Keep a copy of this syllabus!

Email: amatt@cvs.k12.mi.us
Website: www.msmatt.weebly.com
Phone: (586) 723-3815

Ms. Matt
8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus
Welcome!

Our class will begin with the colonization of America and stretch through to American
Imperialism. Throughout our study you will not only gain a greater understanding and
appreciation for this diverse country we live in, but you will learn what it means to
become an active citizen one that makes positive and informed decisions.

We will study US History from 1600 1900 including:

The Protestant Revolution and Colonialism

The American Revolution and Declaration of Independence
Founding a New Government
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Westward Expansion
Creation of Political Parties
Sectionalism between the North and South
Slavery in the South and Abolition
Reform Movements
The Civil War
Reconstruction

What You Can Do To Help Your Student:

Ask your student to show you his/her binder and to explain the lesson to you on a
regular basis. Research shows that we remember 70% of what is discussed with
others!
Check the parent portal often and discuss progress with your student. Learning
how to ask for help is one of the best skills your student can take away from
his/her 8th grade year.
Contact me right away with any questions or concerns. My goal is to make this a
positive and successful year for all students!

Grading:
Homework: 10%
Assessments: 90%

Homework:

Iroquois Grading
Scale
100-93% 76-73% C
A
92-90%
72-70%
AC89-87%
69-67%
B+
D+
86-83% B 66-63% D

I expect all assignments be neat (with no signs of tearing, food stains, etc.), legible,
and completed according to the directions. In addition, I expect all work to be
completed using grade-level appropriate spelling, grammar, capitalization, and
mechanics. (You must always use complete sentences as well.) You will be asked to redo and resubmit assignments that do not meet these expectations.

Supplies:
Pencils

Red Checking Pen

Highlighters

1.5 Binder (or

larger)

5 Binder Tabs

Spiral Notebook

Scissors

Colored
Pencils/Pens

Book Cover (for

textbook)

Dry Erase Marker

Midterm/Final:
Expect a midterm at the end of the second quarter (after the Christmas break) and a
final at the end of the fourth quarter. Both scores will be factored into the final grade
for that quarter.

Late Work:
Work turned in one day late will receive a 50%. Worked turned in past one day late will
receive a 0%.

Absent Work:
Any assignment that is due the day of the absence must be handed in immediately upon
return to the classroom. For work assigned the day you missed, you have a period of
time equal to the absence to make up any work. You are responsible for seeking out
the work missed while absent. The first place you can check is my website

Cheating:
Cheating can take many different forms such as plagiarism, copying some elses
homework, letting someone copy your homework, talking during a test or quiz, and
using secretive methods during a test or quiz.
Any form of cheating will result in disciplinary action! I encourage you to help
one another by discussing a problem or a question. To assist someone means to guide
them to find a solution and not to give them the solution or answer.

Binder Set Up:

I recommend a 1.5 (or larger) binder. Your workbook and binder tabs go in here. (See
me if you need help getting a binder/binder tabs.) I HIGHLY recommend that you keep
an organized binder. This binder will be your most valuable resource!
We will set up the binders in class together.

Discipline:

I follow the school-wide Step Plan for discipline.

Excessive tardies may result in an after school detention.
Excessive missing assignments may result in an after school detention

Expectations and Procedures:

I hold my students to high expectations in both learning and behavior. Specific

expectations and procedures will be discussed and determined with input from the
students during the first week of school. This working agreement will be posted on
my website later.

PG-13 Movies:
Over the course of the school year we may come across various PG-13 movies that fit in
well with our curriculum. All movies are carefully screened and edited to ensure that
they are age appropriate before they are ever shown in class. I will consider a
signature on this syllabus as agreement for your child to view PG-13 movies. Please
contact me with any concerns.

To sign up for Ms. Matts Remind texts:

Text this number: 81010 with the message below that matches your hour.
Social Studies 1st Hour: @e2d79

You and a parent should fill out the information below. Remove this sheet from your syllabus,
and turn it in to Ms. Matt.

I have read Ms. Matts syllabus for 8th Grade Social Studies. I agree to abide by her
policies and procedures. I also understand that there are consequences for not
following her policies and procedures.

Student Name

Student Signature

Parent Name

Parent Signature

Best Phone Number (to reach parent or guardian):

Is this a home, cell, or work phone?:
_____________________________________
Best email address (to reach parent or guardian):
I will use the email address when I send out parent updates on what we are doing in class. If
youd like to receive those updates, please make sure I have a current email on file

Preferred method of contact (phone or email):

What would you like me to know about your student?

*I will send out remind texts and update emails. However, this year needs
to be a transition to your student taking on the responsibility of knowing
important due dates, asking for help, etc. This will prepare your student
for the rigors of high school.