1. Jennifer Marrero 8th Grade Biology
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela

2. Contact
Please allow 48 hours for a response.
Phone: (954) Ext 305
Please don’t hesitate to contact me!

3. Objective
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to study concepts of Life Science and an in-depth preparation for the E.O.C (end of course) exam; a required test students must pass in order to receive credit for Biology and graduate high school. Exam dates will be provided to your child in future announcements.

4. Content
will include, but not limited to, the following: Nature of Science – Cells and Heredity – DNA – Human Body – Diversity of Living Things – Ecology – Macromolecules – Properties of Water

5. Ms. Marrero’s Website www.somersetacademy.com
Search box type “Marrero”
Click on the first link
Sign up for homework notifications/updates
Tutorials available
Information you’ll find:
Syllabus
Google doc form for emergency contact
Important updates
Testing dates (when available)
Invention Convention

6. Invention Convention
Students are creating something new in a group of 3-4 students
Due dates are on Marrero’s webpage
Break down of due dates to help keep the students actively working on the assignment and not putting it off until the last minute.
They need a trifold board for Presentation day
Presentation day: December 9th from 8-2pm
8-9am Set up
9-1pm Presentations/Judging
1-2pm Clean up
PLEASE!!!! Let your child complete this with their peers. DO NOT do the project for them.

7. Pinnacle (Gradebook)
Parents can access their child's grades by following these steps:
1. Go to
2. The user name is the student's ID (This is not the student’s social security number)  Please check your child's schedule to find out the correct Student ID number.
3. The Pin Code is the child's date of birth – this will be typed as year, month, and day (four digits for year, two digits for month, and two digits for day) – no spaces, slashes, dashes, or commas) – for example, if the student’s birthday is February 5, 1992, it would be typed in as
4. Choose the correct school from the School drop down menu: Somerset Academy Middle, Somerset Academy High, or Somerset Academy Arts Conservatory.

8. Need Extra Help? Tutoring is available by the Science department.
When: Thursday
Where: Room 401
Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm OR
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Marrero before or after school.

9. Consequences Consequence #1 – Verbal warning
Consequence #2 – Call to Parent/Guardian
Consequence #3 – 1 hour Detention
Consequence # 4 – Conference with Parent/Guardian
Consequences # 5 – Referral to Administration

10. Access to Biology Online
Many homework assignments will be given via Biology online. Students will be given a username and password to access the content at home. Should a student not have the ability to access the information at home then they may receive it from Ms. Marrero in the form of a paper copy.
If a student completes any assignments late they may turn it in for a late grade.
1st Day it’s late = -15 points
2nd Day it’s late = -25 points
3rd Day it’s late = -35 points
4th Day it’s not accepted.
Certain assignments can not be made up (Ex. Lab); thus, a similar, but different assignment will be required to complete and turned in for a grade.

11. Textbooks
Students have access to the online book by logging into:
Each student will be given a unique username: Ex. JeMarrero17
All students will use the password: Marrero17
If it doesn’t work then me.
Some students will have to use 2017 instead of 17 for their username.
Ex. JeMarrero2017

12. Grading Exams 50% Quizzes 30% Projects 10% Class work 5% Homework 5%
A Superior
B+ Outstanding
B Commendable
C+ Above average progress
C Average progress
D+ Below average progress
D Lowest acceptable progress
F Failure
I Incomplete
Exams 50% Quizzes 30% Projects 10% Class work 5% Homework 5%
ALL students have the opportunity to earn an “A” in my class

13. Supply List Required Binder (1”-1.5”)
Writing utensil (blue/black pens)
Paper
Recommended
Highlighter
Sticky notes
Calculator
Coloring pencils
Scissors
Metric Ruler
***Please make sure that your child has enough supplies for the entire year. Typically they have supplies in August and by December the students run out of paper and pens.

14. $35 lab fee - online payment by 10/18/17
You may pay in cash to Ms. Marrero before or after school (exact amount only).
This payment gives the students access to the online resources including textbook, activities, study island, etc. and also pays for the supplies needed for labs including animals for dissections, dissection equipment, gloves, aprons, goggles, cleaning supplies, etc.

15. Wish List
Parents receive 1 volunteer hour for every $4.00 spent on materials for the classroom. If you like to donate items, please make sure you keep your receipts and turn them in with the materials and the teacher’s name to the front office.
- Dry Erase Markers - Kleenex - Clorox/Lysol wipes - Sheet protectors - Card stock - Glue sticks - Standard staples - Electric pencil sharpener - Hand sanitizer - Paper towels - Class set of colored pencils

16. Homecoming Week 10/16
Ms. Chavez and Mrs. Rosario are the sponsors for 8th grade this year.
They need parent volunteers!
If you would like to help out please contact them:
Chavez:
Room 304
Rosario:
Room 302

17. ANY QUESTIONS?

18. Thank you!