REQUIREMENTS FOR INTRODCUTION TO FORENSICS
Mrs. Stolipher – Room G201 astolipher@k12.wv.us
Welcome to Introduction to Forensics! This is an advanced level course designed for students who wish to explore concepts related to the field of forensic science. Forensic Science is intended to provide students with hands-on experience in various aspects of a criminal investigation. This is for seniors who have successfully completed both Biology and Chemistry.
You will, I think, find this to be an interesting, exciting, and academically challenging course with something to offer all students – even those who previously have had very little interest in science. Although this is an academically challenging course, you will always know exactly what is expected of you on all tests, quizzes, etc., (as explained below) and you can always count on me to help you understand the material you are expected to know. We are both working to achieve the same goal – your success!
Therefore, if you will commit yourself to plan to achieve the academic goals outlined in the Forensics course and put forth the effort necessary to achieve those goals, you will be successful!
I.
Textbook
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 8 th edition
It is recommended that textbooks be covered.
II.
General Requirements & Classroom Methods
A.
Lecture/Notes: Students are expected to actively participate in lecture. It is the student’s responsibility to get the notes. They may copy them as we go over them in class, complete the guided notes sheet (when provided) or print them from my website. All notes will be posted on my website. Notes will be posted in both Power Point and
Adobe formats. Students who do not have Internet access at home are allowed to use the computers in the Media
Center during their lunch to print the notes, but be sure to get a pass from me before going to media center. To access my website go to http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/Page/4819 . Material emphasized in lectures will be used to accent the readings and lab investigations. Much of the test material will be covered in the lectures.
B.
Behavior & Discipline: Only the highest standards of behavior will be accepted in this classroom, and all school policies and consequences will be followed. The rules will be discussed and posted in class. Three words to remember: Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness. I will treat you as an adult when you behave, as an adult should. When I am talking, I expect your complete attention. When you are talking to me, you may expect my complete attention. If someone in class makes a mistake, we need to look at that as a learning experience and not a mark of stupidity. We learn our best when we are comfortable, and that is the environment that this classroom will have. I expect that no student will stop me from teaching, nor will any student stop another from learning. This is to guarantee that your child, along with my other students, will receive the education atmosphere he or she is entitled to. In my classroom, I will be using the following discipline plan.
* Be advised that you will be held responsible for all policies and procedures found in the WHS Parent/Student Handbook.
** DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR DURING LAB WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FROM CLASS!!
*** Offenses such as cheating, pushing or shoving, skipping class, being disrespectful to school personnel (including substitutes) or other students, being destructive of school property (including writing on desks or walls), fighting, etc, will result in an automatic referral.
Rules
1.
Be prepared – means being in your seat when the bell rings ready to work and bringing all books and materials to class.
2.
Be respectful – follow directions the first time they are given; keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself; no cursing or teasing.
3 Be on task
Negative Consequences
(for choosing to behave inappropriately)

