1. Mr. Stefka TEXAS HISTORY ROOM: 220
Welcome Parents
Mr. Stefka
TEXAS HISTORY
ROOM: 220
These slides are on my website…feel no pressure to hurry and write down all this information

2. Why do I teach Texas History?
I’m a 5th generation Texan from Czech immigrant farmers
The Texas oil boom allowed the first person of my family to go to college
My grandfather graduated from UT in the 1940’s
My Texas History teacher, who was also my coach, inspired me to teach and coach. I had never tried to make an “A” in a class as hard as his
I’m a proud Texan, it’s a pure joy to teach kids why we should be proud of the state we live in.

3. Email: james.stefka@austinisd.org Direct classroom line: 512-414-1402
Contact Information
Direct classroom line:

4. What your child needs for class
Every student needs to be prepared for class with the following:
9X11 or 8.5x11 spiral notebook Pencil
Scissors
Colored pencils
Glue Stick
Planner

5. Conference Periods
1st period
8:25-9:35

6. Tutoring Times Any day after school from 3:40-4:10
In my room Room: 220
Students need to notify me ahead of time

7. Grading Policy Test and Projects 40% Daily Assignments 30% Quizzes 30%
Retakes
Maximum grade of 70 on any assignment

8. Late Work 15 points off every day it is late
-NEW POLICY AT MURCHSION (turn it in before the end of 6 weeks)
Absent?
Students will have 1 day for each day they are absent to make up work that was missed
Check the website for homework that might have been assigned

9. Things for your child to look forward to this year
Cattle Drive project
Students will choose their own cattle drive trail, keep a trail journal, simulate buying and selling cattle for potential profit, and even make wanted signs for cattle stealing bandits
Road Trip Around Texas
Students choose places they’d like to go on a road trip with their friends. Along the way, they will take pictures of the places they went showing the geography of Texas

10. Things for your child to look forward to this year
Gone to Texas
Early settlers came to Texas lured by high quality cheap land. Students will receive acreage and choose how they want to utilize their land to make money. Different scenarios ,that are historically accurate, will show how early settlers in Texas thrived or failed.
And much more…

11. TEXAS HISTORY Geography of Texas Native Americans
European Exploration of Texas
Mexican Revolution
Texas Revolution
Republic of Texas
Texas Joins the United States
Texas in the Civil War
Reconstruction Period
Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads
Texas Oil Boom
Texas during the Great Depression
Texas Government
Current Events

12. DAILY THINGS TO DO Check the website Look at their planner/agenda
Talk to them about things they are learning
Check grades