Dear Parent/Guardian,
Welcome to the 1999-2000 school year and Mrs. Pikus’s US History classroom. Your student will be studying US History from Civil War to present in this semester. A textbook and cover will be provided; texts will be checked for covers on a regular basis. Students have received a copy of Pikus Policies that will include grading, class guidelines, extra credit, and general information; please ask them to share this with you or visit classroom guidelines.
This US History course is taught in the perspective, "History is another person’s life story." Students will be asked to research and interview for a stronger depth of understanding. The classroom welcomes any experiences, stories or information you might share. Students will create a final project explaining how history has affected the lives of their families/and or friends; and, therefore their own lives. Please contact me if you think you may enrich our learning process. A first step at including parents, family and friends is a "US HISTORY – Research Assignment" interview due before the weekend!
Education is a hot topic in Delaware and with the implementation of our State Standards as graduation requirements, teachers, administrators and schools will be eager to search for ways to help your student be as successful as possible. A proven key to student success is parent/teacher/student communication, and you will find this as a strength I have to offer you and your student. Gradebook assignments are kept on computer and individualized reports can be printed in a manner of minutes and mailed, emailed or faxed for you and your student’s review. Students will be receiving copies throughout the semester.
As technology has transformed our lives, it also has become an integral part of our classrooms. After attending a few conferences this summer, I was surprised to find Milford School District as the envy of other districts and leading the path with the use of technology. In class, students will be given the opportunity create and receive instruction with power point presentations. Furthermore, all students will be allowed supervised access to the Internet and will learn a Civil Rights Unit "on the Web." If you would like to learn more about what is going on in class, please visit Open House on October 4th or visit anytime convenient to you at www.gpikus.freeservers.com or at gpikus@ezol.com or gpikus@hs.milford.k12.de.us. Weekly agendas, assignments and classroom policies will be posted on the web page.
This year I will be working on a process for National Board Certification for teachers. The process is very intense and reflective. Your student's work or image may be chosen as part of this portfolio to be submitted to the National Board for review in reference to instructional skills. Students have been asked to complete a Student Release Form as their first homework assignment. Students will receive homework points (permission granted or not) as long as the form is returned on time.
Looking forward to a great year!
