Welcome To

American Government
Expectations:

1. Treat yourselves, your fellow students, and your instructor with respect at all
times.
2. Participate in class discussions and group projects.
3. Come to class prepared. Bring you textbook, a notebook, and an open mind
every day.

Class

Overview:

Using your text as a guide (but not the only source of information), we will study
the structure and function of the United States government. We will also look at
state and local government. The interests of class members and your input will
help to guide the content of the class.

Homework:

You can expect an average of two homework assignments a week for this class.
These assignments will emphasize analytical thinking and writing. In addition,
there will be short assignments to be completed in class.

Make-up Work:

It is your responsibility to get assignments that you miss due to absences.

Most of the time you will have two days to make-up missed work.

My Web Site

You may access my site from the Sentinel homepage. I will post notes,
assignments, and class news on the site. If you are absent, this site is where you
can get what you missed.

Late Work:

I will accept assignments one day late for 75% of grade earned and two
days late for 50% of grade earned. After two days late, I will not accept
assignments. Do not expect to turn in a semesters worth of work the last
week of the term.

Papers and Group Projects:

Each quarter will include either a paper or a group project that will be a major
portion of that quarters grade.

Exams:

I write my own exams. Questions will vary from matching, multiple guess, short
answer and essays. They will usually be at the end of each chapter. You will
receive a comprehensive study guide before every exam. There will occasionally
be quizzes between exams.

Attendance and Tardies:

If you are not in the room when the tardy bell rings, you will be marked tardy. If
you are not in the room for the second bell, you will be marked absent.

Cell Phones: You will be required to place your phone, ipods, etc. on your desk.

There will be times when you can search info using your phone in class. There
will be no texting in class. If you use your phone from your pocket or backpack,
or are using it without permission, I will take it and turn it in to the dean. On
exam days, all phones will be placed on the table at the front of the room.

Cheating:

I will follow the student hand book as it pertains to cheating and plagiarism. The
first offence results in a referral and a zero on the assignment or exam. The
second offence will result in you being dropped from the class with a failing
grade. This applies to daily assignments as well as exams.

Grading:

Your quarter grade will be determined as follows:

Exams, quizzes, projects and papers
Homework and daily work
Attitude and participation

50%
40%
10%

Under normal circumstances, I do not give extra credit.

If you have any problem or need help, please feel free to come see me. I look forward to
working with each of you. Have a great year!
Mr. Beck

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Please have a parent or guardian

acknowledge that they have read these
policies by signing below.

Student Name:____________________(please print)

Parent or Guardian________________________
Return to class by Tuesday Sept. 1st
This is worth 20 daily work points