TO ALL PARENTS:

   I am very excited about the opportunity to teach your child this school year.  I firmly believe that each student should have some understanding of the basic structures and systems of the United States government, a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the political, social and economic history of the United States, and an appreciation for, and ability to comprehend and discuss, the world around them, and we will work at accomplishing that task throughout this year.

 

  My teaching schedule is as follows:

                                    1st term                            2nd term   

1st period U.S. Government U.S. History 11
2nd period U.S. Government U.S. Government
3rd period U.S. Government Contemporary Issues
4th period Planning Planning

 

   I encourage each of you to read a synopsis of the course requirements for each course below.  They may answer some of the questions you may have about my classes.  However, if you have further questions about class, please feel free to contact me at the school via e-mail (myork@auburnschools.org).  

     Thanks, and I am looking forward to a great year with the Class of 2009!

     Matt York

 

ABOUT THIS COURSE: (Government)

This course is a nine-week course designed to give your child a basic understanding of how the U.S. Government was formed and on what principles and foundations our U.S. Government is based, the functions of the three branches of government, basic applications of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights to everyday life, the U.S. political party system, voting and voter behavior, influences on the American public, and why certain candidates get elected and others don't, a brief understanding of Alabama state government and Auburn city government, and a better understanding of the difference between structures of government and the concept of politics.  
Each student is issued a textbook for this course.  They are required to cover the book, and to bring the book to class everyday.   
It is also suggested that each student purchase a three-ring binder for this course.  I will be supplementing the textbook material with handouts and articles that can easily be placed in the binders.  
Students must have loose-leaf paper and blue or black ink pens for class.  All of these items must also be brought to class everyday.   
Students should also have access to a jump drive for working on assignments at home.

The information below addresses classroom procedures:

1.  Students are allowed two free tardies to class before detention is assigned.

2.  When a student is not present, that student is considered absent from class.

3.  Students are allowed only three (3) unexcused absences from class.  I strongly urge and request that students not miss this class.  We cover a great deal of information each day, and to miss a class period will put your child behind.

4.  When a student is absent from class, it is the students' responsibility to secure their make up work.   Missed tests will be made up immediately upon returning to school, and will be made-up during the class period.  Make-up tests will not be the same test given in class.  Exceptions to the test date make-up policy will be made when a student has been absent for an extended period of time due to illness.        

5.  Failure to make up work, including tests, will result in a grade of 0 being recorded in the grade book.    

6.  All grades are determined on a points possible scale.  No weight will be given to tests over homework or vise-versa.   Academic honesty is expected on all assignments at all times.  Students who wish to turn in work that is anything but their own will be given a grade of 0 and referred to the office for disciplinary action.   

7.  NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED unless you have been absent when the assignment was originally due.  

8.  Each student will start the quarter with 100 free points.  These points are recorded as a "Citizenship Grade" at the end of the nine weeks.  Students will loose points from their citizenship grade for the following infractions: sleeping in class/laying head down on desk;  failure to come to class prepared (notebook/book/pen) ;  failure to turn in a homework assignment;  rudeness/disrespect to other students;  rudeness and/or disrespect to the teacher.

 9.  Use of cell phones is ABSOLUTELY, 100%, NOT PERMITTED in Room 837U!!!  Please do not text, call, or attempt to text or call your student while they are in my classroom.  Cell phones will be taken by me and turned into the office in accordance with the AHS Student Handbook.

10.  Please help me remind your child that we are in school to receive an education, one in which the City of Auburn takes great pride in providing to your child.  If we come to school not prepared to learn, then we certainly cannot enter the world after Graduation ready to lead.

           

ABOUT THIS COURSE (U.S. History 11)

***Coming soon***

 

ABOUT THIS COURSE (Contemporary Issues)            

***Coming soon***