US History & Government

Welcome to US History and Government! I am looking forward to working with you during the 2021-2022 school year. I’m excited to get to know you all and embark on this journey with you.


US History and Government is a full year course that begins with our country’s foundations and moves all the way to the modern era. You will use the writing, analytical, and research skills you have been applying in previous history courses in this class. This course ends with a Regents exam in June and it is my expectation that you will pass the course and exam!


Harvard Business School- The Case Method:

I have completed a program at Harvard Business School called the Case Method Institute. This program will be included in our studies this year and I am very excited to share it with you. We will look at many cases used at Harvard Business School which will put you in the shoes of various decision makers throughout history. The cases you will be presented with are difficult. It will be a challenge for both you and I. We will work through them together however and really experience history in a new, exciting way. Get ready to experience history in the present tense!


When we prepare a case, your participation is crucial and will be graded. Barring extenuating circumstances, you will be required to make 2 meaningful comments during our discussion and decision days. If you are absent on these days, you will be required to make up your discussion points.


I will be working closely with the Institute this school year as we work through the cases. They depend on our feedback so the program can flourish. At the end of each case I will ask you to fill out an anonymous survey that will help the Institute make decisions about currently used and brand new cases.


For additional information about this program please visit this link:

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

  • Be prepared and organized

  • Be polite and respectful by listening to others, following directions, and using appropriate language

  • Be productive, pay attention, and participate in class

  • Have fun!


Grading Policy:

There will be several quizzes, exams, assignments, essays, and projects given throughout the year. Your average is calculated using a total points method. (For example: 430/450 points = 96%) Assignments will be given the following values:


  • Tests: 100 points

  • Quizzes: 50 points

  • Essays: 50-100 points

  • Classwork/Participation: 20-30 points


Classroom Materials:

  • Pens and/or pencils

  • A binder or a large folder - while we are online documents and cases will be given digitally, but if you prefer a hard copy a binder or folder is recommended to keep items organized

  • Composition notebook - you will be expected to take notes during our discussions


Extra Help:

I am available after school each day from 2:20-2:45. I can be found in room 261 or the Social Studies office. I check my email regularly throughout the day so please don’t hesitate to reach out as I normally respond quickly.

For specific class information, including assignments, please log into our Google Classroom.