Remember the victims of September 11, 2001

ABOUT ME

My name is Lou Polsinelli.  I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology at The University of California. I did my graduate work in Biochemistry at San Diego State University, and taught Chemistry there for two years. Prior to coming to Heights High, I was a Research Associate in Molecular Biology at Case Western Reserve University. I have taught Chemistry and Biology here at Heights High and Science Previews at Taylor Academy.

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READING & WRITTEN WORK

While most of the reading material will come from a traditional Biology text, some will be taken from magazines, specialty publications, and non-traditional texts. This is the only way to get the most current information published in an area. Usually a study guide (questions to answer) will be given with all reading assignments.

Written work should always be in complete sentences. Spelling and neatness count! I will encourage students to write their essays in 5 sentence paragraph format--one introductory sentence--3 supporting sentences--one conclusion sentence. I frequently hear comments like "This is Science class, not English class.", but the fact remains that proficiency in reading and writing cuts across all subject areas.

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THE SCIENCE NOTEBOOK

Your student must purchase a 3-ring binder for use exclusively in Biology class. That binder will contain all the work he/she does in class this semester, including homework, classwork, class notes, Lab notes/reports, and handouts. The binder will therefore serve as a resource to be used all semester long. The Science Notebook is an organization tool. It is collected and graded once each month. As an added incentive, students may use their Science Notebook during exams. This should be a safety net rather than a substitute for studying for the exam.

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HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, STUDY AREA, & STUDY SCHEDULE

Students will usually have 4 homework assignments each week. Homework nights are Monday through Thursday. I usually do not give homework over weekends. Homework is due at the beginning of class each day. Late homework is accepted (within a reasonable time period) for half credit. To view the current homework assignments, click HERE. 

Your student will need a quiet place to complete homework. Radio, TV, and phone disturbances should be kept to a minimum. It is important that he/she have supplies at home, a bookbag/backpack to carry books to & from school, and a scheduled time when homework will be done on a daily basis. Please provide your student with two dictionaries, one for home and one for school.

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EXAMS

Tests are given every three or four weeks. My tests are usually 50-question multiple-choice tests.  Students bubble in their answers on a "Scantron" sheet and these are scored by a computer.  I write all my own questions based on what we did in my class.  I never try to trick students. Tests include vocabulary and cover what was done in class and assigned for homework.  When students study for tests, they should review their homework, class notes, labs, and activities.  They should review the vocabulary terms and reading articles.  Lastly, they should review their Science Notebook so that if they need to look up a concept or term, they can find it quickly.  Students should pack a couple of #2 pencils and a good bar eraser (erasers on pencils are junk--do not use them). 

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GRADING

Most assignments are worth 25 points. This includes homework, classwork, and labwork. Tests are worth 250 points. It usually works out that test points are about half and homework, classwork, and labwork are about half. I never "curve"; you get what you earn. Generally, if a student completes the homework and participates in class, he/she learns a lot of Biology, does well on exams, and earns a nice grade. I have no quotas; everyone can earn an "A" or "B".  My grading scale is:

Don't be fooled. I will expect lot of effort/work and I don't curve.

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NEWSLETTERS

The newsletter is my way of keeping parents up-to-date with what is going on in your student's Biology class. It generally will contain information about the class, homework assignments for the next two weeks, and your student's current grade. Your student must review the newsletter with you and bring back the signed tear slip--this is required, and worth 25 points.  Newsletters are handed out every other Monday.   

To view the current newsletter, click HERE.

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EXTRA CREDIT

There is an extra credit project each month. Extra credit assignments usually involve outside work and some type of project suitable for hanging in our classroom. Frequently students will need to spend time in the library or on the Internet gathering information. There is no set number of points; well-done projects will earn more points than poorly-done projects. A detailed description of the current extra credit project can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

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CLASS RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet outlines the rules of the school district.
In my classroom, I expect the 3 R's:

RESPECT-- Respect yourself, your teacher, and the other students.
RESPONSIBILITY--Take responsibility for your own actions and your own education.
RIGHTS--Everyone has the right to a safe classroom where learning can and does occur.

I generally treat students as mature teens and they usually act and behave in a responsible manor. I deal with academic and behavior problems on an individual basis. I will call you if your student has problems in my class.

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Let's Keep In Touch

Please feel free to contact me whenever you have questions about my class or your student's progress in my class. You can contact me in one of 3 ways:

1. Call me at home at 932-7630. I have voicemail so you can always talk to someone or leave a message.
2. E-mail me <[email protected]> I check my e-mail several times each day.
3. Call me at school at 371-7101.  This is the general phone for Cleveland Heights High School. The secretary will leave a message in my mailbox, and I will call you back.

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