Utah Studies: Class Policies and ProceduresOn this page you will find important information that will help you to be successful in Utah Studies. This course will broaden your know of Utah and its history, geography, geology, politics, economics and more! We will be together for the whole year and so it will be helpful for you to know my policies (rules) and procedures (how we do things) as we get started. This page will give you an overview of what we will be learning about this year and how grades are earned. Read it carefully! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please contact me after school or by email.
Ø Class Formula RESPECT + RESPONSIBILITY + EFFORT = SUCCESS Ø Class Expectations For Students 1. BE RESPECTFUL: I will be courteous to the teacher, classmates and visitors. 2. BE SAFE: I will not cause problems for others or myself that make anyone unsafe. 3. BE RESPONSIBLE: I will bring all the required supplies to class every day. I will own my choices. As a class, we will discuss what these expectations encompass and we will model them so that all students can know what is expected from them. If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me, “I’m not sure that’s fair,” and we will talk about it. Overview Trimester 1 - 1st term: Utah’s geography, geology, and early native peoples 2nd term: Utah’s modern American Indian tribes, explorers, mountain men, and early pioneers Trimester 2 - 3rd term: Pioneers in Utah 4th term: Utah’s struggle to gain statehood Trimester 3 - 5th term: Utah’s government and economy, Utah from 1896-1939 6th term: Utah in the Modern World, 1939-today All assignments, reading, and most activities as well as useful links can be found on our class website. I update this site regularly and believe it is a vital (very important) tool for students and parents. Come to class prepared! You can expect me to help you when you need it, be here before and after school to answer questions or to give you guidance on your work. You can expect to be treated with respect, that your assignments will be graded as soon as possible, and that I will always be ready for class, friendly and excited to teach you about our subject. We will learn about these topics in a variety of ways. I expect you to be prepared each day in class and to follow directions when they are given, to help others when it is appropriate, and to be responsible and respectful. Remember: Your attitude in class will determine how much fun you are having and how much you learn each day. Materials Being prepared for class each day is expected. This means that you should be sitting in your seat and working on the starter when the bell rings. Please use the restroom and drinking fountain before class begins. Being prepared for class also means bringing the following items every day:
Grading I do not give grades. Students earn their grades by completing the work that has been assigned in class. Most of the points will come from in class assignments and some homework. The remainder of the grade comes from class participation, quizzes, tests and term projects. All assignments are due the day after they are finished in class. Students who turn in their work, take an active role in class, and follow directions will be very successful. Please check my website often so there are no grading surprises at the end of the term. The main focus of report cards is student mastery of content standards. 4 Above Standard/Advanced 3 Standard/Proficient 2 In Progress/Basic 1 Needs Improvement/Minimal I = Missing or Incomplete work In accordance with school policy, the “D” grade has been eliminated from the grading scale. Letter grades and percentages are as follows: A 92.5-100% B 82.5-86.4% C 72.5-76.4% A- 89.5-92.4% B- 79.5-82.5% C- 69.5-72.4% B+ 86.5-89.5% C+ 76.5-79.4% F 69.4% or below The Life Skills (citizenship) grade is based on the school wide rubric that scores the following: Participation Courtesy/Respect Collaboration Work Ethic The main focus of citizenship is mastery of the characteristics listed above. H = Honors S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory Attendance Being in class is very important to your academic success and it is in your own best interest to be in class (and on time) every day. Naturally, students get sick sometimes, take family vacations or have emergencies that prevent them from being in class. When this occurs, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the work done in class on the days missed. It is also the student’s responsibility to make the work up within one week of the absence. If you know you are going to be absent, you may check the website to print the assignments so you can work on it while you are away. Work is expected to be handed in at the time it is due. Turning in assignments on time will help you be successful in class. Typically, students will have enough time in class to complete homework and assignments, but any incomplete activities become homework at the end of class. Students are expected to develop good organizational habits and all work should be turned on the date it is due. I do not subtract points for work turned in late. Turn in assignments as soon as they are complete. I would like to caution you because one might feel that if points are not deducted for being late, it is okay to not complete assignments when they are due. Continually turning late assignments will affect your citizenship score, and it is easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged when you have lots of incomplete and missing assignments. Too many late assignments can easily turn into a failing grade! Come and get help after school, during PEAK, or at home if you are having trouble staying on track. If you miss a test, you are expected to come in during PEAK or after school within one week to make up that exam. A folder will be provided in class for students to keep current activities, archive past work and for use during parent/teacher conferences. Extra Credit is not accepted in this class because it doesn't show a students proficiency for a particular standard. Extending your learning, however, is highly encouraged because you will understand the things were are learning in Utah Studies better with more background knowledge. Grades will be updated frequently. Parents and students can check grades through Aspire at any time and encouraged to do so often! Textbooks I have a limited number of textbooks and try very hard to keep them in good condition. The textbook is available on Canvas for students to use at home. They can access it with their school computer login information. There are also a few copies of the textbook that can be checked out for 3-5 days, but they cannot be checked out for an entire trimester or year. Only students without regular access to the internet can check out these books. Please come see me after school if you need to check one out. Electronics If a parent needs to contact a student, they can call the main office to get a message to that student. Electronics can only be used in class for academic purposes with the teacher’s expressed permission. Students who use electronics in class without permission:
In conclusion, we have a lot to do and I have every reason to believe this will be a great year! I am excited to be your guide through Utah’s exciting past. I hope this information has helped answer some of your questions about the class. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me before or after school, or e-mail me. I look forward to getting to know you, having fun, and learning a lot!!! Sincerely, Nancy Thatcher |
EMAIL ADDRESSTELEPHONE NUMBER435-755-2370
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