• Syllabus

    Civics 

    Mr. Torain

    Room:25

    JTorain@lexcs.org

     

    Civics

    Civics has been developed as a course that provides a framework for understanding the basic tenets of American democracy, practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution, basic concepts of American politics and citizenship. 

     

    Units 

    Unit 1- Foundations of American Government                    

    Unit 2- The Constitution                                                                

    Unit 3- The 3 Branches of the Federal Government                                                      

    Unit 4- NC Government                             

    Unit 5- The Courts, the Law and Due Process                                                                         

    Unit 6- Citizenship and Politics                                                      

    Unit 7- Government in the Economy                                                                                 

    Review- For Final Exam                                                       

     

    ** Unit tests will be given on the last day for the unit. 

     

    Supplies

    One 3 inch 3 ring binder

    3 Ring Notebook Dividers- 8 tabs

    Pens, blue or  black ink

     

    Grading

    Tests- 35%

    Journal/Homework- 25%  (almost all homework will be completed in journal)

    Notebook- 15%

    Classwork- 25%

     

    Classroom Policies

     

    Classroom Non-Negotiables:

    1. Be Prompt - come to class on time

    2. Be Prepared - bring the necessary materials and attitude to be successful

    3. Be Polite - The classroom is a place for exploration and learning, negativity slows these processes



    Discipline Board Policy:

    • 1st offense: Name on board = warning

    • 2nd offense: Check beside name = 15 minutes After School Detention

    • 3rd offense: Check beside name = 30 minutes After School Detention and Parent Contact

    • 4th offense: Check beside name = Write up



    Tardy Policy: The first two tardies of a semester will result only in warnings. Subsequent tardies will result in after school detention. Beginning with the fifth tardy the student will be assigned ISS for each tardy. Every five tardies results in an absence in PowerSchool. 

     

    After School Detention: ASD will be served every Thursday after school, unless otherwise announced. It begins at 3:40 with a strict lock out policy. Students who fail to attend or who arrive late will be written up and assigned one block of ISS. Students may work on missing/late class work during detention; however, they may not talk, eat, or use any electronic devices. Refusal to comply will result in the student being asked to leave and a subsequent write up. Students must arrange for a ride to pick them up, walk, or ride the late bus home.

     

    Tutoring: Tutoring will be offered every Tuesday, unless otherwise announced. Tutoring will be available during lunch and after school until 4:15. Students may show up without appointment, although giving notice will allow me to have any materials necessary prepared when s/he arrives. Tutoring can be used as a time to complete missing work, finish in-class assignments that were not completed, or work with me on concepts that were not fully mastered. 

     

    Absences and Late Work: Late work will always be accepted but points will be deducted based on the amount of time and complexity of the assignment. Most likely a policy of losing ten points a day will be enforced. If you are absent for a day all of the materials for that day will be stapled together, dated, and have your name written on them. They will be placed in the missed work box in the front of the classroom. It is your responsibility to retrieve these materials upon your return. All missed tests must be made up after school. 















    Parent and Student Signature Agreement Page

     

    Please read and complete the following paragraphs and then sign where appropriate. This will be due back by the third day of school and will count as your student’s first homework grade. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at JTorain@lexcs.org with any questions.

     

    I, ____________________ (parent/ guardian name), the parent/guardian of ______________________, have read and agree to the classroom guidelines set forth in this syllabus. I also understand that the teacher retains the right to make changes to this as necessary to fit individual cases. I understand that if my child misses school, it is their responsibility to ask for the work they are missing and to make it up on their own time. If my student is absent during a test, quiz, presentation, or project, I understand that my student will have to stay after to make up the assignment. If my student has to do test corrections to increase their grade, they must stay after school to do so. I also acknowledge that I may contact Mr. Torain with any questions, comments, or concerns at the school during her planning period, after school or through email.

    ______________________ (Printed name of parent/guardian)

    ______________________ (Signature of parent/guardian) ____________(date)

     

    I, ______________________ (student name), have read and agree to the classroom guidelines set forth in this syllabus. I understand that if I need help from Mr. Torain, it is my responsibility to ask for it. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my work, my grade, and my actions in Mr. Torain’s classroom. I understand that if I have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can bring them to Mr. Torain’s attention after class. I also understand that I am responsible to get any notes or homework assignments that I may miss because of absences.  I understand that if I miss a  test I will have to stay after school to make it up.

    ___________________(Printed name of student) 

    __________________________(Signed name of student) __________ (date)