MR. QUESENBERRY’S CLASS POLICIESCLASS RULES

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

  1. Show respect – to your teacher, your classmates, your school, and yourself.
  2. Remain quiet unless you have permission to talk.
  3. Remain seated unless you have permission to be out of your seat.
  4. Follow class rules, procedures, and instructions.

CONSEQUENCES

Make sure you are familiar with the county and school discipline policies and consequences. I will enforce these policies and follow the steps as written, including writing disciplinary referral forms as is necessary. For minor problems, I will I will conference with the student and contact parents before turning in a DRF. However, no student is going to interfere with another student’s right to receive an education. I have no problems in using any consequences I feel will correct a problem situation and prevent if from reoccurring, to help keep you on the right track.

IMPORTANT DAILY PROCEDURES

You will begin your bell ringer activity immediately at the beginning of class.

Cell phones WILL be put away and silenced during class. If you cannot follow this procedure then leave it in your locker or at home because it will be confiscated. (There will be a storage spot for cell phones during class.) There may be occasions your teacher will have you use your smartphone for a class assignment before iPads are distributed or after they have been collected for the school year.)

iPads will be put away under your desk unless instructed to have them out by your teacher.

At the end of class, students will “look up, not get up.” This means you will stay in your seat and wait to be dismissed by the teacher. The teacher, not the bell, will dismiss class.

During instruction, remain seated. If you need to throw something away, sharpen a pencil, get supplies, etc. wait until the teacher has finished talking. People shouldn’t be up on the floor while instruction is being given, a video clip is playing, or an announcement is being made.

GRADING & CLASS POLICIES (important stuff to know)

The state grading scale is as follows:
A 93 – 1004 quality points (5 for an AP class)
B 85 – 92 3 quality points (4 for an AP class)
C 75 – 84 2 quality points (3 for an AP class)
D 65 – 74 1 quality point (2 for an AP class)
F0 – 64 0 quality points

To play sports, you must have a 2.0 grade point average for the previous semester. (An A = 2 pts, B = 3 pts, C = 2 pts, D = 1 pt, and an F = 0 pts)
Eligibility is based on the last semester, not 9-weeks. If you were not eligible at the semester, if your grade at the end of 9 weeks is a 2.0 average, then you may participate on a probationary period until the next semester’s grades come out.

  • I round my grades to the nearest percent. That means if your percent is 0.5 or higher, I will round it up to the next number. For example, an 84.5% would round up to an 85%, but an 84.4% would round to 84%. I only round to the tenths place, so an 84.49 would remain an 84% since it is not 84.5% or higher.
  • Tests are given weighted grades. Certain projects, quizzes, or larger assignments may be given extra weight also.
  • You will be required to keep a notebook for my class. The notebook will CONTAIN with notes taken from class lectures and also reading assignments.
  • I will not allow students to make up assignments they receive a zero on for not doing or assignments that are incomplete. If you make a poor grade because you didn’t understand an assignment, were absent, or need some extra help, I will try to work with you. However, if you just did not do an assignment or bother to finish it, you will get the grade you have earned. Do not be afraid to ask for help if there is something you are having trouble with. I am here to help you learn and be successful.Late papers are not accepted without prior approval from the teacher.
  • All work to be turned in is to be done on loose leaf notebook paper or may be typewritten. If it is done on composition book paper, it must have perforated edges or the edges must be cut off.
  • You may do work in pen or pencil, but if you use a pen only write on the front of the paper since the ink often bleeds through and makes it hard to read if you write on both sides. If you use a pen, only use black or blue ink. On many assignments you will be allowed to email your assignments ()
  • If your name is not written on a paper you hand in, then you won’t get credit for it (since I wouldn’t know who to give the grade to anyway.)
  • Label all assignments you turn in with EACH of the following items listed at the TOP Right-Hand side of your paper.
    Name (your first AND last names)
    Class Period
    Date the assignment was given Name of the assignment (include page # & which book)
  • Items you will want to have for my class:
  • Pencil or Pen (black or blue)
  • Hi-lighters (classroom set available to use in class)
  • Loose leaf notebook paper
  • A Notebook
  • Bring your iPad, fully charged, with you to class each day.

