Tony Spitzberg – 7th & 8th Grade Humanities 2010-2011

Phone: (858) 232-2307

Email: tony@innovationsacademy.org
Blog: www.tonyinnovations.blogspot.com

B.A. Philosophy; Tulane University

M.Ed; University of San Diego

Course Summary

Welcome to 7th and 8th grade humanities! Throughout this course you will be challenged to build
upon your existing knowledge of the English language as well as the history of our country. You
will progress and improve in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, geography, history and
philosophy. All of you will be successful.

The majority of our coursework will be project and activity based and you will be called upon to
work in groups as well as individually to create projects that show creativity, innovation and
demonstrate a thorough and effective understanding of the topics covered in class. You will
receive ample time to complete these projects and continuous feedback from the teacher.

There will be two to three major cross disciplinary projects per semester that will have elements
of humanities as well as math and science. In addition to these projects, the major components of
this course will include the following:

History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism

This powerfully engaging history curriculum is unlike any other because it recognizes that every
student learns differently and all students benefit from learning in multiple ways. Students don’t
just read textbooks and answer questions. They discover information for themselves. They feel
the emotions of historical figures. They reason through historical problems. They debate
contentious historical issues.

In History Alive! activities, students interact in pairs and groups so they are more engaged in
their own learning. There are also opportunities for personal reflection and processing.
Ultimately, giving students a variety of ways to experience standards-based content helps them
better retain and recall key information and when students are engaged, they love learning.

History assessments will typically occur bi-weekly.

Writer’s Workshop

Writer's Workshop is an interdisciplinary writing technique which builds students' fluency in

writing through continuous, repeated exposure to the process of writing. Students share their
writing and respond constructively to one another's efforts. Teacher–student conferences also
help students incorporate feedback and work on specific weaknesses.
Students will have the opportunity to choose their own writing topics, as well as write about
informational and persuasive pieces given by the teacher. Additionally, throughout the year,
students will be asked to respond to a variety of teacher-given writing prompts, based on what
we are studying, discussing, and reading about.

Vocabulary

Words are unique and interesting. A limited vocabulary keeps you from expressing your real
thoughts and feelings. A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at the right time.
When you become a student of language, and delight in discovering word relationships, and
become aware of how you can make words work for you, you are more likely to stop when you
encounter an unfamiliar word and consider its meaning. If you do this, you will become a master
of words and your vocabulary will grow.

This year, you will learn words which will come from a variety of sources that we will encounter
throughout this course including articles, class novels, primary historical documents, etc. Some
of the words will come directly from SAT vocabulary preparation materials and all of them will
be SAT level.

Vocabulary assessments will typically occur every week.

Class Novels

We will engage in the reading and discussion of class novels regularly. You will become a more
experienced reader through analysis, deep thinking and discussion of texts that will reflect and
enhance our studies of history, social science and literature. The themes of the texts will often be
further explored in class projects and activities.

Classroom Culture Policy

The 7th and 8th grade has developed the following rights:

1. To learn in a positive and safe environment.

2. To be heard and valued.
3. To be treated fairly regardless of race, belief, gender, sexual orientation, culture, physical
appearance, or ability.
4. To think and speak whatever within reason (relative to discussion, reasonable,
responsible, not obscenities, not making fun, not out of turn, not speaking over others.)

We, as a community of learners, have pledged to protect these rights. As teachers, Lisa and I will
do whatever is reasonable and necessary to ensure that no student’s rights are violated.

Students who violate the rights listed above will receive a call home. If the infractions continue,
arrangements will be made for a conference which will involve the student, teacher, parents and
the director of the school. The purpose of this conference will be to figure out how the student
can most successfully move forward as a respectful and contributing member of our school
community or to discuss a school placement that may better suite the student.

Participation, Preparedness, Attendance

Students will be expected to participate actively in class. Active participation means: sharing
thoughts/ideas in class and group discussions, asking questions, taking notes, and paying
attention to the speaker (teacher and peers).

Students will be expected to maintain their own supplies (see “Supply List”) and to have all class
materials with them as soon as the period begins. Note: Humanities students will only use pens
and correction fluid for all writing activities.

If your child is absent, it is necessary for a parent/guardian to call the office

attendance line at 619-269-1570 to report the absence.

When calling, please leave the following information:

Student’s name and grade

Homeroom teacher’s name
Day(s) and date(s) of absence
Reason for absence
Expected date of return

Per The Innovations Academy Family Handbook:

Each day that a student is absent negatively impacts our budget by about $50. After your child
has 5 absences, we meet with you to create a plan. Should your child reach 10 absences we
review the plan. If your child has more than 15 absences in a school year, a meeting is
scheduled to discuss school participation and involvement. While the most important factor of
regular attendance is your child’s education, the simplest form of fundraising that you can do
for our community is to ensure that your child is here each day possible. When students are
absent from their program, we miss out on their contribution to our community. Delinquent
families may be reported to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) for assistance from the
San Diego Unified School District.

Absent/Late Work Policy

Students are responsible for turning in work on the date/time that it is due. If a student is absent
on a given due date, he or she must submit the work assigned prior to the absence on the day of
his/her return. Any work submitted after the student’s return date is considered late, unless the
work was assigned to be completed during the student’s absence. It is the student’s
responsibility to get any missed assignments such as writing prompts, vocabulary words,
project descriptions, reading materials, etc. in the event of absence. Special circumstances
regarding late work can be discussed on an individual basis, but will only be approved at the
teacher’s discretion. If the student does not make arrangements to adjust due dates/test dates with
the teacher prior to absence, the student will be expected to meet these date regardless (excluding
the special circumstances mentioned above).Students are encouraged to use their classmates as
resources for missed assignments, vocabulary words, writing prompts etc. in the event of an
absence.

Any student who plans to be absent for 3 or more consecutive days must set up a Contract
for Independent Study through Donna. Students will submit the work for credit upon their
return.

Cell Phone Policy:

In December 2003, the Board of Education approved Board Policy H-6980, which allows
students the use of cellular phones on school campuses before and after school. We, as a 7th and
8th grade community, have discussed this policy and have extended cell phone use to breaks and
lunch as a privilege. So, parents are to remain aware that if they receive communications for their
children during school hours, there is a reasonable chance that the students are on a break.

However, unauthorized use of these devices disrupts the instructional program and distracts
from the learning environment. These devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the
instructional program and in the classroom. Teachers will take the device away from students if
used during the times not permitted and depending upon the infraction, teachers will be
authorized to release the device only to parents in person.

Need Help?

I want every student to be successful. Students and parents should feel free to contact me at any
time if there are any questions or concerns about anything. I am willing to work with any
student on an individual or group basis outside of class if additional assistance is needed.
Students, please come to me with the first sign of confusion, misunderstanding, frustration, etc.

To Parents:

Please ensure that your child is reading and/or being read to at home every day.  Encourage your
child to write when inspired to do so. I will be pushing them to be aware, think critically, and
make a difference, but your home and family have the greatest opportunity to impact your child.
Thank you in advance for all of your support.

Dear Students:

Each one of you is valued and appreciated. I ask that you be kind, respectful and that you always
try your best. I promise to do the same.