8th Grade American History Course Syllabus
Ms. Huffman
[email protected] – email
8th Grade American History will focus on the early American history time period. Students taking this course will attain a mastery of US History from Colonial America through the Civil War with special focus on critical thinking, chronology, and geography.
How to succeed in this class:
- Bring a positive attitude to class
- Maintain good attendance
- Be prepared for class by bringing laptop, folder/binder, and pencils
- Take good notes
- Ask questions – this promotes discussion
- Study for quizzes and tests
Grading Scale:
Everyone learns differently! For example, you might prefer to do projects over tests while others would rather take a test than spend time on a project. Therefore, there will be a variety of ways to evaluate your work. This is accomplished through daily participation, daily assignments, chapter tests, quizzes, projects, and field trips.
How to succeed in this class:
- Bring a positive attitude to class
- Maintain good attendance
- Be prepared for class by bringing laptop, folder/binder, and pencils
- Take good notes
- Ask questions – this promotes discussion
- Study for quizzes and tests
Grading Scale:
Everyone learns differently! For example, you might prefer to do projects over tests while others would rather take a test than spend time on a project. Therefore, there will be a variety of ways to evaluate your work. This is accomplished through daily participation, daily assignments, chapter tests, quizzes, projects, and field trips.
Meets Standard (M)
89.5% - 100%
Progressing (P)
79.5% - 89%
Emerging (E)
69.5% - 79%
Does Not Meet Standard (N)
0% - 69%
89.5% - 100%
Progressing (P)
79.5% - 89%
Emerging (E)
69.5% - 79%
Does Not Meet Standard (N)
0% - 69%
Classroom Rules:
We will follow all school rules but common sense is the main guideline in the class. I will not tolerate disrespect of any kind. I am an understanding teacher. If you are having a problem, please talk with me at an appropriate time during the class period, between classes, or before and after school.
✓ The most important rule is: RESPECT
1. Respect yourself!
2. Respect your peers!
3. Respect classroom guests & all adults present in the classroom!
4. Respect the environment we all have to learn in (that means this classroom & this school)!
We cannot always control what goes on outside of this classroom. We can however control our attitudes and behavior within this classroom. Foul language, put downs, and disrespect towards the teacher or others will not be accepted.
We will follow all school rules but common sense is the main guideline in the class. I will not tolerate disrespect of any kind. I am an understanding teacher. If you are having a problem, please talk with me at an appropriate time during the class period, between classes, or before and after school.
✓ The most important rule is: RESPECT
1. Respect yourself!
2. Respect your peers!
3. Respect classroom guests & all adults present in the classroom!
4. Respect the environment we all have to learn in (that means this classroom & this school)!
We cannot always control what goes on outside of this classroom. We can however control our attitudes and behavior within this classroom. Foul language, put downs, and disrespect towards the teacher or others will not be accepted.
Homework/Classwork:
Class projects and experiences are a fun way to learn class material. This allows you to have hands on experience with information being discussed. These types of class assignments are very popular within the classroom! These projects are graded on a separate basis and may be equal or count more in value than a test.
It is expected assignments will be turned in the day they are due. This class will follow the homework policy established by the school district. Late assignments may result in a detention. Study contracts, In School Suspension (ISS), and Saturday School will be progressively implemented at the discretion of administration. You may find the homework policy in your student handbook.
If you are using your laptop inappropriately in this class, it may result in loss of class privileges and alternate assignments. Cellphones ARE NOT ALLOWED in Ms. Huffman's class. Please ALWAYS be on task in this room. There may be time in class to go on school appropriate game websites, but only when given permission.
Class projects and experiences are a fun way to learn class material. This allows you to have hands on experience with information being discussed. These types of class assignments are very popular within the classroom! These projects are graded on a separate basis and may be equal or count more in value than a test.
It is expected assignments will be turned in the day they are due. This class will follow the homework policy established by the school district. Late assignments may result in a detention. Study contracts, In School Suspension (ISS), and Saturday School will be progressively implemented at the discretion of administration. You may find the homework policy in your student handbook.
If you are using your laptop inappropriately in this class, it may result in loss of class privileges and alternate assignments. Cellphones ARE NOT ALLOWED in Ms. Huffman's class. Please ALWAYS be on task in this room. There may be time in class to go on school appropriate game websites, but only when given permission.
Finding assignments when absent:
If you know when you will be absent from school, get your assignment in advance. If an assignment is announced before your absence, you are responsible for completing it on time. You will find all homework assignments in the “Make-Up Assignments” binder in the classroom and the lesson page tab on this website. The standard policy is one day absent – two days to make up the work.
If you know when you will be absent from school, get your assignment in advance. If an assignment is announced before your absence, you are responsible for completing it on time. You will find all homework assignments in the “Make-Up Assignments” binder in the classroom and the lesson page tab on this website. The standard policy is one day absent – two days to make up the work.
Classroom Discussion:
I will initiate many classroom discussions in which I encourage you to take part. Participation in these discussions will not only increase your involvement in class but also will help in your final grade.
Creativity is encouraged. Plus, itʼs more fun when I donʼt talk the whole period!
1. Binders/Folders:
• You are responsible for keeping your binder organized and orderly. DO NOT throw away or recycle anything from this class without my permission!
2. Notes & Handouts (including any bell-work or reflections)
• The student is responsible for ANY & ALL notes we take during each Unit!
• Check the class website or binder in class for what you missed if youʼre absent.
3. Homework & Study Guides:
• Homework (even after it is turned in & graded) must be kept in your binder/folder until the end of each unit. DO NOT throw anything away until you have been given permission.
I will initiate many classroom discussions in which I encourage you to take part. Participation in these discussions will not only increase your involvement in class but also will help in your final grade.
Creativity is encouraged. Plus, itʼs more fun when I donʼt talk the whole period!
1. Binders/Folders:
• You are responsible for keeping your binder organized and orderly. DO NOT throw away or recycle anything from this class without my permission!
2. Notes & Handouts (including any bell-work or reflections)
• The student is responsible for ANY & ALL notes we take during each Unit!
• Check the class website or binder in class for what you missed if youʼre absent.
3. Homework & Study Guides:
• Homework (even after it is turned in & graded) must be kept in your binder/folder until the end of each unit. DO NOT throw anything away until you have been given permission.
Redoing assignments:
It is important to try your best on all of your assignments, but if you do poorly - redoes are allowed - in special circumstances. You will have exactly one week to redo assignments once they are given back to you. If an "N" grade is earned on an assessment, you MUST redo an alternate assessment until the material has been mastered. An "E" grade has the option of a redo.
Please have a private conversation with me regarding redoes either during study hall or before and after school.
It is important to try your best on all of your assignments, but if you do poorly - redoes are allowed - in special circumstances. You will have exactly one week to redo assignments once they are given back to you. If an "N" grade is earned on an assessment, you MUST redo an alternate assessment until the material has been mastered. An "E" grade has the option of a redo.
Please have a private conversation with me regarding redoes either during study hall or before and after school.
I am very diligent about returning your work to you in a timely manner. If you don’t receive an assignment that you submitted please promptly see me – it might be missing your
One point will be taken off your assignment if you do not write your name on your paper!