Biology

Biology – Class Syllabus

Captain Spinelli

SHS # 941-926-1700

Caitlin_Spinelli@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 ON TIME

PAY ATTENTION

PARTICIPATE EVERYDAY

DO YOUR WORK AND STAY ON TASK

BE RESPECTFUL TO ALL INDIVIDUALS

Classroom Rules:

1.      Come to class on time with all required materials (see below). Per SMA administration, the classroom door WILL be closed and LOCKED after the late bell has rung. No student may enter the classroom without first reporting to the office to obtain a tardy pass.

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 & Detention

Classroom Routines:

1.      Check the HOMEWORK BOARD and record assignments. Read the daily objective and record the date along with the objective in your notebook. You are responsible for knowing the daily objective and will be asked to recite the objective periodically throughout the daily lessons.

2.      Be in your seat and ready to begin class when the bell rings.

3.      The highest ranking student will be taking attendance as soon as the bell rings.

4.      After attendance, students will need to complete their bellwork which can be found either on the desks or on the active board.

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

*Failure to follow any of the classroom rules or expectations will result in a deduction of employability points.

Required Materials:

? 3-ring binder

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

? textbook (this book MUST be with you for class EVERYDAY!)

? pens & pencils

Additional supplies suggested: colored pencils, crayons, printer paper, calculator, scissors, markers, pencil sharpener, etc…

Grading:

Ä over

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 quizzes will be given the day after a reading assignment and will be based on the required reading material. 

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. 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.

Employability Grade:

Your employability grade is determined as follows. Each day is worth 5 points. If you come to class on time & follow all classroom rules/procedures, you will earn the 5 points. If you are tardy to class, you will lose 3 points. If you are absent and the absence is not excused by the attendance office, you will lose all 5 points. If you are in class but you do not participate, you will also lose all 5 points. 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. It is my expectation that all students will use the restroom BEFORE class begins. If you need to use the restroom in an emergency during class time, please do so by asking permission. Please note that restroom use during class is only for emergency situations and are not to be abused.

By signed below you recognize and agree to follow the procedures of Captain Spinelli’s classroom. You also agree that you understand the consequences for not following directions.

*Note to Parents/Guardians: When your student signs this agreement, they are stating that they know and recognize all of the classroom rules and procedures and that they will abide by the expectations set forth in my classroom. Please help me to maintain a safe learning environment free from disruption by checking in with your student and their understanding of the rules. Please feel free to contact me any time with questions or concerns.

Cadet: _____________________ (please print)         Date:______________

Signature:_______________________

Parent/Guardian:___________________(please print)          Date:____________

Signature  :__________________________

Phone #___________________________(best number to reach you)

Email:____________________________

Links

Homework

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