Course Syllabus
Biology 2019/20
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 most prompt 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 6:45-7:20 and Wednesdays 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. 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.
Text the number 81010
For A day: In your message text @sieg9bioa (For A day)
For B day: In your message text @sieg9biob (For B day)
Material List Required for all students!
2 composition books pens/pencils highlighters
Note cards scotch tape dry erase markers
Classroom Rules:
- You may not interfere with the learning of others.
- Be respectful to everyone.
- 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.
Hall/Restroom Passes:
All students get 2 passes per quarter so use them wisely please.
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%
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 lower test grades from that quarter only. Retest will be offered after school the week prior to the quarter ending. Students must make arrangements for transportation.
Absence/Make-Up work:
It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work in compliance with the WCPSS handbook. No late work will be accepted after the test for that unit. It is the student's responsibility to talk with the teacher to gather missed assignments. All work completed during class is due that day and will not be taken late.
Alternatives to Dissection
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, gloves, poster board, printer paper, dry erase markers, zip-lock bags
Please complete the following information and read over the safety contract and return by September 6, 2019.
Parent Contact Information for Dr. Siegerman
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Circle your Class Period: 1A. 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B
Parent or Guardian Name(s): ______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent (s) email: _____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent (s) Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Any medical conditions which I should be made aware of? _______________________________
Please explain if needed::
Does your child have internet access at home? Yes or No
Does your child have any of the following: IEP, 504, LEP, other?
I have read and understand all of the information provided by the course syllabus.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________________________________________________
*** Earn Extra Credit: Parents! You can earn extra credit for your child. Just send me an email with your child’s full name and period in the subject area. Include any concerns you may have for your child this semester. Thanks! Lsiegerman@wcpss.net
Course Summary:
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