NAME:
Mr. O'Shaughnessy
SCHOOL:
Norwalk High School
CLASS:
AP Government and Politics
SCHOOL PHONE:
(203) 838-4481, ext. 13106, e-mail: OSHAUGHNESSYP@norwalkps.org
WELCOME STUDENTS & PARENTS:
I'm a product of the Norwalk Public Schools, a Norwalk High School graduate
(Class of '71), and a Norwalk resident. I'm committed to quality public
education in our town and, more specifically, in my classes.
Helping Students is my #1 priority. Inquiries need not be confined to
academic subjects. If I can help you I will. Parents can leave a message
at the main switchboard, call ext. 13106., or contact me by e-mail.
Students should never be reluctant to request assistance should
they feel confused,unsure or overwhelmed. If I can't assist you, I
will direct you to someone who can. I'm usually at school by 7:00 AM
and remain after school nearly everyday. Because staff members often must
attend meetings or engage in extracurricular commitments, it's best
to check beforehand for after school help.
The State of Connecticut has mandated the successful completion
of a Civics course as a requirement for high school graduation. This Advanced
Placement Course fulfills that requirement. The
Legislature believes that young citizens must be fully aware of the
principles of a democratic republic, the institutions and structures
developed to foster those principles, and the rights and duties that accrue
to citizens of a free state.
In a world that is often hostile to our most basic ideals: individual rights
and freedoms, equality before the law, limited government, religious and
philosophical tolerance, and popular sovereignty, it is very important to
understand how our government works. It is also imperative that citizens
participate in governing themselves. This course will dedicated to those
major goals.
Further, the AP level is the gateway to higher scholarship and performance.
The course is intended to prepare students for college level instruction and
thus will be conducted so as to emulate the expectations and responsibilities
associated with such a class.
I challenge students to take the care and nurturing of this free republic
seriously. Many of you are already taxpayers and will be eligible to vote
very soon. It's not just a matter of "getting a good grade" ...we're all
depending on you to keep freedom alive.