1 st offense verbal warning

2 nd offense teacher/student conference

3 rd offense parent contact

4th offense referral to office

Severe disruption immediate referral

C.
Vocab & Objectives: Every student will receive a list of vocabulary and objectives for each unit covered during each semester. These objectives will state, in general terms, the facts and concepts that the student is expected to understand and the tasks that the student is expected to perform after he/she finishes that particular unit. Tests are based entirely upon material stated in the material given to students (concepts may, on occasion, be added or deleted from the objective sheet during a particular unit, but this will be made well known to students in advance of the test).
It is strongly suggested that students write out the answers to the objectives several days in advance of the test so that they may ask questions and/or obtain extra help concerning any concepts that are not fully understood. (Please remember that I am here to help you!)
D.
Tests: There are usually 6-9 unit tests given during each semester. Each test is worth 200 points. Any student not present in class on the test day for any reason (including, but not limited to illness, field trip, sporting event, etc) may be required to take an alternate version of the test. Students absent one day before the test must take the test on the test day with the rest of the class.
Students absent two or more days before the test day may take the test in accordance with the attendance policy deadline. Students absent the day of the test, and returning the day after, must take the test on the first day they return.
Please reference the Jefferson County Schools Student, Parent & Staff Handbook for information about cumulative and summative assessments.
E.
Quizzes: One or two quizzes are given during the first few days of each unit. These are multiple choice quizzes designed to make students familiar with the basic terms that are necessary for understanding the concepts presented in each unit. Each quiz is worth 100 points Other quizzes on material in the chapters will be given as needed. Quiz make-ups will follow the same procedure as tests.
F.
Materials: It would be beneficial for students to have the following: pen, pencil, paper, calculator, a 3 ring binder
(about 1 ½”), and notebook dividers.
If you and your child decide to have a notebook to organize all Forensics assignments, then it is suggested that you divide the notebook into the following sections:
1.Obejctives/Bell Ringers, 2. Vocab, 3. Homework, 4.Lab Reports,
5. Class Notes, 6. Quizzes/Tests.
A calendar listing all classroom, laboratory, and homework assignments, as well as test dates, will always posted in the room weekly A bell ringer will be posted daily. You are expected to begin this warm-up activity when you enter the classroom.
G.
Labs: Students are expected to participate in and complete all laboratory assignments in the time allotted. Lab work may be individual or a group effort. If it is a group effort, only 1 report will be turned in for a grade. Horseplay will not be tolerated during class and will result in expulsion from the class.
Most lab reports will be worth 50 points. Class participation will be taken into account when calculating your grade. If you are attentive and engaged in the activity at hand, then you will earn your class participation.
H.
Homework : Will be assigned as necessary to reinforce information taught in class and/or in the textbook. The point value for each assignment will vary.
I.
Tardies: Students are tardy if they are not in the classroom when the tardy bell finishes ringing. The school tardy policy will be strictly enforced.
J.
Absences: On the day you return to school, it is YOUR responsibility to check the class calendar, check the makeup folder, and check with another student for any notes or work you might have missed. It is your responsibility to turn in work collected when you were absent, and write "ABSENT” on any late work.
K.
Bathroom/Hall Passes:
Students will not be allowed out of class to go to their locker, the rest room, or the water fountain during the first 10 minutes or the last 10 minutes of class.
L.
Grading & Grading Scale:
Unit Tests 200 points
Quizzes 100 points
Grades will be calculated by:
Total Points Earned/Total Points Possible x 100

Labs
Homework
Writing Assignments
50 points
Varies*
Varies
A 93 – 100
D 65 – 74
B 85 – 92
F below 64
Differential instruction is used daily to meet the individual students’ needs. By using multiple teaching/learning techniques for instruction (class work, homework and labs) it will benefit the student and add to their learning experiences. Any identified skill gaps will be addresses using
(but not limited to) study skill strategies, improving vocabulary, guided math problems, reading
& writing strategies.
C 75 – 84
* Will count for not more than 5% of your grade
III.
Additional Notes
1. All work is due at the beginning of class on the date that it is due. Unless following the makeup work procedure, students will receive a 10% penalty for any late work submitted. Work is only accepted 1 day late. Assignments where answers are provided the day it is collected are not accepted for a late grade.
2.
Cheating of any nature will not be tolerated . There is a difference between working with a partner and copying another student’s work.
3.
Please remember that I am here to help you – that is my job!
4. It is also my duty to set standards which will help you climb the academic ladder of success. These standards were
outlined in #II. If you meet these standards fully and completely, you will receive an A (therefore it is conceivable that everyone in a particular class might meet all objectives and receive A’s). I sincerely hope that you do, and if you will meet your part of the challenge, I will do everything I can to help you get the grade you desire.
5. If at any time you do not understand a concept, or find yourself in academic difficulty or have any other problem with which I can be of help please let me know (well before the end of the grade period). I am always willing to help you. My planning period is 5th period, so I can help you then if you have a study hall.
6. Any student who truly tries to meet the requirements listed in this booklet, (and show ample evidence of her/his attempt)
need not fear failure. I will do everything I can to help you and together we will make it through.
7.
I urge all parents to please feel free to contact me. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your child’s progress. Often the only time we have the opportunity to talk to parents is at the end of a grading period concerning a failing grade. If you, or your daughter/son, and I all work together we will, perhaps, be able to avoid that unpleasant experience!
NOTE TO PARENTS:
I am looking forward to working with your son/daughter this year. Please read over this syllabus & lab safety requirements
in order to be aware of the expectations. In addition to progress reports, I will contact you if there is a significant drop in their grade.
My planning period is from 11:16-12:55. The phone number for Washington High School is 304-885-5110. It is usually easier to
contact me through e-mail so feel free to e-mail me at any time, astolipher@k12.wv.us
. If I am not available, I will respond
as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact me whenever you have questions or concerns. Please provide your email address so
that I may contact you more efficiently. The website for the course is http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/Page/5741.
This site will have all notes and most of the assignments that are given in class. I will update the website periodically. However, keep in mind that the website is constantly changing and that assignments and dates posted in class will not always be reflected in the course website. Use
this site as a guide for information, not as the only source of pertinent information. You may access your son/daughter’s progress through the LiveGrades system. .