U.S. History Policies

Dear Students and Parents:

We take this opportunity to welcome new and returning and 8^th graders to Earl Warren’s History
program. The purpose of this handout is to supply you with policies of the History Department.
We urge you to read this handout carefully and to refer to it throughout the year.

Student Responsibility: The following policies have been developed with students
in mind! They are designed to keep you organized and to maintain your growing sense of
responsibility. Being a student is a learning process. We want to facilitate that learning
process by creating procedures that make you responsible for your daily assignments and for
your own learning.

Website: You may find helpful information (ie, a Weekly Assignments link) in my website: http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/acerny/

Supplies: Not Required - Optional

In-Class Binder: Please bring the following to class every day.

· 3-ring binder for U.S. History (may be part of a larger notebook)

· 2 dividers labeled USH Course Handouts, USH Notes & Activities

· Blue/black pens (for written homework assignments)

· Set of colored pens or pencils (for map work)

· Notebook Paper

· Small pencil sharpener

Course Portfolio: Mid-term and Final Exams require the use of assignments from completed units. For that purpose, you will be keeping an additional USH Portfolio binder to store completed units in the classroom.

** Please note that I have many old binders to “raffle off.” More information will be given in class.

Portfolio divider labels: Colonial America, Creating a New Gov’t, New Nation, North/South, Westward Expansion, Civil War/Reconstruction

Student Work Format: All assignments must include first and last name and class period. As students are maturing, we encourage them to take pride in their finished products. For formality and clarity, students are encouraged to complete written assignments in blue or black pen (or typed)

Grade Policy: I use a standard point system. Tests and projects account for 60% of the student’s grade. Homework, class work, and participation account for 40%. Students are kept updated on their grade. If you would like to be updated on your child’s academic progress, please make use of the Aeries Parent Portal or email me (ann.cerny@sduhsd.net).

Homework: Homework is assigned in order to efficiently fulfill course standards as needed, which may or may not be every day. Students always have time in class to begin their assignment and to clarify instructions. Homework assignments are expected to be completed individually. While discussion and collaboration can increase understanding, students are to write their answers on their own.

Cheating: The History Department stands behind the school policy: cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Students who copy another’s work OR who allow their work to be copied will receive a zero on that assignment or test and will be referred to administration.

Late Work Policies:

· Homework assignments are due in class on the assigned date. For the sake of fairness and consistency for all students, late homework will not be accepted (unless an excused absence in involved - see below).

· Larger assignments can only receive full credit if turned in on the assigned date. However, because of the weight on the student’s grade, large assignments will be accepted late. After assessed for quality, the assignment will be marked down a full grade for each day late. After three days, the project can receive a maximum of ½ credit.

Absence Policy:

Absences create issues that often affect a student’s progress and grade. These issues include missing important class activities and discussions, and neglecting to follow through with appropriate procedures after an absence (see below). It is the student’s responsibility to follow through on absence procedures. (See Weekly Assignments link on my website!)

Absence Procedures:

On the day you return, check posted lesson plans (if you haven’t checked the website)!

1. Turn in assignments that were checked or collected during your absence;

2. Read the list of class activities and homework. Get any handouts, assignments, or notes given during your absence. See me for more in-depth explanation or if any tests/quizzes were missed.

3. Turn in missed assignments by the due date we agree upon. *Please note: Missed assignments that are not received in a timely manner will not be accepted and will receive a zero.

Unexcused Absences: I understand that trips are very often an educational experience or are unavoidable. However, because classroom activities and discussions are the foundation of our history program, much of those experiences cannot be recreated. For that reason, I urge you to schedule trips around school holidays. To encourage attendance, the history department’s policy for unexcused absences is as follows:

a. Students will not receive credit for in-class, experiential activities;

b. I will not create alternate assignments to be completed to replace in-class activities.

c. For work that can be provided, students will receive only partial credit.

Citizenship Grades: Quarter progress reports and semester report cards give teachers an opportunity to include citizenship grades. In this class, citizenship grades are based on 3 criteria: classroom behavior, student responsibility, and engagement. Students may earn “Outstanding,” “Satisfactory,” “Needs Improvement,” or “Unsatisfactory” citizenship grades. The “Outstanding” student is described as:

§ Behavior: Consistently on-task, trustworthy, respectful, and follows classroom rules without teacher prompting;

§ Responsibility: Consistently prepared for class; follows through on procedures without teacher prompting;

§ Engagement: Consistently attentive, enthusiastic, and involved in activities and discussions.

Thank you for your support and involvement. We are looking forward to a great year!

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U.S. History Policies

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