AP American Governmentand American Government Honors 2016-2017
Mr. Totaro
You will need: 3-ring binder filled with loose-leaf, writing utensils, 5 Steps to a 5; 2017
Class Rules:
1. Bring all necessary materials with you to class
2. Be in your desk and prepared for class when the bell rings—this includes having homework out ready for me to check
3. You must show respect to yourself, your classmates, and the teacher at all times. This includes listening and taking turns as well as contributing. You are not allowed to lay your head on your desk or sleep during class.
4. Cell phones and/or earphones will be taken away if seen or heard.
5. All school rules apply and are enforced (See handbook).
Homework will be checked the day after it is assigned.
When you are given time at the end of class to work on homework you will work on Government homework only. HOMEWORK is an important part of your grade.
Absences and Make-Up Tests:
When you are absent you are expected to complete the assignments. Homework must be turned in the day you return to class. You may check my wiki, email me, or call a classmate to get the assignment. If you miss class the day before a quiz or test, you must be prepared to take that quiz or test with the class when you return the following day.
If you are absent on a test day, make-up tests must be taken the day you return. The make-up test may be different from the original test. Make-up work not completed in this time frame automatically becomes a zero. All work missed will go into the grade book as missing which counts for a zero until made up. For longer absences, see me to make a schedule for catching up.
When you are absent it is your responsibility to see what you have missed. Check with me when you are absent to see what you missed. You may also look at your grades and if you see a MISSING that means you have that quiz or test to make up. All quizzes and tests must be made up the day you return. If not they become a ZERO which is extremely difficult to pull up. Therefore try your hardest to be here for every quiz and test or get your make up work done as soon as you get back. Do not wait. Most assignments will be posted on my Wiki in which you are able to use to complete the assignment before returning to school.
Grading: The JPPSS grading scale will be used: 93-100 = A
85 - 92 = B
75 - 84 = C
64 - 74 = D
Under 64 = F
Testing Procedures:
~Sit in your seat and face forward with both feet on the floor.
~Desk will be cleared except for instructed items
~All books will be off your desk
~No talking during a test. Be respectful and remain quiet until everyone is finished.
~No communication with another classmate is allowed during a test or quiz
~Keep work covered at all times
American Government
The class will focus on the Constitution: philosophy, history, development, contemporary issues, court cases, the Bill of Rights, etc …
It is important to keep up with current news going on in government. You will be responsible for watching the news and be ready to discuss stories that interest you (no fluff stories).
One of the best features of the class this year is that we have a presidential election taking place in November. We will discuss the aspects of the election until the big day.
Advanced Placement
Since this is an AP class, it is strongly suggested that you take the AP exam at the end of the year. The AP Exam will give you the opportunity to earn college credit for taking the class, depending on your test score. This class will prepare you for the test.
You will need to purchase the book 5 Steps to a 5; AP US Government and Politics (2017) by Pamela Lamb. Please have this book when you return the after Labor Day.
We the People
A program sponsored by the Center for Civic Education in which members of the class will compete against classes from other schools from around the state in a mock senatorial hearing.
The winners from each state earn the opportunity to compete against classes from other schools from other states in the Washington DC area at James Madison University. Once students land in Washington DC they will compete in at least two mock senatorial hearings and tour the national monuments and museums during the 5 day 4 night trip.
The $1650 (last years’ cost) per student required for the trip covers air fare, hotel, meals, a bus for transportation and admission into special attractions. While it would be nice to raise funds for the trip and we will attempt to raise as much as possible; last year students had to pay for half of the trip. I will host a meeting with parents near the end of August to discuss We the People.
Of course the first job is to earn the right to go to Washington as Haynes Academy has the last six years representing Louisiana.
I may be contacted by phone at the school number 837-8300 or by email at
We have read the syllabus for AP American and American History Honors and we understand and will abide with all rules and regulations. Please complete as much of the following as possible.
STUDENT NAME______
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PARENT/GUARDIAN______
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE______
HOME PHONE______
NAME (MOM) ______(DAD)______
CELL (MOM)______(DAD)______
WORK (MOM)______(DAD)______
EMAIL (MOM)______
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