Syllabus

7th Grade History

Mr. Dan Solecki, Teacher

Email: DSolecki@plano88.org

Phone #:  552-3608 (school number)

Web Page: http://www.quia.com/pages/soleckiushistory.html

 

 

Course Topics

7th grade History covers a lot of material.  Students will cover many topics from early American history, all of which have shaped the United States into the country it is today.

                                                                                                   

Homework and Grading

Students will take part in a variety of activities in this course.  Homework and other assessments will consist of reading, responses to textbook questions, worksheets, projects (both individual and group), and other in-class and out-of-class interactive activities.  Tests, quizzes, and other major projects will also be figured into studentsÕ overall grades.  Every assignment that students do will be assigned point values, and points will accumulate throughout the quarter.  In short, the more points a student earns, the better his or her grade will be.  The grading scale will be as follows:

                              90-100 = A

80-89   = B

70-79   = C

60-69     = D

       59-lower   = F

All assignments are expected to be completed and ready to be graded by the beginning of each class period when they are due.  Late work will be penalized by taking 15% off of the studentÕs earned grade.  Late work that is not completed by the end of the unit being covered will not be accepted.  Students with excused absences will be allowed one day per day absent to make up assignments without being penalized.  Cheating, plagiarism, and copying of othersÕ work will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment and referral to the office.

PLEASE DO HOMEWORK AND TURN IT IN ON TIME!!!!

 

Extra Credit

Occasionally I will offer homework passes, extra credit assignments, and opportunities to earn bonus points.  Students are encouraged to earn bonus points in order to help boost assignment and/or test grades when needed.

 

Rules and Expectations

In addition to all of the rules stated in the Plano Middle School Handbook, students are expected to follow these five key rules:

  1. Bring all needed materials to class everyday.  These will ALWAYS include                   the following:  folder, notebook, agenda, social studies textbook, and a pencil or pen (black or blue ink only).  Only passes written in a studentÕs agenda will be granted, and if a student is not prepared for class then he or she will receive a tardy or a strike.

 

  1. Be in your seat, silent, and ready to work when the bell rings to start class.  Every class will begin with some sort of starting activity.  Students are expected to begin working on the activity as soon as they enter the classroom, and they have approximately 3-5 minutes to complete it.
  2. Be respectful of yourself and others.  My classroom is a putdown free zone, and bullying or harassment will not be tolerated!  Students are expected to be courteous and quiet while others, including the teacher, are talking.  Students are also expected to keep their hands to themselves and off of other people and other peopleÕs property.  Oh, and please do not destroy my textbooks!
  3. Raise your hand, and wait to be called on, when you have a question or response.
  4. Turn in assignments on time!!!  See the ÒHomework and GradingÓ section for more information on this rule.  Also, make sure your name (first/last) is on your paper.

 

Consequences for Misbehavior

Misbehavior and failure to follow classroom and school rules will result in penalties.  I use a Ò2 Strikes and YouÕre Out!Ó system.  A Student will receive a warning (Strike One) for the first violation.  If negative behavior continues, the student will receive a detention.  Length of the detention will be based on how many detentions the student has had for my class throughout the school year (1st offense = lunch detention, 2nd offense = 45 minutes after school, 3rd offense = 1 hour after school, any more offenses = referral to office).  More serious misbehavior, such as fighting or insubordination, will result in an immediate office referral and proper action in accordance to the school handbook.

 

And FinallyÉ

Please visit my school webpage either by typing in the web address at the top of this page or by going to the school website, clicking on ÒTeacher PagesÓ, and then clicking on ÒMr. SoleckiÓ.

 

Let me take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck this school year.  You are all bright students who are capable of accomplishing great feats, and you should not settle for anything less than your best.  I am proud to be teaching all of you, and if I can help you succeed in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.  Enjoy your year!

 

For parents, I want to communicate with you as much as possible.  Your childÕs success is very important to me, and I will do everything within my power to ensure that your child has a very positive, educational experience in my class and at Plano Middle School.  If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

 

Dan Solecki

 

7th Grade History

________________________________________________________________________

(Please detach and return by _____________[date] for a free homework pass)

 

I have read and understand the rules and policies of Mr. SoleckiÕs class.

 

_____________Student Name (print)              _____________ Parent Signature _______ Date