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Welcome to Biology! Each student in my classroom is encouraged to explore all aspects of science. Without the continue exploration of science, our world would be virtually impossible to function in day-to-day activities. Understanding the life cycle, the molecular and cellular functions of organisms, the way organisms in the universe revolve around each other and the constant follow of energy has been a key to advancement in human society. Science would not be understood without scientists being curious, having the thrive to study the interaction of molecules and forming ideas.

Each scientist is a student of science because they are constantly searching for explanations of questions in which revolve around the answers of the words who, why, where, how and what. Likewise, each student in my class is a scientist and it is my goal that each of my students learns to appreciate, value and thrive for answers to questions that are circulating in the world of science.

I would like to share some important information with you so that this will be a positive year for everyone. We have a class web site and I encourage you and your child to use it throughout the year.

Teacher Name:	Miss Jennifer Cunningham
Teacher Conference Time:	7th period (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Teacher Tutoring Time:	Tuesday and Thursday (2:30pm-3:15pm) and by appointment
Contact Information:	Please call Clear Lake High School Ninth Grade Center (281) 284-2400 or e-mail me at jcunning@ccisd.net
Classroom Location:	Room 212 in Ninth Grade Center at Clear Lake High School
Class Lunch:	Lunch is divided among periods 4th, 5th and 6th. My class has B lunch which is directly after 5th and is at 12:06 – 12:36pm
Class Web Site:	www.sciencerule.com

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Weekly Press Release

• As a teacher, I feel it is vital to stay in contact with parents. Weekly Press Release is a chance for me to email you once a week and give you a brief description of any important information that you need to be aware of for the success of your child. This will include when assignments are due, test that are given, projects information, important dates that are approaching etc. I will also give you a short summary of my weekly lesson plan so that you are always aware of the exciting things that are happening in biology. Weekly Press releases help parents communicate with their child on activities within biology. Students also receive the weekly press if they give me their email address. This is another reminder of assignments deadlines.
  
  
• In addition, I encourage you to visit the class web site as it is also an important avenue for students and parents. The weekly press release will be posted in the parent center of the web site for you to refer back at any time.

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Approximate Timelines and Due Dates of Long-Term Projects:

• When projects are assigned, due dates will be announced at the beginning of the project. Approximate time line for long-term projects will be two to three weeks. There will be one to two projects each nine weeks and will be conducted 100% outside the classroom time.

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Average amount of Homework:

• Periodically, students will be given additional reinforcement assignments to complete at home to ensure necessary amount of learning for topics in biology.

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General Methods of Assessment and Grade Calculation:

• Major grades = 65% (includes tests, projects, binder checks)
  
  
• Daily grades = 35% (includes class work, homework, quizzes)
  
  
• Reading assignment = 5% (warm ups, journal writing, reading and writing assignments
  
  
• Students will be given a class progress report throughout the nine weeks so that they are aware of their current grade in this class. It is required that the student also shows you the progress report and have you sign it. It will need to go into their binder under “progress report” section. In addition, the school will issue progress reports to students every three weeks for all classes. During any time, a parent would like to discuss a grade or the progress of their child in biology, please let me know.
  
  
• 5 points will be deducted for No Name on an Assignment. Any No Names will be posted and remain for a certain amount of time and then disregarded. After 9 wks, 10 points will be deducted.
  
  
• 5 points will be deducted from an assignment if a student’s handwriting is unreadable or too small to see. After 9 wks 10 points will be deducted.
  
  
• 5 points will be deducted from an assignment if a student uses any other color ink besides blue or black. After 9 wks, 10 points will be deducted.
  
  
• 5 points will be deducted from an assignment if a student doodles or draws on assignment. After 9 wks, 10 points will be deducted. Additional points may be deducted under teachers evaluation.

Note: Pre-AP students are also required to do independent research projects (IRP) or an alterative project as an extension of the curriculum.

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Supplies

1. Three ring binder (can not share with another subject)

• All assignments, notes, test, and class progress reports will be placed in this binder.
  
  
• At the end of the nine weeks, I will check the organization of the binder and give a binder test which will have questions that students will be able to answer if they are keeping their binder organized and in proper manner.
  
  
• The major grade will consist of 70 points of the binder test questions and 30 points will be on the actual organization of the binder which will be directly graded by the teacher.
  
  
• Students will be told 2 weeks prior to test and will be reminded each class period. If the student does not bring their binder on the day of the test, it will be a zero as a test grade (see above for grade scale).
  
  
• Random Binder checks will occur so students must bring their binder each class period.

2. Five dividers for three ring binder

• Four dividers need s to be labeled as: Class Notes, Assignments, Test, Class Progress Report, Announcements
  
  
• The fifth section needs to include notebook paper and will be used to put any important announcement written on the board each day.
  
  
• Each divider listed above needs to be labeled and be placed in the binder.

3. Composition book (will need one to start of the year but may need more throughout the school year)

• This is for journals writing and lab activities. Students are required to bring this to class each day. It is suggested that it is placed inside the notebook. A one-subject spiral notebook is also allowed.

