Email: magomez@seattleschools.org
Phone#: 206-252-9028
When available: before and after school

Bio
I am excited to be back at Denny this year as your humanities teacher. Last year, I taught Washington state history, World History and Civics and have experience teaching U.S. history also.

Standards Taught in Class (EALR level, not GLE level)
Social Studies EALRs:
1.1 Understand and use inquiry and information skills required by citizens in a democratic society
2.1 Understand and use interpersonal and group process skills required by citizens in a democratic society
3.1 Understand and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to make informed and reasoned decisions
Writing EALRs:
1.1The student writes clearly and effectively.
2.1 The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
3.1 The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process.
4.1 The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work.

Course Description

· We will use language arts and social studies to learn about the U.S. and the contributions of its people. We will become writers by sharing our own stories. And, we will be able to recognize the stories of those that have built the U.S.

· Seventh grade students produce a heritage project.

· As a result of taking this class, a student will be able to write at a more proficient level than they currently do. Students will become self-sufficient in learning how to start to write and how to edit their writing to create a final piece.
Also, they will be able to understand the duties of a U.S. citizen and how people have fulfilled them in the past and currently. They will learn how to use the roles of citizens to make informed and reasoned decisions.

· Assessments used will vary. In Language Arts, students will be asked to finalize their writing in published pieces. In U.S. History, students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of skills in projects and assessments.

· We will be using The American Nation and We the People for U.S. History text books. For Language Arts, we will be using the Writers in the Schools curriculum.

· The learning experiences planned will enable students to view concepts, issues, events, and themes from the perspective of diverse ethnic and cultural groups. As part of U.S. history, we will explore the contributions of various groups (such as, but not limited to: Hispanic American, Native American, African American, Women, Asian American, and European American) throughout the year.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of concepts through verbal and written skills. Grades will be determined as follows: Homework 25%, Quizzes and Tests 40%, Participation 10%, Projects and Performances 25%.

Class Rules:
The Denny Big 5
Be successful
Be on time
Be respectful
Be prepared to participate
Take responsibility for choices)
Learn and let learn
No food or drinks

Expectations:
Ask permission before borrowing items
No electronic devices. They will be confiscated.
Ask to get out of your seat.
Homework should be headed correctly and written legibly.
No work accepted on spiral notebook paper.
No late projects or papers.

Policies
Make-up work: It is YOUR responsibility to ask for work you missed when you were absent. If you are going to miss school and know ahead of time, please request your homework at least 2 days ahead of when you will need it.

Late work: All homework must be turned in ON TIME for full credit!!! Late work will be accepted, but will NOT receive full credit. Students who do not turn in homework on time will spend Teacher’s Choice completing work with me.

Copying/Plagiarism: Is not tolerated. Those who are caught cheating (person whose things were used, and person who used them) will be subject to the school’s policy.