Teacher: Tim Donaldson

Principal/Executive Director: Dr. K. Wicks

Grades 9th-12 Supervisor: Lauren Traynham
School Phone: (843) 784-2630​230
Email: ​tim.donaldson@rloacs.org
Planning/Conf. Times:​0 * 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Royal Live Oaks Academy
2018-2019 School Year

Course: 11th Grade U.S. History and the Constitution

Notes from the Instructor​:​My name is Tim Donaldson, a social studies teacher from Tabor
City, North Carolina. I am a South Carolina trained/professionally certified educator.
I am happy to welcome you to the 2018- 2019 school year! I am looking forward to a productive
partnership with you to ensure that students achieve to their highest potential. I recognize that in
order to be successful in school, our students need support from home and school. I know a
strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child's education. As partners,
we share the responsibility for our students’ success.
I am committed and will provide the right environment that will help them attain the necessary
skills needed to improve academic success and build confidence.

Purpose of the Course

U.S. History is a social studies class that combines American history, the study of the U.S.
Constitution and geography. We are going to look not only at the places and the events that have
shaped our American heritage, but at the major themes, such as colonialism, revolution, slavery,
civil war and civil rights issues that continue to be questions in our society today. With the media,
Internet, and communication making our the United States of America very popular with each new
event, it only makes sense that we know a little bit about the nation of which we are citizens of as
well.

In 11th Grade United States History, we will look at the history and socialization of the American
states from 1492 to the present day. In addition to our content work, we are also going to look at
how the United States physically, culturally, and economically influenced the modern world and
vice versa. I am very excited about this semester. We will work very hard, but we have very much
to learn!
 ​Classroom Expectations

1) Be on time.
2) Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3) Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.
4) Sit in your seat unless you have permission to leave it.
5) Walk, don’t run at all times in the classroom
6) Be prepared.
7) Be a CHAMP.
8) Be techwise.

RLOA High School Classroom Consequences

First Offense Direct Verbal Warning w/Expectation

Second Offense Seat Change with one-on-one conference

2nd one-on-one, Teacher/Student Conference

Third Offense
(Parent Contact)

Parent/Teacher Face to Face Conference with or

Fourth Offense
without Admin Present (w/Plan)

Fifth Offense Administrative or Guidance Referral

RLOA High Administrative Consequences

(Non-Guidance Referrals)

First Referral Saturday School/Community service

Second Referral 1 Day OSS

Third Referral 3 Days OSS

Fourth Referral 5 Days OSS

Fifth Referral 10 Days OSS Pending Hearing

Required Materials

·​ ​Textbook
·​ ​Notebook & Paper

·​ ​Pens & Pencils

·​ ​Good Attitude

Grades

Tests – 40%​ - Tests need little explanation. Tests in this class will vary in format, from multiple
choice and matching to short essays and map identification. The best way to prepare for these
exams is very simple: do your assignments and take notes in class. You will never find material on
my tests that we did not cover in class! Tests or authentic assessments will include:

·​ ​Multiple Choice Tests

·​ ​Essays which include Free Response Questions, papers, etc.

Classwork & Notes Quizzes – 25%

All classwork should be completed. Quizzes will be given to check for understanding and to ensure
you that you understand what I give you within your notes. Classwork includes the following:
·​ ​Dailey Journals
·​ ​Copies Notes
·​ ​Webquests

Projects – 30%
Throughout the semester, you will be given out-of-class project assignments, which will count as a
major grade for the quarter in which it is assigned. Project activities includes the following:
● Problem Based Learning
● Poster boards
● Power Points
● 3D Models
● Webquests

Practice – 5%
Practice is important since it reinforces what is taught in the classroom. This includes:
·​ ​Exit Slips
·​ ​Copied Objectives
·​ ​Board work
·​ ​Group support
South Carolina Grading Scale:
100 – 90 A
89 – 80 B
79 – 70 C
69 – 60 D
59 – 0 F

Is there an End Of Course(EOC) State Exam?

Yes, there is an end of course(EOC) state exam. This Social Studies course is a required course to
graduate from high school. The purpose of this course is to help students who are being educated
in the United States to become better American citizens. So, the state department feels that it is
necessary to require all students to take an End of Course Exam for United States History. The U.S.
History EOC will be graded and will count 20 percent of your final grade for the course.

Cheating

Obviously, there is zero tolerance for cheating. Cheating, in my class, is defined as copying
another student’s work and presenting it as one’s own either in my presence, such as on a test, or
out of class, such as copying a paper. It is also defined as ​plagiarism​, which is copying a
copyrighted source and presenting it as one’s own original work. Any instance where a student is
caught cheating will result in zero credit for the test, assignment, paper, etc., and immediate
notification of a parent/guardian.

All objectives are in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Education, and the High
School Social Studies Standards for Learning.

Absences

● It is your responsibility to acquire and complete make up work within the time permitted.
● IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY​ to get the notes from a classmate or me.
● Unit review days are a privilege. You are not excused from a test if you miss the review day.
● If you are absent from a test, you will be responsible for scheduling a time with me to make
it up. The sooner the better…the longer you wait, the more time you have to forget!

Additional Assistance
Tutoring is available after school as needed. Please make an appointment with the
teacher.
Go Royal Knights!!!!!