Class Syllabus

Principals of American Democracy

Ms. Holland

Room B29 (Bungalows by the tennis courts)

Email: ms.saraholland@gmail.com   

Phone Number(s): (310) 241-5800f (ask for Mr. Maghera’s room)      

Texts: Magruder’s American Government (2006)

Period 4

Black Week Bell Schedule (ODD)

Period 4

(Tuesday/Thursday)

(Martes/Jueves)

9:50 AM to 11:32 AM – 102 minutes

Gold Week Bell Schedule (Even)

Period 4 (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) (Lunes/Miércoles/Viernes)

9:50 AM to 11:32 AM – 102 minutes

TESTS & CULMINATING PROJECTS

There will be 4 tests (examen) and 4 culminating projects (proyectos).

Your grade will be broken down like this:

·        4 Culminating projects  = (350 points total) 35% 
    Notebook = (400 points total) 40%

·        Homework = (150 points total) 15%

·        Participation (100 points) = 10%

Grade Breakdown

Grade	Percentage	Points
A	90% to 100%	900-1000
B	80% to 89%	800-899
C	70% to 79%	700-799
D	60% to 69%	600-699
F	Less that 60%	599 and lower

SUPPLIES NEEDED: 1 spiral notebook for warm-ups, lesson notes and practice/homework,  2 pencils: You should have several pencils on hand, colored pencils or markers for highlighting and to make your notes more interesting/fun

DUE DATES:

The 4 main culminating projects are due on these dates:

• Culminating Project #1 DUE September 20 (9/20/12)
• Culminating Project #2 DUE October 19 (10/19/12)
• Culminating Project #3 DUE November 15 (11/15/12)
•  Culminating Project #4 DUE week of December 12 

*LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED for culminating projects, but you get two “oops passes” for homework (nontransferable). I will happily check your work before the due date if you need help.

The Rules

•             Be prepared and bring all your materials to class.
•     Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
•     Be respectful to everyone.
•     Pay attention to the teacher or whoever has been given permission to speak.
•     Follow all school rules, including respecting other people’s property.

Positive Consequences:

1.      For students who maintain a B or higher in my class with no behavior problems I will provide positive activities for them.  The first of which is an art stenciling class.

2.    Happiness!

Negative Consequences:

1.      Teacher warning

2.    Lunch Detention, call home

3.    Lunch Detention, call home, team discipline (parents may be invited to attend as well)

4.    Lunch Detention, call home, referral to counselor

5.    Lunch Detention, call home, referral to assistant principal

August 14, 2012

Dear Family,

Hello!  My name is Sara Holland and I will be your young person’s 4^th period government teacher this coming school year. I am very excited to get to know my students and their families.  I hope to bring a passion for the world to your students and show them all that I have learned.  I have included a copy of the syllabus with this letter, please sign it and have your child return the syllabus.

My educational background includes a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Queen’s University, Belfast in Northern Ireland and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, San Diego.  I enjoyed getting my education and want to see all of my students go to college to pursue their dreams.  I have worked in politics and with charities in Europe and in the United States.  I firmly believe education, like life, is a journey.  If I can do anything to assist you with your child’s education or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at ms.saraholland@gmail.com or call the school at (310) 241-5800.

Kind regards,

Sara Holland

SIGNATURE PAGE

RETURN THIS PAGE with signatures in place

Student Name:

_____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian:

___________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian name:________________________________ 
Cell Phone: ________________

Parent/Guardian name:________________________________ 
Cell Phone: ____

Parent/Guardian Email____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 
Email:______________________

From the parent/guardian to the teacher:

Here is some important information that I would like you to know about my child:

By signing below, I am indicating that I have read and understand the above syllabus:

STUDENT Name (printed) ____________________________________________

Student’s Signature ____________________________________________

PARENT’S Name (printed) ____________________________________________

Parent’s Signature ____________________________________________