Mrs. LaMothe-Toland

Verified credit course This course is required for all students. Students must successfully pass this class and the SOL exam at the end of the year to meet high school graduation requirements. Tests, quizzes and class work are used as assessments to gauge how well students grasp the information taught. These assessments must be true as possible therefore we typically do not: retest, re-do, repair or offer extra credit!

Late work policy for WHI Late work is due at the beginning of the next class. Penalty for late work is 30 points off assigned work. This only applies to homework. Class work that begins in class will be due next class- class work does not follow under the late work policy. Projects will be assigned its own rubric and discussed in class.

What is expected in a regular World History I class? Students are expected to show up to class on time. You will be marked tardy if you are not in your seat when the tardy bell rings. Students will be respectful towards the teacher and other students in the classroom. When the bell rings students are expected to be prepared to start class- binder open, pen in hand and ready to take notes. Students are presented the essential knowledge in a straight forward manner. These classes are highly structured. Information is repetitive. Memorization of essential knowledge is required. Tests and quizzes will reflect essential knowledge taught in class.

How do I know my child is ready for Honor classes? Can you answer yes to the following questions?

Is my child self motivated? Does my child come home and study without being told to do so? Does my child begin projects well before the due dates? Is my child’s notebook/binder organized? Does my child keep up with note taking in class? My child is not missing assignments when I check parent connection.

Weighted Grade Honors WHI is weighted an extra half grade. The expectation is to earn a high “C” or better in honor classes. At the four week point if students hold a low “C” or lower- they will be asked to meet with guidance counselors to evaluate their status in the honors class. It may be better to transfer to a regular class build the skills necessary to be successful in an honors class and later try the advanced classes.

Honors World History I Expectations Information will be presented in various ways-via power point, orally, required readings and/or class discussions. Students must be able to take notes without being told to do so. All information is testable- notes, readings, and class discussions. Students need to be self-motivated needing little direction- these classes tend to be large and it will be difficult to get individual attention. Students must be able to express themselves in class especially if they need help.

Honors World History I Expectations What separates honors from regular World History is the stress placed on critical thinking skills. For example: Students will complete a series of map tracings to gain a deeper understanding of how geography impacts the growth of civilizations and how the borders of these civilizations change over time. Students will be assigned essay questions for all tests and exams. Students will receive two separate test grades: one for the multiple choice section and for the essay portion. Students will complete weekly writing prompts in their journal which will be graded. Projects will be assigned quarterly to assess certain research skills.

Honors World History I Expectations There is the expectation that all work will be turned in (with very few exceptions) on time. Absolutely no disciplinary issues will be tolerated in honor classes. I simply point to the door and then call for security. Remember just because work is turned in does not imply a perfect grade- we expect proper use of grammar, correct spelling, and attention to details in all completed work. Simply answering the question is not enough- students must go beyond the question and provide the details. We are looking for students to demonstrate their knowledge.

Honors World History I Expectations We teach the essential skills that are necessary so that our students will continue to be successful in future History classes. We need your help to reinforce those skills.

We need your help… Daily preparation is essential to your child’s success. Students need to study minutes each class day. Ask your child questions about the class- do not be afraid to open their class binder and ask them questions- if they struggle- they need to review. Students who do not grasp the information easily should create flash cards and review nightly.

We need your help…. Parents need to monitor their child’s study habits at home. Please understand with large class sizes and seeing your child once every other day for 90 minutes you know better about the status of your child. Please make sure students are prepared for their classes- ask periodically if they have pens, pencils and paper. Do they have the right binders for today’s class- odd or even? You would be surprised how many pens and pencils teachers have to supply on a daily basis.

We need your help…. Please note- cell phones are a distraction in the class. Generally students are give a verbal warning the first time and then according to the student handbook they will be confiscated and turned into the appropriate administrator. Please note– Immodest clothing that detracts from the learning process or causes a disruption of the orderly function of the school shall not be worn. Students will be sent to the office for any infraction of the dress code.

World History I Mrs. Toland has a website that allows parents to track homework, quiz and test due dates. Simply visit the NRHS site, click on faculty websites then the appropriate teachers name. There is no excuse for not being prepared for class.

We need your help… By working as a team we can help build the skills necessary and prepare the graduating class of 2016 for higher learning – it begins now!

Supply list for World History I (WHI) A binder at least 1 ½ inches Loose leaf paper Pens/pencils Mrs. Toland also requires: Highlighter One subject notebook Honors only – tracing paper and a folder