9th Grade US History- Student Introduction

Hello Students,
Welcome to US History!

I wanted to write you all a little introduction about me and the class you will be embarking on.

My name is Ms. Graefe. I am a born and raised Idahoan and am thrilled to be teaching you this year. I am a graduate of Boise State University. I am a history buff, a film photography enthusiast and movie nerd.

This US History class will shape you into critically thinking historians. We will learn about US history collectively and individually. This class will prepare you to write well-written essays, analyze and use primary sources and think like a historian.

You will:

1. Read various textbooks, peer-reviewed articles and primary sources throughout the year. 
2. Write at least one essay a month
3. Assess and analyze all of the reading material through essays, classroom discussion and various activities
4. Participate in classroom and group discussion
5. Present a well-rounded presentation covering a historical event to the class
6. Watch historical films and documentaries and be able to analyze its importance
7. Participate in any other activities and assignments that help foster learning in the classroom

The class expectations are as followed: 

1. Students engaged in classroom activities at all times
2. Homework on time and containing quality work
3. Class participation 
4. Respect for me and fellow classmates-respecting ideas and opinions
5. Readings completed before class every week 
6. Students to leave my classroom with a wealth of knowledge concerning US history
7. Students to leave my classroom feeling more confident in their essay writing abilities, critical reading skills and their ability to be a historian

I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Together we will have fun learning this material and becoming better learners and historical thinkers.
 -Ms. Graefe