Mr. Degnore
Grosse Pointe North
B-223
Text: American Civics, Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Mr. D's Website: http://staff.gpschools.org/degnorb
The atmosphere created in the classroom is the responsibility of the teacher and students and is based on mutual respect. All views and opinions will be treated with respect. Harassment, insulting remarks, and such behaviors will not be tolerated.
I do not give out grades to students! I simply set the guidelines for learning, as students, you EARN them! Whatever grades you earn are the ones that I assign to you.
Objective:
Civics will be explored by studying the following topics...
Classroom Rules:
1. Respect. In order to create a positive learning environment for all students and the teacher, simple respect is necessary. This includes no cut downs, negative statements or unacceptable behavior. In other words, treat others the way you wish to be treated.
2. Be prepared. Each student is expected to come to class prepared to learn and participate in the day’s planned activities. This includes but is not limited to coming to class with a pen/pencil, book, notebook, paper and folder. If you come unprepared to class you will be sent back to your locker to retrieve the item and will be charged with a tardy.
3. Staying on task. Each student during this class is expected to work on this class. All other work for other classes or items not related to this class will be confiscated.
4. Late work. Late work will be accepted at 50% of the point value for work turned in one day after the due date.
5. School Policy: All other school policies are followed in this classroom. Please do not bring bags, coats, or other items listed as inappropriate in the school handbook to class.
Grades:
Bell Work/Political Cartoons: This will become an everyday event for you as you pass through the door you will take the day’s political cartoon, an article or you will look on the board and answer the day’s QOD, Question of the Day. More often than not these will be discussed and then the cartoons will be turned back in so we can save paper and use them for other classes. These will not be turned in on a daily basis! They are expected to be kept in your three-ring binder which will be turned in every 2-3 weeks.
Daily assignments/Homework: These assignments vary in points and may be anywhere from five points to 50 points. These are to be completed in class and will be collected. These will include anything from answering a simple set of questions to numerous other activities.
Quizzes: These assignments vary in points, anywhere from 30 to 50. The overwhelming majority of time I will give at least twenty-four hours notice. Any student who fails a quiz will be given the opportunity to retake the quiz. However, I will not chase you down to retake a quiz, it is your responsibility to come to me and ask if you can retake a quiz. Most retakes will be in essay question format.
Tests/Projects: Test and projects are valued at 100 points. Before each test you will be given a review sheet containing all vocabulary and possible ideas/concepts that will be covered on the test. I am not a big tester therefore, the majority of the time you will be asked to show that you have master the topics by completing projects. There will be many suggestions as to how you may complete the project but you are always welcome to offer your own idea. You should expect on average about 4-5 tests per quarter or one test every 2-3 weeks.
Notebook/Folder: Each student is expected to keep a binder containing the activities and notes that have been taken during class. As a student in this class you should keep all assignments, notes, quizzes and tests taken in this class. As these will be the key in studying for your final. Students are also welcome to keep these materials in the classroom. All assignments should be kept in the binder as it will be checked periodically throughtout the quarter. My advice to you is to buy a binder and then to purchase dividers and divide your binder into five categories:
Cheating:
Any student caught cheating will automatically receive a zero. Anyone caught helping another person cheat will also receive a zero and will not be allowed to make up the assignment. Save yourself the hassle and do your own work!
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is a critical component for success in this class. When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for the completion of any class work missed. The student is expected to look at the classroom log at the front of the classroom where a binder/folder will be located for your class. Inside will be a sheet listing what was done for the day and any necessary homework assignments or papers that are needed. Do not come in and ask, “Did we do anything yesterday, of course we did. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to track you down to give you your assignments. A student has two days to make up the work for each day missed and the teacher will be available for direction and clarification.
Tardy Policy:
A student is considered tardy when he/she is not in the classroom when the final bell rings. This means the whole body inside the room. Students who are tardy three times will be required to make the time up. If you are not in the classroom on time, you will lose the opportunity to perform the bell work and will receive a zero for that assignment!
Students are allowed to have water in the classroom. All bottles need to be taken care of before the end of class. If bottles are not put in their proper place the class will lose this privilege. Students are expected to pick up after themselves and if they continue to leave trash behind they will be expected to serve time in Mr. Degnore’s room at his convenience.
All drinks must be possessed at the time of entrance into the classroom. You will not be given permission to leave to get it. Any student who goes out on the pass and returns with a drink will lose their privilege and the item will be confiscated.
Teacher Availability:
I am available anytime after school AS LONG AS YOU TELL ME THE DAY BEFORE! Believe it or not I have a life.
Grading Scale:
Percentage Grade
93-100 A
90-92 A-
88-89 B+
83-87 B
80-82 B-
78-79 C+
73-77 C
70-72 C-
68-69 D+
63-67 D
60-62 D-
0-59 NO CREDIT