Dear Parent or Guardian,
I wanted to take the opportunity at the beginning of the year to send you a letter to introduce myself and let you know how genuinely excited I am for this school year. My name is Roderick Pack, and this is my fourth year teaching at Bullitt Central, and 10th year in education overall. When I arrived at this school, I taught sophomore World Civilizations. Two years ago they switched me up to senior government since I am also the Senior Sponsor for the school. I’m beyond giddy with the prospect of assisting your son/daughter with not only increasing their civic responsibility, but also navigating their last year of high school. My goal in this position is twofold: to develop their knowledge of how the government works, but also to ensure that their senior year is the greatest year of their high school career.
You will be hearing from me regularly throughout this school year: through senior newsletters, emails, and any other form of media that spread the message that; WE ARE BC. If you every have any questions, comments, or concerns related to my government class or to your student’s senior year, please do not hesitate to email me at: Roderick.pack@bullitt.kyschools.us. This is the best and most efficient way to contact me, but you are free to also call the school and try to get me by phone.
School Website: http://www.bullittschools.org/1/Home
District Website: http://www.bullitt.kyschools.us/
Happy to be a part of the team,
Roderick A. Pack MAT
2015-2016 BCHS Teacher of the Year
Senior Sponsor
Syllabus
Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means, and so for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.”
~Aristotle
You have worked very hard these past 12 years of education to get here, the final year at Bullitt Central. We have a short road ahead of us before you work across that stage, it will be here before you know it. I am looking forward to watching each of you graduate but for that to happen we have some work to put in first.
Course Description:
Government is the study of the structure of the United States government, the role of the citizen in a democratic republic, the significance of political parties and lobby groups, and the difference between the various levels (federal, state, and local) of government.
Course Goals:
Creating effective participants in our society is the main objective of most Social Science courses and Government is no different. “Bad politicians are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” This class will aid you in taking a step closer to becoming a responsible citizen in America’s society. A solid knowledge of our government’s institutions, principles and practices will empower you to make a positive impact on tomorrow’s society.
Government is a required course for graduation. Please take yourself and this course seriously enough in order for you to meet your personal goals. I will do my best to work with you but keep in mind that you will be graduating soon and it is not my job nor that of anyone but yourself to complete your high school courses.
Grading Policy:
- Your grade in this class will be based on a points system. Points will be earned for quizzes, written work, homework, projects and class participation. Based on total points possible, quarter and semester grades will be assigned as follows:
90% & above=A
80%-89.9%=B
70%-79.9%=C
60%-69.9%=D
59% and below=F
The semester grade is not an average of the first and second quarter; rather it is based on the total number of points earned during the semester.
- Caveat to grading system-Your final exam is an important part of your overall semester grade. That being said, you must take this test seriously at the end of the semester. If you do not score at least a C on the final exam you cannot earn an A or B in Government.
- Absent students are expected to come to me the day they return regarding missed work. If you do not come to me in a timely manner (the day you return) you may forfeit points earned on class assignments and homework from days missed. If you are absent from and entire school day not related to a school activity (such as a field trip, presentation, leadership, matinee, etc.) when an assignment is due, you will turn it in on the day you return to school. If you are in school for any amount of time or on a school related field trip/production, the assignment is expected on the due date.
Behavior Expectations:
As a senior in high school, you know what is and what is not acceptable in the classroom. If you didn’t, you probably would not have made it this far J That being said, I expect you to follow all school rules in the classroom and if they are not followed, you would receive the consequences spelled out in the discipline chart for the school. In order to receive respect we must show it to others. I hope for the best this school year, for us to work together to have the most successful American Government experience we can.
Lesson plans available at: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pbyLoOmPXl3010kyeop1r1eVa7mUOICcr7SRzlahRvA/edit#slide=id.g171aa517ed_0_24
Senior Sponsor
Please check the BCHS Senior Google Classroom EARLY and OFTEN to stay up to date on deadlines, events, etc...