Civics+Syllabus

I am very happy to have you in class and look forward to a semester full of successes and happy surprises. After spending 15 years in airline marketing, traveling the world and continuing my education whenever possible, I began teaching Social Studies at TJ in 2004. Linda_Estlund@dpsk12.org I will respond to your message within 24 hours. to learn how to create an account. Also, please review the website and my Wikispace regularly for other important information. In this semester course we will study various aspects of U.S. Citizenship and Responsibilities including: Foundations of Government, Civic Engagement and Public Policy. This course has been developed to meet Colorado Academic Standards and Common Core Sate Standards. By completion, you will have learned about: -Five foundations of government -Democratic values -Founding documents -Federalism -Judicial Philosophy -Election Structure -Legislative Processes -Citizen Advocacy -Public Policy //Please see the attached pacing guide to view the curriculum timeline.//
 * // A Warm Welcome to students and parents from Ms. Estlund: // **
 * PARENTS:** If you have questions or concerns along the way, please do not hesitate to contact me:
 * Infinite Campus:** I ask all parents and students to please make a point to access IC to keep tabs on grades, academic progress and attendance. Stop by the TJ office or visit TJ’s website []
 * GRADES**
 * AND WEEKLY PARTICIPATION POINTS**
 * ARE UPDATED EACH FRIDAY BY 3:30PM FOR SPORTS/ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY**.
 * STUDENTS: Come visit me any time for extra assistance.** Appointments may be set for lunch or before/after school. Also, Wednesday office hours (2:14-2:55) are for YOU and make up work is often offered during this time.
 * // Course Description and Objectives //**

Ms Estlund’s requests: -arrive in class ON TIME. See the TJ handbook for tardy policies. -no food permitted in the classroom. -water is permitted (in a clear container). -bring necessary materials to class -restroom passes should be requested rarely and only upon presentation of TJ handbook pass page -complete assignments on time and follow late and make-up rules when necessary. -use classroom appropriate language. -**NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED IN CLASS. Please keep them out of sight at all times**.
 * // Classroom Expectations //**


 * // Remember: Character Matters! //**


 * // Focus on Learning: //**
 * // Any behavior that distracts others from the learning process will be unacceptable. //**

//Late work:// Acceptance of late work without a written parent excuse is subject to teacher discretion. One night HOMEWORK assignments will not be accepted late (except in the case of an excused absence). Other assignments are subject to a 10% late penalty per day. //Make-up work:// __It is //the student’s// responsibility__ to ask for and complete makeup work. **(See student handbook)** Allotted time is one day for each excused day absent, plus one extra day to make up work and tests missed. Copies of assignments will be available (also ask your classmates!). Tests or quizzes must be made up no later than one week after the excused absence. All assignments are graded on a total point system (number of points to be determined) cumulating as follows:A 93-100% A- 90-92% B+ 87-89% B 83-86% B- 80-82% C+ 77-79% C 73-76% C- 70-72% D 60-69% F 59% or below -3 ring binder notebook (at least 1 inch in width) **with notebook paper** in which to keep all Civics assignments. I will punch-hole papers for you. -Pens and/or pencils –every day! -Colored pencils -Highlighters
 * // Late/ make-up work //**
 * // Grading Policy //**
 * // Materials //**By the end of the first week, students must bring to class daily:

//-“American Government”, “We the People”, “Foundations of Democracy”// are among the texst utilized. Textbooks will be available for in-class work and may only be checked out to accommodate makeup work. Failure to return the book will result in a fine of up to $100.
 * // Texts //**

Your signatures indicate that you have read over this material and agree to expectations. **Please sign and return during the first week of the semester.**
 * Welcome to Civics! **