Ms. Donoghue

Block 4 Fall 2025

Room 207

Email:nicole.donoghue@wtsdnj.com

Response Window: 7am - 4pm M-F

Google Classroom Code: c5us2qi3

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Course Description:

Classroom Rules:

Teacher Background:

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Units of Study:

Standards & Expectations:

This course examines the development of the United States from its cultural roots to Reconstruction. We will explore the people, events, and ideas that shaped our nation and still influence life today. The aim is to build analysis, communication, and critical thinking that will serve you beyond school.

Education:

• B.A.: Political Science & International Marketing Muhlenberg College
• Current Master’s student, Rutgers Graduate School of Education, pursuing Supervisor, Principal, and Superintendent Certifications

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Experience & Roles:

• 9th year of teaching, including AP U.S. History
• Assistant Director of the Marching Band
• Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach
• Head Varsity Softball Coach

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I hold myself to high standards in every role, and I expect the same from my students and everyone I work with.

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• America’s Cultural Roots
• Britain’s American Colonies
• The American Revolution
• Establishing the New Nation
• The Early Republic
• Reshaping America in the Early 1800s
• Sectional Divisions and Civil War
• Reconstruction

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In this class, high expectations are essential. I hold myself to a high standard, and I will hold you to the same. Preparation, effort, respect, and resilience are expected every day. These habits will carry you well beyond high school.

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History shows us that those who rise to challenges move forward, while those who do not get left behind. The same is true here: you either rise with me, or you sink.

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Perfection is not required, but persistence is. Success in this class is earned through consistent effort, listening, participation, and responsibility for your own learning.

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“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

— Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States

1. Listen and follow directions the first time.
2. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
3. Participate fully in classroom activities and use class time productively.
4. Respect yourself, your classmates, and your teacher.
5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Listening and Participation Points: Each day begins with 4 points (2 for listening, 2 for participation). Students keep them by listening, following directions, staying on task, and participating in assigned work.

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Consequences:

• Subtle reminder (official warning)/seat change
• Brief private conversation after class
• Continued misbehaviour = parent/guardian contact and referral
• Severe misbehaviour = immediate referral

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Fresh Start Daily: Everyone begins each day with a clean slate.

Attendance is essential in block scheduling. Students are responsible for missed work and should communicate with Ms. Donoghue.

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School policy on lateness:

• 2 lates = 3 days detention + phone call home
• 4 lates = 1 day ACS + phone call home
• 6 lates = 2 days ACS + loss of credit + phone call home

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, use of AI to generate assignments, or copying another student’s work will result in a zero for the assignment with no makeup permitted.

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Students who share their work for others to copy will also receive a zero with no makeup permitted.

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Repeated offences will result in parent contact and referral to administration.

• Work submitted after the due date can receive a maximum of a “C.”
• Ten points deducted for each additional day late.
• No late work accepted after the unit assessment.
• Assignments not attempted during class time will not be accepted for late credit. Students are expected to use class time productively. Choosing not to engage during class means forfeiting the opportunity to submit that assignment later.
• When submitting late work, students must email me with the assignment title and submission date.

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Phones and headphones must be put away during class unless I specifically allow them for an activity. If a device is seen without permission, you’ll be asked to place it on my desk until the end of class. Refusal will result in a referral. This policy ensures everyone can focus, learn, and participate without distractions.

Classroom Management:

Late and Makeup Work:

Electronic Device Policy:

Academic Integrity:

Grading & Materials:

Attendance & Tardiness:

50% Major assessments (tests, essays, projects)�

50% Minor assessments (quizzes, classwork, participation, listening & participation points)

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Pencil, Folder or Binder, Chromebook & Charger

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