Mrs. Elena Gaston
Honors Biology 1
Room 209
Course Description
This course is designed for highly motivated students planning to attend college. Course content includes the
molecular basis of biology, the classification system of plants and animals, heredity, natural selection and
ecology. Lab and field activities are extensive. The curriculum is designed for the student who accepts
challenges and strives toward excellence in academics. The End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of a student’s
final grade. It is required for graduation.
Textbook Information/Electronic Device Information
Textbook: Holt McDougal Biology (Nowicki)
Students will be issued a textbook but are not required to bring this textbook to class. The textbook should be
used as supplemental reading at home and to assist with the study guides provided.
Students are required to bring their ELITEPAD/Spare Computer to class each day.
Course Objective
The instruction in Honors Biology 1 will follow stated/written curriculum guidelines. We will use the South
Carolina State Biology standards in this course. This course offers students the opportunity to develop science
process skills, critical thinking skills, as well as an appreciation for the nature of science through inquiry-based
instruction. Investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the high school inquiry standards are central to
effective instruction in this course. Honors Biology 1 classes will include lectures, discussions, cooperative
learning activities, homework, laboratory assignments, demonstrations, lab experiments (virtual and hands-on),
quizzes, and tests.
Grading Scale
The grading scale conforms to guidelines determined by the Kershaw County School District
A=90-100
B= 80-89
C= 70-79
D= 60-69
F= Below 60
Grading Percentages
Major: 50% of grade
Labs with Reports
Unit/Chapter Tests
Major Projects
Minor: 50% of grade
Classwork
Homework
Quizzes
1st Quarter 40%
2nd Quarter 40%
*EOC TEST 20%
*Biology I EOCEP will be administered.
Science Department Retest Policy= (all retest/correction may only change grade up to a 70%)
Students will be allowed to choose to retest/correct 2 tests per nine weeks that scored below 70%. Student will
have one week from receiving the grade to complete the retest/corrections.
Tutoring: I will be available for tutoring during Independent Learning Time (11:25-11:55 AM).
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me through e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 425-8930, ext
3664. Please, leave a message if I am unavailable to take your call. I will return your call as soon as possible. A
conference may be scheduled through guidance as well. For your convenience, conferences may be scheduled
during my planning period (3rd Block, 12:00 – 1:30 PM) or before/after school. Parents will have 24 hr. a day, 7
days a week access to student grades and attendance using the Parent Portal. Parents must obtain a password
from the school office to access the website. The website address is http://ps.kershaw.k12.sc.us/public/.
Email expectations: I will use email as a communication channel not only with parents, but with students as
well. Students should check their school email at least once a day when school is in session.
Materials:
 Pen or pencil
 1 inch binder
 Loose leaf paper or notebook
 Headphones
 Computer mouse
 Highlighter (recommended)
 Colored pencils (recommended)
Expectations:
There are 4 expectations for students in my class:
 Be respectful
 Be on time
 Be prepared
 Be an active learner
Any time a student does not meet the expectations mentioned above, I will fill out a discipline record entry for
that student. Any major offenses, as outlined in the Student Handbook, will result in an immediate office referral.
Rewards: The following will be used as incentives to reward appropriate behavior.
 Positive Parental Contact
 Nomination for Bulldog at Their Best or Student of the Month
Open House will be January 30th at 6:30 PM. I will not be able to have individual
student conferences during that time, but if you have any concerns about your
student’s performance before that date, please contact me or guidance to set up a
conference.
H Biology 1 Syllabus Signature Form
I have read the class syllabus for the Honors Biology 1 course and understand what is expected of me during
the semester. I am also aware of and understand the classroom, school and district policies and will abide by
those rules.
Student’s Printed Name: ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _____________
I have read the class syllabus for the Honors Biology 1 course and understand what is expected of my
child/ward during the semester. We have reviewed the classroom, school and district policies regarding conduct
and consequences.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Printed Name: _____________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________
In the event that there is something concerning my child/ward that needs to be addressed, I can be reached
through the following:
Cell/Home phone number: _________________________________ Best time to call: _______________
Emergency phone number: _____________________________
Home address: _____________________________________________________________________
Email address (if available): __________________________________________________________
Mrs. Gaston’s Photo/Video Consent Form
2016-2017
I understand that pictures and videos will be taken students throughout the semester and that these items could be used
by Mrs. Gaston’s publications, promotional documents, website, media press releases and coverage, or other school
related activities.
Below I am indicating my choice for how these pictures and videos may be used.
____ Allow use of photos and videos without my student’s full name.
____ Allow use of photos and videos with my student’s full name.
____ Do not use of photos or videos of my student.
I understand that I will not receive compensation for the use of any photo/video used. I understand that any pictures or
videos will be the property of Mrs. Gaston and I will not necessarily be notified in advance of any publication, promotional
purposes, website, and media press releases using either a photograph or video.
Student’s Name (Print): __________________________________________
Student’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date:____________________
Print Parent/Guardian Name:____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_____________________
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