Social Studies - 7th grade

Focus: World Geography, History and Culture

Triad Math and Science Academy
Ms. Catherine Kramer
ckramer@tmsacharter.org
Course Overview: Seventh graders study the world from the Age of Exploration
to contemporary times in order to understand the implications of increased global
interactions. The focus will remain on the discipline of geography by using the
themes of location, place, movement, human-environmental interaction and region
to understand modern societies and regions. This course will guide students through
patterns of change and continuity with a focus on conflict and cooperation,
economic development, population shifts, political thought and organization,
cultural values and beliefs and the impact of environment over time. (North

Carolina Essential Standards)

Class Expectations:
Everyone who enters this class (students, teachers, administrators, and guests) will adhere to
the following expectations.

Treat everyone with respect.

Come to class ready and willing to learn.
Actively contribute to a safe and working learning environment through your
words and actions.
Honor our diverse community of learners.
Be patient, kind and support each other as we learn.

Class Work and Homework:

Information will be presented in a multitude of ways to meet a variety of learning styles.
Students will be taught through whole-class instruction, small group/partner work, projects or
activities, as well as individual projects and assignments. Students will be assigned homework
twice per week. Students are expected to contribute thoughtfully, respectfully, and meaningfully
to class discussions. Class participation will be graded and included in the quarter grades.
Students will be assigned projects that may need to be completed outside of class.

Grading Scale:
Class work and participation are a critical component of your grade in this class. Per
TMSA policy, no late work will be accepted.
Class work/ Participation: 30%
Quizzes: 25%
Homework: 15%
Tests/ Projects: 30%
Make-Up Work:
If you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to check the notebook and retrieve
any missing assignments. Per school policy, failure to complete assignments within the
allowable time will result in a failing grade.

Class Materials:

1 inch 3 Ring Binder with tab

dividers
2 pocket folder
Loose leaf notebook paper
Journal/ composition book (for
bellwork)
Pencils or Pens
Colored Pencils/Crayons/Markers

Glue sticks
Scissors
Index Cards
Poster board (as needed for
projects)
Agenda/ calendar
recommended

I am thrilled to begin the 2016-2017 school year with your child. This year
the academic expectations will increase. Students may find the increased
rigor of this course challenging. Please encourage your student to
understand this is an opportunity for both educational and personal
growth. Feel free to contact me with any concerns. If your child has an
issue, please support them in self-advocating and speaking to me so I can
address it quickly.
Please complete the attached information sheet so I can have contact
information for your student. When PowerSchool is available, you will be
able to see your childs grades and assignments. Information regarding
tutoring will be sent home soon.

Please complete the following information. PRINT & sign

your name and RETURN JUST THIS PAGE. Return this form
next class period for your first easy 100% homework grade
(this is required-remember, NO LATE WORK)!
PARENT PRINT NAME:______________________ _______________________
SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________________
Email address:_____________________________ __________________________
Phone:_______________________________
STUDENT PRINT NAME:________________________________________________
SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________________________

Does your student have REGULAR and DEPENDABLE Internet access for
homework/studying/projects?
Yes

No

Comments:
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please share any concerns or information about your student that you would like me
to know.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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