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Andrew Ladutko » Welcome to Mr. Ladutko's Page!

Welcome to Mr. Ladutko's Page!

U.S. History on Purple Team
 
This year we will study the development of the United States as a nation, as well as the foundations of the U.S. government. Through the use of primary source documents, images, audio, and video we will analyze different perspectives and experiences throughout the history of the nation. Our journey will begin with colonization in the 1700s and take us through the 1900s.
Units of Study
 
 

Unit 1: Founding the Nation–Exploration and Colonization


Unit 1 will begin with a review of world geography and the Age of Exploration. From there, students will review the founding of the nation through the establishment of the first thirteen colonies in America and their regional development in North America. The unit will include several short quizzes. 

Unit 2: Creating the Nation–American Revolution


Unit 2 will focus on the creation of the United States as a nation through the examination of the American Revolution building up to and analyzing the American War for Independence. Students will study through the use of primary source documents, images, and visual tools. This unit will include several quizzes, a project, and a unit assessment.

Unit 3: Designing the Nation–Constitution and U.S. Government


Unit 3 takes students through the challenges facing the new nation and the development of the United States Constitution. Students will examine the United States government by analyzing each branch of government, the U.S. system of checks and balances, and the first presidents. This unit will include several short quizzes, a debate project, and a unit assessment.

Units of Study Continued
 
 

Unit 4: Expanding the Nation–Westward Movement


Unit 4 focuses on the expansion of the United States and an exploration of the challenges that accompanied the growth and development for both the people of the nation, as well as the United States government. Students will complete a large research project on a topic of their choice using any style of their choosing. This unit will also include a short unit assessment. 

Unit 5: Dividing the Nation–The Civil War


Unit 5 will bring students on an examination of the issues leading up to the division of the United States culminating with the study of the American Civil War. Students will explore different experiences and perspectives of the war throughout the unit. Students will complete two projects during this unit, as well as a unit assessment.

Unit 6: Rebuilding the Nation–Reconstruction


Unit 6 will be our final unit. Students will tackle the challenge of the Reconstruction Era in the United States. Along with the analysis of the challenges of rebuilding, the unit will connect the first Civil Rights Movement of the 1860s with the second in the 1960s and make connections to current social and political divisions present in the United States. This unit will conclude with a project. 

Classroom Policies
 
Classroom expectations are based around the school focus of PBIS and being respectful, responsible, and safe. It is expected that you come to class prepared each day, arrive on time and ready to work. You can expect to be challenged, but also supported–all that I ask of you is that you do your best!
Grading Breakdown
 

Students will be graded based on the weighted grading system established by NHMS which is as follows: Tests & Projects= 50%, Classwork & Quizzes= 35%, and Homework= 15%. Homework is used as a tool to prepare students for the next day’s work. Failure to complete assignments will result in a student’s inability to successfully participate in class activities and will have an overall impact on classwork and participation. 

Attendance Policies
 

Class attendance policies follow those established by the school and district. In the event that you are absent, any missed work can be found in the “Absent Bin” in the classroom and will be due one day following your return to class. Students are responsible for acquiring, completing, and returning missed work. If more time is needed, please speak with your teacher to make arrangements. 

Course Work Policies
 

Course work is assigned utilizing hard copies in class, as well as Google Classroom. Each unit will have a variety of quizzes, projects, and a unit test. A monthly newsletter will be provided to students/families to help students and families communicate about the content and activities taking place within the classroom. 

 
 
Contact Information
 

Room Number: B222

Email: [email protected]

Classroom Phone Ext: 7522

After School Help: Schedule as needed via email

 
Name
Andrew Ladutko
Position
MS 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Email
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U.S. History Purple Team
Units of Study
Classroom Policies
Grading Breakdown
Attendance Policies
Course Work Policies
Contact Information