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WILDLIFE BIOLOGY syllabus
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Welcome to Ms. Becherer’s Wildlife Biology Class! Dear Students and Parents: As an effort to eliminate any misunderstandings in the future and to plan for success, this syllabus is provided for your information. Obviously, standard operating procedures apply – not every situation can be anticipated and written on this syllabus. Let’s start this year off right…. Course Description: The goal of this course is to give students a basic understanding of the science of ecology with an emphasis on Identification and ecological relationships of plants and animals with each other and the rest of their environment. The course guide suggests average to above average students enroll who have a high interest in ecology and environmental issues. Prerequisite: Two successful semesters of Biology; In grades 10 - 12. Teacher’s Information: (correspondence is welcomed and expected!) (Email is the BEST way to reach me!) Classroom: G202 Office: G203 Phone: 222-3700 X4762 Email: jbecherer@bths201.org 1. Required Materials: Bring your book, binder (with paper), your planner, and a pen or pencil (no red). The teacher does not supply these materials. 2. Tardies / Attendance: Students must be in their assigned seat when the bell rings to avoid being counted tardy. 3. Passes: Any personal business must be taken care of between classes, NOT during class time. However, should an emergency arise, students are issued 5 free passes at the start of each semester which can be redeemed for extra credit if not used. 4. Snacks / Drinks: No snacks or beverages are permitted. 5. Tests / Quizzes: Students are often permitted to work together, however, on tests and quizzes some rules apply. Failing to follow these rules may result in referral to the office and / or guidance counselor and a phone call home. Proper preparation and following proper procedures will help you feel comfortable during testing. a. No talking until all tests and quizzes are completed. b. Desks must be cleared of everything including writing. c. Any loose papers must be in a folder or backpack. d. Students must keep their eyes on their own work. 6. Binder: Students are to maintain a binder for this class. The first item in the binder must be this syllabus. All handouts are to be kept in the notebook along with several sheets of looseleaf paper for note taking. 7. Late work: Late work is absolutely unacceptable. Work turned in after it is requested is considered late and will not be accepted. 8. Make-up work: THIS SECTION IS IMPORTANT! (Be sure to refer to the class website for assignments missed!) a. UNEXCUSED absences result in zeroes on all work missed. b. In the event of an EXCUSED absence: i. Pick up missed work OUTSIDE class time only. Locate the make-up paperwork in the classroom. (Do not stand at the teacher’s desk at the beginning of the hour as that will be counted as a tardy.) Do not ask for make up work during class time. The best time for personal assistance is before school every day. ii. Missed assignments must be turned in a number of days equal to the days missed or they remain zeroes. iii. Tests and quizzes are a priority. Therefore, if a student is absent the day before a test or quiz, the student should be prepared to take the test upon his or her return. If a student is absent the day of a test or a quiz, upon returning to school, the student needs to take the test the day of return before class (preferably before school). The test can be graded and returned with the rest of the class for maximum benefit to the student. iv. We work from bell to bell each day and no make up work can be completed during class time without missing other assignments. PLAN AHEAD! Coming to class without addressing make up work can result in a zero on missing assignments – even tests. v. If the absence is planned, why not ask for make up work in advance? c. Many experiences in ecology are impossible to recreate…attendance is important! 9. Dismissal: Class begins as you enter the room, and the teacher dismisses students (not the bell). Students may receive disciplinary action for leaving without permission. 10. Laboratories: This is a laboratory science class. Safety is of the utmost importance; therefore, horseplay will not be tolerated. Students will be expected to read instructions thoroughly, be prepared, and act responsibly at all times. Outside field studies are required. Several trips are made through the nature area where poison ivy, stinging insects, and muddy conditions can occur. Outdoor temperatures may be cold or hot. Dress appropriately. This class is unique; if you do not wish to participate in these sorts of learning activities, find another course. 11. Field Trip: Field trips may be scheduled as part of this year’s curriculum. To attend, students must: a. Have a “C” or better in class by the day the permission slip is due. b. Have no dismissals from class. c. Have no out of school suspensions for the current school year. 12. Grades: Grades are available online at the school’s web site. Parents must use a password to access this site. The grades are updated at least weekly. The following grading scale will apply: 90 – 100 A, 80 – 89 B, 70 – 79 C, 60 – 69 D 12. Homework: This class requires projects that may require outside-class time, and students should review the class material on their own. Daily lesson plans are posted on the class website. Visit often! 13. Substitutes: All standard rules are still in effect when a substitute is here. If the sub reports anything less than excellent behavior consequences occur. On the contrary, when good behavior occurs, rewards will occur. Subs are guests and deserve to be treated as such. 14. Recycle! Students are expected to recycle paper, plastic and aluminum cans in the appropriate containers. Students in Wildlife Biology are often advocates for recycling throughout the campus and may volunteer to assist with the programs. 15. Membership: Students who enroll in Wildlife Biology often have a high interest in Ecology, therefore, membership in the Ecology Club is strongly encouraged to take advantage of extended learning opportunities and chances to participate in service projects. 16. Respect: Show respect for all others, respect for the rules, respect for materials and all living things with which you exist, and respect for yourself. Do not tap on animal cages! Refrain from killing insects, spiders, snakes, etc. Do not break branches or crush wildflowers. Study them with respect. Life is to be appreciated and respected. 17. Internet Policy: All students who wish to use school computers must have an internet card signed by parents on file with the library. 18. School Rules: Obviously, all rules in the school’s handbook apply. Special areas to consider: Dress Code ID Policy Cell Phones Please sign and return the following statement to class tomorrow. I have read and understand these rules. I agree to abide by the rules and lan to be successful this school year.Student Name: _________________________________ Hour: __________ Date: _______________ Student signature: _________________________________________ Date: ______________________ Student email address (optional): _______________________________________________________________ (print clearly) As this student’s parent / guardian, I understand these rules. I also know that I am invited to communicate regularly by calling or emailing when I have concerns. Parent signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Parent email address (highly encouraged): _______________________________________________________________________ (print clearly) KEEP THE SYLLABUS IN YOUR STUDENT BINDER; RETURN THIS SIGNED FORM.
Ms. Becherer
Belleville District 201
East Campus
2555 West Blvd.
Belleville, IL 62221
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