US History

Fall Semester
Mr. Reynolds
Contact info: kerry.reynolds2895@gmail.com
Course Description.
Welcome to US History! During this course focuses on developing students
understanding of American history from approximately Reconstruction to the
present. The course will make students investigate the content of U.S. history for
significant events, individuals, developments, and develop and use the same
thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making
historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by
historians when they study the past.
I believe that History is more than rogue memorization and is the key to
understanding the present. I also do not believe in a consensus model of history and
will work to challenge your preconceptions to what it means to know American
history. Throughout this course we will be tackling difficult and controversial topics
and it is of utmost importance that we maintain a safe and respectful classroom. I
am always available to talk and encourage you to come visit me in my office.

Classroom Expectations and Procedures.

In order to successfully create a learning environment in which everybody feels safe
to participate I expect:

Come prepared to class every day.

Be in your seat and ready for class to start when the bell rings.
Please Refrain from class early, we will use the full time allotted for class.
Be respectful of me, your classmates, and our classroom
Refrain from inappropriate language- this includes: Swearing, slurs,
disrespectful and personal attacks, insults.
The bathroom is a privilege, do not abuse it!
Food is acceptable as long as it is not a distraction to other students.

Technology.
Use of technology in the classroom will be at my discretion. Unless instructed
otherwise cellphone and computers will be put away and silent. If you use a
computer for note taking that is acceptable and may only be used for academic
purposes, if a student is found to be using technology for non-academic purposes
they will lose the privilege to use that technology in class.

Participation.
I feel that active participation is of the utmost importance to a successful classroom.
Good participation looks like:

Actively listening
Respectfully contributing to class dialog
Respectfully doing in class activities

Grading.
Grades are a percentage of total points earned of a total points available.
A

100-90%

89-80%

79-70%

69-0%

Grades will be based on in classwork, homework, quizzes, projects, and

participation. Rubrics and expectations will be provided for large assignments such
as papers and other projects.
Tardies and Absences.
Tardies
Tardiness is unacceptable, class begins at its designated time and you are
expected to be in your seat ready to learn when class starts. Tardies can be
excused when accompanied with a note from the office or another teacher. If
Tardiness persists then intervening action will taken.
Absences
Excused Absences: students who have an excused absence are expected to
get the work they missed on their own. Assignments due during an absence are due
within week of the absence with no points lost, past this grace period the
assignment will be considered late.

Unexcused Absences: students who have unexcused absences will be subject

to the late work policy. Students are expected obtain any work the missed
themselves.
Late work and Extra Credit.
Most homework and physical assignments will be due at the beginning of class.
Digital projects will be turned in online by 11:59:59 pm on the date it is due.
Assignments that are turned in late will drop a half letter grade everyday it is late
(this includes weekends). Extra Credit will be offered on quizzes and tests in the
form of bonus questions.