Expectations

Notebook and organization

A 3-ring binder with dividers is required for class notes, homework, handouts etc.  Students are required to bring the binder with them to class every day.  (bringing your textbook to class every day is NOT required) Notebooks will be checked regularly and given credit.  Your notebook must be organized with all assignments, hand outs, homework, and used exclusively for biology.

Homework assignments

To receive full credit, assignments must be completed by the beginning of the hour on the due date.  Late assignments, which include any assignments turned in after the start of the hour, will receive a 50% deduction in credit.  Students may turn in one late assignment per quarter with an attached “late pass” for full credit.  

Absences and tardies

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule missed class work with the teacher the day he/she returns from an absence.  Most labs and tests must be made up after school or during meetings period.  Work that is not completed on the arranged date will receive late credit.  If a student is absent on a day class notes are taken, a photocopy of a classmates notes may be made.  Photocopied notes are only acceptable for the notebook check on the days the student was absent.  Students are responsible for turning in any work that was collected during their absence. 

Students who are late to class without a note from a teacher will receive one warning.  Subsequent tardies will result in detention. 

Academic dishonesty

The school’s academic dishonesty policy is detailed in the hand book.  Important excerpts appear below.

“Students should not copy, or allow to be copied, homework or other papers.  Working together on problems or making editorial suggestions on a paper is a good learning process, but loaning or making use of another’s finished work is dishonest.”

“Possession or use of unauthorized notes or copying answers from another on an exam, test or quiz is blatant cheating.”

Academic dishonesty will result in a loss of points and/or action from the disciplinary committee. 

 Cell phones

Use of cell phones is not permitted in the classroom at any time.    Cell phones should be off and stored in your backpack.  Detention will be assigned to any student using a cell phone in the class room. 

Food and drink

Food and drink including water is not allowed in the classroom.  With permission, students may leave the class room to get a drink of water. 

Laboratory safety

Students must follow laboratory rules at all times during lab periods. 

Equipment should only be used for its intended purpose. 

If safety goggles are required, they must be on at all times during a lab.

Shoes must be worn at all times in class

All chemical spills and broken glass must be reported to the teacher when they occur.  The teacher will provide appropriate instructions for the clean up of spilled chemicals and broken glass.

Horseplay, teasing, pushing and running are all prohibited in the lab.

Failure to follow the laboratory safety rules will result in a loss of points and/or detention.