SDC US History and Geography: Post-Reconstruction to the Present

Ms. Lilith Gunn

Welcome to US History. My name is Ms. Gunn. In this class, our/your goal will be to use critical thinking skills when completing assignments. Furthermore, in this course, we will be covering state aligned standards that will correlate to events from the Reconstruction Era forward. The goal of this class is to broaden your thoughts and ideas on the history of the United States, and to help students develop analytical thinking skills. Additionally, students will use their abilities for historical and geographical exploration as they examine U.S. history after Reconstruction and throughout all other Eras of our nation’s history.

Class Participation: All students should come to class prepared to be active learners to ensure that they gain the most out of classroom instruction. Students are required to take notes during class, follow all classroom guidelines, and in general, contribute positively to the class. It is essential that students put forth their best effort on all assignments. All work submitted for a grade must be the sole work of the student except when students collaborate with partners. Cheating, plagiarism, and artificial intelligence are not acceptable in Ms. Gunn’s classes. If cheating, plagiarism, or/and artificial intelligence is suspected, the student will receive an administrative referral.

Students are required to attend class daily to keep up with the assignments and benefit from the planned instruction. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to talk/see Ms. Gunn about your missed assignments. A zero will be given for all assignments that are not made up within the number of days allowed for your absence (see the student handbook).

Course Work: You will be responsible for completing your assignments and studying for your tests. Tests will cover notes in class, daily assignments, terms, homework, quizzes, and reading material. We will do research assignments or projects (plural) during the semester depending on time availability. Students must complete reading and writing assignments in Ms. Gunn’s SDC US History classes.

Assignment Sheets: Students are to turn in their weekly assignments on the day specified by Ms. Gunn. Each student will attach their completed work to their assignment sheet and place it in the appointed container located on Ms. Gunn’s desk.

Extra Credit: Questions and assignments will be available for bonus points on a regular basis (must be pre-approved by the teacher).

Required Materials: Students must provide the following for their use in U.S. History—a highlighter, notebook/binder/folder, loose-leaf lined paper, and pencils/pens (no neon yellow or green). For hands-on assignments, the teacher has the needed materials. However, some students may prefer to bring their own-colored pencils which is all right, but not required.

Resources: Textbooks, Videos, Primary sources, Library books, Chromebooks, Internet, Various Websites, Google Classroom, hands-on activities, and other resources may be added as needed.

Grades: Grading will occur on a variety of assignments, including writing, class participation, discussion responses, hands-on assignments/activities, homework, group work, tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, daily assignments, and more. Extra credit assignments will be available throughout the semester and must be turned in at the appropriate time.

Grading Scale: This is a State Dual Credit Class (SDC). Students will have an additional four points added to their grade.

A=90-104
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=0-59

Announcements and Hall Passes: Students are to remain quiet during the process of taking attendance and during announcements. Students are to remain in the classroom during instructional time except when a student has been given permission to leave class. The student must have a with a written pass initialized by the teacher. Issues such as getting materials from a locker, talking to another teacher, giving something to a friend etc., must be taken care of before or after class.

Classroom Environment: Learning takes place when students feel comfortable in a positive classroom environment. To achieve a comfortable and positive classroom environment, all students must demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior. Students will work together in Ms. Gunn’s classes to create a Social Contract (an agreement of behavior) for their class. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom contributes negatively to the classroom environment and will be subject to the appropriate consequences. In addition, Students are to always abide by the district Code of Conduct. In Ms. Gunn’s classroom, students must consider the following, is their behavior is acceptable or unacceptable? Would their behavior be considered above the line (positive) or below the line (negative)? To have a safe and comfortable learning environment, Ms. Gunn reserves the right to add or change her classroom rules when deemed necessary.

Classroom Technology Policy: Cellphones and other handheld devices are to be placed in the cellphone holder hanging on the wall (beside the teacher’s desk) or in their bookbags, placed on silent, and located at the front of the room. If the phone is not in the cellphone holder, it must be taken out and placed on the teacher’s desk when the student goes to the restroom. If the teacher sees the student’s phone out during class, the phone will be taken up and be turned into the office. In addition, no Air Pods, earbuds, or headphones are to be worn or used during class (without the teacher’s permission).

Use of Chromebooks in Class: The teacher will unlock the Chromebook cart on days when Chromebooks are going to be used during class. Students may use a Chromebook (assigned number) during class when applicable. Students are responsible for any damage to their assigned Chromebook. When returning their assigned Chromebook, they are to place it in its correct slot and plug it up to the nearest adaptor cord.

Ending Class: Students are to do the following before the end of class: clean up around their desks (A MUST), remain seated until the bell rings. Students are to drop their trash in the nearest trash can as they exit class.

Henry County High School

Ms. Lilith Gunn

US History SDC, 11th Grade

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Syllabus/Major learning

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