2013-2014 Pre-AP Biology Class Guidelines
Allen Peach, New Academic Building Rm. 459
apeach1@kleinisd.net
832-484-4273
http://classroom.kleinisd.net/default.aspx?Mr. Allen Peach
Welcome to Biology! Biology is the study of life. Biological topic objectives include ecology, cellular biology, genetics,
evolution, taxonomy, human body systems and plants are covered in this course. The scope of the Biology curriculum also
covers the EOC (End of Course Exam) which is given in May. All biology students take this exam.
The Pre-AP Biology curriculum places a higher emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. It examines topics in more
depth and with student activities that expand beyond a regular curriculum. Laboratory experiments play an important
role in student learning. Students design and carry out experiments using appropriate methods and resources. It is
imperative that students follow all laboratory procedures and safety rules.
Textbook: Biology
Online Text Link: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Course Topics:
Fall Semester:
 Nature of Science
 Biomolecules
 Enzymes
 Cell Membranes
 Cell Structure
 Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
 DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
 Genetics
 Taxonomy
Spring Semester:
 Evolution and Natural Selection
 Ecology
 Plant Form and Function
 Microbiology
 Animal Form and Function
 Human Systems
 EOC Review
Materials: All materials should be brought to class daily. You can leave your book at home.
1. Laptop and charge cord (once issued)
2. Pocket folder or a three-ring binder with ruled paper and graph paper
3. Blue/black pen
4. Pencil
5. Straight edge
6. Colored Pencils
I will provide calculators in the classroom, but you may use your own calculator in class (except for tests).
My website will have class information and the assignment calendar. I will also periodically post documents that you can
access at home. Not all assignments will be posted to the webpage.
Class Rules: In addition to adhering to those regulations in the 2012-2013 KISD Student Handbook and the Student Code of
Conduct, students will be responsible for the following rules:
1.
2.
3.
Be prepared. Bring all materials to class daily and have everything ready before class begins.
Stay in your assigned seat; don’t walk around in class without first asking permission. The bell does not dismiss
you, I do.
Be respectful. I expect you to exhibit courtesy and respect toward all teachers, peers and school property at
all times. This includes not being disruptive to other student’s work and learning.
You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all Laboratory Safety Rules, which will be covered in class.
If you CHOOSE to break a rule: The district’s policies on discipline are listed in the 2012-2013 KISD Student Handbook.
Some behaviors will warrant an immediate Disciplinary Referral, but in general, violations of the basic rules will be dealt
with as follows:
1st incident - Verbal warning
2nd incident - Second warning, individual conference & parent contact
3rd incident - Referral to assistant principal
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices of any kind (iPods, cell phones, etc.) is prohibited in the
classroom and can be confiscated. Please see the KISD Student Handbook for further detail.
Tardies and Late Arrivals: If you are not in the classroom and ready to work when the bell rings, a pass will be required for
entry. You obtain tardy passes from the “Tardy Center,” located downstairs in the fist floor of the high rise or in the
Commons.
Attendance: I f you are absent for anything other than a school-sanctioned activity, you MUST come to class with a blue
admission slip from attendance. If you do not have it, you will be required to go to attendance to get one and take a tardy.
Grading Policy: Biology I is a year semester class. 84% of the student’s grade will be from the 3 six weeks and 16% will be
from the mid term and second six weeks final.
60% Major (tests, projects, presentations, extensive lab activities and district common assessments)
40% Minor (notebook checks, worksheets, labs, quizzes, daily work, computer labs and USA Test Prep).
A minimum of 3 major grades and 6 minor grades will be taken each six weeks grading period.
Make-Up Work Policy – A student is expected to make up all work missed for excused or unexcused absences in the same
number of days in which he or she was absent unless the teacher lengthens the schedule. Upon request from a parent,
make-up or advance assignments will be prepared for students who have been absent for at least three (3) consecutive
days and expect to be out longer due to illness. Teachers are not required to provide advance assignments for students who
expect to be absent for any reason other than illness. The guidelines may be waived when, in the opinion of the school
principal, extenuating circumstances exist.
Late Work Policy –
Daily assignments: For assignments submitted within the unit window - a 10 point deduction per day, up to 30 points will
be taken from the assignment. If a student does not turn in the assignment by Wednesday of the last week of the six weeks
the grade will be a zero.
Major grades: 10 points deduction per day. A maximum of 50 points will be deducted for work more than one week late.
Assignments that are not turned in by the last Wednesday of the grading period will receive a grade of zero (0).
Re-teach and Retest Options - In order to take retest, a student must have scored a 69 or below on the major assignment or
test. In order to retake a test, a student must meet with the teacher and have completed all assignments in the unit being
tested. The student must complete a remediation activity assigned by the teacher before the test is taken. A maximum of
70 can be given for the final grade. The student must not have taken the original test dishonestly. The student needs to
make arrangements with the teacher before or after school the take the retest if they cannot attend the schedule retest
day.
Tutoring: I am available most days after school from 2:45 to 3:15. You may also make arrangements to meet with me
before school from 6:30 -7:20.
Academic Dishonesty: If you are involved in an academic dishonesty (cheating) incident, you will receive a zero for the work
and are subject to a P or U in conduct. You will also be referred to the assistant principal for possible disciplinary action.
Please note that talking or using an electronic device during a test or quiz is considered academic dishonesty, and will result
in the above consequences. Please see the KISD Student Handbook for further information.