Social Studies Top 10 Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What supplies do I need for Social Studies class?
(1) Textbook (Please keep textbooks covered throughout the year.) (2) 2 Single subject spiral notebooks (3) Loose-leaf paper (4) Pen (Any readable color except purple) (5) Folder designated just for Social Studies class (6) Highlighter (for when we take notes in class or read articles together) (7) A positive attitude & a willingness to your best!Back to Top
How is my final grade calculated?
EVERY grade that is earned in this class counts and is slotted into one of the 5 categories. 6th grade: (1) Tests: 40% (2) Quizzes: 20% (3) Writing Assignments: 20% (4) Class/Book work + Junior Scholastic: 15% (5) Class Participation: 5% 8th Grade: (1) Tests: 35% (2) Quizzes: 20% (3) Writing Assignments: 20% (4) Bookwork + Junior Scholastic: 15% (5) Class Participation, Journal: 10%Back to Top
How is Class Participation determined?
When determining class participation grades at both the midterm and at the end of the quarter, I look at the following factors: (A) Does the student volunteer in class with things like reading, class discussions, etc...? (B) Does the student come prepared to class & know the material during the Jolly Rancher Reviews? (C) Does the student ask questions in/outside of class? (D) Does the student hand in their homework on time? (E) Is the student's behavior conducive to this learning environment? Those who do the above items on an "A" level will get grade of 95%. Those who perform on a "B" level will receive a grade of 88%. Those who perform on a "C" level will receive a grade of 81%. Those who perform on a "D" level will receive a grade of 74%. Those who perform on a "F" level will receive a grade of 67%.Back to Top
Does Mr. Renner offer extra credit?
(1) Throughout the quarter, there are MANY, MANY opportunities to receive free bonus points! Almost every test or quiz has free bonus questions for the student to add free points onto that test or quiz. In addition, throughout the quarter, I will announce bonus activities like 'RENNERSSANCE' (a rebirth of one's grade; a play off the term Renaissance) which are optional actiivities for the students to do some minimal research & thus, add some free points to a quiz or test. Finally, if the student logs onto this website on a somewhat regular basis, there will be some optional bonus questions posted on the Announcements page. (2) At the end of the quarter, if the student is dissatisifed with their grade, they sometimes will have the option of doing an extra credit assignment. I wouldn't count on this though as I would take advantage of the opportunitiesgiven early in the quarter ...Back to Top
Please rest assured that I am here to help in anyway possible!! On most days, I normally stand outside my classroom door, making myself available to passing students in the hallway. Feel free to approach me before or after school, before or after class, or during your designated study hall time.Back to Top
(1) Feel free to contact me at 389-3242 ext. 2308. If I'm teaching, your call will be forwarded to my voicemail. If this happens, please leave your name, number, date/time of your call, & your message. I usually return messages within 24 hours and always within 48 hours. (2) Email me, using the icon in the top right corner of this web-site's homepage. You can reach me at: mrrenner308@yahoo.com, or drenner@saintischool.org. This is usually the quickest way to get a response. I check email several times per day.Back to Top
What should I be doing outside of class to do well in Social Studies?
(1) Whenever we're taking notes for a particular chapter, I'd recommend studying your notes at home perhaps 15 minutes a night. This should ideally be uninterrupted time away from TV, video games, ipods, etc., so that you can concentrate on the material & then, you'll be prepared for possible Jolly Rancher Reviews and Quizzes. As the test is approaching, you may need to put in a little extra time so that you're adequately prepared. (2) Create flash cards, putting the key vocabulary on one side and the definition or important facts on the other side. You may learn the material better by rewriting it and then having a tool, the flashcards, that you can review when you have some free time. (3) Find a study partner with whom you can have someone quiz you & ask questions. This could be a classmate, older sibling, parent, etc. (4) Have confidence in yourself & keep a positive attitude! If you find yourself having difficulty understanding something, don't be afraid to ask for help. (5) For writing assignments, my advice would be to budget your time well. Hint: Teachers can tell when you wait until the last minute with a writing assignment. Likewise, when you put forth time and effort, that shows too! I'd make sure you do the following: (A) Create an outline of main ideas (B) Allow adequate time for research (C) Write a rough draft (D) Type the assignment (E) Proof read the assignment yourself & have someone else read it as well as another set of eyes may catch a mistake you missed.Back to Top
How can I best use my daily Study Hall time?
Yes, it's true! Jr. High students here at St. I's have a 40 minute study hall almost every day! My advice would be to use some of that time to look over your Social Studies notes (if necessary).Back to Top
What is Mr. Renner's Late Assignment/Yellow Slip Policy?
If a student is missing an assignment on the day it's due, they will get a yellow slip & 10 points deducted from the assignment. If it's still not turned in the next day, the student gets a 2nd yellow slip & the assignment becomes a zero. (I feel that turning in homework on time is important. This will help the student take ownership of their assignments and will help them long term.)Back to Top
Why is UC so much better than XU?
Ok, ok, I'm just kidding to see if you're really paying attention to this section!Back to Top