Folsom-Cordova Unified School District
Folsom High School 2017-2018
Course Expectations
COURSE: Biology
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Monica Chalmers
PHONE: 916-294-2400 ext. 415232
E-MAIL:
Course Description: Biology is a laboratory science course covering topics in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, global environmental issues, and physiology. Modern advances in cellular biology and biochemistry form the basis for an inquiry into life offered by this course. Students should take from this course an appreciation for all living things and an enhanced ability to evaluate information and form logical conclusions, and greater understanding of global environmental issues and the impact they make individually to those issues. This course meets the university laboratory science entrance requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Folsom High School is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals. Activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability or any other unlawful consideration.
School Rules/Classroom Rules and Conduct:
Campus rules and policies in the PAWS Port will be adhered to in this classroom; see appropriate pages for a detailed list. Remember that no food or drink (other than water) will be allowed; all electronic devices and accessories must be turned off and placed out of sight during class; all staff will be enforcing the school dress code throughout the entire school day. Hats may be worn in class. Eyes and ears must be visible; no hoods or sunglasses.
❖ Be Prompt: Be in your assigned seat and working before the bell rings
❖ Be Prepared: Clear desk of all materials not pertaining to the task at hand; have needed materials ready before bell.
❖ Be Productive: Participate in class work, activities and simulations.
❖ Be Positive: Avoid behavior that disrupts the learning process.
❖ Be Polite: Treat all students and the instructor with kindness.
Also, I expect everyone to follow the 4 R’s for appropriate communication in the classroom:
Respectful, Relevant, Reasonable, & Responsible
Failure to abide by these expectations will result in detentions, parent contacts, class suspensions and administrative referrals.
Electronic Devices:
In the classroom, all devices must be turned off/silenced and carried in a non-visible manner. If the device is visible and/or in use during this time period without my permission, the following will occur:
1st Offense: Warning: confiscation of the device by teacher; student picks up at end of period
2nd Offense: 15 minute detention; confiscation of device by teacher, to be picked up in the VP office after school.
3rd Offense: 30 minute detention; confiscation of device by teacher; to be picked up in the VP office after school.
4th Offense: Addressed by administration
Electronic devices out during testing will result in a zero on the test and a class suspension.
Dress Code
Students will follow established school rules. Violators will be sent to the office to determine if the attire does not meet the appropriate standards for an educational environment. Eyes and ears must be visible; no hoods.
Attendance/Tardies
Since this is a hands-on class, it is especially important that students are in class on time, ready to work each day. The seven-minute passing period is sufficient to take care of most personal needs. Please refer to your student handbook (p. 22) for school-wide policies regarding attendance and tardies (excused or unexcused).
Tardy = not in your assigned seat when the bell rings and materials ready to prepare for daily activity
1st and 2nd = warning
3rd = 30 minute AFTER SCHOOL detention
4th = 50 minute AFTER SCHOOL detention and parent contact
5th = 50 minute AFTER SCHOOL detention and parent contact
6th = Addressed by administration; Saturday School assigned.
7th = Addressed by administration; Saturday School assigned.
Failure to serve detention will result in class suspension.
Citizenship Evaluation
The citizenship grade shall be measured by the student’s ability and willingness to respect and follow the policies of the classroom and those outlined in the student handbook. These policies establish standards conducive to an orderly and productive classroom environment. The following will be considered when determining the citizenship grade: attendance and class participation, following directions, obeying rules, attitude, preparation, as well as respect for others.
The following citizenship grades will be part of the academic grading report:
O=Attitude, behavior and participation exceed the expected level for the class; exceptional attendance; no tardies; very few absences
S=Attitude and behavior maintains expected classroom environment; good attendance; participation at expected level; less than 3 tardies per semester; (most students will fall under this category of citizenship)
N=Attitude and behavior often diminishes level of the class; inconsistent attendance; 4 tardies per semester; participation below expected level; does not use class time wisely; one class suspension
U=Attitude and behavior reflect disregard and disrespect for others and creates an unsafe (mentally and/or physically) environment; very poor attendance; 5 or more tardies per semester; does not use class time wisely; often disruptive; two or more class suspensions
Students who display any kind of unsafe behavior, especially during labs, will receive a class suspension and may possibly be excluded from any future lab activity.
