Bensalem Township School District

Bensalem High School Bensalem Township School District ▪ 4319 Hulmeville Road ▪ Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 (215) 750-2800, Ext. 3076 Science Department: Lisa Tokmajian [email protected]

August 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to Honors Biology at Bensalem High School. In this class your son or daughter will be learning about many aspects of biology like biochemistry, genetics, cellular activities, biotechnology, ecology, and evolution. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science; where they will have an opportunity to participate in an independent, self designed experiment/lab experience.

Honors Biology at BHS is one of the most challenging courses available to ninth grade students. I have set high expectations for myself as well as for the students. Students will need to spend time at home working on lab reports, homework assignments, and studying for quizzes and tests. Students must be sure to balance their time appropriately so that all work is completed in a timely manner. It is essential that students come to class with their agenda book, binder, and writing supplies each day (please see the student supply list on the next page to assist you in your back-to-school shopping). Please be sure to read the course expectation sheet and course syllabus that was given to your child on the first day of the semester. It is my hope to inspire your child to love biology as much as I do. It is also my mission to strengthen my students’ academic skills.

A calendar of in-class assignments and homework will be given to each student. The calendar will also be posted on my school website. My class will follow the calendar as much as possible, but the calendar will be adjusted for fire drills, assemblies and other unforeseen events. If a student is absent, they can access their homework on-line. Homework will not be accepted late. No late work is ever accepted after it has been graded and handed back to the rest of the class and/or the appropriate make-up work time frame is exceeded. If a student is absent the day prior to an exam, they will still be expected to take the exam with the rest of the class. If a student is absent the day of an exam, they will receive a alternative exam on the same chapters the day they return.

The state has introduced testing mandatory for all students taking biology. This is a very important exam that is crucial to your child’s successful completion of high school graduation requirements. Your child will be taking this exam, called the Keystone, at the end of the biology course. Passing this exam is a graduation requirement. We have worked diligently to align our curriculum with the state requirements. We will work together to make this a success. If you have further questions you can visit the state website at: http://www.pde- sas.org/

The following information comes from the school district:

Keystone Assessments –pending state guidelines As part of the state mandated requirements for graduation, students will need to take three Keystone assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Students must demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology Keystone exams to graduate. Students will be offered multiple opportunities to take the exams throughout their high school careers. Supplemental instruction will be offered to students who did not pass the Keystone assessment.

Afterschool help is available as needed. Students will need to prepare for afterschool sessions and make appointments for this tutoring. Students are expected to arrive at the sessions promptly and to work on biology while they are with me. There is a bus at 4:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays that the students can take home. I am available through district email at ([email protected]). Please feel free to contact me with any concerns. My voicemail extension is listed at the top of this letter. You can also access my district webpage at www.bensalemsd.org/tokmajian Please sign and return the accompanying page to indicate that you have read and understood this letter along with the course expectations. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your child filled with fun and challenging science-learning experiences.

Sincerely,

Lisa Tokmajian, M.Ed. BHS Science Department, PJAS Advisor

Honors Biology Course Expectations

Honors Biology is a very challenging course. Success in this course will require organization and commitment from you as well as from me.

Textbook: Readings and other assignments in your text will be given to you at the beginning of each unit. You will also be given access to our text on line during the first day of school. Website: my.hrw.com

Class Materials: You will need a pen AND pencil for biology class EVERYDAY. A basic calculator will be needed throughout the course. It is required to purchase a box of gloves so that you can wear them for labs that involve stains. Every student wears a different size so purchase gloves specific to your hand size. Keep 2 or 3 pair in your school bag in a Ziploc bag and refill them as you use them. Prepare a 3 ring binder as shown to you on the first day of school. The binder should be at least 2 inches thick at the spine and brought to class everyday. You will need loose-leaf paper to keep in your binder for journaling and ticket in assignments. You will need 8 dividers for your binder. Please label them in order with the following labels:  Biochemistry/Enzymes  Cells and Cell Transport  Cell Energy (photosynthesis/cellular respiration)  Cell Division  Genetics/Biotechnology  DNA  Evolution  Ecology

Class Policies: Absences and Late work . ATTENDANCE: IF you MUST be absent: o Complete the homework assignment found on the unit calendar on my website. o Upon return, retrieve copies of missed work from the “absent” folder. o All work must be made up within one scheduled class period of the absence. You will be expected to make up pre- announced quizzes or tests on the day you return if we haven’t covered any new material during your absence. If you are absent, you can access assignments on-line. You are expected to return from absences with your homework, lab work, etc… complete. Work will never be accepted after it’s handed back graded. Attendance: You must be here! We are very short on time! IF you MUST be absent: go to the website to view your work, call a friend/classmate and copy any missed notes, ask your friend/classmate about any missed assignments, ask the teacher the next day about any missed assignments, read class announcements on the board, all work must be made up within one scheduled class period of the absence.

