August 13, 2008

Dear Parent(s) / Guardian(s):

Wow, and welcome to a new and exciting school year with the Roaring Tigers. It is an old philosophy that you can tell a child how to do something, you can show a child how to solve a problem, but allowing a child to actively engage in a task is an experience of a life time. As a historian, teaching gives me the opportunity to relate the past with the present through hands on activities. I look forward to having your child in my history classroom this year.

My approach to history is different from what you and I experienced in our high school and middle school days. I will attempt to capitalize on student strengths through art, music, technology, and literature activities. My goal is for your child to have a new and exciting appreciation of history upon leaving my classroom. Most importantly, your child will leave my classroom with an improved sense of academic skills that he or she will use for the rest of their lives.

In order for me to achieve these goals, I will need your assistance. Please, provide your child with help on assignments, but do not do the work for them. Read my classroom policies and procedures, sign the parental awareness form, and return it to me by Friday, August 15, 2008 so that your child can receive a 100 for a homework grade. Then, make sure that your child obtains the required school materials within a week so that he or she may excel in class. Finally, look for Roaring Tigers’ communication forms each Thursday with important class information and test dates.

If there are any questions, please feel free to call (334) 887-1940 or e-mail me at ctgarlington@auburnschools.org. The main office will be delighted to set up a conference to make whatever arrangements needed to ensure that your child performs at the highest level possible.

Sincerely,

Chandra T. Garlington-Hughes (Mrs. GH)

Parental Awareness Form

To: Parent(s) / Guardian(s) and Students

From: Mrs. Chandra T. Garlington-Hughes (Mrs. GH)

Instructions:

Please read the class policies and procedures carefully. It will make you aware of class policies, procedures, and expectations. Sign the form in the appropriate place and return it to Mrs. Garlington-Hughes by Friday, August 15, 2008 for a homework grade.

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I have read the classroom information, and I am aware of Mrs. Garlington-Hughes’ policies, procedures, and expectations.

___________________________________ ___________

Student Signature Date

___________________________________ ___________

Parent Signature Date

(Optional)

TO HELP US STAY IN CONTACT, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR ADDRESS, A PHONE NUMBER AND AN E-MAIL ADDRESS OF WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED. THANK YOU.

Address: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

Classroom Policies and Procedures

I. Classroom Rules

Students will:

1. Respect others rights and property especially Mrs. Garlington-

Hughes.

2. Not eat, drink, or chew gum in class without prior permission.

3. Not display disruptive behavior (sleeping, grooming, and walking around, ECT.).

4. Be Ready and Responsible for all assignments.

5. Follow all school Rules.

II. Grading Procedures

Tests and Projects = are worth 50%

· Testing Rules: There is to be no talking or walking around during a test. Students not testing the day of any given test will be subject to an alternate version of the initial test that will encompass material from notes as well as the textbook chapter. In addition, if testing early, prior arrangements need to be made in advance. (Late projects will not be accepted.)

Classwork = is worth 40%

· A daily classwork activity grade of (5 points) will also be given. This will ensure that your child is…

· Ready (1 point) to perform; proper school supplies

· Responsible (1 point) for today’s assignment; effort

· Respectful (3 points) towards others as they learn; behavior

Homework and Quizzes = are worth 10%

· Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Late homework will incur point deductions.

· Quizzes on the assigned readings and material will be unannounced and administered at the beginning of the class period.

III. Brief Syllabus

History:

· Surveying Election Laws; Mock Elections (a thematic introductory unit)

· Text: Creating America

· Period Covered: Reshaping the Nation –1858 -Present

· Quiz Format: A minimum of one per chapter, two maximum

· Vocabulary Lists: Periodically, depending on the chapter

· Testing Format: Upon completion of the chapter

· Projects Format: Upon major themes throughout the year

IV. Required Materials

· One notebook binder, pack of index dividers labeled (Tiger Roar - bell ringers, class notes, and worksheets), loose leaf paper, pencils and pens (blue or black ink only), colored pencil or crayons, and white out (optional)