Our classroom is built on four guiding precepts. Those are explained next. Then, the policies below explain how we put those principles into practice each day. Check out the information, and let me know if you have any questions. The information here is for all my students. I'm thankful to have you in class.
Who you become is shaped by the choices you make every day. One poor choice does not define you, but your habits will. When you make a mistake, own it, learn from it, and make the next right decision.
In this classroom, we choose growth over excuses, responsibility over blame, and progress over perfection.
Communication is the primary gateway to success. Sharing our wins, struggles, and concerns is all part of achieving our goals. In this learning environment, communication is important business. The sooner you communicate what is happening, good or bad, the sooner we can begin working toward what comes next.
In this classroom, we communicate early, honestly, and often because solving problems always begins with a conversation.
Every conversation, every question, every mistake, every assignment, and every experience is an opportunity to learn something new. Learning is not limited to textbooks or classrooms. It happens every day if we are willing to pay attention, stay curious, and keep growing.
Don't look at life's moments as things that are simply happening to you. Look at them as opportunities to become the person you are capable of becoming.
In this classroom, we embrace curiosity, welcome mistakes, and never stop learning.
Every person has inherent value. That does not mean every choice is good, every opinion is correct, or every action should be accepted. It does mean that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Value is equal. Trust is earned. Character is developed. Responsibility varies. Consequences differ. Those things are not the same as value.
In this classroom, we choose to treat others, and ourselves, with the care and respect worthy of every person.
Meeting deadlines is an important life skill. When mistakes happen, students are given an opportunity to recover while still taking responsibility for their choices. To help students develop habits of responsibility, communication, and wise decision-making, the late work policy is as follows:
Before submitting any late assignment, students must send an email to Mr. Adams and copy a parent or guardian. The email should answer the following questions:
What led to this assignment being late?
When do you intend to complete and submit the assignment?
What will you do differently to help prevent this from happening again?
Late work must be submitted within five calendar days of the original due date and is eligible for a maximum score of 70% of the points possible. Assignments submitted late because of an excused absence will follow the make-up work procedures outlined in the USD-386 Student Handbook. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the teacher.
Students who are absent are responsible for completing make-up work in accordance with the USD-386 Student Handbook (pp. 5–6). Students should check Google Classroom for missed assignments, ask classmates for any missed notes, and communicate with Mr. Adams if they have questions or need assistance.
The purpose of school is learning. Academic integrity means that the work you submit honestly represents your own understanding and effort. Making mistakes while learning is expected. Misrepresenting someone else's work as your own is not. If you are ever unsure whether something is acceptable, ask for help. I will always choose an honest conversation over dishonest work.
Instances of cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized AI use will be handled in accordance with the USD-386 Student Handbook, and parents or guardians will be notified promptly.
What is cheating?
Cheating is using unauthorized help on an assignment, quiz, test, or project.
Examples include:
Copying another student's work.
Allowing another student to copy your work.
Using notes, websites, or other resources when they are not permitted.
Sharing answers during an test or quiz.
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is presenting another person's words, ideas, or work as your own.
Examples include:
Copying from a website.
Copying from another student.
Copying from a book or article without giving proper credit.
Paraphrasing someone else's work without citing the source.
Copying or closely paraphrasing AI-generated text without permission or attribution.
How can I use AI?
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it should never replace your own thinking. Unless I specifically tell you that AI may be used for an assignment, all submitted work should reflect your own thinking, understanding, and writing. There will be times during the year when we intentionally learn how to use AI responsibly. In those cases, I will clearly explain what is and is not allowed.
Using AI to help you learn is very different from using AI to do your learning for you. One builds understanding. The other prevents it.
Technology is one of the most powerful learning tools available to us. In this classroom, technology is used to research, create, collaborate, and communicate. Like any tool, it is most effective when used responsibly and for its intended purpose.
Students are expected to bring a fully charged Chromebook to class every day. A Chromebook is considered part of your required classroom materials, just like a notebook or pencil. Students who arrive with an uncharged Chromebook must notify Mr. Adams immediately, find a charger, and plug in their device. Students who come to class with an uncharged Chromebook will receive a detention and will lose valuable class work time while their device charges.
During class, technology should be used only for teacher-directed learning activities. Students are expected to stay on task and use district-approved technology appropriately.
Students should enable Offline Mode in Google Drive and Google Docs so they can continue working even if internet access is unavailable. Learning should not stop because Wi-Fi does.
