Biology 9

2015-2016
Hello and welcome to Biology 9!
I am excited to have you in my class this year as we explore the living world
in which we live. This course is designed to provide you with a better
understanding of lifes systems and processes. During the fall semester we
will cover the basics of cells and their functions, plant processes and
genetics. In the spring, we will discuss evolution, ecology and human body
systems.
In this class we are all scientists and I encourage you to explore and ask
questions. In addition to the content, we will focus on the skills needed to
move forward in your scientific careers, including reading and discussing
scientific journal article, formulating experiments and writing lab reports.
This may seem a little daunting now, but I assure you that by the end of the
year, you will come away with a greater understanding of what it means to
be a scientist.
On a personal note, I love this material and am excited to share what I love
with you. I am looking forward to learning with you this year!
Sincerely,
Haile Romero
Teacher Contact Information
I encourage both parents and students to contact me with any questions,
comments or concerns. I will respond to emails within 24 hours during the
school week and by Monday morning on the weekends.
Teacher: Haile Romero
Email: Haile.Romero@rams.colostate.edu
Office: Rm 103
Classroom Expectations
All students have the right to a classroom that makes it easy to learn and in
which they feel safe. To do your part please adhere to the following
guidelines:

Treat your classmates and myself with the respect and dignity we
deserve as fellow human beings
Respect the thoughts, ideas and opinions of your classmates. Practice
active listening and refrain from side conversations while others are
speaking or during quiet work time.
Be on time! This mean in your seat with all needed materials, ready to
go when the bell rings.

Cell Phones: Use of cell phones, iPods/MP3 players and other electronic
devices is prohibited during class. They must be turned off and put away as
soon as the bell rings. If I catch you using your phone you will lose one point
on your work habits grade.
Food and Drink: I trust you to know when you need to eat or drink. You will
have the privilege of eating and drinking in this class unless it becomes a
distraction to the learning of other or trash/spills become a problem. Food
and drink are NOT allowed at lab stations.
Safety: This course has a lab component. It is important that you adhere to
all safety guidelines. Please read and sign the attached laboratory rules
contract.
Academic Integrity
I take academic integrity very seriously in my classroom. CHEATING AND
PLAGARISM WILL NOT BE TOLLERATED.
Cheating includes using, providing or receiving unauthorized assistance or
sources of information on any form of academic work (including homework).
Plagiarism includes the direct copying of text as well as the copying of
images, ideas and thoughts of another individual, and representing them as
your own, original work. All sources must be properly acknowledged through
citations or references.
I make a point of trusting my students. If I suspect academic dishonesty, I
will follow up. You have nothing to gain by cheating.
CHEATING WILL RESULT IN A ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT AND OTHER
DISCIPLINAR Y ACTION MAY BE TAKEN.
Attendance
Tardies: You are considered tardy if you are not sitting in your seat when the
bell rings. If you are tardy you must sign in and provide a written reason. I

will attendance records at the end of class. Three tardies will result in the
loss of 5 points of your work-habits grade.
Excused Absences: Absences will be excused according to school policy. If
you know you are going to be absent, you must check in with me before you
leave to get assignments you will miss.
Assignments and Grading
Assignment Expectations: I have the following expectations for assignments.
Written assignments are to be completed in pencil or blue or black pen.
No colored pens or pencils.
Typed assignments are to be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font.
Pages should have 1 in margins. Additional formatting requirements
will be provided if needed.
Names must be written on every assignment. I will lenient the first
month of school as you get back into the swing of things. After that, no
name will result in no grade.
Assignments are to be turned in at the beginning of the class period
during which they are due.
Late Work: All work is expected to be turned in on the given deadline. If you
are absent on the day an assignment is due, you must turn it in the day you
return. Late work can be turned in for a 10% penalty for every day it is late. If
you turn in late work you forfeit your extra credit opportunity for the
semester.
Make-Up Work: If you are absent it is your responsibility to make sure to
check Absent folder for any assignment you may have missed. If you have
questions about an assignment, please ask a peer before talking to me. You
have one class period per class period missed to make up the assignment. If
you miss a test or quiz, plan on making it up at lunch or before/after school.
It is your responsibility to arrange this with me when you return.
Grades: Letter grades will be based on the percentage of total points earned
throughout the semester. You will receive one letter grade per semester. The
following scale will be used.
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 0-59
Points can be earned through tests, homework, quizzes, projects,
participation and other assignments throughout the semester. Your final

grade will be 95% assignments and 5% work-habits (i.e. participation,

contributing to group work, timeliness).
Final Score = (Assignment Score)(.95) + (Work-Habits Score)(.05)
Because extra credit will be offered during the semester all grade cutoffs
are final. Remember, you are the one who earns your grade. I dont give
grades, I just report the news.
Extra Credit: There will be one extra credit opportunity offered each
semester. In order to take advantage of these opportunities, you must have
turned in all assignments on time throughout the semester. Assignment
details will follow at a later date.
Test Retake: You are allowed one exam retake per semester. You must as me
for and take the retake within two weeks of receiving your graded exam
back.
Extra Help: If you are struggling with the material, please dont hesitate to
come see me. I am available during lunch as well as several mornings before
school and immediately after school. If you would like to make sure that I will
be around to help during a particular time, please email Otherwise stop by
my office.
Talk to me
You may have circumstances going on that are not addressed in this
syllabus. I am able to be flexible on many of the details. I am more than
willing to work with you in order to help you succeed. Please talk to me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and return along with the safety contract no later than August
28th,
_____________________________________________________________________
(Printed Student Name)
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________
(Student Signature)
(Date)
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________
(Parent/Guardian Signature)
(Date)

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Email: ________________________________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________________________
Preferred Method: __________________________________________