• Hello!  
     
    Hello !
     
     
    Welcome to Mr. Simons's Social Studies Website!
     
     
    Monday, December 2, 2024
    		  
     
     
    Name:
    Voicemail:
    		  
     
    Steve Simons
    215-809-7483
     
    Subject:
    Grade:
     
     
    		  
     
    Social Studies
    8th - American History I

     
     

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    AMERICAN HISTORY I
    8th Grade Social Studies 
     
    With the implementation of CANVAS, our Learning Management System,
    this website will not be maintained on a regular basis.
    Students, please remember to check CANVAS for our class activities, assignments, and lesson materials.
     
    If you or your parents ever have any concerns or questions,
    my door is always open,
    so please knock, email, or send a note in.  
     
     

     
       
     
    Remember to check out my Class on CANVAS!

      
     
    As the new school year rapidly approaches,
     I have two important items for you.
    Supplies for
    Social Studies
     
    You will need a 1” binder with loose-leaf paper.  This may be a “shared” binder with other subjects.
     
    You will also have a choice of how you organize your materials for Social Studies this year.  you may use:
    • a Digital Notebook (ChromeBook provided by the district)
    • OR a traditional/paper notebook this year.
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    F.A.S.T. Grading
     
     
    Unfortunately, grading, as it has been done traditionally, promotes a culture of point accumulation and not learning. In many schools, "grades" are more important than whether or not students have learned anything.
     
    Grades are not likely to disappear from schools, so it is critical that we transform our way of thinking about grades and how they are determined.  Changing our attitudes about grades is a major undertaking, especially at the middle and high school levels.
     
    This year, in my social studies classes, we will adopt grading practices that are more compatible with an emphasis on student learning and the student's ability to demonstrate his or her depth of knowledge.
     
    In addition to the information on the F.A.S.T. Grading system located on my "Grading and Grades" page, I am planning two evening discussion sessions. The dates are:
    • Wednesday, Sept. 22 
    • and Monday, Oct. 4

    The discussions will be held in my classroom (E-10) at 6 PM.