United States and Virginia History
2014-2015 Syllabus, Mrs. Shangraw
sarah.shangraw@lcps.org
Please keep this document as a reference, but my website will always contain the most up-to-date
information on class procedures, assignments, announcements, study links and materials.
Course Description
Welcome to US and Virginia History! The standards for this course include the historical development of American ideas
and society from the Age of Exploration to the present. While focusing on political and economic history, the standards
provide a basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and
events in United States history. We will use historical and geographical analysis skills to explore in depth the events,
people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country’s current position in the world community.
As part of our study of history, we will emphasize the skills and habits of mind that you will need to be successful not only
in this class, but also in college, at work, and as a responsible citizen. You will practice these skills – questioning,
analyzing, writing, and working collaboratively -- as you extend your understanding of the essential knowledge defined by
all of the standards for history and social science. All students will take the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test for
US and Virginia History in early May.
Materials – Bring to Class Every Day
- Three-Ring Binder just for History class (1 ½’ is fine) with 8 dividers (Reference, Units 1-6 [1st semester], Review)
- Blue or black pen, Red pen, pencil, Highlighter
- Cheap Spiral Notebook (red for 2nd block; blue for 3rd block – don’t write anything on it yet, even your name)
Classroom Rules and Expectations
Our classroom will be a safe and comfortable environment that is conducive to learning at all times. To achieve this, we
will uphold the following expectations:
1. Be punctual: You must be in your seat and ready to work on the warm up when the late bell rings. If you should
happen to be tardy, sign in at the tardy sheet and go directly to your desk without disrupting class. Students with
multiple tardies will receive lunch detentions, calls home, and/or administration involvement.
2. Be Kind, and Respect yourself and others: Listen to what your instructor and colleagues have to say and respond
thoughtfully and respectfully. Participate fully! Students who choose not to follow participation guidelines will
have a conference. If needed, we will also schedule conferences with parents or administrators.
3. Be prepared for every class:
o If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain your work from the makeup section in the room. This
work must be completed within the number of days you were absent unless otherwise discussed with me.
o You are expected to turn all assignments in on time. Late assignments will only receive partial credit.
Anything submitted after the chapter/unit testing will not be given credit. Homework is due at the
beginning of class to be considered “on time.”
4. Not acceptable in class: food, candy, gum, drinks (water is o.k.), homework from other classes.
5. Electronic devices will be kept off/silent and closed in your backpack unless specifically allowed by the teacher for
classroom purposes.
Assessments
This course will include a variety of formative and summative assessments to include tests, quizzes, projects, and regular
small writing assignments. Grading will be done on a total points scale, typically as follows: Homework and class
notebooks (5-20 points); Quizzes (25-50 points); Tests and major projects (50-100 points). Everything is put in CLARITY.
Assistance
I am available before and after school for extra help by request. You may also send me an email if you have questions or
concerns. Please come talk to me and advocate for yourself when you need assistance. I want every student to be
successful in this course.
Students: Please keep this page in your notebooks. Parents/Guardians: Please discuss this
syllabus with your child and return the signature page by the end of the first week of school.
United States and Virginia History
2014-2015 Syllabus, Mrs. Shangraw
sarah.shangraw@lcps.org
Parents/Guardians: Please discuss the syllabus with your child and return this signature page by the end of the
first week of school. The syllabus should stay in the Reference section of their binder. Thank you!
I have read and reviewed this syllabus with my child, ______________________________.
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature
__________________________
Date
Do you have any special interests or materials that you could share about the topics we will be
covering in United States and Virginia History?
Is there anything that I should know about your child to help me teach him or her most effectively?
***VERY IMPORTANT*** If I need to contact you about your child’s progress in class, what is the
best way to reach you? (name, phone and/or email)
Do you have any questions for me?
Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you on Back to School Night!