AP U.S. HISTORY
Mrs. Wright-Moon Valley High School
Overview: Welcome! Thank you for accepting the challenge of Advanced Placement United States History. The AP course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of central concepts and topics in American history. The readings and assignments are geared toward assisting students in developing a deeper understanding of the broad themes in the development of the nation as well as the influence and contributions felt by key people, groups, and events.
Classroom Rules & Procedures:
Attendance:
Attendance and tardy policies are consistent with those listed in the MVHS handbook. Regular attendance is necessary to be successful in this course. School activity absences do not extend due dates for assignments or tests.
Preparation and Classroom Behavior:
Due to the rigorous curriculum and demands of the course, diligent and consistent preparation by the student is absolutely necessary for success. The class will operate as a seminar, with heavy emphasis on discussion, analysis, critical thinking and thoughtful writing. As a result, students will be expected to complete readings in advance in order to be prepared for classroom discussion. I reserve the right to quiz students over any reading material and I will exercise this right frequently.
Disruptions of the learning environment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The course is taught as a college course, and I expect adult behavior and acceptance of responsibility from my students.
Grading:
A student’s grade will reflect his/her success in a variety of different areas. Grades will be determined on points earned from tests, quizzes, essays, DBQs, assignments, etc. The grading categories are as follows:
Unit Tests 30%
Essays/Short Answer 30%
Projects/Papers 15%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 10%
100%
The semester grade will be determined as follows:
A 100%-90%
B 89%-80%
C 79%-70%
D 69%-60%
F Below 60%
Curriculum:
The curriculum covered in this course is outlined by the College Board in the AP US Course Exam and Description. All curriculum listed in the CED must be covered as it will be tested on the AP Exam in May. A link to this curriculum was emailed at the same time as the course website, but can also be found online with a quick search.
Homework:
Unit homework will be assigned. Each homework assignment is designed around the chapters covered within the unit and consists of two portions: chapter identifies and a unit study guide. All identifies must be completed per the teacher instruction. All study guides must be completed per the teacher instruction. All homework assignments [study guides and identifies] will be checked for completion and will be scored in the Homework grading category. Taking notes during reading and/or viewing provided lecture videos is also highly recommended, but not required.
Late Work/Make-up Work:
No late Unit homework will be accepted.
Full credit will only be given to assignments received on time.
Students will earn half credit on late assignments within the projects and papers category.
Even if a student is absent, long term assignments (defined here as anything given more than 5 school days before the due date) are due on the assigned date since they are given in advance. Students can earn credit by taking pictures and emailing them to Ms. Wright.
It is the responsibility of the student who has been absent to arrange a time for make-up tests or work to be done. All late work must be submitted within a TWO WEEK period [this includes make up assessments]. If you are aware of a day where you will be absent, please alert me in order to make arrangements prior to your absence. All work is due on regular due dates, even if absence is school related. Absences due to school activities DO NOT extend assignment due dates!
Extra Credit cannot be used in lieu of completing an assignment. Extra credit is rarely given, and opportunities for extra credit will be offered by the teacher, not suggested or requested by the student. Students must complete all assignments [graded and ungraded] to even be eligible for extra credit.
Cell Phone Policy
No cell phone, smart watch or wireless ear buds are allowed in the classroom. All cell phones and smart watches must be placed in the cell phone locker during class. Wireless earbuds must be put away in backpacks. ONLY the use of wired headphones is allowed in the classroom.
Cell Phone Violation Consequences:
Warning
Phone call or Email to parent/guardian
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Student picks up phone after school.
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Parent picks up phone after school.
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Parent picks up phone after school.
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Parent picks up phone after school.
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Meeting set up with Admin and Parent.
Student and phone are sent to Dean - Student will receive Off Campus Suspension
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense and will not be tolerated in this class. Simply stated, plagiarism is considered to be any attempt by a student to steal the work or ideas of another and pass it off as his/her own work. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, copying the homework of another student, looking off the paper of a student during a test or quiz, or reproducing information from the internet. If a student is guilty of plagiarism on any assignment, the student (or students) will receive a “0” for the assignment and a “U” in citizenship.
At Glendale Union High School District, we emphasize the ethical use of AI tools in education. Students may use AI for learning enhancement, such as generating ideas and clarifying concepts, but must seek teacher permission before using AI for assignments, projects, or exams. Submitting AI-generated work as one's own, or using AI to complete assessments without approval, is considered academic dishonesty and will result in disciplinary action. Students are responsible for ensuring their work is original and properly cites any AI-generated content. By following these guidelines, students contribute to a culture of integrity and respect in our academic community.
Conferences:
You are welcome to arrange an appointment to talk with me at any time outside of class. I am typically available before school starts from 7:30-8:00, but it is best to arrange a specific meeting time with me in advance. Parents may also reach me at 623-915-8000 (x8124) or email me @ jennifer.wright@guhsdaz.org . Parents may also use Parent Square to communicate with me. Please feel free to call or email and I will return your call/email as quickly as I can.