Founding Principles: USA & NC Civics Syllabus Spring 2026

Teacher: Mr. John Matrisciano

Email: john.matrisciano@nhcs.net  

Phone: 910-350-2089 Ext. 73560

Room: 235

Teacher Website: https://sites.google.com/nhcs.net/johnmatrisciano

Course Description: Through the study of The Founding Documents and civics, students examine political, governmental, and legal topics that engage them in examining the legal and political systems of our society. This course begins with the historical foundations of civil, and political activism that created our nation, state, and local government. Knowledge gained from civics and economics empowers students to become politically active and responsible citizens of the global society. At least 50% of the course content in American History: The Founding Principles: USA & NC Civics” will pertain to The Founding Principles of the United States.

Course Test: There is NO NC State Final Exam – Final Exam will be created by NHCS, LHS, or by teacher.

Classroom Rules and Policies: The following are the class rules and policies that every student is expected to follow. If students follow all of the below rules, the student will be successful in the class as well as have a rewarding experience in American History II.

1. Be on time: This means in your seat and ready to work at the sound of the bell.

2. Be prepared: This means having all the necessary supplies for class. (Laptop, Pencil, Pen, Paper, An Open Mind) You will fail this class if your laptop is not brought to class everyday.

3. Be respectful: This means showing respect to the teacher as well as between each other.

4. FOLLOW ALL SCHOOL RULES! 

   1. Respect yourself by working hard.

   2. Respect others.

   3. Be on time, seated, and ready to learn by the tardy bell/signal.

   4. Raise your hand to seek permission to speak or get out of your seat.

   5. Food is allowed in the classroom (Closable/Sealable Drink Containers are Permitted). All trash must be picked up.

   6. No CELL PHONES visible during class (phones out or used to text) No EXCUSES!!!  

      1. Your cell phone should be powered off and stowed in student’s backpack/purse.

5. Disruptions will NOT be allowed in class.  This includes talking to any degree, note writing between classmates, using electronic devices, and any action that disrupts the learning process of any student.

   1. All students have the right to learn and the interference of the learning process will not be tolerated!!!

Materials for Success in the Class:

1. Notebook

2. Laptop w/ Charger (provided by school)

3. Notebook Paper/Spiral Notebook

4. Pen/Pencil

5. A good/positive attitude and a SMILE ☺. 

Homework: Homework will be assigned periodically throughout the semester in the form of readings, handouts, quizzes, graphic organizers, etc. However, it is expected that every student should review their notes and activities daily to gain the best understanding of the materials. The biggest issue for most students is that they do not study. Students who do not study will not pass this course.

Tutoring: Tutoring will be available for all students who need assistance with course materials.  I am here to help and encourage each and every student.  Students that are failing the class will be pulled into Flex tutoring every Friday.

Grading Policy: The following is the grading scale which shall be used in the class for the semester.

Q1 & Q3= 35% Major, 35% Minor. 15% Formative. 15% Mid Term

Q2 & Q4= 40% Major, 40% Minor, 20% Formative 

Deadlines & Late Work: 

1. Deadlines exist for a reason. Please respect them.

2. You may turn in homework or classwork until the next progress report to receive late credit.  All late work turned in will start at a 90%. After 5 days the highest grade a student can receive is 50% if the work is done correctly.

3. Projects and other major assignments will be given a deadline.  Late work receives a lower grade.  The teacher will announce specifics on this regarding different assignments.

4. If you are absent on the day work is assigned then you will be allowed time to make it up. If you are absent on the date that assignments are due then you will receive a late grade if you were present when the work was assigned.

Honor System and AI:

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) content generators (e.g. ChatGPT, image generation, or other AI tools) is an emerging skill. We will learn to use these tools appropriately to enhance our work in this class.

Limits of AI tools:

• Low quality prompts will generate low quality results. Prompts can be refined for better outcomes. 

• Be skeptical of the content generated. Verify the accuracy of results with another source. You will be responsible for any errors generated by the tool. 

AI tools are sources that must be cited using [include appropriate style guide] when used. You will be explicitly taught how to correctly cite these tools. Failure to cite AI tools is a violation of NHCS Policy Code: 4310 Integrity and Civility.

Objectives for Civics 

Unit 1 – Foundations of Government

Unit 2 – Revolutionary America

Unit 3 –The Creation of the U.S. Constitution

Unit 4 – The Bill of Rights and the Amendments

Unit 5 – Legislative Branch

Unit 6 –Executive Branch

Unit 7- Judicial Branch

Unit 8- State and Local Government

Unit 9: Politics and Political Systems

Please read, sign, and have your parent/guardian read and sign this to ensure you understand the course.

“I have read the syllabus and understand the requirements of this course.”

Student Name (please print): ______________________________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _________

Parent/Guardian Name (please print) ______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _________