Anatomy and Physiology Honors                                    Mrs. McKinney

Plainfield South High School                                           (815)439-5555

Class Policies and Expectations                                      Ext. 5878

                                                        

Dear Students and Parents,

            Welcome to Anatomy and Physiology Honors!  This course is designed to extend the student’s knowledge of the structure and functioning of the human body.  The nine systems of the body, with corresponding lab work, will be covered in detail with emphasis on anatomical information.  This course is designed to serve students who are interested in furthering their education in the fields of medicine, nursing, physical education, and other health-related programs.

            Please read through all the policies and expectations for the course and return the attached signature sheet.

 

Materials.  Students will need to bring the following to class each day:

·        Notebook, paper, binder, folder (something to organize your class materials and take notes; a 3-ring binder is suggested)

·        #2 pencils

·        Colored pencils

·        Black or Blue pens

Grading. 

1.  Grading will be done on a point scale.  Your grade will be determined from   points based on:

a.  Major Assessments (25%) – A minimum of two days notice will be given before any major evaluation.

 

b.  Laboratory Assignments (25%) – You will receive grades for laboratory technique, procedure, conduct, observance of lab rules, and lab write-ups.

 

c.  Final Assessment (20%) -  Final exams will be given each semester.

 

d.  Quizzes (15%) – Periodic quizzes will be given in class to check the students’ understanding of the covered material.

 

e.  Homework (15%) – Homework is assigned to assist in the learning process, provide opportunity for practice and question, and to help the teacher assess student progress.  All assignments and homework are to be completed to the best of the student’s ability.  Assignments will be collected at the beginning of the period of the due date.

The following grading scale will be used in this class:

100 – 90 = A

  89 – 80 = B

  79 – 70 = C

  69 – 60 = D

  59 –   0 = F

 

Note:  Cheating will not be tolerated in this class.  Please refer to your student handbook regarding the district policy on cheating.  Unless instructed by the teacher, all assignments, quizzes, and tests are to be done on an individual basis.  Failure to observe this policy will result in a grade of “0” and serious disciplinary action as outlined in the student handbook.

 

Excused Absences -  If you are absent, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make up any missed assignments, tests, and/or quizzes.  You should check with the teacher at a convenient time to receive your missed assignments and arrange a due date.  Also, check the Homework Binder and folder to see what was done in class while you were absent.  Arrangements must be made with your instructor the day you return to school to make up missed tests and quizzes. 

A student with an excused absence has one day for each day absent to make up missed work, unless you have made another arrangement with the teacher.

 

Late Work – Late work will have a negative impact on your grade.  Work will be accepted one day late with a 50% loss of credit.  No work will be accepted for credit beyond the first day late.  (See the above for absentee policies)

 

Tardiness – The tardy policy is as stated in the student’s handbook.

 

Extra Help – Extra help in this course can be obtained before or after school or by making an appointment to see me.  Your success in this course is very important to me, and I am here to help.  I will post available study session times in the classroom on a weekly basis.

Parents with questions or concerns should phone me at 815-439-5555 ext. 5878.  Please leave a voice mail message, and I will gladly return your call at my earliest convenience.  You may also e-mail me at smckinne@psd202.org.

 

Substitute Teachers – Substitute teachers are guests in our classroom and should be treated with the utmost respect.  If your name appears on a negative report, depending on the level of misconduct, you will be issued both a teacher detention and phone call home, or you will be referred to your dean.  All classroom policies and expectations are to be followed in my absence.

 

Labs and Activities -  For your safety and that of your classmates, it is imperative that all lab directions are followed.  Proper clothing and safety equipment (goggles and apron) must be worn during lab days.  Shorts, open-toed shoes, and excessively loose clothing may not be worn during a lab day.  Students will be informed of lab days at least one day in advance.  Most importantly, never touch any lab materials in any room until you are instructed to do so.  Any student, who fails to follow directions, acts in a manner that I consider dangerous, is not properly dressed, or is found not wearing proper safety equipment will not be allowed to participate in the lab and will receive a grade of zero for the day.  All safety guidelines are stated in the Flinn Safety Contract that all science students and parent/guardian must read and sign.  SAFETY FIRST!

 

Classroom Behavior

 

            The following expectations for classroom behavior have been designed to eliminate disruption in our science class, and to insure that all students have the opportunity to learn.

 

1.  Follow directions the first time they are given.

 

2.  Be in class and in your seat on time – no tardiness or truancy.  The bell does not determine when class starts or ends, the teacher does.  Work begins the minute you enter class and ends when the teacher dismisses you.

 

3.  Be prepared – bring your materials and completed assignments to class on time.

 

4.  Respect yourself, your peers, and your environment – be courteous, use appropriate language, and keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself; don’t litter and always handle lab materials with care.

 

Inappropriate behavior that violates school policies and rules will be handled according to the districts discipline code.

 

Negative Consequences

1st occurrence…warning

2nd occurrence...warning 2 and student/teacher conference

3rd occurrence…parent contact

4th occurrence…detention

 

Positive Consequences

Possibilities include:

1.  verbal praise

2.  homework pass

3.  “good” phone call home

 

Link to Mrs. McKinney's Homepage

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