Mr. Basmajian
Francis Scott Key
7th Grade Social Studies
2009-2010
cbasmajian@gmail.com
Student Expectations:
1. To enhance learning, it is very important that we allow the teacher and
students to speak uninterrupted. Please do not talk out of turn while others
in the classroom are speaking.
2. Please be prompt. Late arrivals only disrupt the flow of the class
(morning, lunch, SPAR).
3. Make sure that you bring your assigned materials to class daily. Allowing
students to leave the room to gather materials will disrupt the flow of the class.
4. Do not bring video games, cell phones, or hats to class.
5. Be active in classroom activities. Come to class with a positive attitude,
ready to learn.
6. Do your own work. Take pride in your education. Plagiarism is cheating!
7. If students miss class periods, it is your responsibility to come to me or
talk to a classmate to get the missed work; I will not chase you around!
8. Follow directions!
9. Have fun!!
Teacher Expectations:
1. It is my responsibility to educate you in the subject of Social Studies,
but I am willing to help all students at any level I can. I am here to help you.
2. I will be available as much as possible. If I am not available during a
convenient time for you, let me know, and we will make necessary adjustments.
Never be afraid to ask for help.
3. It is my responsibility to teach students subject matter. If you feel that
I am not presenting the information in a way that is understandable, please
come talk to me. Suggestions will always be respected. A good teacher, like
any good human being, tries to improve.
4. Allow students to be themselves and treat everyone in the classroom fair.
7th Grade Units of Study:
• Map Skills
• Geography of the World
• Culture
• Functions of Government
• Human Cooperation and Conflict
Grading:
I will grade you based upon several criteria. Aside from the normal testing
type instruments, I will expect every student to participate and attend class.
Coming to class and participating will only lead to success. While testing is
important, I realize not everybody is an excellent “test-taker”. Therefore, I
have built in other instruments of assessment that will cater to the overall
class. The following is a break-down of how you will be graded.
Tests: (20%) Quizzes/Classwork: (25%)
Homework: (20%) Projects, Essays, Miscellaneous: (25%)
Self-Graded Participation: (10%)
Drill:
In order to get the class rolling smoothly, we will begin most days with a
warm-up activity. These entries will help build writing skills, review past
material, and introduce new topics. Drills will be done on loose-leaf paper
and will be collected at random and graded as homework or quiz.
Dropped Grades:
At the end of each quarter, I will drop a few of the lowest homework and quiz
grades. These can be assignments that were missed due absenteeism.
Website:
In order to keep a close connection between myself, parents, and students I
have created a website that can be accessed from anywhere. On the website I
will include various items such as Announcements, Homework, Supply List,
informative and fun links, my schedule, a calendar, and various other helpful
items. Below is the link:
http://teacherweb.com/MD/FrancisScottKeyElementaryMiddleSchool/MrBasmajian/
Also, the website can be obtained by going to www.fsk.org and clicking on the
teacher webpage section, and then Mr. Basmajian at the top of the list.
Coach Class:
Every Wednesday (subject to change) after school I will be available to help
students or meet with parents. This is a perfect time for students to come in
for extra help, to share problems, or voice concerns. My availability will
not be limited to just Wednesday. Anytime a student wants to meet with me, I
can make the necessary arrangements to make it happen. In order to help the
students through the school year I will be available as much as possible. If
parents want to meet with me, simply email or call to set up a meeting.
Supply List
The following supplies should be brought to class daily
2 Pens
1 Pocket Folder
1 Three-Ring binder filled with loose-leaf
1 Dividers to break the binder into sections of class work/drill, notes,
and homework.
Colored Pencils
*Organization is very important! As the school year goes on, we will
continuously review good strategies of organization.
**Like any subject, history may not interest every student. I ask that you
try to engage in the learning. Start to “feel” history, become a part of it.
Put yourself in the shoes of other human beings that have lived through what
we are studying. Do not think of it as the past and only the past, think of
it as a story of our world.
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Learning is a lifelong experience, and we are in this together. I think of
this as a “contract” between student and teacher. I ask that you and your
parent/guardian sign this “contract”. Return this section only. If there is
anyway I can be of assistance my email address is at the beginning of this
form. Thank you and I look forward to working with you this school year!
Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________
Parent/Guardian Telephone Numbers _______________
Parent/Guardian Email Address ___________________
Student Signature______________________________
Teacher Signature______________________________
