United South Middle School 

8th Grade Social Studies Syllabus

Ms. Ana Mata 

 2023-2024

Course Description

Welcome! 8th grade United States History emphasizes the interaction of historical events and geographic, social, political, and economic influences on national development before the twentieth century. Special attention is given to 

• Students are provided practice in thinking and research skills by learning to use the media center, primary documents, and community resources to identify, evaluate, and use appropriate data and reference information. This course also helps students to develop an appreciation of historical preservation.
   

• Finally, students should demonstrate, through their studies, a commitment to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.

Materials

• 1 Composition Notebook

• 2 Glue Stick 

• 1 Blue Pen 

• 1 Yello Highlighter 

• One book of Kleenex

Classroom Policies and Procedures

Attendance

Attendance is essential & will determine whether you are exempt from the 2nd-semester final. Also, many activities require active participation and involvement, and these points cannot be rewarded if students are absent from class. Students with unexcused absences for these activities cannot make up these points or participate in exam exemptions.

Homework/Missed Homework

The students are responsible for determining what work was missed and scheduling a time before or after school or during tutorials for make-up tests/quizzes. All homework assignments and handouts are listed on the digital calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to check the digital calendar and check in upon returning to school.  

Make-up and Late Work

As middle school students, it is essential to acquire habits of responsibility that will be expected of you in high school and college. This late policy is designed for you to develop good study habits:

1. Missed work due to an excused absence may be made up. You have one day for each discounted absence day to complete the job. 

For example:

 Absent: Monday. Return to school: Tuesday. Assignment due: Wednesday

Absent: Mon.  & Tuesday      Return to school:  Wednesday        Assignment(s) due: Friday       

All homework assignments must be labeled as ABSENT; otherwise, they will be graded as a LATE paper. If your absence is for an extended period (2 or more days) and these days are excused, additional days can be given for make-up work. 

2. Tests may be made up only if you have an excused absence. The make-up date will be mutually arranged and must be within two school days of your return from school. Make-up tests may differ from those taken by the rest of the class. Tests not made up within the 2-day time frame will be a 0 in the grade book. (exceptions may apply to speak to your teacher if you require a bit more time)

3. Late work will only be accepted if the student attends the Tutorial and turns in the work the next day. If the work is not turned in the next day, the score will be a 0. 

 A discipline referral or parent conference may result if late homework becomes a consistent issue.

Expectations & Responsibilities

1. I understand that Tardy will not be tolerated. If I am late to class without a pass, I am tardy.

2. I understand that current events will be discussed on most Fridays, and I will watch or read the news throughout the week to prepare for the discussion.

3. I understand Ms. Mata may assign periodic reading assignments with pop quizzes to check for understanding.

4. I understand that I will take notes in Ms. Mata’s class.

5. I understand that I am expected to participate in discussions, projects, & activities.

6. I will come to class prepared and remain attentive and engaged throughout the class period. 

7. I will check my grades every week. (Make sure you check TYLER regularly)

8. I will treat other students and the teacher respectfully to create a positive atmosphere.

9. I will not use cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, or any other electronic device during class unless permitted.

10. I will write all of my notes and homework using my best handwriting.

11. I will make a conscious effort to use proper spelling and grammar at all times. 

I can capitalize all proper nouns, not use text in academic writing, look up a word if  I don’t know how to spell it, capitalize the beginning, correctly punctuate the end of a sentence, etc. 

12. I understand that I will be expected to write thorough and complete essays on tests. Failure to do so will result in a parent conference/phone call home. 

13. I will write my name, the date, the class period, and the assignment name on every paper/assignment. 

Plagiarism

There is ZERO tolerance for academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Students are expected to do their work and cite all references/sources used for assignments. Students caught cheating or passing off someone’s work as their own will receive a 0 for the project.
 

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on points earned from tests, quizzes, essays, worksheets, class assignments, creative assignments, participation, and significant projects.  

Grades are updated at least once every week but often will be updated multiple times a week. 

Parents/Guardians: Please read this Syllabus.

 Feel free to contact Ms. Mata if you have any questions. I can be reached at apmata@uisd.net.