Students are expected to keep their Google Drive organized and to protect their work by using meaningful file names and appropriate folders. Resources for digital organization are available in the Student Toolkit.
Any damage to a Chromebook or other school-issued technology must be reported to Mr. Adams immediately, even if the damage appears minor. Prompt reporting helps ensure devices can be repaired quickly and remain available for learning.
Learning to use technology effectively is an important life skill. This class is designed to help students become thoughtful, responsible, and capable users of digital tools.
The purpose of grades is communication. Grades provide students, parents, and teachers with a common language for discussing a student's progress in learning. In this classroom, grades are intended to communicate three things:
Understanding of the course content.
The ability to think like a historian and apply that understanding.
Consistent engagement in the learning process.
Grades do not measure a student's worth, value, intelligence, or potential. Every student is capable of learning and growing.
At their best, grades communicate evidence of learning, not learning itself. They reflect how well a student demonstrated their understanding, historical thinking, and reasoning through a variety of assessments at a particular point in time. No single assignment, test, project, or grade can fully capture everything a student knows or is capable of doing.
Students demonstrate their learning in multiple ways throughout the semester. Some assessments measure content knowledge, while others ask students to analyze historical evidence, construct arguments, complete long term projects, or engage in meaningful learning experiences. Because students learn and communicate understanding differently, no single assignment determines a student's success in this course.
Learning is rarely a straight line. Mistakes, revisions, questions, and persistence are all part of the learning process. A disappointing grade is not a verdict on a student's ability. Instead, it is feedback that identifies where additional growth is needed.
An "A" in this class represents more than simply earning points. It reflects a student who consistently engaged in learning, understood the material, and demonstrated that understanding through a variety of historical thinking experiences.
Ultimately, my goal is not simply to assign grades. My goal is to help students become knowledgeable, thoughtful, curious, and responsible learners. History is about more than memorizing facts. It is about learning to ask good questions, evaluate evidence, communicate ideas, and think critically about the world around us. Grades are one tool that helps communicate that progress, but they are never the whole story.
🟦 Assessments
Demonstrate understanding of the course content.
🟩 History Labs
Develop and demonstrate historical thinking through evidence and argument.
🟨 Learning Engagement
Reflect consistent participation in the learning process.
🟪 Semester Final
Demonstrate long term understanding by applying the skills and knowledge developed throughout the semester.
Communication is one of the most important life skills we can develop. Whether we are asking a question, celebrating a success, admitting a mistake, or working through a challenge, good communication builds trust and helps solve problems.
In this classroom, we communicate early, honestly, and often. If you are confused, falling behind, experiencing a technology issue, or simply need help, don't wait until the problem becomes bigger. The sooner we communicate, the sooner we can get to work on a solution.
Google Classroom is the primary source for assignments, due dates, announcements, and classroom resources. Students are expected to check Google Classroom regularly and stay informed about upcoming work.
Email is the best way for students and parents to communicate with me outside of class. I encourage you to reach out whenever you have a question or concern. I will make every reasonable effort to respond promptly during normal business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days).
Learning doesn't stop when an assignment is finished. Beyond the Classroom is your opportunity to earn extra credit by exploring something that interests you beyond our regular coursework.
To participate in Beyond the Classroom:
More than half of your regular assignments must have been turned in on time.
You must talk with Mr. Adams before you begin.
Most students choose to research one of the historical figures or quotations displayed around the classroom, but other ideas may be approved.
There is no required length or format. You might write, create, present, or find another way to demonstrate your learning.
The goal is simple: Show me what you learned.
Beyond the Classroom adds to your learning; it does not replace your regular assignments. The quality of your thinking matters more than how much you produce.
Arriving to Class
Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to learn before the bell rings. Come to class prepared with your required materials, including a charged Chromebook, something to write with, and any materials needed for the day's lesson.
During Class
Be an active participant in your learning. Listen respectfully, contribute thoughtfully, ask questions, and give your best effort each day. Mistakes are a natural part of learning and are an opportunity to grow.
Leaving the Classroom
We work bell to bell. Students should remain engaged in learning until class has been dismissed. On days when students are working independently, please continue working until the bell rings rather than packing up early. The bell signals the end of the class period, but it does not dismiss the class. Please remain seated until dismissed. If you need to leave class for any reason, communicate with Mr. Adams before leaving the room.
Taking Care of Our Classroom
We all share responsibility for maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment. Throw away trash, return materials to their proper place, keep walkways clear, and treat classroom furniture and equipment with care. Respecting our classroom also means respecting the people who work hard to keep our school clean and safe.