Ms. Barrett's Home Page

Until late spring, the textbook we will use is Algebra: Structure and Method by Dolciani, Brown, Ebos and Cole. We will not use calculators as we work through this text.

In late spring, the textbook we will use is Concepts in Algebra: A Technological Approach from the University of Maryland and Pennsylvania State University. We will use graphing calculators as we work through this text.

You will be expected to keep a math binder containing clean loose-leaf paper and five dividers labeled as follows: bell ringers, class notes, worksheets & packets, homework, and reference. Periodically, the binders will be checked for a grade.

Expect homework everyday. Homework reinforces the skills and concepts taught in class. Points will be deducted for late homework.

At the end of the year, a final exam will be given. More information regarding this exam will be given during late spring.

I am happy to meet with you for extra help. As schoolwork, especially mathematics, is cumulative, please do not procrastinate about getting help. Obtaining help during supervised study is ideal. I am also happy to provide help before or after school if arrangements are made in advance.

In late spring, we will be using graphing calculators. Purchasing your own TI-83 (any edition) or TI-84 (any edition) is highly recommended. If you have a different calculator, please show this calculator to Ms. Barrett so that she may check if the calculator is of the appropriate sophistication for this course.

Ms. Barrett and Kennedy Junior High School assume no responsibility for lost or stolen calculators.

This area involves studying the relationships between people, places and environments by mapping information about them into spatial terms.

The identities and lives of individuals and peoples are rooted in particular places and in those human constructs called regions.

People are central to the study of geography because human activities are a significant factor in shaping the Earth’s surface.

In addition, human settlements and constructions are part of the Earth’s surface, and humans compete for control of the Earth’s surface.

The physical environment is modified by human activities, largely as a consequence of the ways in which human societies value and use Earth’s natural resources. Human activities are also influenced by Earth’s physical features and processes.

The knowledge of geography facilitates an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time. Through geographic knowledge we acquire a more nuanced picture of Earth as it has been and as it might be.

The United States History instruction conducted by the Panther team involves a thorough examination of the American story within four distinct yet interweaving categories. These categories are designed to acquaint students with the key events, movements, and people of American history, while providing a solid context for each element. An integral unity pervades this instructional model by virtue of the fact that all of the topics to be considered overlap in a variety of ways. For example, a president might be studied in terms of the characteristics of his administration or the part he played in a major political movement or his role in a war.

The American Presidents - Mrs. Barrett

This rotation focuses on the presidents of the United States in terms of several areas of consideration:

A biographical overview of influential presidents and an examination of their administrations
An analysis of the current presidency in the context of history
An interpretive study of presidential successes and failures
A look at presidential political philosophies and their consequences

America at War - Mrs. Barr

This rotation considers the course of American military conflicts with other nations, including:

The Revolutionary War
The War of 1812
The Spanish and American War
World Wars I and II
The Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War
The Cold War

Roots of Current Events - Mrs. Croco

This rotation takes a topical survey of various internal conflicts that continue to impact life in the United States.

These topics include:

Immigration - Who is an American
Rights, right? Human, Civil, Women's,...
Domestic Economy - Changes and Challenges

The United States Supreme Court and the
Constitution - Mr. Bey

This category takes a close look at the U.S. Constitution and considers the influence of Supreme Court decisions on the course of American history. The decisions that will be evaluated include the following:

Marbury v. Madison
McCulloch v. Maryland
Gibbons v. Ogden
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Plessy v. Ferguson
Brown v. Board of Education
Miranda v. Arizona

Additional topics are also covered through novel study units in language arts. Students will be reading selections that address: Exploration and Leadership, Colonial Life, Westward Expansion, Courage and Conflict, and Biographies from the 20^th Century. Some novels will be studied in the whole-class instructional format, i.e. Johnny Tremain and All Quiet on the Western Front; others will be discussed in small group literature circles, i.e. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee; while still others will be read independently.

Various topics that align with the PI+ science objectives may be added during the year.

Science Binders: You are expected to acquire a 3-ring binder that is at least 1 inch wide at the spine just for this class. Maintaining this binder is part of your course grade. Binder checks will be conducted at my discretion. To organize your science binder, you need clean notebook paper and a set of five binder dividers, labeled as follows: bell ringers, class notes, assignments, labs, and reference.

Welcome to Ms. Barrett's Home Page!