1. Mrs. Durham Social Studies
Welcome!
Mrs. Durham
Social Studies

2. Contact Information
Mrs. Sara Durham
Phone:

3. Supplies 3 ring binder (one that can be used for multiple subjects)
Paper
Pencil
Pen
Highlighters
Headphones
These are optional but recommended
*Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and printer paper donations are always appreciated

4. What is AVID
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is a program that is in place in over 6,000 schools. For the school year, Aprende, Akimel, and Centennial were chosen to be AVID schools in Kyrene.
AVID teaches skills and behaviors for academic success, promoting college readiness through critical thinking, collaboration, student advocacy, and organizational skills.
Aprende will have two AVID elective classes, one in 7th grade and one in 8th grade, which will support selected students in advanced coursework, while also providing organizational, efficacy, and goal-setting skills. This school year we will incorporate a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade AVID elective.
Aprende will begin incorporating school-wide uniform organizational skills, note- taking, and WICOR strategies (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading). All students will have AVID agendas, which will be distributed during Advisory on August 9th.
For more information, you can visit or contact our principal at

5. Grading Scale 100% - 90% = A 89% - 80% = B 79% - 70% = C 69% - 60% = D
50% - 59% = F
Tests/Quizzes/Essays/Projects comprise 80% of the grade
Homework/Class work comprise 20% of the grade
** PARENT PORTAL FOR ONLINE GRADES SHOULD BE USED BY BOTH THE PARENT AND THE STUDENT

6. Marzano Learning Scale
This scale will be used for assessments such as essays and projects.
4.0 = 100% = A
3.5 = 95% = A
3.0 = 90% = A
2.5 = 80% = B
2.0 = 70% = C
1.5 = 65% = D
1.0 = 60% = D
0.5 = 55% = F
0.0 = 50% = F

7. 7th Grade Social Studies Targets for 2019-2020
Historical Research
Using primary/secondary sources, graphing, etc.
Informational Text Reading Strategies
Content Writing
Units of Study
Sub-Saharan Africa
North America
Central America and the Caribbean
South America
Southeast Asia
Australia, Pacific Rim, and Antarctica
21st Century Conflict

8. GATE Class Requirements
Students must maintain at least a B in order to remain in the class
No significant behavior or attendance issues
Contracts and syllabus will go home on Friday

9. Resource Materials National Geographic World Cultures and Geography
National Geographic World History Great Civilizations
Google Classroom
Google Sites (student eBinder)

10. eBinders/Google Classroom
Each student will have their own digital portfolio for this class
Please make sure your is up to date in synergy to receive your child’s portfolio web address
Google Classroom
Students will use this platform to complete classwork

11. Study Time
Studying is the key to success when preparing for assessments. All seventh grade students should have an hour each school night set aside for studying, even if practice work was completed at school. As part of your child’s commitment to seventh grade, we ask that you determine an hour each day that is set aside – free from distraction – for studying. This time should involve rereading chapters assigned in texts, completing assigned outside reading, reviewing study guides and notes taken in class, making flashcards to prepare for upcoming tests, and analyzing lessons from current units for all classes. Any homework can also be completed during this time.

12. Weekly Agenda
Assignments for the week will be posted on Mondays. Each student will receive 1 agenda and will be responsible for writing down their assignments.
Assignments/handouts will also be available on the online.
Students are expected to turn in work by the due date. Late assignments will no longer be accepted after the unit assessment has been given.
Students are expected to keep up with classroom assignments and projects.

13. Attendance and Assignments
Projects should be done be the student, not the parent, as they are usually assessments of the student’s understanding.
Information on all projects that require time outside of class will be included s
Parents and students should read the s and check my webpage together and make plans for the week.
Students have one day for each day’s absence to make up missed work as stated in the student handbook.
It is the student’s responsibility to check for missed assignments on the day he/she returns to school or via with prolonged illnesses

14. Student Behavior Expectations
Have respect for yourself and others
This rule covers a lot of territory. I don’t expect discipline problems; I do expect a great year of learning, working, and making new friends.