Welcome to Mrs. Lotspeich’s American Government Class!
My goal is to help you reach your goals!
Welcome to first semester! I look forward in getting to know each of my students and parents!
This is my 23rd year of teaching and my 14th year at Wheaton North High School. I am a graduate of
Miami University of Ohio and completed my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Technology at Benedictine
University. I received my National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in 2000 and
2009. I am married to Dan, a researcher for financial institutions, and am the mother of Thomas who is 14
and Cameron who is 9 years old. I look forward to a fantastic semester!
Your Grade
Your grade will be made up of a number of factors. Your grade will be based on total points earned through
tests, quizzes, projects, and homework. Throughout the semester, you may be given the opportunity to
complete extra credit assignment and/or earn extra credit points. You will need to meet the regular class
expectations before extra credit assignments may be attempted.
Homework
All homework should be complete and passed in on time in order to receive full credit. Incomplete homework
assignments will be returned ungraded for no credit. If you have any extenuating circumstances, an
exception can be made with a teacher conference, parent note, or a parent phone call. Any work handed in
late will be marked down to half credit.
Absences
If you are absent the day a homework assignment, a project, or report is due, you have as many days as you
were excused by the office to turn in that assignment. For example, if the office excuses you for one day,
you must pass the assignment in the day you return. If the office excuses you for two days, you have two
days to make up the work. If you were absent the day of a test but you were in class for the review, you will
be expected to take the test the day you return. Students will not be allowed to make up work missed due to
an unexcused absence or tardy.
Note
I understand that during the semester certain circumstances will come up, and I will be happy to discuss any
problems you have before or after class, or before or after school.
American Government Units
Introduction; Political Parties, Voting, and Interest Groups; Congress; The President; The Judicial Branch;
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Classroom Expectations
I will expect you to treat others with respect. We will have a great deal of time to debate, discuss, and
disagree. While I do not expect you to agree on all issues, I will expect you to respect and listen to others
with opinions different from your own.
I will expect that you will be prepared for class every day. Always bring a writing utensil, your folder for
this class, and your completed homework assignment.
I will expect that you will give me your best effort at all times. Raise your hand and participate when you
have something to contribute to the class. Always show me the best student you can be!
Additional Teacher Contact
I am in the building before and after school for at least 45 minutes. If I am in the building, I am always
available for your parents to call or to talk to you!!! In addition, I am available via email at
hayley.lotspeich@cusd200.org I check my email each evening at 9:00. If you need help with your
homework, studying, or have any other questions; I will get right back to you! You may also call me at 7847300, ext. 8465; I check my voice mail once each day.
I am looking forward to a very exciting and successful semester!
Dear Parents,
I am looking forward to an exciting semester with your child. Today, all students were given guides to
understand classroom expectations, the grading, homework, and make-up policies, and a little bit about
me as their teacher. Please discuss this information with your child.
In addition, I wish to keep you involved in your child's progress in American Government. I will send
out email reminders about upcoming tests and projects as well as opportunities for help sessions. If
you wish to receive such messages, please indicate your address on the form below. (I will send these
messages via blind copy; no one will see your email address other than me.)
Also, I am a regular user of our synergy program. This site will enable you to access your child’s grade
(along with individual assignment and test scores) in American Government at any time during the
semester. (I update the site at least twice a week.) I also post important dates, review information,
and podcasts on my staff page linked to www.wnhs.org .
Furthermore, during the course of the semester, I plan to show one six minute clip from an R rated
movie to enhance our class curriculum. This short clip does not contain any nudity or violence or
profanity. Our school requires parental permission for your student to view movies that are used in
our curriculum, or selected by our teachers, which are rated R.
I believe showing your son or daughter the clip from Suspect enables them to benefit from another
medium as a resource in their study of American Government. The five minute scene in Suspect shows
both a prosecutor and a defense attorney going through the process of selecting jurors in a murder
trial. The judge also makes some contributions as well. In this short scene, the voir dire process is
illustrated in a clear, succinct, and visual way for the students.
Be assured that I will use proper discretion when showing movies.
Thank you for taking the time to read and sign this permission form.
I am looking forward to an exciting semester of growth, learning and success!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hayley Lotspeich
Social Studies Department
Wheaton North High School
_________________________________________________________________
I have discussed Mrs. Lotspeich's classroom policies with my child, _______________.
_______ I do not wish to be contacted via email.
_______ I would like email updates from Mrs. Lotspeich. My email address is:
______________________________________________________
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Parent Signature