Jeanine Edgecombe
Hardin-Jefferson High School
Room 231
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Phone: (409) 981-6430 ext. 3160
Schedule:
• Period 1 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Period 2 – Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Period 3 – Biology
• Period 4 – Biology
•
•
•
Period 5 – Biology
Period 6 – Biology
Period 7 – Biology
Course Description:
Students enrolled in this course will cover biology concepts that meet the state high school biology standards. There will
be an end of course assessment called the STAAR assessment at the end of the year and passing this exam is required for
graduation.
Materials (Due Date – September 9, 2016)
• 3 Ring Binder with Loose Leaf Paper
• Composition Notebook
• Blue and/or Black Ink Pens
• #2 Pencils
• 1 Roll of Paper Towels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd period only)
• 1 Box of Kleenex (4th and 5th period only)
• 1 Container of disinfectant wipes (6th period only)
• 1 Container of Germ-X (7th period only)
•
Signature Booklet (must be signed by both student and
parent/guardian):
• Contract
• Lab Safety Contract
Optional Supply Donations:
• Colored Paper
• Colored Cardstock
• Latex Free Gloves
1 Homework Pass and 1 Tardy Pass will be given to students who turn in ALL materials by September 9, 2016!
General Rules and Policies:
• Bring all materials to class each day.
• Be on time.
• Be respectful to teacher and other students at all times.
• Be present whenever possible.
• Be responsible for arrangement of all make-up work immediately upon return to class.
• iPADs and other electronic devices must be stored in backpacks, bags, or purses. Exceptions are made only when
instructed to use for academic purposes.
• Cell phones must be placed in storage pouch at the back of the classroom.
• Food and drinks are prohibited in lab area.
• Cheating in unacceptable in any form. This includes, but is not limited to copying homework, copying lab
assignments, copying test answers, plagiarism, and use of electronic device to find test answers.
• Most classes will begin with a bell ringer. Student must write both question and answer in composition notebook.
There will be quizzes on the bell ringers periodically throughout the year.
• Follow all rules in the Hardin-Jefferson Student-Parent Handbook and Student Conduct.
Discipline:
If there is a problem of any nature (one that hinders the student or other students from learning), I will notify the student
with a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, I will contact the parent or guardian. If the problem continues,
administration will be notified. ***The teacher reserves the right to skip steps in the event of a serious infraction***
Grades:
60% Major Grades (at least 4 per quarter)
40% Daily Grades (at least 14 per quarter)
Grading Scale:
A – 90-100
B – 80-89
C – 75-79
D – 70-74
F – Below 70
Cell Phones:
Students must place their cell phone in the storage pouch at the back of classroom. This is to prevent students from being
distracted with text messages and other applications during the class period. If an assignment requires the use of a cell
phone, the teacher will instruct students to obtain cell phone. Cell phones must remain in designated pouch the entire
class period. If a student is found using their cell phone during class, the teacher will turn cell phone into the office and
student will be issued after school detention.
Hall Passes:
Students are given 5 hall passes per nine weeks that can be used for bathroom, water, office, etc. Once the 5 passes are
used the student will not be allowed to leave the classroom. All passes that are not used will be added as bonus points to
lowest test score in given nine week period. Students are starting off in the class with the opportunity of 20 bonus points
for the school year, specifically 5 points per nine weeks. ***Students with bathroom/water passes from school nurse are
exempt from this policy***
Homework Passes:
Students will have opportunity to earn homework passes throughout the year (turning in supplies and contracts, winning
review games, participation in class, etc). A homework pass does not excuse the student from completing an assignment,
but rather giving the student an extension or second chance on homework assignment. Student will have till the end of the
nine weeks to turn in the completed/corrected assignment for full credit. All passes that are not used can be turned in for
bonus points on midterm or final.
Absences:
If student is absent, it is his/her must make up the work in the allotted time frame (1 day for each day absent). It is the
student’s responsibility to acquire all make-up work. Quizzes will be made up during tutorials. Tests will be made up
during class or a time arranged with teacher. Labs will be made up after school or by alternate assignment. I strongly
recommend making up assignment during tutorials so that student does not miss even more class time.
Homework:
Daily homework assignment will be to review notes each night. Occasionally there will be written homework that will be
collected for a grade. There will be one at-home project that is to be completed each nine weeks for a major grade.
Students will be given at least 2 weeks to complete project.
Notes:
Guided notes will always be provided for every lesson. Students will fill in the notes from the PowerPoint that is
presented during class. These notes are very useful in studying for quizzes and tests. Students need to be conscientious in
adding to the notes that are provided to them.
