American History I: Founding Principles

Course Expectations and Syllabus

Ms. Sims" msims2@wcpss.net
Msimah1.weebly.com
2014"2015

What is American History I?
This course represents a social, political, and economic survey of America beginning before the
arrival of Columbus and continuing to 1877. Units of study include sectionalism, westward
expansions, urban development, and the formation of our democratic system. The forces shaping
American thinking and society will be a focus. Other topics will feature changes in attitudes
toward race, ethnicity, women, and family issues in the context of the dynamic American landscape.






What are the Rules?
1" Be prepared; dont be late.
2" Respect: each other, me, and
yourself.
3" Dont act like a crazy person.
How does grading work?
For each 9 weeks:
Tests/Projects: 50#
Quizzes: 30#
Classwork: 20#

For the course:
1
2
Final State Exam: 20#

*At Garner Magnet High School, we are committed to
maintain rigorous performance and achievement
standards for all students and ti provide fair and
consistent process for evaluating and reporting student
progress that is understandable to students and their
parents and relevant for instructional purposes. The
schools Grading Plan can be found on our school website
at www.garnerhs.wcpss.net
What do I need for class?
1" A 3"ring binder. I would suggest 1 inch,
but you may use a binder from another
class as long as there is a section for
American I.
2" Paper
3" Something to write with $please write
in a color I can read%
4" A folder with the 3 brads on the inside
Unit One: Colonial America through the Revolution
Unit Two: Confederation, Constitution, and Compromise
Unit Three: Rise and Fall of the Federalist
Unit Four: Nationalism, Sectionalism, and Expansion
Unit Five: Civil Crisis and Civil War
Unit Six: Reconstruction, Redemption, Growth, and Reflection

What does an average day look like in class?
"First 5 minutes of class
"get out your homework $if you had it% and turn it before the bell rings in your class tray $see
late work policy for more information%.
"get out your warm"up sheet, given out on Mondays, get started on the warm"up on
the board

"During lecture/ note taking time
"students are to follow along with notes and handouts
"students are to be attentive and not interrupting during this time $see cell phone policy for
more information%

"During group work & individual work
"Students are to work at the task at hand
"Students are to do their assigned part and contribute to the group

"Nearing the end of the class period
"Students are to not pack up or get up from their seat until the bell rings
"Students will not line up at my door

What happens if Im absent?
"upon your return please go to the absent folder $under the clock% and get the work you
missed, the worksheets will have your name on them
"copy any missed notes from a neighbor
"reschedule any missed tests or quizzes with Mrs. Sims within 5 school days of the day the
test/quiz was given
"warm"up do not need to be made"up just write absent in the square
"per WCPSS policy you have 2 school days per absent to turn in any missed work
"This does not include assignment you knew about before your absence. They should
be turned in the day you return to class

How do you feel about cell phones?
If Im honest, I hate them and I think they suck out your brain. If I see it, it will sit on my desk for
the remainder of the class period. If you plug it into my wall, I see it and it will go on my desk.

What happens if Im late?
"come in quietly and get to work immediately
"get the warm"up question from your neighbor as you are responsible for it
"if you bring me a note from another teacher to excuse your tardy they need to write why
they held you after, and I reserve the right to override their note




"tardy #3" 10 min before school, during your lunch, or after school with Ms. Sims
"tardy #4"6" 20 min before school, during your lunch, or after school with Ms. Sims
"tardy # 7"10" 40 min before school, during your lunch, or after school with Ms. Sims
Do you accept late work?
Yes, but at a deduction. You will receive 60# of the earned grade.

Last day to turn in late"work:
1st Quarter: October 17th
2nd Quarter: January 5th
3rd Quarter: March 9th
4th Quarter: May 26th

How do you feel about plagiarism?
It is a big deal. It could get you expelled in college. Here is how I deal with it, because I know it
happens a lot of high school.
"Per WCPSS policy you will have one opportunity to do an alternate assignment. That
alternate assignment will be graded and you will receive 60# of the earned grade.
"Administration will be notied and consequences will follow.

How do you feel about food and drinks in class?
I honestly dont mind if you have a drink or a snack as long as no remnants are left behind. If you
try to bring real food into my classroom, Chick"l"a etc, I will put it behind my desk and you can
have it back after class.
*note: this rule applies no matter who brings you food