This year we will learn about the history of the United States from its early beginnings to the present. Historical content will include: the early explorers, the colonial and revolutionary periods, the establishment of the United States , and issues that led to the Civil War. An overview of major events and significant individuals of the late 19th and 20th centuries will be included. We will also learn about a variety of regions in the US that result from physical features and human activity and identify how people adapt to and modify the environment.
The following are the units that we will focus on this year:
- 1.1: We the People
- 1.2: Being a Historian
- 1.3: Being a Geographer
- 1. 4: Mapping the USA
- 2.1. Native Americans and Exploration
- 2.2: The Thirteen Colonies
- 2.3: American Revolution
- 3.1 The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
- 3.2: The U.S Grows
- 3.3 TheCivil War and Reconstruction
- 4.1 The U.S Grows and Changes
- 4.2 The USA at War Again
- 4.3 Into the Present
The following are procedures that will be followed by all students in our class:
Things to have in class daily:
Binder
Social Studies notebook 
Scissors and glue 
Pencil
Also check the Update Board outside of the classroom for any other materials that you may need for class that day.
Grading Policy
- Class work: 40 %
- Projects: 20 %
- Homework: 10 %
- Tests: 30%
Late Work Policy
For every day an assignment is late, 10 points will be taken off for up to 3 days.
Homework
There is no set day for homework. On the days that homework is assigned, it is the student's responsibility to write it down in his/her planner. Homework is also written on the board by the teacher and due dates are posted in the classroom and on the update board outside of the classroom. Also, due dates and links of homework are generally posted on our calendar website.
If classwork is not finished in class it can be assigned for homework , but will count as a classwork assignment.
Assignments for students who are absent
If a student is absent from class, the "Absent Packet Manager" from their table will be responsible for collecting any missed work. When the student returns to class, it is their responsibility to retreive their work from the "Absent Packet." If there are any questions, then please check with the teacher. All completed work must be turned in to the teacher in a timely manner. Any missed tests will need to be rescheduled with the teacher and should be completed no later than one week from the date of absence.
Projects
Generally, there are 3 to 4 projects assigned in the first semester and 1 to 2 in the second.
How to contact me:
- By email: vwoodfin@houstonisd.org
- By phone: 713.349.1800
- Conference time: 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Thank you for taking the time to read over our
class syllabus. I look forward to a great year with your child!
