Course Description: This Course is the study of American History, from discovery up to the 1900’s.  The geography of the United States and other continents will be included.  The Course is designed with a goal of teaching basic study skills needed to pursue the study of historical data which include note taking, research, writing, map-reading and test taking. 

The course is designed to allow students to create their own ideas about what History means.  There are different views on how to relate history in the world today.  Students should be able to formulate their own views on history and communicate them with the class and teacher in projects, tests and essays written during the year.

Text: Creating America: Beginnings through World War 1. McDougal Littel

Evaluation.  This course adheres to Palma’s official grading criteria (Student & Parent Handbook, page 9).  Semester grades will be determined and credit awarded based on the following.

                        B+ (87-89)         C+ (77-79)         D+ (67-69)

A (93-100)         B (83-86)           C (73-76)           D (63-66)

A- (90-92           B- (80-82)          C- (70-72)          D- (60-62)          F (below 60)

Grades. Individual assignments are “weighted” as follows:

Tests and projects (70%)

Homework and Class work (30%)

Semester Grades.  The first quarter grade (40%) and the second quarter grade (40%) are combined with the final exam (20%) to determine the semester grade.  The final exam will be a cumulative exam of all units covered during the first and second quarters.

Website.  I keep my website at Palmahs.org updated.  Students are able to go to my website and get notes and homework information. Students will also be able to check their grades online.  I update the grades at least once a week.

**PARENTS**

Communicating with Mr. Noroian.  Communication between the teacher and parent is necessary and important to the success of your son.  We have several different ways of keeping that line of communication open.  Please choose the method that is most appropriate to your need and easiest for you.

Check my web page if you have questions about homework assignments, due dates, test dates, etc.  I update this page daily.

If you are generally wondering how your son is doing in class, ask him; ask to see his binder, ask to see his tests and essays, ask to see his assignments that he is working on at home and discuss the same with him.  Probably most importantly, ask to see his homework calendar regularly.  If it is blank, there is a problem.

If you have a specific question about your son’s progress, a specific assignment or due date, how I’m doing, etc.:

Email me: noroian@palmahs.org

Call me: 831/422-6391

Send a note with your son

Parent conferences are twice a year (at the end of the first quarter and first semester).  It is difficult, and oftentimes not appropriate, to have an “unscheduled” conference at 7:55 or 2:53 in front of the school.  If you would like to meet regarding your son’s progress in school other than at the scheduled conferences, please contact me as above.

Internet Grade Policy

ALL PARENTS MUST READ AND SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.  Students and parents have access to their grades twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, via my website. Grades are routinely updated and are made available using the password you provide below.  It is Palma’s policy that both the teacher and the parent will make a conscious effort to routinely update and monitor each students grade. We recommend that you choose a password that you can remember and use it for each class your son may be taking. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Do not want grades on online  ____

Student Name              __________________________

Password                    __________________________ (6-24  lower case)

Signature                     __________________________

Parent Signature          __________________________

Email Address             __________________________