Biology 2018-2019

Fullerton Union High School

Dear Parents/Guardians, TEACHER INFORMATION

Welcome to a new school year! I am Mrs. Richard and would like to
welcome you and your student to this Biology course at Fullerton Union High
School. I recently obtained my teaching credential in Life Sciences from Mrs. Richard
California State University, Fullerton. Before perusing my teaching credential I
B.S. in Marine Biology and
explored and learned science as a marine biologist. I enjoy spending time with
General Biology from Cal State
teenagers and even have one of my own at home.
Long Beach
I believe that a teacher should be a source of guidance and support as
well as a source of knowledge for their students. A teacher should be caring
and understanding as well as firm and fair. I will encourage a sense of Single Subject Credential in
community in my class where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and welcome. Biological Science from Cal State
This means that no foul language, disrespect, or bullying of any kind will be Fullerton
tolerated. Fullerton’s diverse community gives students, parents, and teachers
the advantage of learning from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. I will
focus on celebrating and promote learning from these differences, not ignoring Room #: 241
them.

Students will be engaging in several different interesting topics of

Biology this year. Student will get to investigate Ecology, Biochemistry, Cells, Email: jrichard@fjuhsd.org
Mitosis/Meiosis, DNA & RNA, Protein Synthesis, Genetics, and Evolution as part
of the NGSS curriculum standards. They will show off their creativity, critical
thinking and collaboration skills in activities, labs and projects throughout the School Number:
year.
(714) 626-3800
You should feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via
my email or the school’s phone number. I would be happy to meet with you to
discuss how we can work together to enhance your students learning Conference Times:
experience. Communication between teachers and parents will greatly benefit
M-F: 7 - 7:45 am or 2:45 – 3:45
your student. Once again, I am excited to welcome you and your student to
pm, by appointment
Biology. I look forward to meeting you at Back-to-School Night!

Sincerely. Mrs. Richard

Classroom Expectations
1) Come prepared to class (homework finished, bring required materials).
COURSE INFORMATION
2) Be respectful to the teacher and fellow classmates.

3) Be on time. When the bell rings, you are expected to be in your seat,
quiet, and ready to learn. Subjects: Biology & Honors
Biology
4) Ask questions when you are unsure of something (concept, directions,
etc.).

5) Save your snacks or drinks for lunch (bottled water is permitted). Grade Level: 9th/10th/11th
6) Please turn off cell phones and keep them in your backpack.

7) Follow all additional posted Safety Rules while in the lab. Textbook: Biology: The Dynamics
of Life – Glencoe Science

Negative Consequences Required Materials: Two Pencils,

1. Verbal warning lined paper, science notebook,
FUHS academic planner and
2. Detention from the teacher: Choose from the following: charged Chromebook

 cleaning up the classroom after school for 20 minutes

 writing a FULL one-page letter to a teacher about student’s current

situation and future resolutions

3. Parent contact

4. Referral

Pacing Guide:
Semester One
Rewards
Ecology
1. Verbal praise
Biochemistry
2. Positive parent contact
Photosynthesis & Respiration
3. Music Pass
Cytology
4. TRIBE PRIDE tickets
Mitosis/Meiosis

Semester Two
Grading Procedures DNA & RNA

It is important that you know how you earn grades in this class so that you can Protein Synthesis
stay informed and do your very best to be successful. You will have three types
Genetics
of grades are earned:
Homeostasis
1) Grades that reflect cumulative academic progress and mastery.
Evolution
 2) Citizenship grades and comments that describe personal behavior of the student in class and which are reported
separately from academic and work habit grades.

3) Work habit grades that describe how a student organizes, conducts, and completes assignments, and which are
reported separately from academic and citizenship grades.

Your assignments will be posted in class and updated daily on our Google Classroom website. Grades will be accessible
through Aeries.

Grading scale:

A=90-100% B=80-89% C=70-79% D=60-69% F=0-59%

Grades are weighted accordingly:

Assignments (Class work & Homework, 30%)

 Students will be responsible for completing written and non-written assignments given as class work
and/or homework in a timely manner.

 PLEASE DO NOT THROW COMPLETED ASSIGNMENTS AWAY. Often assignments are checked the next
day, but not recorded until the end of the unit. Hold on to assignments until at least the end of the
semester.