4. A one-subject spiral notebook

• This will be used for warm ups and objectives. This is different from the composition book. Student will need to put their name on it and turn it in to the teacher. The teacher will assignment the student a number and places their spiral in a hanging folder in a container. Each day, students will get their spiral and write the date, objective and warm up. Throughout the nine weeks, students will have objective/warm-up checks quizzes.

5. Pencils or Blue or Black ink pens (no other colors allowed)

• 5 points will be deducted from an assignment if a student uses any other color ink besides blue or black. After 9 wks, 10 points will be deducted.
  
  
  • I do have new pens and pencils for 25 cents. Any money from this will go directly to buy new pens/pencils.
    
    
  • There is a box of used pencils by the assignment box that students can use. These pencils are any that have been left within the classroom after students leave. Out of respect to all students, it is asked if you borrow, please put it back. If there are no pencils in the box, students will not be able to borrow from teacher.

6. Loose-leaf notebook paper

• Students will need paper for class. There is a box of paper by the assignment box that has paper in it. Students may borrow paper from this box if there is some there. Out of respect to all students, only borrow paper if you do not have some and try to bring some to replace. If there is no paper in the box, you can inform the teacher. However, unless there is more paper, student is unable to borrow from teacher.

7. Additional supplies

• May be needed throughout the school year for assignments. Students and parents will be notify if any supplies are needed.

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Class Pets:

• We have class pets ranging from 2 female turtles to 7 male gerbils. Other animals may come throughout the year. If students would like to donate funds or time on take care of the animals, please correlate with the teacher.
  
  
• Gerbils require bedding, lots of food from berries, cheerios, carrots, oats, seeds, and lots of other food. In addition, they like to chew on toilet paper rolls so if you would like to donate your paper rolls, the gerbils would love it.
  
  
• Turtles require new filtration constantly, turtle food, shrimp, crab, live fish and much more.
  
  
• From time to time, students will be able to interact with the class pets. Students must have respect and treat all animals with kindness. In addition, students must always clean their hands before and after touching the animals.

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CLHS Tardy Policy:

• For each nine weeks, the following policy is in place. 1st and 2nd warning is verbal warning. 3rd tardy has a parent contact and 30 minute teacher detention. 4th tardy is an office referral to the office and 2 hr detention. 5th tardy is an office referral and 1 day of ISS. 6th tardy is an office referral and 2 days ISS. 7th tardy is office referral and is up to the principal discretion.

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Topics:

Fall Semester: 1. Lab Safety 2. Experimental Design 3. The Study of Life 4. Ecology 5. The Cell 6. Genetics

Spring Semester: 1. Evolution 2. Taxonomy 3. Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, Fungi 4. Plants 5. Invertebrates & Vertebrates 6. Human Organ Systems

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CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

1. Be Respectful to Everyone
2. Be On Time (in your seat ready to work when the tardy bell rings).
3. Be Prepared (bring all materials to class each day).
4. Have a good attitude
5. Everyone is Responsible to help clean the classroom each period
6. Follow ALL directions the first time given.
7. No eating or drinking (unless it is water)
8. Put name on any assignment

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CONSEQUENCES

• Tardy
• Borrow or buy supplies
• Phone calls to parents, D-hall, stay after class, student/teacher/parent conference
• Office referral
  (cell phones and electronic devices will be taken up and turned in to the office)

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REWARDS

• Music while working
• Free homework pass
• Treats
• Time with class pets

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MAKE-UP & LATE WORK

• You will have one day for each day absent to make up any daily work that you missed before it is considered late. You will have two tutorial periods (approximately one week) to make up any tests or quizzes that you missed. If you do not make up the work you missed within the time allowed it will be recorded as a permanent zero. You are responsible for finding out what work you missed. You will be able to refer to class web site to see what you missed if you were absent. You may also get make up work from the green hanging make up organizer by the door.
  
  
• As per DISTRICT POLICY when turning in any late work, 20% will be deducted the first day late. The second day late 40% will be deducted. The third day late it is a zero. It will be to your advantage to turn your work in on time.

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RESTROOM / NURSE

• To minimize disruptions to the learning process students will be allowed five hall passes for the entire semester. This includes restroom, getting a drink, locker or any other reason for leaving the classroom. Please make an effort to take care of personal matters during passing periods or lunch.
  
  
• At the end of the semester, students will turn in any unused hall passes. Any passed turned in will give the student 3 points to a test grade in their second nine weeks. If a student does not use any hall passes, that is 15 points that will be added to their lowest test grade.

Ninth grade is normally a transition year in school and it is a good idea to keep close tabs on your child’s grades, progress, and new friends they make. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or e-mail me at any time. If we work together, I know this will be a successful year. I am excited about teaching your child and I encourage you to become involve with your child’s education success. Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or if you would like to touch base with me.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Cunningham
Clear Lake Biology Teacher

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