CHEATING

Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero percent on that assignment.It does not matter if the personreceiving or giving answers, if he/she is copying another student’s work, writing down an answer to a question being graded orally, committing plagiarism, or any other form of cheating.It is also irrelevant if the student has cheated on the entire assignment, a portion of it, or only one question. Cheating is a serious offense. It weakens your character, is unfair to classmates who put forth and honest effort, and it prevents you from the opportunity to find out what you can learn for yourself. Parents will notified if you are caught cheating and you will not be allowed to make up that assignment.

INCENTIVES

  • Each month, I will be selecting students to be recognized as “students of the month” from among my classes.
  • Each month, I will be selecting students to be recognized for the “citizenship award”. This is based upon trustworthiness, setting a positive example for others, obeying the rules, being courteous, showing respect, helpfulness, and showing a willingness to serve others.
  • From time to time there will be chances at accruing bonus points for extra assignments.

ABSENCES

  • Make sure you are here each day so you can get your participation points for your weekly grade based on your 3 news facts each day and class notebook.
  • If you are absent, show me your absence excuse after class has started, not in the hallway before class. I need to make sure to record it correctly. Write down any make-up assignments. Turn in your make-up assignments when they are due.
  • You will always get a day to work on make-up assignments for each day you have missed. If you miss 3 days, you will always have at least 3 days to complete your make-ups. If there are extenuating circumstances, then I will use my discretion if I feel an extension is needed for a large assignment or extended absences.
  • If you miss a test, I will schedule a make-up test for you. I may require you to complete this on your own time before school, at lunch, or after school. I will let you know if I decide to allow students to complete a make-up test during class time.

AP GOV STUDENTS

Mr. Quesenberry’s AP Gov students will also be participating in the We the People Civics education program. We will be using a supplemental text for activities from this program.

  • AP Gov students will be required to participate in a Mock Congressional Hearing competition at school and one of the classes will be chosen to participated in the District completion which takes place on school time in November or December as part of the We the People program. This will be mandatory for each member of the class selected to represent the school. This will be a huge portion of your grade. Activities will consist of multiple grades.
  • AP Government & Politics students will be assigned a college level Government textbook and a softcover “We the People” Civics supplemental textbook. In addition, we will be using a variety of materials from the Youth Leadership Initiative from the University of Virginia’s School of Politics, and materials from the Bill of Rights Institute.
  • Students are also encouraged to participate in other academic competitions/activities for Woodrow Wilson. Some activities will be mandatory for a grade and others will be voluntary. AP Gov students will be required to turn in a project for either National History Day or the Social Studies Fair. Students can often receive extra credit for participating in these. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Model UN
  • YLA Youth in Government (This requires a student fee and takes place April 22-24 in Charleston. Students stayed at Embassy Suites last year. Deadlines for payment are Nov. 28 for deposit & Jan. 31 for final fees.)
  • YLA MUN (This requires a student fee and takes place March 11-13 at the Comfort Inn in Nieral Wells, WV. Deadlines or payments are Nov. 15 for deposit & Dec. 22 for final fees.)
  • Social Studies Fair / National History Day
  • Various Essay Contests

IMPORTANT POLICIES

Please check in your student handbook and be familiar with these policies:

Dress Code

Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices

iPad Policy

WV Student Code of Conduct

Attendance

Tardy

FIRE DRILLS

  • Students will quietly leave the room in a single file beginning with the row nearest the door.
  • Students will walk briskly, but not run.
  • Students in the last row sitting near the windows will shut each window.
  • The last student in the last row will close the door.
  • Students will exit the classroom, go thru doors at the end of the hallway by the auditorium, turn left, and walk down the sidewalk to the front of the school.
  • The roll will be checked once everyone is safely outside to make sure everyone is accounted for.
  • If you are in the bathroom or outside of class when a fire alarm occurs, leave at the nearest exit, then, once you are safely outside, walk around the school campus to join our class.

