Welcome to the 1st Trimester of the 2009-2010 School Year!!!

Mr. Ostman's Classroom Rules

1. Treat your classmates, teachers, and environment around you with respect.
2. Be prepared for class. Bring all materials needed to be successful in class everyday.
3. Observe all school rules as stated in your student handbook.

Procedures

1. Daily assignments will be on the sideboard. Start these as soon as you enter the room.
2. If you check a book out, you must sign it out and sign it back in.
3. Late work will only be accepted one day late and only for half credit.
4. It is your responsibility to get any makeup work in the event of your excused absences. Unexcused absences result in a zero for all missed assignments.
5. Everyone must be at their desk in order for the class to be dismissed on time.
6. Be prepared for class daily with a notebook, writing implement and any other materials to be successful in class.
7. Grading is based on total points earned. The estimated makeup of your points will be from the following: tests/quizzes 50%, homework/in class assignments 50%
8. Visit my web-site as a companion to this class:
   
   http://www.TeacherWeb.com/MI/Cheboygan/MrOstman/
   
9. Most graded papers will be available to you in the appropriate boxes on the side table. It is your responsibility to retrieve your papers if you so desire. Tests, quizzes, and written reports will be handed directly to you.
10. Cheating will be dealt with by receiving a zero for the assignment, referral to the office, and a phone call home.

ACHIEVEMENT MARKERS

To earn credit in this course your percentage grade must be 60% or higher and your achievement marker average must be 60% or higher.

The unit tests are the achievement markers for the course.

You MUST have an average of at least 60% on the achievement markers to earn credit.

Students may re-take (within one week) any achievement marker that earns a 70% or lower.

You must get extra help prior to re-taking the achievement marker. This can be one-on-one help with the teacher, Chief Study Table, or completing an extra review assignment.

When you re-take an achievement marker, the new score (if higher) will replace the old achievement marker score. Your test score for class percentage purposes will only increase to a maximum of 70%.

Grading Scale

Based on Percentages:

B+ 89.49-86.50 C+ 79.49-76.50 D+ 69.49-66.50

A 100 - 93.50 B 86.49-83.50 C 76.49-73.50 D 66.49-63.50

A- 93.49-89.50 B- 83.49-79.50 C- 73.49- 69.50 D- 63.49-59.50

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability:

1. What is the current condition of Michigan's economy? Is it good or bad and how do you know this? Express your reasons for its condition. Have you personally been affected? Use many examples.

2. What is the problem with the overall economy? What will it take to get the United States' economy back on track?

3. Based on your observations this summer, how do you think the summer tourists' season  has been?

4. Do you know anyone who took part in the "cash for clunkers" program?  Do you think it will help get the auto industry back on track?

5. The number one issue in our country is the economy. What are some concerns you or your family have been discussing?

6. Identify a current event and give your opinion on its effect on our economy.

7. Explain how you have participated in our economy over the past few months.

8. What are your future career plans and your most recent job?

9. Do you have a cell phone? Do you have the Internet at home?