Classroom Guidelines for

 “9th Grade Biology – SC-49”

with Mr. Shunk

Here’s the definition of “quality work” in this classroom:

“Quality is:  the best you can do,

completely finished, on time.”

 

Quality is a very important idea that will be emphasized in this class.  If you’ll learn to consistently do quality work, you’ll find that you are not only very successful in this class, you will also be successful in other aspects of life…

 

Notebook/Agendas

         In this class you must keep an organized science notebook.  You will need a paper pocket folder with the internal paper clips.  As we finish the first unit, you will put all of your work in this folder.

         Your notebook becomes the resource you use for each unit.  It will contain the important information you need to study and complete assignments.

         You will be responsible for writing down our daily agenda immediately upon entering class as well as any focus questions; this will be the 1st page in your notebook behind each unit’s table of contents.  If the agenda/focus question sections are not fully completed each day, you will only earn HALF credit.

 

Materials

         Bring all materials to class every day.  This includes homework, paper, pencil, planner and science notebook.  You will not be allowed to return to your locker once class has started.

         You will be required to have lab safety goggles during labs (I have some old pairs available).

         If you need to borrow materials, you must do so before class starts (from another student!).

 

Written work

         All work must be completed neatly (legible and organized).  If I can’t read it, it will be a zero.

         Late assignments will not be accepted unless due to an excused absence, or one day late with a 50% loss of credit.  Beyond that, it becomes a zero.  It is your responsibility to monitor this.

         All assignments must be completely finished.  If you need help, ask.  “I don’t understand the material” is no excuse for leaving answers blank.

         Always write answers using complete sentences if there is enough room to do so.

        Cheating or copying will NOT be tolerated.  It will be an automatic zero, your parents will be contacted, and you will be immediately referred to the front office for further disciplinary action.  Allowing others to copy your work is, of course, also cheating and will be met with the same consequences.

 

Homework

         Homework assignments will vary.  You should expect to have assignments ranging from chapter readings, worksheets, essays and lab reports to study assignments and class projects.

         Homework must be completed before the beginning of class on the date due.  It is not to be quickly & inaccurately filled in before the bell rings.  I view that as rude, lazy, disrespectful & it will be late.

Assessments

         Assessments will be given at the end of each unit of instruction (approximately every 2-3 weeks) and will check understanding of the unit’s concepts.

         Assessments may include multiple choice questions, matching, true/false, completion, essay, demonstration of abilities in the lab, etc.  Higher order thinking skills will be utilized. 

         A final exam will be given at the end of each semester.

         A missed test is your responsibility.  YOU must schedule a make up test as soon as you get back or before you leave.  No tests will be released to other students until all make-up tests are completed.

 

Grading

         Your grade will be based on the percentage of points you have earned for homework, quizzes, class activities, lab work, assessments and projects.  Point values for assignments will vary depending on the amount of work involved.

         Expect to have NO extra credit assignments, you have to get the points when they’re available.

         The grading scale is as follows:  90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; 0-59% = F.

         Also, 45% of your total semester grade will come from 1st quarter, 45% from 2nd quarter and the remaining 10% from the semester final.  2nd semester you get a fresh start…

 

Absence/Tardies

         Completing make-up work on time is your responsibility.  To help you do this, check your shoulder buddy’s calendar or class website immediately after returning. 

         If you will be absent for a school activity or family vacation, it is your responsibility to make arrangements before your absence.

         You are allowed one (1) tardy per month.  Every tardy after that will result in an A.M. detention

 

Behavior

         The official guidelines for student conduct are in the student handbook and will be followed.

         Keep one word in mind and you will have no problems:  RESPECT.  Respect for yourself, your education, me, other classmates and your learning environment and school.

         ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE DISRUPTIONS/TEXT MESSAGING IN CLASS; it WILL become mine.  You get one get-out-of-jail-free card and the next time IT BECOMES MINE FOR THE REST OF THE QUARTER!!!

         Restrooms should be used BEFORE class.  You will receive two bathroom passes per quarter.  Once these are used, you will not be allowed to use the restroom until the new quarter.

         Your behavior should be such that it is considerate and does not disrupt or interfere with others.

         Inappropriate behavior will result in a conference, removal from class, and/or serving a detention.

         Parent contact and/or administrative contact will be made at the teacher’s discretion.

         I release you, the bell does not.  You will be released when the classroom is clean, lab stations are picked up, chairs are pushed in and any last announcements have been made.