2015-16 Living Environment Course Outline
Ms. Herasimtschuk
Course Code: S441Full Year (1 credit)
Rank Weight 1.00Prerequisite: Completion of Science 8R& Math 8R
Dear Students, Parentsand Guardians,
Please review the contents of my course outline together this week. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me either by phone @ 897-6700 X 30201 or through my John Jay email @ and I will get back to you as soon as possible. My web page may also be accessed from JohnJayHigh School site (go to staff and scroll to my name). I am looking forward to sharing a successful and gratifying year with you as we investigate the wonders of life
Objectives:
We will explore the unity and diversity of life through a variety of learning techniques that will promote interest and provide personal challenge. You will need to think, investigate, apply and collaborate to construct meaningful and accurate knowledge of biological concepts and current issues relevant to our complex and changing world.
Student Evaluation (weighted average):
Unit Exams:30%Announced in advance
Quizzes: 20%Announced and “pop”
Lab Report25% Due within one week (or announced)
Homework:15% Assigned Monday -Thursday
Participation:10% Attendance, Effort, Cooperation
Projects may be assigned periodically and will be weighted according to the difficulty and time devoted to its completion.
Homework and Absentee Policy: * Student’s Responsibility
Students must seek me out on the day they return from an absence to obtain missed workand arrange times to make up labs or take exams.
Homework is always given a specific due date; assignments handed in one day late (without a legal excuse) will be considered for half credit. I will not accept homework later than one day.
For legal absences, other than sickness, all assigned work is due on the day you return to class.
For extended, planned absences you must get all work prior to your absence and return with work completed upon your return to class. Tests missed during your absence must be taken within two days of returning or a zero will be entered in grade book.
For absences due to illness, you will be given one additional dayto complete homework for each day of illness (up to one week).
All labs must be made up within one week of your return at a prearranged time after school. Many lab materials spoil and can not be replaced; students need to be responsible and take initiative to complete lab activities.
If you do not make arrangements to make up labs or homework, you will receive a zero.
Please be advised that if you skip/cut class you will receive a zero for any work due or for any quiz or test given on that day.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Grade:
Test Re-Takes: I often provide opportunities for re-takes (one per quarter) within one week of the original exam. All re-takes are given after school following a brief review of relevant content material.The new test grade will replace the former grade, even if it is a lower score.
Lowest Quiz/Test Grade: For each marking period the lowest quiz or test grade may be dropped before calculating the final grade; a minimum of four quizzes or tests must be given during that quarter to allow for one grade to be dropped.Zeros given for cutting class will not be dropped.
Bonus Points: Bonus points are earned according to consistent effort, cooperation and work excellence demonstrated and will be added onto an existing grade. These points can really add up giving a boostto your final average.
Opportunities for Extra Credit (Bonus quiz or test):
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY
(for more information)
- Attending Friday Evening Seminars (free to the public)
Complete short summary of that evenings lecture
- Saturday morning and afternoon hikes held on Cary grounds
(I attend these hikes and will take attendance)
After school Videos and video work sheet (Lorenzo’s Oil, Inconvenient Truth, March of the Penguins, etc)
Extra Help:
I am available to meet with students after school to make up or complete labs, finish class activities and to review before exams. I generally meet on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:30, butoffer additional days as needed. Students need to arrive promptly and be prepared to work.
Expectations for Class Conduct:
Arrive ON TIME (before the late bell)
Consistently prepared for class (pens, paper, pencils, class work)
Be respectful to all persons and “things”
Remain “On Task”, attentive, and cooperative
No Food or drinks
No Phones/ Head phones
No Hats
No Swearing or Fowl Language
Required Materials:
A 2”, 3-Ring binder
pens, pencils
Small calculator
My Promise to You (my students):
I will strive to provide a constructive and friendly learning environment built on trust and mutual respect and cooperation. I will try to grade all tests, labs, homework and projects promptly and (above all) justly. I am willing to listen to any grievance and consider its merit; please approach me in a respectful manner after class.
Living Environment2014-2015
Ms. Herasimtschuk
I ______have received, reviewed and understand the Living Environment Course Outline provided by Ms. Herasimtschuk and will keep it in my notebook as a reference for this academic year. If I have any problems or concerns I will seek help from Ms. H. and will take responsibility for my education by trying my best, and contributing to a safe and “learner friendly” class environment.
Student Name (Print): ______
Student Signature: ______
Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature(s): ______
______Date: ______