I teach U.S. History and I am pleased to be in partnership with you this new year 2012-2013! I believe that every student has the ability to accomplish their educational and career goals. Let's work together and provide the crucial guidance and support they need. It's imperative that students enter class ready to learn. I am confident that your child will receive the BEST education here at Andover Middle School! Please visit my website frequently for vital class information. If you have any questions/concerns, please contact me via telephone at 305 654-2727 Ext 2145 or email ppreston@dadeschools.net.
We will achieve EXCELLENCE in 2012-2013!

This course is an indept analysis of the history of our great nation, the United States of America. We begin at the Age of Exploration and journey into the Reconstruction Era. Course content include a study of Early Exploration, Colonization Period, The American Revolution and The Civil War. We analyze key historical leaders, documents and evidence that has shaped our lives over the years. Students develop their ability to think clearly and critically, to ask research significant questions, to read and interpet historical artifacts and material and to express their ideas in a logical, concise manner.

TEXTBOOK: Discovering Our Past: A History of the U.S: Published by McGraw Hill/Glencoe. WEB BASED TEXTBOOK SUPPORT: http://www.glenco.mcgraw-hill.com Students will be issued an individual copy of the text to take home. Class sets will be used in school.

MATERIALS: These materials must be brought to school daily: black/blue pen, notebook paper, U.S. History Binder/ Notebook with dividers, highlighters, color pencils and one pack of copy/printer paper.

U.S History Binder/ Notebook Dividers: Students two inch binder/notebook must contain the following dividers: Do Now, Vocabulary, T-Notes, Home Learning and Literacy Block Assignments. 

ASSESSMENTS: Evaluations will include: projects, written assignments, tests, journals, technology based activities, and class participation. Students will be notified in advance of upcoming tests, projects and activities.

CLASS GRADING POLICY: Academic, effort and conduct grades will be issued every 9 weeks. Progress reports will be sent home each 9 week term. Class Assignments 30% Projects 15% Test 30% Home Learning 5% Quizes 20%

GRADING SCALE: A = 90 - 100 B = 80 - 89 C = 70 - 79 D = 60 - 69 F = 59 - 0

CONDUCT GRADE: Students are expected to follow the AMS Code of Student Conduct and Classroom Rules at all times. Consequences for conduct violations are as follows:

• Warning 
• Student/teacher Conference
• Detention/Conduct Cut/Demerit
• Teacher/Parent/Student Conference
• Referral

EFFORT GRADE: Effort grades will be assigned based on the student completing all assignments in a timely manner.

HOME LEARNING POLICY: Home learning will be given at least 3 days a week. Students are expected to complete all home learning assignments. Students are responsible for copying the home learning into their agendas. All home learning will be reviewed and opportunities for correction will be provided in class. Home learning will include book reports, technology component(s) and projects.

ABSENCES: Students are responsible for obtaining missed notes and assignments from the teacher. Every attempt will be made to place important assignment information on the teacher website.

STUDENT PROGRESS: Parents are encouraged to check their childs progress online through the Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) which is located on the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Parent Portal- http://myportal.dadeschools.net Please visit Student Services to obtain the required 6 digit PIN number in order to access this site.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Please call 305-654-2727 Ext: 2145 or email me at ppreston@dadeschools.net.

Reading Plus - Students must complete three sessions of Reading Plus each week. Each sessions takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Students may access Reading Plus through the student portal or directly through the website: Readingplus.com. If prompted to enter a site code please enter 121andover. Reading Plus is designed to increase reading comprehension skills which is vital for FCAT success! I strongly encourage and require each student participation in the Reading Plus technology program.

Andover Middle School
Priscilla Riley-Preston