1. Welcome to Social Studies
Mr. Creten
Pumas Team

2. Differences Between Elementary & Middle School
No weekly folders.
The Agenda is used for communication between school and home.
Students cannot leave items in a desk & expect them to be there later.
Conferences only scheduled as needed instead of mandatory twice a year.
More student self-discipline & responsibility.
Grades are reported A-F, rather than a 1-4 grading scale.
Teachers are responsible for 120+ students instead of approximately 30.

3. Major Concepts Geography Ancient Americas
Fertile Crescent & Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Byzantine Empire & Eastern Europe
Middle East & Islamic Expansion
Middle Ages, Renaissance, & Reformation
Pre-Colonial Africa
Ancient & Pre-Colonial South Asia
Ancient & Pre-Colonial China
Ancient & Pre-Colonial Japan & Korea

4. Classroom Expectations: Students should show their SPOTS
S* Show Respect
Respect yourself, your school & others
P* Possess a Positive Attitude
Make it a great day!
O* Own Your Actions
Come to class prepared and ready to learn.
T* Think First
Are your actions kind and helpful?
S* Stay Safe
Follow all school rules and procedures
Rewards: School wide recognition for showing SPOTS
Puma Team tickets and bi-quarterly ticket cash-in days
Consequences: Sign the signature sheet

5. Grading Policy: Major Assessments 25-50 points
Quizzes /projects points
Class work points
Homework max of 1 point
The final quarter grade will be the total number of points earned divided by the total number of points possible.
Study guides will be given before tests and will normally count as a homework grade.
1-2 quizzes per unit
1 Final test or project per unit

6. Homework Homework is usually an extension of class work.
Homework will not be assigned daily in Social Studies however, I expect the students to review their class notes as well as stay aware of current events in the news.
“While You Were Out” folders

7. Social Studies Binder Table of Contents Organize daily
Includes all class notes/activities
Open notes quizzes

8. Interims
Interim reports are sent home mid-way through each nine week quarter.
The grade on the interim report is not permanent and gives each child an opportunity to see strengths and areas in need of growth.
Home Base and interim reports are our primary tools to share grades.

9. Communication Email- gcreten@wcpss.net Pumas Team website
Home Base Parent Portal (Power School)– check regularly for updated grades