Tests/Quizzes
Quizzes will be given throughout the unit to test understanding of material. Some quizzes will be announced in advance,
while others will be unannounced. Tests will be given at the end of each unit. All tests will contain multiple choice, fill
in the blank (no word bank will be provided), and short answer questions. Review guides will always be given prior to
test to help student study. Students will receive a daily grade for the completion of review guide.
Test Day Expectations:
Students are required to put all their belongings at the front of the class on test day and there will be a new seating chart
for every test. Students are not allowed to obtain their belongings until ALL tests have been turned in to teacher. Also,
students are not allowed to leave the classroom once the test has started, unless there is an extenuating circumstance. This
is to reduce the amount of distractions during the test to provide optimal testing conditions for students.
Test/Quiz Corrections
Students will have the opportunity to correct all quizzes and one test per nine weeks. Corrections are to be completed
during tutorials. Students must write the complete question and the complete answer (pictures/diagrams included) to
receive credit for corrections. Students are allowed to use their notes to look up answers. By correctly completing the
corrections, students will receive half credit back for each question. For example, if a student scores a 60 on a quiz and
correctly completes the corrections, the student can now score up to an 80 on quiz. Corrections must be completed within
one week after quiz/test is returned.
ZAP (Zeroes Aren’t Permitted):
Students have the opportunity to attend the designated ZAP days to make-up any missing assignments. ZAP days are
typically the Saturday after progress reports are handed out from 8am-10am. It is the student’s responsibility to get the
make-up work from the teacher PRIOR to the ZAP day. Completion of assignments at ZAP will allow students to make
up to a 90 on assignments they have missed.
Biology STAAR Assessment
At the end of the year, students will be required to take the Biology STAAR state assessment. Passing this assessment is
required for graduation. This assessment includes 54 multiple-choice questions covering concepts discussed throughout
the year. Test makers may include more questions for field studies. Throughout the year, students will be exposed to
released STAAR questions to become familiar with the questioning style. Prior to the assessment, there will be an in
depth review of key concepts in class. I will also be available after school for extended tutorials in preparation for the
STAAR.
Remind
This is a way for the teacher to stay in contact with both students and parents through text messages without the exchange
of contact numbers. I strongly recommend both students and parents to sign up on remind to receive reminders of
homework, quizzes, tests, or other announcements in regards to the class. In order to sign up for text messaging, send a
text message as follows:
To: 81010
Message: @89bg8
Google Classroom
This is an online website set up for students to access information in regards to the class. On this site, important
documents and announcements will be posted. On occasion, students will submit assignments on Google Classroom. To
access this site go to https://classroom.google.com/u/0/welcome. In order to join this class you will need to join by
entering the following access code: r98uug5
Class Pet
There will be a bearded dragon, named Spike, in the classroom. Spike is very docile and enjoys being held. He is housed
in an enclosed terrarium. Spike will remain in his terrarium during the class period, unless there is time at the end of class
for students to hold him. Students are not allowed to remove Spike from his terrarium, unless given permission to do so
by teacher. Students need to be respectful of Spike by not tapping on his terrarium or crowding around him because this
will cause him stress. Students also need to be respectful of class members who are not comfortable with handling Spike.
As a part of his diet, Spike eats crickets that are housed in a cricket-keeper. Students are not allowed to remove the
crickets from their cage unless directed by teacher. Students are more than welcome to come before school or after school
to handle Spike, feed him, and bathe him.
Wrap Up
I am available for extra help every morning from 7:30-7:55 and every afternoon until 4. I will notify students if I will not
be available for tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances. If you are having difficulty in this class or need help
completing at home projects, it is highly recommended you take the opportunity to get the extra help. Parents and students
please feel free to contact me any time with questions or concerns.
Parent/Student Contract
Biology – Edgecombe
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Please complete the following. This will provide me with information that will be necessary
for communication concerning your student’s performance in Biology. Please feel free to e-mail me
([email protected]) at any point during the year or call the office (409-981-6430) to set up a conference.
__________________________________
Student Name
____________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name
__________________________________
Phone Number
__________________________________
E-mail Address
I have read the provided information sheets on rules and regulations for Biology. I understand what is expected of my
student in this class. I agree to help my student through encouragement and by seeing that he/she stays on track during
the time spent in Biology.
__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________________
Date
STUDENT: Please complete the following.
I have read the provided information sheets on rules and regulations for Biology. I understand what is expected of me in
this class. I agree to abide by all rules and give all that I have in order to achieve success in Biology.
__________________________________
Student Name
__________________________________
Student Signature
__________________________________
Date
Initial the following:
I have joined the Google Classroom with the access code provided in the syllabus.
I understand that my cell phone must be placed in pouch at all times. Not following this will result in
phone being turned into office and after school detention.
Optional:
Please use this space to tell me anything you would like me to know about health issues, seating, learning needs, etc. Let
me know of anything you think I should be aware of. Thank you!