Welcome to 7th-Grade US Civics!

Welcome to 7th-grade US Civics with Mr. Catalano! This class will cover everything from things like civil and individual rights, to the functions of government across all levels within the US. These principles teach you to analyze and learn from established legal decisions to apply that knowledge to today's society and standards. This is a crucial time in your education. You're being set up for the future of your citizenship!

As we ring in the new year, it is important for us to make purposeful pledges. We will make pledges for the school year moving forward, starting with a small goal we'd like to reach by the end of the 1st semester (Jan. 31!). Let's hope for a positive start to the new year and an impactful end to the semester!

This week in class: 1/13/25-1/17/25

This week in class, we will look at the two major political parties in the US: The Republican and Democratic Parties. Students will differentiate between the two parties, along with 3rd party groups, and explain their philosophies about the federal government. Students will complete an assessment about these parties, their similarities, and their differences. Students will describe what it is to be an informed voter and why it is important to stay informed. Students will take a political party self-assessment to see which political party most aligns with their feelings about government and society.

1/2/25-1/10/25: This week, students will be learning about the US's two-party system and its origins. We will learn about the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists, the first political parties in the US. Students will analyze the rise and fall of these and other 3rd parties in our country and how they changed over time.

12/16/24-12/20/24: Now that students have learned the three branches and their roles, students will look at the distribution of powers and how each branch checks the other two to maintain a balance of power.

12/9/24-12/13/24: Students will be analyzing landmark cases in US history like Marbury v. Madison to understand how precedence has shaped our nation's government. Students will complete an assessment on the Judicial branch.

12/2/24-12/6/25: Students will learn about the Judicial Branch of government. Students will look at the responsibilities of all court levels in both State and Federal Government.

11/21/24-11/27/24: We will be examining the Executive Branch this week. Students will learn about the role of the President and Vice President, the Cabinet, and each of the departments the branch includes. Students will create their very own cabinet.

11/12/24-11/20/24: With the ratification of the Constitution finalized, the government had been separated into the 3 branches: The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. This week we will examine the Legislative Branch and its role in US Government.

10/28/24-11/1/24: The Bill of Rights was a main component of the US Constitution that onboarded many states to green-light the process of ratification. Students will examine the timeline from start to finish and analyze the steps taken to get representatives to agree on ratifying the Constitution in each state.

10/21/24-10/25/24: With the Articles of Confederation under fire, the founders needed a new set of laws by which to govern the nation. The US Constitution was born from this congress, who worked tirelessly to come up with a solution that involved much sacrifice and compromise - but at what cost?

10/14/24-10/18/24: We are going to look at the Articles of Confederation, our nation's first set of governing laws. We will analyze how they dictated government be set up and figure out why they were not strong enough to support a new nation's government.

10/7/24-10/11/24: This week, we will examine the documents that helped shape our country's government and the people who wrote and influenced them. We will also see the various ways that the original 13 Colonies governed themselves and how the regions fueled their own economy.

9/30/24-10/4/24: Students will learn about different types of government in the world and the levels of government in the US Federal system. We will discuss the birth of democracy and how it has shaped our country's government today.

9/23/24-9/27/24: We will complete the research on citizenship, rights, responsibilities, and duties this week. Students will review their notes and participate in classroom activities in which they apply for citizenship. Students will take a "Quest" on lessons 2 and 3 this week.

9/16/24-9/20/24: As we progress through expectations and requirements of citizens, our students will get an idea of what it takes to become a citizen and who has the ability to become one.

9/14/24-9/13/24: This week is one of return and fresh starts. We will get to know one another, establish procedures and a code of conduct as a class, and talk about being a good citizen, which we will practice throughout the school year.

Classroom Management

Students will establish a code of conduct that we will adopt in our classroom to be followed by all its citizens. The code of conduct will give students a guideline of expectations they will use to be the best version of themselves.

If a student displays a lack of qualities of a good classroom citizen, we will always follow this protocol:

First offense: We will have a private conversation about the issue.
Second offense: Contact with a parent/guardian to work together to establish good citizenship.
Any further repeated offenses will be referred to Mr. Panko, Mr. O'Halloran, or counseling for more support.

We will discuss classroom decisions as a group to practice the democratic process. Students will be involved in the running of our class and act with accountability in their roles in class.

I look forward to working with all of our students to see them grow as productive members of our society.

Grading policy

Minor Assignments: Classwork, Homework, Participation - 66%

Major Assignments: Tests, Quizzes, Projects - 33%

Students are given opportunities to complete all work in class. Assignments that are incomplete or missing will receive a 50% or a 0, respectively.

All assignments turned in after a due date will receive a 5 point deduction per day the assignment is late.

If a student is absent from class, they will receive 2 days to make up the assignment for each day that they are absent. There is no deduction for lateness due to absenteeism unless work is not turned in by the adjusted due date.

Civics ONLINE TEXTBOOK

Use Clever and search "McGraw Hill" to access our online text.

Need some help? See me to set up extra help.

Make sure to see me with any questions. Questions about classwork and homework should be asked promptly. Any work not turned in receives a deduction of 5 points per day it is late. Homework is assigned rarely, so please be sure to complete assignments on time.

Information for Parents and Guardians

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