COURSE DESCRIPTION AND CLASSROOM POLICIES
SY 2008-2009
1. Welcome to the Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corp (JROTC) program here at
2. Course Description: The JROTC program is designed to help young Americans become better citizens. The course covers such areas as citizenship, service learning, drill and ceremony, physical conditioning, leadership, foundations for success, first aid, map reading, geography, American military history, military career opportunities, and the role of the
3. Grading Policy: We will use the standard Charles County Public Schools grading policy for determining a student’s grade. That policy is as follows:
90% or higher: A
80-89%: B
70-79%: C
60-69%: D
59% or lower: F
a. The students’ course grade will be determined based on the following factors: weekly wear of the JROTC uniform, participation in the weekly physical training program, performance on tests and quizzes, homework, and participation. The cumulative points method will be used. For example, if at the end of the first marking period, the student earned 950 out of a possible 1000 points, the student will receive an “A” as his/her grade.
b. Wearing of the Army JROTC uniform is an integral part of being a member of JROTC and thus is a major portion of the students’ course grade. Please refer to paragraph 6 below for details.
c. Tests and quizzes will be given periodically to measure the students understanding of the course material. Quizzes will be either announced or unannounced. Make up tests or quizzes will only be authorized for those students who have an excused absence for the day of the test or quiz.
d. Homework will be given periodically as an extension of work done in class. Homework is due on the date specified by the instructor. Homework handed in late may receive a reduced grade.
e. We will follow the school policy with regards to make up work. This policy can be found on page 9 of the McDonough High School Student Handbook. This policy states that students who are lawfully absent from school may make up work or tests in the classes missed due to absence. Students unlawfully absent from school may not make up work or tests due to absence. Make up work needs to be turned in no later than three school days from the student’s return from the lawful absence in order for the student to receive full credit for the assignment.
f. Physical training will normally be conducted on Fridays as part of the Cadet Challenge program. All students are expected to participate in physical training. Students are expected to come dressed appropriately for physical training (e.g. athletic shoes). Female students should not wear skirts or dresses on physical training days. Students receive points for participation as part of their grade each marking period. Failure to participate in physical training, to include improper dress, will have a negative impact on the student’s course grade. Those students who are unable to participate in physical training due to medical/physical reasons will need a note from their parents explaining the situation. If the condition is persistent, a note from a physician explaining the circumstances will be required.
4. Attendance/Tardiness: Students are expected to be standing at attention when the bell rings indicating the start of the class period. Students will not go into the back room within the JROTC pod without permission and will not store property there. Students not conforming to this policy will be considered tardy and dealt with in accordance with the McDonough High School Discipline matrix.
5. Class Supplies: Each student is required to bring the following materials to class each day:
a. the cadet reference book
b. pen or pencil
c. notebook to take notes in
The students are required to have these supplies by Tuesday, September 2.
6. Uniforms: Wearing of the Army JROTC uniform on a weekly basis is an integral part of being a member of JROTC. To wear the uniform is considered an honor and a privilege. Returning students should already have their uniform in their possession. New students will be fitted for their uniform on September 12 (Fair Day) beginning at 11:30 AM. Uniforms are issued at no cost to the student. Students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the uniform. Once the student is issued the uniform, he/she will be required to wear it to school once a week, which will normally be on Wednesday. When in uniform, students are expected to wear it in accordance with Army regulations (hair properly worn, no male earrings, etc.). On days the uniform is worn, the students are expected to wear it the entire day. Students observed by other teachers or administrators not wearing their uniform properly during the day will have their uniform grade reduced. Students will not leave their uniforms in the classroom for any reason unless explicit permission is given. This includes leaving the Class A jacket in the back room. A student absent on a uniform day will be required to make it up as for any other assignment (within 3 days of returning to school). Students who do not adhere to Army regulations with regards to wear of the uniform will not be allowed to participate in any activities outside of the school which require the wear of the uniform (see paragraph 7 below). FAILURE TO WEAR THE UNIFORM PROPERLY ON THE DESIGNATED DAYS WILL HAVE AN ADVERSE
7. Personal Appearance Standards: In addition to
a. Earrings: Males may not wear earrings while in uniform. Females are only authorized to wear stud earrings that are no more than 1/4 inch round, made of pearl, diamond, gold, or silver.
