Honors Biology
The First Semester of Honors Biology
During this semester we will study microbiology, biochemistry, cells, plants and ecology.
Attendance
We will follow school attendance policies. Each unexcused tardy will result in the deduction of one half of one percent from the semester grade. A tardy may be made up within two weeks by arrangement with Mr. Fitch. Students should be seated and ready for class participation when the bell rings. They should have their notebooks, a pencil, and paper.
Grading
Grades are based approximately upon the following: Letter grades are figured as follows:
Class Activities, homework 25% 90%-100% = A
Projects 10% 80%-89% = B
Tests and Quizzes 50% 70%-79% = C
Final Exam 15% 60%-69% = D
0%-59% = F
Cheating Cheating is turning in work that is not the student’s original work, or helping someone else to do so. Students may not copy homework assignments from someone else. Plagiarism of internet or other electronic sources is considered cheating. Those who cheat will lose credit for that assignment and may have their term grade lowered one full letter grade. Other school and district policies apply as well.
Avoiding distractions Students should not use any entertainment or communication devices in class without permission. Such devices should not be visible in the classroom. Cellular phones should not be used or allowed to distract the class; cell phones should be turned completely off and not visible, unless permission is given by Mr. Fitch. The first incident will require the student to pick up the device after school. The second incident will require the student to pick up the device from an administrator. The third incident will require a meeting with a parent in order for the device to be returned. Parents need to contact students through the main office. Late Work Late work due to an excused absence may be turned in up to two days late for each day of excused absence. Late work not related to an excused absence may sometimes be turned in for up to 70%. If an assignment has been graded in class or the papers have been returned to classes, then you must make up the assignment in A202 with permission from Mr. Fitch. If a student is absent for a test, they must make up the test on the very next day that they are in school again. They do not get two days to make up a test.
Communication
The best way to communicate with me is email. I maintain a website that contains the assignments, weekly activities, and many of the notes and assignments that we do in the class. If you miss class, the best way to find out what you missed is to check the website or visit during access. Find the link at www.chargerpride.com If you do not check the website to see what you missed, you should come in before or after school, or during access, to find out.
Text book
There will be a text book assigned to students. It should be kept at home for the entire year.
Homework
Homework is usually assigned on the first day of the week and is usually due on Thursday or Friday.
Projects
In addition to the regular assignments in class, honors biology students must complete several projects. These projects will be announced on the first day of the semester.
Tests and Quizzes
Be prepared for every test. Students may drop one score from the tests and quizzes category. Students must make up a missed test or quiz on the very next day that they return or it will count as a zero. There are no retakes. The final exam score may not be dropped.
Extra Credit
Do not expect any extra credit opportunities. If extra credit becomes a possibility, it will be announced in class and on the website.
Second Semester
If a student does not get at least a C in honors biology during the first semester, he or she will be encouraged to transfer to regular biology at semester.
The First Semester of Honors Biology
During this semester we will study microbiology, biochemistry, cells, plants and ecology.
Attendance
We will follow school attendance policies. Each unexcused tardy will result in the deduction of one half of one percent from the semester grade. A tardy may be made up within two weeks by arrangement with Mr. Fitch. Students should be seated and ready for class participation when the bell rings. They should have their notebooks, a pencil, and paper.
Grading
Grades are based approximately upon the following: Letter grades are figured as follows:
Class Activities, homework 25% 90%-100% = A
Projects 10% 80%-89% = B
Tests and Quizzes 50% 70%-79% = C
Final Exam 15% 60%-69% = D
0%-59% = F
Cheating Cheating is turning in work that is not the student’s original work, or helping someone else to do so. Students may not copy homework assignments from someone else. Plagiarism of internet or other electronic sources is considered cheating. Those who cheat will lose credit for that assignment and may have their term grade lowered one full letter grade. Other school and district policies apply as well.
Avoiding distractions Students should not use any entertainment or communication devices in class without permission. Such devices should not be visible in the classroom. Cellular phones should not be used or allowed to distract the class; cell phones should be turned completely off and not visible, unless permission is given by Mr. Fitch. The first incident will require the student to pick up the device after school. The second incident will require the student to pick up the device from an administrator. The third incident will require a meeting with a parent in order for the device to be returned. Parents need to contact students through the main office. Late Work Late work due to an excused absence may be turned in up to two days late for each day of excused absence. Late work not related to an excused absence may sometimes be turned in for up to 70%. If an assignment has been graded in class or the papers have been returned to classes, then you must make up the assignment in A202 with permission from Mr. Fitch. If a student is absent for a test, they must make up the test on the very next day that they are in school again. They do not get two days to make up a test.
Communication
The best way to communicate with me is email. I maintain a website that contains the assignments, weekly activities, and many of the notes and assignments that we do in the class. If you miss class, the best way to find out what you missed is to check the website or visit during access. Find the link at www.chargerpride.com If you do not check the website to see what you missed, you should come in before or after school, or during access, to find out.
Text book
There will be a text book assigned to students. It should be kept at home for the entire year.
Homework
Homework is usually assigned on the first day of the week and is usually due on Thursday or Friday.
Projects
In addition to the regular assignments in class, honors biology students must complete several projects. These projects will be announced on the first day of the semester.
Tests and Quizzes
Be prepared for every test. Students may drop one score from the tests and quizzes category. Students must make up a missed test or quiz on the very next day that they return or it will count as a zero. There are no retakes. The final exam score may not be dropped.
Extra Credit
Do not expect any extra credit opportunities. If extra credit becomes a possibility, it will be announced in class and on the website.
Second Semester
If a student does not get at least a C in honors biology during the first semester, he or she will be encouraged to transfer to regular biology at semester.