Civics
Lake Gibson Middle School
Instructor: Ember McLeod
Room: 01-137
Email: [email protected]
Course website: www.embermcleod.weebly.com
Course Description:
The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions and organization of government; the origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens; and methods of active participation in our political system. The course is also embedded with strong geographic and economic components to support civic education instruction.
Course Text: McGraw Hill Florida Civics, Economics, & Geography
How is my grade calculated?
Grades in this course will be based on a points system where the final classroom grade is calculated based on earned points divided by total points possible. The classroom grade equals 70% of the total course grade. Below are the tentative point values for the most common assignments:
Extra credit is rarely offered and cannot be relied upon to increase a student’s grade significantly. Grades can be viewed in real time through either Student or Parent Portals. If you need assistance, contact the main office or me.
Graded Work
Course assignments are graded and returned to students as soon as is possible. It is the student’s responsibility to ask questions regarding their grades. **Student work that is missing a name will automatically be thrown away. **
Can I revise my graded work to improve my scores?
Assessment/project grades are final and cannot be revised. All other work initially marked as an “F” may be revised once for additional points. The first attempt will be averaged with the second. Revisions are homework unless otherwise directed and must be witnessed by the parent’s signature before the points will be recorded. Students must return the revision within 2 school days of receiving their graded work.
What is the policy for late work?
Turning work in on time is essential to success. Assignments due dates are posted in advance. There will be a 10% penalty per day that the assignment is late. The 10% is taken from the total points possible for the assignment. Assignments may not be turned in for credit after 10 school days. Students with excused absences may turn in work per the Code of Conduct. Longer absences must be prearranged through the office and work collected prior to the absence.
What is the make-up policy?
When a student is absent, it is the students’ responsibility to obtain and to turn in their make-up work. It is NOT the responsibility of the teacher to hunt down a student’s make-up work. Students may check Schoology for assignments and updates.
What is your cell phone policy?
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept out of sight during class. Failure to comply with this policy will result in discipline as follows:
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Confiscation in my locked drawer until end of the day/Parent contact
3rd offense: Confiscation in the office/Office referral
**Repeating the offense may result in Administration permanently banning the use of the cell phone on our campus. **
What is your bathroom policy?
Students are expected to use a hand signal to indicate their need to use the restroom. Students must sign out upon exiting the classroom and to sign in upon their return. Restroom breaks are expected to be brief and limited. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any material that is missed while they are using the restroom.
Classroom Expectations
Syllabus Receipt & Media Consent Acknowledgement Form
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies included within Ms. McLeod’s course syllabus for the 2021-2022 school year. I understand that Civics is a challenging course that requires full effort both in class and at home. I understand that attending class, completing assignments to the best of my ability, and studying at school and home is necessary to receive a passing class grade. I, also, understand that the EOC is 30% of the course grade. I understand that failure to comply with the policies in this syllabus may result in adverse actions.
Student Name: ______________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________ Date:_______________
Parent Contact Email: ________________________________________________________
Student Name: _________________________ School: _________________________
I hereby consent to the participation in interviews, the use of quotes, and the taking of photographs, movies or video tapes of the student named above by Ms. Ember McLeod. I, also, grant to the right to edit, use, and reuse said products for nonprofit purposes, such as use in print, on the internet, and all other forms of media. By signing, I hereby release Lake Gibson Middle School, Polk County School Board, and the Florida Department of Education and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever in connection with the above.
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
___________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Email Address and/or Phone of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________
Lake Gibson Middle School
Instructor: Ember McLeod
Room: 01-137
Email: [email protected]
Course website: www.embermcleod.weebly.com
Course Description:
The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions and organization of government; the origins of the American political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens; and methods of active participation in our political system. The course is also embedded with strong geographic and economic components to support civic education instruction.
Course Text: McGraw Hill Florida Civics, Economics, & Geography
How is my grade calculated?
Grades in this course will be based on a points system where the final classroom grade is calculated based on earned points divided by total points possible. The classroom grade equals 70% of the total course grade. Below are the tentative point values for the most common assignments:
- Tests/Projects/Essays – 100 pts.
- Quizzes – 50 pts.
- Lesson Activities/Homework – 25 pts.
- Entrance/Exit Tickets—10 pts. /wk.
Extra credit is rarely offered and cannot be relied upon to increase a student’s grade significantly. Grades can be viewed in real time through either Student or Parent Portals. If you need assistance, contact the main office or me.
Graded Work
Course assignments are graded and returned to students as soon as is possible. It is the student’s responsibility to ask questions regarding their grades. **Student work that is missing a name will automatically be thrown away. **
Can I revise my graded work to improve my scores?
Assessment/project grades are final and cannot be revised. All other work initially marked as an “F” may be revised once for additional points. The first attempt will be averaged with the second. Revisions are homework unless otherwise directed and must be witnessed by the parent’s signature before the points will be recorded. Students must return the revision within 2 school days of receiving their graded work.
What is the policy for late work?
Turning work in on time is essential to success. Assignments due dates are posted in advance. There will be a 10% penalty per day that the assignment is late. The 10% is taken from the total points possible for the assignment. Assignments may not be turned in for credit after 10 school days. Students with excused absences may turn in work per the Code of Conduct. Longer absences must be prearranged through the office and work collected prior to the absence.
What is the make-up policy?
When a student is absent, it is the students’ responsibility to obtain and to turn in their make-up work. It is NOT the responsibility of the teacher to hunt down a student’s make-up work. Students may check Schoology for assignments and updates.
What is your cell phone policy?
Cell phones are to be turned off and kept out of sight during class. Failure to comply with this policy will result in discipline as follows:
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Confiscation in my locked drawer until end of the day/Parent contact
3rd offense: Confiscation in the office/Office referral
**Repeating the offense may result in Administration permanently banning the use of the cell phone on our campus. **
What is your bathroom policy?
Students are expected to use a hand signal to indicate their need to use the restroom. Students must sign out upon exiting the classroom and to sign in upon their return. Restroom breaks are expected to be brief and limited. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any material that is missed while they are using the restroom.
Classroom Expectations
- Treat Each Other as Equals
- Come Ready to Participate
- Come Ready to Have Fun
- Do your own work
Syllabus Receipt & Media Consent Acknowledgement Form
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies included within Ms. McLeod’s course syllabus for the 2021-2022 school year. I understand that Civics is a challenging course that requires full effort both in class and at home. I understand that attending class, completing assignments to the best of my ability, and studying at school and home is necessary to receive a passing class grade. I, also, understand that the EOC is 30% of the course grade. I understand that failure to comply with the policies in this syllabus may result in adverse actions.
Student Name: ______________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________ Date:_______________
Parent Contact Email: ________________________________________________________
Student Name: _________________________ School: _________________________
I hereby consent to the participation in interviews, the use of quotes, and the taking of photographs, movies or video tapes of the student named above by Ms. Ember McLeod. I, also, grant to the right to edit, use, and reuse said products for nonprofit purposes, such as use in print, on the internet, and all other forms of media. By signing, I hereby release Lake Gibson Middle School, Polk County School Board, and the Florida Department of Education and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever in connection with the above.
Signature of Parent/Guardian:
___________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Email Address and/or Phone of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________