History Eight Modern Syllabus Handout
Course Syllabus
8th Grade US History
History 8 | Mrs. Durtsche (Dur-chee)
sdurtsche@bgh2.org
Room 204 • Canvas Active
"A society of people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots."
— Marcus Garvey
Course Overview
Throughout eighth grade, students explore the history of the United States from the development of the English colonies, the birth of our nation, through to the global collision of World War I. Together, we will track how major national events shaped our modern development, study the U.S. Constitution, and analyze the individual rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will work collaboratively to evaluate political, economic, geographic, and social perspectives that define the American experience.
Essential Learnings & Standards
1
Citizenship, Gov & Democracy
Analyze power structures, governance, and civic responsibilities.
2
Culture & Diversity
Understand contributions and impacts of cultural diversity on societies.
3
Production & Consumption
Describe economic factors shaping decisions and societal growth.
4
Time, Continuity & Change
Analyze key historical events, people, and problems in context.
5
People & Environments
Apply geographic themes to show human-environmental interactions.
6
Technology & Literacy
Utilize digital media to evaluate, synthesize, and share knowledge.
Course Setup & Materials
Student Choice: Digital or Physical Tracking
Option A: Digital Learners
- Charged School iPad (brought daily)
- Active library book/novel
- OneDrive folder named
History 8
- OneNote Notebook organized into: • Bell Work • Graphic Organizers • Classwork
Option B: Physical Learners
- Charged School iPad (brought daily)
- Active library book/novel
- 2-Inch 3-Ring Binder dedicated to History 8
- Dividers & Loose-Leaf Paper: • Tabs for Bell Work, Notes, and Classwork
*Note: Regular binder and digital checks will ensure organization and tracking accuracy.*
Page 1 of 2 • 8th Grade US History (History 8)
Classroom Policies & Expectations
Everyday standards to promote respect, integrity, and active growth.
Classroom Code of Conduct
★ Be Respectful
Be in seat ready to learn, raise hands, use kind language, and keep cell phones completely put away.
★ Be Accountable
Complete and submit assignments, prepare for assessments, and take honest ownership of your progress.
★ Be Safe
Keep hands and feet to yourself, support and encourage peer ideas, and resolve issues constructively.
Daily Procedures
- Enter class quietly and immediately begin bell work.
- Always construct answers using complete sentences.
- Collaborate peer-to-peer constructively and respectfully.
- Keep discussions strictly on-task and academic.
- Follow directions quickly the first time they are given.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on to speak.
- Be willing to make mistakes! That's how we learn.
Grading & Rubric Scale
4 • Exceeding Standards Advanced Mastery
3 • Meeting Standards Proficient
2 • Progressing Developing
1 • Beginning Starting Point
Assessments scoring below a 3 are highly encouraged to be corrected and retaken. Half points (.5) are utilized.
Absent Work
Check Canvas weekly outlines. You receive 2 school days to make up work for each day of absence.
Homework Policy
Daily assignments not completed during our class periods must be completed at home to meet deadline dates.
Movie Policy
Educational media (G, PG, PG-13) is strictly previewed to support curriculum. Signing below grants student participation.
Action Required
Syllabus Review & Consent Form
Please sign and return this bottom portion to confirm agreement with the course policies.
"I have read the History 8 (8th Grade US History) syllabus and understand its grading scales, classroom expectations, policies on absent work/make-ups, and the general movie viewing authorization policy."
Student Printed Name
Class Period
Student Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Page 2 of 2 • Return Completed Portion to Room 204
History Seven Modern Syllabus Handout
Course Syllabus
7th Grade Social Studies
History 7 | Mrs. Durtsche (Dur-chee)
sdurtsche@bgh2.org
Room 204 • Canvas Active
"A society of people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots."
— Marcus Garvey
Course Overview
World Civilizations examines the growth of human society from our earliest beginnings to the present and allows students to discover the roots of modern humanity. Students will study agricultural societies, ancient civilizations, empires, trade, migration, and how cultures transferred between regional areas. We will build an understanding of the foundations of how ideas, cultures, tools, and technology started and how those aspects transferred to create the world we live in now, helping us better analyze current global issues.
Essential Learnings & Standards
1
Citizenship, Gov & Democracy
Analyze power structures, governance, and civic responsibilities.
2
Culture & Diversity
Understand contributions and impacts of cultural diversity on societies.
3
Production & Consumption
Describe economic factors shaping decisions and societal growth.
4
Time, Continuity & Change
Analyze key historical events, people, and problems in context.
5
People & Environments
Apply geographic themes to show human-environmental interactions.
6
Technology & Literacy
Utilize digital media to evaluate, synthesize, and share knowledge.
Course Setup & Materials
Student Choice: Digital or Physical Tracking
Option A: Digital Learners
- Charged School iPad (brought daily)
- Active library book/novel
- OneDrive folder named
History 7
- OneNote Notebook organized into: • Bell Work • Graphic Organizers • Classwork
Option B: Physical Learners
- Charged School iPad (brought daily)
- Active library book/novel
- 2-Inch 3-Ring Binder dedicated to History 7
- Dividers & Loose-Leaf Paper: • Tabs for Bell Work, Notes, and Classwork
*Note: Regular binder and digital checks will ensure organization and tracking accuracy.*
Student Council Election Sign Up Sheet
Lovell Middle School • Bulldog Pride
STUCO Election Sign-Up
Ready to lead, inspire, and represent your peers? Sign up below for Executive Officer roles!
Elections 2026-27
President 1-Yr STUCO Exp.
Spokesperson for the student body. Presides over council and Bulldog meetings, represents student interests to LMS administration, and coordinates morning announcements.
*Requires exemplary attendance & academic standing.*
Candidate Name
Grade
1
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3
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5
Vice President 2nd Highest Role
Stands in for the President when they are unavailable. Oversees meeting order, helps coordinate general STUCO business, and co-hosts the LMS morning announcements.
*Requires strong leadership capacity and organization.*
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Grade
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Treasurer Funds & Budgets
Manages and tracks the Student Council treasury. Helps set fundraising goals, leads money counting operations, and updates the council on budgets.
*Requires strong attention to detail and solid math skills.*
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Grade
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Secretary Minutes & Records
Primary record keeper. Maintains detailed minutes of all council meetings, coordinates with the President on tracking, and manages council archives.
*Requires excellent writing skills and active listening.*
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Lovell Middle School Student Council Elections Page 1 of 2 • Executive Board
Voice of Your Class
Grade Level Representatives
Represent your friends! Sign up for your specific grade level representative position.
8th Grade Rep
Voice of the 8th-grade graduating class. Highlights class interests and communicates all STUCO actions to fellow 8th graders.
Requires mature leadership as role models.
Candidate Name
Homeroom
1
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4
5
7th Grade Rep
Voice of the 7th-grade class. Connects 7th graders' projects and concerns directly to the Executive Board.
