Classroom Policies
In general, the study of biology tries to answer the question “What is life?” By the end of this class, I hope that you will have gained a better understanding of the delicate and complex processes that regulate and sustain life on this planet. This class is designed to challenge, so please be ready to work hard and learn a lot. In order to succeed in this class, please follow these class rules and policies.
Bring to class:
1. Pen/ Pencil
2. 3-ring binder with Biology section for notes
3. 2-pocket folder for assignments and handouts
4. Assignment book
5. Textbook (when specified)
Daily Routine
1. Arrive to class on time! (If late, please sign in at door. 3 lates = Detention!)
2. Turn in any homework assignments. Pick up “Do Now” assignment.
3. Check board for new homework assignments.
4. Begin “Do Now” assignment at the start of class. Assignment will be collected 2-3 minutes after the bell rings.
5. Take out notebook and be ready for the next activity.
Classroom Behavior
1. Be seated and working when the bell rings.
2. Raise your hand and wait for permission before speaking.
3. Use only appropriate language at all times.
4. Remain seated unless given permission. The teacher dismisses class, NOT the bell.
5. Keep desk and area clean. Food and drinks must be put away.
Discipline Policy
Any behavior that the teacher deems as disruptive will be subject to disciplinary action.
1. First offense: warning, name is written on the board
2. Second offense: check mark placed by name
a. 15 minute teacher detention. Must be completed within 48 hrs.
b. Cutting detention results in a ROM sent to the VP, and student will still serve teacher detention.
3. Additional offenses will add 15 minutes to the detention time.
4. Severe offenses will result in an immediate ROM and parent contact.
5. Continuous disruptive behavior will result in parent contact and have a negative impact on the class participation grade.
Grades
Each assignment that is collected will count towards your final grade. Your grade is calculated by finding the percentage of the total of raw points you have earned on each assignment out of the total available points for that marking period. Below is an estimate of how these points are broken down:
Tests/ Major Projects ….… 40%
Quizzes …………………..… 15%
Lab work ……………..….... 20%
Homework ………………… 20%
Class Participation …….… 5%
Homework Policy
Homework assignments will be written on the board and found on teacher’s website. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Assignments that are handed in late will be given ½ credit or at the discretion of the teacher. After the assignment has been returned to the class, it will not be accepted for late credit and will be marked as a zero. Take homework seriously, it counts for 20% of your final grade!
Projects and labs will be accepted up to 3 days late with a reduction of 10% for each day.
Plagiarism
All assignments that are handed in are expected to be the original work of the student. This includes homework, Do Now’s, labs, and projects. Even when allowed to work together on certain assignments, the final product must be unique to each student. Work that is found to be identical or contain identical parts well not be given any credit.
Some assignments will require research from outside sources. All sources must be correctly cited, using the MLA or APA format. Quotations may be used sparingly and must be cited. For help with citations go to http://citationmachine.net
Absence Policy
It is the responsibility of the student to make up any missing notes and work when absent from class. Any extra handouts from the week’s previous lessons will be kept on the teacher’s desk and available for students to take as needed. Any assignments given the last day a student is in class will be due on his/her return.
Tests and quizzes will be announced in advanced. Therefore, students absent the day before a test are still expected to take the test on the announced day. Students absent the day of a test/ quiz will make up the test/quiz on the day of their return.
Extra Help
I am available for extra help during my free periods and after school. Please do not hesitate to make arrangements for extra help when you feel there is a need. You may also contact me by the school email, jsoon@whrhs.org. I am looking forward to helping you succeed in this class, please do your part.