Labs, Activities, and Projects (30%)

 Labs, activities, and projects will occur frequently in class.

 Labs may require a written discussion, Claim Evidence Reasoning, Data Blitz, or formal lab report.

 The grading rubric for labs, activities, and projects will be discussed for individual assignments.

 Labs can be made up if absent at lunch or afterschool within one week of being absent. If absent on a
lab day, please see instructor to schedule the make-up time.

Tests, Quizzes, and Semester Final (40%)

 All tests and quizzes will be graded on a point system. The number of points a particular test or quiz is
worth depends on the amount of time and effort spent on the given topic.

 If absent for a test or quiz, it will be made up the day the student returns, depending on the number of
absences. Failure to make up the test or quiz within a week will result in a zero for the quiz or test. Take
responsibility and be sure to make up the test or quiz in a reasonable amount of time.

 There will be a cumulative final at the end of each semester covering all of the course work.

Late Work:

The highest grade that a student can receive on late work is an 80%. Students have 3 days from the assignment date to
turn in the missing work. If you do not return the late work within the 3 days, it will result in a zero grade for the missing
assignment.

Make-up Policy:
When a student it absent, it is THEIR responsibility to get the notes and work missed. The work will be placed in the
makeup folder and the student should pick it up the day they return from being absent OR the student can print it from
the class website. “Student will be allowed one day to make up work missed for each day absent” per AR 5112. It is also
recommended absent students attend the next available tutoring session for additional help.

Extra Credit:

Opportunities for extra credit will be given throughout the year. These will not be accepted late.

Academic Dishonesty:

Plagiarism or cheating will result in a ZERO on the assignment in addition to an appropriate discipline measure.

Homework Policy:

Assignments are written on the board daily and it is the students’ responsibility to write them down as well as the due
date. Students may also check Google Classroom for that day’s assignment.

Tutorials/Tutoring sessions:

I am available before and after school for any student needing assistance. I can also work with individual students during
my conference period and/or lunch if needed (by appointment).

Classroom Routines and Procedures

In order to use our class time efficiently and make the most of our time together please:

 Arrive quietly and prepared for class every day.

 Turn in homework in the “Homework” box labeled with your class period at the beginning of class.
 Be seated when the bell rings. Copy down the homework written on the board in your planner.
 Begin answering the Bell Ringer Question for the day in your science notebook.
 You have three restroom passes for each Quarter, they are extra credit if not used.
 Always ask first and take the Hall PASS with you when going to the restroom or out of class.
 Please do not make any type of distraction (including sharpening pencils) if the teacher or other students are
addressing the class.
 When working on labs, every student must practice safe lab procedures. Always follow directions and listen
carefully. Lab stations must be cleaned once the lab is finished and before being dismissed from lab area.
 Be sure to listen attentively and do not talk when the teacher or other students are addressing the entire
class, such as in whole class discussions or explanation of assignments.
 Ask for help by raising your hand and waiting to be called on or assisted personally.
 Wait to be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.

Resources
Text Book: Biology: The Dynamics of Life

Assignments and Practice: goformative.com

Announcements, Lesson Resources and Links: Google Classroom

Flash Cards: Quizlet.com

Review: sciencegeek.net

Communication Plan
The District Board of Trustees and staff members believe that students and parents/guardians should:

 Understand the course expectations and grading practices, asking questions if needed.

 Stay informed of progress. Parents/guardians can gain information by discussing progress with students
regularly, checking Aeries, and by asking teachers.

 Understand how things are going at school. Know why a student’s grade is or is not up to family standards. It is
the parent’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher if additional information or help is needed at home
to improve a student’s grades.

Feel free to contact me throughout the year if you ever have questions on your student’s progress or the class in
general.

This Classroom Management Plan will be provided to students during the first week of school. Please review with your
student and then sign below. There is also a digital copy available on Google Classroom.

Student Name (print) ________________________________ Period ____________

I have read and understand the rules, expectations, consequences, school attendance and tardy policies,
district policies, grading procedure and late work policies.

Student Signature _______________________________

Parents/Guardians: I look forward to working with your student throughout the year. Please read and discuss
this syllabus with your student.

I have read and understand the rules, expectations, consequences, school attendance and tardy policies,
district policies, grading procedures and late work policies.

Parent/Guardian Name (print)_________________________ Signature___________________________