Dear parents and precious students,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Biology class. I am looking forward to an enjoyable and most fruitful year in the study of living beings. I don’t know about you but I do believe that Biology is one of the most interesting sciences. Phyllis Wise once said, “If you don't have fundamental biology, all the branches are going to whither”. I am hoping to establish good relationships with my students and by doing so, help them become not only critical thinkers but also changers of our world.
Class Rules, Behavior and Expectations
In addition to the student handbook’s general rules, I will expect the following from students in my classroom:
- There will be no eating or drinking in the room
- Cell phones are not allowed in the room.
- When the second bell rings before you reach your seat, it will be considered as unexcused tardy.
- Students are free to do anything that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone else (including the teacher)
- If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
- If you can’t solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something
- What I will do will depend on special person, and the special situation
- Always, raise your hand to ask a question
- The consequences will depend on the choices the student will have made: I happen to believe that there are no bad students, but good students who made bad choices. It is students’ privilege and responsibility to make good choices.
- It is my goal to treat my students with respect so they will know how to treat me and others.
- Since we will support the rules and guidelines as given in the school handbook and the State Education Code, I would encourage all my students to read and regularly review the Student /parent hand book
Assessment and Grading
Homeworks, Class preparedness, mini-quizzes and labs shall be assigned one weight. Remember, items must be brought to class and available when the bell rings –homework, book, pencil and other needed materials. Again, if work is incomplete or items missing, points will be taken off from the preparedness grade.
- Pop quizzes: There will be some pop quizzes!!!!!!!!! Please study accordingly
- Students are expected to review the previous material everyday!
- Tests - will be valued at 3 weights
- Students are expected to be able to read and summarize the assigned text from the text book or magazine
- Students are expected to take notes from Video
- Projects - as assigned
- Class participation has great potentials to boost your grades
- Cumulative final – usually 6 weights.
- A project may be given in lieu of a final written exam. In that case, it will be presented by students in class and will have the same weights as the final exam
- Students will be told their current cumulative grades generally at the end of every chapter. Please communicate with your child regarding their progress.
- I am typically available during office hours ! Please encourage your child to get help as soon as possible if needed! Parents may contact me by e-mail at faustinu@villagechristian.org or at the High School office; 818-768-5540. Extension 531
The overall grade will break down as follow:
- 100%-90% = A
- 89%-80% = B
- 79%-70% = C
- 69%-60%= D
- 59%-0% = F
Class Preparedness Students are required to have to following material
- One 3 Ring Binder (1 inch) with Dividers
- Color pencils : Very needed since there will be many drawings to be done
- A pencil with an eraser
Note: Text must be covered and kept in good condition at all times. Books are assessed at the end of the year. .
Special Lab Safety Rules
- No goofing around in the lab
- Report any accident or injury, no matter how minor, to the instructor immediately
- Avoid interference in the experiments of other lab groups. This includes any unwanted or unasked for “help.: Keep your hands on yourself
- Carefully read ALL the directions for the experiment before starting to do anything. NEVER conduct any unauthorized experiments on your own
- Think ahead. Be aware of what is going on around you in lab. Listen to what the instructor says when he addresses the class during lab.
Biology Content
Text : Mc Dougal, L.; & Nowiscki , S. (2008), Biology.
1. Introducing Biology
2. Cells
3. Genetics
4. Evolution
5. Ecology
6. Classification and Diversity
7. Plants
8. Animals
9. Human Biology
Please send me an e-mail to acknowledge that you and your child have been informed about the class rules and procedures. Please indicate your child's name in your e-mail.