August 13, 2012

Dear Parent/Guardian:

It is with great excitement that I begin a new year here at the SC Governor’s School with the Arts and Humanities.  I look forward to teaching A.P. United States History to your student.  You can contact me either via my school telephone at 864.282.3750 or by emailing me at rgodfrey@scgsah.state.sc.us.  Please also visit my teacher web page for important course information (syllabus, readings, study tips, clubs, special events, etc.) available at http://teacherweb.com/SC/SCGSAH/Godfrey/.

In an effort to facilitate communication, I utilize the Power Schools gradebook.  You’ll receive passwords and log-in instructions from the school to be able to access the portal at home.  AP students receive new scores almost daily.  Since I quiz almost daily, we will have many grades. AP students are allowed to utilize a “corrections” process described in the syllabus that enables them to earn back half the points that they miss on any quiz item.  They turn in these “corrected quizzes” the following week.  Therefore, quiz grades will fluctuate accordingly (a 60 can be turned into an 80 the following week when I re-post the grades).  You should see the quiz scores “pop up” as they are re-graded and re-posted (usually on Monday afternoons).  Finally, there are other extra credit opportunities that students will be invited to partake of (International Relations Club meetings, history films, etc.). 

Please understand that APUSH is a demanding course with about a 54% pass rate nationally.   Students will go through a time of “seasoning” in the opening part of the class.  It will take a few weeks for most students to get used to the regimen of reading and taking the quizzes.   Plus, they will need to learn how to balance the extensive arts and academic requirements at this rigorous school.  Please review the study tips available at my website with your student.

I am looking forward to a bright future!

Sincerely,

Rusty Godfrey

APUSH Teacher

Social Studies Dept. Chair