United States History

Ms. Vessey
E-mail: kvessey@lotusschool.org
Website: http://msvesseysocialstudies.weebly.com
I will be available by appointment before or after school on most days. I also
expect students to come in for help if they need it throughout the school year.
Students: please do not wait until the end of each grading period to become
concerned with your performance, take an active role in you learning. The key to
success of the class is to stay focused and listen to your classmates (and me, of
course). Maturity and respect will be expected.
The following are expectations for this course:
ASSIGNMENTS
A. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A GRADE
DROP!
Late, means any time after I have collected the work. A student may turn in
late work with an automatic 25% drop on the assignment per day that it is
past the original due date. You have 1 week to turn in missing work then it will
become a zero.
B. Assignments missed due to an excused absence are your responsibility. Please
make sure you request make up work.
a. If you know you are going to be gone in advance, please take it upon
yourself to come to me and get work before or after school. (Not during
class.)
C. No assignments will be accepted for unexcused absences.
D. I would prefer that all research papers are typed. If not possible, they need to
be done as neatly as possible. Please refer to the following guidelines for all
work in this class:
a. All typed research papers must be done in the font Times New
Roman, be no larger than a 12 point font and have margins no larger
than one inch.
b. Proper spelling and grammar will be expected.
c. Use complete sentences on all assignments, unless otherwise directed.
d. Be legible if I cant read it, I dont grade it!
e. Keep all assignments, notes and tests in you interactive composition
notebooks (not in your textbook).
E. If students send me any work, it must be in an attached Word Document or
shared through Google Documents. Do not just copy and paste text into
the body of an email. If it is sent in any other format, I will not print out or
accept any work.
F. Homework, quizzes, and tests will be given throughout the year.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
A. Attendance Be absent as little as possible, it is hard to catch up on the work,
concepts and skills missed.

B. Tardies are a disturbance to learning and are unacceptable. Be in the

classroom when the bell rings and have out the required materials needed for
the day.
C. Behavior Be respectful, be prepared, and take responsibility. This class will
operate on the concepts of mutual respect, tolerance and courtesy. Class
discussions require both speaking and LISTENING.
D. No food or drinks are allowed in the class. Turn off your phones! Refer to
the Student Handbook for the consequences of breaking these rules.
E. Cheating will not be tolerated in any form. Cheating includes: sharing
answers, copying work (homework, quizzes or tests), talking during any quiz
or test after being told it had begun and plagiarism or cheat sheets. Any
student found cheating will receive a 0 for the assignment.
F. Vandalizing any school property (desks, walls, lockers, bathroom stalls, etc.)
will result in an after school detention with me and a phone call home. This
detention will entail the cleaning of every desk and all walls of my room if the
item was located in the room. If it was located in another location the
detention will be done in that location.
G. Use passing periods wisely, leaving the classroom will only be allowed in the
case of an emergency.
GRADING
A. Grades will be organized into specific categories and each category will be
assigned a specific percentage.
a. Essays and Projects 10%
b. Assessments 20%
c. Classwork/Homework 35%
d. Participation 20%
e. Mid-term/Final 15%
B. Grades are available through CoolSIS, please ask the office for an username
and password if you do not already have one. Also, progress reports are sent
home periodically throughout the year.
MATERIALS
A. A binder with college ruled loose-leaf paper or notebook, blue or black pens,
colored pencils or crayons, glue, scissors and your planner with you daily.
B. Students are highly encouraged to keep a planner every day! There will be
many deadlines and assignments that students need to keep track of
somewhere.
C. Do not expect to be able to go to your locker if you forgot any of the above.
D. Books will be available on a check out basis. Students will have books
available in the classroom at all times and are able to take one home if they
see me in advance. Most of the books are either a year old or brand new, so
damages will be billed, accordingly.
E. You will not be given extra copies of handouts. If you lose a paper, you may
pay $ .25 for an additional copy (any money collected will be put into the
senior fund).
F. Keep this list of classroom expectations in your composition notebook.
TUTORING
A. Tutoring sessions will be on an as needed basis on Fridays after school,
unless otherwise announced.

B. Students who are failing or missing multiple assignments may be required to

come to mandatory tutoring. Failure to show will result in consequences
refer to the student handbook for more information.

AUDIOVISUAL PERMISSION
During the course of the year in US History TV shows, movies and other audiovisual resources may be
shown in class (more than likely we will view clips rather than entire features). The content of these support materials
are always pre screened by Ms. Vessey and relevant to the content being taught at that particular period in class. The
ratings of these audiovisual recourses range from PG to PG-13.
It is my understanding that Lotus does not necessarily support all that is portrayed in the movie, but does
recognize its educational value. You may contact the teacher with any questions.
By signing the syllabus form I have given my child permission to view the audiovisual recourses relevant to
the content in this class.
I have read the above information very carefully and fully understand what my responsibilities are for this class. I fully
accept and understand the consequences of my actions should I choose to violate any of the
procedures/expectations listed above.
Please sign and return to Ms. Vessey (US History).
No textbooks will be checked out to students until this is signed and returned.
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Student Name

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Parent Name

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Student Signature

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Date

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Parent Signature

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Date

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Parent E-mail This is a crucial form of communication and the best way to get a hold of me as well!