8th Grade Syllabus
Mr. Berezwick
jberezwick@tamaquasd.org
Classroom Syllabus
American History (8th grade)
Course Description
This class will be a continuation of your prior studies of the history of the United States. It will begin with the Stock Market Crash & Depression (1929 - 1933) and end with Entering a New Era (1992 - Present).
Unit Topics:
Unit 1 Stock Market Crash & Depression
Unit 2 The New Deal
Unit 3 World War II
Unit 4 Cold War
Unit 5 1940s & 1950s
Unit 6 1960s & Vietnam War
Unit 7 1970s
Unit 8 1980s
Unit 9 1990s
Unit 10 2000 to Present
Testing and Assessment:
Your grade each quarter will be based on the following criteria:
- Google Chromebook Tasks (Homework/Classwork)
- Test and Quizzes
- Group Work and Class Work Assignments
- Projects
- Class Participation (in class and discussion boards)
I will be using a point system to calculate your grades. Example, if we have 1000 total points for the quarter, and you have 900 points, your grade would be a 90%
Necessary Classroom Materials:
- Google Chromebooks
- Writing utensil
- Folder
- Notebook
Classroom Rules:
- Arrive to class each day on time and with all your materials.
- Talk only when permitted.
- Raise your hand when you have something to say.
- Stay in your assigned seat at all times.
- Treat others with respect
Cell Phone Policy:
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not to be used during class time. As per the new Board Policy, these devices must be kept in your locker or in the designated classroom cell phone holder.
If you are seen using a device without explicit permission from me, it will result in a write-up to the office. Consistent violations will lead to further disciplinary action as outlined by school policy.
I understand that emergencies can happen. If a family emergency or other urgent situation requires you to use your phone, please let me or the main office know.
Chromebook Policy
Chromebooks are required for this class and must be brought to every session. They will be used for specific in-class assignments that require internet access. The instructor will let you know when to use your device. When not in use, Chromebooks must remain closed on your desk.
Email:
If you have questions, please feel free to ask me in person or send me an email at jberezwick@tamaquasd.org.
Here is my email response policy:
- Emails sent by 3:00 PM will be answered in a timely manner, typically on the same day.
- Emails sent after 3:00 PM may not receive a response until the next school day. Please allow up to 24 hours for a reply.
- Emails sent over the weekend may require a 24-48 hour response time.
I will do my best to respond as quickly as possible, but these timeframes guarantee a response.
Academic Honesty:
Cheating, in any form, is unacceptable and will result in immediate Level 2 referrals to the office and a parent-teacher-administrator-student conference.
AI Use
In this course, we will integrate AI tools, such as School AI, to enhance our learning experience. I encourage you to use these tools as a thought partner to help you brainstorm ideas, refine your writing, and explore new concepts.
However, all work submitted must be your own. The use of AI tools to generate text that is then copied and pasted or submitted without significant revision is a form of academic dishonesty. Any work that is not in your own words will be subject to the school's Academic Honesty Policy.
Latework/Academic Sessions
Assignments submitted up to one day late will receive full credit. After one day, the following deductions will apply:
- Major Assignments: A point deduction will be applied based on the total point value of the assignment.
- Homework Assignments: A fixed 5-point deduction will be applied.
Any assignment submitted 10 or more days late will receive a grade of zero.
This does not apply if you are absent, but you are expected to make up work based on school policy.
School Absenteeism
If a student is absent from school, it is his or her responsibility to make up for any work missed. PowerPoint notes and assignments are posted on Google classroom.
