Mrs. Amy Jacobs, Lakeland High School Room 218
Honors Biology Syllabus 2015-2016

Course description and expectations:
Students will investigate and understand the basic principles and function of life. Specific content and
processes can be found on the Honors Biology Pacing Guide. This is an Honors course and students are
expected to perform at an Honors level. This is a rigorous course and students are expected to have a
strong work and study ethic, that means turn your work in on time, with accuracy and precision. There
is a strong reading, writing, and research component to this course. We will be following the new 2010
Standards of Learning (SOL’s). The test is very difficult and requires students to think critically and
have strong reading comprehension skills. ALL students enrolled in this class ARE EXPECTED to take
and pass the SOL Exam successfully whether it is needed for graduation requirements or not. I expect
great things from my students and enjoy seeing them grow and improve their scientific and mathematical
skills. I do not expect to see anything less than their BEST.

Grades are based off of the Suffolk Public Schools Grading Policy
 Policy for assignments in this class:
1. All work has a specific due date. It is expected to be turned in on this date. All late work must be turned in
within the school week unless you are absent. Past this week the student will be required to stay for tutoring
if make-up is needed (at teacher’s discretion). Points will be deducted. You may turn in any assignments in
early.
2. If you are absent, and your absence is excused, make-up work will be accepted within five days. It is YOUR
responsibility to check the make-up folder for your class period for assignments or activities missed. Please
make-up tests and quizzes promptly.
3. All assignments MUST include name and period! You can’t get credit for something if your name isn’t on it.

The following items are required for this class:
1. 1.5” Binder (specifically for this class only!)
2. Pencils and Pens (Blue and/or Black Only!)
3. Line Paper (college or wide ruled)
4. One pack of Computer Paper (Projects and Interactive notebooks)
5. Composition notebook-Journaling

Classroom rules:
The rules are simple: be prepared, work hard, listen well, and use common sense.
In addition, please read and familiarize yourself with all the procedures and information on my website:
amyjacobsscienceclass.org, and the 2015-2016 Suffolk Public Schools Honors Biology Pacing Guide.
These materials are essential to the success of the students in this class.

Cell Phone Usage:
Cell phones maybe used in class during specific instructional times. The students will be notified when
these times occur. If the student has their cell phone out or is using their cell phone during noninstructional cell phone times the phone will be confiscated and put in cell phone prison (locked and
secured teacher area and returned at the end of class) or taken down to the main office for the parent to
pick up.
Parents please understand that taking your child’s cell phone away is not a punishment. The cell phone can
be a serious distraction and does cause your child to miss out on important instructional time. The teacher
is also expected to follow these rules as well.

Policy on hall passes:
You get four chances to use the restroom a semester. Please use them wisely.

Tutoring:
Tutoring is offered every Tuesday after school for Biology. If more tutoring is needed there are other options
and an arrangement or appointment can be made between the teacher and the student. Students will
ALWAYS have the help when needed so there is no excuse not to get work completed or understood.

Laboratory Investigations and Inquiries
This is a “hands-on” class. Students are expected to regularly participate in laboratory investigations and
scientific inquiries which require written expression and mathematical skills. Safety of my students is first
and foremost! Educational grade chemicals will be commonly used safely in the laboratory setting. Some
maybe hazardous or volatile if not used safely. Goggles and other safety equipment will be used regularly
by ALL students. Students and parents are expected to sign a Suffolk Public Schools Safety Contract
before any labs can be performed. Without this signed contract students will not be able to perform these
labs and have to make them up when the contract is signed. Failure to comply with any or all safety rules,
will result in SEVERE disciplinary action.

Flipping
Some or most notes in this class will be given by what is called flipping the classroom. It is a new innovative
teaching technique that allows students to get class notes, and watch short videos off of my website or other
websites before actual instruction is given. This allows the teacher to spend more time on going over
examples and sample problems, reviewing, laboratory investigations, manipulations, and applied content in
the classroom. Students can come to class and ask questions about what was given. Class time is not
wasted on students copying notes and in some cases not paying attention to instruction because they are
taking notes. They do it for homework, and come prepared the next class to discuss what was watched or
given in notes off the website. Students will need to have regular Internet access to do this. If Internet is
NOT available at home, there are other alternatives to get Internet. Students are able to get the information
before, during, or after school with appropriate planning. Please see me immediately if there are any
questions or concerns about this. Do not wait until the last minute to address this problem.

Communication
If at any time you have any questions about your student’s grade or the curriculum taught, please contact
me as soon as possible. Keeping a clear line of communication between the teacher and the parent is
essential for the success of the student. I make myself available as much as possible and the success of
your student is very important to me. I can be contacted best via email, but you can call the school, or log
onto my website. I usually get back to you fairly quickly but please allow 24 school day hours to contact you
back.
At any time please contact me for questions/or help:
Email: [email protected]. and website: amyjacobsscienceclass.org
Name: __________________________ Block: _______________
I have read the course syllabi, class website, and class pacing guide. I agree to abide
by the rules and expectations in this course. I will come to class prepared and ready to
learn.
Student signature__________________________
Students printed name______________________
Parent/Guardian
signature_____________________________________________
Date:______________________
Any questions, concerns, or comments?
Female Parent/ Guardian
Name______________________________________________
Work phone______________________________
Home phone______________________________
E-mail address_____________________________
Please circle the preferred method of contact: note work home e-mail
Best time to contact?
Male Parent/ Guardian
Name______________________________________________
Work phone______________________________
Home phone______________________________
E-mail address_____________________________
Please circle the preferred method of contact: note work home e-mail
Best time to contact