Transcript Letter to Parents and Students 2015 to 16 - Julia Christmon

Seventh Grade Social Studies
East Middle School
2015 - 2016
Mrs. J. Christmon, B.S., M.S.
Voicemail: (248) 426-2808
Email: [email protected]
Class website: East Middle School Wiki
Dear parents and students,
It is with great pleasure to welcome you and your child to my classroom and to 7 th grade
History class.
Coursework and Expectations:
The seventh grade social studies curriculum focuses on early world history and geography with a
deliberate focus on the content literacy. Students begin their exploration into world history with a
focus on historical thinking. By unpacking historical and geographic thinking, students learn how
these disciplines are distinct in how they ask questions and frame problems to organize and drive
inquiry. Students learn that historians must have some evidence to support the claims they make
in their accounts. They investigate how these social scientists select, analyze, and organize
evidence, and then use that evidence to create accounts that answer questions or problems.
By introducing students to the “invisible” tools that historians use to create historical accounts –
significance, social institutions, temporal frames (time), and spatial scales (space) – the course
deepens students’ historical habits of mind and builds students’ social and content literacy.
In this grade, students investigate human history as they explore major and significant changes
in each era through a chronological organization. Students learn about the earliest humans and
explore early migration and settlement patterns.
In studying the origins of farming and its impact upon emerging human cultures, students analyze
evidence from the fields of archaeology and anthropology, and employ a wide range of data
sources including artifacts, photographs, and geographic information. Students examine how the
emergence of pastoral and agrarian societies set the stage for the development of powerful
empires, trade networks, and the diffusion of people, resources, and ideas.
Students also examine the development of belief systems (world religions) in their historical context.
These new belief systems had distinctive beliefs, texts, and rituals. Each shaped cultures by
developing ethical practices and establishing codes within which diverse people were able to
communicate and interact, often well beyond their local neighborhood. In doing so, students
consider why some belief systems grew into world religions.
The course concludes with students analyzing global patterns of continuity and change over time,
and using evidence to construct historical arguments about the past.
It is recommended that students organize their class materials in a binder, folder, or a
Notebook and use a composition notebook each day in class. Students are to bring and
write their own materials and assignments in their planner everyday. Many students find it
very useful to have their own set of colored pencils, erasable pens, pencils, and highlighters.
A more specific recommended list of supplies is attached.
Grading and Grades: Class behavior and participation will be reflected in citizenship.
Points will be given for tests, quizzes, class participation, homework and projects. Points earned
will be divided by the total possible and this percentage will determine the grade.
Classroom Rules: Classroom rules are based on common courtesy. Our focus is to “Be a Titan:”
Be Kind
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be your Best
Homework and Homework Passes: All assignments are to be turned in on
time. Late assignments will be accepted for 20% deducted from the total points. Late assignments will be accepted during the current learning topic that reflects the late assignment.
Once the current learning topic has ended, the late assignment will not be accepted.
Absences/Make-Up Work: It is the student's responsibility to check the Absent Folder located in
Room 207 for assignments they missed due to an absence. Students will find an assignments
for each day they are absent. Once the student has been given a hard copy assignment, it is
the student’s responsibility to print from the teacher’s website any misplaced worksheet and/
Assignment.
Classroom Website and MISTAR Parent Portal: The classroom website is designed to keep
parents and students informed of daily class work and homework. Under each trimester/unit
you will find downloadable handouts, in the event it does not arrive home. Another helpful
tool is MISTAR Parent Portal. This resource will help you keep tack of grades, attendance,
Please note, NHI means the student has not handed in a teacher requested assignment,
handout, project, quiz, or test.
The success of each student is a team effort, with student, teacher and parents working
together! If you have questions or concerns related to your child’s education or behavior,
Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please note: If you email me during classroom instruction, I will be, most likely,
unable to respond. I will reply to emails during my planning time, after school, or the next
day. Teachers are often in meetings or planning for the next school day, event, or activity.
I am looking forward to an enriching and successful year with you!
Recommended Supply List:
Loose-Leaf Paper
Notebook
2 Composition Notebooks
Pencil Case
Pencil Sharpener
Erasable pen
Pencils (#2)
Highlighters (several)
Index cards
Colored Pencils
A box of tissue
Respectfully,
Mrs. J. Christmon
East Middle School
26 years and counting!