Social Studies 7 Mrs. McCullough Welcome to seventh grade Social Studies! We will be studying many areas of History this year, including Medieval Europe and even Washington State History! The Common Core State Standards for History develop skills in reading, research, writing, and communication. E-mail is the best way to contact me! Class Materials Contacting Me Binder with specific S.S. section and college ruled paper Maywood Student Planner Zipper pouch or pencil case with pencils and pens McCulloughN@issaquah.wednet.edu (425) 837-6900 – Main School Line Student textbooks will remain in the classroom along with student workbooks. Online textbook access is available for home. mcculloughn.com – The class calendar and online textbook access will be posted here along with any other pertinent information. Responsibility 1. Electronic Devices You should arrive to class on time with your supplies. Be an active participant- this includes while in class and also by independently caring about, and checking on, your grades on Skyward. We do a lot of hands-on activities and explorations. Be the kind of person you’d want to work with. Be respectful and kind in words and actions. If you have a cell phone, it should stay in your pocket, your backpack, or in your locker during class time. Sometimes, cell phones will be used in class for activities, and specific permission will be given at that time. 2. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.“ -Marcus Garvey “History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.” –Alexis de Tocqueville Late Work and Absences Grade Distribution If you miss class for any reason, you need to check my class website for any missed assignments. If you know of an upcoming absence, please let me know well in advance so I can give you the make up work beforehand. I try not to give a lot of Social Studies homework as long as we use our time wisely in class. Projects/Tests/Quizzes* 90% Homework/In CLASS Activities 10% *Test retakes are available by showing me all completed work for the unit including the study guide. Retake dates will be posted on the class calendar as well as retake cutoff dates.

UNITS OF STUDY 1st Trimester -World Geography -European and Middle Eastern Geography -Medieval Europe -Decline of Feudalism -The Rise of Islam -The Crusades 2nd Trimester -West Africa: Early Societies and Trade Empires -Asian Philosophies -China and Silk Road -Samurai Culture -Research Skills 3rd Trimester -History and Geography of Washington -Washington Statehood -Washington Government and Economics Textbooks and Resources: History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond – published by TCI- Students have an online version of the textbook. The Washington Journey published by Gibbs Smith (online version available for students as well) CNN Student News- Created by a team of journalists who consider the Common Core State Standards, national standards across the curriculum, and state standards when producing the show. The show’s priority is to identify stories of international significance and then clearly describe why they’re making news, who is affected, and how the events fit into our complex, international society. The show maintains a neutral position on controversial topics and seeks to provide multiple viewpoints, clear illustrations, and general overviews instead of graphic descriptions. Guest Speakers- We already have one scheduled for Constitution Day on September 17th! Video Clips- if a movie is shown that is beyond a G rating, a permission slip will be sent home in advance.

Classroom Policy Signature: Please review the previous pages with your child, and contact me with any questions. Once the policies are clear to you, please sign below, and have your child return this page to class. You can keep the first two pages for reference. I have read the above information with my child, ___________________________ (student’s first and last name printed please), and we are aware of and understand Mrs. McCullough’s class policies. As a student in Mrs. McCullough’s class, I understand that my teacher wants to see me be successful and enjoy learning Social Studies. She will do many hands-on activities to make history come alive! I will do my part to be responsible, respectful, and positively contribute to the classroom community. PARENT PHONE NUMBER: ________________________________ I prefer to be contacted via EMAIL / PHONE (please circle one). Sign Here Student Signature: __________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________ PARENT EMAIL: ____________________________ Optional Parent Comment Section- We do not have time for individual conferences during Curriculum Night but I’d love hear more about your student. I will be following IEPs, 504s, health plans, etc. but this is just an opportunity to share further information. I am very approachable and will work hard with you and your child to help them have a successful time in class. Please feel free to email me or fill out the answers below (mcculloughn@issaquah.wednet.edu). My child’s strengths are: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My child struggles with: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I appreciate teachers who are: ____________________________________________________________________ Tools or ideas that have helped my child in the past are: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________