Ms. Thelma Garcia 

8^th Grade Social Studies Syllabus

2024-2025

thelma.garcia@uisd.net

Welcome to the 2024 - 2025 school year. I am delighted to have your child in my Social Studies class this year and hope to provide a truly positive learning experience.   As a lifelong learner, I know that learning extends from my classroom to your home. If you have questions, comments, or concerns at any time, please feel free to contact me or schedule a conference.  I wish you and your child a wonderful school year! Go Oilers! 

Purpose/Course Description

1. To meet and master the criteria for 8th Grade Level Social Studies as outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the state of Texas.

2. To master the skills that will help the student excel in the  Social Studies STAAR Exam.

3. To build character qualities such as Responsibility, Preparedness, Manners, and Safety as required by Raul Perales Middle School. 

Classroom Expectations

All RPMS students are expected to practice “Responsibility, Prepared, Manners, and Safety.” In addition, students need to:

1. Always be prepared for class

2. Be good listeners and respectful

3. Complete classwork and homework assignments

4. Treat others the way they want to be treated

Attendance

Students are expected to be on time and in class during school days and hours. If a student cannot attend school, please contact the RPMS front office at your earliest convenience.  Our goal is for your child to be well-prepared with the skills needed for the 8th-grade STAAR exam and the following school year. 

Rewards

Students who consistently exemplify good behavior and demonstrate progress will be rewarded. Rewards can be in the form of spoken praise, a positive phone call home, oiler coins,  fun activities, and/or privileges.  Failure to behave correctly will result in the opposite of such rewards: phone calls/emails to parents, detention, office referrals, parent-teacher conferences, etc.

Extra Credit Policy

Once every six weeks, I will offer an extra credit opportunity. However, in order to qualify for the extra credit, a student must not have any missing assignments in the class. Other extra credit opportunities may be available during the six weeks at the teacher’s discretion.

Restroom/Water Breaks

Students must have a hall pass to use the restroom. They will only be allowed to visit the nurse's office if it is an emergency. A pattern of excessive restroom or water breaks and nurse visits will result with a phone call home. 

Materials

For my class, your child will require the following supplies:

1. 1 notebook/composition journal

2. Chromebook (provided by district)

3. Pencil or Pen (Everyday use)

4. Highlighter

5. Folder with pockets

6. 1 glue stick

If other items are needed for projects, a notice will be sent to you. 

Methods of Evaluation

Students will be given at least 12 assignment grades and at least 4 test/quiz grades per six weeks. A progress report will be available online every 3 weeks and final report card grades will be available every six weeks.

Homework

I understand students have other classes, activities, expectations, etc.  Yet, sometimes, students may have the opportunity to finish classwork at home.  Even though homework is not assigned as frequently in this class as in others, it is NOT an excuse to disregard the expectations for success. In the evenings, when the student does not have homework, they are expected to review their material. Verbally reviewing material and studying for 20-30 minutes a night can be the difference between barely passing and passing with flying colors. We hope to have students feel confident in their success. 

Make-Up Work

When a student is absent, it is their responsibility to pick up missed assignments. Students should collect their work from the designated area on the day that they return to class. The time allotted to complete makeup work is one day for each day the student is absent. Any work not turned in within the allotted time will be considered late.

Late Work

A student has 5 days to turn in late work. If a student has questions about late work, it is their responsibility to ask the teacher for assistance. Late work will not be accepted after 5 days unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Tests

The student will have a minimum of 4 tests/quizzes during each six-week grading period. 

Missed Test

If your student has missed a test, the test will be provided upon the student’s return to the classroom. The student is still responsible for informing the teacher of a missed exam. 

Cell Phones

Cell phones should remain in the student’s backpack at all times and should not be used during class time without the teacher’s permission. Cell phones should not be taken to the restroom.

**Note: Syllabus is subject to change at any time.**

Please feel free to contact me with any questions through email, phone, or ParentSquare!