7th+Grade+Social+Studies+-+Mr.+Alcazaren


 * Classwork & Homework: **http://sevenbluehelp.wikispaces.com/Social+Studies+Info+Link

September 2014

Dear Families & Students,

Welcome to seventh grade and to social studies! While I am sad to see the summer end, I am also looking forward to my favorite season, autumn, for its colorful scenery, crisp air, and to the reunion of old friends at school. Looking back on my summer, I had the opportunity to visit friends and family, read a handful of good books, and go hiking/backpacking across some really beautiful trails. I hope that you also had a chance to relax and recharge.

We will begin our year by learning about each other and then an analysis of America when it was solely inhabited by indigenous peoples. We will conclude with a study of Reconstruction post-Civil War. The course will be divided into several units. Students will be graded using several different methods that may include: informal discussions, historical simulations, projects, participation in class, debates, essays, quizzes, chapter tests, and unit tests.

As a whole, the course will emphasize literacy. Homework, which is meaningful and relevant, will be assigned to support this endeavor. This is a survey style course and will require reading and analysis of many styles of text. All students will be held responsible for missed class work, homework, or exams. If students have trouble with work they can always stop in to see me or contact me electronically.

As an educator committed to helping students become critical thinkers and responsible young adults, I have three important expectations for students within my classroom:


 * Be in your assigned seat when class starts
 * Be prepared for class with appropriate materials
 * Be respectful of everyone in the classroom

I welcome the opportunity to converse with you personally about the class if you would like any additional information. I can be reached via e-mail and Twitter. I would also encourage both you and your children to check the 7 Team Blue Wikispace, Twitter, and Remind 101 daily for updates on homework/tests. I appreciate your time, as well as the opportunity to teach social studies.

Lastly, I would encourage the students to bring in a one-inch binder to hold onto the handouts that I will distribute. There will be several notebook checks which will emphasize the importance of organization. Please contact me if you need help acquiring these items.

Best, Mr. Alcazaren

"Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other [ambition] as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed." - Abraham Lincoln


 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Ways to Contact Me: **

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 1.5;">E-mail: virgilio.alcazaren@icsd.k12.ny.us <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Twitter: MrAlcazaren <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Wikispace: http://sevenbluehelp.wikispaces.com/Social+Studies+Info+Link


 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Course Outline **

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Introduction

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Indigenous Peoples

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">13 Colonies

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">American Revolution

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Government

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Early Presidents (Washington to Jefferson)

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Industrial Revolution

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Manifest Destiny

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Pre-Civil War

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Civil War

<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">Reconstruction


 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">A couple of places to review include: **
 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">http://www.mrzindman.com/
 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">http://www.socialstudieswithasmile.com/
 * <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/ushisgov/cfm <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","Book Antiqua",Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%; line-height: 1.5;"> (This site is more geared towards high school, but is still useful)