2. Civics is a thematic course divided into units of study on: -Citizenship and immigration -Comparative government -The three branches of government and their powers -The three levels and government and their influence -Politics and elections -Economic theory and development -Global trade and economic interdependence -Personal finance

3. Three-ring notebook--bring this everyday; A set of colored pencils--leave these in your locker until needed; The Social Studies textbook will be available online. Textbook class sets will be used in the classroom; Students are required to bring two pencils and two pens (blue or black ink) to class each day. No materials will be available on loan from the teacher. Bells A1 and B1 ~ please bring in a box of tissues for the class Bells A2 and B2 ~ please bring in hand sanitizer for the class

5. My classroom follows the five basic rules: 1)Follow directions. 2)Be on time. 3)Be prepared to work. 4)Respect other students. 5) Participate in classroom activities. Students are expected to follow the rules while in class.

6. Detentions are served before school or during lunch, depending on the seriousness of the problem. Any student who seriously breaks a school rule in class will be immediately referred to the office;

7. Gum, candy, food, or drink is NOT allowed at any time. Cell phones should not be displayed or used in class unless they are being used for a specific project or assignment. Any other use will result in disciplinary action.

8. The purpose of the eighth grade year is to prepare students for high school. This means they will need to keep up with their reading and studying on a nightly basis. Students are expected to review and study their notes and readings every night, even if no written homework has been assigned; Students who do not turn in assigned work may be assigned an academic detention, which will be served on the following Wednesday afternoon. Tests are not given on any particular schedule, but the class will probably have a test every two to three weeks. Quizzes will be given nearly every day;

9. Field Trips:Field trips taken with the team should be considered privileges, and not guarantees. Students who have discipline problems prior to a team field trip will not be permitted to attend with the team. Any student who receives a referral for fighting within the semester of the trip will not be permitted to attend the field trip. A student that receives any referral within two weeks of the trip will not be permitted to attend a team field trip.

10. All assignments and class information will be kept on my Wiki at this address