Opening Act: Tuesday 1/25

1. Opening Act: Tuesday 1/25 • Choose a seat for the semester • We will fill out a seating chart next class. • Whether or not you remain in your chosen seat depends on your behavior and ability to focus on this class. • If you had Sims last semester, I need to see you briefly • Everyone needs to grab a piece of paper from the grey computer table and neatly write your full first and last name on it. We will use these slips when we exchange books

2. Agenda: Tuesday 1/25 • Opening Act & Syllabus Reminder • If you are new to my class, find the syllabus on my SharePoint under the syllabus link • Textbooks • Block 4 - 8:30 • Block 5 - 10:05 • Block 6 – 12:25 • HW Discussion • Citizenship Diagnostic Test • In pairs, 1 piece of paper per pair, write the names of both students on the paper. We will be doing this on Thursday as well. We will be moving fast. • HW: Due Monday 1/31- Read chapters 1 and 2 of your Government textbook and complete the guided reading packet. These chapters cover basic government info and a review of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. • If you have questions during this week, see me during block 7, or look at the PowerPoints on SharePoint • There will be a 20 question Multiple Choice Test on Monday 1/31

3. 12th Grade U.S. Government • Teacher: Mr. Chris Dion • Email: chris.dion@ocsarts.net • Telephone: extension 7022 • Office Hours: Conference Block 3

4. Sharepoint • Sharepoint is the online resource for this class, you will visit it often, especially if you miss class. Here is the link: http://sharepoint.ocsarts.net • Here is how to get to this class: sharepoint-student resources-academic-Chris Dion- Government- use the calendar to find assignments, and the course syllabus to check class policies and grading

5. Course Objective • Students will be involved in a challenging, fast-paced curriculum covering the key aspects of U.S. Government. Students can expect that all projects will include written, oral, and visual components. Interdisciplinary assignments are designed to give students opportunities to develop creative ways of demonstrating knowledge acquisition. Academic skills such as test-taking, expository writing and research skills are stressed.

6. Daily Expectations • Students are expected to abide by school rules as specified in the Student Planner. In addition, the following classroom expectations will apply at all times. • BE PUNCTUAL – Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. • BE PREPARED – Bring your student supplies every class • BE COURTEOUS & RESPECTFUL – Treat classmates and teachers respectfully at all times. Inside jokes and crude slang/comments about others do not belong in this room. • BE ACTIVE – Listen attentively and participate in class activities. Do not waste time. Start the “Opening Act” on time without me reminding you. The “Opening Act” is usually a written warm up activity designed to either assess prior learning or preview new material. • BE DEDICATED – Try your best on all of your work at all times.

7. Course Requirements & Supplies • You are required to bring the following to every class: Do not expect myself nor your classmates to provide your supplies. • Government notebook/folder. Feel free to empty your econ binder and reuse it • Textbook –Bring this every day • Pencil, blue/black ink pen (no other colors permitted) • OCHSA planner It is your personal responsibility to be on time and prepared every day. Do not rely on others to supply you with paper, pens, or pencils. Do not even think about asking me for any either.

8. Course Break-down of Grades I • Grading is weighted using the following percentages: • Tests = 50% • Quizzes = 25% • Projects = 20% • Homework, Notebook, & Class work, (study skills) = 5%

9. General Policies I • Attendance: to follow school policy • Tardy: Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned seat when the bell rings. If you have a pass/note/admit slip/ do not interrupt class by giving it to me. Place it in the bin by the door and I will update my attendance when appropriate • Restrooms: Students are to use their breaks and time in between class to use the restroom. However, if you need to leave the room, quietly get up, sign out and take the pass. If you leave the room without doing this, you will receive a referral. Only 1 student is to leave the room at a time. • Food / Drink: Eating and drinking is permitted unless it becomes a problem. A problem is defined as students not throwing their trash away, going to buy food during class, showing up tardy because they were buying food, not starting on the Opening Act because they are eating, or disrupting class with their food. Please remember, once class begins, you may not leave the room to buy food.

10. General Policies II • iPods & other music devices: iPod’s and other music devices are not to be played in class without teacher consent. • Cell Phones: Cell phones are to remain turned off during class. Cell phones out during class time will be confiscated and the student will receive a referral. • Sharepoint: Check it often. All assignments, tests, quizzes, projects and information on notebook contents/homework due on test day can be found within the class calendar. Check this often, especially if you miss class. • You cannot go to your car during class

11. Make-up & Late Policy Part One • In order to receive credit for all work, please observe the following guidelines: • Students are to complete and submit all assignments on or before the due date. • LATE WORK: You will receive 2 Late Passes per semester. If you need to use a pass to turn in an assignment late. All you need to do is write “I am using a late pass” at the top of your assignment, and sign it. I will track late passes in aeries. This pass allows you ONLY ONE extra day to submit ONE homework assignment; ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BEYOND ONE LATE DAY. If you think you need more time than 1 day, see me ahead of time. • Once you use your late passes, everything must be on time.

12. Make-up & Late Policy Part Two • Excused absences – Students are responsible for any missing work due to absences. You have one day per excused absence for missing work and assignments. • Long-term assignments are assigned with at least a week’s notice. They are due the day of a student’s return from an excused absence. If a student is in school, but excused in class, he/she must submit it prior to class to avoid late penalties. • Quizzes & tests must be made up within one week of return to class during block 7 or lunch by appointment only.

13. Make-up & Late Policy Part Two • Excused absences – Students are responsible for any missing work due to absences. You have one day per excused absence for missing work and assignments. • Long-term assignments are assigned with at least a week’s notice. They are due the day of a student’s return from an excused absence. If a student is in school, but excused in class, he/she must submit it prior to class to avoid late penalties. • Quizzes & tests must be made up within one week of return to class during block 7 or lunch by appointment only.

14. Final Words • You are responsible for your education, check Sharepoint and aeries often. I do not devote class time to checking grades. • It is not hard for us to get along in this room, with a bit of responsibility, respect, consistent effort and intellectual curiosity we will get along fine. I am looking forward to an exciting semester as we journey through economics. We will read, discuss, debate, take notes, and learn through a variety of games and activities. • Any Questions?