US Government
North Paulding High School
2015-2016
Instructor: Shannon Ammons
Room: 1114
Email: sammons@paulding.k12.ga.us or sammons@northpauldinghighschool.com
Website: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/Domain/2381
Materials Needed: Composition notebook, a 1” 3-ring binder*, paper (college rule, loose leaf…NO Spiral
notebooks please), 5 dividers*, and pencil/pen (blue or black). Students will be responsible for having the
above materials every day or he/she is responsible for the work missed due to lack of materials.
Course Description: Students must pass American Government in order to graduate. The focus of this
course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and
informed citizens. We will attempt to give students a better understanding of the rights and responsibilities
for being an active citizen. Focus will be placed on the development of our government at various levels, and
the importance of the rule of law; the United States Constitution; Federal, State and local government
structure; and rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Methodology: The class will revolve around the use of discussions, mini-lectures, group projects,
investigations, presentations and debates. Audiovisual materials, films, movies, and computer technology will
be used when necessary. Be prepared to be creative and independent thinkers in this class!
Class Expectations: Students are expected to:
1. respect themselves and others.
2. be responsible for their actions.
3. take an active role in class discussions.
4. maintain a positive attitude.
5. be prepared for class. (pen, paper, binder, assignment completed)
6. hand in assignments on time.
7. use appropriate language.
Disciplinary progression:
1. Warning
2. Student conference/contact parent
3. Detention
4. Discipline referral
*Please note: in the case of severe disruption (fighting, use of profanity, destruction of school property,
disrespect shown to anyone, etc.) the student will be sent to an administrator immediately.
Class Policies: You are expected to be in class daily. If you should be out of class, it is your responsibility to
get your make-up work. There is a five school day limit for making up tests and quizzes, as well as any
assignment. Ten points will be deducted from grade each day assignment is late up to 50 points. After five days,
no assignment will be accepted for a grade and will result in test/quiz grade being replaced with a zero. Also,
test retakes and/or extra credit will not be offered, so please be prepared on quiz/test days and turn in all
assignments on time. You should follow all guidelines and classroom rules. You should always be respectful,
responsible, prompt, and prepared.
Tutoring: will be offered during the fall semester on Tuesday/Thursday mornings from 8:00-8:30. During
the spring semester I will also be available Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-4:15. Please let me know one day
in advance if you will be attending tutoring so I can plan accordingly.
Handbook/ Dress Code:
All county and North Paulding High School policies (including dress code, tardies, and electronics use) will be
enforced.
Grading Policy Paulding Co. Schools
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-70
C
69 & below
F
Class Percentages
Summative Assessments
60%
Formative Assessments
20%
Comprehensive Final/EOCT 20%
US Government
North Paulding High School
2015-2016
I have reviewed a copy of Mrs. Ammons’ US Government syllabus and acknowledge all course objectives,
class policies, and class expectations. I understand that the Pacing Guide is a tentative schedule and that due
to unforeseen circumstances may vary from day to day. This syllabus can also be viewed at any time on Mrs.
Ammons’ US Government website: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/Domain/2381 Please return this signed
copy to Mrs. Ammons no later than Thursday, January 7, 2016
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Student’s Name (Print)
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Date
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Student’s Signature
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Parent/Legal Guardian’s Name (Print)
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Date
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Parent Legal Guardian’s Signature
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Parent email address
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Home phone
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Parent cell
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Parent cell