Biology Course Outline 2007-2008
Ms. Soucy, Kenwood High School Voicemail: 410-887-0153 ext. 499 Email: lsoucy@bcps.org
The goal of this course is to provide a well- rounded introduction to the science of biology. Please note that all information in this document is tentative and may change during the course of the school year if necessary. Required Materials: binder with 4 sections (learning logs, class-work, home assignments, and HSA), blue or black pens, and pencils Optional Materials: ruler, glue stick, calculator, hole puncher, stapler, colored pencils Grading Policy: Classwork………………………..50%
Classwork Activities (Labs., Participation, Etc.) 20% Learning Logs/Progress Sheets 15% Quizzes 15%
Grade Scale: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 E = 0- 59
Assessments, Short Cycles……...40% Homework…………………….....10% TOTAL ………………………….100% Rewards: We will follow all Kenwood High School PBIS expectations. You will be rewarded (Blue Bucks) for behaving appropriately and going above and beyond regular expectations. Others rewards may be given such as: praise, candy (please list any allergies on information sheet), good note home, and/or homework pass. I would like everyone to succeed. Academic involvement and appropriate behavior will help us accomplish this goal. Absences: It is your responsibility to obtain make up work without disturbing the class. Check the make up work folder when you return to class. Remember, Baltimore County policy states that you WILL fail for the quarter if you have: 5 unexcused absences in a quarter 9 total absences in a quarter IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT ABOUT MISSED WORK, NOT THE TEACHER’S!!!!!!!
. Make up work may be found in your class period folder on the bulletin board. Please read the assignment and then ask at the end of class if you still have questions. Due dates will be discussed on a case basis. All missed worked must be made up by interim or it will be marked as a zero
Cheating and Plagiarism: Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero for that assignment. The work that you turn in should never resemble any other student’s work word for word. A parent contact will be made in such a case.
Late Work: (unexcused late work) It is expected that all work be turned in on time! 1 day late = half credit will be given on the assignment 2 days late = no credit Half credit is much better than a zero and handing in work can make a difference. Grade Reports: Students will periodically receive a grade sheet that will show your current grade in the class. The purpose of this is to give you a chance to reflect on your grade and work toward improvement. The goal is for you to become an INDEPENDENT LEARNER by taking ownership of your performance in class. If you wish to receive a grade sheet or to discuss your grade, you may see me at anytime or set up an appointment. My Schedule: Most days, I will be remaining after school for at least one hour. Please make an appointment to meet with me if necessary. I will make arrangements based on the needs of the students/parents if possible.
Biology Course Outline 2007-2008 Ms. Soucy
What I will expect from you…
Follow Kenwood High School PBIS rules at all times. RESPECT each other, your teacher, and the school at all times by: being in your seat and working when the bell rings; speaking only after raising your hand and being recognized; remaining in your seat unless given permission to get up; remaining in your seat until I dismiss the class (the bell does not dismiss the class). Bring required materials to class everyday. Turn in all work complete and on time. Try your best everyday and you will be SUCCESSFUL in this class.
What you can expect from me…
RESPECT Fun and interesting science activities Fairness and Consistency I am here to help you. Please request an appointment if you would like to discuss something.
Biology 2007-2008
Ms. Soucy Kenwood High School Voicemail: 410-887-0153 ext. 499 Email: lsoucy@bcps.org
Dear Parents, Welcome back! My name is Ms. Soucy and I will be your student’s biology teacher. I am looking forward to this year and to having your student in my class. This letter is to inform you about the scope of the class, the Biology HSA (high school assessment), and to let you know a little bit about myself. My goal is that we can all work together to promote a positive learning experience for everyone and have a very successful 2007-2008 school year. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in the Analytical Chemistry department for a biopharmaceutical company where I analyzed and tested biopharmaceutical medications prior to their placement for commercial sale. I taught and trained many professional analysts while there. I am excited to be at Kenwood High School this year and to share my knowledge in the sciences as well as my professional experiences. Biology is the study of living things. It is important because it affects our daily life, is constantly represented in the news, and it is a graduation requirement. To earn graduation credit for Biology, students are expected to come to class promptly everyday, complete and turn in all assignments on time, participate in class, and have a positive attitude. In addition, all students are required to pass the Biology HSA in order to graduate. This year we will be discussing five topics: Biochemistry, Cellular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology. These topics will prepare students for the HSA and will provide a well-rounded introduction to the science of biology. All classroom expectations (stated in this outline) will be reviewed and all students are expected to follow these rules as well as all Kenwood High School rules. My goal is that together we all can cooperatively emphasize a fun and successful learning experience. Throughout the course of the school year their may be suggestions to encourage or help your student succeed in the course and/or on the HSA. Should I need to contact you, please provide me with your current phone number(s), home address, and email address. Thank you! September 6, 2007 is Back to School Night starting at 6:30pm. I would be glad to meet you so please try to schedule a few minutes of your evening to visit the school with your child. I look forward to the coming year with your student. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,
Leah J. Soucy Biology Instructor Please complete this lower portion to indicate that you and your child have read and understand this letter and the attached course outline. Your child will receive homework credit for returning this completed. Parent Printed Name:_____________________________ Parent Signature:_______________________________ Home Address:_______________________________________________________ Zip Code:_______________ Home Phone:__________________ Daytime Phone:___________________ Cell Phone:_____________________ Parent Email:___________________________________ *Please provide a regularly checked Email if possible. Student Printed Name: ___________________________ Student Signature: ____________________________ Date:________________ Best Way/ Time to Contact:_______________________________________________
** Please provide any additional information that Ms. Soucy should know about your student below or on the reverse side of this sheet. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________