United States History Syllabus
Mr. Gregory
Belle Vernon Area Middle School
Welcome to United States History 7!
Overview: This class will cover American History from the Age of Exploration beginning in 1492
through the foundation(s) of the United States in 1787 with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The students in this class will discuss topics that include, but are not limited to, the American
Colonies, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the development of the US
Constitution, and westward expansion and the development of the frontier in Kentucky and
Tennessee.
Textbook: The book that will be used is entitled Discovering Our Past-A History of the United
States. Each student in the class will be responsible for bringing the textbook to class each day and
keeping a cover on the textbook all year long. No plastic covers or “stretchy” covers are allowed.
You must only use a paper textbook cover!!! Covers will be periodically checked during the year
and the textbook must be completely covered! A random textbook cover check will be worth “5”
Points!! (The textbooks are brand new—paper covers may be made using wrapping paper,
newspaper, paper grocery bags, or paper shopping bags.)
Grading Policy: The grading policy in this class is the same as the one adopted by the Belle Vernon
Area School District. It can be found in the student handbook.
Class Participation: Please participate as often as possible in class.
Classroom Rules: Students in this class are expected to act with common sense and display
common courtesy. Respectful behaviors and attitudes are expected each day. There are six basic
rules that will be enforced at all times!!! Violators of these rules will receive a warning, a writing
assignment, have classroom privileges removed, and have disciplinary action taken according to the
student handbook.
The classroom rules are:
1. Raise hand to speak at all times in class. There are no exceptions to the rule.
2. Respect the people, furnishings, and all materials in Room 208.
3. Listen carefully and follow directions the first time that they are given in class.
4. Observe all rules in the student handbook in class each day.
5. Have all appropriate materials (textbook, pencil, notebook, unit packet, and homework) out and
be seated when the bell rings.
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6. Students are expected to remain quiet and seated unless otherwise told to do so by the teacher.
Classroom Work: There will be seven major factors that will determine the students’ grade in this
class. The following paragraphs will explain the grading procedures in class.
Notebooks: Students will be expected to keep a neat notebook. They will be required to complete
the “Do Now” each day. Each entry must have a date and a completed notebook entry. In addition,
students will also be required to maintain the notebook for notes and important facts as instructed
to by the teacher. The notebook will be checked once per nine weeks on one day’s notice. The
notebooks will be worth up to 40 points each time it is checked.
Tests/Quizzes: Tests will be given at the end of each unit. The tests will focus on key vocabulary
terms and the major content areas covered in each chapter. Tests will include matching, multiple
choice, completion, True/False, and short answer essay questions. Students will review the day
prior to each test by completing a review sheet, taking a practice test, or playing a review game.
Tests will vary in length and points and will be announced at least (3) days in advance.
Homework: Homework will be provided on an as needed basis. It is expected that the students put
forth their best effort in completing the homework. Homework will be collected at times. The
assigned homework will reinforce what was taught in class on a particular day.
Outside Assignments: Students will be expected to complete a variety of outside assignments,
including outside readings, map completion, writing prompts, primary source analysis, and
crossword puzzles. Students will also be asked to write summaries and complete brief process
papers on topics that will be assigned in class for PSSA Practice. The point value will vary on these
assignments.
Group Work/Projects/WebQuests: During each grading period, students will be asked to work in
groups and complete various tasks or complete an individual project or WebQuest. Each student in
the group will receive both a group grade and an individual grade for completion of the
project/activity. A rubric will be provided at the beginning of each activity to help each student
understand how they will be graded on the task.
Agenda Book Checks: Agenda Books will be graded in Social Studies during the Fourth Nine Weeks
Grading Period. Students are expected to maintain a neat Agenda Book complete with a cover,
correct assignments, and be in excellent condition. The Agenda Book is worth 25 Points and will be
checked on five different occasions.
Please be sure to check for regular updates at www.bellevernonarea.net/bavms as often as possible
during the school year. You can also check E-School’s Plus (website will be provided by the school)
also as often as possible during the school year. I will post homework, assignments, grades, and
class updates on these sites as often as possible. Instructions will be provided on how to check the
updates on the first days of school.
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Contact Mr. Gregory with questions or concerns at rich.gregory@bellevernonarea.net via email or
by phone during school hours at 724-808-2500 x3209. Please keep all emails and phone calls limited
to questions or concerns about the 7th Grade United States History Class. I will respond as quickly
as possible.
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Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please review this syllabus with your child and fill out the bottom sheet and have it returned to Mr.
Gregory for verification that it was read and understood as soon as possible!! Thank you!!
Student’s Name (Please Print)
Parent’s Signature
Date
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Student’s Signature
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