Ms. Campion’s 7th Grade Advanced Civics 2015-2016
Dear students, parents, and guardians:
Welcome to 7th grade Civics! I hope that you will find this class
interesting, informative—and fun! You will be working very hard to
develop new skills and understand new concepts this year. I
Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences
Ms. Margorie Campion
645 Central Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
Email: margoriecampion@ssas.org
Room 203
believe in challenging students through a variety of activities and projects. This syllabus will give you
information about how to become a productive member of my classroom, so that you become your very
best by doing your very best. I have the highest expectations for my students and look forward to the
highest accomplishments this year.
In the Advanced Civics curriculum, students will learn to develop the critical thinking skills of analysis,
synthesis, and evaluation in a more rigorous and reflective academic setting. Projects and writing
assignments will include the implementation of research and technology skills as students learn to blog
on various topics on a bi-weekly basis.
Our Course Objectives:
1. Prepare students to become lifelong learners.
2. Promote critical thinking skills using evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
3. Promote problem solving skills using analysis and application of strategies learned.
4. Prepare well-rounded, aware and active citizens.
The goal of this class is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the United
States functions as a country. The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions,
and organization of government; the origins of the American political system; the roles, rights,
responsibilities of United States citizens; and methods of active participation in our political
system. Students will explore the rights and responsibilities of American citizens and the inner workings
of our federal, state, and local governments to better prepare to become active participants in 21 st
century United States of America.
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Course Objectives (cont.)
In this course, students will cover the Next Generation Sunshine State Florida Standards. The
following are the broad units that this civics class is divided into:
First Quarter:
Third Quarter:
 The Citizen and U.S. Citizenship
 Judicial Review and Landmark Cases
 Foundations of Government
 State Law and Local Government
 Political Participation
Second Quarter:
Fourth Quarter:
 U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights
 Comparative Government
 Structure of Government
 Economy and Finance
 American Legal System
 EOC Review
Class Resources:
Textbook: Florida Civics, Economics, and Geography from McGraw Hill. The textbook can be found
online. Any family without internet may receive a hard copy of the book. I do not have enough
extra textbooks for everyone. Since we rarely use the textbook (the Civics curriculum has surpassed
textbook capabilities), any pages we DO use end up copied on Blackboard Learn directly for your
convenience.
 Blackboard LEARN: ALL notes, worksheets, etc. along with a calendar and deadlines will be on
Blackboard. Many assignments will also be on Blackboard (with alternative lessons for those without
internet access).
 Other materials: We will be reading from various news articles, journals, and newspapers, etc.
 iCivics: www.icivics.org I will give you a username and password the second week of school.
Grading Scale
Your Grade will be based on the following criteria:
 Tests
35%
 Class Projects
35% (weighted as a Test grade)
 Bell Work
5%
 Quizzes
30%
 Class work
15%
 Homework
15%
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Procedures for Successful Students:
 Arrive to class on time. Be sure to use the restroom, get drinks, etc. before class.
 Students must have their agenda book with them in class at all times.
 History folder, notebook paper and pens / pencils required daily.
 Students are seated and working on Bell Work when Tardy bell rings.
 Students are to use class time appropriately to complete assignments.
 All assignments are posted on the whiteboard daily. Students are responsible for writing these
assignments in their agenda book daily.
 All assignments must be completed on time.
*Homework and in class assignments turned in late will receive partial credit if turned in
within the current unit of study. Missing assignments will be posted as “zero” until
completed and turned in.
 Tests, quizzes, and projects are posted on the daily agenda, in Team News and on Blackboard
Learn.
 Absences are the student’s responsibility to find out what work was missed and complete it.
One day for each day of absence will be allowed to complete assignments.
 Use digital resources provided with student edition of textbook for additional study and
review.
 Use Blackboard Learn, Gradebook and all other digital resources available.
 Come to class with a positive attitude!
Required Classroom supplies:
 Notebook paper
 Spiral Notebook
 Four duo-tang folders (one for each quarter)
 Two pencils and two pens, blue or black.
 Markers and/or colored pencils.
 Pencil sharpener
Suggested supplies: (not required)

Highlighter

Index cards
 Tissues and /or paper towels are greatly appreciated!
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Classroom Rules:
 Come to class ready to work and with a good attitude.
 Come to class prepared with all materials.
 Follow directions the FIRST time they are given.
 Be respectful of yourself, other people and our classroom at all times.
 Always do your best to succeed!
Discipline Plan Consequences
Behavior and Incomplete Assignments:
 First Offense:
Visual (The Look) or Verbal Warning
 Second Offense:
Write classroom rules and parent notification
 Third Offense:
Behavior essay with signature from parent(s).
 Fourth Offense:
In school morning detention.
 Fifth Offense:
County Referral (one or more days out of school-suspension. ension.
ALL ZERO TOLERANCE ISSUES WILL BE SENT TO ADMINISTRATION IMMEDIATELY.
Teachers may implement the discipline plan using their own discretion.
Notes and correspondence to parents / guardians:
 Parents/guardians please review the Team News weekly. This will update on weekly
assignments, test dates, project due dates, field trip information and dates progress notes
have been issued.
 If you have access to the online Gradebook, please check weekly for your child’s progress and
updates.
 Agenda book must be reviewed and signed weekly.
 LEARN – Sarasota County Schools Online Learning http://learn.sarasota.k12.fl.us/default.asp
How to reach me:
MargorieCampion@ssas.org
(941) 330-1855 Ext. 1203
I am available to meet with parents / and or students before or after school upon request. For the
most expedient communication, please send an email to me by connecting through the SSA+S website
(listed above). I look forward to a very rewarding and successful year with you!
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Please review this course overview with your parents / guardians and sign and return to me by
Wednesday, August 26, 2015.
I have read and reviewed this Course Overview and understand the contents and
requirements to achieve success in 7th Grade Civics class.
Parents / guardians please check one of the following:
I have access to ESD and Blackboard LEARN: yes________
no_________
Student Signature_________________________________________
Date__________________________
Parent Signature _________________________________________
Date___________________________
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for
the future”
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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Ms. Campion’s 7th Grade Civics 2015-2016
Welcome to 7th Grade Civics!
Dear Students,
I am excited to get to know you and teach you about Civics! This year you will
experience a classroom community where you will feel welcomed, supported, and get
to know new friends. We will learn and understand the topics in Civics using various
strategies. You will create and participate in on-going projects, have opportunities
to work in small groups, take part in whole class lessons, and work on individualized
activities. We will learn test strategies to help you succeed on tests in Civics and
other classes. Finally, there will be some homework to help enhance your classroom
learning.
In our social studies class you will learn and understand why the history of the
United States and our government is so important. You will learn about how
government works and how it affects you in your daily lives. Over the course of this
class, you will come to understand what it means to be an informed and active
participant in the United States of America and how YOU can make a positive impact
for the future of this country!
Sincerely yours,
Ms. Margorie Campion
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