Welcome to Mrs. Pedata’s
Biology Honors Class
Instructor- Christa Pedata
Text-Biology, published by Holt McDougal, 2012. The text will be available on line; however, students are encouraged to check out a book to take home.
Materials: 5 subject spiral notebook, Pen/pencil, and highlighters (assorted colors). We are requestinga $5.00 donation to help with costs for labs and activities.
Major Concepts/Content
The purpose of this course is to provide exploratory experiences, laboratory and real-life applications in the biological sciences. Teachers are to prepare students to be successful on the EOC-End of Course Exam in Biology. Please be aware that this exam is worth 30% of the student’s final grade; this means that if your student does not earn at least an 85% in the class, they most likely will NOT pass the class if they do not do well on the EOC. Tutoring will be made available here at Lake Minneola High School weekly. A schedule will be developed and made available to students and parents.
Grading Policy
This course follows the Lake County Public Schools grading policy. Grades are weighted as such:
Tests/Quizzes: 40%
Classwork: 30%
Labs:20%
Reading/Writing Assignments10%
The Grading scale is as follows:
90 - 100 - A
80 - 89 - B
70 - 79 - C
60 - 69 - D
0 - 59 - F
*All assignments not turned in on time will have a 10% reduction in grade. Of course the absentee policy gives students time to make up work as long as the absence isexcused. Parents and students will have access to grades through Skyward and are encouraged to use the program. Parents and students can sign up for Skyward through the Lake Minneola website: http//lake.k12.fl.us.
Cell Phones
Here at LMHS students are allowed to use cell phonesin between classes and at lunch. Cell phones are to be put away once in the classroom. Students who do not abide by this expectation will have it removed and turned over to an administrator.
Labs
We do a large number of experiments in this class. Students need to take these seriously. They are to use all safety precautions, which include wearing goggles, aprons, and gloves at times. We have these items here at the school, but any student that would like to obtain their own, may. Closed-toe shoes are required in the lab. Students will be alerted when appropriate footwear is necessary. The behavior in the classroom must be exceptional at all times. Horse-play of any type will not be tolerated. Students that play around or do not follow given procedures will be removed from the lab. Students do work with partners but every student is expected to turn in his/her own lab report.
Discipline
Students are expected to bring their materials to class every day and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Excessive tardies, inappropriate language & behavior, are not acceptable and will be dealt with as follows: warning, detention and then office referral. Bullying of any kind is punishable by referral and not tolerated by Lake County Public Schools. Positive behavior is appreciated and rewarded.
I have a web page located on Schoology. Please feel free to access it to view assignments and information about Biology. I am looking forward to a productive and educational year.
Thank you,
Christa Pedata
Please cut and return
I have received and read the Syllabus for Biology Honors-Mrs. Pedata.
Class Period______
______
Student Name Student Signature
______
Parent Name Parent Signature