Teacher: Carlos E. Ortiz

United South Middle School - Room: P12

Email: cortiz16@uisd.net

Tel. (956) 473-7700

Conference Time: 8:59 am – 9:54 am

Course Description:

In Texas History, students demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary to collect, evaluate, organize and disseminate news.  Students analyze relative historical facts on historical events.  In addition, be able to apply social studies skills to the real-world environment.  

This course has three primary objectives:

• Introduce you to the challenges of the constantly evolving world of journalism;

• Provide you with the basics of good journalistic writing;

• Help you develop the skills to think critically about the news.

Supplies:

Composition Book (100 Sheets)

Pencil or Pen

Grades:

Grades will be given at the end of the six weeks according to school policy.  Progress reports will be issued during the third week of the six weeks. Students will be graded in different ways:  daily grades and tests. Percentages are as follow:

Daily Grades (Classwork): 50%

Tests: 50%

Class Assignments/Homework:

It is the student’s responsibility to ask for, to complete and to turn in work for excused absences. All students are required to participate with choral reading, writing assignments, reading assignments, and group projects.

Classroom Procedures:

Enter the classroom: Quietly, walk to your assigned seat, and start on classwork.

Restroom: Permission may be obtained during student work time to go to the restroom (not during instruction or the first/last 15 minutes of class).

Dress Code: Must follow school policy.

Technology: Must follow school policy.

Follow Instructions: Listen to directions, read assignments, and ask questions.

The teacher dismisses students: You will be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell. Wait silently to be dismissed.

Classroom Rules:

1.  Computers will only be used when directed by the teacher. Students that do not abide will face consequences and may lose computer privileges. Parent notifications will be made.

2. Food or Drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom.

3. File Swapping, downloading any type of file, and playing music/videos on the computers is prohibited.

4. Students are not allowed to change any computer settings (Student computers are always monitored by the teacher).

5. Playing games will NOT be tolerated at any time in class.

Classroom Expectations:

Be Respectful: Use appropriate language.  Be respectful and wait for your turn.

Be Orderly:  Follow directions.  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Be Accountable:  Be ready to learn.  Always have the required materials.

Be Responsible:  Be on time. Complete all assignments.

Positive Behavior Supports:

1- Verbal and written praise

2- Positive call, note, e-mail to the parent or legal guardian

3- Participation in school-wide events (extracurricular activities, pep rallies, dances)

Behavior Interventions:

1- Reteach Expectations & Procedures

2- Teacher/ Student Conference

3- Parent/Guardian Conference

4- Withdrawal of Privileges

5- Discipline Referral to Administration

6- Severe Clause: Refer immediately to administration