• Guidelines & Expectations for my Biology students

     
    WELCOME!

     


    This year will be exciting!  I love performing labs and experiments and plan to keep the class very busy as we learn about living things on this planet.  The single most important criteria for success is ATTITUDE!  I try to remain upbeat and positive at all times… I hope I can expect the same from each of you!

     

    Self-Contained Regents Biology Course Objectives:

     
    This year we will explore the unity and diversity of life.  As my student, you will need to think, investigate and work together to construct meaningful and accurate knowledge of biological concepts.

     

    Behavioral Expectations:

     

    Be on time and be prepared every day.  Be INSIDE the classroom when the last bell rings.   (Be ready to learn!).

    Be respectful (to your teacher, your classmates and to your environment!).  Put-downs,
                 inappropriate language, disruptive behavior and/or language is not acceptable!

    Raise your hand if you have a question (it is a part of “being respectful”).

    Cell Phones or Electronic Devices (such as iphones/ipods) are to be used in class when deemed necessary by

                 your teacher (ie, to use the timer or calculator).  

                 If not needed during class time, turn the device off and put it away.

    No ear buds - even if unplugged - are to be worn in the classroom.

     

    Safety:

     

    Safety and the proper use of equipment is one of my primary concerns in this class.  The labs and experiments offer us different opportunities to work with microscopes, dissecting tools and various chemicals.  Be Safe and follow the rules at All Times!  No fooling around!  (AND...Please, NO FOOD in the lab!)

     

    Consequences:

     

    First Offense:                Warning

    Second Offense:           Contact with parent/guardian

    Third Offense:               Administrative referral

     

    Attendance:

     

    I follow the district’s rules and procedures for attendance.  You must be in class to learn.  I can’t hunt you down every time you are missing from class.  (Plus, you will miss out on all of the fun if you don’t show up!)

     

    If you are absent, check my website to see what you missed that day.  If it's a lab, you'll have to stay after to make it up.

     

    Homework and Late Work and Lab Work: 

    Turning in work that was missed due to absence (or even laziness) CAN make a big difference in your grade. 

     

    *****New York State dictates that any student not successfully completing the required number of laboratory minutes (1200) will be barred from the Regents exam in June, resulting in a zero for the Regents exam, which is 20% of the final grade.  *****

    Lab work MUST be completed and turned in or the student risks being barred from the Regents!

    Please stay after to make up any labs you missed due to absence!

     

    Course Materials Needed: (To be brought to class EVERY day!) 

    -                      One Binder with looseleaf

    -                      A Pen or Pencil 

     

    Grading:

    Grades will be based on the following:

                            Class Participation                 Lab Work

                            Tests/Quizzes                        Class Work

                            Notes & Do Nows                  

     

    Lab Work is the biggest component!

     

    Remember that actively participating in class will make this a more enjoyable experience as well as help you to learn the material.  Be Positive and Participate!

     

     

    Extra Help:

     

    My desk is in Room 260, but I am not often there.  If you need help, just ask!  

    I generally stay after on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but can work my schedule to meet with you on other days (just give me an advanced warning). 

    Find me or email me (kim.castano@wcsdny.org) and I will be glad to help! 

    Talk with me if you are having a problem with anything -- and any class! 
    I've taught several different subjects and can probably help!  
    I want you to be successful in RCK and LIFE! 

     


    My goal is for each student to have a successful school year.  I am available to help you… but you need to make an effort in class and SHOW ME that you want to learn!