b. Facial Hair: While in uniform the face will be clean-shaven. Mustaches are permitted if they are kept neatly trimmed and tapered and do not extend past the lips. Sideburns will not extend past the bottom of the ear chamber above the earlobe. They will be cut horizontally.
c. Haircuts: Extreme haircuts are not permitted. If dyes, tints or bleaches are used, colors must be natural. Haircuts, without reference to style, will conform to the following standards:
(1) Male. The hair on the top of the head will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, extreme, or unkempt appearance. Hair will present a tapered appearance and when combed will not fall over the ears, eyebrows, or touch the collar except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block cut is permitted in moderate degree as long as the tapered look is maintained. In all of the cases the bulk or length of hair will not interfere with the normal wear of headgear. No cornrows!!
(2) Female. Hair will be neatly groomed. The length of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the edge of the collar when the cadet uniform is worn. Hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of the military headgear. When in uniform, hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, and clips) must be transparent or similar in color to the hair and inconspicuously placed.
d. Cosmetics. Female cadets are authorized to wear cosmetics, lipstick, and nail polish when applied conservatively and in good taste. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn. Extreme colors (blue, orange, purple, etc) are not permitted. Only natural colors that blend well with the uniform will be worn.
8. Office Phone/Vending Machine Use: The use of the JROTC office or classroom phone for personal reasons is prohibited. If you need to use the phone to make any calls for reasons unrelated to JROTC, you need to get a pass to the main office. The vending machine is off limits during the school day.
9. Extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are an important part of the JROTC program. Examples of JROTC extracurricular activities are the Drill Team, Color Guard, Raider Team, Dining In and JROTC Summer Camp. Our Drill Team, Color Guard, and Raider Team participate in various competitions with similar teams from other schools. JROTC cadets are often asked to participate in community activities such as parades and color guards for various events. Participation in many of these activities can be used to satisfy community service requirements for graduation. We encourage all of our students to participate in extracurricular activities, both in JROTC and throughout the school.
10. Key Events: The following events are scheduled through December. This list is not inclusive of all activities and is subject to change:
September 12/11:30 AM: Uniform Issue to New Students
September 23/6:00 PM: First Booster Club Meeting (prior to Open House)
September 23/7:00 PM: Open House
October 11: Patuxent HS NJROTC Orienteering Meet,
October 12:
October 24: Homecoming Parade
November 8: T.C. Williams HS Invitational Drill Meet,
November 9:
November 15: Colin Powell Invitational Drill Meet,
December 5: Charles County Public Schools Military Ball (Seniors Only)
TBD: Adventure Training Field Trip
11. Mandatory Events: Although participation in most of our extracurricular activities is voluntary, there are several which we feel are vital to the students' involvement in JROTC and are therefore mandatory. By mandatory, we mean that failure to participate will have an adverse impact on the student’s grade. The following is a list of the mandatory events:
Homecoming Parade on Oct 24
Dining In (Spring 2009, exact date TBD)
12. Fund Raisers: The JROTC conducts several fund raisers during the year to help raise money to support our various activities. We appreciate all support from the students and parents during these fund raising activities.
13. Booster Club: We have a Booster Club comprised of parents and friends of JROTC who support our program. If you are interested in joining, please check the appropriate block on the attached form. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 23, at 6:00 PM in the JROTC Room (an hour prior to the Open House).
14. Please complete the attached form and have your son/daughter return to us by the end of the first week of school.
15. We look forward to working with you this school year. If you have any questions, you can contact us at (301) 934-7480/2944/2945 or email pmalherek@ccboe.com or gmonk@ccboe.com . Additional information can be found on the
Patrick J. Malherek George R. Monk Jervie Petty
Major, USA (Retired) Command Sergeant Major, USA (Retired) Principal
Senior Army Instructor Army Instuctor
I have read and I understand the Course Description and Classroom Policies for the Army JROTC program at
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Signature of Student Signature of Parent/Guardian
________ I am interested in becoming a member of the JROTC Booster Club.
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