Course Syllabus

Ms. Massey’s

Biology Syllabus

School Year: 2019-2020

shena.massey@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

Welcome! We will share a common goal: SUCCESS. Everyone is expected to do their very BEST! Let’s look forward to a great semester!

 

Required Materials:

  • College ruled composition book
  • Folder with pockets
  • Glue stick (2)
  • Rolls of transparent scotch tape with dispenser (4)
  • Pencils (preferably mechanical)
  • Highlighters

Classroom Goals: Students will understand Biological terminology and reach levels of proficiency, competency and/or mastery in related concepts.  

Guidelines for Success:

  • VALUE your EDUCATION
  • SELF-CARE
  • Be DETERMINED to SUCCEED
  • Set GOALS

Classroom Rules:

  • RESPECT everyone, show INTEGRITY and
  • Arrive to class on time and be prepared with all materials.
  • RAISE YOUR HAND TO SPEAK
  • No food or drinks will be consumed in the classroom.
  • Computers will ONLY be used during instructional time (when needed).
  • Other electronic devices (cellphones, earbuds, headphones etc…) will NOT be used in the classroom. These items must be kept in your book bags the entire class. Earbuds must not hang from your ears during class.
  • Stay in your seats at all times, unless otherwise instructed. If you need to leave your seat for any reason raise your hand and ask for permission. *Do Not Get Out Of Your Seat To Randomly Visit Classmates*
  • Keep your area clean and neat.

Weekly Activities:

(1) - Warm-ups, (2) - Notetaking & Discussion, (3) - Independent Assignments, (4) - Collaborative Groups (Labs, Games etc…), (5) - Exit Tickets, (6)- Quizzes (occasional Tests).

Grading Scale:

A= 90-100

B= 80-89

C= 70-79

D= 60-69

F= ≤59

Grade Distribution:

Homework/Classwork- 10-30 points

Labs/Quizzes- 30-50 points

Projects- 50-100 points

Tests- ≥100 points

Note: I will assign a point value within the ranges above for each assignment. Your total points received on each assignment will be added throughout the semester and will translate into a percentage grade. Each grading term (every 6 weeks) and your final exam grade will count for 25% of your final grade in this course. EVERY POINT MATTERS!

Classroom Procedures:

1. Entering the Classroom

a. Go directly to your seat- if not at your seat you will be marked TARDY

b. AFTER the tardy bell, raise your hand for permission to sharpen your pencil (only 1 student at a time). **Try to have 2 pre-sharpened pencils or mechanical pencils**

c. Take out homework, place at the corner of desk for collection.

d. Take out composition books and work on the WARM-UP- quietly, notes can be used as a second option, THINK 1ST!

**1st block students will work quietly on warm-up DURING announcements**

**If students are present and not completing warm-ups they will NOT receive bonus points** (10 points every 2 weeks for completing warm-ups).

** NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED OUT OF CLASS FOR THE FIRST 20 MINS**

 

2. Where to Locate Assignments

a. The daily agenda will be posted on the whiteboard

b. Assignments/due dates & announced quiz dates and test dates will be posted on Canvas

 

3. Turning in Assignments

a. Online assignments will be turned in via Canvas

b. Homework assignments (worksheets) will be turned in at the beginning of class (I will come around and collect).

c. Classwork (worksheets) will be turned in to the basket for your class block before leaving class, unless otherwise instructed.

**NO NAME, NO GRADE**

 

4. Finding out Grades

a. You are expected to track your grades via Canvas and Powerschool.

b. Send an email or speak with me before or after class for any concerns regarding your grades.

 

5. Responsibilities after Absences

a. Check Canvas for the list of ALL GRADED

b. Upon arrival to class, check the BLACK file holder at the front of the class on the file cabinet for notes and other handouts/assignments missed.

c. Each day you are absent you have 2 days to turn in missing assignments (excluding weekends) – Ex: Absent Thursday assignment due on Tuesday of the following week.