CONTACTING YOUR TEACHER

If your parents need to contact me, they may reach me during my planning period during 2nd Period.

(8:38 – 9:36, except on Wednesdays, which is from 8:32 – 9:24)

My school phone number is 256-4646, ext. 7188.

You can also see all the assignments, class information, and your grades by visiting the school’s webpage through Edline..

  • Do a search for Woodrow Wilson High School edline page.
  • Go to the “Organizations” tab.
  • Click on “YLA (Model UN / We the People)” Link.
  • On the right hand side of the page, under “Contents,” you will find the link to our class page.

You and your parents can also keep up to date and contact me using your Engrade accounts.

You may also email me. My school e-mail address is:.

KEYS TO SUCCESS

DO WHAT’S RIGHT

DO YOUR BEST

TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018

Explanation of these rules and expectations:

1.Show respect to your teacher, classmates, your school and yourself.
a.You show respect you your teacher by:
i.Being positive and courteous.
ii.Paying attention.
iii.Following instructions the first time they are given.
iv.Being obedient.
b. You show respect to your classmates by:
i.Being positive and courteous.
ii.Keeping your hands, feet, objects, etc. and unwanted comments to yourself.
iii.Not bothering other people or their belongings.
c.You show respect to your school by:
i.Always being on your best behavior.
ii.Setting a positive example for others to follow.
iii.Participating in or supporting school events.
iv.Helping keep our school clean and free of vandalism.
v.Following the rules of Woodrow Wilson High School, the Raleigh County Board of Education,

and those ofeach member of the WWHS faculty, administration, and staff, including bus

drivers, coaches, or sponsors.
d.You show respect to yourself by:
i.Always doing your best.
ii.Setting goals and working hard to achieve them.
iii.Not engaging in activities that will be harmful to your body, mind, or reputation.

2 Remain quiet unless you have permission to talk.
a.Appropriate Classroom Talk includes:
i.Asking and answering a question during class discussions. (Raise your hand first and wait to be

called upon.)
ii.Discussing an assignment when you are working in groups.
iii.Asking the teacher for help with something you don’t understand. (Raise your hand or come to

my desk forhelp.)
b.Inappropriate Classroom Talk includes:
i.Interrupting the teacher or another student.
ii.Talking during a teat, while papers are being graded, or while instruction is being given.
iii.Using obscene or profane language, saying something negative or hurtful to upset someone.
iv.Talking during an announcement from the office.
v.Talking when you have been instructed to remain quiet.

3. Remain in your seat unless you have permission to be out of your desk.
I have a small room with many desks and space is very limited. If you need to throw something away, sharpena pencil, turn in an assignment, or talk to me, wait until I have finished whatever I am saying. Do not get up while I am addressing the class.

4. Follow class rules, procedures, and instructions.

a. This is pretty self-explanatory. Do what you’re asked and do it in a pleasant manner.

b. Listen to instructions when they are given the first time.

c. Follow instructions as they are given.

d. You meet this expectation by doing things the right way and doing them that way all the time.

AP United States Government and Politics Course Content

Students study general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and analyze specific topics, including:

Constitutional Underpinnings

Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media

Institutions of National Government

Public Policy

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

An integral part of the course includes analysis and interpretation of basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics, and the development of connections and application of relevant theories and concepts.

Course Goals and Objectives

Students successfully completing this course will:

Describe and compare important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics.

Explain typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures).

Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats).

Critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum.

This course will use content and activities from the following major sources:

“American Government” Textbook by O’Connor, Sabato, & Yanus

We the People Supplemental Text from the Center for Civic Educaton

Youth Leadership Initiative from the University of Virginia’s School of Politics

The Bill of Rights Institute

The College Board

A variety of primary, secondary, Internet, and technology resources

West Virginia University Center for Civic Engagement

National Medal of Honor Character Development Program

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018