7th grade HI-CAP Humanities
Brier Terrace Middle School
Abby Burton (425) 431-4122
burtona@edmonds.wednet.edu
www.school.edmonds.wednet.edu/brierterrace/burtona
Welcome to the 2015-16 school year! Please keep and refer to this syllabus for information on
curriculum and classroom policies. Share this with your parents/ guardians and encourage them to
contact me with any questions. I look forward to a great year together in 7th grade HI-CAP
Humanities.
English is where we practice and refine the skills of communication according to the Common Core
Standards: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Reading: We will learn and practice strategies for effective reading of literary and informational text.
We will read the novel Crispin. We will also read short stories, informational articles, and participate
in Literature Circles, in addition to the implementation of the new English curriculum. Independent
reading is an important part of the English curriculum.*
Writing: We will work on the organization, mechanics, and style of writing throughout the year, to
include narrative, expository and persuasive writing. Assignments vary from short in-class journal
writes to formal paragraph and essay assignments.
Speaking and Listening: We will practice oral communication and active listening skills through pair,
small-group, and class discussions, oral exams, as well as more formal presentations.
Social Studies
 Washington State History (first semester) is an Edmonds graduation requirement. We will
examine social, political, and economic aspects of Washington State History from 1855.
 Medieval World History (second semester) will focus on Medieval Europe, the Arabian
Peninsula, and West Africa using TCI’s History Alive text.
 Geography Skills will be integrated throughout the course.
 Research Skills will be developed in collaboration with our Library Information Specialist.
Research is the focus of the OSPI Designed Assessment (formerly the CBA).
Classroom Expectations follow the 5Ps of Brier Terrace Middle School.
 Prompt : Be on time, ready to work. Be seated with necessary materials when the bell rings.
 Prepared: Bring your binder, notebook paper, pencil or pen, Chromebook, independent
reading book, and any necessary textbooks to class every day.
 Polite: Be respectful of the learning environment, teacher, and classmates. Put-downs and
bullying are never acceptable.
 Productive: Always be engaged in learning in class.
 Proud: Your actions reflect who you are. Do your best and produce quality work.
School policies apply—please see the student handbook for school-wide rules and progressive
discipline policy.
Please note that there is no food, drink, or gum allowed in the classroom. Water bottles are okay.
Study Club: Teachers will be available in classrooms after school from 2:35-3:05 on Monday,
Tuesday and Thursdays with bus transportation at 4:00. If students need to stay after 3:05, they must
go to extended study club until the bus comes or a parent arrives. Study club is a time to ask
questions or get help on assignments.
Grading:



Grades will be calculated based on 60% projects, essays, tests and quizzes, 40% classwork
and homework.
Absences and Work Due: If you miss a day of class for an excused absence, it is your
responsibility to find out what you missed and complete make-up work. Refer to p. 7-9 of
your planner. Contact the counseling office if you have an extended absence.
Humanities Grading Scale:
A
100 % - 93 %
A92.99% - 90%
B+
89.99% - 87%
B
86.99% - 83%
B82.99% - 80%
C+
79.99% - 76%
C
76.99% - 73%
C72.99% - 70%
D+
69.99% - 67%
D
66.99% - 60%
F
59.99 % or below
Parent communication: Please use Skyward Family Access to stay up-to-date on your child’s grades
and any missing assignments. Don’t hesitate to contact me via phone or email (preferred) with any
questions or concerns. I can usually get back to you within 24 hours.
*Parents please note re: independent reading:
As books may contain a wide variety of language and content, it is up to the student and their parents/
guardians to make a decision as to which books are appropriate to read. It is important that students read
books of their choice, as studies have shown that choice of texts can bolster enthusiasm for reading.
Supplies: (for everyday use)
*2-3 inch binder for all classes, but use dividers/folders for Humanities (test/quizzes,
classwork/notes, and projects/homework)
*Chromebook
*Composition book
*Loose-leaf paper
*Pencils and blue, black, and red pens
*Highlighters
*Independent Reading book
**Please also send in $10 for your student to purchase a WordlyWise book, a comprehensive
vocabulary study program. The programs supports students’ vocabulary growth and development and
will assist him/her in writing, reading, and test preparation for high school. Please make checks
payable to “ESD” or “Edmonds School District”. Thank you very much!**
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Hi-Cap Humanities 7 Video Policy
Being a Humanities teacher, I greatly value videos that correspond to and supplement the curriculum.
The videos are either rated PG, PG-13, or are not rated (i.e. documentaries). With difficult or
sensitive subject matter, please be assured that I will edit and/or discuss the material as needed. I
often stop to discuss specific content to check for understanding and to discuss the subject matter as it
relates to our studies. In addition, I may show short video clips to enhance what I am teaching, and
typically they are used to illuminate various perspectives in history/social studies or
literature/language arts. Please sign below to authorize your child to participate in the viewing of
videos in this class. Thank you!
My child may participate in the viewing of videos in his/her humanities class.
My child may not participate in the viewing of videos in his/her humanities class and may
complete an alternate assignment.
Student’s Name:
________________________________________
Parent's Name:
________________________________________
Parent’s Signature:
________________________________________
*If you have any questions
burtona@edmonds.wednet.edu.
or
concerns,
please
feel
free
to
contact
me
at
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please detach this page (including the above video permission) and return by Tuesday, September
15, 2015.
I have read and understood the syllabus for 7th grade Humanities.
Student name (please print): __________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian name (please print): ___________________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature: ___________________________________________________________