1. Seventh Grade Social Studies East Middle School 2015 - 2016 Mrs. J. Christmon, B.S., M.S. Voicemail: (248) 426-2808 Email: julia.christmon@farmington.k12.mi.usjulia.christmon@farmington.k12.mi.us Class website: East Middle School Wiki Dear parents and students, It is with great pleasure to welcome you and your child to my classroom and to 7 th grade History class. Coursework and Expectations: The seventh grade social studies curriculum focuses on early world history and geography with a deliberate focus on the content literacy. Students begin their exploration into world history with a focus on historical thinking. By unpacking historical and geographic thinking, students learn how these disciplines are distinct in how they ask questions and frame problems to organize and drive inquiry. Students learn that historians must have some evidence to support the claims they make in their accounts. They investigate how these social scientists select, analyze, and organize evidence, and then use that evidence to create accounts that answer questions or problems. By introducing students to the “invisible” tools that historians use to create historical accounts – significance, social institutions, temporal frames (time), and spatial scales (space) – the course deepens students’ historical habits of mind and builds students’ social and content literacy. In this grade, students investigate human history as they explore major and significant changes in each era through a chronological organization. Students learn about the earliest humans and explore early migration and settlement patterns. In studying the origins of farming and its impact upon emerging human cultures, students analyze evidence from the fields of archaeology and anthropology, and employ a wide range of data sources including artifacts, photographs, and geographic information. Students examine how the emergence of pastoral and agrarian societies set the stage for the development of powerful empires, trade networks, and the diffusion of people, resources, and ideas. Students also examine the development of belief systems (world religions) in their historical context. These new belief systems had distinctive beliefs, texts, and rituals. Each shaped cultures by developing ethical practices and establishing codes within which diverse people were able to communicate and interact, often well beyond their local neighborhood. In doing so, students consider why some belief systems grew into world religions. The course concludes with students analyzing global patterns of continuity and change over time, and using evidence to construct historical arguments about the past. It is recommended that students organize their class materials in a binder, folder, or a Notebook and use a composition notebook each day in class. Students are to bring and write their own materials and assignments in their planner everyday. Many students find it very useful to have their own set of colored pencils, erasable pens, pencils, and highlighters. A more specific recommended list of supplies is attached.

2. It is recommended that students organize their class materials in a binder, folder, or a Notebook and use a composition notebook each day in class. Students are to bring and write their own materials and assignments in their planner everyday. Many students find it very useful to have their own set of colored pencils, erasable pens, pencils, and highlighters. A more specific recommended list of supplies is attached. Grading and Grades: Class behavior and participation will be reflected in citizenship. Points will be given for tests, quizzes, class participation, homework and projects. Points earned will be divided by the total possible and this percentage will determine the grade. Classroom Rules: Classroom rules are based on common courtesy. Our focus is to “Be a Titan:” Be Kind Be Respectful Be Responsible Be your Best Homework and Homework Passes: All assignments are to be turned in on time. Late assignments will be accepted for 20% deducted from the total points. Late assign- ments will be accepted during the current learning topic that reflects the late assignment. Once the current learning topic has ended, the late assignment will not be accepted. Absences/Make-Up Work: It is the student's responsibility to check the Absent Folder located in Room 207 for assignments they missed due to an absence. Students will find an assignments for each day they are absent. Once the student has been given a hard copy assignment, it is the student’s responsibility to print from the teacher’s website any misplaced worksheet and/ Assignment. Classroom Website and MISTAR Parent Portal: The classroom website is designed to keep parents and students informed of daily class work and homework. Under each trimester/unit you will find downloadable handouts, in the event it does not arrive home. Another helpful tool is MISTAR Parent Portal. This resource will help you keep tack of grades, attendance, Please note, NHI means the student has not handed in a teacher requested assignment, handout, project, quiz, or test. The success of each student is a team effort, with student, teacher and parents working together! If you have questions or concerns related to your child’s education or behavior, Please do not hesitate to contact me. Please note: If you email me during classroom instruction, I will be, most likely, unable to respond. I will reply to emails during my planning time, after school, or the next day. Teachers are often in meetings or planning for the next school day, event, or activity. I am looking forward to an enriching and successful year with you!

3. Recommended Supply List: Loose-Leaf Paper Notebook 2 Composition Notebooks Pencil Case Pencil Sharpener Erasable pen Pencils (#2) Highlighters (several) Index cards Colored Pencils A box of tissue Respectfully, Mrs. J. Christmon East Middle School 26 years and counting!