Mr. Pacheco – Room 421
Freshman Biology
2010 - 2011
Syllabus
Freshman Biology
This is a standards–based course, which incorporates the Massachusetts Science Curriculum Frameworks.
Coursework in this class is rigorous and moves at an accelerated pace. Topics include: structure and
composition of organic molecules, structure and function of cells, hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis, protein
synthesis, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution and biodiversity, taxonomy; and ecology. The
class work is student-oriented and will stress the practical applications of science. Inquiry-based laboratory
investigations form a major portion of the course.
TEXTBOOK:
Miller Kenneth R., Levine Joseph S. Biology. Prentice Hall. Saddle River, NJ, 2006.
Johnson, George B. Biology: Visualizing Life. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. Orlando, FL 1998.
*Further Reading will be assigned as needed.
TEXTBOOK POLICY:
A textbook will be issued to each student at the beginning of the year. Please note that if this textbook is
NOT returned, then participation in school activities such as prom and graduation will NOT be allowed
unless the textbook is paid for in full.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
 Demonstrate the ability to apply information to solve problems and make decisions.
 Demonstrate the skills needed for the productive use of technology.
 Demonstrate an understanding of the Massachusetts Biology Curriculum Standards.
 Demonstrate preparedness for class.
TARDINESS POLICY
1st: Warning by teacher
2nd: Detention with teacher after school.
Subsequent Tardies: Detention with teacher after school.
Excessive Tardiness: Referral to Office.
Teacher detention will be assigned with 24-hours notice. Failure to stay for teacher detention will result in a
referral. Students 10 or more minutes late to class without a pass will receive an automatic detention or
removal from class.
GRADING SYSTEM
Grades will be based on the following percentage scale:
A+ = 97-100%
B+ = 87-89%
C+ = 77-79%
A = 93-96%
B = 83-86%
C = 73-76%
A- = 90-92%
B- = 80-82%
C- = 70-72%
D+ = 67-69
D = 63-66
D- = 60-62
F = 59 and below
Grades for this class will be based on the following components:
Class Assignments
20%
Homework
15%
Labs/Projects
25%
Summative Assessments
40%
GRADING SYSTEM (continued)
Student Preparedness:
Students are expected to be on time to class (see tardiness policy) and will have all materials needed.
Materials include a three ring binder with all handouts from class and a pen or pencil. A student’s binder
should include the class syllabus, notes sheets, copies of textbook chapters, and any other handouts
distributed in class. Students are also expected to participate in class, act in an appropriate manner, and
abide by school and classroom rules (see attached).
In-Class and Homework Assignments:
Students must complete all in-class and homework assignments. Students must follow instructions and
remain on-task when completing in-class assignments. In addition to in-class assignments, students will be
given homework on a regular basis. When completing homework, be sure to follow directions and turn in
neat work. Homework is due at the beginning of class and is usually checked and discussed. If a student
completes a homework assignment while it is being reviewed, that student can show the teacher the
completed assignment at the end of class and receive half-credit. It is the student’s responsibility to
remember to give the teacher any missing assignments. If a student is absent, any assignments that were
given that day should be available in the student’s assigned mailbox. It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to
check the box and complete the assignment(s). Students have ONE WEEK from the day they return from an
absence to complete any assignments. Any student who does not complete homework or class work on time
will have one week to hand in the missing assignment(s) for half credit. NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER
THE WEEK DEADLINE!
Quizzes
Students will have scheduled and unscheduled quizzes. Unscheduled quizzes, or “pop quizzes,” are ALWAYS
open-notes quizzes. A student MAY NOT use another student’s notes to complete the quiz. A student who is
absent will be allowed to make up any quizzes unless the student cut class. If a student cuts class on a quiz
day, the student will be given a ZERO for a grade and will not be able to re-take the quiz.
Summative Assessments
Students will demonstrate understanding of course material by completing summative assessments, such as
exams, that can be a combination of open response and objective, or multiple choice, questions. Summative
assessments can also be performance-based assessments or projects. A student who is absent will be
allowed to make up any tests unless the student cut class. If a student cuts class on a test day, the student
will be given a ZERO for a grade and will not be able to re-take the test.
Attendance:
Refer to Student Handbook.
Special Accommodations:
Students with special needs, such as trouble seeing the board, must arrange accommodations with the
teacher. Please do so by the end of the 1st week of school. Students wishing to meet for tutoring help on
assignments, or to make-up tests or labs throughout the term, should make arrangements as needed with
me. I am available most days before and after school. If you will be coming before or after school to make up
work or to get tutoring help, please let me know the day before so that I can be sure to be available. You
may not miss another course to come to my class. I am also available to answer questions on homework or
concepts discussed in class via email.([email protected])
CLASS RULES, PROCEDURES & CONSEQUENCES
 Do not talk while the teacher is talking or while a student is asking a question.

Please raise your hand if you have a question.

Please use classroom-appropriate language.

No eating or drinking during class. Because the classroom is used for laboratory activities, eating or
drinking in the classroom is a safety hazard. Students with medical needs must bring a doctor’s note
for permission to eat or drink in class.

No cell phones, PDA’s, IPods, or any other electronic devices. If any of these devices are out in class,
the school’s electronic device policy will be enforced (refer to Student Handbook).
o If you feel that you cannot control checking your phone during class, you can join the Phone
Club. At the beginning of class, Phone Club members turn their phones in to me and they
will be placed in a secure box. At the end of class, Phone Club members can get their phones
back.

Any rules and procedures noted in the Student Handbook will also be enforced.

Respect your classmates and your teacher. If this rule is followed, all of the rest of the rules will take
care of themselves.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Attached to this notice you will find a copy of the syllabus for this course. This syllabus contains important
information about the course including scope and sequence and grading policies. It is important to note the
textbook policy and acknowledge that failure to return the textbook will result in your son/daughter not
being able to participate in school activities such as prom and graduation. Please take a few moments to
read these pages and ask your son/daughter to read them with you. Please sign below to indicate that you
have received these documents and understand what is required of your son/daughter in Freshman Biology
class this year. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. If there any questions, feel free to contact me by
email ([email protected]). Email is the fastest way to get in contact with me.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jamie Pacheco
I ___________________________________________________ (print student name) have read the
classroom policies and procedures and the grading policy sheet for Mr. Pacheco’s Freshman Biology class. I
understand the rules and the consequences for breaking them. I have shown these documents to my parent
or guardian.
____________________________________________
Student’s signature
Date___________
I __________________________________________________ (print parent name) have received the
classroom policies and procedures and the grading policy sheet from my son/daughter. I have read these
notices and I understand what is expected from my son/daughter. I also understand that my son/daughter’s
failure to comply with the rules will have consequences.
_____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s signature
Date____________
________________________________________________________________________
Parent email (optional)