Welcome to Bryant Middle School

Ms. Lessel and Ms. Mualem

email us at:                                                           

lesseln@dearborn.k12.mi.us

mualeml@dearborn.k12.mi.us

Grading Scale:

94%-100%  A

90%-93%   A-

87%-89%  B+

84%-86%  B

80%-83%  B-

77%-79%  C+

74%-76%  C

70%-73%  C-

67%-69%  D+

64%-66%  D

60%-63%  D-

59% and Below   E

Suggested Supplies: flash drive, binder, loose leaf, copy paper, pens, pencils, colored pencils, dividers, small (apprx. 2 in.) post-it notes

A copy of our opening letter home:

 

                                          Eighth Grade American History

                                      Mrs. Lessel & Mrs. Mualem

 

 

The Teachers:  Mrs. Lessel and Mrs. Mualem are job sharing. This means we are here part time. Working together will plan instruction and assess the students.  Mrs. Lessel is here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Monday. Mrs. Mualem is here on Wednesdays, Fridays and every other Monday. Each month a calendar with our schedule is posted on the bulletin board.

Course Content:  This course focuses upon American History from the creation of the United States through Reconstruction. The major topics are:

                                          Creation of the Nation

                                          The Constitution

                                          The Early Republic

                                          The Era of Expansion

                                          Division and Reunion

The textbook is Prentice Hall’s The American Nation. Each student has their own copy of the text to use at home. In addition we have a set to use in class.

 

Expectations:  Students are expected to pass this class. To do so, they will need to do 4 things.

1. Show Up

2. Pay Attention

3. Do their own Work

4. Behave

 

 This will allow students to master the material they are required to learn and therefore pass this class.

 

Bryant Planner:  Assignments will be posted on the chalkboard or the overhead for students to copy in their planner. A list of assignments will also be posted on the bulletin board as well as on our web page in case of absence.  Using the planner is a great way to enhance organizational skills.

 

 

Homework:  If work is not finished or due at the end of class session, it is the student’s responsibility to complete this work at home. Generally, students will be given time in class to get started on homework. This allows them to become familiar with the assignment and to ask us questions before they leave. At times, homework will require students to ask an adult their opinion or thoughts on something we are studying in class. The questions are generally open ended and should serve as a way for parents connect with what’s going on in class. Students are expected to ask their parents the questions and record their responses not just give them the sheet to do.

 

Absent Work: Students are responsible to check the web page or bulletin board for what they missed. Any notes missed should be copied from another student. Any handouts will be in the Teacher’s Interactive Binder for the student to pick up when they return.

 

 

Grading System:  Grades are based on the work done and the assessments given. We use a point system that only has one category “work”. “Work” is everything that is assigned points. From an in class assignment, to homework, to a project, to a test it all counts as works. The points possible vary based on the type of work. This allows students to easily figure out their grade.

The grade is figured on a straight scale, which basically means that students are in competition with themselves. The more points they earn, the better they do. The grade is figured by totaling the points earned at the end of the marking period and dividing by the points possible. The percentage can then be converted to a letter grade on the grading scale. The grading scale is posted on our web page.

Students and parents are encouraged to keep track of classroom progress by referencing “Parent-Connect”. Be sure you are signed up for this.

 Our WebSite: We maintain a classroom website as a tool for both student and parents to access up-to -date classroom information (assignments, enouncements, etc)

Contacting Us:  The best way to reach us is by email.

You can reach Mrs. Lessel at lesseln@dearborn.k12.mi.us.

You can reach Mrs. Mualem at mualeml@dearborn.k12.mi.us .  

You can also call the office and leave us a message (313) 827-2900 and leave a message. If you haven’t heard from us in three days please contact us again.

Students can feel free to email us with any questions or concerns. Please know we will only check our email during the school week, so if you email over the weekend, you won’t get a response until Monday.

 

 

Work for the Week of November 3-7, 2008

 

Monday, November 5 (Extra Credit Constitution Essay Due)

 

Tuesday, November 6

 

Wednesday, November 7

 

Thursday, November 8

 

Friday, November 9