Welcome to 7 th Grade Social Studies 2007

Welcome to 7 th Grade Social Studies 2007 - 08 Mr. Vines Periods 2 -3 -4

WELCOME • The following are my rules and procedures for this class. • I expect that you follow these rules and procedures while you are in my class. • My goal is to not only make you great students, but also great citizens. • These rules and procedures are designed to give you structure and discipline while having a great time and some fun along the way. • We WILL learn and have fun in this class. Your attitudes and behaviors will determine how much.

What will we learn? ? ? • We will cover and learn about the following this year in 7 th grade Social Studies: – 5 Themes of Geography – How the Earth Moves – History, Regions, and Cultures of: • • United States Canada Pennsylvania Latin America

Be Prepared • You must always be prepared for class!!! • You will need everyday: – Book w/ cover -Notebook – Pencil / Pen - Any HW / Project • I will “spot-check” that you have your book periodically. These checks are worth 5 points. If you do not have your book, with a cover, on these random checks, you will loose the 5 points, so always bring your book!!! • If you are not prepared for class, you will receive an ‘X’ on my chart. If you receive 3 ‘X’s, you will be assigned After School Detention. This will also be assigned for every instance after.

Tardiness • You must be on time for class!!! • You will have 30 seconds after the bell to be in the room & ready for class. • If you are late you must have a note from a teacher. • If you do not have a note, I will mark you down as being late. • Each time you are late you will receive an ‘X’ on my chart. After 3 ‘X’s, you will be assigned After School Detention. This will also be assigned for every instance after.

Homework • All homework will be checked on the due date. • All homework/projects are recorded on the Homework Hotline. Check it every night!!!!!! • See me about HW when you are absent on the day assigned or due. • After 3 missed assignments during a nine weeks, I will call home. Further action will be taken, if/when necessary. • Each time the entire class has their homework completed on time, I will add a link to a homework chain. When the chain reaches the ground, the class will be rewarded. Don’t be the one who forgets!!! • Occasionally, there will be homework assigned that will be collected and graded. These assignments will also count toward the class reward. • Projects will NOT count toward the reward. You lose points for each day a project is overdue.

Current Events • Each day, I will write a Current Event on the board. • You are required to keep track of the current event, with the date, either in a notebook or your planner. (Planner is easier) • We will discuss the C. E. for the first few minutes of class. • This should encourage you to read the paper and watch the news. • You are responsible for getting the C. E. whenever you miss class. • Every few weeks, we will have a Current Events quiz worth 15 points. You WILL be permitted to use your notes on the quiz. • This is one of the easiest ways to earn points in my class. Take advantage of it!!

“Quote of the Week” • At the beginning of each week, I will post a quote on the board. • If you write a ½ page summary explaining what that quote means to you and your thoughts on it, you can earn up to 5 points of Extra Credit. • This is due by the last day of the week and will not be accepted anytime after, even if you are absent. • You can complete up to 3 quotes per 9 weeks. • Remember, this is not required and is YOUR opinion.

Vines Field • Vines Field is a behavioral incentive plan. • Each day your class behaves as it should, your classes’ baseball will move around the field. • If it does not behave properly, your baseball will remain where it is or move backwards. • Each base is worth a reward. • Each class is at it’s own pace, so the better your class behaves, the more rewards you earn. • There is NO Limit to the amount you can earn!!

My Website http: //wm. Mr. Vines. tripod. com • Own class website. • Contains: weekly agenda, assignments, current events, pictures, extra credit, and more!!! • Check it often. • Many useful links. • Show your parents. • Contact me for help.

Rule 1 Respect: “Give it to get it!” • R-E-S-P-E-C-T yourself and others!!! • Sarcasm and disrespect will get you nowhere. • Eye rolling, lip smacking, and any other inappropriate gestures are not appreciated by others, so avoid doing them. • Do not name call, exclude, or tease anyone. • If this is happening to you or someone else, let me know as soon as possible so that I can deal with it. • You would not like it if it was happening to you, so remember that!!

Rule 2 WHINING Complaining WHINING • When I assign homework, or any other work, there is to be no complaining or moaning. • This will result in extra work. • This also applies during games & activities. They will immediately stop if you complain or whine. • When we change seats, do not complain or whine about where you sit, or who you sit by. • If you have a specific reason why you cannot sit where I assign you, please see me.

