TEACHER INFORMATION
MS. WILLIS
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Social Science
from Humboldt State University in the beautiful
redwoods of northern California and a Master of
Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western
Governors University.
I have three amazing kids and two energetic puppies!
They are the joy of my life. 
I truly enjoy teaching and working with young people.
The focus of my classroom is student learning. I take a
multi-dimensional approach to lesson structure
incorporating lecture, class discussion, projects,
reading, and writing. I am very open to student and
parent feedback. I can be reached at 480-472-3084 or
by email at mlwillis@mpsaz.org and will return all
messages within one business day.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
SS34 – American History I
This course examines the history of the United States
beginning with Pre-Columbian Native cultures of the
North American continent through the post-Civil War
and westward expansion eras in the United States.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
START OF CLASS
BELL WORK
When the bell rings, be in your seat, with all electronics
(cell phones, iPods, etc.) turned off and put away, all
materials ready, and working on bell work.
Most days there will be a bell work assignment.
1) PLANNER: Write the daily Topic and homework
assignment from the board into your planner.
2) BELL WORK PAPER: Answer the bell work
questions.
NOTEBOOK
Each student is required to have a notebook dedicated
to this class.
NOTES
Each student will be expected to take Cornell notes.
Focused note taking strategies will be cultivated in
class.
Students are expected to be actively engaged in
learning in this class. Listen respectfully, think critically,
share openly.
PARTICIPATION
GRADES
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
MAKE-UP WORK
EXTRA HELP/TUTORING
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Grades are updated weekly. They will be based on
participation, bell work, class assignments, tests, and
the semester research project. There will be NO
surprises. You will know what you will be graded on, the
grading scale, due dates, test dates and content. Final
Exams are scheduled for Dec 17 & 18, 2015.
Assignments are due on the due date specified. Due
dates and test dates are posted in the classroom. Late
assignments receive a 25% reduction in credit.
You have the number of days you were absent to make
up missing assignments for full credit.
Ms. Willis is available during 2nd lunch and after school
for extra help/tutoring. Contact me to make
arrangements.
The expectations for behavior in this class are positive.
You are expected to be respectful and considerate of
yourself, your peers, and your teacher. You are
expected to follow class and school rules. If you choose
not to meet these expectations, consequences may
include a verbal warning, a conference, parental
contact, or referral to administration.
Parents are encouraged to regularly check their
student’s progress using the Mesa Public Schools online
portal located at www.mpsaz.org. Under “My MPS
Portal”, click on “Parents”. You can obtain a user name
and login from the Dobson front office. This portal
allows you to see your student’s grades and attendance
for all classes.
I send out a weekly newsletter to parents advising what
students are learning and important assignment and
test due dates. In addition, you can contact me at 480472-3084 or by email at mlwillis@mpsaz.org.