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism
In order to encourage students to follow our Academic Honesty Policy (please refer to the PAWS Port), Folsom High School is implementing Turnitin.com, an originality-checking software program.
All grade levels (9-12) across the disciplines will have access to use Turnitin.com as an educational tool to help support academic accountability. For further information related to our Academic Honesty Policy, please review the PAWS Port.
Cheating includes but is not limited to the following: copying another student’s test or assignment answers, printing
and/or photocopying another student’s work, and copying materials from media sources (plagiarism) without proper
documentation. The providers of copied work and the receivers will both earn a zero on the assignment, and a
deduction in citizenship. A second offense will be dealt with by administrative intervention and a zero on the
assignment. Having a cell phone or other electronic device out during testing will result in a zero on the test and a class suspension.
Method of Academic Evaluation
This grading scale will be used in biology class:
99% = A+ 88% = B+ 78% = C+ 68% = D+ Below 59.9% = F
93% = A 83% = B 73% = C 63% = D
90% = A- 80% = B- 70% = C- 60% = D-
● Grades will be weighted as follows: 50% tests and quizzes (summative), 30% classwork (formative), and 20% final exam.
● NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE OFFERED.
● Grade checks can be obtained every Friday if you provide a form to be filled out at the beginning of the period. Please have your name and schedule filled out.
● NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Only prior approved notification of extensions beyond due date will be accepted.
● Not all assignments will be calculated into a student’s grade or appear in PowerSchool.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework will consist of reading assignments, lab preparations and write-ups, written assignments and special projects. All homework must be completed by the due date to receive full credit.
Tests
Quizzes or other assessments of progress will be administered during a unit of study. A major test will be given at the end of each unit and/or chapter. A comprehensive final exam will be administered at the end of each semester.
Make-ups
Students that have missed assignments due to excused absences must check my website as well as the make-up assignment box upon their return. Make-up assignments must be turned in no later than one week after returning from the absence. Some make-up work (such as labs) must be completed at PAWS. Test and quiz make ups must be completed within one week of date originally administered. Unexcused absences are not eligible for make-up work.
Materials needed
We recognize that many families wish to provide supplies for their own student or donate materials to the school and are welcome to do so at any time. The supplies listed are suggested materials and are not required of any student or family to fully participate in the school’s academic program. All required materials and supplies will be provided by schools to students at no cost.
Students are to have in their possession every day that this class meets: their PAWS-PORT, a pencil, a metric ruler, colored pencils, and a binder with plenty of ruled paper (minimum of 1 inch thick; it may be shared with other classes). All daily agendas, class notes, completed assignments, homework, reports, tests, and hand-outs must be kept in this binder. Please see me if you need any supplies.
Donations
State law does not allow school districts to charge fees to students for educational activities; many of our programs rely on financial contributions from participating families. Please know that a donation is not required to participate, and families that choose to contribute may do so at any amount. A suggested donation can help sustain school wide programs.
Textbooks & class materials
All students will be issued a textbook for at-home use. Students will be held financially responsible should the textbook be damaged or lost. Replacement cost for this textbook is $96.00. This class will involve lab activities using materials that will enhance the student's learning experience. Many of these materials are expensive and/or difficult to replace. Additionally, some of these materials may present a hazard to the student or others if misused. Students who intentionally abuse any classroom materials, equipment, furnishings or personal belongings of others will be responsible for the replacement or repair costs should their abuse cause damage, and may face additional disciplinary action depending upon the severity of the abuse.
