Welcome!

8^th Grade US History

Mr. Venlet

This course will introduce you to United States History from the Articles of Confederation to the end of the 1800s. We will look at the political philosophy that brought us the Articles of Confederation and the problems that led to the Constitution. In addition we will look at the factors that led to the Civil War and the Reconstruction that followed. During the year we will examine the changes that the young United States went through in its first 100 years. As students examine contemporary public issues during the course, they explore connections to issues of the past. Throughout the course, students learn to use historical evidence to both support historical arguments and to construct historical narratives.

8^th Grade Units

Classroom Expectations:

My expectations for you-

I expect you to be respectful to your peers and instructor. I expect you to be prepared for class. I expect you to be on time. That pretty much covers everything, do what you are supposed to and this will be smooth all sailing year.

Also, make sure to get your book covered within one week of getting it! Thanks.

What you can expect from me:

I will be respectful and fair. I will be prepared for class and develop creative and informative lessons. I will be prompt with grading. I will do whatever I can to help you learn and hopefully enjoy the history of the United States.

Assignments and Grading:

First and foremost, if you turn in all of your homework on time you will most likely do very well in my class! You will be completing a wide range of assignments during the year. Writing assignments, key term definitions, time lines, research projects on the computer, group presentations, skits, and more. At the end of each chapter and unit there will be an assessment of some sort, generally quizzes after chapters and cumulative tests after units.

8^th Grade Late Work Policy:

A 96-100

A- 90-95

B+ 87-89

B 84-86

B- 80-83

C+ 77-79

C 74-76

C- 70-73

D+ 67-69

D 64-66

D- 60-63

F 0-59

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Hello! My name is Jonathan Venlet and I will be teaching your student’s 8^th Grade Social Studies class. I am a graduate of Grand Valley State University ’06. This is my fifth year teaching Social Studies at Coopersville. I will be instructing the US History class this year.

This year’s history class covers American History from the Articles of Confederation through the end of the Ninetieth Century.

Along with teaching here at Coopersville I will be coaching the Middle School Cross Country team this fall and working with the Varsity track team again this spring.

If you ever have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed you can reach me by email (preferred) at jvenlet@coopersville.k12.mi.us or on my classroom phone at 616-997-3467 or my cell phone at 616-901-0598. I check my email and voice mail several times a day and will return your call within 24 hours, emails usually faster. Also you can keep up with my class by following my blog at www.blog.oaisd.org/coachv. I will post general class information, test reminders/reviews, and other interesting stuff for Social Studies. Thank you in advance for your support at home this school year, I am looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Venlet

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Normally I would have a slip to detach with a signature but in an effort to conserve money and paper I would like parents to send me a brief email confirming that they read the syllabus. I can start a distribution list this way also. If email is not available I will have some hard copies that you can sign and have your student bring back for credit. So please send an email with “Syllabus” in the Subject line and let me know who you are and who your student is. Thanks much!