Dan Keller

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Mr. Keller

 

Dan Keller

E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone # 243-4384 ext. 2039

Classes:

1st Hour: Contemporary Geography 
2nd Hour: Prep Period
3rd Hour: USHTF
4th Hour:  Contemporary Geography
5th Hour: Contemporary Geography
6th Hour: USHTF
7th Hour: Duty--Study Hall

Academic Goals and Expectations--Contemporary Geography

Room 611 World Cultures and Geography 406
Instructor: Mr. Dan Keller


Dear Parents/Guardians,
Your son or daughter has been enrolled in World Cultures and Geography. This is required
course for all 9th graders and is offered as a full year with 1⁄2 credit being earned for each
semester completed. The impetus of the geography course is to expose students to the physical
and cultural parameters that make up this diverse world. Class is conducted using a variety of
methods that include computer usage (instruction and student project creation), group
collaboration, and readings from both text and supplemental materials.
World Geography is a regional approach to studying the world. After improving our
geographic foundation, we will visit regions such as the US & Canada, Latin America, Western
Europe, Northern Eurasia, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia.
Still, in the course of the year we address some of the most basic tendencies of all people:
curiosity, a concern for the challenges and opportunities in the world, a general understanding of
the very stories that flood our newspapers and televisions each day.
We also work very hard to develop habits of mind – geographical skills - that will work for the
remainder of your life as a learner. World Regional Geography will expose the student to a
variety of perspectives regarding the world and its people.
Overall Target Statements:
1. I can identify and use maps to analyze spatial data sets. The fundamental concern of geography is to reflect on
and interpret spatial data as it applies to both physical and human processes.
2. I can engage and conclude using a variety of forms of information. A willingness to “read the landscape” of
images, maps, graphs, fiction, nonfiction, and tables leads to a fuller understanding of a given place.
3. I can evaluate and communicate using a variety of mediums such as maps, graphs, tables, images, and extended
writing.
4. I can understand the regionalization process. I can outline the how and why certain geographical regions came
into being as well as predict their potential to change. I can appreciate the multifaceted aspects of influence that
shape world regions.
5. I can conclude that geography as a study is not a static subject. Students should be able to assess the nature and
significance of our changing world and understand the factors that create types of physical and cultural landscapes.


Expectations from you as a Student and Class:
-Act responsibly -Take risks -Maintain an open mind
-Try to the best of your ability -Ask questions -Take necessary notes
-Do the reading -Prepare for each day
REQUIRED MATERIALS : Textbook, Binder or Folder to keep assignments, Pen or Pencil, Colored
Pencils


Room 611 World Cultures and Geography 406
Instructor: Mr. Dan Keller
Grade Scale: The grade scale will follow the typical 90 -80-70-60 pattern. Grades are available
at the district website through Skyward (PAC). The skyward system has been a valuable tool
since its implementation in the district. I am accountable to your child as well as you as
parents/guardians in accurately assessing progress in class. It is the child’s responsibility to
check on their respective grade and to discuss any discrepancies that may occur. Please
encourage them to see me if there are problems.


One comprehensive final for each semester. You MAY NOT use notes. The test will be worth 20% of your
semester grade. That percent is uniform for all classes at JHS. Student grades will be available at the
district webpage, Skyward Access.
Student Absence: Students missing class are responsible for all work that is missed. Students
will be allowed appropriate time to make up missing work. Unit syllabus as well as
presentation materials will be posted on my teacher page for the benefit of the student. If a test
or quiz is missed, it will be recorded as a 0 with a designation as a no count until it is
completed. Make up of tests can be completed before or after school under my supervision.
Late Assignments: Any late assignment can be turned in for some credit in that respective
quarter. For each day of tardiness, the grade will be reduced by 10%. Two to three days late
constitutes a 20% deduction. After 3 days, a maximum of 30% will be deducted.
Class Rules: Treat others like you expect to be treated. Do nothing that goes against your
common sense.
Phone/Earbud Policy: Enforcement of JHS phone policy is part of this classroom. The phone
should not be seen or heard during class unless directed to do so. The phone should NOT be
placed on the desk or on your lap. Earphones are NOT to be hanging out of your shirt or
around your neck. The classroom is not to be considered as an area to charge your battery.
Bathroom: The use of the restroom is not a given within the daily conduction of the course. The
protocol of not using the facilities 10 minutes after the bell and 10 minutes before the end of the
period will be followed. The use of restroom will be granted at certain times at certain points
(i.e. completion of in-class assignment, during group work,..etc)
Food and Drink: Bottled water and small pieces of individual wrapped candy are permitted in
class.
(70%) Assessments: Tests will be multiple choice, matching, location, short answer/essay. I will
provide a brief study guide or reviews (kahoot/flash cards) for tests prior to the test during
school year. Tests should be kept for later use as study guides (Finals Preparation.) A folder is
highly recommended and should have pertinent information related to the class including:
notes, sketches, interpretations, and journal entries. This can be used on content tests.
(15%) Projects: The projects will range in their focus (mapping, description, reading, speaking,
viewing, writing.) Three to five will be assigned each semester.
(15%) Homework—This will include in class assignments using handouts, Nearpod, or
formative concepts. Generally, it relates to obtaining data from source material.


Room 611 World Cultures and Geography 406
Instructor: Mr. Dan Keller


**The mandated remote learning may be lessened if a meeting with the Principal/Assistant Principal is
convened**
Mask Infraction - definition: A student who is not covering nose and mouth with the mask per the CDC
recommendations.
1st infraction - conversation with student - if compliant - document using google form; if not, go to refusal
protocol - call office
2nd infraction - conversation with student - if compliant - document using google form; if not, go to refusal
protocol - call office
3rd infraction - 1 day remote learning
4th infraction - sends you into the refusal protocol.

Use of Technology: This class has access to Google Chrome books on a consistent basis. There 
will be a Google Classroom page set up for each individual class. My teacher page will have postings throughout the year that each student will have to access. The computers in room 611 will be used for activities using Nearpod, Class flow, collaborative projects , research, article
access, and review games. I will be using a program called Go Guardian to live monitor student use of the school computer. If there are issues related to off task performance by student, I
reserve the right to take the capability to use the classroom computers away.
In order for your child to succeed, we must be in a partnership concerning your child’s work in
class. I will do everything in my power to provide a positive and effective learning opportunity
for your son/daughter. If, however, your child’s grade drops below a 70% at any time during
the semester, the following will occur. I will e-mail a skyward report that details the
assignments and scores for that respective semester. At that point, we can discuss via e-mail or phone the appropriate steps that need to be taken in order for your child to improve.
I look forward to having your child in class this year. Please feel free to call (243-4384) or e-mail [email protected] at any time.




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