CSI Syllabus

Mr. Kostelnik- Room 211

Email: matthew.kostelnik@avonlakecityschools.org
Gmail: kostelnikm@alstudent.org
My Website: http://kostelnikhistory.weebly.com/
Check my website and the whiteboard in my classroom for daily updates

Materials for class:

Textbook- : Street Law: A Course in Practical Law.
Three ring binder with notebook paper for notes and Journal entries
Folder to keep handouts and other important papers
Pencil/Pen
Course Description:
Contemporary Social Issues is an elective Social Studies course. The class is designed to explore social
and legal issues in todays society. We will study types of crime and violence, the court/justice system
and lawmaking. Students will also have to opportunity to visit the Grafton Prison and view the prison
system first hand. Due to the topics covered in this class, students may view videos or read articles
containing violence or controversial issues.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be figured by dividing your accumulated points by the total point possible. The school grading
scale will be followed. Grades will be made up of tests, writing assignments, handouts, projects, class
participation and journal writings.
Extra Credit:
I do not offer extra credit except during the first week of school.
General Rules and Expectations:
Be on time (In your seat ready for the days bell work assignment).
Be respectful to yourself, teacher, and any other people that may enter my classroom including
classmates.
Do not poke, bite, laugh at, punch, tickle, or create any bodily or mental harm.
Do not interrupt others while it is their turn to speak.
Understand that grades are earned not given. Turn your work in on time, participate in class, and study for
tests and you will do great in my class.
The point to CSI is to have perspective on what you are learning and talk about your views and opinions.
Students in class may have strong feelings on sensitive subjects. It is important to listen and discuss
these views in a respectful and open minded manor.
Bathroom:
One person allowed to use the restroom at a time.
I generally do not allow students to use the bathroom the first and last ten minutes of class.
Test Procedures:
All students will be notified of test dates at least a week in advance of test.
Students who are sick will take the test the day they return unless circumstances dictate extra time to be
given. (example: Student is notified of test a week before the test but is absent four days leading up to the
test due to illness. Student will be granted additional days to make up test). Other circumstances will be
left to my discretion and not left up for debate!!!!
Cell phones must be put away or else considered cheating.
CHEATING!!! If a student is caught cheating they will be disciplined according to the student handbook.
Please read the following important information:

Each student is to take good care of the textbook issued. Students will be charged if the book is damaged
beyond normal student use.
I am available for extra help before school (during certain weeks) by appointment. Dont wait until its too
late to ask for help.
Bring your manors to class. Using please and thank you when dealing with me or your classmates goes
a long way toward mutual respect.
Homework:
Homework assignments will be posted on my website the day they are assigned. I will also attach a due
date to each assignment posted. If you have questions please ask me in class or send me an email.
Homework must be turned in on time.
Late Work Policy:
Students will only have one day from the date the assignment is due to turn in a late assignment.
If the assignment is turned in late the student can only receive a max score of 70%.
If you are sick the day that homework or an assignment is due you must have the assignment the
following day.
If the student goes on vacation and the due date of the assignment is known the student must have the
assignment upon returning.
Cell Phone/Device Use:
Cell phones and portable devices are to be out and placed screen down on the top right corner of your
desk when entering my classroom.
I encourage students to bring their cell phones and all portable devices to class everyday in order to do
online educational games, quizzes, and listen to their music when I say they are allowed.
If students are caught using their phone when not instructed to do so I will take the phone for the
remainder of the period on the first offense. The second offense students will leave their phone in my
classroom till the end of the day. Any further offenses will result in the loss of their phone and a detention.

Print Student Name:_________________________

Student Signature:___________________________
Parent Signature:___________________________