Syllabus 2009

Mr. Hallowell’s Constitution We the Students of Mr. Hallowell’s U.S. History Class, in Order to form a more perfect classroom, establish good work habits, insure classroom tranquility, provide for the common learning, promote the New York Learning Standards, and secure the Knowledge of the United States to ourselves and our learning, do ordain and establish this Constitution of Mr. Hallowell’s Class.

Article I:

Classroom Procedures

Students must follow Mr. Hallowell’s “Three P’s:” 1.) P repared

2.) P olite

3.) P rompt

* If a student fails to comply with the above “P’s,” a consequence (most likely a detention) will follow.

Article II:

Materials Needed

Students must bring the following items to class everyday: - A Writing Utensil ( Blue or Black Pen / # 2 Pencils ) - A Sturdy 3 Inch Binder ( Preferably, with Pockets ) - Loose-Leaf ( Preferably, Reinforced ) - Any Work that’s Due * Students will be give three ( 3 ) passes to their lockers per quarter. These passes may be used to retrieve homework, binders, etc. However, if a student uses all ( 3 ), he or she will receive a detention.

Article III:

Grading

Students grades will be calculated using a total points system. In this grading system, every assignment (homework, test, quiz, etc.) will receive a point value (100 points, 20 points, etc.). A student’s grade is calculated by taking the total points they earned and dividing it by the total points possible. * Extra Credit: I will only off one extra credit assignment per quarter. This assignment will always be worth 40 points so do not rely on it to raise your grade significantly!

Article IV:

Homework

Students will have daily homework assignments. In this class, homework is used as a tool for students to further express their knowledge by completing “mini-projects” that require critical thinking, and allow students a chance to be creative. Textbooks will be provided, and should be used as an additional resource. Students will receive an “Assignment Guide” at the start of each unit. On this guide, a list of assignments and their point values are listed. Students then pick assignments they want to complete, but the assignments they pick must add up to the mandatory point total (usually 100 points). * Late homework is not accepted. Due dates are given in advance.

Article V:

Late Work & Missed Work

Late Work:

I do not accept any late work

Missed Work:

You must check the back folders for any missed handouts. In addition, it’s your responsibility to find out any missed notes, assignments, etc. You have two days for each day absent to hand in the missed work. If you are absent for more than three ( 3 ) days, you must come see me to work out an arrangement.

Article VI:

Assessments

Essays:

Students will write approximately five ( 5 ) essays per quarter. These essays will be written at home and must be word processed; meaning, typed using an application. Students must use Times New Roman, Size 12 Font, Black Ink, and 1 Inch Margins.

Tests:

At the conclusion of each unit, students will take a test that utilizes both subjective and objective questions. In other words, it will include both short-answer and multiple choice questions. Students can expect four ( 4 ) tests per quarter. At the end of each quarter, a cumulative exam will be given.

Quiz:

Usually once per week, students will take a short objective or subjective quiz.

* One retest is allowed per quarter. In order to take a retest, students must have no missed work, no tardies, and no detentions (from me).

Article VII:

Class Rules

In this classroom, it’s all about respect . . . - Respect yourself - Respect your classmates - Respect your teacher - Respect other’s property Students must also . . . - Keep their cell phones in their backpacks, turned off - Participate regularly * Failure to comply with the above rules will result in an automatic detention and referral to a student’s AP.

Article VIII:

Course Outline

We will follow this outline during the school year: QUARTER ONE:

Unit 1 - The American Revolution Unit 2 - Forming a New Government Unit 3 - The Young Republic

QUARTER TWO:

Unit 4 - Sectionalism & the Spirit of Reform Unit 5 - Manifest Destiny Unit 6 - The U.S. Civil War & Reconstruction

QUARTER THREE:

Unit 7 - Settling the West Unit 8 - Industrialization Unit 9 - Urban America

QUARTER FOUR:

Unit 10 - Becoming a World Power Unit 11 - The Progressive Age

* We will be working on our end of the year project after Unit 11.

Article IX:

Your Teacher

- Mr. Hallowell is available for extra help Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school from 2:15 - 3:15. Students must make sure they sign in at extra help! - If you or your parents need to contact Mr. Hallowell, they can email him at [email protected]. - Although calls are also acceptable, Mr. Hallowell will not get them until the end of the day; sometimes not even until the next day! *

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Please Detach From Here Down

Article X:

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Parent/Guardian

Student (Print):

__________________________________________

Parent/Guardian (Signature):

__________________________________________

Telephone (And Best Time to Call):

__________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email 1:

__________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email 2:

__________________________________________

* If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime by email or phone!