General Information
Teacher: Mrs. Brenner
Location: Room 214
Hours: 2nd period, 5th period
Duration: Year Long Course
Course Outline
*Please note that the below dates may change according to student and curriculum needs.
August: Prefixes, Suffixes & Intro to Biology
September: Characteristics of Life & Biochemistry
October: Theory of Evolution
November: Fossil Record, Classification of Life
December: Cell structure and function
Final Exam, Fall Semester
January: Cell Energetics (Photosynthesis, Respiration)
February: Cell Division, Genetics, DNA structure
March: RNA, Proteins, Genetic Engineering
April: Ecosystems, Biomes
May: Population ecology, Resource management
Final Exam, Spring Semester
Necessary Materials
It will be expected that each student has the following materials by the first Monday of Class.
ÿ Binder and tabs to organize classwork and homework / ÿ #2 Pencils (necessary for tests)ÿ Composition Book (Lined or graph paper) / ÿ Pencil Sharpener (for colored pencils)
ÿ Lined Paper
ÿ Calculator
ÿ Flash drive / ÿ Pens
ÿ Markers/Crayons/Colored Pencils (any of the three)
*All Materials, including Binders and Composition Books, will be checked in for Homework credit. These items are due by the first Monday of class.
Classroom Expectations
These expectations are guidelines for Mrs. Brenner’s classroom. These expectations are in addition to the guidelines in the SCCS Student Handbook.
A) Entering:
Students must be inside the door of the classroom when the tardy bell rings in order to be considered “on time.” If students need to retrieve any supplies outside the classroom after the bell rings, it will cost them a tardy.
B) During:
Students are to respect all aspects of learning within the classroom. This includes showing proper respect for God and for others in the classroom.
Students are to be good stewards of classroom materials and equipment.
All cellphones and electronics (iPods, iTouches, mp3’s, laptops, notebooks, etc.) must be TURNED OFF unless Mrs. Brenner gives special permission to use them.
C) Leaving:
Students must remain at their seats until Mrs. Brenner dismisses the class. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT COINCIDE WITH THE SCHOOL BELL.
D) SCCS Student Handbook: All content within the SCCS Parent Handbook will be adhered to within this classroom. Specifically, see pages 11-14 and page 28 in the handbook.
E) Disciple Plan: Handling Misconduct
When a student’s behavior or attitude conflicts with the standards of the school, I will take steps to show the student what changes need to be made and encourage the student to do so. Most student discipline will be handled in class, between the student and me.
If needed, I may use any or all of the following methods in student discipline:
· Meeting with the student regarding the misbehavior, and parents will be notified.
· Submitting a Discipline Report wherein the student will be sent to the office and may be assigned a consequence determined by Mrs. Wyllie and Mr. Kistler.
· Requesting a conference to include the parent, teacher, student and administration.
I will work closely with parents to resolve discipline issues. I will keep parents well-informed about classroom behavior so that they can support my efforts in matters of discipline.
Grading
Participation—[5% of overall grade] In order for students to fully benefit from the classroom experience, it is expected that they will pay attention, both answer and ask questions, engage in activities, complete homework, and collaborate with both their peers and their teacher. .
Class Work—[5% of overall grade] Students are expected to engage in “bell work”, open discussions, note-taking and lectures, demonstrations, peer-collaboration, and labs during the class period. During these activities students may be asked to converse with their peers or teacher, answer questions, take notes, etc. Students may lose points when they do not engage in and complete class work.
Homework—[5% of overall grade] Students will be given tasks to complete at home, in their own time. Students will be graded purely upon completion and genuine effort. Late work is accepted and credited according to the guidelines on page 28 of the SCCS Parent Handbook. Homework will be considered “late” when it is not brought to the necessary class period, ready to be turned in.
Projects—[15% of overall grade] Students will be assigned several projects during each semester. These include both group projects and individual projects. Class time will be given to complete these, but students will also have to work on these projects at home and may need to make time to gather special materials. Students will receive detailed grading rubrics for each project.
Quizzes—[20%] Students will be given daily quizzes on their assigned reading. No re-takes are allowed. If students miss a quiz due to absence, they must make it up at lunch or after school. Students must set up an appointment with Mrs. Brenner to do so.