Communication
Maintaining clear lines of communication between teachers, students and parents is a vital part of effective learning. Should a student or parent/guardian have any questions or concerns regarding class policies, expectations, subject matter and/or student performance, please do not hesitate to contact me (email is best). Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome to arrange private meetings at school at any time that is mutually convenient. Parent/guardian meetings are best made by appointment. I may be contacted by phone at (916) 294-2400 x 415232 or by email at . The Power School Parent Portal is a wonderful resource for finding classroom information, including grades, attendance, upcoming test dates and important news.
Laboratory Safety Procedures
In Biology, you will frequently perform laboratory activities. While no human activity is completely risk free, if you use common sense and a bit of chemical sense, you will encounter no problems. The following are laboratory safety procedures that are essential to this class. They are to be followed at all times, with no exceptions. Violations of these may result in detention, loss of lab privileges, class suspension, and/or school suspension.
General:
1. Horseplay or practical jokes of any kind will not be tolerated.
2. Perform laboratory work only when a teacher is present. Unauthorized or unsupervised laboratory experimenting is not allowed.
3. Experiments should never be assumed to be free of safety hazards just because they are printed.
4. Good housekeeping is essential in maintaining safe lab conditions.
5. Avoid unnecessary movement and talk in the laboratory.
6. Notify the teacher IMMEDIATELY if any accident should occur.
Equipment, Chemicals & Environment:
1. Clear your lab table of all unnecessary materials such as books, backpacks, and clothing before starting your work.
2. Never use mouth suction in filling pipettes with chemical reagents (use a suction bulb).
3. Never force glass tubing into rubber stoppers.
4. Use heat safety items such as safety tongs, gloves, etc.
5. All work surfaces in the lab should be thoroughly cleaned after each use, as should all lab equipment.
6. Fume hoods should be used in activities involving flammable or toxic fumes.
7. Check chemical labels twice to make sure you have the correct substance. Some chemical formulas and names may differ by only a letter or a number.
8. Do not return excess material to its original container unless authorized by your teacher.
9. Broken or chipped glassware should not be used. Notify the teacher.
10. When heating materials by means of a flame, glassware should be protected from direct flame contact through the use of wire gauze.
11. When discarding used chemicals, carefully follow the instructions provided.
12. Return equipment, chemicals, and goggles to their designated locations.
13. Before leaving the lab, ensure that gas lines and water faucets are shut off.
14. All students should know the location of fire extinguishers, eyewash fountains, and first-aid kits.
15. Never allow the open end of a test tube to be pointed toward anyone.
16. Broken glass and other waste materials in the sink should be promptly removed as it presents a serious hazard.
Personal:
1. Student’s attitude toward safety is imperative. Students should not fear doing experiments, but should respect them for potential hazards.
2. Always read and think about each laboratory assignment before starting.
3. Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear closed-toed shoes to lab, no sandals.
4. All persons engaged in or observing science activities involving potential hazards to the eye must wear proper eye protection devices.
5. Never eat or drink in the lab or from lab equipment.
6. Exercise great care in noting odors or fumes; use a waving of the hand motion.
7. If in doubt, ASK!!
Classroom Rules and Procedures for A Successful Term
Mrs. Chalmers
Biological Science
Folsom High School
Classroom Rules:
Safe and respectful behavior that allows all students the opportunity to learn is expected.
1. Follow directions the first time they are given
2. Be in your assigned seat with all the appropriate materials and be ready to work when the bell rings
3. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings
4. Stay in your assigned seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
5. Follow all class procedures and Folsom High School behavior standards
What the student chooses to accept if a rule is broken – Consequences
1. A warning will be given
2. A second warning will be given and the student will be the last to leave class
3. Student will be given a class suspension/detention with communication home
**Severe Disruptions: Student sent immediately to the office**
Classroom Procedures:
Procedures are a part of life. We follow procedures for using a telephone book, boarding an airplane, approaching a traffic light, and waiting in lines. The reason we have procedures in life is so that people can function in an acceptable and organized manner. There are also procedures in this classroom. These procedures will establish our classroom culture