  • NOTE: the day the assignment is due will be written on the assignment when you pick it up. Instructions on how to complete the assignment will be posted on Canvas.

d. I will personally tell you what day you will makeup quizzes, tests, labs etc…

 

6. Late, Missing or Incomplete Assignments

**My Expectation: All homework assignments are completed ON TIME with student having tried their best and any bonus assignments given, completed. **

a. Most homework assignments will be at least 25 points, some may be worth bonus points.

b. If homework assignment is late (not on your desk at the beginning of class), you will automatically lose 10 pts.

c. If homework assignment is not turned in the following day (after deemed late) at the start of class, the student will receive a zero, NO MAKEUPS.

d. Points will be deducted for incomplete assignments.

 

7. Homework Passes

a. Each student per 6 wks will be given a pass to turn in 1 HOMEWORK assignment (includes projects) the day after the due date (next day) without missing any points.

b. Pass with student name on the back, must be turned in the day the assignment is due. If assignment is not turned in within the 1 DAY EXTENSION (no later than the beginning of class the next day) the student will receive a zero. NO MAKEUPS.

 c. If homework passes are not used by the end of the 6 wk period, students can turn them in for 10 additional bonus points that will be averaged in to their homework grade.

 d. **If an assignment is due on Friday and not turned in the student will lose 15 points, AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THEIR HOMEWORK PASS. Students have ONLY the option of turning it in on Monday of the next week. If assignment is not turned in on that Monday, the student will receive a zero. NO EXCEPTIONS!**

 

8. Parent/Guardian Contact

a. 3 late or missing assignments

b. Misbehavior – Not following classroom rules/expectations

c. Too many absences

 

9. Ending Class

a. Finish any assignment that is to be turned in prior to leaving class and turn in to the appropriate basket (classwork, exit tickets, quizzes etc…)

b. Do not stop working or pack up before instructed. I WILL TELL YOU WHEN TO START GETTING READY TO BE DISMISSED.

c. Stay in assigned seats until the bell rings. DO NOT LINE UP AT THE DOOR OR VISIT CLASSMATES.

** NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED OUT OF CLASS FOR THE LAST 20 MINS**

 

10. Consequences for Classroom/School Rule Violations

  • Classroom – warnings, individual conference with student, call or e-mail to parent/guardian, removal from class and/or referral, parent conference.
  • School- call or e-mail to parent/guardian and/or referral.

11. Restroom Breaks

a. Use the restroom before or after class

b. You will have a bathroom pass that will allow you 2 bathroom breaks per 6 weeks.

c. You are responsible for keeping up with this pass. Additional passes will not be given.

d. If you have a medical issue that requires you to receive more restroom breaks, you must have your doctor contact the nurse or bring in a written statement to give to the nurse.

**I will use one point from your student incentive card for additional restroom breaks**

 

Notebooks:

  • Keep them neat and organized! All assignments should be in order according to your Table of Contents – TOC (found on Canvas).
  • Titles and page numbers should be written on TOC for each assignment.
  • Page numbers should be in the lower corners of notebooks.
  • You will be graded on: completion of TOC, correct order of assignments and completion of assignments/notes.
  • Non-updated TOC = -5 points, missing assignments/notes = -4 points (each page), incomplete assignments/notes = -2 points (each assignment).
    • NOTE: Being out is no excuse not to get your missing notes filled in. (Ask a classmate for their notes at the start of class and fill them in during the warm-up).
  • Every 3 weeks (on Fridays), I will take up composition books for a grade.
    • Tentative Dates: Sept 20th, Oct 11th, Nov 1st, Nov 22nd, Dec 13th, Mon (Jan 6th)

Student Responsibilities:

  • Do your best on all assignments and turn them in on time.
  • Be a team player, participate in all class activities and discussions.
  • Do not be afraid to ask questions.
  • Be respectful, remain on task and do not have side conversations during instructional time.
  • Maintain organization of work and remember important dates for quizzes, tests etc…

Tutoring:

DO NOT wait until right before a test or quiz to see me for additional help, if you do not understand something. BE PROACTIVE!

I am available: Monday & Wednesday- 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm

Course Summary:

Date Details Due