• Dear Parents and Students:

    Welcome to Mr. Manning’s 8th grade Social Studies class at Cooley Middle School..  I hope you had an enjoyable summer, and I look forward to teaching you in class this year.  Please read the following information and sign and return (only the attached sheet by Monday  August 5th, 2019).  The remainder of the packet is for you to keep.

    What Material Will This Course Cover?

    This course is designed to focus on the examination of historical events and people, significant themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points throughout United States History and the World.  Students will work to make present day connections to past events in order to help them understand the importance of the past, what can be learned in the present, and what can be changed for the future.  Students will tap into the tools of historical research by using primary and secondary sources to be able to frame analytical questions, evaluate historical materials, create debates, and support their views or arguments with evidence.  These primary and secondary  sources  will consist of but are not limited to diaries, letters, interviews, oral histories, photographs,  newspaper articles, government documents, poems, music  textbooks, worksheets, historical videos, CNN 10 (Student News),  and movies.  Students will also be prepared to take the Civics Exam after the December holiday season.  Content covered in this course  will consist of but are not limited to the Colonies, American Revolution, the Constitution, Civics, World War II, The Cold War, The Civil Rights Movement,  the United States in global affairs, and Economics.   

    What Supplies Will I Need To Be Successful In Social Studies?

    • Pens (Black, Blue, & Red)
    • Pencils & Erasers
    • 3 Ring Binder (with dividers)
    • Loose leaf paper
    • Colored Pencils
    • Highlighters (Pink, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Green)
    • Post it Notes

    How Will I Earn My Grade?

    The grading scale for the class will be the standard scale of 90-100%(A), 80-89%(B), 70-79%(C), 60-69%(D), 50% and lower(F). The grades will be weighted by the following categories:

    • 75% Assessments (DBQ’s, Unit Assessments, Final Assessments), 
    • 15% Common Assessments/Projects
    • 10% Classwork

    *** Students will have quarterly DBQ Assessments***

    Absences/Makeup/Retakes:  Students will receive an automatic 0 in their gradebook until work is made up.  Students will have 2 weeks to makeup or retake work/assessments from the date their first grade was entered into the gradebook. 

     ***Students will have only 2 oppurtunites to retake assessments and all classwork in relation to the assessment must be made up prior to taking the assessment.****

    What Are The Rules For The Classroom?

    All the classroom rules stated in the student handbook will be firmly and fairly enforced. 

    PLEASE REVIEW THE COOLEY PYRAMID OF EXPECTATIONS:  The pyramid of expectations will be STRICTLY ENFORCED throughout the CMS campus to promote a high quality learning environment.

    Mr. Manning’s classroom rules and consequences are as follows: 

    Trustworthiness

    Be honest-don’t cheat or steal

    Respect

    Be on time and prepared for class

    Follow directions

    Fairness

    Accept rules and consequences

    Everyone’s opinion matters

    Citizenship

    Keep classroom and campus clean

    No food, gum, or drink in the classroom

    Caring

    Be helpful-do your share

    Show concern for others

    Consequences

    1. Verbal warning-classroom consequence (Documented)
    2. Lunch Detention-parent contact (Documented)
    3. Disciplinary referral to the principal/assistant principal (Documented)

    How Can I Contact The Teacher?

    If you ever have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me *via email is the preferred method* christopher.manning@husd.org or (480) 279-7000.  My office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-430pm (email to schedule appointments).  I will also be sending out bi-weekly announcements in regards to important class information on a bi-weekly basis through the Canvas Class page.  Important due dates for assessments, projects, and class work will be posted on the Canvas Class page as well.

    ***Wish List (Not Required, but very helpful and appreciated.)***

    • Highlighters (varied colors)
    • Dry Erase Markers
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Kleenex
    • Rulers
    • Clorox Wipes
    • Colored Pencils

    Historical Videos & Films will consist of but are not limited to the following:

    • CNN Student News
    • America: The Story of Us
    • Discovery News
    • www.hsp.org (History)
    • Crash Course
    • Vietnam in HD (previewed & edited)
    • 13 Days
    • Remember the Titans
    • Short youtube clips (school & class appropriate)
    • A More Perfect Union
    • Keyhole to History
    • Open & Operating (The Federal Reserve Responds to September 11th)

    Printed Student Name:__________________________________________

    Signed Student Name:__________________________________________Date:_________  

    Printed Parent/Legal GuardianName:________________________________________________

    Signed Parent/Legal GuardianName: 

    ________________________________________________________________Date:_________ :