Tests—[25%] Students will be given a test at the conclusion of every unit. Units typically extend between 10 days to two weeks, but vary depending on the content and student needs. Students will not be allowed to use any notes or additional resources on the tests. Students will NOT be given any chance to re-take the tests. Therefore, students are encouraged to learn from unit quizzes, homework, class work, and additional help in order to successfully prepare.
Final Exam—[25%] At the end of each semester, students will take a final exam cumulative for that semester. Exams will consist of multiple choice questions as well as short essays.
Grading Scale
A’s / B’s / C’s / D’s / FailingA+ 98% and up
A 94 – 97.9%
A- 90.0-93.9% / B+ 87.0-89.9%
B 84.0-86.9%
B- 80.0-83.9% / C+ 77.0-79.9%
C 74.0-76.9%
C- 70.0-73.9% / D+ 67.0-69.9%
D 64.0-66.9%
D- 60.0-63.9% / Below 60%
*Grades will not be curved, amplified, bumped, or adjusted under any circumstances. For instance, if a student receives a 59.9% they will fail the class. If a student receives a 89.9% they will receive a B+ and will not be bumped up to an A-. However, VERY LIMITED extra credit opportunities will be made available each semester.
Tidbits
Hall Passes--- Mrs. Brenner has one hall pass for occasional student use, should students need to use the restroom. Students may not use the passes during the first or last ten minutes of any class period. *If any individual student abuses use of the hall pass, their “hall pass freedom” may be constricted, in order to increase their time within the classroom.
Tardies--- Students will be considered “tardy” when they are not in class when the bell rings. Please see the SCCS Parent Handbook, page 13 for consequences for Tardy Policy violations.
Absences--- When students are absent they are still responsible for understanding any class work completed, and must complete any homework received upon their absence. If a student is absent during a Quiz or Test they must come in during lunch or after school to make it up. (Set appointment with Mrs. Brenner)
IMPORTANT: Students will not receive credit for homework, quizzes or tests if the absence is NOT excused! Please see the SCCS Student Handbook, page 24 and 28 for additional Attendance Policies and make-up work policies.
Electronic devices--- If students are thought to be violating the electronic device policy (see p.2, “B”) (as according to the Student Handbook, page 8) the offending device will be taken by Mrs. Brenner and held until the end of the school day. Students are responsible for picking up the device at the end of the school day. If Mrs. Brenner has left campus for the day, students can pick up the device the following day in class.
This policy applies to cell phones, music storage and playing devices, laptops, and notebooks, as well as any other electronic device.
Food & Beverages--- Because this is a science classroom where chemicals are used and where chemical labs are performed, it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that students do not eat within the classroom. Students may be allowed to drink only water during class, and should not cause any sort of distraction or disruption in doing so.
I Am NOT Office Max--- As stated earlier it will be important for students to bring the necessary materials with them to class, every single day. Spare pencils, pens, and paper will not be supplied for the students. Students know what they need to have in class each day. Please pack it and bring it! J
When You Need Help…
ÿ After School (3pm-4pm, Mondays and Wednesdays)
ÿ Senior High Lunch
ÿ Leave a Note
ÿ Email: or
ÿ RenWeb: I will update grades weekly. Please check regularly for received grades and missing assignments/tests.
*Parents, email is the most efficient and effective way of contact. I am able to respond with up-to-date grades and details best this way.
Classroom Covenant
Please read and sign the attached Classroom Covenant, signifying that you understand and agree to the course policies stated in the syllabus. This will count as your first homework assignment.
****************************************************************************************
SCCS Honors Biology Fall 2011 Mrs. Brenner
CLASSROOM COVENANT
(Students: return this completed sheet for 10 points)
Teacher Portion:
I, Mrs. Brenner, will provide classroom activities, assignments, and lab experiences to properly scaffold your learning in Honors Biology. My grading will be fair and impartial. I will pray for each of my students by name each week. Signed:
Parent and Student Portion:
I have read the SCCS Honors Biology Fall 2011 syllabus. I understand the grading policy and agree to adhere to classroom expectations. If this sheet is never signed and turned in, then I understand that I will not receive the 10 POINTS of credit for its completion.
Parent/Guardian Signature and Student Signature Portion
Student name (print):______
Student Email: ______
Student signature: ______Date:______
Parent/Guardian name (print):______
Parent signature:______Date: ______
Best phone number to contact parent/guardian: ______
Best Parent/guardian email: ______
Please indicate below any student or parental concerns about this course: (Continue on back if you need)
Student Concerns & FYI’s / Parent Concerns & FYI’s1