Living Environment Expectations and Information

Living Environment

Miss Dodds, Room 320

Course Requirements and Information

EXPECTATIONS

Remember the four “P”s. Be Prompt, Prepared, Positive and Polite.
Arrive to class BEFORE the bell rings.
Bring the following with you EVERY day: COVERED textbook, binder, class folder, blue or black pen/pencil, highlighter, colored pencils.
Read the Daily Agenda on the side board and be ready to get to work when the bell rings.
Do not bring food (including candy) or drinks to class. The ONLY exception is WATER. Staying hydrated is important to proper brain function. I keep a cooler of water in the back of the room, you may help yourself at appropriate times.
Remember that we are all here for a very important purpose…to learn!
Be respectful of others with your actions and words.
Raise your hand to be acknowledged to speak.
DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS in any manner. There are consequences for any inappropriate behaviors. (This applies when we are in class, in the library, outside, anywhere we may find ourselves during class time.)
Please do not wear a hat in my room.

CLASS MATERIALS (bring them EVERYDAY!)

Notebook binder – you will need a 2 inch (at least) three ring binder for note sheets.
Blue or black pens and pencils – you do need something to write with, correct?
Class pocket folder – to keep homework and class work organized.
Textbook – Our books are only one year old. You will need to have a cover on your book by Wednesday of the second week of school.
Colored pencils and highlighters – useful to color diagrams in notes and to emphasize important points.
Lab pocket folder – to keep finished, rough copy lab materials organized.

GRADING AND ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

55% Tests (2x) and Quizzes (1x)

20% Lab Activities (must be complete to take

Regents Exam)

10% Lab Quizzes/Tests (2 per marking period)

15% Homework, Class work

Tests given in class must be made up within 5 school days (of your return) after it is given or you will receive a zero. I reserve the right to give a different version of the test.
It is YOUR responsibility to arrange a make-up time.
Labs and Lab Tests will be discussed further in Lab class.
HOMEWORK: Name and Date on ALL assignments. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of the period. You may turn in assignments early if you will not be in class the day the assignment is due. If you are in school for any part of the day, it is your responsibility to find out, from me, what you will miss in class and turn in work that is due. LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE except for certain extenuating circumstances.
Keep in mind that homework is given to reinforce the concepts we talk about in class. Doing homework when assigned helps prepare you for tests.
Extra Credit: There will be opportunities for you to do extra credit work to raise test/quiz grades half-way to 100. These will be discussed in detail when announced.
Missed work due to absence: It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed, make up notes, turn in assignments, etc. I keep extra sheets from class in the tray for Living Environment, in the back of the room.

MISCELLANEOUS

Daily Agenda will be written on the side white board.
Please, politely dispose of (do not throw or “chuck”) all trash in the trash can or recycling bin at the end of the period. Thank you. Please put paper ONLY in the recycling bin!
After school help: I stay after school almost every day until at least 3:00. Please see me ahead of time if you want to stay after for help or to make up work.
Low grades: The material we cover in biology can often seem like a foreign language. If you find that you are having difficulty keeping up with the material being presented in class, please, please, please, come see me! The sooner you start getting help, the sooner I can help you bring up your grade! Help yourself by asking for help A.S.A.P! Don’t wait until April!
Keep this information handy in the front of your binder.
Any other questions or comments?