Ms. Ratkoff Biology, 2015

Transcription

1 Ms. Ratkoff Biology, 2015 Room B118 August 24, 2015 Dear Students, Parents and/or Guardians, Greetings! My name is Ms. Jaime Ratkoff; I am Duke Ellington s Physics and Biology teacher this year, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you. I am writing to welcome you to our class and give you some general information.. Please fill out the information on the back of this letter so that I am best able to keep in contact with you throughout the year. On the following sheet I have attached a brief description of basic expectations for my class, grading policy, and my contact information. A syllabus with a more detailed course breakdown will be sent home later this week. Be sure to read this carefully and don t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Finally, please sign below indicating that you have read and understood our class expectations Sincerely, Jaime Ratkoff Jaime.ratkoff@dc.gov I have read and understand the above objectives, methods, procedures, expectations, policies, obligations, evaluation criteria, and course content Student Signature Printed Full Name Date Student Student phone # Parent/Guardian Signature Printed Full Name Date Parent Parent phone #

2 Ms. Ratkoff Biology, 2015 Room B118 Course Outline Biology is, very simply put, the study of living things. Throughout the year this course provides an opportunity for students to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles that govern living organisms. A basic breakdown of what we will cover each advisory can be seen in the chart to the right ADV 1 ADV 2 ADV 3 ADV 4 Introduction to Biology Chemistry of Life Cell Structure and Function Cell Reproduction DNA structure, replication, and translation Genetics and Heredity Evolution and Adaptation Taxonomy and organization Organism interactions and behavior Biotic and Abiotic cycles Energy Flow in ecosystems Population Dynamics General Information. Classroom Expectations: In order to maximize the time spent in the classroom, students are expected to do the following: -Show respect to themselves, the school, other people, and the property of others. -Maximize their time in class by being attentive, following directions, staying focused, and working hard. -Come to class prepared and on time, and be willing to participate in class discourse. Attendance: Students are expected to attend class on time, every day. Failure to do so will have a negative impact on a student s participation grade. If a student does miss class, he/she will only be excused if they provide approved documentation of a doctor s appointment, illness, or family emergency. Grading and retention decisions for this class related to student absences shall follow guidance articulated in DCMR Title 5, and as described in the Attendance Policy. Five or more unexcused absences during a single advisory shall receive a letter grade reduction Ten or more unexcused absences during a single advisory shall receive a grade of "FA" (failure due to absences) Thirty or more unexcused absences within a full school year shall receive a failing final grade with a resulting loss of course credit. Make-Up Policy: Students will have advance notice of tests, quizzes, and upcoming due dates for assignments. In addition, all class material (including notes) will be accessible online. For these reasons, the general expectation is that even if a student misses class they still are able to submit online work on time. If a student misses an in-class exam or lab, they may come during lunch to make up the missed work for full credit within one week of returning to school. Late homework and class assignments may be turned in for half credit.

3 Weekly Online Assignments: In addition to in-class assignments, each week students can expect to be assigned the following: -One online homework assignment (posted Monday, due the following Friday by 8PM) -One online quiz (posted Friday, due the following Monday by 8PM) Tentative dates for each online HW and Quiz can be found on the advisory overview on the school website, and reminders about upcoming due dates will be given each day in class, and sent to students via text message. To sign up for the class text message reminders, to Technology and Electronics: In order to utilize the many resources available this year, Students MUST have internet access at least once each week. If there is no internet access at home, computers are available for student use in the classroom, the media center, and the counseling suite. Please reach out to me if additional accommodations are needed. To minimize in-class distractions, the use of personal electronics during class is strictly prohibited, and students will be asked to store their electronics in the class phone parking lot during class. Please refrain from calling or texting your student during class. If you need to contact your student, please do so through the main office (202) Required Materials: Students are expected to bring the following materials with them to EVERY CLASS. Having these materials by Friday 9/4 will count as a homework grade: - A marble composition notebook - Pencils and Blue or Black pens - ONE of the following items to contribute to the class suppyl: o 1 pack of markers OR colored pencils o 1 box of tissues o 1 container of INSTANT hand sanitizer Office Hours: I am available to meet with students before school and/or during lunch. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is highly encouraged, but not required. Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns, the best way to reach me is through (Jaime.ratkoff@dc.gov), or by sending me an engrade message. Please don t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. DCPS Grade Policy Numerical Letter GPA Percentage Grade A A B B B C C C D D F 0

4 Grade Breakdown Overall Year Grade: A student s overall grade in the class for the year will be the average of all four advisory grades and a final exam grade. The DCPS mandated grading scale is shown in the box to the right Advisory Grade: A student s advisory grade will depend on their performance in 3 categories: Assessments, practice/application, and participation. See the sections below for details Assessments (40%): Weekly engrade quizzes: Each week students will complete a short assessment online to help evaluate how they are doing with the material being covered in class. The quizzes are timed, administered through the engrade website, and consist of five multiple choice questions. Quizzes will be posted each Friday, and students will have until the following Monday at 8PM to take it. NOTE: quizzes can NOT be re-taken, or taken late. Advisory exams: Each advisory, students take a comprehensive exam that evaluates their mastery of the material presented during class. Prior to each exam, students complete and review a detailed study guide and a short practice test (solutions to both will be posted on engrade). Independent study outside of class is HIGHLY encouraged. Advisory projects: Typically requiring out-of-class time, students will create some kind of work product to show detailed understanding of a specific topic. Grading rubrics will be provided. Practice and Application (50%): Weekly Online HW: Online homework will be posted each Monday, and will be due the following Friday by 8PM. Each assignment will require students to answer 4-6 questions about a short reading from an online textbook. Students will receive completion credit for these assignments. Half credit will be given for late or incomplete submissions. Classwork: Other assignments may be given to students during class to be completed as directed. Most of these classwork assignments will be held in a composition notebook, and graded twice an advisory Labs: Labs will be completed in class, and usually require some manner of summary or report afterwards. Each lab will be slightly different, but as a rule they will be graded for accuracy and effort. Participation/Attendance (10%): Students are expected to attend class on time, every day. Failure to do so will have a negative impact on a student s participation grade (If you re not in class, you can t participate!).

5 Each advisory, students start with 100 participation points. Each unexcused absence = -3 points; each tardy = -1 point. Other: A student s in-class behavior has the potential to boost or reduce their grade. Examples of grade-boosting behaviors Examples of grade-reducing behaviors -Asking a particularly insightful question -Making disrespectful comments -Offering help to a struggling classmate -Excessive sleeping in class -Correctly answering a bonus question -Unauthorized phone use in class