8th Grade PA Social Studies

2025-2026 Syllabus

Ms. Novotny

In this Syllabus you will find:

Materials Needed

Class Expectations

Classroom Library Rules

Assignment Expectations

Class Overview

Daily Routine

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Contact Information

Ms. Novotny

Email: emma_novotny@ipsd.org

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Email me with any questions you have. I’d be happy to help!

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• Writing utensils - Pencil, pen, highlighter
• Folder
• Notebook
• Chromebook
• Earbuds/headphones
• Google Classroom access (email me if you need access!)

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Materials Needed

Class Expectations

• Come to class prepared. Bring all of your materials and homework, and use the restroom before class begins.
• Use your time in class wisely.
• Demonstrate GRIT.
• Ask questions as needed.
• Listen to directions carefully.
• Do not speak over your teacher or classmates. Raise your hand to speak.
• Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Participate in class discussions and group work to the best of your ability.
• Treat your classmates and teacher with the utmost respect and kindness. In this classroom, there is zero tolerance for rudeness or bullying. Respect the “Golden Rule”: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Stay positive in your interactions with others.

Classroom Library Rules

• You may check out one book at a time.
• Books from our classroom library must stay in the classroom. If you are having trouble remembering which shelf the book belongs to, place the book in the bin labeled, “book return” on the shelf by the window.
• If a book gets lost or damaged, please make Ms. Novotny aware.
• Remember, these books belong to Ms. Novotny. Please take care of them!

What to expect in 8th Grade PA social studies:

In 8th grade social studies, we will cover a wide range of topics throughout United States history. We will cover the following topics through the use of inquiry based learning, that start from the Civil War era, and lead up to modern day United States History.

This year, we will be piloting the TCI social studies curriculum across the district. If you have further questions about this curriculum, please see Ms. Novotny.

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Class Overview

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Assignment Expectations

Grading-

For this class, your grades will be weighted. 80% of your grade will be based on your assessment scores. This includes quizzes, tests, and projects. 20% of your grade will be based upon practice. This includes various classwork assignments we are using to master various skills, as well as any homework we have.

In our gradebook, you may also see assignments that are not graded. I will may sometimes collect work for feedback only, meaning those assignments do not affect your grade, but will help you to prepare for others in the future.

Expectations-

Your role is to display your best work, and give your best effort. Please see Ms. Novotny with questions or concerns about assignments. You have until the end of each quarter to submit any late assignments. Late points will be deducted for late submissions.

• The first thing you should do when you walk in the door is sit in your assigned seat, facing forward, showing Ms. Novotny that you are ready to learn.
• Next, look up at the Agenda slide on the screen. It will tell you these important things:
• Any bellwork you need to get started on right away
• Announcements
• What we are doing in class that day
• What homework you will have for that night
• Have materials needed for the start of the lesson out on your desk, and ready to go.
• Following going over our agenda, we will begin with our activities for that day.
• It is crucial that you come to class prepared so that we can make the most of our time together.
• Stay at your desk until you are dismissed.

Daily Routine

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