Introduction

Welcome to the website for Mrs. Aguirre's Biology classes, periods 2 and 4-7.

Click on the "Grades" link at the left to see a complete listing of all grades for the current semester.  Any score recorded as "1" or "ab" may be made up. "ab" indicates the student was absent on the due date, while a "1" indicates the student was in class on the due date but was not present on the day the assignment was given.  Any score recorded as "0" may not be made up and indicates the student was present in class on both the day the assignment was given and on the due date, but simply did not complete or turn in the assignment.

Biology classes include two levels - Applied Arts (A) and College Prep (C). While the instruction, curriculum and calendar are the same for the two levels, the grading scales are different. Please see the Syllabus/Academic Plan below to view the appropriate grading scale for your level of Biology.

BIOLOGY 1-2 A/C 2009 - 20010
Syllabus

Biology is a two semester applied arts/college preparatory laboratory course in which you will learn about living organisms and life processes.

California State Standards
Biology instruction is based on the California State Standards. Below are the five general state standards for Biology/Life Sciences. You will find more detailed information regarding the state standards at the following web-address: www.cde.ca.gov//BE/ST/SS/documents/sciencestnd.pdf

Cell Biology -the chemical reactions that support living organisms
Genetics - the structure and function of DNA and genes
Ecology - interactions between the living and non-living parts of our environment
Evolution - the process of change in living systems throughout the earth's history
Physiology - structure and function of the human body, reproduction and disease

Textbook
Biology     McGraw-Hill, 2007 edition

Academic/Discipline Plan and Frequently Asked Questions

How are grades earned in this class?
Grades are based on total points earned from homework, classroom activities, projects, quizzes, tests, classroom participation, etc. Homework and classroom activities make up nearly 50% of your grade; it will be very difficult to pass this class if you do not turn in homework or complete classwork. Quizzes and tests will make up the other 50% (approximately) of your grade. The semester Final Exam is typically worth about 17% of the total semester grade. Extra credit opportunities are not offered often so don't count on extra credit points to pull up a failing grade!

Grades will be posted by ID number approximately every two weeks. The grading scales for Applied Arts (1A) and College Prep (1C) Biology are slightly different; please make sure you understand which level of biology you are enrolled in and that you use the appropriate scale to calculate your grade on individual assignments and your overall grade. Please note that a grade of Incomplete (INC) is given only at the end of a semester and for a lengthy excused absence, usually due to medical reasons. An Incomplete grade must be made up within the first four weeks of the next semester.

Grading Scale for 1C

93 -100% = A
90 - 92% = A-
88 - 89% = B+
83 - 87% = B
80 - 82% = B
78 - 79% = C+
73 - 77% = C
70 - 72% = C-
68 - 69% = D+
63 - 67% = D
60 - 62% = D-
below 60% = F

Grading Scale for 1A

83 -100% = A
80 - 82% = A-
78 - 79% = B+
73 - 77% = B
70 -72% = B-
68 - 69% = C+
63 - 67% = C
60 - 62% = C-
58 - 59% = D+
53 - 57% = D
50 - 52% = D-
below 50% = F
 

An important component in earning a good grade is attendance; absences and tardies limit your ability to get needed information and, in addition, tardies are disruptive for the teacher and other students.  Please be aware that absences over ten days per class may result in no credit in that class.  Excess tardies to any one class over a semester may be viewed as defiance on the part of the student and demonstrate his/her inability to follow the established school and classroom rules.  Teachers may write behavior referrals for defiance, which could result in removal from the class.

Consequences for disrupting the classroom may include, but are not limited to, the following, at the teacher's discretion:
1st through 4th offense: = teacher warning, detention, and parent contact
5th offense = parent contact and a referral to the VP's office for Saturday School
6th offense = students may be removed from class for defiance with a second referral. The student will be placed in study hall with a loss of credit for the class.

What does it take to succeed in this class?
-Be in your seat with your supplies ready when the bell rings
-Always have your binder with all papers from the current semester with you
- Have your work completed on time
-Follow all instructions and safety precautions.
-Your full attention is required during lectures, instructions and activities
-Be in your seat, with your desk and work area clean at the end of the period.  When the entire class is seated, and the room is clean, you will be dismissed by the teacher

-Use appropriate language at all times

-Have a positive attitude

What are the class rules and how do they affect my citizenship grade?

All of the rules and policies of Grossmont High School are supported and enforced in this class.  Please read your Student Handbook and the Behavior Code.  Remember that no electronic devices are allowed on campus, cell phones and pagers must be turned off between 7:00 a.m. and 2:48 p.m., and students must dress in accordance with the dress code at all times.If there are things you don't understand, please ask for an explanation.  Additionally, due to safety concerns, where will be no eating or drinking in biology class except for bottled water.

What happens is I miss work when I am absent?

It is YOUR responsibility to check for missing assignments when you are absent from class. Homework that was due the day you were absent is due the day you return to class. It is best to complete all make-up work a soon as possibsle; however the absolute deadline for all make-up work will be one calendar month after the assignment date or your return to class.

  You will need to attend a make-up session after 7 th period to make up missed tests and other work that requires my assistance.

What if I turn in work late?
Late work is not accepted unless due to an excused absence. Consistently not turning in work or trying to turn it in late will drastically lower your grade.

What if I need to leave class?

You should use the passing period and break time to use the restroom. Since there are times you may have an emergency, you will receive 3 restrooms passes for each semester. f you have any left over at the end of the semester you may turn them in to this class for extra credit (15 points each ).

What happens if I don't follow the rules?

If you interfere with other students' ability to learn or the teacher's ability to teach, the following actions will be taken.

Minor Problems

1.  Student/teacher conference to discuss behavior (Warning)

2.  Phone call to parent and detention

3. Written referral to Vice Principal

4. Second referral and possible removal from class with loss of credit

Major Problems

1.  Immediate removal from class and a written referral to the Vice Principal; phone conference with parent; possible drop from class with no credit.

 Please complete the bottom half of this page and return to Mrs. Aguirre by Friday, September 11, 2009.

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Biology Period _______________         Biology Level (A or C) __________________

I have read and understand the Academic and Discipline plans for Biology.

_______________ ____________________________ ______________________________

Date                           Print Student Name                               Student Signature

____________________________ ______________________________

Print Parent/Guardian Name               Parent/Guardian Signature

Comments, Questions, Concerns...

Thank you.                                                                                                         Candace Aguirre

                                                                                                                            Room 335

                                                                                                                           Phone: 619-668-6121

                                                                                                                          e-mail: caguirre@guhsd.net