3. hammonss@wlwv.k12.or.us 503-673-7400 1
Mrs. Hammons-Smiley’s Social Studies Athey Creek Middle School
Social Studies
“The golden way is to be friends with the world and to regard the whole human family as one.”  --Mahatma Gandhi
Class Policies
1. Listen to and follow instructions carefully.
2. The only beverage allowed on our new carpets is water; if you forget, you may be asked to dump others out.
3. Cell phones should be silenced and hidden, unless I’ve granted permission for their use in reading, research, or writing support.
4. Please restrict snacks to healthy options; if gum is abused, it will be outlawed.
Class Expectations
Be in your seat at the time class is scheduled to begin.
Put our standard heading on all papers.
Use restroom during passing breaks, and the sign out board during class.
Bring all of your supplies to class daily.
Complete all of your work and turn it in on time.
Ask for help when you need it.
All ACMS rules and policies shall be observed within the classroom.
Course Description
Welcome to 7th Social Studies! Our curriculum builds on the previous year’s focus on ancient civilizations. We study communities across several continents, specifically in the years 500BCE to 1500BCE. This year, we study with the lenses of social sciences: Geography, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, History, Economics, Government and Politics. In an increasingly globalized world, the more contact we can have with diverse views and cultures, the better able we will be to support our communities and the world.
Your appropriate behavior in class assures everyone of an environment conducive to learning.
Where do I go to find agendas and assignments?
Blog: My class website is located under the “Academics” tab on the ACMS home page, under “7th Grade.” I update this daily with our agenda, upcoming deadlines, and any digital handout copies. Please check the site regularly, especially if you’ve been absent.
Google Classroom is where many class assignments, discussions, and projects will be posted and turned in.
What do I do if I am absent?
Always check the class blog for agendas, handouts, and assignment due dates. You have an extra to turn in any work assigned on a day you were absent. If we had a quiz or test while you were absent, you have a week to schedule its makeup. If previously assigned work was due on the day of the absence, the work is due on the first day you return, otherwise it is considered late.

4. hammonss@wlwv.k12.or.us 503-673-7400 2
Mrs. Hammons-Smiley’s Social Studies Athey Creek Middle School
How will I check my grade in class?
Grades
I use EasyGrade Pro, which means you need to click on the “Progress” link in FamilyLink to see your grade and any missing assignments. When entered, grades are updated within 24 hours.
We live in a grade-based system, and I hope students will view grades as a conversation-starter about their progress in my class. I only allow revision on summative assignments, and that is for students who have not met the minimum requirements to attempt to show progress. In grading terms, that means revisions can improve a grade up to a 70%. I hope this will encourage students to do their best work the first time around!
What kind of work will I do this year?
In 7th grade, we continue to hone our communication skills. Research, analysis and evaluation of sources are a critical part of Social Studies. We read, we write, we speak, and we listen. In many ways, this class dovetails with Language Arts. Each unit contains specific learning targets, which are assessed in a variety of ways—sometimes through group projects, and sometimes through independent work.
What are we studying this year?
We will investigate the following regions and civilizations using our social sciences lenses:
The Middle East
Rome
Greece
Sub-Saharan Africa
China
Japan
Europe in the Middle Ages
Grade Breakdown
Summative Assignments = 80%
(tests, final papers, projects)
Formative Assignments = 5%
(drafts, classwork, practice)
Performance = 15%
(speeches & quizzes )
Please Read the course information, sign, and return this sheet to Mrs. Hammons-Smiley
Supplies
Students:
Please sign below to signify that you have read the course sheet for Mrs. Hammons-Smiley’s class, will keep it in your binder, and will be responsible for the information throughout the year.
_________________________ ____________________________
Student printed name Student signature
Parents/Guardians:
Please sign below to indicate that you have read the course sheet for Mrs. Hammons-Smiley’s class and that you will help your student be accountable for the information. If you have questions about the course or your student’s work, please do not hesitate to contact me; is the best way to reach me quickly. 
___________________________ ____________________________
Parent/Guardian printed name Parent/Guardian signature
Choice book for independent reading
Lined paper
Dividers or separate course binders
Pens and pencils
4 highlighters (different colors)
A notebook for notes and journaling
A positive attitude and sense of humor!

5. Mrs. *****’s Class School 2016-2017 School Year
Check all the statements that apply to how you would like to communicate with Mrs. ***** about your student’s progress. I will, of course, call for major concerns or accomplishments, but with approximately 130 students, I like to know how you’d prefer to communicate.
_____ I/We have internet access at home, so we will check Parent Portal at least twice per week to check on my/our student’s progress. I/We will contact Mrs. ***** about any concerns we have.
_____ I/We plan to Mrs. ***** weekly or monthly for an update.
_____ I/We do not have internet access at home, but I/we would like to have regular contact with Mrs. *****. I/we will call for an update on a regular basis.
_____ Other: _______________________________________________________________________________
phone & ext