Welcome to�Back to School Night
Bellflower Middle/High School
Ms. Nicoletti
American Government
Periods 1,2,3 and 5
American Government
This 2-semester course will provide students with a basic understanding of the origins and actual operations of American government and it’s political system. Emphasis will be placed on interaction with the local, state and federal levels, as well as rights & responsibilities as a citizen of the United States.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS COVERED:
Graduation and this Course
Successful completion of both semesters of American Government is required in order to satisfy the California and Bellflower Unified graduation requirements.
The University of California (UC) and California State Universities (CSU) require entering freshmen to complete certain courses in high school, commonly known as the "A-G requirements" because of the letter each subject area is assigned. American Government fits in the A requirement.
A. History/Social Science - 2+ years including 1 of World, 1 of U.S. and/or Government
Accessing the Instructional Materials
This year, I have decided not to require students to use our standard Government textbook. Instead, they will be utilizing videos, Google Slide presentations, websites and a variety of other resources that I post on Google Classroom to obtain their information and enhance learning. When it comes to Government, books become outdated very quickly.
The American Government class will utilize two platforms for learning materials - they are Google Classroom and ASU Canvas. However, all grades from both of those platforms will be combined in Aeries Parent Portal.
Both platforms have already been accessed by your student using their school emails and passwords.
Learning Routines
Student Work and Time of Engagement
There is no longer “homework.” What should you be seeing your student(s) engaged in?
When we are online, they should be listening to presentations, participating in group conversations, working quietly on Google Forms, handouts, small quizzes and / or watching slides / videos having to do with the subject matter. We do use Kahoots - an online timed quiz application, to conduct a Current Events Quiz on Mondays for extra credit.
Classroom expectations
Positivity
Maintain a good attitude.
Respect
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Integrity
Do the right thing.
Dedication
Prepare, participate, and produce.
Excellence
Strive to be the best you can be.
My planned interventions
What are your steps for re-engagement and behavior correction?
Grading Policy
Work is made up of 5 weighted categories in Aeries.
Total 100%
Late work will be reduced by 5% per day. For example, if a student does A work, they will get a B if the assignment is 2 days late. Students are given ample time for assignments - but late work affects their ability to understand the next unit.
All quizzes and tests are done through Google Classroom or Kahoots. Google Classroom allows for short-answer questions.
Grading scale is as follows:
90% and above: A
80% to 89%: B
70% to 79%: C
60% to 69%: D
59% and below: F
Monitoring Grades on Parent Portal
*Grades are updated as fast as I can go - which is not fast. I’m slow about handling all this new technology and sometimes lag by a week or two before I can get grades in. But that timeline is improving weekly!
Connecting with Teacher
E-mail: snicoletti@busd.k12.ca.us
Remind: Text to 81010, and in body of text, write the following code-depending on what period your student has my class:
Period 1: @84dhb8
Period 2: @4k99hh7
Period 3: @kha783
Period 5: @c4fkc7
Or - if you would prefer, send me an email requesting a live Google Meet and I will be more than happy to set one up.
Thanks For Coming �to Back to School Night!
Because
Unity
Creates
Success