Joshua David Hall
7th & 8th Grade History
Afterschool Hours: Everyday until 3:30 or by appointment
Contact Email: jhall@leepublicschools.net
Contact Phone: 413-243-2780 x2126

The 7th grade Ancient History
curriculum is set up to give the students an introduction to the origins of history. This program compliments the second half of the curriculum that will be taught in High School. The curriculum is also arranged in order to help the students prepare for the written portion of the ELA MCAS test.

The 8th grade United States History
curriculum is set up to give the students an introduction to United States history thru the Civil War. This program compliments the second half of the curriculum that will be taught in High School. The curriculum is also arranged in order to help the students prepare for the written portion of the ELA MCAS test.

Throughout the year each student will be asked to complete the following tasks:

Keep a notebook
Keep a folder of all handouts
Create analytical and critical essays based on primary document based questions
Read and analyze primary source documents
Read, analyze and create historical maps
Draw on modern history and explain how it connects with the “larger picture”

Class expectation:
You are expected to be in class every day that there is school. You are expected to be on time and prepared for class. How much effort you put into class is how much you will get out of it. If you put as little effort into work as you can, your grade will reflect that lack of effort. If you give it all you have got, then you will do well.

I have the utmost respect for you as my students and as such, I expect you to return the same. You are all unique individuals with great potential and a lot to offer to this class.

Absence:
My policy follows that of LEE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL. If you are unfamiliar, consult your student handbook.

Class participation:
Each day I look at your class participation. You are expected to POSITIVLY participate in class. This can mean answering questions when asked, reading when asked, or simply sitting there quietly, listening intently. Negative participation is severely frowned upon. (See “After School”)

Homework:
When homework is assigned it is expected to be handed in the next day, unless noted by the teacher otherwise. I expect homework to be done in either black or blue ink, or typed in size 12 font (Times New Roman), double spaced if your handwriting is illegible. I expect to be able to read your work. If you know that you have bad handwriting, please type your work. Homework assignments may include research, art projects, examining the stock market, reading, or creating information based on class discussions.

Homework grading is as follows:

4- complete assignment with correct answers, handed in on time.
3- complete assignment with minimal mistakes, handed in on time.
2- complete assignment with numerous mistakes, or
assignments handed in late (after homework is collected)
1- complete assignment with little effort seen to answer questions.
0- assignments not turned in.

Tests:
Tests will be given at the end of each section. Review sheets will be handed out a few days in advance. The test will cover multiple areas. You may be presented with an essay question, a section of multiple choice questions, people identification, as well as a section covering vocabulary. When applicable, there may be a section on map identification as well.

Legitimate reasons for not having work done:
A serious family emergency, a death in the immediate family, the end of the world.

The worst possible reasons for not doing your homework:
I had a game, my dog ate it, my little sister/brother ate it, my house got blown away by a freak tornado, it spontaneously combusted…..but the worst reason that will NEVER BE ACCEPTED>>>>>>> I had to work! Your priority should be your schooling.

Grading: My grading policy is very clear:

50% of your grade comes from tests and projects.
25% of your grade comes from homework.
25% of your grade comes from class participation and quizzes.
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100% total