Welcome to EIGHTH grade Social Studies!

We will be studying American History

through several time periods - from the Revolutionary War to Regional Growth in the United States
to The Reconstruction Era.

E-mail is the best

ms.griffithsemail@gmail.com
(860) 695-6863
www.msganme.weebly.com
(Get updates weekly)
@MsGriffiths1
(Get updates weekly)
way to contact
me! ❏ 1 Spiral Notebook/binder +
folder
❏ You must have writing
utensils (Pens/Pencils)
❏ School Issued Agenda
I will issue “Weekly Work Folders” that must
stay in the classroom on the side counter.

Please remain focused in class and do not

Electronic devices should be
used for class purposes and
ONLY with my permission!
Texting, playing games,
watching streams and taking
pictures will lead to your
device being confiscated. You
may pick it up at the end
of the day.
distract others from completing their work.
Please do your own work! “Working together”
or “getting help” does not mean copying a
partners answers. Copied work will receive
an “F” grade.
Any late work is your responsibility to
complete.
“Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world.

– Nelson Mandela

Please be respectful, prepared, considerate and

follow class and school rules. 40% Projects/Tests
If you’re having a hard time doing that, here is 30% Classwork/Participation
what you can expect from me.

1st -Verbal Warning 20% Quizzes

2nd -Take a moment to focus yourself
3rd -Reflection Essay 10% Homework
4th -Lunch Detention/Call Home
5th -Referral/You will be asked to leave class
and welcome to try again tomorrow.
Please review the previous pages with your child, and contact me with any questions. Once the
policies are clear to you, please sign below, and have your child return this page to class. You can keep
the first two pages for reference.

I have read the above information with my child, ___________________________, and

we are aware and understand Ms. Griffith’s grading policy.

Student Signature: Parent/Guardian Signature:

Sign Here
_________________________ ____________________________

From time to time we will watch videos and read books/excerpts from books (outside of the
curriculum) in Social Studies class. I’ve found that re-enacted history can often be very helpful when
students are trying to understand a historical event. I very rarely show a whole movie, however, I will
often use small five to ten minute excerpts to illustrate a particular concept. The following is a list of
videos and books that I’ve found to be helpful in previous years. I’ll also show news clips regarding
current events if I find them to be relevant. This is not a complete list, as sometimes I find new
resources during the school year.

CNN 10
VICE News
History: A Story of US (History Channel)
The Abolitionists (PBS)
Andrew Jackson – the Good, the Evil and the Presidency (PBS)
Online - Crash Course to US History (John Green – YouTube)
Music from the musical “Hamilton”
Slavery by Another Name (PBS)
Birth Of A Nation
Thurgood
23
Hidden Figures
When They See Us
The Hate You Give*

While most of these videos are unrated, and “made for TV”, and these books are written for young
adult audiences, they do contain some small moments that might be considered “inappropriate” for a
seventh grade audience. I will either censor those moments, or if I find them to be educational, I will
pause the movie to discuss the information and place it in context.

By granting permission below, you will allow me to use my own discretion when showing videos to
your child.

If you’d like any further details, please

Parent/Guardian Signature:
Sign Here ____________________________
let me know. I can certainly provide a
detailed synopsis. (Some of these
videos I have watched quite a few
times.)