Website: Mwhs.Magnoliaisd.Org/Apps/Pages/Zarazuasuttles

Pre-AP Biology Magnolia ISD 2017-2018

Teacher Information Teacher: Samantha Zarazua Suttles Campus: Magnolia West High School Email: [email protected] Telephone: (281) 252-2550 Website: mwhs.magnoliaisd.org/apps/pages/ZarazuaSuttles Conference: 7th Period Tutorials: Tuesday and Thursday (Monday and Wednesday by request)

Course Description Biology is the study of living things and their relationships to each other and the environment. This course focuses on life-long learning skills such as critical thinking skills and problem solving by using hands-on activities. This course prepares students for higher-level science courses and the STAAR EOC Biology test we will be taking in May. My goal is to see 50% of our Pre-AP Bio students achieve commended scores on their EOC. There are many online resources that students can use to support their learning in the classroom.

Grading Policy

Formative assessment The goal of formative assessments is to measure student progress all throughout an instructional unit. Examples of formative assessments may include but are not limited to: class work, engagement in class activities/discussion, homework, labs, and quizzes.

Summative assessment-The goal of the summative assessment is to evaluate a student’s mastery of content at the end of an instructional unit. Summative assessments are often high stakes meaning they have a high point value (such as being recorded as a major grade). Examples of summative assessments may include but are not limited to: major exams, final compositions, projects, performances, demonstrations, research papers, oral reports/presentations, and district common assessments.  Summative = 70%  Formative = 30%

Make-up and Late Work Policy

Students who have not turned in assignments by the due date may turn in the assignment for the credit listed in the table below; however, the teacher may require a student to complete the missing assignment during tutorials or complete an alternate assignment covering the same material.

Teachers may choose not to accept an assignment after the due date as long as the student is given the option to complete the assignment during tutorials or given an alternate (but comparable) assignment for the credit listed in the table below.

Turned by Turned in up to 1 week after the Due Date Turned in 5 days or more after the Due Date, but prior to the end of 3 Due Date Weeks Grading Period 100% of Grade · 1 day = 70% of grade earned 50% of Grade Earned Earned · 2 days = 50% of grade earned · 3 days = 50% o grade earned · 4 days = 50% of grade earned One retest will be allowed per nine weeks grading period. Cumulative nine weeks exams are excluded from the retest policy.

Course Information Mandatory Supplies for Biology:

1. Composition notebook 2. Folder with brads 3. Pencils/Pens 4. Glue or Tape 5. Scissors

If you would like to help stock supplies for the classroom we always have a need for:

1. Markers 2. Map Pencils 3. Tissues 4. Extra Pencils 5. Notebook paper

Class Expectations

Class Rules 1. Follow directions the first time they are given 2. Bring all necessary materials to class each day 3. Use appropriate language 4. Keep hands and feet to yourself

Consequences 1st offense: Verbal Warning 2nd offense: Conference with Mrs. Suttles 3rd offense: 30 minute D-hall & parent contact 4th offense: Parent Conference and possible write-up

Other Course Information Academic Dishonesty/Cheating/ Plagiarism Academic dishonesty—cheating or plagiarism— is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another student’s work—homework, class work, test answers, etc, as one’s own or allowing the same. Plagiarism is the use of another person’s original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or other supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.