Classroom Expectations and Procedures
US History/US Government
Mrs. Cox mcox@scsk12.org
Supplies Needed:
1 three-ring binder
Plenty of loose leaf, notebook paper (we will take notes EVERY DAY!)
Blue or black ink pens or pencils, which ever you prefer
A good attitude and lots of SMILES :)
$2.00 for Newsweek (one time fee)/US Government only
Agenda Book-Have it everyday!
Classroom Procedures:
1. Absentee policy: It is YOUR responsibility to get your make up assignment. Do not interrupt class for make up assignments. It is also your responsibility to HAND it to ME. DO NOT put it on my desk, it may get lost. Refer to the student handbook for the amount of time you have to complete make up work. (Example: one day missed, one day for make up work) Students will also have an opportunity to sign a contract to make up work. If the contract is not fulfilled the student will receive a 0 for not completing the assignment.
2. Late work: With the exception of extenuation circumstances, I DO NOT accept late work. All work is due at the beginning of class.
3. Respect others: Listen to the speaker; do not interrupt. Everyone will have the opportunity to express his/her opinion. Use good judgment when speaking, be aware of what you say and respect the others who are listening. NO OBSENCE or inappropriate language!
4. Bell work: Be in your desk and working on the bell work when the bell rings. I will take up the bell work.
5. Bathroom Pass: Students are expected to take care of bathroom needs between classes. I understand emergencies do occur an in consideration of this I offer ONE emergency pass for the 2nd floor south bathroom. Emergency situations will be determined by the teacher. If you choose not to use your pass, you will earn 5 bonus points each nine weeks. No pass, no bathroom (also includes water!)
6. I dismiss the class, not the bell! Please remain in your desk until I dismiss you.
7. Smile and laugh a lot: I have a sense of humor and enjoy laughing as much as you do, but be aware when we should laugh and when we should be serious. Also, we do not laugh at the expense of others. Remember no disrespect allowed.
Expectations: The "I" is YOU!
1. I will follow classroom procedures. We have more to learn about than you can imagine. The procedures will ensure that we learn the most we can each class period.
2. I will bring all needed materials to class.
3. I will be in my seat and working on bell work when the bell rings.
4. I will show respect to other people and their property, including the teacher. ABSOLUTELY no disrespect, whether to your fellow classmates or to your teacher (either Mrs. Cox or the substitute), will be tolerated. We will be discussing many interesting topics this semester and we will need to be respectful of others' opinions. Absolutely no profanity.
5. I will obey all school rules. Know the code and follow it. This includes rules about food and drink (don't bring it to class), the dress code (don't use poor judgment), illegal items (tobacco products, cell phones, beepers, etc…), and the tardy policy (be on time!)
* "Rights are guaranteed conditions-privileges or freedoms that are given to everyone all the time. Responsibilities are something one is always expected to do, a way one is always expected to act, and a way one is expected to treat someone else. There is a simple and direct relationship between rights and responsibilities in any social context: Enjoying a right requires everyone to accept and exercise certain responsibilities."*
Grading Policy: I use a total point system. All tests and projects are worth 100 points.
Current Events are worth 25 points. Daily grades vary according to length of assignment, total questions asked, etc…
Extra Credit: Will be available to all students each nine weeks.
Grading Scale: A 100-93
B 92-85
C 84-75
D 74-70
F 70 and below
Current Event Assignment (25 points)/US Government only
You will have a current event assignment due EVERY Friday, starting August 18. You must find a newspaper or magazine article dealing with a specific topic. ~I will give you the list of topics later this week~ You will need to write a two-paragraph response to the article by answering the questions below. You must place the title of the article at the top of the page and begin your response on the next line down. You DO NOT turn in the article, but you must give the source. You may use the Internet as a news source, but you must list the URL.
1. What is the article about? (Summarize)
2. What is your opinion on the article?
Remember this is a semester class and you must pass American Government to graduate.
I am available before school from 6:45 until the first bell rings and after school until 2:15. I can come early or stay later if needed. Don't hesitate to ask for help! I am here for you!
Let's all work together to make 2006-2007 a wonderful year!
Michelle Cox, US History/US Government
