Expectations of ALL STUDENTS
Honors United States History—Semester Section
Ms. Funderburg, Teacher

Class Description : US History is a North Carolina state required course. This is a semester long course in the block schedule (which will be the work of a year long course). Therefore, a lot of work, time, energy, and positive attitudes are a necessity. It is imperative that you keep up with your class assignments and do all of your work when it is given. If you fail this class, it is because you chose to fail. To prevent this from happening, follow all directions, do your work on time, and ask for help if you need it.

How is Honors USH different than Non-Honors USH? In an Honors level course, a lot more work and responsibility will be placed on you. Many of your assignments are done on an independent basis. Don’t get behind. This is what causes so many students to perform poorly in classes. Also, just because you’ve made straight A’s your whole life, you are not guaranteed that now. You really have to work for the grade and earn it. It is all on you! If you are overwhelmed, you must seek help from me or someone else you can go to! I know you want to succeed! My goal is to help you do that but you have to put forth the effort!

1. Arrival & Departure from the Classroom & what to do if you were absent :
• Take care of all personal business (bathroom, locker, phone calls, water, etc) and other school business (counselor, attendance, administrator, other teachers, etc) on your own time (before and after school, lunch).
• You should be in your seat, working on the assignment on the board before the bell rings.
• If you are not in your seat you will be counted tardy. This is your warning. Therefore, your first offense will result in ASD. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
• If you were absent for any reason, you must have a note. I will sign it and return it to you. If I don’t have a note after two days, you will be referred for skipping.
• When you return from your absence, obtain your assignment information from the make-up binder. It is your responsibility to get your make-up work turned in by the appropriate deadline (your first day back counts as one day; therefore work is due the next day). Get your missed notes from a buddy that you trust! I will not hunt you down to complete your assignments. Take the responsibility!!
• The Sanderson school policy on late arrivals and absences is in effect. Read your handbook.
• The teacher always dismisses class, not the bell. WAIT for the teacher to dismiss you verbally!!! This is a huge pet peeve of mine! Do not get up and attempt to leave when you hear the bell ring. I will not make you late for your next class but you need to wait until I am done with you before you may leave. Do not pack up before the bell rings. It is disrespectful and will not be tolerated.

2. Materials and supplies:
1 ½” - 2 “ binder—Do not throw anything away until after the EOC!
Colored Pencils or crayons
Pens (blue, black, or purple) and #2 pencils. No RED ink!!
Loose-leaf paper (you will need plenty, so stock up)
Computer and storage devices for data and research
Other supplies may be needed. I will notify you in plenty of time to obtain them.

• Come to class prepared with assignments and supplies. Your grade may be affected otherwise.

3. Respect:
• Show respect to yourself, your classmates and to any adult in this classroom (this especially includes a substitute).
• Do not use gestures or abusive or profane language if you don’t like something. Either get over it or contain yourself until you are dismissed. If you feel you have been wronged, you may talk to me in a civil manner on your own time but not while class is in session. Don’t waste your classmates, my, or your time getting upset. It will only make matters worse! Believe me!!
• Mutual respect is a guaranteed right in this class.
• Raise your hand to speak.
• All US and NC State Laws, Wake County Board of Education Policies, and local school policies apply in this classroom. It is your responsibility to know these as they are in your student handbook.

4. Class Participation:
• Every student should make the supreme effort to participate in classroom discussions, question and answer periods, or any other activity that is taking place. This leads to success for a large part of your grade. Your participation also enables me to determine what you need more assistance with and what we can move on from there.
• Refusal to do work will not be tolerated.

5. Other Routines and Expectations:
o Please do not stand near to, adjacent to, or in the vicinity of the doorway. Find somewhere else to hang out.
o Everyday, you will enter class and begin the assignment on the board, even if the bell has not rung.
o You are responsible for your belongings.
o Homework is always due upon your immediate arrival to class.
o Cheating will result in three things—1. Detention after school with me, doing hard labor, 2. A phone call home and 3. An administrative referral. Cheating will follow you in your permanent record through college so I recommend not doing it!!!
o Format for heading paper:
Name, Date, Period in the upper right hand corner
Title across the top line of the paper
Points will be deducted for not following directions
No name = zero on your work.
o If you have medical issues, make sure you bring a note from a doctor or the principal (Cathy Moore). Only then will you a have permission to leave for the bathroom, water, etc.
o Book Covers must remain on your book all year. Don’t write in the books or put tape on them. Damage or loss of this book may result in fines up to $55. Book checks will be pop quizzes.
o Late work is not accepted!
o Trash goes in the trashcan.
o When writing, discussing, or doing anything in class for an assignment, refrain from profanity, drug glorification, and sexual inferences.
o Emergencies don’t occur regularly. Therefore, you may not leave class daily to get other business handled. Each situation will be handled on a case by case basis.

6. Grading:
• Honors US History
o Homework & Quizzes 15%
o Class work 15%
o Tests 35%
o Journals/projects 35%

• Portfolio assignments will be abundant.
• Quizzes may be weekly so keep up (Pop and announced).
• Tests will be weekly to every other week.

Recommendations for success:

1. Learn and practice MLA style. All essays and research must be turned in using MLA format.
2. Complete assignments as soon as you receive them...don’t wait until the last minute. Late assignments are not accepted for any reasons, including printer and computer problems.
3. Read. Read. Read. Not only should you read your textbook and supplemental materials, but read the newspaper, other non-fiction materials, and literature. Research shows that reading often increases critical thinking skills and use of metacognition. This is definitely the case, so do it!!
4. Keep up with current events. Watch the news, read the newspaper, and/or go online for news.
5. Come to class prepared. I cannot stress enough that when you come to class having read and completed the assigned materials, you will get more from class lecture and discussion. Bring questions if you have them and we’ll work together to find the answer!!
6. Ask for help!!