Biology Calendar: You will be provided a calendar of in class and homework assignments for each unit. Stay ahead of the game, read your calendar and prepare ahead! I will stay as close to the calendar as possible. Drills, assemblies, and other unforeseen events may cause us to adjust the calendar. All power points, class assignments, and homework assignments will be posted on my teacher page for you to access from home.

Extra Help: Study sessions will be provided after school depending on teacher availability. You must arrange (sign up ahead of time) to stay after school if extra help is needed.

GRADING: 30% Major Assessments and/or Major Projects: At least 2 major assessments each marking period (may include lab tests and projects) 30% Minor Assessments and/or Minor Projects: Includes: lab write-ups, essays, quizzes 10% Quarterly Assessment: Given near the end of each quarter for the entire school year. (4 exams per year) 20% Classwork: Laboratory work (data collection, working with equipment, etc.), group work (presentations, white-boarding, etc.), note taking, and journaling 10% Homework: Expect homework almost every night (NO LATE HOMEWORK ACCEPTED)

KEYSTONE EXAM : The state of Pennsylvania has put into place end-of-course exams for certain subjects; biology is one of these subject areas. We will prepare and practice for this exam all year.

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: Misbehavior in a science classroom can put everyone in danger, and therefore will not be tolerated. You will be signing a safety contract and are expected to follow the outlined protocols. Your actions affect not only your education, but also that of all of your classmates. Be respectful of each other.

BEHAVIOR AND CELL PHONE POLICY Students are expected to follow all classroom rules and treat one another and the teacher with respect. Disruptions and general misbehavior will result in disciplinary procedures. In regard to cell phones and iPod/MP3 usage in the classroom, these devices will NOT be permitted to be used in the classroom, except for occasional use for academic purposes (i.e. as a calculator). Using electronic devices for recreational purposes in the classroom will result in confiscation of the device and potential disciplinary action (please refer to the school policy on cell phones for details).

ACADEMIC HONESTY Cheating, copying, and/or plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. Engaging in these behaviors may result in receiving zero (0) credit on the assignment and/or disciplinary action.

Honors Biology Resources

http://www.bensalemsd.org/tokmajian Please visit the above site for copies of all assignments, due dates, and additional resources.

Unit Outline: Unit One: Introduction to Biology 1: Biology in the 21st century 2: Chemistry of Life Unit Two: Cells 3: Cell Structure and Function Unit Three: Cell Energy 4: Cells and Energy Unit Four: Mitosis and Meiosis 5: Cell Growth & Division Unit Five: Genetics 6: Meiosis and Mendel 7: Extending Mendelian Genetics Unit Six: DNA 8: DNA to Proteins 9: Biotechnology Unit Seven: Evolution 10: Principles of Evolution 11: Evolution of Populations Unit Eight: Ecology 13: Principles of Ecology 14: Interactions of Ecosystems 15: The Biosphere 16: Human Impacts on Ecosystems

Class Contract Signature Page

Due: ______

 As a student in this class, I pledge to uphold the rules, safety precautions, and expectations of this class.

Print Student Name: ______

Student’s Signature: ______

Date: ______Class Period: ______

 As a parent/guardian of the above student, I have read and understood the Biology course expectations and policies and safety guidelines.

Please write any questions you may at the bottom of this paper.

Print Parent/Guardian Name: ______

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ______

Date: ______

Contact Information:

Parent/ Guardian Name: ______

Email Address (print clearly): ______

Phone Number: (work) ______home/cell ______

Student email address: ______

Does the student have Internet access at home? Yes or No

Does the student have the ability to print things at home? Yes or No

Comments/ Concerns/ Questions: