Course Syllabus

Welcome to Mrs. Nichols' Biology at Forest Hills High School!

Email:  christy.nichols@ucps.k12.nc.us 

Class Expectations

  • Be on-time, on-task, and prepared to learn EVERYDAY.

  • Keep all personal electronic devices put away.

  • Be responsible for your own learning.

  • Respect the teacher, the classroom, and other students.

  • Trash goes in the trashcan.

  • No excuses!

Required Materials—What Do I Need to Bring to Class?

  • 3-Ring Binder with plenty of notebook paper.

  • Pencils/Pens

  • 6 Dividers

    • Unit 1: Life and Biochemistry

    • Unit 2: Cells, Transport, and Energy

    • Unit 3: DNA, Protein Synthesis, and Cell Division

    • Unit 4: Genetics and Biotechnology

    • Unit 5: Evolution, Classification, and Adaptations

    • Unit 6: Ecology

  • Recommended: Colored pencils and glue sticks

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Homework:  As you enter the classroom, you will place your homework in the designated box at the front of the classroom.   It is your responsibility to turn in your homework in the designated box in the classroom.  Incomplete assignments and missing work will earn a letter grade deduction if turned in by the first Friday following the original due date.  Although I will accept late work throughout the grading period, expect a 40% point deduction after the initial grace period.  This means that you can only earn a 60 on perfectly completed assignments submitted after the initial grace period.  The 40% point deduction will be waived for all late assignments completed during after school tutoring, within a timely manner.

Incentive Point Cards:  At the end of each grading period, you will receive a point card to be use for various incentives.  You can use these points to purchase several things in my classroom.  You may purchase a one-day assignment deadline extension for one point with a limit of two extensions per six-week grading period.  Use sparingly.  You may also purchase one extra bathroom pass (1 point = front side use only and 2 points = front and back usage) per six-week grading period.

Restroom Visits:  At the start of each 6-week grading period, each student will receive two “Bathroom Passes.”  If you absolutely need to use the pass, it will be signed and dated by your teacher to allow you into the hallway.  You are allowed to use your Bathroom Passes a maximum of TWO times in each 6-week grading period.  Any additional necessary bathroom visits will be granted for medical purposes with a doctor’s note submitted to the school nurse or purchased with incentive points.  THIS IS A SCHOOL-WIDE POLICY.

Absence PolicyIf you are absent, missed assignments can be obtained from the designated class folder upon your return.   As per school policy, missed assignments must be completed within TWO days of your absence.  It is the responsibility of the student to get the notes for the material missed while absent.  Students are expected to make-up any missed tests or quizzes before or after school during tutoring or during Jacket Time.

Music Policy:  You may NOT listen to music during direct instruction or testing.  All headphones, ear buds, Air Pods, or any other listening devices should be removed and put away while I am teaching, you are working in a cooperative learning group, or you are taking a quiz/test.  You may only listen to music (1 ear only) while working independently and it must be kept at a volume to not be heard by others in the class.

Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy:   Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during instructional time or testing.   Devices must not be seen or heard.  Failure to comply with this policy will result in the device being turned in.  You are NOT allowed to charge phones during class time without permission.

Tutoring:   Students may use tutoring to complete labs, to clarify questions and concerns with course content, and to re-take a test on which he/she performed poorly.  Tutoring is available Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-4:30.

Grading Policy:  Final grades for each six-weeks will be determined based on the following percentages:  Test: 45%, Labs and Quizzes: 30 %, Homework and Classwork: 25%

Each six weeks will count as 25% of the final average.  The final exam will also count as 25% of the final average.  The final exam will be a computer-based, mandatory state exam.  No EXEMPTIONS!

Please remember that parents and student may access grades through Parent Portal.  Parents, please the front office for your log-in information.

Cheating:   Cheating will not be tolerated in any shape or form!  Cheating refers to copying another person’s words or work.  This includes tests, homework assignments, projects, lab reports, internet assignments, research, etc.  Cheating will result in an automatic zero and parent contact.

Lab Procedures:  This is a laboratory science classroom.  We will complete lab experiments on a weekly basis.  You are expected to follow all lab safety procedures covered in the lab safety contract.  Failure to follow lab safety guidelines will result in removal from lab, alternative assignment, and possible office discipline referral.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due