1. Welcome!!

2. Welcome!  Welcome to Biology!  This course provides the opportunity to better understand yourself and the world around you through the lens of Biology.  Be prepared to work diligently, cooperatively, and creatively inside and outside the classroom.  I have established some Course Guidelines which are essential to ensure your success in the upcoming school year.

3. Who is your teacher?  Miss Pavicic  6 th year at Aurora High School  I teach both Biology and Honors Biology  Bachelor of Science in Biology from John Carroll University.  Master of Life Science Education from Ursuline College  Other things I do… ◦ National Honor Society ◦ Avid marathon runner ◦ 3 rd of six kids ◦ ?

4. Course Topics  Introduction to Biology  Cells  Cell Transport  Photosynthesis  Cell Respiration  Cell Division  DNA Structure and Replication  RNA and Protein Synthesis  Genetics  Evolution  Ecology  Classification

5. Miss Pavicic’s Guidelines for Success  Be respectful to your fellow classmates, teacher, and yourself at all times.  Be in your seat and prepared for class to begin before the bell rings. You will be responsible for recording the daily learning target, assignments, and homework in your binders BEFORE class begins.  Bring your textbook, binder, and writing utensils to class EVERY DAY. These three items are a MUST.  Be an active participant in class, and ALWAYS raise your hand when asking questions or responding.  Use appropriate classroom language. Profanity and improper language will not be tolerated.  Lab rules and procedures must be followed and will be strictly enforced.  Absolutely no cell phones are permitted. Procedure as listed in the student handbook will be enforced upon their presence.  All rules as stated in the student handbook will be enforced.  Have a positive attitude!

6. Consequences…  Tardiness  you will have to give up a Homework Pass or serve a detention.  Failure to positively participate in class (includes respect, language, work in groups, etc.)  detention.  Failure to bring textbook, binder, or writing utensils  you will have to give up a Homework Pass or serve a detention.  Presence of cell phone  your cell phone will be taken and you will be sent to the office. Consequences as set by the administration will be put in the place. Homework Passes CANNOT be used for cell phones.  **In the event that you repeatedly fail to follow Miss Pavicic’s guidelines:  a. You will be sent to the office and a parent conference will be arranged.

7. GRADING  GRADING  *Summative Assessments  60%  *Formative Checks  15%  *Laboratory work  15%  *Class work and homework  10%  The district grading scale will be used. (No class curve)  A 100-89.5 B 89.4-79.5 C 79.4-69.5 D 69.4-59.5 F 59.4-0

8. Homework Passes  You will receive three Homework Passes each quarter. These passes may be used for the restroom, drinks, visits to the office, etc. They may also be used for unexcused tardies and to retrieve materials that you may have forgotten to bring with you to class.  *If you save 10 Homework Passes, they will count as a ticket to the Donut Party at the end of the school year!  **In the event you use all of your Homework Passes:  You will receive detentions for tardies and failure to bring materials to class, in addition to leaving the classroom to use the restroom, drinks, etc.  You will lose credit on late assignments.  **** YOU are responsible for your Homework Passes and will NOT receive anymore than 3 per quarter…so don’t lose them!

9. Assignments  Binders: You will be responsible for keeping a binder that you will bring with you to class EVERY day. You will be required to organize your binders as directed by Miss Pavicic.  Homework: You will receive homework on a daily basis. Homework must be completed BEFORE class begins.  Labs: Labs will correlate directly with the topics in class. You will work with a partner or group, but will be expected to turn in your own lab write-up.  Group work: You will have group on a daily basis.  Formative Checks: You will be given frequent formative checks to check your understanding throughout each unit.  Quizzes: You will also be given frequent quizzes to help prepare you more closely for Summative Unit Assessments.  Summative Assessments: You will be given Summative Assessments following each unit.  Projects: Several group and individual projects will be assigned throughout the year. I will let you know in advance.

10. Extra Help  If at ANYTIME you would like extra help, just ask! I am very flexible and available on most days. Please contact me verbally or by email if you would like to meet with me so we can arrange a time.  If by the interim of the quarter you are receiving a “D” or lower, you will receive an Academic Referral. You will be referred to the After School Study Center.

11. Make-Up Policy  Assignments and due dates will be clearly stated and posted in class, as well as SchoolPointe, and it is your responsibility to mark the dates. Use your Homework Passes wisely!  CHECK SCHOOLPOINTE! You are responsible for making up all work/assignments missed during an EXCUSED absence.  You will be given the same number of days you have been absent plus an additional day to make up all work/assignments.  If you miss a test, be prepared to take the test the day you return.  All assignments will be listed on SchoolPointe.

12.  I am very excited to experience this journey with you, and am looking forward to an excellent school year!