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Mr. Basmajian
Francis Scott Key
6th Grade Social Studies
2007-2008
cbasmajian@hotmail.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 every class.
Allowing students to leave the room to gather materials will disrupt the
flow of the class.
4. Do not bring walkmans, 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.
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. Feel History. Take something out of this class.
* This is your first year at the Middle School level and it is important
that we prepare you for upcoming grades, and consequently, “the real
world”. Take pride in yourself and your work and success is around the
corner.
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, 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
as equals.
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 can only lead to success.
To ensure the highest level of learning for all students, I will do my best
to vary daily lessons. We all learn different ways, and it is important
that I do my best to reach every student in every class. While testing is
important, I realize that 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: (25%)
There will be a test given upon completion of every chapter/unit.
The tests will come in a variety of forms including multiple choice
questions, short answer essays, true/false, matching and any other technique
I see fit. To help you prepare for the tests I will be producing study
guides to make the review easier for you. Also, if time permits, we will
play review Jeopardy. During Jeopardy students will be asked to answer
questions that are pertinent to the upcoming test. There also might be an
opportunity to gain extra points on your test!!
Quizzes: (15%)
There will be several announced and unannounced quizzes throughout
the course of the school-year. These quizzes can be based on readings,
recent material covered in class, or even past material. You should always
be prepared for the quizzes. A quiz is always possible to test that you
have been keeping up with your reading/homework.
Homework: (25%)
To often students do not succeed in a course because they simply
refuse to do the homework. If you thoroughly complete all homework
assignments, and focus in class, there is no doubt that you will pass. I
will give a few homework assignments per week, but it will vary based on the
material we are covering. Do the homework and success is inevitable. All
homework assignments are worth four (4) points. Any late homework’s will be
graded, but with a fifty percent (50%) penalty. Don’t hand in homework
late, you’re only hurting yourself.
Essays, Projects, Miscellaneous: (25%)
Every chapter there will be some form of writing assignment. I may
give full length essays, short essays, or other instruments to test your
writing skills. Like most tasks, the key to being a successful writer is
practice. Don’t be nervous about your writing, with practice we will all
improve. There also may be a number of projects and other items that will
fall into this category.
Participation: (10%)
It is crucial that every student participate in classroom
discussion. The more students’ participate the better they are engaged in
the class and content. Participation improves classroom discussion and thus
student knowledge. Those students that show up to class and share their
answers and thoughts are more likely to understand the content then those
that miss class days, and don’t contribute to class discussion. There is a
direct correlation between participation and success. Each student will
grade themselves in this category. A sheet will be given at the end of each
quarter that helps the student come up with a “self-reflection” and
consequently, a grade for their participation. Mr. Basmajian will meet
individually to come up with a final participation grade.
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 a
quiz.
Current Events:
One major aspect that often gets overlooked while studying Ancient
History is the history that takes place on a daily basis. I believe it’s
important that students link current events to that of past historical
occurrences. Three (3) students per week will bring in current events news
stories that will be shared with the class during our Thursday and/or Friday
warm-up activity. Full completion of the assignment will earn you a 100%
for a quiz grade. Current events stories can be gathered from the daily
newspaper, internet, and sometimes from magazines in the classroom. These
articles must be about world history. There will be a current event handout
to help you with your news story.
Extra Credit: (up to 5 points on final grade)
Extra Credit assumes credit! I will not allow a student who has
blown off regular work to save themselves by doing the extra credit
assignments. Extra credit assignments will range from essays to poster
projects. Your “findings” will be presented to the class. I may or may not
suggest assignments during the course of a marking period. It is your job
to get with me and suggest a possible extra credit assignment. Do not wait
for me to suggest something, it may never come. If students come to me with
possibilities and suggestions than I know they have put some effort into
it. One extra credit per marking period!
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 Pencil
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.
*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 Signature _______________________
Student Signature________________________
Teacher Signature________________________
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