 We are here because want to learn and challenge ourselves.  We are here to get work done and earn the best grades we can.  We want to have fun. What we shall hold true:

 Be to class on time and in your seat  Have your homework done each night  Be respectful to others  Have necessary supplies for each day  Help out when you are asked to  Work hard and try your best at everything

Usually things go very smoothly in my class. I believe that communication is very important to maintain this stable atmosphere. If there is ever an issue you need to discuss with me ple ase do so. I will do the same.

 If Mr. Hurd rings a bell, claps his hands or raises his hand, then you should be quiet and get others around you to be quiet. Please, do not yell “shut up”, even if Mr. Hurd looks angry and fed-up. That will make him even more angry.  Cell phones and other electronics are only allowed out with permission and for a specific purpose. If your device is taken, it will be given back at the end of the period. If you argue that it shouldn’t be taken away, it will be taken away and put in the office.

 Everyone can have a “bad day” once and a while. Let Mr. Hurd know if your mood will affect your participation. However, don’t bring issues inside the classroom. Act as professionally and considerately as you can to others.  Don’t do work for other classes in this class. If you are done with work, read your AR book.  Don’t copy other student’s assignments. That means you don’t value the effort that went into the assignment.

 1 st violation: Warning-perhaps stepping outside for a time-out  2 nd violation: Conference with teacher, perhaps a call or home  3 rd violation: time out essay in another class, a call or home  If behavior warrants, students may be referred to the office at any time.

 Graded work bins  Turn in box  Class library  History textbooks  Paper vault  Supplies  Daily agenda  Homework calendar  Absent work bin  AR computers  Portfolios  No name bin

 Geography and Colonies (1 week) September 1-5  American Belief System (6 weeks) Sept 8-Oct 17  Westward Expansion (5 weeks) Oct 20-Nov 28  Westward Expansion Day  Leadership and the Presidency (5 weeks) Dec.1- Jan.16  Economics (4 weeks) Jan 19 to Feb 13  Age of Reform (1 week) Feb  Conflicts (7 weeks) February 23-April 10  Diversity and Prejudice (4 weeks) April 23-June  Multi-cultural/buffalo Day  Civil War Day

 Nightly homework is worth 10 points.  Long-term assignments and exams are usually worth 20 to 50 points, depending on how many nights the assignments last.  Exams (50 points) will be announced at least four days in advance.  Quizzes (10-20 points) may be given without warning.  Grades are a percentage of the points earned during the quarter. Progress reports for students receiving a C- or lower will be sent home at the mid-point of the quarter. If you would like more frequent updates, please me. A 90 – 100% B 80 – 89% C 70 – 79% D 60 – 69% F 0 – 59%

 Students are encouraged to keep all returned work in a folder in the class.  Should any discrepancy arise concerning a grade, the teacher’s grade book will be final unless the student can provide the assignment as proof. Simply go an get the work out of your portfolio.  Don’t insult Mr. Hurd when you think he has made a mistake or when you don’t like your grade. This won’t get the results you want.

 It is your responsibility to make up all missed work including tests. You may be shocked at their quarter grades if they have forgotten to make up absent work/test.  You should look up the school website too look up any work you have missed.  When you return to school you also need to check with me for class work. Use the bin!