Geography 2017-2018

Course Expectations

Course Description:
This one-year course examines societal development from the Renaissance to the present with an
emphasis on exploring earth’s human and physical systems in both global and regional contexts.
Students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to geographical, historical,
political, economic, and cultural contexts. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity
awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The
appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the World
History/Geography and the Arts/Humanities credits required for high school graduation.

Students growing up in the 21st Century face new and exciting challenges unfamiliar to previous
generations. These students will need to be open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives with
an understanding of how cultural differences impact the interpretation of events at the local, state,
national, and international levels. The Social Studies Standards provide Nevada’s students with the
opportunities to develop skills including the use of sound reasoning, i.e., frame, analyze and solve
problems and to make complex choices both inside and outside the classroom. In addition, students will
need to learn how to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively through multimedia communication for
a variety of audiences. Being literate in social studies is essential if students are to leave school with the
ability to participate responsibly in local, national, and international affairs as global citizens and pursue a
high standard of living. Through the study of history, geography, economics, and civics, our students will
develop an appreciation for the contributions made by all people. The purpose of the Nevada Social
Studies Standards is to articulate a foundation of skills and content knowledge necessary for Nevada’s
students to be successful in our increasingly diverse society. The standards are not meant to be
considered comprehensive curriculum but are intended to provide guidance to school districts in the
development of an appropriate, comprehensive social studies curriculum.

Grading Policy:
All assignments will be graded based on a 0 - 8 point scale. Each point is assigned a specific value as
per school policy. Rubrics will be attached to all major assignments and assessments. Grades will be
weighted at 60% for assessments, 30% for classwork, and 10% for participation.

8 = 100%
7 = 90%
6 = 85%
5 = 80%
4 = 75%
3 = 70%
2 = 65%
1 = 60%
0 = 50%
NC (No Credit) = 25%
AD (Academic Dishonesty) = 25%
Late Work Policy:
“Johnson Junior High School has a school-wide standardized ‘Late Work’ policy. Late work is
work not turned in by a student present in class. Students will have seven (7) school days from
the original due date to turn in work for no less than 50% credit. After the seventh day, the work
will no longer be accepted for credit, and will be marked as ‘NC’ in the grade book which will be
equal to a grade of 25%.”
-School Administration

Blended Learning:
This is a blended classroom. Students are expected to use the internet to view, complete, and
turn in assignments in class via Edmodo/Google Classroom. Once students receive their
computers, they are expected to bring them to class daily fully charged. Please remind your
child that the computer provided to them by the school is for educational purposes only;
therefore, students should refrain from downloading material that is not school related or
approved by Clark County School District.

Materials:
Students are expected to have a Johnson planner, pens/pencils, a flash drive, ear-buds or
headphones, a notebook or section in a binder, and a folder to keep class papers organized.
The following are suggested materials: highlighters, glue sticks, colored pencils, markers, and a
pair of school scissors.

Progressive Discipline Plan:

Inappropriate behavior will be handled in the following manner:
● Verbal Warning
● One-on-One with teacher
● Classroom Consequence
● Parental Contact
● Counselor Referral
● Dean’s Referral
At times, certain behaviors/actions will require an immediate Dean’s Referral and Parental
Contact.

Teacher Contact Information:

Email:
Telephone: 702-799-4480, ex.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your child’s progress. If you email or leave a message, you
will receive a response within 2 school days, but I will do my best to contact you sooner.
Should you prefer a meeting, please contact the counselor’s office for an appointment.
 Course Expectations Contract

My parent/guardian and I have read and reviewed the course expectations.

Student Signature: ___________________________

Parent Signature: ____________________________

Parent/Guardian Contact Phone #: _____________________________

Parent/Guardian Contact Email: ________________________________

Parents/Guardians, please use the space below to provide me with any

additional information about your child that you think might be helpful as we
begin this school year. If you need to, please use the back of this form.
Thank you.
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