Biology I
Teacher: Kelly Shaw
Phone: 432-2481
Email: kelly.shaw@metcalfe.kyschools.us
2014-2015
Goal: To familiarize students with basic and applied concepts of biology.
Expectations: Students are expected to actively participate in lecture discussions, inquiry-based classroom
activities, and be prepared for all assessments.
Policies
Attendance, Make-up Work, & Tardies: The school policy will be followed in these areas.
Homework: Homework will be assigned at least once a week. Homework will not be accepted after it is collected by
the teacher at the beginning of class for any credit. If a student is absent the day homework is collected they
must turn it in the day they return to school, or a zero will be given.
Grading: Each assignment will be assessed by a certain point value. Each grade can be determined by dividing the
total points earned by the total possible points. Overall grades will be set by school policy percentages. ( Tests
50%, Quizzes/Projects 20%, Daily/HW 10%, Final Exam: EOC 20%) Assignments that will be assessed include
tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, in-class assignments, projects, etc. The grading scale is as follows:
A 90-100
B 80-89.9
C 70-79.9
D 60-69.9
F 50-59.9
* The class grade will count for 80% of the overall grade, the remaining 20% will be determined by the
student’s EOC score administered by the state.
Plagiarism & Cheating: The school policy will be followed in these areas. Additionally, any student caught
plagiarizing or cheating will receive a zero for the assignment, as well as the enabling student. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Materials
Textbook: Biology, Prentice Hall 2009. Textbooks will be issued by the school.
Required Daily Materials: Pen or pencil
Three ring binder with paper, or a notebook (this will be provided and graded at random)
Individual Needs & Responsibility
My goal as your teacher is to help you in any way that I can. Although I stand by my policies, I realize that
emergencies arise. If an emergency arises let me know before the start of the school day so that I can help you
make special arrangements, and not penalize you for late or missed work.
Your success in this class is reliant on you. If at any time you need additional help, or are concerned with
your progress please let me know immediately.
I have thoroughly read and understand the above syllabus, and I agree to take full responsibility for my
actions and my grade.
Student Signature: _____________________________
Date: ______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________
Date: ______________
Dear Parents,
I look forward to an exciting year with your child. Biology is a difficult subject, and many
students must study in order to pass the course. While the course is difficult, many students
find several of the subjects interesting. In these upcoming weeks your child will be exposed to
a multitude of concepts that are new to them, and may require some additional studying in order
to understand them.
The first semester is spent primarily on what I consider the fundamentals of Biology. We
discuss cells, the smallest unit of life, and how they work. We will also discuss DNA and how it is
used by the body to create unique individuals. The second semester will be spent on broader
topics using the principles from the first semester. We will discuss genetics and how we inherit
our traits. We will also discuss ecology, the study of the environment, and other issues related
to the environment.
Enclosed with this letter is the syllabus. If at anytime your child or you feel the need to
contact me please feel free to email or call me at work. My planning period is during third
period, and you can reach me at 432-2481, or you can email me at
kelly.shaw@metcalfe.kyschools.us. I look forward to working with you and your child for a
successful venture through Biology.
Sincerely,
Kelly Shaw