Classroom Expectations

Classroom Expectations

Grade 8 Social Studies A Search for Justice Mr. Robbins  

Welcome to the 8th grade!!! This year is going to be exciting and challenging for all.  

Daily Materials: Taking notes in class is a major expectation in 8th grade. Please bring the following to Social Studies class everyday: • laptop computer (please keep closed until instructed to open laptop) • 3 ring binder to keep notes and handouts • three holed lined paper for binder OR spiral notebook (single or multi-subject) • assignment notebook • at least 2 pencils with erasers OR blue/black ballpoint pen • optional: highlighter for note taking  

Homework: Expect homework about three times per week on average. • complete all work with thought, care, and effort • be prepared to discuss and show or pass in work • also write down any questions for our classroom discussion the next day • please communicate any issues with me regarding homework in advance if possible • late homework will ALWAYS be graded down on a daily basis (A to A-, A- to B+, etc.) for every day late unless there is an excused absence or prior communication • if you do not understand the assignment, you must write down for me what is actually confusing you or what you do not understand to avoid a late homework penalty (I do not give credit for a blank page) • I will often accept late homework up until the exam or assessment for that respective lesson so late is better than not being done at all  

Current Events: For our class discussions, 8th Graders are expected to be always following world, national, state, and local news on a daily to weekly basis. • Follow the news on TV, internet, radio, newspaper, etc. • My website has some news links that are user friendly for 8th graders • Students will also be responsible periodically for formal current event presentations (separate handout will be provided with more detailed information)  

Websites: Useful for checking homework assignments and links to our curriculum. • I will show how to get to Mr. Robbins’ website in class from https://cms.concordps.org/rrobbins/ • If you forget to write down homework in class, you are expected to check Google Classroom and Google Calendar (link from my website) for the assignment name and description • You will also use Aspen/X2 to track your academic progress and any missing assignments • Use additional links on my website for current events and for our major units of study  

Class Participation: We all benefit from your participation and perspective. • everyone always has a valid point or question to add to any discussion • we must be open-minded and respectful to the viewpoints of others * please raise hands and pay attention to all speakers in class  

Grading: You will be graded in Social Studies based on several criteria and receive one final weighted grade. • daily assignments: 20% • tests/quizzes/projects: 60% • class participation (see grading rubric): 20% • conduct: 0%