Government Miss Gossler’s Class

Course Themes  1. Foundations of Government (Constitution, federalism, state and local)  2. U.S. Political and Economic Systems (public opinions, interest groups, and political parties)  3. The Legislative Branch  4. The Executive Branch  5. The Judicial Branch

Grading Scale  = A  = B  = C  = D  Tests/Projects = 40%  Quizzes = 20%  Classwork/Homework = 20%  Semester Exam = 20%

Grading Procedures  Students are instructed to keep all assignments, even graded assignments in their notebook as a study tool for Unit Tests, Midterm, and Final Exams  Assignments are to be turned in on the date they are due, which will be announced when the assignment is handed out

Absences/Tardies Policy  Unexcused absences and tardies are not allowed  Tardy students without a pass from the office or another teacher will not be allowed to make up bell work, or any other activities missed  Unexcused absences will result in a grade of 0 for any classwork, homework, projects and/or tests given that day  If you have an EXCUSED absence you have the same number of days you were out to complete the work  If a student has an EXCUSED absence on a test day they will have 5 days from the day they return to take the test by appointment only  Students who are chronically tardy will receive ASD

Class Materials  You should bring the following to class each day:  Pen or Pencil  Highlighter  College ruled spiral notebook for History notes  Set of colored pencils, markers, or crayons

Assignments/Make-Up  All assignments must have a proper heading on the upper right hand corner of the paper or it will not be graded.  Example: Name Ms. Gossler Date 1/5/15 Class Period 1 st Pd. Assignment Ch. 1 Key Terms  Assignments are due on the designated day, however late work will only be accepted late UNTIL THE END OF THAT UNIT when the test is given  Assignments can be turned in up to two days after the unit exam, however, a letter grade deduction will be applied for each day after the test date  It is the students responsibility to collect and make-up any missed work for excused absences

Re-Testing Policy  If a student performs poorly on a test, they have the opportunity to re-take any unit exam  Procedures to be permitted to re-test:  1. Fill out an application to retest  2. Complete Test Corrections (for each question you get wrong)  3. Make an appointment within 5 days to re-test on the unit  All re-testing must be done within one week of the first test grade being posted  The re-test could be an entirely new test, or an essay test  All test corrections must be completed in my classroom tests cannot go home with you

Classroom Discipline  Instances considered discipline issues are at the discretion of the teacher and the severity of the consequences will be determined by the severity or frequency of then offense.  There will be absolutely no profanity used in the classroom  Classroom discipline plans follows a three-strike policy:  1 st offense = warning  2 nd offense = administrative notification/parent contact  3 rd offense = administrative referral, parent contact, possible parent conference

After School Detention (ASD)  ASD will be assigned in my class for the following reasons  1. Homework not turned in on the due date  2. Chronic tardiness  3. Chronic unpreparedness  ASD begins at 2:10 and ends at 3:10  There is a late bus available for students in need

Hall Pass  Students must sign out before leaving the classroom and take the hall pass with them  Failure to sign out and take the pass will result in losing bathroom privileges for the rest of the year

Diversity Statement  All individuals have a right to an educational environment free from bias, prejudice, and bigotry. As members of the Williams Field High School educational community, students are expected to refrain from participating in acts of harassment that are designed to demean another student’s race, gender, ethnicity, religious preferences, disability, or sexual orientation.

Class Expectations 1.Follow all school rules and policies. 2.Be respectful of all persons and their belongings in this classroom. 3.Be prepared for class every day. 4.Be on time and in your seat when the bell rings. 5.Be honest. No cheating and no talking during exams. 6.Be on task. No electronic devices may be used during class time without the teachers permission. 7.No food or drink in class. Only water with a sealable cap.

Emergency Procedures  In case of a lockdown students will leave all materials at their desks and proceeded to the front of the classroom and sit on the floor quietly until the lockdown is over.  In case of a fire drill students will proceed out the classroom door and down the hall to the football field. Students will line up in a single file line on the HOME side, GOAL LINE, NEAREST the School.

Class Website  Assignments will be uploaded to the class website weekly, or as assigned.  There is a link to the grade book on the teachers page. Check the grade book regularly and contact me with any questions.  Teacher pages are linked on the WFHS webpage.

Classroom Procedures  After entering the classroom:  1. Turn in your homework to the appropriate bin  2. Answer the bell work question  3. Write the day’s homework in your agenda  After all students have finished the bell work question the answer will be given  Then the day’s lecture or activity will begin, notes will be taken as required  During lecture:  1. Students will write down all information pertaining to the objectives or as directed by the teacher  2. Students will add to the discussion when called upon  3. Students will ask questions for clarification or to add to the discussion  Daily Activities  Time permitting there will be an activity to reinforce the days lecture (or instead of lecture) which will either be completed in a small group or individually

Absence Procedure  Any student with an EXCUSED absence will be allowed to make up all of the missed work.  Any notes taken that period will either be provided or you must copy them from a classmate.  Any worksheets and homework can be picked up in the folders by the turn in station. They are marked by the day of the week and subject.  For every day excused the student has the same number of days to make it up.  If you are absent on test day you have five school days from the day you return to take the test you’ve missed either before school, after school, by appointment only.  Again all homework must be turned in before the test is taken, the same late work policy stands only pushed back based on the day the student takes the test.

Quizzes and Tests  The date of the test will be announced at the beginning of the unit or at least a week before the test.  Quizzes will be given throughout the unit to check for understand, both announced an pop quizzes are possible.  Expect a quiz every Friday.  It is your responsibility to schedule a test or quiz make- up time either before school, after school, by appointment.  You have five school days from the time you return to take the test.  If you do not show up for your scheduled time you will receive a zero.

Cheating  DO NOT DO IT!!!  Cheating includes but is not limited to:  Copying an assignment  Allowing your assignment to be copied  Looking at another students paper during a test or quiz  Talking during a test or quiz  Having information that is being tested visible during the test  Not participating in a group project  Having another student send you the homework through or other electronic method  Having students print you a copy of the assignment  Use of unapproved electronic devices during a test or quiz  Plagiarism  Cheating will result in referral, phone call home, and a zero on the assignment

Participation/Attendance  Participation in class is necessary for understanding the material and being successful in class.  Missing class or failing to participate means you will miss vital information.  Participation and attendance will be taken into account when looking at borderline grades.

Homework  Have your parent/guardian fill out the last page of the syllabus and return it by Wednesday!