remote learning Information

Welcome to our Civics web page.

This will be a common place for all students currently taking American Political & Economic Systems (Civics) to find updates about Remote Learning & Instruction.

The information posted on this page will apply to all students currently taking civics with Mr. Allemang, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Lumish, Mr. McCloskey, and Ms. Montgomery. Please refer to dashboard daily before coming to this site.

Welcome to American Political & Economic Systems

Course Description/ Expectations

Course Overview:

Welcome to American Political & Economic Systems (Civics)! I am excited to spend the semester with each of you. The ninth grade American Political and Economic Systems course that you are about to begin has been designed to assist you in examining our country’s political and economic system. We will focus on what it means to be an American. We will learn about our rights, duties, and responsibilities as citizens of the United States.

The course will begin with an overview of the origins of our political system. We will investigate the creation of our constitution and the role it plays in our daily lives. We will study the organization and function of the three branches of government and the significance of the Bill of Rights. During the course we will study the foundations of our government, but will also focus on the basic characteristics of the U.S. economic system. Throughout the course, aspects of the social, economic and political history of our nation are included to give you the background necessary to understand the relationship between politics and economics.


Materials/Access Points:

  • Launch Point: Schoology

    • This will be the main launch point for the course. All resources, materials, lessons, and activities will be located here. This is the place students should go each day for course content.

  • Textbook: You will have online access to our textbook Civics: Government and Economics in Action. Our textbook is available through PDFs that will be available on Schoology..

    • To access the textbook PDFs on Schoology go to the “Class Information” folder.

  • Course Website: sites.google.com/mtlsd.net/mtlcivics/

  • Electronic Device: Many course activities will be completed electronically through Schoology. It is imperative that you have a CHARGED laptop/chromebook with you in class each day so that you do not fall behind on assignments and course activities.

  • Other: You should still have paper and a writing utensil available during class for note-taking, etc. You should also have a designated folder or binder for organizing printed materials from class.


Navigating Our Schoology Page:

Below is an outline of how the Schoology page for this class will be organized and how to access online materials. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions concerning this process.

Current Work: The “Current Work” folder will contain a weekly outline and all assignments/resources that you will need to complete the activities and assignments for the week. At the end of the week, these assignments will be moved under the appropriate unit heading within the “Past Work” folder.


Weekly Outlines: A weekly outline will be posted each week in the “Current Work” folder that will identify the topics being covered, what activities we will be doing in class each day, any homework assignments, and the point values/due dates for assignments. This is a good resource to review if you will be missing class and to see upcoming assignments.


Past Work: Within the “Past Work” folder, you will find separate folders for each unit. In these folders you will find all assignments/resources that you will need for that unit. This is where you can go to access/complete late work assignments.


Class Information: Within the “Class Information” folder you will find the course overview/expectations. You will also find the PDF copies of the textbook for the course. This folder will also house all of the PowerPoint presentation PDFs for the course, organized by unit. In addition, you will find links to our Civics Website and additional resources.


Classroom Policies:

Attendance/Make-up Work: If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to locate and complete any assignments that you missed during that time. Check the weekly outline on Schoology for information about what you missed. You will have the number of days you were absent plus one to make up the assignment for full credit. After that time, it is considered late.

Late Work: Homework is a valuable means of reinforcing information, practicing and improving skills, and gaining new knowledge. Late assignments will be penalized 50% of the total possible points the next day.


Classroom Rules and Expectations:

Respect: Students are expected to be respectful in the classroom. This applies to the online classroom as well. This includes being respectful of the teacher as well as their fellow students. Demonstrating respectful behavior in the classroom includes listening quietly and attentively to the person who is talking, responding appropriately, and helping to create an atmosphere of inclusion and cooperation within the classroom. Students should be respectful of the opinions of others. While it is acceptable to argue your point and disagree for the purpose of discussion, students should be receptive to the viewpoints of others. Being encouraging and supportive of others within the classroom will help create a more positive learning environment.

Responsibility: I expect all students to put forth effort on all assignments and attempt to complete all work on time and to their fullest potential. Students should come prepared to class each day. In the online environment, this means bringing a positive attitude, being willing to try new things, and demonstrating a willingness to work hard and help others.

Cell Phones: Cell phones should be placed in the caddy at the front of the classroom when you enter the room. You should have a separate electronic device to use for class activities and to access work and assignments.

Plagiarism/Cheating: Students are reminded that plagiarism or copying another’s work (this includes sharing homework answers with a classmate) will not be tolerated. Students are expected to complete their own work. If you have questions or need help with an assignment, please reach out to me. I will be happy to help you. The policy for handling plagiarism is outlined in the “Academic Integrity” document found on Schoology.

Additional Rules and Procedures: Students are reminded that in addition to these policies and guidelines, students are also expected to follow all rules and guidelines as outlined in the student handbook.

Consequences for Student Misconduct: If a student fails to abide by the classroom rules and procedures outlined above, the following will result:

  • Warning/Verbal Reprimand from the teacher for the first offense

  • Notification to Parent/Guardian if the behavior continues

  • Referral to administration


Course Requirements:

Each student will use the online textbook Civics: Participating in Government and a wide collection of supplemental materials. Each student should be an active participant in the learning experience. Students will be expected to keep a well-maintained and orderly notebook as a resource and study guide. Students will participate in class discussions, role playing, simulations and group/ individual projects. Evaluation of student progress will be based on performance in the following areas:

  1. Test/ Quizzes – Assessment of information learned for some units. Tests will always be announced, yet quizzes can be unannounced (pop-quiz).

  2. Homework Assignments/ Activities – Homework is a valuable means of introducing background for new material, practicing and improving skills, and extending the learning beyond the virtual classroom.

  3. Performance Based Assessments/ Projects – Several virtual activities and class projects will take place. This can also include performance based activities to demonstrate your learning.

  4. Enrichment – Opportunities to extend classroom learning will be offered periodically throughout the semester. Please feel free to suggest other ideas or interests.


Grading Policy:

Grades for this course will be weighted in the following manner:

  • Assignments: 40%

  • Assessments: 45%

  • Final Exam: 15%