U.S. HISTORY – Class Information                 

Ms. Ory – Room 108

E-mail:  lindsey.ory@gulfportschools.org  

My website: http://www.schoolrack.com/oryhistory/

Conferences are always welcome.  Please call the office, 865-4633

BVMS Classroom Core Rules:

All students must:

• be punctual and bring all supplies to class.

• keep hands, feet, and belongings to himself/herself.

• remain seated unless otherwise instructed.

• talk only with permission.

• follow directions.

• not bring drinks or food into the classroom(the only exception is a water bottle with a cap--water is OK.)   (This includes gum!)  Just feel underneath your desktop, and you will understand why gum is not allowed.  This is a school-wide rule. 

•  be respectful of peers, teachers, school personnel and school/classroom property. 

Rewards for Following Rules:

1.  An excellent learning environment for you, your classmates & your teacher!

2. Self-respect and a high level of self-esteem!

3. PRIDE Reward Activities!

Consequences of Breaking Rules:

1. Warning/PRIDE card signed

2. Lunch detention and parents called  

3. Referral to counselor and parents called

4. Referral to principals

5. After-school detention        

Materials You Will Need for this class:

1.       A 3-ring binder w/paper       3.  A 2-pocket, 3 prong 2.       Colored pencils                     4.  A highlighter

Our Class Policies, Procedures, & Expectations

1. Attend class!  Be sure to check the make-up work folder and/or reschedule missed tests if you’re absent. 

2. Upon entering class each day, sit in your assigned seat and begin your bell work assignment immediately.   

3. Ask questions and participate in class.

4. Keep your notebook organized. 

5. Don’t talk while someone else has the floor.

6. No sleeping in class.

7. Throw away your trash.

8. I will dismiss the class after the bell rings and when I am standing at the classroom door.   Wait for my directions to dismiss to your next class. 

9. If you have a problem I can help you with, see me before or after school.

Grading Policy:

Tests:  20% (3-4 Unit Tests each term; weekly quizzes)

Daily Grades, Projects, Class Notebook:  80%

See Student Handbook and my website for more details. 

U.S. History 8 Course Objective:  

This course focuses on the historical development of the United States from Pre-Columbian time to 1877.  Civics, history, geography, and economics are emphasized throughout the course.  Skill development will include the interpretation and application of maps, charts, political cartoons, primary documents, and other social studies tools.

8^th Grade Student Goals in U.S. History:

1. Identify important historical events and how they influenced the development of the U.S.

2. Develop a useful knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the structure of our government. 
3. Learn to make judgments and defend a position on a current or historical event. 
4. Master the skills of reading and interpreting maps.

5. Master the skill of writing a social studies-specific 5-paragraph essay.

U.S. History Units of Study:

1. U.S. Geography

2. The Earliest Americans & Exploration
3. The Colonial Period
4. The Revolutionary Period
5. A Young Nation
6. A New Century
7. A Growing Nation
8. The Age of Expansion
9. Sectionalism & Slavery  
10. Avoiding Conflict
11. The Civil War (1860-1865)
12. Reconstruction (1865-1877)
13. The Settlement of the West