Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Greetings! I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my excitement about working with my students this year. I love teaching biology and I care deeply about each of my students. I believe students can grow and develop by examining the material and issues we cover in class. The main goal of my course is to cover the fundamentals of biology. Over the course of this year, we will introduce our students to the wonders of life science in preparation for the state biology exam.

Additional information about our class can be found in the syllabus your child has in their notebook. Please read this welcome letter completely and the syllabus provided during the first day of class. Sign the bottom of this note in order to indicate your understanding and support of the classroom system. Students should return this letter to me with your signature and their signature.

I will ask my students to do many, many reading assignments with accompanying written work. Some assignments will be in the classroom and some will be assigned as homework (although I rarely give homework unless students are unable to complete their assignments in class). On the left side of the big board is my assignment board. The weeks work assignments and deadlines are located here. Students should check it EVERY DAY!!! Each student is responsible for what has been assigned and each student has the responsibility to see the assignments and deadlines, write them down, and get them turned in on time. I also have a website that I will keep updated with assignments and due dates.

Classroom Rules and Policies

1. You may bring something to drink IF it’s in a reclosable container, but if you spill it, YOU clean it up. No food allowed in the classroom. Dropped food and spilled drinks contribute to a roach problem. You don’t want then bring the roaches home with you!!!! 2. Respect yourself, your classmates, visitors, and of course me. I will give you time to ask questions and speak, but it needs to be one person at a time. This prevents confusion and missed instruction. 3. I will follow the SP policies as outlined in the handbook. 4. I will come prepared every day to class. I expect students to be prepared each day. You must have all supplies with you daily. Parents will be contacted if students are not coming prepared to class each day. 5. If the student misses a day, it is that student’s responsibility to make up work and complete any assignments that were missed. There is limited time to do this. Read the handbook for more information. 6. When a project is assigned, I give ample time to students to complete it. The deadline that is given is the cutoff date. I follow makeup rules if a student misses. If a student procrastinates and does not turn in the project by the deadline, it will not be accepted at a later time. Students are encouraged to turn in projects before the deadline to prevent these problems! 7. EXEMPTION POLICY: I follow the handbook guidelines for exemptions. ALL CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED along with handbook guidelines met. This is the only way I will allow exemptions. Only FINAL Exams are eligible for the exemption policy, students are expected to take EVERY test and complete EVERY assignment including those missed because of illness or school sponsored trips. 8. I check notebooks at least once every 9 week grading period. All work must be in the notebook (NOT a bunch of papers handed to me) in chronological order with your name, date, period and assignment number at the top right hand corner.

Please see my teacher web page posted on the South Panola High School homepage. Access this page by going to South Panola High School’s homepage and selecting faculty. Scroll down until you find my name and then click to access my web page. . Feel free to email me at [email protected] I will check my email daily. Students and parents are welcome to email me at any time. I also have a wiki that keeps my assignments and notes updated. To access the site, you need a user name and password. Please go to www.biologydiva.pbworks.com and request access. EACH STUDENT MUST READ OVER DAILY NOTES WHICH WILL ASSIST IN PREPARING FOR TESTS. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS HOMEWORK EVERY DAY.

Biology I students must take and pass the state biology test on May 3, 2011. Passing is mandatory, a score of proficient is expected, a score of advanced is fantastic!!! My goal is to prepare my students for the mandated test as well as prepare for future science classes both here at SP and college.

Supply list:

1. 1 ½ inch binder (NO Spiral notebooks or composition notebooks accepted) It must be big enough to keep an entire 9 weeks together at a time. 2. notebook paper 3. 1 package of dividers for your notebook to separate the note/daily work section from the DSQ (science questions). These are questions that we do to keep the information learned fresh and available! 4. blue and black pens (no red pens for tests) 5. #2 pencils (Only to take scantron test) 6. Note cards for vocabulary 7. colored markers or colored pens for taking notes 8. white out or some kind of correction fluid for your personal use 9. Suggested but not required: An in-notebook hole-punch for the numerous handouts given in class. Your tests will come from these handouts, notes and worksheets + review of stated materials. We have a test about once a week to week and a half. This keeps the material more manageable. 10. Student planner 11. **SMILE**

Also note that if you ever have any comments, questions or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings (by appointment please) each day before and after school or during my planning period. To schedule a meeting, you may contact me by calling the number below.

I am excited about working with your child. I welcome questions or comments, and am looking forward to a great year!

Remember: Open House will be Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Sincerely,

Shelly Turner Introduction to Biology Biology I South Panola High School 662-563-4756 [email protected] http://www.biologydiva.pbworks.com

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