Pre AP Government

Fall 2017
Pocomoke High School
Room 211
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Teacher: Ms. McInerney Telephone: 410-632-5180
Email: jemcinerney@mail.worcester.k12.md.us
Class Website: msmacshistory.weebly.com
Hello!
Welcome to Government class. In this course, we will focus on the role of government, the ideals of a
democratic society, and what citizenship means to each individual. This semesters course is designed to help
you think more critically about issues and problems in our society, conduct research, and articulate your views
in front of a class.
I hope that our class can develop a community based on cooperation, respect, and caring. We will be
discussing very important issues within American society; therefore, all students will be asked to come to class
ready to participate and respect others opinions. We will also be working in small groups throughout the
semester and your classmates are excellent resources to help you throughout the course. I am also available if
you have any question or concerns, so do not hesitate to email me. I look forward to taking this historical
journey with you over the next semester.
Sincerely,
Ms. McInerney
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Classroom Expectations
1. Be on time for class.
- This means that you are in the classroom and seated when the bell rings.
2. Be prepared for class at all times.
-This includes a pencil/pen, your notebook, your textbook, your digital device, and your agenda.
3. Show respect to others in the class at all times.
- Being respectful helps everyone in the class learn. Also, listen carefully to your peers and teachers
because they are great resources.
4. Electronic Devices are prohibited.
- All personal electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, headphones, etc.) are not allowed in class. If
electronic devices are seen, they will be taken, and a parent/guardian must come to school to collect
the device. Computers and iPads owned by PHS will be used in an academic and professional manner
when the teacher allows and will have the same consequences as a personal device if misused.
5. Participate in class daily.
- There is always something to learn. Speak up in class when you have something to say. You will be
graded for participation within larger assignments. This participation includes asking questions,
answering questions, participating in small group discussion, and helping others in the class.
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School Policies
1. Water is the only food or drink allowed in class.
2. Bring your agenda to every class.
- If you do not bring your agenda to class, you will not be able to go to the bathroom, office, or any
other room because your agenda is your hall pass.
3. Consequences
- Verbal/non-verbal warning and may include a Call Home
- Detention and Call Home
- Referral and Call Home or School Meeting
- Remember, being tardy to class is a detention &there is a zero tolerance for profanity

Classroom Materials
- one 2 three ring binder
- 5 dividers
- pen or pencil
- school-issued agenda
- one box of tissues- bonus
- United States Government textbook provided
- digital device charged for use during class
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Grading Scale

Marking Period Scale

Classwork 30%
- Including notebook checks using OneNote
Homework 10%
- including weekly CR assignments
Assessments 60%
- Including benchmarks, tests, quizzes, essays,
service learning, and projects
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Grading Policies
1. Late Homework and Classwork will not be accepted. This includes submissions after the time it is collected,
even in the same class period or at the end of the school day. When work is posted online to OneNote or
Engrade, a timestamp is used to check submission time. Per the county policy, students with an excused
absence will have 5 days to complete an assignment missed during their absence. Absences due to school field
trips or athletics dismissals are not counted in this policy and are due when stated. Students can submit their
assignments before they leave school due to a dismissal.

2. Late Projects and Essays will be docked 20% for each day it is late after it is collected in class. This includes
submissions at the end of the day it is due. This includes absences. If you are absent, speak with me about
your missed work and have a parent or doctors note to excuse your absence. Per the county policy, your
project or essay is due the day the student comes back with an excused absence. Students with an unexcused
absence will be docked points based on the 20% rule. Computer Malfunctions are not legitimate excuses for
late or missing work, so back up your work with a USB or email it to yourself.

3. Missing Class/Absences- Students who are absent, either excused or unexcused, are responsible for talking
with the teacher to discuss missed work. Students should collect their missing work from the make up work
bin in the back of the room and set up a time to discuss any questions with the teacher. It is the students
responsibility to collect all missing work and schedule time to discuss the content with the teacher.

4. Plagiarism/Copying- Copying other individuals work or not citing ideas other than your own is a form of
cheating. If you plagiarize an assignment, you will receive a 0 for the assignment, receive a detention, and
receive a referral to the office. Also, if you copy or cheat off of another students work, even if it is not for
history, both papers will be taken and receive zeros.

5. Service Learning is a graduation requirement within Worcester County. Failure to satisfactorily complete
the two 10 hour service/5 hour reflection projects for a total of 30 hours will result in a FAILING grade of a
50% for the Government course, regardless of the overall grade in the course.

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Remember: If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at
jemcinerney@mail.worcester.k12.md.us. We can discuss and find a solution to your concern or question
before it grows into a large problem.
Service Learning Requirement
In Worcester County, students in Government are also able to fulfill the Service Learning graduation
requirement. Students must complete two projects with a non-profit organization in the semester. Each
project must have 10 hours of service and 5 hours of reflection for a total of 30 hours. To accomplish this task,
students must complete the assignments based on the service learning timeline. If students do not complete
both of the projects satisfactorily, it will result in a failing grade in the Government course for the semester.

In order to start the process, please research and contact different non-profits to select the two
organizations where you will complete the project. Also, please talk about this with a parent or guardian so
that they understand your responsibilities this semester. Have your parent or guardian sign the bottom of this
sheet, detach this page of your syllabus, and return it to Ms. McInerney by Friday September 8th.

If you have any questions about the service learning requirement or the Government course in general,
please do not hesitate to email Ms. McInerney at jemcinerney@mail.worcester.k12.md.us or call 410-632-
5180.
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The two non-profit organizations that I would like to complete my service learning requirement with are:

Project #1
Name of Non-profit ________________________________
Contact Person at organization_____________________________
Project #2
Name of Non-profit ____________________________________
Contact Person at organization_________________________________

I understand that I must complete both projects entirely and satisfactorily or I will fail the Government
course for the semester.

Student Signature ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________

 MY CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS
Directions: Success is built from individual effort and community support. Complete this contract, get all the
necessary signatures, and return to your teacher. Please write legibly. Contract due Friday September 8th.

Name:_____________________________ Date:_____________

Finish this sentence: I pledge to our class and myself

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
My personal goals are: ________ # of Latenesses to class

________ % Percentage of Completed Homework

________ Specific grade I want to earn

What are 3 things you can do to be successful in this class?

o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________

What are 3 things Ms. McInerney can do to help you be successful in this class?
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________
o ____________________________________________________________

What are 3 things others can do to support you?

Who? What can they do?
o ______________________ _______________________________________
o ______________________ _______________________________________
o ______________________ _______________________________________

I, ___________________________, understand what is expected of me and will seek out guidance and help
when needed.

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

X_________________________________ X_________________________________

Teacher Signature Parent/Guardian Contact

X________________________________ Phone________________________________

Email________________________________