Rule 3 Rewards • At times throughout the year, I will give rewards for good behavior (Vines Field), and other acts worthy of praise. If you ever ask for the reward or what it is going to be, it will not be given. • You should be good and try your best because you want to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.

Rule 4 Greediness • Whenever you are offered food, never take more than your fair share. • You never want to be greedy and try to get more than you should. • It is wasteful and disrespectful to others when you do not leave enough for everyone. • If there are leftovers after everyone has received an equal amount, I will offer the rest to the class, but do not ask if you can have more without me offering it first. Otherwise, you will not get any next time.

Rule 5 Saying Thanks • Always say “thank you” when someone gives you something or does something for you. • If you are given a reward/gift and you do not say “thank you” within 3 seconds, it will be taken back. • If you ask for more or are picky, you will not receive any. • Do not make negative comments about the gift/reward. If you do not like it or do not want it, simply say “no thanks, but I appreciate the offer. ” • There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.

Rule 6 When Other Speak • During discussions, respect others’ opinions and answers. Do not laugh at or criticize someone for how they feel or read. Incorrect answers are something to learn from. • There is no such thing as a “dumb” question. • Make eye contact when you are speaking or if someone is speaking to you. Face the person that is speaking to you or you are speaking to. Speak loudly.

Rule 7 Reading in Class • When we are reading in class, you must follow along and be prepared to read at any moment. • Think of questions to ask, comments to make, and take notes. • STAY FOCUSED!!!! You never know when I am going to call on you. • Read loudly and with expression!!

Rule 8 Be Polite • When someone asks you a question, answer, then ask them a question. Example: “How was your weekend? ” “It was ok. ” “How was yours? ” • “Have a nice day!” “Thanks, you too!” • It is polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you. • Say “excuse me” if you bump into someone or walk in front of them. • Always show good manners.

Rule 9 Stay in Your Seat • Do not get out of your seat without permission. • Sharpen your pencil, etc… before class or have an extra one ready in case yours breaks. • Keep trash at your seat until there is time to throw it away. • Do not crumple paper or garbage during class.

Rule 10 Talking in Class • Do not speak unless: – You raise your hand, and I call on you. – I ask you a question and you are responding – I tell you otherwise (ex. during group work) – During class discussions, one person speaks at a time • It is rude and disrespectful to talk while someone else is speaking. You should listen to them and be ready to respond, if needed.

Rule 11 Hall Passes • Try to use the restroom before or after class. If you need to use it during class, try to ask me at a time when I am not talking. Same applies for the Nurse. • Have your planner already filled out so that I can sign it and continue teaching with minimal interruption. • Be sure to flush and WASH YOUR HANDS!! • You will NOT be permitted to go to your locker for any materials you need for class. Be responsible and prepared everyday!!! • No Planner = No Hall Pass

Rule 12 End of Class • Class is not over until I dismiss you. Do not get up when the bell rings. • Do not begin to pack up before the bell rings. • Straighten your desks before leaving the room. • Waste my time, I waste yours. • At the end of class, check the floor & your desk for any trash. Pick it up and throw it away on your way out, even if it is not yours. • Do the same outside of class. • Take pride in your school and keep it clean.

Rule 13 Guest Speakers & Assemblies • When we have a guest speaker or an assembly, you should not talk or look around during the program or speech. • When the speaker takes the podium or microphone, you should be silent. • You should sit up straight and pay attention. • It is rude and disrespectful to talk during an assembly or speech, even if others are doing so.

Rule 14 Sports Fans • Do NOT cheer for any other team besides the CUBS and the STEELERS

Rule 15 Honesty • Always be HONEST, no matter what the circumstances. • People respect honesty and are more likely to trust you if you tell the truth. • Even when you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it and be honest. • Do not lie, it only causes more trouble.

Rule 16 Substitute Teachers • When there is a substitute or a covering teacher, all the rules apply as if I am here. • There is no need to act up or give someone a hard time because they are not your regular teacher. • There will be severe consequences if I return to a bad note or report.

Be Aware • All of these rules and procedures are subject to change at my discretion. • I will attempt to make you aware of any changes ahead of time. • I will try to be as fair and consistent as possible. • Good luck this year. I am looking forward to a great year and I hope you are, too!!! • Thank you!! Mr. Vines

CONTRACT I have read, understand, and will comply with all rules and procedures of Mr. Vines’ Social Studies class. ___________________ Student Name Student Signature Date ___________________ Parent Name Parent Signature Parent Phone #