- James L. Day Middle School
- Welcome
Phone: 951-699-8138 ext 1407
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts Degree-History Teaching Credential- History Masters Degree-Education (Curriculum-Instruction)
Mr. John Lavin
Welcome to the exciting world of 8th Grade Social Studies! This site will take you through the basics of the class and my expectations.
Welcome to the Working Week! Or How to Survive Mr. Lavin's Class!
In order to have a fun, smooth running class in which we can all strive to do our best it is necessary that we understand what is expected of us. What do you expect of me? What do I expect of you? What am I supposed to teach you? How much of it do you have to remember? How are we supposed to treat each other? What are the rules? What happens if you break the rules? How do you get an "A"? Why am I asking so many questions? In short--"What's the job, and how much does it pay?
The main job requirement is to always do the best you can. I am supposed to teach you the history of the United States of America and American settlement from its beginning to the start of the twentieth century. I expect you to remember all that you learn. That's a lot of history! We couldn't possibly cover all that history, reading, writing and current events and all the other things that are part of the daily school grind and still have fun. Fun was an important part of this, wasn't it? Yes, it is. Fun means activities; fun means working together; fun means getting good grades; fun means comfort and freedom. If we each do our job to the best of our ability, then we have FUN.
Doing our best means taking responsibility. My responsibilities are to prepare entertaining, educational lessons, provide and maintain a positive and stable classroom environment, and to give you timely feedback on your work.
You must be responsible for yourself. Remember, the grade you earn in this class is your salary, and you will be "paid" according to your own merit. If you miss class, you miss out. It's your work to be in class, on time and ready to work when class begins. It's your responsibility to keep up with the work and to prepare for quizzes and exams. The job is taking responsibility and the pay is a fun, positive learning experience for us all, AND a good grade for you.
So, welcome to the working week, and your time with Mr. Lavin. I really want each of you to succeed in this class and to find a connection to history and the world around you, but you will have to work. While my expectations are high, I will do all I can to help you do your best.
2018-2019 Class Calendar
Great Expectations
-
YOU ARE EXPECTED:
1. To be in your seat and ready to work when class begins. You are also expected to remain in your seat unless you are directed otherwise by the teacher or until you are excused at the end of the class. You are entitled to use the restroom or get a drink of water when necessary, but please do not abuse the privilege.
2. To be a good citizen. Be ready to work when you come to class, and be responsible for completing all work that is required to be completed outside of class. You must have your interactive student notebook, your workbook, and any other materials (writing utensils, etc.) with you in class every day. You are also responsible for courteous and positive class participation.
3. To complete all assigned readings, and to have all written work completed by the beginning of the period on the day it is due. Late homework will be accepted but will only receive partial credit.
4. To make up any work missed due to absences. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out about the work you have missed. The best way to do this is to check the online calendar first, then ask the instructor if necessary. You have two days to make up work for every day you are absent.
Grading Policies
-
Interactive Student Online Notebook/ Daily Practice and Lessons
50 % of your grade. The online notebook is very important. All the daily classwork goes into the online notebook. In other words, the work you do in class on a daily basis is tyoed into a form and turned in regularly. Do the work in class and you already will have earned earned half the points for this class. Don't worry, I will make sure you know what work will be submitted, and when.Assessments/Tests50 % of your grade. Here's your guarantee: I will never give a "pop quiz". Any test I give you will be given with plenty of advance notice and review (at least five days in advance). Sometimes projects and writing assignments will be used as test grades, so make sure to do your best on them! If you have a project to do, you will be given plenty of class time to complete it. Finishing it wil be your responsibility.
Bonus Point Opportunities: Assignments
- All Categories
- Unassigned
- Select Month
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Select Year
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
Current Assignments
There are no current assignments.