Mrs. Planellas’ Introduction to Veterinary Medicine class
Room 211
Welcome to an exciting semester of Introduction to Veterinary Medicine.
Personal Philosophy:I think that science is best understood when students can touch it, feel it and try it. In that light I will pursue a lot of hands on activities. The hand in hand aspect of this will be a lot of writing so that we can elaborate on what we have learned. I hope that all of us will grow together as we learn about science and concentrate on learning skills which will make us life long learners. Respect for ourselves and each other’s right to learn is the quality I value most.
Course Outline
This semester long course will explore the careers in Veterinary medicine, the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, how to conduct a medical history exam, the characteristics of a healthy animal, common diseases, diagnosis and treatment of those diseases, how to conduct blood work, urine and fecal analysis, identification of bacteria and a culminating project creating a pet fair for the elementary students. For the most part we will focus on dogs and cats since these are “accessible” but I will encourage students interested in larger animals such as horses and cows to extend their learning into those areas.
Homework
I am not a great believer in large homework assignments. Occasionally I will assign short homework assignments to support the work we are doing in class. I have serious expectations about this and will encourage everyone to do their homework and come to class prepared to work.
Textbook
I will not be checking out a textbook to students. In line with hands on learning we will be using many modern sources. We are fortunate enough to have 25 computers in the classroom so there will be lots of researching and reading in this class.
Materials
Each student will need a 1” binder with 8 dividers that will usually remain in the classroom. Students will bring the binder home when preparing for labs and are welcome to bring it home to show family their progress in the course. In addition each student will need a stuffed animal approximately 12” with definite arms and legs. I will show students an example. Other than that students should come prepared with a pencil and/or pen. You may also find a highlighter helpful.
Absence:
Absence is difficult to “make up” in a class that is largely experiential. I encourage all students to avoid missing class. Students are responsible to make up work in a timely fashion. I do not believe that it is appropriate for them to try to make up that work during a subsequent class. They may ask other students to help them but if assistance is required of me I request that they make a lunch or after school appointment so that I can provide them with the attention that they deserve rather than trying to “squeeze” an hour lesson into a five minute explanation. Labs that are missed will not be recreated. I will provide students with a make up assignment so that they do not lose credit but unfortunately on tests “lab based questions” will be asked and most probably students will miss those points. Again I want to stress that attendance is very important in order to be successful in my class.
Students who miss a test will be given one week from the time the test was given to make up that test. Students who miss a turn in deadline due to absence will be given an extra day. (This policy will be adjusted depending on the length of the absence.
Grading
I am very interested in teaching each student to their maximum potential. In this regard, I believe strongly that each student must be responsible for turning in their work on time. They will learn, and I will learn, from reviewing their efforts. For this reason, I have a very strict policy regarding assignments. Assignments will lose a whole letter grade for each late day. Beyond the third day assignments will be evaluated for student benefit but receive no credit. Students who are absent will be provided with additional days to complete assignments but are responsible for determining what work was covered during their absence.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
A: 93-100%, A-: 90-92%, B+: 87-89%, B: 83-86%, B-: 80-82%, C+: 77-79%, C: 73-76%, C- 70-72, D 60-69, F-Below 60%
Grade distribution: Daily work: 10%
Labs, Assignments, Projects, Quizzes: 40%
Tests and Quizzes: 50%
Test Policy
My course is “standards based”. Tests are a reflection of students meeting those standards. Therefore I require that all students who “fail” tests MUSTretake them in order to pass my course. This is not meant as a punitive measure. I want students to maximize their potential. I have found that failed tests substantially lower their overall grade. Retaking provides an opportunity to not only improve their grade but sets up the building blocks for subsequent material. Students will be given one week from the time tests are given back to retake their test.
Retake opportunities
Retakes will be offered after school, before school, during core and during 1st lunch. All students may retake all tests. Ultimately I want everyone to strive for excellence and improve their grades as much as possible.
Cell phone policy-I am very strict with regard to inappropriate cell phone use in my class. I will post a sign in my class specifically asking that cell phones not be “visible” at any time unless specifically required for instructional purposes. This will serve as “first warning” to all students. A second offense will result in a 15 minute detention per our discipline matrix.
School Website
Parents may also gain access to their student’s progress through Skyward family access. This computer service can be accessed via any terminal including those at any public library. I would encourage everyone visit the Orting School district website: The link can be found under the Family tab.
You will also find my teacher website here. This is a great place to access all assignments and view our daily assignment calendar.
And finallyThe nature of this course requires active daily participation. A large portion of the grade will be given to daily work and assignmentsso it is important to come each day prepared to be involved. I also believe that students should be given the opportunity to redo assignments. Daily assignments may be redone for full credit. Students will have one week from the time the assignment is returned to resubmit their work. All students will be afforded the chance to improve their grade and I hope will take advantage of this so as to gain the most from their science experience. All tests may be retaken no matter what the original score. I want to encourage ANY student to improve their grade no matter where they fall the first time. I believe that it is about the learning and only by correcting errors can students truly meet the learning targets of this course.
Mostly I reward effort. Doing the assignments and learning how to correct errors is more important to me than perfection the first time around. Please come to me whenever you are experiencing difficulties. I am available everyday before class from 7:20 until 7:45, and after school until 2:45.
Again let me say that I am looking forward to working with all of my new students. I invite parents to call me anytime with questions or concerns. The best time to reach me is during my plan period between 9:50 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. or from 2:15-2:45 daily at(360) 893-2246 ext 463. My email address is:
Sincerely, Mrs. Planellas
Mrs. Planellas’ Introduction to Veterinary Medicine class
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