect you to show up prepared to engage with your classmates and me. Speaking and listening is a major component of the school year. It is natural to be shy and quiet at the beginning of the year, however as the year progresses I expect that your participation will also progress. This means that I am looking to see you grow and that is how I will assess you. In the social studies classroom, all viewpoints, opinions, and ideas are welcome.
It is my goal that we will all learn and grow with and from each other. I hope that by the end of the year, the social studies classroom will have impacted your decision making and outlook on how the past has shaped the present and what we can do about the future. History has shown that smart people are capable of doing terrible things. I hope that you are smart, but I hope more that social studies will teach you how to be a person within society who practices empathy and tolerance.
Grading Procedures:
The grades breakdown is as follows:
You can expect to receive homework to be done outside of school 2-3 days per week. When homework is assigned the expectation is that it is completed accurately and on time. You will see the homework for the day written on the homework board. Responsible students write their homework down in an agenda so that they can keep track of what needs to be finished. If you need assistance in setting up an agenda or suggestions for organization strategies, please let me know. I’m here to help.
NOTE: Responsible students make sure that their work is complete and that their name and the date are written clearly at the top. If you have turned in an assignment and received a “Missing” it may be that you failed to write your name on it and it has been placed in the “No-Name” bin. In such cases, you are to retrieve your work, correct the error, and present it to me for entry into Gradebook.
If you have questions or need assistance, I am here every morning at 7:30a.m. and would be happy to assist.
It is my expectation that you are in school every day, prepared to be here. This means that homework/readings must be completed by the due date. This class is participatory. This means that I expect you to show up prepared to engage with your classmates and me. Speaking and listening is a major component of the school year. It is natural to be shy and quiet at the beginning of the year, however as the year progresses I expect that your participation will also progress. This means that I am looking to see you grow and that is how I will assess you. In the social studies classroom, all viewpoints, opinions, and ideas are welcome.
It is my goal that we will all learn and grow with and from each other. I hope that by the end of the year, the social studies classroom will have impacted your decision making and outlook on how the past has shaped the present and what we can do about the future. History has shown that smart people are capable of doing terrible things. I hope that you are smart, but I hope more that social studies will teach you how to be a person within society who practices empathy and tolerance.
Grading Procedures:
The grades breakdown is as follows:
- Assessments – 30%
- Demonstrate an understanding of topics/materials
- Follow rubric when completing
- Invest time and energy in completion
- Class Work – 35%
- Complete work assigned during class time
- Follow expectations as outlined for each activity
- Use the Homework Completion Checklist
- Homework – 15%
- Complete ALL assignments/readings given to be done at home
- Submit work on time
- Follow Homework Completion Chcklist
- Speaking and Listening – 20%
- Show up to class prepared
- Actively contribute to class/group discussions by:
- Staying on task
- Listening to classmates
- Following discussion rules
- Sharing your thoughts, ideas, and opinions
You can expect to receive homework to be done outside of school 2-3 days per week. When homework is assigned the expectation is that it is completed accurately and on time. You will see the homework for the day written on the homework board. Responsible students write their homework down in an agenda so that they can keep track of what needs to be finished. If you need assistance in setting up an agenda or suggestions for organization strategies, please let me know. I’m here to help.
NOTE: Responsible students make sure that their work is complete and that their name and the date are written clearly at the top. If you have turned in an assignment and received a “Missing” it may be that you failed to write your name on it and it has been placed in the “No-Name” bin. In such cases, you are to retrieve your work, correct the error, and present it to me for entry into Gradebook.
If you have questions or need assistance, I am here every morning at 7:30a.m. and would be happy to assist.
Contact Information:
Christopher Olsen Lead Middle School Social Studies Teacher Charles N. Holden Elementary School 1104 W. 31st Chicago, IL 60608 [email protected] 773-535-7200 holdenschool.org Twitter: @mrolsenhistory |