Participation in Government/Civics

____________________________________________________Our goal with this class is to present the civics knowledge necessary to participate fully in life in the community and country by respecting the diversity of the culture, history, and experiences you bring to the classroom.  Students will be able to read, write, listen and speak to acquire the civics knowledge.  

Class Rules:  All students are expected to…

I- Come To Class And Be On Time: Every student is expected to come to class prepared and on time.  You are considered late when you are not present in your seat working on the daily information (Aim and Do Now) before the bell rings. (4 tardies = ISS)

·       Attendance and lateness to class will affect your grades.

·       Absence from class does not excuse you from missed assignments, notes and homework.  It is solely

 the student’s responsibility to make up any missed assignments and class notes.  

II- Always Be Prepared:  It is your responsibility to come to class prepared.  Always bring a pen or pencil to class along with your binder.  Failure to come to class prepared without these materials will result in points off your participation grade. 

III- No Electronic Devices: All school policies should be followed accordingly.  No electronic devices, hats or headphones are allowed in the classroom.  If caught with any of these, it will be confiscated and a referral will be submitted to the proper authorities.

IV- Be Respectful: Students must be respectful to others as well as the teacher.  No talking when the teacher talks.  All questions will be acknowledged when the student is seated quietly and raises his/her hand. 

·       Your desk area must be the same as when you entered the classroom.  Do not draw, write or leave garbage by the desk area.  No food, or soda cans are permitted in the classroom at anytime. (Failure to leave the desk area clean will result in loss of participation points)

·      There is zero tolerance towards foul and inappropriate language.  Use of this language is NOT TOLERATED and will result in immediate disciplinary action. 

Required Materials

I: Binder:

• All students must have a three ring binder and loose leaf paper.

• A folder is also recommended

II: Pens/Pencils: Pens and pencils are required for taking exams. Colored pencils are also recommended for any projects we may work on throughout the year.

Grading

Final grades for each quarter will be determined by:

Exams/Quizzes/Projects/……….…...50%

Class Participation……………….….40%

Home Work………………………….10%

I: Exams/Quizzes/Projects:

·       Tests will be given throughout each marking period.  Students will have prior notice to all test and projects.

• Quizzes can be given at any moment.  Many assignments in class are collected and graded as quiz assignments.  It is imperative you work during the class period.

II: Participation:

• Your active participation grade will be determined by your class work, behavior and compliance to classroom rules and expectations. 

• Students who do not complete in class assignments or work ineffectively during class will receive a zero for the day resulting in 10 points off their final participation grade. 

*Grading for HW and Participation assignments will follow the check grading scale below:

Ö+ = 100              Ö = 85               Ö- = 55

Contact

Website: Students and parents can access homework assignments and class announcements through these class websites: www.mrcotignola.yolasite.com

Parent Portal: The parent portal is available to all parents who wish to be updated on their child's grades in class.  I try to update the parent portal by the end of each week.  If there are any questions please feel free to email us.

                                                Email:  ccioffi@pmschools.org

                                                             mcotignola@pmschools.org

Extra Help:

·       Mr. Cotignola finishes his day at South Ocean Middle School.  He will be available for extra help during Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:45 AM in room 239. 

·       Ms. Cioffi will be available for extra help Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:55 to 2:25. 

·       All other days and times are by appointment. 

We have all the best expectations for this class and truly look forward to working with you for the year. 

Sincerely,

Ms. Cioffi

Mr. Cotignola