U.S. Government
Mrs. Topping
Room 314
Contact Information:
Extension 1314
E-mail mtopping@lindberghschools.ws
Voice Mail 1801
I check my e-mail several times a day. My planning time is from 12:40 – 1:30. Please feel free
to contact me during that time.
Course Prerequisites: To be enrolled in this class, students must have a current SSD evaluation
and IEP, as well as recommendation of the IEP team.
Content: We will be studying U.S. and Missouri constitutions, politics, economics, and
citizenship. *As part of this course, and a State of Missouri graduation requirement, all students
will be required to pass a U.S. and Missouri Constitution test.
Our essential questions are: What is the purpose and role of government and politics in
society? What does it mean to be a good citizen? How can people become involved in
affecting their government?
Homework: There will generally not be homework for this class with exception of occasional
projects. Class time will be provided to complete classroom assignments and prepare for
exams. An ongoing review of current events will be included in this course of study.
Textbook: We will use a variety of texts and materials. Classroom copies will be available,
students will not be assigned copies. Students will use study guides and study aids that I
provide.
Required Materials:
1. Pocket Folder
2. Spiral notebook
3. Pen/pencil
Grading: Students will be graded equally on:
1. Classroom assignments
2. Participation and cooperation
3. Quiz and test scores
Semester grades are the sum of all points earned divided by points possible.
A = 100 – 90%
B = 89 – 80%
D = 69 – 60%
F = 59 – 0%
C = 79 – 70%
Citizenship and Effort: 1=above average, 2=average, 3=improvement needed
Class Expectations: All building and district rules will be adhered to. In addition, my
classroom expectations are based on my belief that classroom expectations are closely
related to life expectations and coordinate with our character pillars.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be on time
Be prepared
Participate
Show respect
Be responsible
The following 6 character pillars will be reinforced in the classroom as well:
Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship
Detentions: Students will be assigned detentions per the building guidelines. They will have
two weeks to serve their detentions.
As a special note, most detentions result from excessive tardies. It is extremely important
that students arrive to class on time so they do not miss important information and
instructional time. We have a lot of material to cover in a semester’s time, so it is essential
that we make the most of our time.
Attendance is another important issue. It is critical that students attend school on a regular
basis and adhere to district attendance guidelines. Though the contents of this course are
modified, it is very easy for students to fall behind due to excessive absences. We complete
daily assignments together as a class and make-up work must be completed individually, so
attendance is crucial. Students will receive a zero for the day’s activity for unexcused
absences. In addition, per district guidelines, students will not receive credit for the course if
absences exceed 5 days per semester.
Interventions: Parents will be contacted regarding concerns including, but not limited to,
excessive absences or lack of academic progress. Parents are encouraged to communicate
directly with me if they have concerns as well.
Interventions: Parents will be contacted regarding concerns including, but not limited to,
excessive absences or lack of academic progress. Parents are encouraged to communicate
directly with me if they have concerns as well.
This course is modified in its content and pace to address a variety of learning styles.
I look forward to working with your student this year!
Mary Topping