Mr. Polites Room Social Studies Newington High School February 1, 2012

Keep These Things In Mind Point System and Homework – Every item collected or checked has a point value (3-100) – You will receive a zero for homework not completed – Missed assignments: ½ credit, after school that day Absences – Handouts kept for one week at front table – Make-up work: your responsibility; I will not chase or ask – Make appointment to re-schedule test/quiz on clipboard – Work due when you return: envelope in front of room – Class notebooks kept by weekly class secretary

About Mr. Polites (Not ‘ Mr. ’ or ‘ Mr. P ’ ) Rocky Hill Public Schools to Grade 8 Kingswood-Oxford School Union College, B.A. Political Science Worked at the State Capitol Previous: Cheney Tech, East Hartford Coached: Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis 4th Year at Newington Live in Rocky Hill 2 Kids – Jake and Nicole Giants, Yankees, Golf, 30 Minutes Or Less Students who do well: 1) follow rules; 2) prepare for class; 3) participate; 4) think of the class, not just themselves

Teaching Schedule (Fill-In) Teach Periods: Planning Period: Lunch/SSR: Extra Help:

What Is A Typical Class Like? Walk in room BEFORE bell, prepared, w/ ID Get materials from front table FIRST SIT DOWN Check boards for homework, 1 st tasks Complete 1 st tasks, prepare to learn (5 min.) – Homework out, textbook, notebook Work and participate until the bell (no pack-up) I will dismiss you with everyone seated, not bell

Course Description/Topics American Government Leadership and Conflict Origins of U.S. Government (John Adams) The U.S. Constitution (Preamble, Debate) The Bill of Rights/Supreme Court (Project) Political Parties (Project) Voting and Elections (W.W.) 3 Branches (The Presidency) Criminal Law (L&O) -?- KEY QUESTIONS Do I understand what it means to live in a democracy? Do I have the tools needed to be a responsible citizen?

Note Cards 1. Answer Questions 2. Introductions 3. Hand In Cards

Rule #1: BE PROMPT Sit in your seat before the bell rings Get to work on “Do Now” OR Take materials out, prepare to learn Why? Consequence: 20/40/60/Call Home/Referral

Rule #2: BE PREPARED EVERY DAY Textbook (Consequence: Detention) Pen or Pencil (Detention) Notebook and Handout/Packet (Detention) Homework (Consequence: Zero) Why? Consequence: See Above/20/40/60/Call Home

Rule #3: SHOW RESPECT One person speaks at a time No side conversations No putting head down ADD: Do NOT do work for other classes No grooming Why? Consequence: 20/40/60/Call Home/Referral

Rule #4: REMAIN SEATED Do not get out of your seat without permission Why? Consequence: 20/40/60/Call Home/Referral

Rule #5: FOLLOW SCHOOL RULES ID must be on when you enter room Devices are not to be heard or seen Guys: keep hoods off of your heads Ladies: keep bags off of your desk Why? Consequence: Referral

RULES AND CONSEQUENCES Rules are to be followed from this point forward. There will be no more warnings. Detentions are to be served by the end of the next school day. I will issue a detention immediately in class. I will not discuss your (in)ability to serve that detention in class.

Textbooks 1. Get By Row 2. Name, Inside Cover 3. Book Slips/Hand-In

Student and Parent/Guardian Signatures I have read and understand the rules, procedures, and expectations of this class. If questions arise, I will consult Mr. Polites immediately. Student Signature: Parent/Guardian:

Study Hall Rules and Procedures Do not socialize outside classroom door Come to study hall with something to read or work on Sit in your assigned seat every day Do not come to study hall late (Warning/Referral) Do not skip study hall (Referral) Study-related conversations only (Warning/Referral) Wear your ID (Referral) No devices (Referral) No passes first 10 or last 10 minutes of period Sign up for a pass One person leaves room at a time

Summer Reading Assignment Discuss issues outside class Political Science (Step-Up or Found Me) – Students should hand in completed paper – Due Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2011 United States History – Your blog post was due at 7:44 AM today American Government – Students should hand in their portfolio

Course Description/Topics United States History Leadership and Conflict Historic Elections The Civil War (Glory) Industrial Revolution Immigration/Cities Great Depression World Wars Korea and Vietnam Cold War Terrorism Do I understand how history guides leadership and decision-making today? Do I have additional tools needed to be a responsible citizen?

Course Description/Topics Political Science Leadership and Conflict Political Power (Blood Diamond) Comparing Governments Roots of American Democracy The U.S. Constitution Participation Political Parties Political Communication/Media Campaigns/Elections Federalism Projects/ Events/Debates KEY QUESTIONS Do I understand how political science helps explain government power and decision- making? Do I have more tools to be a responsible citizen?

Course Description/Topics Contemporary World History World War I (FlyBoys) Russian Revolution (Rasputin) World Between Wars (60 Mins.) World War II (SPR/BofB) The Cold War Arab-Israeli Conflict (Promises) War on Terror U.S. Policy in the Middle East KEY QUESTIONS Do I understand history behind relationships the U.S. shares with other nations? Can I make reasoned and informed decisions about today ’ s world events?