2015-2016High School Biology Syllabus

Teacher:Mrs. HussainEmail: Class Website: focus.newdesignscharter.com Grades: 9

Main School Phone: (213) 765-9084 EXT: 107 Classroom100

School: New Designs Charter School – 2303 S Figueroa Way, Los Angeles, CA 90007

I am always happy to hear from parents. The fastest way to contact me is email, otherwise

youcan call the school and schedule a conference.

Course Description: Textbook: Glencoe Biology (2007).

New Designs Charter School Biology Course is alaboratory science class with topics in:

Semester One:

  • Introduction/Scientific Method– Unit 1
  • Structure and Function– Unit 2 and 3
  • Energy and Ecosystems - Unit 4 and Unit 5

Semester Two:

  • Relationships in ecosystems– Unit 6 and Unit 7
  • Genetics-Unit 8
  • Natural Selection– Unit 9

My goal is for every student to succeed. I am available to help students improve their grades and give help on assignments or review assignments.

I provide after school tutoring every Wednesday from 3:45 to 4:30.

After school tutoring is MANDATORYfor students who are failing, have missing assignments, or poor behavior in class.

Required Materials:

Students must bring these materials everyday.

  1. Two pencils
  2. Pen (black or blue ink only). Work will be returned and not graded if another ink color is used.
  3. Ruled- lined paper
  4. Science binder(Portfolios)
  5. Internet access for assignments and focus printouts.
  6. Good attitude with a growing love of science.
  7. Set of colored pencils and/or crayons (optional).

Students should have regular access to the internet to review material posted or linking on the class website.

Grading Policy:

Students are expected to carefully complete assignments. Work without a name will not be graded – No name box is emptied each week. Students must identify the work by writing at the top of the page:first and last name, date, and class period.

Grades are based upon the standard scale: A= 100-90%, B = 89-80%, C = 79-70%, F = 69-0%.

Grade percentages will be based on performance in tests, homework, labs, class work and projects as follows: Standardized Assessments:

  • Tests and Quizzes – 45%
  • Benchmarks-10%
  • Labs, Projects– 10%
  • Extended Learning Academy – Regular Saturday School Attendance -5%
  • Homework, Class Work, Portfolio, Participation – materials ready, on time, volunteering with hand raised –30%

Focus

Students progress and scores can be seen on Focus. It is located at Please let me know if you cannot access the site. Student reports must be printed, signed by parents, and returned to me every month. Reports will count as a quiz grade. It is important that we all track the progress of your child in order to obtain the highest level of excellence.

Attendance

Come to school every day and be on time. If more than a one-day absence is anticipated call the office to request that your assignments are brought to the attendance office for pick up. With up to seven different classes, making up work is difficult. Tardies interrupt the classroom presentation for all students and gravely jeopardize the learning of the tardy student. When students are tardy they miss out on valuable instruction that is not possible to repeat because class instruction continues. Come to class on time – it’s a job. Class is dismissed by the teacher when everyone is in their seats. No waiting at the door.

TELEPARENT WILL BE USED TO CALL HOME EVERY DAY THAT STUDENTS ARE LATE TO CLASS.

Late/Missed Assignments/Exams

Class policy is no accepted late work (including exams and quizzes) without an excused absence. So don’t be late! Any missed work must be made up within one week of the student’s return. Missed exams or quizzes are administered after school on Wednesdays. Students are responsible to get any missed assignments when they return. If help is needed, this can be arranged but rarely during class because class time is already scheduled with teacher-led learning activities. The only exception to this rule is students can bring up there grade by attending after school tutoring on Wednesdays.

TELEPARENT WILL BE USED TO CALL HOME EVERY DAY THAT STUDENTS DO NOT TURN IN THEIR HOMEWORK AND ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND WEDNESDAY TUTORING.

PLAGIARISM is not tolerated under any circumstances and will result in serious consequences as well as a zero on the assignment.

Classroom Rules, Routines and Policies:

Classroom statement of purpose:

Our classroom will be a positive learning environment that supports academic excellence and respect for others. All students will strive to do their best, both academically and behaviorally, to promote the success of everyone in the classroom.

Rules:

  1. Be respectful to all staff and students
  2. Follow teacher directions first time given
  3. Come to class on time, prepared, with all supplies and assignments.
  4. Sit in your seat and talk only about your work unless you have permission.
  5. Work when you are supposed to.
  6. Follow all school rules (no banned items: No cell phones, food, or distractions.)

Consequences:

  1. Reminder to the whole class
  2. Reminder to individual student
  3. One -on-one conversation with student
  4. Lunch Detention
  5. Contact Parent
  6. Office Referral

Violations will result in warning, lunch detention, parent contact, and if repeated, administrative referral.

CD/mp3 players, cell phones or video games in use or available for use in class shall be confiscatedandavailable for parental pickupafter two weeks. Studentrefusal to cooperate will be considered defiance and more serious consequences will result than would otherwise. Students must have their full attention directed to classroom activities to enhance learning opportunities. Teachers are not responsible if a device is lost or stolen. NO WARNINGS.