Mrs. Neal
Office Hours: 7:15 AM - 8 AM, 3:00 PM - 3:30PM, or during Homeroom
Voice Mail 267 – 2165
Email: neal@lcchs.org
 
This course is a year long intense study of the United States Government : what it is, how it came to be, how it works, and how it affects you as a citizen. This is an Advanced Placement Course and I will assume that all of you are planning to take the AP exam on May 4, 2009.  Therefore, what will be done in and out of class is designed to help prepare you for the exam. Since this is designed as a college level course, it will be challenging.  There will be a lot of reading, writing, and discussion. It is very important you keep up with every assignment, and that you come to class prepared each and every day.
Required Materials 
o        Textbook: American Government Continuity and Change 2008
o        Agenda                                                                                      
o        Spiral Notebook for taking  in class and out of class notes
o        Folder to keep handouts, returned assignments, and tests    
o        Access to a computer
o        Blue or Black pen for completing assignments and for tests
                                                    
                                      Grading
 
1.      Lansing Catholic’s grading scale will be used. Grades will be posted weekly to Skyward.
2.      Test following every chapter (18 in all). They will include multiple choice, matching, true/false,
           and free response essay questions.
3.      Reading and analyzing supplemental material given to you.
4.      Daily you need to either watch the national news or read about the national news. This will help you to both pass this class and to pass the AP exam.
5.      There will be in class government activities to complete in the library using the internet.
6.      There will be study questions to answer for every chapter and they should be typed and they will be due at the beginning of class on the day of the chapter test.
7.      Participating in class discussions and debates. Being respectful of other students’ opinions.
8.      Watching the evening news or reading the national section of the newspaper
9.      If a student is in the building any time during the school day it is his or her
            responsibility to turn in any assignment due and to find out his or her assignment 
            for the next day.
10.     If a student is absent for a chapter test and they have an excused absence they are
           expected to come to my room at 7:15 in the morning to take the test they have missed.
 
 
                                  In the Classroom

     I follow all of Lansing Catholic’s school policies regarding dress code, absences, tardiness, inappropriate language, gum, drinks, food, coats, backpacks, behavior etc. Students should be in their assigned seats when the bell rings or they will be marked tardy. Having to return to your locker for an assignment after the bell rings will be considered a tardy for that particular class period. You are to be respectful of your peers and of me at all times.
 
 
                                              Make-Up Work
 
      If you know you are going to be gone (college visit, kairos retreat, doctor appointment, student senate meeting etc.) get your assignment from me ahead of time.  If something is due when you will be gone, you are required to turn it in before leaving unless I give you permission to do otherwise. This also applies to tests, papers, and projects.
 
 
 
 
 
 
        Have a wonderful Senior Year!!