Name_________________________

Date turned in __________________

Period ___________(very important)

CLASS PROCEDURES - Reis

 

 

1.   Course:           Biology

 

2.   Textbook:        You will have access to a classroom set of textbooks while in class, and the opportunity to check out one for yourself from the library.  The textbook should also be available online.  See my webpage for details.

 

3.   Lectures:        Material emphasized in lectures will be used to accent the readings and lab investigations.  Much of the test material will be covered in the lectures.  Be sure to take good notes.

 

4.   Behavior:        Only the highest standards of behavior will be accepted in this classroom, and all school policies and consequences will be followed.  The rules will be discussed and posted in class.  Two words to remember: Respect and Responsibility.  Respect: for your teacher, your peers, your classroom, and yourself.  Responsibility: for your learning, your attitude, your behavior, and your materials.  I will treat you as an adult when you behave as an adult should.  When I am talking, I expect your complete attention.  When you are talking to me, you may expect my complete attention.  We learn our best when we are comfortable, and that is the environment I will try to keep in this classroom.  If I feel you are not contributing to a positive classroom environment, I will let you know. 

 

5.   Tests:              Any student absent on the test date will be required to take an alternate version of the test.  Students absent one day before the test must take the test with the rest of the class.  Students absent two or more days before the test day may take the test in accordance with the attendance policy deadline.  Students absent the day of the test, and returning the day after, must take the test on the first day they return.  The semester test will act as a final and cover all the material for the semester.  It will count as approximately 20% of the total grade.  This is where your notebook and journal really come in handy.

               

7.   Grades:           Total scores will be recorded as a percentage score of the highest possible score.  90% = A,  80% = B,  70% = C,  60% = D.  Approximate grade weight per area: labs = 20%, tests = 40%, quizzes = 20%,  homework = 20%, with the final being added at 20% of the total grade at the end of the semester.   No assignment will receive a grade lower than 40%, provided that you honestly attempt all of the work and turn it in, even if all the answers are wrong.  Zeros will be reserved for work not turned in.   I do allow students to retake tests if they score less than 75%, and the maximum score that can be earned for a retake is 75%.  Retakes must be done before each 6 week grading period is over.

 

8.   Homework:     Assignments to be handed in are due when class begins.  All assignments must be neat and have the proper heading (as shown above).  Points will be deducted for improperly prepared papers.  All paper assignments must be done on white, lined, 8 1/2" x 11"  three-hole paper.  Torn, crumpled, “decorated”, or otherwise sloppy papers will not be accepted.  Writing must be neat and legible.   Typed or printed out is even better.  Some assignments will be turned in electronically… details in class.  Only 1/2 credit will be given for late work.  Late assignments are to be given directly to Mr. Reis.  You will be expected to keep a written record of homework assignments in your planner/notebook.  Homework counts towards your grade!

 

9.  Labs: Lab work may be individual or a group effort.  All work must be shown.

 

10. Tardies:          The school tardy policy will be strictly enforced.  If your entire body is not inside the classroom when the bell finishes ringing, you are tardy.  You risk detention and loss of extra credit points for excess tardies.  Please be on time.

 

11. Absences:       On the day you return to school, you should check the weekly class calendar on the board, check the online class calendar (see my web page), or ask your neighbor for any notes or work you might have missed.  If necessary, ask me what you missed, but I will not track YOU down to give you missed work.  You have ONE DAY to make up work from an absence of one day.  (Write "ABSENT" on any make-up work, and give it directly to me.)  Exams, quizzes, and homework often include questions on material presented only in class, so performance on these indirectly reflects attendance.  Numerous absences invariably result in lower grades.  It is recommended that you record the names and phone numbers/e-mails of at least two other class members.

 

1. ________________________________________               2. ___________________________________

 

 

12. Excuses:         The only excuses I will accept are those written and signed by a parent or school personnel.

 

13. Materials:      Pencils, pens (black or blue), and paper must be supplied by the student, and be on hand at all times.  Do not expect to “borrow”.  You may also need one 3.5" disk for saving any work you may do on the computer, although we will talk about alternative methods of saving work in class.

 

14. Daily Prompts:              This will usually be done online.  Every day in class, there will be a question (prompt).  You are to begin writing the question down as soon as the bell rings, and then work out your answer.  (I am picky about getting to work right away...do your socializing before the bell rings.)  Your response must be in complete sentences, (I usually expect 3-4 sentences) and you must explain your thinking.  This will be collected and graded after every ten.

 

15. Binder:           Students are required to keep all work in their three-ring binder.  Binders will be checked and graded on a regular basis (to be announced).  The Binder grade will be based on completed reports, neatness, and conformity with binder outline.  Save all classwork and homework.

Binders are to be in the following order: (TAB dividers for each section are required)

 

                                                                Class Procedures Sheet (this one)

                                                1.             Journal work                         (in chronological order)

                                                2.             Lecture notes                        (in chronological order)

                                                3.             Homework                             (in chronological order)

                                                4.             Research Reports                 (in chronological order)

                                                5.             Laboratory Reports             (in chronological order)

 

16. Office hours:  My prep period is 2nd.  I will be available during lunch some days, and after school other days.  I will be on campus usually by 7:10 AM, and stay until at least 3:10 PM, though I may not always be in this classroom.  I might be in another classroom or in the department office.  If the door is open, come on in.  If it's important, make an appointment, so I know to stick around and wait for you.

 

17. Honesty:         Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment, a call to your parents, and a note to your counselor, at LEAST.  Maybe more.  The rest depends on how you handle it.   This includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, forgery of signatures, etc.  Trust me, it's not worth it.  Don't bother.

 

18. Extra Credit:  I give very limited amounts of extra credit, mostly in the form of 20 points every six weeks, which are only added to a student's total points if he/she has retained them through responsible behavior.  They are lost in 5 point increments for each tardy, for excessive restroom trips, for disregarding classroom rules, and for other inappropriate behavior.  I do not give any extra credit in the form of extra assignments.  Do the regular assignments so you don’t have to beg for extra credit later.

 

19. Weekly Progress Reports:        These are available from the office, and I will only fill them out for you if you have completed all your information in ink, and give it to me at the start of class.  Do not interrupt me in the middle of class.

 

20.  Other:            Other classroom rules and policies may be put into effect at a later date if needed.

 

T. Reis 8/02

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