Welcome to your 2008-2009 social studies class! Some of you will be joining me for your senior class in government and economics, while others will explore U.S. history with me. For my 12th graders, your time in class will be spent examining various themes related to systems of government, American democracy, election processes, and the principles of economics from both a macro- and a microeconomic scale. You will be asked to look through many different lenses, all in an effort to broaden your understanding of the world around you.

My 11th graders will experience a very special junior year. You will sit ringside to witness one of the greatest political spectacles known to man - a presidential election. We will integrate the election process into every facet of our studies in an effort to bring the elctoral process and U.S. history alive for all of us.

No matter which class you are enrolled in, please be sure to keep yourself up-to-date by visiting the class web site on a daily basis. By doing so you will be able to access a wide array of resources that are keyed directly to the assignments that you will have.

Our overarching goal this year is to acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. The final results of our efforts wil serve to insure the preservation of the public good, while building our understanding of an increasingly interdependent world.


Questions? Comments? Ideas?


> I can be reached directly between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. via phone at 408.535.6300 ext. 355.

> If you need to reach me after hours, please feel free to contact me by leaving voicemail at 408.772.7279.

> I will respond as quickly as possible to email sent to or


Now a note about expectations, namely mine. We are required to share a space for up to nearly 60-minutes each school day. This means I must demand that you observe essential rules including, but not limited to the following.


1. No eating or drinking in class.

2. Expect to lose your cell phone, iPod, or other inferior personal entertainment device to me, after I have discovered it, or your peers have turned you in for their standard reward. You can attempt to negotiate return of your contraband with the fine staff in Student Services at your leisure.

3. Come to class prepared because we don’t have time to worry about your lack of paper, pens, pencils, textbook, or notebook.

4. Protect that textbook because if you don’t you may very well pay for any damage or loss. Failure to do so will result in some serious consequences as pertains to receiving your diploma.

5. Success in my class is based on your understanding and adherence to two words - RESPECT & EFFORT - without your daily application of these two characteristics you will have a very difficult time earning a passing grade. The greatest sign of maturity and intellect is your willingness and ability to help your peers in such a way as to encourage their success.

6. Failure to bring your notebook, or text, when required, and subsequently asking permission to retrieve either or both items from your locker, will result in a loss of up to 25 points per incident.

7. The quickest way to achieve a failing grade in my class is to not attend or to be habitually tardy - just don’t do it! Get to class on time, ready to work, and be willing to participate in a constructive fashion.

8. Please spare me anything less than your best effort because it simply results in a waste of your time and my time. This is your opportunity to prepare yourself for what’s to come - the real world - so take advantage of this time wisely.


CLASSES
Period 1 - Economics/Government
Period 2 - Economics/Government
Period 3 - Prep
Period 4 - U.S. History
Period 5 - Economics/Government
Period 6 - Economics/Government