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Course Syllabus

Veterans Memorial Middle School

2018-2019 School Year

8th Grade Georgia Studies Syllabus

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron.”  -- Horace Mann

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Click here for syllabus

Click here to access class website

Click here for ISN pages and make up work

Click here for Donors Choose Projects

Click here for weekly lesson plans

Click here for social studies fair information 

Click here for researched-based study tips 

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Greetings Moms & Dads!

My name is Mrs. Vanessa Ellis and I am a proud social studies teacher and department chair here at Veterans Memorial Middle School! I can’t begin to express the excitement I have to be able teach your wonderful son or daughter this school year. Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I fully intend to share my love and enthusiasm for social studies every single day with your child. But first—a little bit about myself: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Sarasota, Florida, and now reside in beautiful Midland, Georgia. I was salutatorian of my graduating class at Jordan Vocational High School, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbus State University with my bachelor’s degree and am currently enrolled in graduate courses. During my time at CSU, I earned many awards for my outstanding scholarship as an undergraduate as well as my education service after I graduated. This is my seventh year in education and second year at Veterans Memorial Middle School. In 2017, I was a top Ten MCSD Teacher of the Year honoree and named a 2017 Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year for the state. In 2018, I was named a Harvard Fellow and studied researched-based practices for a week at Project Zero Classroom. On a personal note, I come from a very big family! I am the oldest and only sister of SIX younger brothers. I also have two boys of my own: a thirteen-year-old and a three year old. I aim to have fun both inside and outside of the classroom, I love to travel, I enjoy good food and I strive to be a life-long learner. 

I teach 8th grade Georgia Studies which includes the geography, government, economy, and history of our state. The necessary content information and test-taking skills will be taught in order to prepare your child for the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) in April and the Student Growth Measure (SGM) district assessment in MayTowards the end of the school year, students will complete a unit on personal money management choices in terms of income, spending, credit, saving, and investing. This is a great way to introduce students to future financial responsibility. I also teach an Increased Learning Time (ILT) on Mondays that focuses on growth mindset and resiliency. In order to keep up with the 21st century, I will be using technology in and outside of my classes this year! My class website and Canvas will be two important sources for blended learning. You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to see all of the cool things we’re doing in class. Please sign up for text message reminders (download the Remind app or sign up through text message or email) so that you know exactly when assignments are due.

Parents, I believe that I teach the BEST students in Muscogee County. And because they are the best I want them to have the very best. You may be familiar with Donors Choose. With your contributions, I can provide my students with a learning environment that suits the needs of the whole child. I am also in need of donations for my costume box to have students dress up while assuming historical roles. So if there are any old hats, clothing or props that you have in the back of the closet that you would like to donate or LOAN, please do! Right now I need "tourist" props for our intro to Georgia. I need fanny packs, ball caps, visors, etc. Come on parents of the '90s! I know y'all got this stuff! Other classroom donations include coloring utensils, glue, additional plastic-covered, spiral-bound notebooks, tissue and hand sanitizer.

I am looking forward to a great school year with a great group of students! It is my honor and pleasure to teach your son or daughter and I hope they leave my class feeling honored and pleased to have been taught by me!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Vanessa I. Ellis

2017 Georgia Council on Economic Education Teacher of the Year

2018 Harvard Fellow

Social Studies Department Chair

706.617.1394 (cell)/ 706.748.3203 (school)

- Best times to be reached are before school, during planning, or after school. Planning period: 9:48 – 10:43 (2nd Period)

Course Summary:

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