Mrs. McKenna “History! It’s In All Of Us”
ROOM 201, PH 253-571-6521, kmckenn@tacoma.k12.wa.us (e-mail is best)
7:35am-8:05am 1:10-1:45pm or 2:45-3:30pm by phone
“Without historical study, we are without math, science, and literature” John Adams (2 nd president)
“To understand where we are going, we must first understand where we have been” T Roosevelt. (26thpres)
Intro: Welcome to 6th grade Social Studies! This is my first year at Meeker, but my 16 th year in education,
having taught Language Arts and Social Studies at both middle and high school levels. I earned my BA at
WSU (GO COUGS!), and my Teacher Certification at St. Martin’s College. I am passionate about lifelong learning, and hope to instill that in my students. Let’s have a great year!
Class Description: Social Studies is a year- long class covering the history of mankind through Ancient
Rome. This class is designed to facilitate critical thinking skills in social studies, geography, reading,
writing, math, science, and enhance skills in the utilization of technology, preparation for college and the
workplace.
Topics of study: Generally September –November your student will be working with chapters 1-5 in part 1
(green) covering geography and culture. December – Feb we move to part 2 (yellow) covering the
beginnings of human history, ancient Egypt, and ancient Greece. March-June we conclude with ancient
Rome and early Western Civilization.
WA State Adopted Social Studies Standards
SS. 1: CIVICS The student understands and applies knowledge of government, law, politics, and the
nation’s fundamental documents to make decisions about local, national, and international issues and to
demonstrate thoughtful, participatory citizenship.
SS. 2: ECONOMICS The student applies understanding of economic concepts and systems to analyze
decision-making and the interactions between individuals, households, businesses, governments, and
societies.
SS. 3: GEOGRAPHY The student uses a spatial perspective to make reasoned decisions by applying the
concepts of location, region, and movement and demonstrating knowledge of how geographic features and
human cultures impact environments.
SS. 4: HISTORY The student understands and applies knowledge of historical thinking, chronology, eras,
turning points, major ideas, individuals, and themes of local, Washington State, tribal, United States, and
world history in order to evaluate how history shapes the present and future.
SS. 5: SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS The student understands and applies reasoning skills to conduct
research, deliberate, and form and evaluate positions through the processes of reading, writing, and
communicating.
Classroom Expectations
 Be in your seat, quiet, and ready to start work with all materials when the bell rings.
 Listen/Look for directions/daily agenda/learning target/Teacher prompts. Follow directions the 1st
time, every time, never argue!
 Raise your hand to share/speak, never shout out in class or interrupt.
 Be polite and respectful…..zero tolerance for teasing/bullying behaviors.
Discipline: 1.Re- Direct 2. Verbal Warning 3. Teacher/Student conference 4. Blue Slip/ Parent
contact 5. 2nd Blue Slip/Detention. 6. Office Referral (*Parent/Guardians-please encourage your
student to always be respectful and follow directions for the most effective teaching environment)
Grading: 60% assessments/projects, and 40% daily work/homework. *My expectation is if no homework
is assigned on a particular day, 15-20 minutes review of that day’s learning target. (*Parent/Guardian,
please monitor your student’s effort/progress in class through Swift, HAC, Teacher Emails)
Materials
 College rule paper
 Sticky notes, thumb drive, colored pencils
 2 pens, 2 pencils, highlighter, tape, 3 ring paper reinforcements.
 Organized Avid binder, 6 labeled classes, including Social Studies with signed class expectations sheet
as cover page. Organization is very important; many assignments will be turned in packets, several
days after assigned so you can’t lose stuff!
I’ve read and understand classroom expectations and standards.
Parent/Guardian_____________________________
Student_____________________________________
Date________
Date__________