Biology

Classroom Policies & Expectations

Instructors: Ms. Allan & Ms. Bates	Emails: rita_allan@hcpss.org

http:/rallanwebpage.weebly.com/	debbie_bates@hcpss.org

Welcome! This course is intended to give students an introduction to biology. Topics to be explored include cellular structure, energy transfer, protein synthesis, genetics, evolution, classification of living things, and ecology. Let’s have a great year!

Materials for class:

1 ½ inch 3 ring binder with loose leaf paper divided into 4 sections: Drills, Vocabulary, Notes, and Assignments

Black or blue ink pen and pencil

Student agenda book

Grading Policy:*

Tests/quizzes	40%

Laboratory investigations 20%

Classwork	20%

Projects	10%

Homework	10%

* The grade for any assignment turned in a day late due to an unexcused absence will begin at half credit. If a student cuts class they will receive a zero on the homework that is due and any classwork that is assigned. Projects can be turned in late, but there will be a 20% deduction for each day that it is late.

A = 89.5 and higher

B = 79.5 - 89.4

C = 69.5 - 79.4

D = 59.5 – 69.4

E = 59.4 and below

Classroom Expectations:

Howard County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct will be followed.

Students should be in their seats and working on the drill when the 2nd bell rings. Class is dismissed by the instructor, not the bell.

Teachers will determine when and how students will use their electronic devices during class.

Students are NOT permitted to have cell phones or other electronic devices out during in-class assessments unless a teacher has authorized the use for taking the quiz, test, etc. ALL devices should be secured in students' book bags or pockets until the end of the test administration. Failure to properly secure electronic devices during a test or quiz will result in an academic integrity violation. Teachers will collect devices during the administration of the following assessments: midterm exams, final exams, PSAT, HSA, PARCC, and AP exams.

Assignments should be placed in my “In-Box” at the beginning of class on the day it is due or when I ask for it. Graded assignments will be recorded and returned to you. Online grades should be checked on a regular basis.

Plagiarism or cheating in any form (including talking during an assessment, copying assignments, etc.) will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the assignment/assessment with notification of the parents and administration.

Attendance Policy:

Howard High School’s attendance policy will be strictly enforced. If a student is legally absent, they have one day for every day missed to complete the work. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain makeup work.

Howard County Policy for attendance states that if a student is absent 5% of the required class days, that student may be denied credit for the course.

Laboratory Policy:

Lab safety is a priority. Each student must submit a signed Howard County Laboratory Safety Contract and is expected to follow these safety guidelines.

If you are not wearing lab appropriate clothing you will NOT be allowed to participate. Refusal to wear goggles properly will result in removal from the lab. You will have to make an appointment to come in to make up the lab.

Consequences for not following classroom expectation and policies will be handled using the PBIS discipline ladder:

1st offense: Warning and parental contact

2nd offense: Detention and parental contact

3rd offense: Referral with PBIS coordinator

4th offense: Referral with PBIS coordinator

5th offense: Administrative referral

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Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the expectations and policies outlined above and complete the following:

Students:

Review them with your parents/guardians and please sign electronically on my webpage.

Complete the Student Section of the Information Sheet.

Return the completed Student Information Sheet and signed the policy form by the end of the week. This counts as your first homework assignment.

Parents/Guardians:

Review them with your student and please sign electronically on my webpage.

Complete the Parent/Guardian Section of the Information Sheet.

I am looking forward to working with you to make this year a success. If extra help is needed, I am available before and after school by appointment. If you need to contact me, please email or call and I will get back with you as soon as possible. Let’s make this a great year.