Biology I
2015-16
Cindy Ferrara Cindy_Ferrara@lusherschool.org
Office hours: Tuesday 3:30-4:30
*or by appointment
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
“Students are expected to improve their academic skills by participating in an atmosphere which
stresses productivity, cooperation, independence self –discipline, and responsibility.”
BRING WHAT YOU NEED TO CLASS
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A PEN OR PENCIL
A 3-RING BINDER WHICH YOU WILL USE TO ORGANIZE ALL YOUR MATERIALS: NOTES,
HANDOUTS, QUIZZES, HOMEWORK, LABS, PROJECTS
PUT AWAY DISTRACTIONS
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Enter the room keeping in mind that materials and equipment may be out and may not be used until
instructions are given.
Keep counter top space as a work area. Please place purses, book bags etc. on the floor out of the way.
Snacks are permitted during the first 5 minutes of class only. Use wastebaskets to properly dispose of trash.
NO GUM!
RESPECT CLASS TIME
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Students are expected to be prompt for class. Do everything you can in order to arrive to class on time.
If using the restroom, do so as quickly as possible.
Class will end only when I dismiss you.
GRADING
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Classwork 7.5%
Exam 25%
Homework 7.5%
Labs 25%
Quizzes 15%
Tests 20%
PROJECT PRIDE
BE KIND
School rules apply in the classroom including dress code policies. Respectful behavior is expected of every student.
Negative commentary will not be tolerated.
Please do not sit on the tables. At no time are students to write on the tables or deface any furnishings or equipment
in the lab. Including inside the drawers!
Obligations and due dates are discussed and agreed upon by both teacher and students. Always be attentive to due
dates and test dates. Because ample time is allowed to prepare for tests and quizzes students should not expect to be
excused without a valid reason discussed well in advance by the student and teacher.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Lusher High School community values honesty, fairness, and respect for others. We expect
members of our community not to lie, cheat, or plagiarize. As a valued member of this community, I
pledge that my work is original, that I have neither given nor received any unauthorized assistance on this
assignment, and that I have neither seen or am aware of any cheating related to this assignment.
The following guidelines are to promote fairness and consistency for all students.
Discussion or sharing of information on tests and quizzes with regard to content should not take place. This includes
verbal communication as well as internet.
Copying from another student on homework or labs is considered cheating.
If quoting someone else (class notes, the internet, instructor, or another student) it is necessary to provide the proper
citations.
Even though students work together in groups copying another student’s answer in discussion or short answer
questions is not permitted.
On lab reports exceptions might occur with regard to data that is collected by a group (graph, charts, and tables) or
yes or no answers. Collaboration does not mean copying. Originality and interpretation is encouraged.
When work (tests, labs, homework, quizzes, projects, and activities) is returned, a student has 24 hours in which to
appeal points taken off, corrections, or comments. Using another student’s work to state a case such as “you took off
points on my lab but not hers” is not valid. The instructor may ask the student to make corrections on her own before
awarding points. Thus a student should always be prepared to defend and discuss his or her work.
Students are encouraged to look over work for teacher mistakes in calculating points. In my haste to get work
returned to students the next class period I sometimes make errors. I am happy to correct any miscalculations on my
part.
Lusher High School Late Work Policy
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TURN WORK IN AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.
Work that is not collected at the beginning of class is considered late.
This policy defines consequences for late work as well as supports offered to students for submitting work on time.
The policy aims to:
 Increase the amount of work students submit on time.
 Improve the quality of instruction by encouraging students to come to class prepared.
 Facilitate the development of students’ time management and organizational skills.
Consequences
Lusher High School has a school-wide major assignments late work policy and department specific policies for
minor assignments. Teachers will clarify the specific category and value of assessments when they are assigned.
 Major or culminating assignments (school-wide policy)
These larger assignments are more definitive opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of skills and
content. Major assignments are due at the beginning of class or at a time designated by the teacher. Work not
completed by this time is considered late. Major assignments submitted late will receive a letter grade penalty
for each school day they are not turned in. For example, a paper due on Monday that is turned in on Friday can
earn no higher than 60% in the grade book.
 Minor or daily assignments (department-specific policies)
These smaller assessments are considered practice. They are used by students to show their progress and by
teachers to provide ongoing feedback for improvement. Homework policies for minor assignments vary from
department to department. Department specific late work policies must be explained clearly stated on course
syllabi and shared with the high school principal.
These consequences do not apply to students with excused absences, who are allowed to submit work for up to full
credit within 10 school days after absence. Missing assignments due to unexcused absences are handled according to
the above late work policies. Participation in school sponsored activities does not constitute an excused absence.
Unless students make specific agreements with teachers in advance of school sponsored activities the original due
date stands and the above policies apply.
These consequences also do not apply to students receiving accommodations. These students will submit work
within the time frames documented in their IEPs and 504 plans.
Supports
The spirit of this policy is to support students’ growth rather than to punish their development. Therefore, teachers
are expected to provide extensive support for all students in planning and decision making around homework. These
supports include, but are not limited to:
 Explicit instruction of time management skills
Teachers should reserve some instructional time for discussing not only upcoming assessments, but also
organizational expectations (i.e. using a planner), study skills (i.e. appropriate approach to and amount of time
spent on various assessments), and strategies for getting support (i.e. Academic Resource Center).
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Prior notice of major assessments
Given that the policy aims to promote students’ development of time management skills, teachers are expected
to give students at least two weeks prior notice for major assessments. This should be done verbally in class and
on the appropriate grade-level Major Assessment Google Calendar.
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Effective communication and formal supports
Teachers are expected to post grades bi-weekly and to communicate consistently with students and parents in
response to late work difficulties. Students and parents should have a plan in place for improving timeliness by
mid-quarter progress reports at the latest. Teachers will organize formal supports for struggling students such as
scaffolding due dates, mandatory office hours, consistent communication with coaches and parents, and, if
necessary, referring students for SAT planning meetings.