Biology- Level

Nicole Zink

Conference period: 4th period, 10:30am – 11:24am, School Phone (281) 356-3572

Tutorials: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:06-9:38 a.m. or any time before school if you set up an appointment with me beforehand.

Dear Students

Welcome to your first year at MHS! I am happy and honored to have you in my class. Biology is a fascinating field and there will not be a day in our lives that biology does not play a role. I love to explore with kids and hope to pass this on to you and I will always give my best to help you.

Expectations

Be prompt – I expect you to be in your seat by the bell, starting your warm-up and ready to learn.

Be prepared - Complete homework & reading assignments on time, study for quizzes and tests, bring the

necessary supplies & composition notebook/journal EVERYDAY.

Be respectful to teachers, classmates, and substitutes.

All school rules apply in the class: NO cell phones, iPods, or electrical devices

Be responsible and demonstrate safe & mature behavior.

Guidelines

Grading Policy

Summative: Major Grades / 51% / Average of exams and projects
Formative: Lab/Quiz Grades / 20% / Average of labs and quizzes
Formative: Daily Grades / 14% / Average of daily grades
District Assessment / 15% / 9 Weeks Assessment

Certain Labs and/or Quizzes may count as a double grade. This will be specified when given.

Progress Reports will be distributed every 3 weeks, and grades can been seen online at all times.

Assignments

My website will be updated throughout the year with assignments and information. If your

assignment is not turned in at the beginning your class period, it will be accepted late for a

maximum grade of a 70 up to the end of that unit. No late work will be excepted once a test is

completed for that unit.

All Major assignments are due on time IN YOUR CLASS PERIOD. If late 1 day, 10 points will be

deducted; 2 days, 20 points deducted; 3 days a maximum of a 70 will be given. NO EXCEPTIONS.

If absent, have family member turn in projects the day of absence since these are assigned well in advance. Otherwise, the project will receive the 10 point penalties.

Make-up Work & Labs
If you have an unplanned absence, you should:

  • Check our Class Absent File Bin. If empty, check with me for assignments/notes
  • Contact a member of the class for any questions pertaining to notes
  • Arrange a tutorial session with teacher as needed
  • Complete/turn in work 1 day for each day absent.
  • Tests are assigned 1-3 weeks ahead. If you are absent the day of the test, you must take the test the day you return. (C’mon guys….you knew about the test and have a WEEK to study!!!)
  • If you are in Tardy Sweep, this is not excused. You must come by and check for work THAT day. Late penalties will apply.
  • If you miss a lab, you will have to complete a report since most labs cannot be set up again.
  • REMEMBER: Assignments due the day you were absent are DUE the day you RETURN to class.

Important note for those of you participating in extra-curricular activities:

If you miss class due to a school-sponsored activity (football, tennis, choir, art, etc.), you are NOT considered absent and cannot use the make-up work policy as an excuse for missed work. You are expected to complete & turn in all missed work BEFORE you miss the class.

Cheating Policy

We will follow the MISD Student Code of Conduct.

Electronic Devices

MISD policy, the Student Handbook, and the Code of Conduct allow students to carry cellular phones or other electronic communication devices during the school day, but they must be turned off and out of sight during instruction. Cellular phones, IPODs, MP3 players, CD players, headphones/earphones, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed to interfere with instruction in any fashion at any time. These devices will be collected if the teacher determines that instruction is being hindered in any way (including repeatedly having to redirect students who have these devices out or in use inside the classroom or other instructional venue). There may be certain lessons where I will allow your student to use their cell phone, if this is the case they will be allowed out for the lesson only.

Responsibility

Parents, since your child is now in high school, let us encourage them to speak up for themselves. Please discuss with your child the importance of talking to me anytime there is a problem before you email or call me. This is a learning process of being your own advocate and helps me to get to know them a little better. Thank you for your support.

Supplies

Individual supplies

Composition book (at least 1 for notes, handouts, etc.)

#2 pencils with erasers

Notebook paper

5 Glue Sticks

Pens

Class supplies which will be used as a class set.

Glue Sticks

Colored Paper

Box of latex, vinyl, or nitrite gloves

1 box sealable freezer bags-quart size

Tissues

Dry-erase marker

2015 - 2016 Nicole Zink