Course Syllabus

What Supplies do I need for this class:

• A notebook dedicated to only US History (this can be within a multi notebook if you prefer). All of the assessments that happen in class are open notebook. Therefore you want to make sure you have a dedicated space that keeps all of the course content organized. 
• A folder specific for United States History 
• Writing Utensils 

What do I do when I am absent?

1. Review the daily agenda, that can be found on the homepage, and identify what lesson powerpoint you missed. 

2. Then open the daily powerpoint that can be found under modules. 

3. If possible, work your way through the powerpoint. All necessary links can be found within the PowerPoints. 

4. If possible, complete the work outlined in the powerpoint either in your notebook or within the reader

5. If you have any questions, email Mrs. Sullivan

What do I do if Mrs. Sullivan is absent?

Check your school email. I will let you know if class is canceled or not. Do not assume class is canceled. I will also provide you with instructions on the work that you need to complete. Assume that you will have work to do, despite my absence. 

Laptop Usage within Mrs. Sullivan's Class 

As Juniors and Seniors you need to feel comfortable with your own organization style by the end of the year. As your educator I will be teaching you multiple skills and content through out, specifically I will be focusing on note taking and annotating readings. In order to focus on these two skills technology needs to be removed as a distraction so you can focus on what and how to take notes. To this end, Scholars will not be allowed to type their notes during class. Often times scholars are using laptops to replace cell phones when cell phones are not accessible. Scholars who have specific accommodations per official school documents or an agreement with Mrs. Sullivan will be allowed to use laptops. This policy is not to be punitive, but rather to allow scholars to be present. As the year progresses, this policy can be revisited. Scholars will have quizzes and tests during the school year and they will be able to access their notes.  Figuring out what note taking style works best for you early on in the school year is necessary to your success in the class. 

Individual Support

You can receive individual support in person during office hours, during school, or after school.  You can access support through the feedback provided to you on assessments.  You have access to a Social Studies teacher when visiting the Social Studies Resource Center.  If you want to individually check in it is your responsibility to reach out to me so that we can work together to set up a time(s). 

Major Assignments will account for 50% of a scholar's grade during Quarter 1. It will then increase to 65% of scholar's grade for Quarter 2,3, and 4. These are intended to be an assessment of your learning after completing a unit or multiple larger topics. We will spend multiple days in class (and outside of class) working on them. These assignments can range from, and are not limited to:

Minor Assignments will account for 50% of a scholar's grade for Quarter 1. It will then decrease to 35% of scholar's grade for Quarter 2,3, and 4. These are intended to be a brief assessment of your learning on an individual skill or topic. Types of assignments may include . These assignments can range from, and are not limited to:

Student Skills will be a category that is meant to be informative and therefore will not count towards a scholar’s final grade. It will be  documented as either Pass/Fail in order to inform the scholar and their support team where they are with their student skills. These skills can range from, and are not limited to:

• Essays
• Discussions
• Visual Metaphors 
• Narrative writing 
• Unit exams 

• Quizzes 
• Shorter writing prompts
• Classwork assignments 
• Reflections
• Open Response Questions 
• Creative challenges 

• Showing to class on time 
• Consistently completing homework 
• Be prepared for class (having notebook, notes, any necessary handouts)
• Consistently participates in different ways(small groups, larger groups, one on one)
• Seeks support when necessary from multiple places (Mrs. Sullivan’s office hours, the Social Studies lab, other students) 
• Consistently takes notes and uses them to inform the work they are doing. 

 Late Work Policies

• Students have up to 3 days past the original due date to hand in an assignment and choosing to take these days results in a student accepting that the highest grade they can receive is a B.

• In that “grace period”, students cannot get extra help from Mrs.Sullivan. However they are encouraged to access the Social Studies lab.

• If an assignment comes in after the grace period, it is up to teacher discretion on whether or not to accept the assignment at all. This could result in a 0 for the assignment. 

• If a student needs an extension beyond the 72 hour grace period, it must be requested 48 hours prior to the original due date. If you engage in an extension conversation with me 48 hours prior to the due date your grade will not be penalized. The purpose for this is that scholars need to work on their time management. You will always know at least a week in advance of a deadline. 

• If a scholar consistently uses the grace period, they will loose this privilege and can result in a 0. 

• Revision Policy: Within each Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 a scholar can revise one major from a B- or lower to a B. Within Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 there will be no revisions allowed to major assignments.  

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones and laptops are integral tools in both of our teaching and learning. One of my goals as your educator is to teach you how to use technology in an academic setting in a way that enhances your learning, and does not distract your learning. To this end, all cell phones will be parked for the entirety of the class period and scholars will not have access to their phones. Adult Supporters, please do not expect to talk to your scholar while in class. Per school policy, in an emergency arise please reach out to the necessary house office. 

Extra Time on Assessments 

Some students receive extra time on in-class assessments through an official plan, but we all sometimes need a few extra minutes to finish our thoughts. To that end, most of our assignments this year will be structured in a way to provide students with extra time during the class period itself (rather than having to schedule it outside of class). If you don’t receive extra time through an official plan but feel as though you may benefit from a little more time on an assessment, the WHS guideline is up to 25% extra time. This accommodation relies on proactive student communication prior to the date of the assessment.

 Scholars, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that has been created in order to make human lives more efficient. Beyond the walls of Wellesley High School you will be asked by employers, teachers, mentors, and others to engage with AI- whether you want to or not. In order to be successful beyond high school and within the job market you will need to know how to manipulate this tool in order to have it work for you. We will work with AI this year to find creative ways to use it in order to enhance YOUR OWN thinking. Our goal this year, in regards to using AI, is that you find ways to use it as a thought partner, and not have it do the work for you. The Student Handbook states that “Students may not use an artificial intelligence program to aid their work on an assignment unless explicitly directed to do so by their instructor.” It will be clearly indicated on assignments if, and when, the use of AI is appropriate. If AI is used and it is not indicated as such this will be seen as an academic violation.