1. Welcome Back to School! Calhoun Middle School An International Baccalaureate School August 24, 2012

2. WE ARE COUGAR PROUD! Welcome to Humanities – Mrs. Smithers History ROCKS!!!

3. Presentation Contents About me What is IB and the Middle Years Program? What we curriculum we cover this year Supplies needed this year Policies How to contact me

4. About Me… My husband Cody My children daughters, Madeline and Presley Our pets dogs, Ray Ray, Jake, Star B.S. Social Science Education from Florida State

6. What we cover in this class Eight grade U.S. History is a study of the United States through 1877. This course focuses on colonization, the American Revolution, the creating of a republic, the growth of our nation, and the Civil War. Course instruction is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills combined with IB objectives. Social studies skills taught include critical reading and thinking, research, and analyzing maps and other primary sources. We will examine issues and topics related to the following themes: citizenship, culture, economics, government, geography, and science/technology.

7. Classroom Supplies Needed This Year: Pens, & pencils Paper 3 ring 1- 2 inch hard cover binder Dividers Notecards COAT Binder Materials: Pencil Bag, Clear Protector Sheets, Paper Students will not be issued a text book, if you would like your student to have a book at home they may check one out with Mr. Parker

8. My grading and Assessment A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, F=0-69 Any grade below a 70 is considered failing. If a student fails, or is in danger of failing, it is imperative that the student attends tutorials. Parents can track student progress by checking grades online as well as checking progress reports every 3 rd week of the 6 weeks grading period. Assessments are crucial in identifying a student’s mastery of content. Therefore, the following methods will be used to evaluate progress: daily classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, projects/presentations, classroom discussions and participation, and group work. Students should expect to have homework. Students grades are weighted. Class work is 60%, Tests and Projects are 40%

9. How to Contact Me… Email is the fastest way….. –esmithers@dentonisd.org Phone: 940-369-2394