U.S. History
Coach Padalecki
Edward.Padalecki@hutto.txed.net
512-759-4700 ext. 6055
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I am very excited to have you in class so we can learn
about the different aspects of U.S. History. I have high standards of academic work that I expect
from you and I hope you have high standards for me, as well. In this syllabus, I am going to
explain the classroom procedures and expectations.
Course Overview:
United States History (1877 – the Present)
This is a yearlong course, which will study the history of our country from 1877 to the present.
There will be a brief review of earlier United States history and geography. The course will look
at the political, economic, and social changes in the United States during that time period. The
state TEKS and TAKS objectives will be covered.
First Semester
Unit 1The West and Gilded Age– Chapter 6-8
Unit 2Celebrate Freedom Week
Unit 3 Progressivism - Chapter 9
Unit 4 Rise of World Power- Chapter 10-11
Unit 5 Transition to Modern America- Chapters 12 – 13
Unit 6 The Great Depression and New Deal - Chapters 14-15
Unit 7 America Reacts to World at War- Chapters 16 – 17
Second Semester
Unit 8 – World War Ch 16-17
Unit 9 Onset of Cold War, 1950s and early 60s– Ch 18-20
Unit 10 Civil Rights Movement - Ch 21
Unit 11 New Frontiers and Familiar Enemies- Chapters 22
Unit 12 – 1970-1990
Unit 13 - 1990-Present
Unit 14 – Ever Changing America
Materials needed:
 2 Composition Books
 1 11/2 Binder with paper and 3 dividers
 Blue or Black Pens
 Pencils
Page | 1



Please bring and turn in the following:
Kleenex
Map pencils or Markers
Scissors or a pkg. of 4 or more glue sticks
Bell Ringers:
For the first 5-10 minutes of each class, there will be a bell ringer. My expectation is that you
come in to class and begin working. The bell ringer is an exercise to review what we talked
about the previous day. This will either be on the board in the front of the room or a worksheet
on the side counter. You will do these in your composition notebook and/or keep it in your
binder. Keep up with your journal entries because they will be checked for a grade. If you miss
a day, get what you missed from a classmate.
Grading
You will have plenty of opportunities to pass my class. It is up to you to use those opportunities.
I follow the guidelines in the student handbook on grades.
The following will be used to determine grades:
35%- Daily (Worksheets, Class Activities, Homework, Current Events)
65%- Major – Tests, Projects
Late or Make Up Work
Late may be turned in according to school policy. The highest grade received on late work will be a
70. Failure to turn in work can result in assignment to tutorials. If you are absent, then you have the
total number of days associated with the absence. It is YOUR responsibility to get this make up work.
Missed tests: You will have 5 days to make up a test. I have a teacher webpage that has everything
that we have done for the current semester. Look on the webpage everyday.
Classroom Rules and Consequences
I follow the Classroom Discipline Plan of Hutto High School.
Text Book Policy
I have a classroom set of textbooks, so if there is a need for a book to take home, one must be
check out with me prior to doing so.
Cell Phone Policy
If you are using your cell phone, or any other electronics, in my classroom without my
permission, I reserve the right to confiscate it. It is written clearly in the handbook that
electronics are NOT allowed. We will occasionally use them for educational purposes only!
Tutoring Policy
You MUST schedule one with me or I will not know that you need tutoring.
Extra Credit
I will on occasion allow for extra credit to bring your grade up. I will not guarantee that the
extra credit will be easier than doing the originally assigned work.
Bathroom Pass
I will give each student 3 bathroom passes each 6 weeks.
Page | 2
NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN MY CLASSROOMS!
PLEASE DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE IN MY CLASSROOM.
 I teach over 100 students and I cannot meet the needs of all of them. If you tend to get
cold, bring a jacket. If you tend to get hot, wear short sleeves. I WILL NOT change the
temperature.
I look forward to having you in class. Attached you will find a parent letter. Have it signed and
returned for a grade before Friday Aug. 31st. I hope you have a great year and most of all…let’s
have fun learning something!
Thank you,
Coach Ed Padalecki
Conference period: 10:24-11:16
School phone: 759-4700x6055
Email: Edward.Padalecki@hutto.txed.net
Page | 3
Dear Parents/Guardians:
My name is Ed Padalecki and I am the United States History teacher at Hutto High School. I'm
very excited about the upcoming year. I believe very strongly that in incorporating study skills,
cooperative learning activities and reading strategies into daily lesson plans. It is also my belief
that it's just as important to teach students how to learn, as it is to teach the academic content of
the course. I will do my best to make the course an interesting and enlightening experience for all
my students. Please sign and have your student return this sheet to class before Friday Aug. 31,
2012. THIS WILL BE FOR A GRADE!
I have read and understand everything in this syllabus. I also understand that if my student
applies him/herself, then they can pass this class. If I have a question or concern then I can talk
to Coach Padalecki during his conference period.
Parent Signature________________________________________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have read and understand everything in this syllabus. I also understand that if I apply myself
then I can pass this class (and even get an “A”)! On the other hand, I understand that if I don’t
do all of my work then it will be hard to pass. If I have a question then I can talk to Coach
Padalecki during his conference period.
Student Signature_______________________________________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I will give my students every opportunity to pass. I will also treat my students with the same
respect that I would want my child to be treated. I understand that if the students don’t want to
help themselves then it will be hard for me to help them. I will be available most days during my
conference period unless extenuating circumstances come about. I will take pride in what I do
and teach my students to excel in being a model citizen in accordance to this portion of Social
Studies.
Teacher Signature_______________________________________________________________
Page | 4