Welcome to American Studies! 2008-2009

1. Welcome to American Studies!2008-2009 Mrs. Miller/Mrs. Dustin

2. Meet the Teachers • Michelle MIller • Joy Dustin

3. Sophomore Team • American Studies teachers meet daily to plan and discuss students’ needs and progress. • IST 10(Tara mack)/ BEST (Tracy Berube)/ American Studies (Miller/Dusitn) – 4 teacher team. • Entire team meets weekly with a guidance counselor and a special educator to address student needs and progress and to plan integrations.

4. Advantages of Teaming • Teachers get to know a smaller group of students very well. Student issues can be addressed quickly and effectively. • Team teachers’ free periods coincide with students’ free periods so extra help and review can be scheduled during the school day. • The team operates on a flexible schedule which allows for educational enrichment opportunities not otherwise available. • Field Trips • Films • Speakers • Plays and other performances

5. Immigration Urbanization World War I Roaring 20’s Great Depression WWII Cold War/50’s Civil Rights/Vietnam 70’s and 80’s 90’s to the present We read a number of texts including The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, Hiroshima, Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Bean Trees. American Studies Units of Study

6. Honors Option • Students looking for an honors designation on their report can complete the American Studies Honor Option.

7. Reading and Writing • Students will be consistently reading throughout the course of the year. Our readings this year include fiction and non-fiction, novels, novellas, and short stories. Our aim this year is to provide students with reading comprehension skills that will benefit them in all classes throughout the year. • We will also be teaching several different note taking techniques, including making use of note cards, notebooks, and graphic organizers. • Reading notes are always allowed on reading quizzes.

8. Homework and projects • We generally give homework only 3 out of 5 nights a week • We do not accept late homework • If a student is absent, he/she must see us immediately upon return to get caught up • Students are encouraged to email us if absent for work. You may also contact the office to set up a homework folder • All assignments can be found on our website, which often has links to worksheets and other class work. • If your student is absent on a day when a major project is due please give us a call.

9. Art and Music Integrations • American Studies accrue Art and Music credit through the integrations. • We work closely with the BHS Art and Music teachers to coordinate course content with Art and Music standards set forth by the Bow school district and state arts frameworks. • The Art and Music teachers encourage all students to take full classes in these disciplines sometime during their high school careers!

10. School - Home Communication • Please check out our A Studs web site at www.bownet.org/jdustinfor daily assignments and helpful links! • You may e-mail us for occasional check-ins or regular updates at mmiller@bownet.org or jdustin@bownet.org • A Studs Updates will be e-mailed home regularly throughout the year. If you have not received any e-notes, please write your name and e-mail on our list tonight! • If you would like to arrange a meeting with us or the team, please make arrangements through the guidance office at 228-2210.

11. Extra Help! • The American Studies teachers are available at various times throughout the school day to work with students. • Students should schedule appointments with teachers as needed during their free periods, break, before or after school.

12. Thank You for Coming! • We look forward to working with you and your children this year. • Please remember to keep in touch and let us know right away if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.