Ms. Nicole McGinnis
American History
Nicole.McGinnis@stpsb.org
Room 305
http://teacherweb.com/la/northshorehighschool/McGinnisNicole/
Course Description: American History is a survey course examining the major
historical periods of the United States from Post Reconstruction Era to the
Present. Emphasis is placed upon how and why our nation developed over time.
Higher level thinking and writing skills are stressed while both primary and
secondary sources are utilized. Selected historical events for the first
semester will include: the settling of the West, the Gilded Age, World War
I, and the Great Depression. The second semester will begin with World War I
and end with present day America.
Grading Procedure: The point system will be used for this course and a grade
sheet will be provided at the beginning of each nine weeks to help students
keep an accurate record of grades. 80% of the grades will be obtained from
chapter test, vocabulary quizzes, projects, presentations, homework, bell-
ringers and class participation. The other 20% will be obtained from the
nine week exams.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!
A= 92-100 B= 83-91 C= 74-82 D= 65-73 F= 0-64
Materials Needed: Text Book = The Americans, $51.48 if not returned
* Book MUST be covered at all times!!
Blue &/or Black pens
Pencils for TEST ONLY
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebook for Journals
Binder for Notes & Handouts
Flat three hole punch
Homework Policy: All students are expected to read the chapter being
studied. The students will also be responsible for any homework given in
class and should be turned in on the due date given. Homework that is one
day late will receive 1/2 credit and 2 or more days late will receive NO
CREDIT unless otherwise stated. If you are absent please check teacher web
to find work needed to be made up.
BELL-RINGERS: These will be completed each day during the first 5 to 10
minutes of class in your composition notebook. The bell ringer question will
be posted on the board everyday and MUST be done. If you are absent you MUST
get the question from a friend or it will be counted as a zero.
DUE DATES: Any assignment that the student has known about for one week or
more (projects) MUST be completed and turned in on due date or NO CREDIT
will be given. If the assignment is due on a check in/out day and you miss
class the assignment MUST be turned in prior to checking out or after
checking in. I will notify students if due date will be changed.
ABSENCES: Absenteeism is detrimental to the health of a student's grade.
There are ONLY THREE EXCUSED... illness, death in family, and religious
holidays. For absences follow handbook policies on pg 7.
MAKEUP WORK: All absences MUST BE EXCUSED in order for any student to be
allowed to make up a test, homework, or any other assignment. A zero will be
given until the work is made up and you will have as many days to make up
work ad missed. If you need to take a make up test it will be taken after
school or during class.
HELP SESSIONS: If any student needs help in the course I am ready and
willing. Please see me after class to make arrangements.
EXTRA CREDIT: Sorry, I do not offer any extra credit. However, there will be
several times throughout the semester to earn bonus points.
TARDIES: Be on time to class everyday. NO EXCEPTIONS! Each tardy will result
in an after school 15 minute detention. Four tardies will result in a
Saturday detention.
- To ensure an effective learning environment for all students, the
following rules will be implemented...
1. Bring all materials & work to be turned in to class
2. Follow all instructions on first request
3. Be on time, alert, and attentive. NO SLEEPING!
4. Respect all teachers, students, and property.
5. Food &/or drink of any kind will NOT be allowed in the classroom
6. Obey all guidelines in the NHS student handbook
- If any of the rules above are broken the following consequences will occur
with NO exceptions...
1. First Offense: Warning
2. Second Offense: 30 minute after school detention
3. Third Offense: Call Home
4. Forth Offense: Discipline referral
- Suggestions for this course...
1. Keep an organized binder at all times
2. Keep all handouts in binder. NOT IN YOUR TEXT BOOK!
3. Read textbook simultaneously with class discussion
4. Complete assignments accurately and on time
5. Review notes, class work, worksheets, homework, and bell-ringers
6. Study for test and make vocabulary flash cards
7. Pay attention to world, national, & local news
8. Check teacher web for any information &/or questions
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Please detach and return IMMEDIATELY. Keep the above sheets in binder at all
times.
I have read and understand all two pages of the syllabus. I will abide by
the requirements set forth for me & my child. If you have any questions
please e-mail me through www.teacherweb.com or
http://northshorehigh.stpsb.org/index.html.
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Student’s Signature & Date Student’s Printed Name
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Parent/Guardian’s Signature & Date Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name
Please write any questions or concerns below…
