US & VA GOVERNMENT: MR. ROMITO’S CLASSROOM POLICIES,
PROCEDURES & EXPECTATIONS
Dear Students, Parents & Guardians:
Welcome to this year’s 2015-2016 US & VA Government class. I am very
excited to work with you this school year! Our class will follow the Virginia
Standards of Learning and recommended Loudoun County Course Syllabus.
After you have finished reading over the policies, procedures and expectations,
please sign it and have your parents sign it.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course examines the structures of government and the economy in
United States. The balance and separation of powers within the U.S.
government, and the powers inherent to each branch and level, are emphasized.
Democratic values and responsible participation in the community are stressed
throughout the course. The United States' political and economic roles in the
community are also analyzed. Critical thinking, writing, research, and group
process skills are emphasized and refined.
Policies
1.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend class and be on time. You cannot learn if
you are not here! It is especially important to attend US & VA Government
regularly as this subject is required for graduation. Any student who is
late for class or has an unexcused absence will be subject to disciplinary
action in accordance with Broad Run High School’s tardy policy. It is
your responsibility to make up any missed work, tests, etc.
2.
Grading
Grades consist of quizzes/tests, homework, projects and
classwork/participation.
3.
Homework
Homework is very important as it shows effort. I am looking mainly for
effort and completion. Even if you don’t do well on tests, show me effort
and your grade will reflect it.
4.
Projects
Projects are a big part of this course! We are going to do a lot of relevant
and interesting projects this year based upon current events, campaigns,
elections, and political issues.
Procedures
1.
Daily Lesson
Each class will normally consist of a warm-up exercise, homework review
if relevant, a new lesson/activity, and homework assignment when
assigned.
2.
Support
I am available before or after school. Please just let me know when you
want to come in. I would encourage all students to come in for extra help!
3.
Books
We will be using an online book this year called Government Alive! The
url is www.teachtci.com. I will assign all the students a passcode to log in. We
will also have a classroom set of last year’s book called American Government.
Both books will be used as a resource and not as the primary material.
Expectations
1.
Materials
3-ring binder
4-5 Section dividers
Folder
Notebook
Pencils (must be used for all tests, quizzes and homework)
Box of tissues
2.
Classroom Behavior
Without appropriate behavior, learning cannot take place. You are not in
class to waste time, daydream, sleep or refuse to work. An unwillingness
to work will not be tolerated. You are expected to conduct yourselves as
young adults by:
a.
Raising your hand to ask or answer a question.
b.
Not talking while others are talking.
c.
Showing respect to yourself and others.
d.
Agreeing to disagree
e.
Being prepared for class.
f.
Being on time.
3.
Electronic Devices
We will be using electronic devices, i.e. phones, ipads, computers for our
warm-up activity and for projects throughout the year. If I see you using
these devices for personal use, you will be asked to put them away. If you
refuse, you will be removed from class.
4.
Be Enthusiastic
I am very enthusiastic about teaching and I expect my students to be
enthusiastic about learning. It is very important to bring a positive attitude
to class! I expect a lot of my students and believe in them. I will do my
very best for you. I expect you to do your best and together we will make
a difference! Do your best and you will be surprised at the results!
Content
APPROXIMATE PACING GUIDE
UNIT
QUARTER
The Nature of Power, Politics and Government
1st Quarter
Comparing Forms of Government
1st Quarter
The Roots of American Democracy
1st Quarter
The United States Constitution
1st Quarter
The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties
1st Quarter
Federalism: National, State, and Local Powers
1st Quarter
Citizen Participation in a Democracy
2nd Quarter
Parties, Interest Groups, and Public Policy
2nd Quarter
Public Opinion and the Media
2nd Quarter
Political Campaigns and Elections
2nd Quarter
Lawmakers and Legislatures
2nd Quarter
Congressional Lawmaking
2nd Quarter
Mid-Term Exam
Chief Executives and Bureaucracies
3rd Quarter
The Federal Budget
3rd Quarter
3rd Quarter Project
3rd Quarter
Courts, Judges, and the Law
4th Quarter
The Criminal Justice System
4th Quarter
Creating American Foreign Policy
4th Quarter
Confronting Global Issues
4th Quarter
Final Exam
My email address is Rick.Romito@lcps.org! I look forward to a great
year!
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