MRS. WILSON (Room D112)

Conference Period-5^th hour    Email:  [email protected]
Phone:  (810)667-2413 Extension: 3428

Class Description: 

This course will provide one year of the MMC biology science requirement. (NCAA)

We will be using the textbook Biology by Miller & Levine which is published by Pearson ©2010.  A digital copy can be purchased for $14.99 through iTunes. 

Building Rules:

Organized

Leaders

Trustworthy

Successful

Classroom Rule:

Have respect for others, classroom materials, the teacher, and yourself.

*Violations of Expectations:

1. Verbal Warning
2. 2 minute conversation after class
3. Phone call home
4. Phone call home and detention
5. Referral to the office (This can happen immediately depending on severity of the action!)

Materials Needed:  You will need pencils, paper, a three ring binder, and 5 dividers (which can be made from construction paper).  The five dividers need to be labeled in this order:  Rules/Warm Ups, Notes, Homework, Quizzes/Tests, and Labs/Activities

Classroom Procedures:  Seating Chart:  There will be a seating chart for this class.  You are expected to sit in your assigned seat every day, unless otherwise instructed.

Paper Headings:  The following information should be written in the upper right-hand corner of every assignment that you turn in to me:  your full name (first and last), the name of the assignment, the date, and your hour.

Homework:  Homework will be based on effort.  Homework will be due on the day following the assignment unless otherwise stated.  Homework can be turned in late for full credit.  It must be received before the day of the test for that unit/chapter.  Late assignments do impact your citizenship grade.

Warm Ups:  Warm ups will be given at the beginning of each class.  It is your responsibility to complete them and submit them when they are due.

Labs/Activities:  Lab reports will be completed individually for most labs.  Many labs will be conducted in groups.  Groups will either be assigned by the teacher or chosen by the students.  You are expected to act in a mature manner while working at the lab stations or going outside.  Labs can be turned in late but for half credit.  If you miss a lab, it is your responsibility to set up a time to make it up after school or meet with your lab group to get the data you need to complete the assignment.          

Science Notebooks:  A three ring binder will be required to keep track of various assignments.  You will be responsible for keeping this notebook neat, organized, and complete.  There will be notebook checks about every four weeks that will count towards your grade.  You will earn 30 points if the notebook is complete.  If the notebook is unorganized you will earn 0 points. 

Retake Policy:  You may retake tests.  The guidelines are as follows:

1. A Student Accountability Retake Form is completed.
2. You come in before/after school or iConnect to retake the test.
3. All test retakes must be completed within one week after the original test date.
4. The highest grade you earn on the initial or retaken test will be the grade recorded.

Absences:  In the event that you are absent, you will need to get the assignment from me.  It is your responsibility to find a convenient time to ask for your missing work.  You will be given the same number of days that you are absent to make up the work you have missed.  Also, I will be happy to explain the assignments and any other information that you missed at an appropriate time, i.e. before/after school, during lunch, or when the class is working quietly on an assignment and I am free to speak with you.

Tardiness:  You are tardy if you are not in the classroom at the completion of the tardy bell.  Be proactive in planning your daily routines so that you can get in the habit of being punctual to class.  Tardiness will impact your citizenship grade.  If tardiness becomes a major issue, discipline will be given.

Bathroom Passes:  Six bathroom passes will be given per semester.  I will NOT give a pass within the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of class, unless it is an emergency.

Dismissal:  The bell does not dismiss you at the end of class.  I will dismiss you.  You must be in your assigned seats until I dismiss you.

Food/Beverages/Cell phones:  No eating is allowed in class.  Only bottled water will be allowed to enter the classroom.  Also, no texting or browsing social media in class at any time!  You may listen to music when working on individual assignments, but only with headphones.  Your cell phone can be used during class for educational purposes only!

Plagiarism/Copying:  Copying or cheating is not allowed!  A zero will be given.

Teacher Help:  I will be available before school around 7 am and afterschool unit 3:00 pm.  I will not be available on Tuesdays and some Wednesdays & Thursdays, due to staff meetings/Professional development.  Please let me know if you will be coming before/after school so I can make sure I am in my room and ready to assist you.

Grading Policy:  Final grades for the class will be determined based upon the following method:

      Summative Assessments:  (Tests/Labs/Activities)                        72%

      Formative Assignments:  (Homework/Notebooks/Quizzes)          8%                    

     Common Assessment:   (Given at the end of the semester)          20%

*Students will also be given a Citizenship grade.  Late assignments, tardiness, and behavior will be involved in the computation of this grade.           

 Grading Scale is as follows:

100-93 is an A                                    73-76 is a C

 90-92 is an A-                                    70-72 is a C-

 87-89 is a B+                                     67-69 is a D+

 83-86 is a B                                       63-66 is a D

 80-82 is a B-                                      60-62 is a D-

 77-79 is a C+                                     0-59 is an F