1

WELCOME TO AMERICAN

GOVERNMENT

MS. HERRING ROOM 815

2

YOUR TEACHER:MS. HERRING

• Was an exchange student in High School to Australia.

• Went to University of Florida and earned a dual degree in Russian and Political Science.

• Spent a summer in Moscow, Russia studying Russian Language at Moscow State University.

• My prior career was working as a Court Coordinator for the State Attorney’s Office.

• I also worked as a Paralegal in the Attorney General’s Child Support Enforcement Division.

• I have a Master’s Degree in Political Science.

3

You….

1. Tell us your name…2. What your favorite subject is…3. What you want to be when you

grow up…4. What you want to get out of your

senior year…

4

 COURSE PROFILEAMERICAN GOVERNMENT  TEACHER: MS. HERRING email- kherring@dadeschools.net   COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will begin by focusing on the groundwork laid by the forefathers of our country, inspired by the great political philosophers throughout the ages, with the creation of the amazing and enduring document we call the United States Constitution. The rules of government outlined in the Constitution directly affect the organization and functions of our institutions, traditions, laws and our daily lives in general. We will look at many aspects of life as a U.S. citizen that are influenced by government. Also, we will compare our type of government and economic system to those of other countries. Other items that we will cover will include the nation’s court systems, Congress, interest groups, voting, the presidency, political philosophies, civil rights and liberties, public opinion, politicians, state and local governments and much more.

* All of this information will help to make all of us better, more productive citizens who actively participate in society instead of passively letting others make important decisions for us. •  

5

EXPECTATIONS:*students are expected to be sure to not only do all of their assignments to the best of their ability but to follow instructions carefully.*Work that appears rushed, messy or copied will not receive full credit*Students are to be in class everyday…do not ask to make-up tests, meet with teachers, work on assignments for other classes during American Government class (do not call from another class).

GRADING:daily quizzes or ‘Do Now’ assignment………………………………….. 2 gradeschapter tests……………………………………………………………….5 gradesclassroom activities or projects…………………………………………...3-6 gradeshome learning assignments………………………………………………2 gradesnotebook checks………………………………………………………….. 3 gradesbiweekly participation and attitude……………………………………... 2 grades 

6

GRADING SCALE: 100-90 = A 89-80 = B 79-70 = C 69-60 = D 59-0 = F

 PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONTACT:Progress reports are issued in either the fourth or fifth week of each nine-week grading period. In addition, parents may monitor student grades via the online grade book, which is accessible at www.dadeschools.net. Parents must come in to school in order to set up the parent portal access. This is a great way to track your child’s academic progress and attendance on a daily basis. Parents are urged to contact the school if any problems or concerns shall arise. Teachers will make a concerted effort to contact parents if there are any special concerns with the academic standing, behavior or attendance of a student.* While I will try to honor the details of this profile, please acknowledge that this is a working guideline and is subject to modifications if unforeseen circumstances shall arise. Students are also responsible for adhering to the school and district rules and regulations in addition to the rules of this class.

7

STUDENT FOLDERS

• Make sure that you have the following items in your folder: student inventory sheet, parental contact sheet, and grade log sheet.

• Write the following on the tab of the folder: last name, first name student ID # class period American Govt. Herring

8

CLASS RULES 1. Be in your assigned seat ready to work when the bell rings.-> if you are not in your seat, you are late… if you are late 3 times you will get

an after-school detention.

2. Come to class prepared with all books, materials and WEARING UNIFORM -> if you are unprepared, you will have points deducted from your participation

grade. If you are not wearing your uniform you will automatically get an after school detention!

3. Keep cell phones and other electronic devices OFF and out of sight. -> if I see or hear your device, I will confiscate it immediately.

4. Do not swear in class. -> you or your group will lose participation points.

5. Treat one another with the utmost respect. -> if you are disrespectful you will be sent to CSI immediately.

6. Always be honest, remember -no one trusts a liar or cheater. -> if you cheat, both parties will get a zero and a phone call home.

9

Daily Procedures(please copy)

• Place home learning in basket before class begins

• Begin “Do Now” assignment as soon as the bell rings.

• Copy “Week at a Glance” plan on Mondays/Tuesdays.

• Copy any daily class or home learning assignment.

• Get ready for Lecture/Notes and Discussion.

• Students must sign out/in on the ‘sign out sheet’ if you leave the classroom for any reason- make sure you take the proper pass.

• Class is dismissed by the teacher, not by the bell- do not get out of your seat prior to bell.

10

Procedures continued…• Students may not leave class if there is any garbage left on the desks or floor.

• If a student is absent, s/he must obtain the work and make up missed items within a week of day out- and must fill out and attach a make-up assignment form.

• Late assignments will not be accepted- even if you are my favorite student so don’t ask!

• If you are absent for a group project, you will have to do an independent presentation upon return.

• If you are absent the day of a test, you must make it upon day of return- makeup tests will be more difficult.

• You will receive participation grades which will consist of :

1) coming to class prepared 2) wearing complete uniform 3) participation in discussions

• You will receive 3 passes per 9 week grading period.• Your pass may be used to go to the restroom, drink water,

visit locker etc…• You must produce the pass to teacher, cannot claim you left

it elsewhere.• You can redeem your unused passes at the end of the

grading period for extra credit.• You may only use the pass assigned to you.• No additional outings will be allowed, so use your passes

wisely and come to class prepared.• No one will be permitted to leave class during the first or

last 15 minutes of class.• No one may leave class during teacher lecture or video

clips.

Class Passes

12

PAPER HEADER• If your paper is not headed correctly, you will lose a letter

grade.• If assignment is messy, you will lose a letter grade.• If assignment is very messy, you will get no credit for

assignment.

Jane Doe8/18/08

Period 1

Assignment title underlined- page #

• All Hialeah Senior High Students must be “College Ready” before the end of the year.

• This means you must take (and hopefully make a high enough score) one of the following tests:

• SAT• ACT• PERT

• I will be giving grades for 1) taking a test- 3 AsAnd 2) grades for ‘passing’ the tests – 3 As

College Readiness- New State Law

14

Materials needed for class every day:

• One college ruled notebook- not spiral!

• One folder with pockets

• A pencil, a blue/black pen, red pen, and highlighter

• No exceptions!

15

STATE LAW AND NO CREDIT RULE

THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!!

• YOU CAN NOT HAVE MORE THAN 5 ABSENCES (ONLY 2 OF THESE CAN BE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES) IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TO GRADUATE.

• YOU CAN NOT HAVE MORE THAN 5 ABSENCES (ONLY 2 OF THESE CAN BE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES) IN ECONOMICS TO GRADUATE.

How can I access class page?-Go to www.hialeahhigh.org-click on staff, then teachers-find Ms. Herring and click

17

Home learning assignments

WednesdayConstitutional “Table of Contents”

Fridayparents sign appropriate forms for a

grade.All class materials due for a grade.

18

REMEMBER:

I DON’T GIVE GRADES- YOU EARN THEM