Course Syllabus

Biology 2018/19                                      

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian,

Hello! I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Biology! The Biology curriculum focuses on the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence of organisms, energy and organization in living systems, and the adaptive responses and classification of organisms.  Class instruction correlates with the Essential Standards of North Carolina for biology.   Please sign and return the attached sheet indicating that you have viewed this syllabus and return it to me.  It is imperative that I have your correct contact information, so that I can be in contact with you throughout the year. If you have an email address, please include it in the box. Email will be the easiest and quickest way for you to contact me and result in the promptest response.  I will respond back to your concerns within 48 hours of your email.  Thank you so much for your cooperation and support, I am looking forward to a great year.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Siegerman

                                                                                                            

Contact Information: 

Dr. Lisa Siegerman: Lsiegerman@wcpss.net

Room 101

 

Office/Tutoring Hours: by appointment.   Sign up on the back of the classroom door. 

Tuesday and Wednesdays 7 AM and 2:30-3:30. You MUST sign up before you come. 

 

Websites:  Announcements, assignments, dates, and lecture slides will be posted on the class website.  Please refer to the website prior to each class.  The class website is:  CANVAS

 

Remind: I will be using remind 101 this year to help students stay on track.  See the instructions below on how to sign up to get my messages.

To receive messages via text: Text the number 81010: In your message text @siegbio

 

Material List Required for all students!

1 composition book                             pens/pencils                        highlighters

Folder to hold class handouts             scotch tape                         Dry erase markers

 

Classroom Rules:

• Be respectful
• Be on time
• Be prepared to work
• Stay on Task
• Per Federal OSHA regulations: NO EATING OR DRINKING IN CLASS!!!!!!

 

Cell phones in the classroom:  Upon entrance into the classroom all students will be required to store their cell phones in their assigned slots every class day.  No earbuds showing.

 

Hall/Restroom Passes:

The MHS hall pass system will be followed as well as the 10/10 rule.

 

Grading Policy:  Tests and quizzes are used to determine if you have a true understanding of specific objectives.  Homework may not be assigned each night, but students are expected to spend at least 30 minutes per night reading over lecture notes, learning new terminology, studying diagrams, etc.  

Minor:  (Quizzes, Labs, Classwork): 30%

Major:  (Tests, Projects)  70%

Final Grade Calculations:

                        1st semester = 40%

                        2nd semester = 40%

                        EOC = 20%

Late Work Policy: Late work needs to be turned in by the date of the unit assessment. Classwork is NOT subject to the late work policy.

 

END OF COURSE EXAM (EOC): At the end of this course you will be required to take an “end of course” exam that is mandated by the state.  This test is worth 20% of your course grade.  Thus, it is very important to do well on this test.  The easiest way to do well on this test is for you to keep up with your assignments and study throughout the year.

 

Retest Policy:  Optional quarter tests will be available to replace lower test grades taken within that quarter.  The retest grade will replace the tests from that quarter.

           

Absence/Make-Up work:

It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work in compliance with the WCPSS handbook. Look for the absence notebook to find your name and guidance.

 

Millbrook Science Department requires all students enrolled in a science course to pay a $5.00 lab fee.  This fee will be used to purchase materials and supplies needed to engage students in inquiry-based learning such as chemicals, gloves, live materials, and dissecting specimen.  Please pay this fee on OSP no later than Sept. 30th so that we can place orders for supplies as soon as possible.  Dissection is one of many instructional methods that may be used in laboratory science courses.  Students/parents/guardians may request alternatives to dissection from the teacher. Alternatives may include such materials as videos of dissections, virtual dissection simulations, models, charts, and diagrams to complete for full credit in lieu of participating in the classroom dissection activity.

 

Teacher Wish List: Rolls of paper towel, tissues, hand sanitizer, scotch tape, colored pencils

 

Please complete the following information and read over the safety contract and return by September 7, 2018.

 

 

Parent Contact Information

Student Name: ___________________________________________-

 

Biology Class Period: 3A, 4A,

 

Parent or Guardian Name(s): __________________________________________________________

 

Parent (s) email: _________________________________________________________________________

           

_________________________________________________________________________

 

Parent (s) Phone #: _______________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Any medical conditions which I should be made aware of? _________________________________

 

 

Does your child have internet access at home?  Yes or No

 

I have read and understand all of the information provided by the course syllabus. 

 

 

Student Signature: _____________________________________

 

 

Parent Signature: ______________________________________