Honors Biology

Honors Biology – Class Syllabus

Captain West

SMA Phone # 926-1700

Caitlin_West@sarasota.k12.fl.us

There are many fun and challenging ways to study biology! In this class, you will have the opportunity to learn concepts and skills in biology through observing, experimenting, reading, discussing, listening, writing, creating, drawing, and using technology.

How to make your experience in Biology class successful & enjoyable:

COME TO CLASS WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

PAY ATTENTION AT ALL TIMES

PARTICIPATE AND ASK QUESTIONS

DO YOUR WORK

BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS

Classroom Rules:

1.      Come to class on time with all required materials (see below).

2.      When the teacher is talking, the student is not talking.

3.      Respect all people and objects in the classroom.

4.      No cell phones, iPods (or other MP3/electronic devices), food, or drink.

5.      Follow all laboratory safety procedures as outlined in the lab safety contract.

Consequences for breaking rules

            1^st – Warning

2^nd – Loss of Employability Points

3^rd – Call to Parent & referral

Classroom Routines:

1.      Check the HOMEWORK BOARD and record assignments (this is your responsibility).

2.      Be in your seat and ready to begin class when the bell rings (otherwise, you are late).

3.      Look at the board and begin your bellwork assignment (everyday).

4.      Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.

5.      Unless you have been otherwise instructed, you are to remain seated until you are dismissed (hold trash until the end of the day, ask to sharpen pencils, although pens are preferred, ask to wash hand or use the hand sanitizer, etc).

6.      The classroom should always be left in the order in which you found it.

7.      There should never be any foul language or shouting in the classroom

**Listening is an active activity. While you are listening, you are not talking, your eyes are on the speaker and you have your hands still (no pens or pencils). Questions may be written down for Q and A time.

Required Materials:

? 3-ring binder

? loose-leaf paper or spiral notebook for taking notes & computer paper for printing grades,

               missing materials, and any other personal papers for projects.

? textbook

? pens & pencils (including colored pencil)

Grading:

Reading assignments are important! You are likely to be more successful in class when you have previewed new topics and vocabulary. Therefore, completion of reading assignments by the due date will be monitored using homework quizzes.

Homework/classwork assignments are generally graded using the following system:

Assignments turned in after the due date will be penalized (loss of credit). If you are absent when an assignment is due, you must turn it in at the beginning of class on the day you return(again this is your responsibility). You can still earn full credit for the assignment if your absence is excused. If your absence is unexcused, you will automatically lose 30% of the credit for the assignment. If you miss a test or quiz, you will need to make arrangements to make it up after school within one week (after that, a score of zero will be recorded). Unexcused absences on test days will result in an automatic 30% deduction in your score.  PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility (not mine) to determine what you missed in class when you were absent. Upon your return to school, take the opportunity to ask for your missing work during a quiet moment in the day.

Employability Grade:

Your employability grade is determined as follows. The entire semester is worth 100 points. Each day you can maintain your 100 points by following all of the classroom rules and procedures as well as turning in all assignments on time. Deductions will occur if a student is found to be disobeying the classroom rules, failure to turn in assignments and for poor behavior. In addition, I reserve the right to subtract points for negative behavior and add points for positive behavior.

Classroom Safety:

It is extremely important that safe procedures are used at all times, especially during labs. Respect for oneself, one’s classmates, equipment, and supplies are essential. Horseplay will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from an activity/lab and a zero for the work. Appropriate dress for labs will be discussed before each lab; it generally includes wearing safety glasses and a lab apron, restraining long hair, removing dangling jewelry, and wearing closed shoes (NO SANDALS), as required. Lab safety procedures will be discussed in more detail in class and all students will be required to sign a lab safety contract.

Restroom Policy:

Restrooms are located at the end of the hallway. Students should use the restroom prior to the beginning of class. Students will not be permitted to use the restroom during class time unless in an emergency.

I, ________________________ have read and understand the policies and procedure’s of Captain West’s classroom and will abide by the policies and procedures as stated above. I am aware that changes may occur at any time during the semester for any reason.

PRINT NAME: _____________________               DATE:_____________

SIGNITURE:_______________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN

PRINT NAME:______________________              DATE:_______________

SIGNITURE:_______________________

EMAIL:_________________________________ (This is the best way of communication)

PHONE #________________________

Links

Homework

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