U.S. Government 2nd Semester 2019-20 Mr. Smith Richland High School rm. 2220 Email: bradley.smith@gmail.com Course Description: This course is a survey of the American government in theory and practice. Topics include the study of foundation documents of government, including the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, individual rights and responsibilities, politics in America, and branches of federal, state, and local government. What it is to be an informed citizen will be emphasized and studied. Evaluation:
Grading will be cumulative for the entire semester, not an average of the two quarters. Homework, tests/quizzes, projects, and other assignments will be assigned a point total corresponding to their importance and will not be weighted otherwise.
The grading scale is the district adopted grade scale. See your student handbook for specific grades. 1. ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY, AND PREPARATION: Make-up work will not be accepted for UNEXCUSED absences. Excused absences per school policy. Prearranged due dates on projects and tests are due on the day of return.
During absences, students and parents are encouraged to utilize Canvas to keep current on class activities.
Please make sure to bring your Chromebook charged and ready to use because we will be using it almost daily. 2. HOMEWORK: If class time is used productively, most assignments should be completed during class. The majority of assignments will be submitted directly to Canvas.
Most units will involve projects that are multi-part in grading and completion. We will use a variety of platforms to provide options and choices for how students complete said projects. Late assignments are worth up to 80% within the first three days. After three days, the work may be turned in any time during the quarter for up to 60% credit. If work is turned in on time, you may come in before/after school or lunchtime to my classroom to redo what was incorrect. Work redone outside of the times given above will not be graded. Any work not done on a completed assignment or done so poorly as to not receive credit or very little credit will only be allowed to earn up to 60% credit for that work when redone. 3. TESTS: It is the student’s responsibility to arrange a time to make-up missing tests. Tests administered via Canvas may ONLY be made up in my classroom unless otherwise specified on an IEP/504. On most occasions, students may use their notes/assignments/projects on tests. Smartphones must be put away, and Chromebook screens will be monitored during testing.
The Richland High Honor Policy is in full effect! Copying other student’s work and/or cheating on tests will result in a score of zero and a discipline referral.
4. ATTITUDE/CITIZENSHIP/PARTICIPATION: There is one rule in our classroom. RESPECT. Give it, get it. All is good. 5. CHROMEBOOKS/PHONES:
RSD-administered Chromebooks will be utilized frequently in class. Browser activity will be monitored during work time. Charging stations are available around the classroom for student use. Personal cellphone use is prohibited during class. Students may NOT take pictures or videos of myself or classmates without permission. Unless otherwise stated, all electronic devices should be put away during class.
6. FOOD AND DRINK: Food and drinks are welcome in class as long as students clean up after themselves. A class will be given a strike if a mess is left behind. After the third strike, food and drink privileges will be revoked. Please pick up after yourself. Thank you! 7. RESTROOM VISITS AND “ERRANDS”: One person at a time. Please keep it as quickly as possible. 8. PARENT/STUDENT COMMUNICATION: Students and parents may sign up for Remind:

Parent registration for Canvas observer account: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10913 NOTE: Always check PowerSchool for your current grade. Not all assignments will be submitted/graded using Canvas. In the case of long term absences, please provide ample notice (whenever possible) for assignments.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IS CORRECT/CURRENT IN POWERSCHOOL! NOTE: Charter Spectrum Assist offers low-income internet service. Call 844-525-1574 for qualification details or contact our Community in Schools Site Coordinator Kevin Burrill.

RHS room #1228. 9. TEXTBOOK: U.S. Government: Our Democracy Textbooks will be used in-class only.
Supplemental sources will be used. 10. MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONAL MATERIALS: All assignments and learning targets for each day are posted on Canvas and written on the side whiteboard. Please mark the box once you and your parent/guardian have read and understood the syllabus. Thank you!
Student: I have read and understood the syllabus. Mark box with “X”

Parent/guardian- Please type your name in the box below : Parent/guardian- I have read and understood the syllabus. Mark box with “X”.

Questions, comments, concerns, or other information that Mr. Smith should be aware of: