Welcome Back to School!

Calhoun Middle SchoolAn International Baccalaureate School

August 24, 2012

WE ARE COUGAR PROUD!

• Welcome to Humanities – Mrs. Smithers

• History ROCKS!!!

Presentation Contents

About meWhat is IB and the Middle Years Program? What we curriculum we cover this yearSupplies needed this yearPoliciesHow to contact me

About Me…My husband

CodyMy children

daughters, Madeline and Presley

Our petsdogs, Ray Ray, Jake, Star

B.S. Social Science Education from Florida State

What we cover in this class• Eight grade U.S. History is a study of

the United States through 1877. This course focuses on colonization, the American Revolution, the creating of a republic, the growth of our nation, and the Civil War.  

• Course instruction is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills combined with IB objectives. Social studies skills taught include critical reading and thinking, research, and analyzing maps and other primary sources. We will examine issues and topics related to the following themes: citizenship, culture, economics, government, geography, and science/technology. 

Classroom Supplies Needed This Year:

• Pens, & pencils• Paper • 3 ring 1- 2 inch hard cover

binder• Dividers• Notecards• COAT Binder Materials: Pencil

Bag, Clear Protector Sheets, Paper

• Students will not be issued a text book, if you would like your student to have a book at home they may check one out with Mr. Parker

My grading and Assessment• A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79,

F=0-69• Any grade below a 70 is

considered failing. If a student fails, or is in danger of failing, it is imperative that the student attends tutorials. Parents can track student progress by checking grades online as well as checking progress reports every 3rd week of the 6 weeks grading period.

• Assessments are crucial in identifying a student’s mastery of content. Therefore, the following methods will be used to evaluate progress: daily classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, projects/presentations, classroom discussions and participation, and group work. Students should expect to have homework.

Students grades are weighted. Class work is 60% , Tests and Projects are 40%

How to Contact Me…

• Email is the fastest way…..

– esmithers@dentonisd.org• Phone: 940-369-2394