July 7, 2015
Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to Social Studies class. As we begin our class for the new school year I
thought there would be a few things that would help you all succeed in my class.
Students will be required to have an agenda to help them with organization. I have
included some information on my class, the expectations, rules/procedures, and my
grading policy below. I look forward to a great year with all of you and hope that you all
strive to be successful.
8th Grade Social Studies
Our class will cover the history of North Carolina and America. We will be
studying the founding of our nation and state from British colonies to their independence
from Great Britain. You will study the framing of the American Political system and have
a better understanding of how our government works for its citizens. We will discuss the
many changes America went through from its inception to the world power it is today.
While in this class you will be expected to read from various sources, including
historical documents, magazine articles, essays, and other reading sources; interpret
political cartoons, charts, graphs, and maps; take a variety of notes, participate in
discussions and debates, work on projects and keep up to date on current events. I have
found the best classes are the ones where the students and I are able to engage in an open
discussion on the topics being covered and this can only happen if the students do their
homework and pay attention in class.
Team/Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow the rules set forth in the Durant Road student handbook
as well as the following:
1. Remember to bring all materials to class daily.
2. Listen carefully to all materials presented in class.
3. NO use of cell phones/iPods/MP3 players or any other electronic device while in
school, unless authorized by a teacher. We should not see these items at all during school
hours; they should be locked in student’s lockers.
4. Follow directions.
5. Respect all students, teachers, staff, and personal property both in and out of your
classroom.
Consequences for not following above rules may include but are not limited to:
First Time: Warning
Second Time: Warning with Parent Contact
Third Time: Silent Lunch and Parent Contact
Fourth Time-Referral to Administrator and Parent Contact
Grading Policy:
Formative Assessments- These grades do not count directly towards a student’s final
grade, but they are very important in helping students prepare for the summative grades.
These grades such as homework and class work are considered a part of the learning
process. Feedback will be given to students to help them improve and prepare for future
summative grades.
Summative Assessments- These grades do count directly towards a student’s final grade.
These grades such as quizzes, tests, and projects are the most accurate and fair way to
assess a student. These assignments have been designed to determine the student’s level
of mastery at the end of a unit of study. There will be further information to come
concerning retakes. Once this is finalized information will be sent home.
Flipped Classroom Information:
I will be uploading short videos to my website that will contain the notes and information
for our units on them. This will be in place of me delivering notes in lecture form in
during our class time. Please refer to the attached letter to read about my flipped
classroom and the reasons behind it.
Website Information:
My school website is a place where parents and students can keep up with the work and
schedule of my class. This website will have links to files we are using in class, websites
for additional help, information on projects, copies of study guides, links to the flipped
notes videos and many other resources for your child to be successful in 8th Grade SS.
http://durantroadms.wcpss.net/web/dunton/
If you have any further questions please feel free to call me at school or you can email me
through the website address. Thanks and I look forward to a great year with you and
your children.
Sincerely,
Mike Dunton
8th Grade Track 1 Social Studies Teacher
mdunton@wcpss.net