Miss Castellana’s Classroom Policy

9^th Grade BIOLOGY 2002 - 2003

www.emerson.k12.nj.us/staff/ccastellana

  GRADES: Your grade in this class will be based on percentage, NOT total points.

 q       80% Content:

§         Tests 30%

§         Projects and Labs 20%

§         Quiz 15% (Announced and Unannounced)

§         Homework 15%

  All late homework assignments will be worth ½ credit. This means that if you turn in an assignment late, and you scored a 100% on it, a 50% goes in my grade-book.  If you turn in an assignment late and you score an 80%, a 40% goes in my grade-book. Moral of the story: get your homework IN and make sure that it is ON TIME!

 q       20% Participation:

§         This component of your grade includes attendance, participation, preparation, and cooperation.

§         Everyone in this class starts off with a 100% participation grade. I will reduce your participation grade according to your performance and behavior throughout the marking period.

  COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Each day come to class prepared with the following:

q       Textbook

q       Binder: Your binder should be divided into sections according to CHAPTERS. In other words, all Chapter 1 materials including labs, quizzes, notes and homework should be together.  This will help you a LOT when you go back to study.

q       Pen / pencil

q       Assignment pad

    TARDIES: It is imperative that you arrive to class on time. Missing even the first 5 minutes of class can result in your missing important directions or information. You must have BOTH feet in the door before the bell rings or you are late! Each late you accumulate will result in the lowering of your participation grade by 5 points.

  EXTRA HELP: With few exceptions I will be available everyday for extra help. I am in school by 7:00 a.m. You are welcome to stop by anytime after 7:00! Activity period is also an excellent time to meet me for extra help. After school I can be found in the media center. Extra help during after school hours must be scheduled by appointment due to my obligations as a coach. Should you make an appointment to meet with me at anytime, you must sign up on the clipboard so I know that you are coming.  

  EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR:

At all times, members of this class are treated as part of a respectful learning community. ALL school rules and policies will be followed.  RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT ~ your teacher, our classroom, yourself, and each other!

    Class Routine: As you enter class each day, I will take attendance. While I take attendance, you have a few jobs:

q       Ready!  Find your seat and take out any homework due. I will collect it as soon as I am finished with the attendance!

q       Set!   If you need to, sharpen your pencil. We will write or take notes everyday.

When I am finished taking attendance, you should be ready to go…not wandering the room looking for a pen.

q       GO!   Open up your binder to the “Q.O.D.”  Quiz sheet.

Copy down the question from the board and record an answer – ON YOUR OWN.