Welcome to Economics/Participation in Government! Great to have you here!

Period 6

2024-2025

Mr. Kyle O’Grady

kogrady@ccsd.edu

Ms. Elizabeth Rodrick

erodrick@ccsd.edu

Who Am I?

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Ms. Rodrick-

Welcome to Economics and Government! I have been teaching at North HS for many, many years. I teach English as a second language, so language is my specialty, but history is pretty awesome, too. I have two daughters. They’re 15 and 12, and they go to Mahopac schools. I also have 2 dogs and 2 cats.

In my free time, I enjoy the hiking and walking, reading, and cooking.

Who Am I?

Mr. O’Grady-

Welcome! My name is Kyle O’Grady. This is my first year as a Social Studies/ Business Education teacher here at CHSN. Prior to working at North, I was a Social Studies teacher at Ossining High School in Westchester County where I taught this same class along with AP Government.

I completed my student teaching at CHSN in the past, so I am no stranger to North!

In my spare time I am an avid sports fan!

I look forward to fun and exciting year of Economics/ Government!

What is Economics?

Course Description: Economics is the study of how people and groups manage limited resources to meet endless desires and requirements. It involves examining how decisions are made when resources are scarce, meaning there aren't enough resources to fulfill all the wants and demands.

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In this course, you will explore fundamental economic principles that shape our daily lives and influence the global economy. Through a combination of activities, real-world applications, discussions, and projects, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices to allocate resources and achieve their goals.

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What to expect this semester?

This semester you should expect to learn economic concepts that you will be able to apply to your everyday lives, as well as your future careers.

Learning economics is important because it teaches us how societies work and how people, businesses, and governments make choices. It helps us understand how resources are used, how markets function, and how policies affect different parts of life. This knowledge lets us analyze and solve real-world problems like scarcity, inflation, and unemployment. It's useful for making smart decisions in our lives and for creating effective economic policies for growth and development.

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Some of the Concepts we will be discussing….

1. Supply and Demand
2. Savings vs. Checking
3. Budgeting
4. Credit Cards and Credit
5. Buying a Home
6. Buying a Car
7. Banking
8. Investing
9. Stock Market

10. Interest Rates

11. Negotiating a Salary

12. Finding a Job

13. Post Secondary Experiences Outside of High School

14. Bank Accounts

15. Retirement Accounts

16. Taxes

What is Government?

The importance of studying and understanding how our government works and functions

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The vital role of a citizen being able to make informed decisions and participate in government at the local, state, and federal levels

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Some of the Concepts we will cover (In 2025)

1. Political Parties
2. Electoral College
3. Elections
4. Voting
5. Role of Government
6. Interest Groups
7. Civil Law and Criminal Law
8. Constitution
9. Bill of Rights
10. Formation of Laws
11. Elected Representatives (Local, County State, Federal)
12. Government Spending

Weekly Quizzes

As you should already know, most senior classes will assign a weekly quiz every Friday in an effort to keep unnecessary absences to a minimum.

The quiz will cover the topics discussed in class during that week and will be open notes.

You can only use your own notes, an effort to use someone else's notes will result in the privilege of having the open note quiz revoked.

You are absent on the day of the quiz you will have to make it up the following week, but will not be allowed to use your notes.

What should you expect of yourselves?

Setting expectations for ourselves in the beginning of the year will help us to create the best learning environment possible.

1. Punctuality:
1. Arrive on time for class with all necessary materials. (You should have a charged computer/laptop, notebook, and writing utensil)
2. Be seated and ready to begin with your personal electronic device put away when the bell rings.

There will be a Zero Tolerance Policy for cell phones, headphones, or any other electronic device. (We will never be on our phones during class time and neither should you.)

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What should you expect of yourselves?

2. Respect:

• Treat your classmates, teacher, and guests with courtesy and respect.
• Together, let's build a classroom community that embraces our differences
• Listen actively when others are speaking, and raise your hand to contribute.
• Keep the classroom clean and organized by disposing of trash properly.

3. Attention and Participation:

• Pay attention during lectures, discussions, and activities.
• Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and share your thoughts.
• Engage actively in class activities and discussions.

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What should you expect of yourselves?

4. Homework and Assignments:

• Turn in assignments on time. Late work will not be accepted without a valid reason.
• Keep track of assignments and due dates.
• Put forth your best effort in completing assignments and projects.

Important Note: We understand that everyone goes home to different responsibilities, whether it be to play sports, work, or take care of family members so one of our goals is to have as little homework as possible.

In other words, we will give you adequate class time to complete all of your assignments, however if you fail to use that time effectively then it is your responsibility to finish any missing work at home.

What should you expect of yourselves?

5. Academic Integrity:

• Submit your own work and give proper credit when using external sources.
• Plagiarism and cheating will result in serious consequences.
• Use of AI such as Chat GPT without permission is considered plagiarism.

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What should you expect of yourselves?

6. Attendance and Absences:

• Attend class everyday. If you miss a class, it's your responsibility to catch up on missed work.
• Communicate with us in advance if you anticipate an absence.

7. Class Dismissal:

• Remain seated until the teacher dismisses the class.
• Ask for the teacher's permission before leaving the classroom.
• Be honest about why you are leaving the classroom.

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Any Questions before we begin?

• Attendance
• “Interest Inventories”
• Syllabi

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Please return the syllabus signed by this Friday! First grade for the course.

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Please Join Google Classroom and complete the “Interests Inventory” Document

Únete a Google Classroom y rellena el documento «Inventario de intereses

Interest Inventories